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The Wrath of Pod
Adam Carolla rants about politics, his record-setting podcast and a certain plant On the cover: Photo by David Marcus
departments 6 Letter from the Editor Just say no—to your medicine cabinet. 8 News Nuggets Cannabis makes headlines here, there, everywhere—and we give you the scoop—PLUS our latest By the Numbers 16 Strain & Edible Reviews Our ever-popular sampling of amazing strains and edibles currently provided by your friendly neighborhood dispensary. 24 Destination Unknown Let it snow, let it snow . . . in Encarnación, Paraguay!
features 12 In Limbo The future of dispensaries in Kalamazoo is sort of a waiting game right now. 14 Divide & Conquer New research suggests cannabis may work to treat bipolar disorder. 15 Motor Heads Clutch never idles—it’s still got riffs for the heavy metal faithful.
25 Profiles in Courage Our latest feature provides insight into the life—and struggle—of a medical marijuana patient near you. 26 Cool Stuff From the Carbon Black Wheelchair to the WakaWaka Solar Lamp, if it’s a cutting-edge product or cool lifestyle gear, we’re all over it. 28 Recipes Let’s honor the spirit of MLK by enjoying culinary contributions from the South. 32 Entertainment Reviews The latest films, books, music and more that define our culture. 34 Event Listings Our wrap-up of some of Michigan’s coolest events. 36 News of the Weird Yeah, these news tidbits are weird as hell—and absolutely true.
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JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 5
letter from the editor
Vol 4 IssUE 7
CULTURE Publisher
Jeremy Zachary
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Roberto C. Hernandez Editor-In-Chief
Editor-in-Chief
Roberto C. Hernandez
Managing Editor Lance Farrell
Editorial Contributors
Dennis Argenzia, Omar Aziz, Ashley Bennett, Jake Browne, David Burton, Michael Carlos, Grace Cayosa, Jasen T. Davis, Stacy Davies, Rev. Dr. Kymron de Cesare, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Charmie Gholson, James P. Gray, Lillian Isley, David Jenison, Liquid Todd, Kevin Longrie, Meital Manzuri, Jane Mast, Sandra Moriarty, Damian Nassiri, Keller O’Malley, Paul Rogers, Lanny Swerdlow, Arrissia Owen
Photographers
Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, Michael Gifford, John Gilhooley, Amanda Holguin, Khai Le, David Elliot Lewis, Mark Malijan, Patrick Roddie, Michael Seto, Kim Sidwell
Truth or Consequences As you might guess, I spend quite a bit of time reading and looking for information about medical cannabis. Many times, I come across things that catch my eyes (President Obama’s “We’ve got bigger fish to fry” comments); things that really make me think (I recently interviewed a family that says a concentrated, non-psychoactive form of the plant saved their father from brain cancer) . . . and sometimes I read about things that really make my blood boil. It was an article with the dramatic headline of “Legal drugs, deadly outcomes.” It’s a startling, frame-by-frame account of doctors who knowingly prescribed legal (I can’t stress that enough) pharmaceutical drugs to addicts and junkies who were addicted to painkillers. In many cases, the doctors were clearly aware that their patients were addicts and/or were lying about injuries and pains so that they could get their prescriptions filled. The result? People died. Many, many people died. And we’re not talking about Tylenol with codeine here, folks. We’re talking about an epidemic of OxyContin, Vicodin and Xanax. Out of a total of 3,733 overdose deaths between 2006 and 2011, nearly half (47 percent, or 1,762) were from drugs for which the victim had a legal prescription. At one point, prescriptions from 71 doctors caused or contributed to nearly 300 deaths.
And yet the Drug Warriors and those that fight medical cannabis “tooth and nail” would lead us to believe that a green plant is the true scourge of society. Our patients suffer from real-deal illnesses, diseases and ailments. I’ve interviewed people suffering from Stage 4 cancer. I’ve made friends with people whose lives are crippled by pain and severe injuries. I know people with Crohn’s disease who say a plant that grows out of the ground provides them with precious relief. Do our patients OD? Let’s check the body count . . . nope. And yet those who oppose MMJ would like us to think that cannabis is the source of addiction, health problems . . . and death. Maybe those people need to pop a “reality” pill because the truth is, the real drug danger—like it or not—lies inside the medical cabinet. Prescription painkiller abuse led to a 129 percent increase in emergency room visits between 2004 and 2009, and a more than 500 percent increase in the number of people seeking treatment for addictions to opioids. And yet we have people who still think the biggest enemy to Western civilization is a plant that has been cultivated by the Chinese since Neolithic times. Make no mistake—medical cannabis is real. Our patients our real. Our industry is truly compassionate. And we have the facts and studies to back us up. And if you, President Obama, really have “bigger fish to fry,” then I’ve got just the “reality” pill for you. Don’t worry—it’s legal where I live. c
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Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 25,000 papers at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. 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. 700 S. Main St. | #119-124 Lapeer | Michigan | 48446 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 951.284.2596 www.iREADCULTURE.com
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Detroit Lions defensive tackle
Nick Fairley were thrown out last District Court judge says Michigan’s MMJ laws needs month in Mobile, Ala., the Detroit Free Press reports. “clarification”
THE STATE Changes—and more restrictions—coming to state’s med cannabis law
Michigan patients, the times they are a-changin‘—not necessarily for the better. Lawmakers last month approved changes and new restrictions to the state’s 2008 voter-approved medical cannabis act, a move that has some concerned about privacy and law enforcement issues, according to the Associated Press and other media outlets. HB 4834 extends the expiration of state-issued patient ID cards from one year to two. The bill would also allow the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to verify the validity of registry cards to law enforcement. HB 4834 also requires a driver’s license or state ID card to obtain a registry card and, because of a backlog, proposes hiring a private company to process and issue patient ID cards. HB 4851 also requires a “bona fide physician-patient relationship” between MMJ patients and the doctors they consult, and would prevent someone convicted of a felony (for drugs or assault) in the past 10 years from becoming a caregiver. Another bill would require patients to store their cannabis in the trunk of their car while driving. 8 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
Michigan’s medical cannabis law “screams for legislative clarification in numerous areas,” according to a 19-page legal opinion by District Court Judge Hugh B. Clarke, Jr., who recently tossed out charges against employees of two Lansing medical cannabis facilities. Four employees of HydroWorld stood accused of selling cannabis in 2011 to undercover police officers. The Attorney General’s office filed charges, saying officers were able to make purchases even though they did not have state-issued patient cards—though they did apply for and get a doctor’s approval. In this case, Clarke determined that the doctor’s approval was sufficient to allow a medical cannabis transaction.
Possession charges filed against Detroit Lion Nick Fairley dropped Second-degree cannabis possession charges against
The athlete was pulled over last year after midnight in southwest Mobile where officers found marijuana cigarettes and an herbal grinder in his car. Prosecutors urged the court to drop the case after Fairley passed a drug test. The passenger who was riding with Fairley, a childhood friend, was also facing charges, but has worked out a probation-like sentence that will result in his charges
THE NATION
being dropped.
Senate to discuss state cannabis legalization
Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) plans to hold a hearing this year to discuss federal policy in the light of Colorado and Washington’s cannabis legalization. In a letter to Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske, the senator asks for clarification on the issue stating, “How does the Office of National Drug Control Policy intend to prioritize Federal resources, and what recommendations are you making to the Department of Justice and other agencies in
light of the choice by citizens of Colorado and Washington to legalize personal use of small amounts of marijuana?” He goes on to ask, “What assurance can and will the administration give to state officials involved in the licensing of marijuana retailers that they will not face Federal criminal penalties for carrying out duties assigned to them under state law?” Leahy finishes his letter urging to “resolve the differences between federal and state law” and to “end the uncertainty.” He recommends the amendment of the Federal Controlled Substances Act to allow possession of up to one once of cannabis where it is legal under state law.
Illinois representative pushes for MMJ legalization In the wake of the November election, a member of the Illinois state House of Representatives is pushing a bill to legalize the cannabis for medicinal
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purposes. U.S. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) has drafted similar legislation previously, but to no avail. He is confident, however, that he has now secured the votes to approve the legislation when it comes to a vote this month. “Nobody should fear the bill,” Lang told Patch. “This is about quality of life for people.” If passed, Bill 0030 would make Illinois the 19th state to legalize MMJ, including the most recent additions to that list: Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
Arizona attorney ready to fight
Maricopa County Lawyer Bill Montgomery is planning to petition the state Court of Appeals, so that the state’s medicinal cannabis law will be rendered temporarily unconstitutional. According to Arizona Central, his intentions became clear after a Superior Court judge denied Montgomery’s request to stay or suspend the ruling, allowing dispensaries to operate in the state so long as they provide zoning documentation. Arizona has already opened two dispensaries in Sun City and Tucson, with a third licensed for Cochise.
THE WORLD Britain’s Parliament calls for cannabis legalization
After a year-long study, the senior members of Parliament called for the legalization of cannabis. It also suggests looking at decriminalization of drugs such as heroin. The ministers’ recommendation came in a report from Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee. According to the MPs, the UK’s current approach isn’t working. The committee suggests government fund detailed research efforts into “the overall costs and benefits of cannabis legalization,” according to The Sun. The committee also urges Prime Minister David Cameron to set a Royal Commission to review all options before the next election. The year-long study included witness accounts including comic and former heroin addict Russell Brand.
by the numbers (Source: state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs).
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holding a large cannabis cigarette generated: 7,000 (Source: The Hamilton Spectator)
The percentage of people who think states should determine whether or not to legalize cannabis: 59 (Source: StoptheDrugWar.org)
Percentage of people who supported medical marijuana: 83 (Source: CBS News poll)
The maximum state fee for possessing any amount of cannabis, a misdemeanor in Michigan, according to state law: $2,000 (Source: Michigan State Police).
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The maximum jail sentence (in years) for possessing any amount of cannabis in Michigan, according to state law: 1 (Source: Michigan State Police).
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1
The estimated surplus that Michigan’s MMJ program has accumulated (in millions of dollars): 16.7 (state Senate Fiscal Agency).
The percentage of people who think the federal government should determine whether or not to legalize cannabis: 34 (Source: StoptheDrugWar.org) The number of “likes” an Instagram photo of Rihanna holding a large cannabis cigarette generated: 205,000 (Source: The Hamilton Spectator)
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The percentage of Democrats who supported legalization: 51 (CBS News poll).
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The percentage of Republicans who supported legalization: 27 (CBS News poll).
The number of comments an Instagram photo of Rihanna
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The fee for getting an MMJ card in Michigan: $100
Don’t shrug him off as a poor man’s Alice Cooper— the free-speech miscreant and “Antichrist Superstar” possesses a controversial, blasphemy-bristling stage persona that seems nothing but natural to Manson, himself. Way before Heath Ledger re-interpreted the Joker’s fearsome visage for post-millennials, Manson took red lipstick and white corpse makeup to a whole new level. Man, talk about show presence. Whether you love him or hate him, Manson knows how to balance his creepy industrial metal musings with relatable and often eye-opening lyrics that garnered him platinum and gold albums. While his music videos might send chills up and down your spine, it’s his live show that’s the real money shot for unpredictability and pushing boundaries. Past shenanigans include slamming down a mic and walking off stage and burning the American flag. Buy your ticket, show up . . . the rest is up to Manson. It’s his world.
IF YOU GO:
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The number of Michigan cities and communities that recently approved marijuanarelated measures or charter changes: 5 (Source: Michigan Secretary of State).
Marilyn Manson in concert
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The number of states that have adopted laws that deny students federal financial aid for one year if they are convicted of cannabis possession: 28 (Source: AlterNet.org).
What: Marilyn Manson in concert. When/Where: Jan. 22 at The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Info: Go to www.thefillmoredetroit.com or call (313) 961-5451. $25-$45. All ages. JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 11
FLASH
Waiting to Exhale
Testing the Waters Three new dispensaries are in store for Kalamazoo . . . sometime soon? {By Lance Farrell} Nov. 6, 2012 may be remembered as a watershed moment in U.S. history. Two states voted for recreational use, and five procannabis ballot initiatives were passed in Michigan. Kalamazoo, for instance, voted by an overwhelming 2-1 margin to allow three dispensaries within the city limits. Ballot proposal co-author John Targowski was thrilled Kalamazoo was atop the wave of social change washing across the nation. Speaking to mLive, Targowski said, “I’m really proud that Kalamazoo is part of the broader conversation on drug policy reform.” But Kalamazoo voters must nevertheless wait. “While the language is part of our charter now, legally it’s not effective because those dispensaries, at least according to the Michigan Court of Appeals, are unlawful,” Kalamazoo City Attorney Clyde Robinson says. Robinson and Kalamazoo officials await the outcome of People v. McQueen to settle who can participate in cannabis transfers. This doesn’t mean that patients cannot procure their medication, Robinson said. “Under Kalamazoo ordinances we do permit caregivers to dispense medical marijuana as a home occupation.” Kalamazoo adopted that model for its dispensary ordinance back in 2010, mainly, Robinson said, because the city wished to preserve the patient’s need for privacy emphasized by the framers of the 2008 Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA). But a patient who voluntarily visits a dispensary is exercising her own autonomy, Targowski counters. His initiative would not have replaced the caregiver/patient model or the privacy desired by some in that relationship, he explains. Instead, patients would have had access to medicine in a safe, convenient, and consistent fashion as many other municipalities in Michigan now allow.
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But Robinson wondered how a caregiver—limited to five plants— could be commercially viable. “The only way I can see it is if a group of caregivers got together. If you get a big enough core of people—times five—you can probably make it commercially viable,” he reasons. But until People v. Bylsma—stemming from a Grand Rapids case—is settled, Robinson’s proposal remains illegal in Michigan as well. But even if dispensaries become legal, Robinson said there is another river for Kalamazoo to cross. “The charter amendment [said] dispensaries had to be located in appropriate commercial districts, without defining what ‘appropriate’ is. That is an issue that is going to have to be decided by the planning commission and the zoning commission,” Robinson contends. Targowski says Robinson’s attention to the ballot wording “appropriate” may be overly legalistic. “He needs to see the forest for the trees,” Targowski argues. Robinson is “allocating resources of his office to fight an issue that is in clear defiance of community support—and that’s a problem.” As it stands, Kalamazoo and the rest of Michigan await the Supreme Court’s decisions before jumping into the water. c
The case of People vs. Bylsma stems from Grand Rapids caregiver Ryan Bylsma, who was arrested after officers seized 88 plants from a space he leased. While Bylsma was entitled to possess 24 plants, he said the 64 other plants belonged to other caregivers and patients, and sought to use an affirmative defense (using one’s status as an MMJ patient as a legal defense against cannabis-related charges). The Court of Appeals ruled Bylsma failed to comply with state MMJ laws and disallowed an affirmative defense— though, at press time, the case is on appeal. In People vs. McQueen, Isabella County prosecutor Larry Burdick filed an injunction against Mt. Pleasant’s Compassionate Apothecary operators Brandon McQueen and Matthew Taylor in 2010. Burdick claims that Compassionate was conducting illegal patient-to-patient sales not permitted under the MMMA. A trial court held that McQueen and operated in accordance with the law, but the state appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed the initial decision. McQueen and Taylor have appealed and the case will be reviewed by the Supreme Court with an expected ruling in July.
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BUZZ
Emotional Response Medical Study Indicates Cannabis May Treat Bipolar Disorder {By Jasen T. Davis}
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive) is a psychological condition that affects 4 percent of the population in America at one point in their lives. A person with bipolar disorder will experience manic states, where he/ she is euphoric, impulsive, excitable and erratic, followed by depressive states, where he/she sad, negative, irritable and lethargic. Because of these emotional rollercoaster rides that can vary in frequency, duration and intensity, people with bipolar disorder can have many difficulties maintaining jobs and healthy relationships throughout their lives. Proper psychological care—and sometimes pharmaceutical medication—can help sufferers cope with the disease and have normal lives. But evidence now suggests that cannabis may offer help. In a recent collaborative study—“Cognitive and clinical outcomes associated with cannabis use in patients with bipolar disorder”—performed by scientists at The Zucker Hillside Hospital in Long Island, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York researchers determined that the plant could help improve the lives of those grappling with the disorder. The study was recently published in Psychiatry Research Dr. Raphael Braga, of Zucker
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Hillside, led a group of researchers that performed a series of tests on 200 patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Out of these 200, 50 were heavy users of cannabis. The purpose of the study was to compare the results of all the patients’ clinical, neurocognitive tests against each other. The cannabis users’ results were also compared to the other 150 patients. The results? Regardless
of age or gender, patients who used cannabis, when tested for cognitive functioning including attention, processing speed and working memory, showed greater improvement and performed better during the testing than the bipolar patients who did not use the plant. “These analyses indicate an interesting pattern suggesting superior neurocognitive performance
“These data could be interpreted to suggest that cannabis use may have a beneficial effect on cognitive functioning in patients with severe psychiatric disorders.” —Dr. Raphael Braga, The Zucker Hillside Hospital in Long Island
among bipolar patients with cannabis use disorder when compared to bipolar patients without a history of cannabis use,” Braga says. “Moreover, this cognitive advantage is noted in spite of evidence of a more severe clinical course.” Interestingly enough, back in 2010, researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway came up with the same conclusion. In their own study, 133 patients with bipolar disorder who later frequently used cannabis showed improved neurocognitive functioning, including improved attention span, verbal fluency, logic, learning and memory. Clinical research also indicates that cannabis may be useful in treating schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Braga says that there is still a lot of research to be done. Researchers even suggested one possible goal of identifying a method of treatment that mimics the positive effects of cannabis “These data could be interpreted to suggest that cannabis use may have a beneficial effect on cognitive functioning in patients with severe psychiatric disorders,” reports Dr. Braga. “We hope that the results from our study will help guide and encourage future large studies and help further elucidate the multifaceted associations and possible impact of cannabis use in bipolar disorder.” c
How do you know if you have a bipolar disorder? Check with your doctor, but be aware of some of its classic symptoms. Dramatic and unpredictable mood swings is a red flag for mania, according to WebMD. Excessive happiness, racing thoughts—plus anxiety, irritability and suicidal thoughts—are also warning signs of depression.
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TUNES
League of
Extraordinary Gentlemen Nearly a quarter-century into it, Clutch’s motor keeps on humming
{By Jasen T. Davis} “Too many bands want to sign on to a big label before they go on tour,” he explains. “They don’t want to go out on the road without a major label to sponsor them.” Clutch spent years playing anywhere it could. “You have to play a lot of live shows to build up a good fan base.” Currently on tour, Clutch has the opportunity to show off a few of the new songs from its latest album, Earth Rocker. The new release is slated to drop on March 13, 2013. “It was a long time coming,.” Sult reveals. “We spent a lot of hours working in the studio, so I’m glad we’re done.” Good thing, too, because the axe-man admits he prefers playing on the road to being locked up inside a studio. The hard labor paid off, though. “The recording is perfect,” Sult says. “It just sounds like a very sharp production.” As far as the guitarist is concerned, Earth Rocker is the best, heaviest collection of rock and metal compositions the band has ever created. “Honestly, it feels like a cross between our first LP and the Robot Hive/Exodus album
[from 2005].” Fans can also expect a less vintage-y sound from the new release. “Our old albums can sound more like classic rock, but this certainly sounds like an album from the ’90s and 2000s,” Sult says. The hard-edged band even included an acoustic track on Earth Rocker—hold the “Kumbaya” jokes, please. “We decided to take a chance with this one,” Sult says. “Some-
Say What?
Clutch released its first album, Transnational Speedway League, in 1993. Since then, the band has made many albums full of hard rock, heavy metal, blues, funk and punk, and toured the world playing honest, highoctane music when the group isn’t hanging out back at home in Germantown, Maryland. After so many years—and with so many other genres (electronica, hip-hop, et. al.) to compete with— why do fans all across the globe continue to demand rock ’n‘ roll? Tim Sult, Clutch’s lead guitarist since Day one, has an answer. “I think it’s because rock is a form of music that people enjoy seeing performed live,” he says. After roughly 23 years playing in front of audiences with Clutch, Sult should know. “For rock bands it’s very important to put on a good live performance, but I think it’s also a necessary trait for any group, whether they play EBM or hip-hop.” A band can make a lot of mistakes over the course of a career, but to Sult the worst error is simply quitting.
times a heavy metal band will write an acoustic song. It either works or it doesn’t.” And with the band slated to perform in Colorado—an MMJ state that just legalized cannabis for adults 21 and over—Sult shared his compassionate views. “I’m totally fine with medical marijuana,” he says. “There seems to be plenty of evidence of its medicinal properties.” c www.pro-rock.com
“Mr. President, I hope you don’t think I am out of line, but marijuana is something that real people care about.” —Jimmy Kimmel
Still Rockin‘
The last album Clutch released, 2009’s Strange Cousins from the West, didn’t do to shabby considering it wasn’t produced by Kanye or written by Lady Gaga. It debuted at a not-too-shabby No. 38 on the Billboard 200. But why the four-year wait between albums? “We all felt like it had been too long,” Clutch guitarist Tim Sult says. “We had spent a lot of time compiling ideas for songs without recording any . . . Our motivation was to write the best record we possibly could. The ploy worded as “the songs came out heavier and faster than anything we’ve done before,” he says. Fans of Clutch, rest assured the band hasn’t gotten soft with age.
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strain & edible reviews
The Candy Lady’s Cough Drops Don’t look now, but cold and flu season has arrived. Have no fear—The Candy Lady is here! If you find yourself with a nagging cough or sore throat this season, head down to the Green Bee Collective in Ann Arbor where you’ll find medicated lozenges for the relief you need. We sampled The Candy Lady’s Cool Mint Menthol and Cherry Menthol drops, and were glad to see no unpronounceable words on the ingredients list. While you suck on these hard, translucent green and red lozenges, the mentholated taste is pretty prominent, but you’ll also notice the familiar cannabis taste. So when Jack Frost nips at your nose, The Candy Lady’s got the remedy for those sore throat woes.
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Buddha Tahoe OG Kush As soon as we opened the jar, a fruity smell aroused our curiosity; imagine notes of licorice and rubber. We looked, and were soon awed by the heavy blanket of clear-headed trichomes encrusting the bud. Orange hairs were everywhere, wispy against the olive-colored flower. We found the aroma inviting and the seedless nugs—while slightly moist—were always easy to grind and manipulate. It is clear the caregivers at OM of Medicine in Ann Arbor know their craft well. Fast-acting and effective in small doses, a single puff of this strain was more than sufficient to get stress a-shedding and elevate the mood. A headache dissipated soon after sampling, and it wasn’t long before pulsing and pleasant warmth moved from the head down to the solar plexus and into the extremities. Our tests suggest BTOG would be useful to alleviate aches and pains, and to offset stress and depression. At a 65-35 sativa/indica ratio, this medicine would be best taken in the daytime, but not too late. OM of Medicine, true to its word, has medicine of exceptional quality.
Master Kush Looking for the perfect medicine to relieve your pains and help you unwind after a hard week’s work? Then Master Kush from Michigan Organic Solutions in Flint will suit you well. Master Kush hews close to its indica parentage and provides a strong sedative for the body and mind, yet there was always the strong presence of its famous sativa parent. Not only did its skunky bouquet waft through the room, we loved the hours of strong, cerebral effects as the medicine ran its course. The orange beard of pistils sported by the dense nuggets instantly charmed us, and we became true believers once we experienced its enduring strength. We’d recommend Master Kush to sufferers of insomnia and those in need of mild pain relief. It helped us to lighten up and laugh, and after an hour the medicine’s effects felt like a blanket had been draped slowly over our bodies—very soothing. This is the perfect medicine for relaxing on a cold Michigan winter night by the fire. Just what the doctor ordered.
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Adam Carolla knows how to take on a challenge. He made a name for himself dishing out relationship advice as co-host of the syndicated Loveline radio program. His forays into television included a home improvement show on TLC, a car show on Speed TV and puppets making prank calls on Comedy Central’s Crank Yankers. He hosted The Man Show alongside Jimmy Kimmel, and he took over Howard Stern’s timeslot when the shock jock jumped to SiriusXM. Carolla competed on Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice, and last April he actually won the Pro/Celebrity Race at the Toyota Grand Prix. He even wrote several books, including 2012’s New York Times bestseller Not Taco Bell Material, named after the fast-food joint that once shot down his job application. Still, the multi-tasking star truly challenged himself last year when he turned down a sevenfigure radio deal in favor of continuing his own Internet podcasts. This decision was quite a risk, but The Adam Carolla Podcast has proven to be quite a show. The right-leaning, pro-cannabis-rights Carolla— cited by the Marijuana Policy Project as a member of its VIP Advisory Board (composed of “high-profile people who are interested in being involved in and helping the cause in whatever ways they prefer,” according to the MPP)—started the podcast just days after his radio gig ended in 2009, and the inaugural show scored a quarter-million downloads in the first 24 hours alone. Two years later, the podcast reached 59,574,843 unique downloads, which pushed it past The Ricky Gervais Show as the most downloaded podcast in history. It is now officially etched into the Guinness World Records because Carolla decided to look forward with an emerging platform rather than look back with traditional media. Some might call him the white middle-aged P. Diddy, and while he’s not dropping a rap album, Carolla is tackling yet another challenge. He is currently taking his podcast and stand-up comedy—plus his Loveline Tour with Dr. Drew—on the road. Despite racking up the overtime, Carolla peeled away enough time to talk with CULTURE about podcasting, hanging out with Snoop Dogg cannabis and why he thinks people should be able to use cannabis however they want.
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You have taken The Adam Carolla Podcast on the road with live events. How are the live events different than the in-studio podcasts? It is like doing a live standup comedy show in a weird way. We are up on stage with microphones. It would be like a four-piece band doing an acoustic show on stage or something of that nature. It is really part live radio and part stand-up comedy show. When we have someone like Graham Parker on the show, we have a little live music as well. A few days after The Adam Carolla Show ended on radio, you launched The Adam Carolla Podcast and eventually set a world record for downloads. Did you suspect that podcasting had this much potential, and how is it going now? It is sort of steady as she goes. We just try to keep moving forward by putting out product and being innovative and finding different ways to monetize our product. The challenge is how do we put out this daily podcast and keep it free for the listeners, and then how do I pay the mortgage at the warehouse and pay for the equipment, the studio, all the employees and all the other various expenses we have around here? The answer to that is people clicking through Amazon and buying my new Mangria— which I am very proud of. I always say, “It is like a thousand hoses on trickle going into one bathtub.” It is not about making a ton of money, doing live shows or doing stand-up or from advertising. It is a little bit here, a little bit there. Sell a book, sell a live show ticket, sell some Mangria, and at the end of the month, it starts to add up. Tell me about Mangria. It’s a mix of red wine and vodka, correct? Yeah. It’s actually grape-based
It’s a hectic schedule, but no individual thing I do really lasts more than 90 minutes. Honestly, the cell phone has helped a lot.
I support legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. —on his political views
vodka because there are legal issues, but yeah, that is what it is. You have to buy it online if you want to try it, but hopefully it will be in stores soon. Did Ricky Gervais say anything about the world record you took from him? No, I have never spoken to Ricky Gervais. I have no idea. To be honest, I really have no idea if he even knows about our podcast. The way I am wired, I would be surprised if he’s even heard of this podcast. I don’t know why, but that’s what I think. I guess that’s the way I like to think so that way I never get disappointed. You are doing podcasts, live events, stand-up comedy and writing books. With so much going on, how do you divide up your time? Right now I am at my studio getting ready to do my Ace on the House and CarCast shows, and tonight, after doing my regular podcast, I am calling the Nick & Artie Show and doing that on the ride home. I look at it this way—your show schedule is a lot of bricks, and your mortar is all the in-between stuff.
When you did The Man Show, you and Jimmy [Kimmel] visited Snoop Dogg’s house and sampled some cannabis. Yeah, that was fun. Tell us, how potent was Snoop’s cannabis? Good enough! It certainly worked on me. The Marijuana Policy Project lists you on its Advisory Board, which is “composed of celebrities and public figures who support ending marijuana prohibition.” It includes Bill Maher, Jack Black, Adrianne Curry and Melissa Etheridge. Tell us about that. They just put [me] on there. I support legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. What are your thoughts on the medical cannabis movement? In the past you’ve criticized the War on Drugs and said people should be allowed to use cannabis any way they want as long as they don’t hurt anyone. My whole thing is to call it what it is. Someone says, “I want to smoke pot.” Fine, here is your pot. You don’t need a note from your doctor. If you want to smoke pot, smoke pot . . . it’s none of anyone’s business. If you want it, you want it. You can argue that a cigarette is good for you if it relaxes you, or booze is good for you if it helps you sleep. People argue that pot is good for you . . . It’s your business. I’ll stay out of your shit. c
//IN CONCERT// Appearing Jan. 25 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Detroit 22 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
If you think Adam Carolla has an issue with the government . . . just listen to his podcasts: “Politicians in both parties are guilty of perpetuating this, but the liberals are definitely on the correct side,” he podcast in 2010. “I go nuts when I hear about what the DEA spends on pot versus what they spend on crystal meth . . . when the history books are written, the prohibition of marijuana is gonna look like the prohibition of alcohol in the ’20s and ’30s. Our grandkids will think we were idiots . . . it should have been legalized in the 1970s.”
adamcarolla.com 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
24
Hour Party, People!
by David Jenison
Photo by David Jenison
Encarnación: Carnival Capital of Paraguay
Carnival photos courtesy of Carnavales Encarneacenos
The Mayan calendar might be over, but the Latin American parties are just beginning with Carnival season in full swing. Most people know Brazil is the party’s international hotspot, but the Paraguayan city of Encarnación is the fast-rising new star. Located in the southeast corner of the country, Encarnación is the Carnival Capital of Paraguay with lively parades, vibrant colors and juvenile playfulness. The party is smaller and less pricey, but it is no less excessive. For the festival, Avenida Francia becomes a Sambódromo-style procession with elaborate floats, cerveza-sponsored dancers and half-naked garotas (parade girls) in ornate outfits. Hard-partying crowds watch from the bleachers and luxury boxes as snow rains down like a blizzard. Snow? No, it doesn’t really snow in Paraguay, but it is a local Carnival tradition to blast everyone with lanzanieves “snow spray” that comes in an aerosol can. After the parade, people pile into the nearby clubs with many patrons still covered in fake snow. Visitors usually come prepared for the snow fights, but they better not forget about the Saturday afternoon Water Wars. For several hours, the city engages in a giant water fight, and the local kids gear up like it was a Call of Duty: Black Ops convention. Many fill up water buckets and douse unsuspecting people from rooftops, while
The Lonely Planet guide says the Encarnación Carnival is “much more fun” than Rio, which is quite an overstatement, but it is not an either-or proposition. The three Brazilian hotspots—Rio, Salvador and Olinda—start Carnival on Feb. 8 this year. In Encarnación, however, the party starts Jan. 18 and continues every weekend through the traditional Carnival dates. This means a traveler can start the party in Encarnación, head to Rio for the main event and then keep the liver abuse rolling with the “Ressaca” after-party on Tinharé Island. That tallies up to almost two straight weeks of partying. Paraguay might get its Carnival influence from Brazil, but guess where Brazil gets its smoke? Supplying most of eastern South America, Paraguay is second only to Mexico as the world’s largest cannabis producer. The government has traditionally had a relaxed attitude about enforcement, but the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (read: U.S.A.) is now putting pressure on the Paraguayan government. In other words, traveling patients should be low-key about use and avoid crossing borders with medicine, though finding cannabis in Encarnación should not be a problem. Every party-friendly individual should experience at least one Carnival party, but remember that U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Paraguay or Brazil. c
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water balloons come from any direction, including from passing cars. Adults are even known to wield a mean garden hose or water cannon. Sure, the whole party reeks of frat-house immaturity, but don’t most Carnival celebrations? Encarnación, “The Pearl of the South,” sits on the Paraná River just across the water from Argentina. The city features a modern hilltop neighborhood called Zona
Alta where travelers should stay, while the crumbling Zona Baja is the spot for serious bargain shopping. Encarnación even has a sandy, two-mile river beach with volleyball courts, water sports and swimming areas. A short distance outside of town, the UNESCO-honored Jesuit Ruins are considered the most impressive mission remnants in South America. Even if nursing a hangover, travelers should not miss the ruins.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
profiles in courage
Are you an MMJ patient from Michigan 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? Patient:
John McCarthy
AGE: 30
Condition/ Illness: Psoriatic arthritis
Using medical cannabis since:
Photo by Amanda Holguin
2008
I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, a condition that has no known cure, and the only option I was presented with was taking an injection for the rest of my life that would treat some of my symptoms and had significant side effects.
Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I had doctors that prescribed me cancer meds that were sometimes used with advanced cases of arthritis, but the relief I get from cannabis is so much more significant and [gives] me a better quality of life.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients?
The most important issue/problem facing medical cannabis is educating people on all the benefits that the cannabis plant has and the importance of safe access to lab-tested cannabis for patients.
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine?
For the people [who] are skeptical, I say, “Walk a day in my shoes.” c
JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 25
cool stuff Carbon Black Wheelchair Patients with mobility issues, take note. The Carbon Black Wheelchair is positioned as the next revolution in personal transportation. It is easily adjustable, comes with built-in LED lights and—because it’s made of carbon fiber—it’s ridiculously lightweight and portable. This is how you should roll. (MSRP TBA) iimaginedesign.com
Rage Against the Machine - XX Time to ready your fistful of steel for a township rebellion. To celebrate the anniversary of a musical revolution, Legacy Recordings just issued Rage Against the Machine - XX, a commemorative 20th anniversary deluxe box set of the band’s debut album, complete with demos, B-sides, etc. Not just another bombtrack. ($77.84) www.ratm.com
WakaWaka Solar Lamp Whether you’re planning for the end of the world (again), or just a Doomsday Preppers sort of person, this solar-powered lamp provides 16 hours of light on one day’s worth of sun. Developed for Third World countries as an alternative to kerosene and candles, this makes an excellent pick for emergency kits. (MSRP $79) www.wakawakalight.com
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By Aunt Sandy
January 21 is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, and to celebrate the iconic civil rights leader, CULTURE has prepared a menu based on traditional—and delicious— African American dishes.
Menu:
Collard Greens with Bacon Oven Fried Bacon Red Beans & Rice Sweet Potato Pie Sweet Iced Tea
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 co-founder of Oaksterdam’s Bakery.
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V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
Collard Greens with Bacon Makes 6 servings 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 cloves garlic, minced Red wine vinegar
1 pound collard greens 6 slices bacon, chopped 2 cups water 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
Wash collard greens thoroughly in cold water and drain well. Discard stems and trim bruised leaves. Chop the leaves coarsely so they still amount to about six cups of greens, lightly packed. Set aside. In a large saucepan cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, but save drippings in saucepan. Drain bacon on paper towels and set aside. Add water, onion, sweet red pepper, sugar, salt , cayenne pepper and garlic to the saucepan with the bacon drippings. Bring to a boil, add chopped collard greens and reduce heat. Simmer covered for one hour or until greens are tender. Add bacon and remove from heat. Serve with a slotted spoon. Drizzle with a little red wine vinegar if desired.
Red Beans & Rice Makes 6 servings 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges 1 cup chopped red sweet pepper 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons Cannabis-Infused Oil** 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 16-ounce cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup vegetable broth 1/4 cup lime juice 2 cups cooked brown rice
Oven Fried Chicken Makes 6 servings
In a large saucepan cook onion, sweet pepper and garlic in hot oil over medium heat for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup of cilantro, plus the oregano, cumin and black pepper. Cook and stir for one minute. Add beans and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until liquid is thickened to desired consistency. Serve beans over rice and sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
1 egg, slightly beaten 3 tablespoons milk 1 1/4 cups crushed saltine crackers, about 35 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoon Canna Butter*, melted 3 pounds assorted chicken pieces Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine egg and milk. For the coating, in a shallow dish combine the crushed crackers, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir in melted Canna Butter and set aside. Dip chicken pieces into the egg-milk mixture one at a time and then coat with the cracker mixture. In a 15x10 baking pan, arrange the chicken bone sides down so pieces aren’t touching. Sprinkle chicken pieces with any remaining cracker mixture so they are well coated. Bake uncovered for one hour or until chicken is done and crispy. Do not turn chicken while baking. JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 29
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Sweet Potato Pie Makes 8 servings 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup Canna Butter*, cut up 1/4 cup ice water Pie filling (see recipe below)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea size. Sprinkle one tablespoon of water over part of the flour mixture and toss with a fork. Push moistened pastry to side of the bowl. Repeat moistening flour mixture using one tablespoon at a time until all the flour mixture is moistened. Gather flour mixture into a ball, kneading gently until it holds together. On a lightly floured surface use your hands to slightly flatten pastry. Roll pastry from center to edges into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Ease into a 9-inch pie pan, trim a half-inch beyond end of pan, crimp edges and prick bottom and sides with a fork. Bake for eight minutes, remove foil, bake for another eight minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Pour in Pie Filling. Bake for about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Cover and chill for two hours.
Sweet Iced Tea
Pie Filling 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 cups mashed cooked sweet pota1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg toes (or 1 can sweet potatoes, drained 1/8 teaspoon salt and mashed) 3 eggs, beaten 4 tablespoon Canna Butter*, melted 1 cup buttermilk or dairy sour cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon In a large bowl stir together sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and salt. Add eggs and beat lightly with a fork until combined. Gradually stir in buttermilk (or sour cream) until thoroughly mixed.
Ice 5 ounces of iced tea 1 ounce Cannabis Simple Syrup*** Sprig of fresh mint In an eight-ounce glass filled with ice, add tea and Cannabis Simple Syrup and stir. Garnish with mint.
Canna Butter* 1 cup unsalted butter 1 ounce low to average quality dried leaf marijuana or 1/2 ounce average dried bud 4 cups water Bring water and butter to boil in a small pot, lower heat to simmer. Simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours. Mash and stir frequently to extract all THC from the plant material. After cooking, use cheesecloth to strain the butter/water mixture. Pour about 2 cups clean boiling water over the leaves in the strainer to extract every last drop of butter. Squeeze plant material well to remove as much liquid as possible. Chill the butter/water mixture in the refrigerator until the butter has solidified (1 to 2 hours). Separate butter from water and keep butter in the refrigerator (or freezer for longer storage) until needed.
Cannabis Simple Syrup*** 1/2 oz cannabis buds 1 cup sugar 1 cup water In a saucepan, sauté the buds in sugar and water over medium heat for 20 minutes. Strain the buds. Pour the remaining green-colored syrup into a glass container. Let it cool and refrigerate. Pour over fruit or fruit salad and let the syrup fully absorb.
Cannabis-Infused Oil** 1 cup cooking oil 1 1/4 ounces low to average quality dried leaf marijuana or 3/4 ounce average dried bud Place cannabis in a slow cooker. Add oil. If necessary, add a little extra oil in order to just cover the cannabis. Cook on low for six to eight hours, stirring often. Strain through cheesecloth to remove plant material. For further purity, strain through a coffee filter. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
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.
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entertainment reviews Media Shower Double A.B. & Dub Sonata Man Bites Dog The world of rap music tends to be a major contradiction more often than not. You’ll hear music with great rhymes but lousy backing music, or vice versa. The best resolutions are the cleverest ones and teamwork seems to be the melodic answer here. New York rapper Double A.B. has combined his wit and words with spin master Dub Sonata, creating what can best be described as audio art. Media Shower is a collaboration that stands out heads and shoulders above the most of the genre. Dub Sonata’s symphony of cinematic and vintage samples blend together near seamlessly, with rare doldrums that are quickly swept behind as the music leaves the listener spellbound. A.B. also deserves his due for rhyming about serious and relevant subject matters—the title song is an insightful critique on 21st century entertainment saturation that delivers a strong message while keeping a consistent pace and rhythm. Looking for a good single? Start with “Lo Siento Amigo” and “Drug Wars.” (Joe Martone)
True Living Organics: The Ultimate Guide to Growing All-Natural Marijuana Indoors By The Rev Green Candy Press Know the difference between earthworm casings and soft rock phosphate? Did you know that alfalfa pellets can add nitrogen to your soil mix? No—well, no worries because cultivator extraordinaire The Rev has all the answers: just add water. No joke—his “True Living Organics” methods shy away from chemical addictives and nutrient solutions and, for example embraces organic teas that provide the necessary “microlife” to your plants’ soil. The Rev starts with the basics (the fundamental roles of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a plant’s nutrition), provides you with tips (Did you know you can use grape juice to adjust the pH?) and guides you step-by-step all the way to self-sufficiency: making your own TLO container and “brewing” your own teas for your plants’ various stages of development. Even veterans might learn something new (freshwater aquarium water and rainwater are full of good microlife—wow!). If you think all-natural cannabis is what mother nature intended, pick up this book. (Matt Tapia)
The Replacements Color Me Obsessed: A Film About the Replacements MVD It’s almost fitting that a DVD documenting the history of one of America’s most beloved yet bewildering punk bands of the ’80s doesn’t feature any of their own music being performed (the Replacements recently reunited in the studio to record . . . a bunch of cover songs!) nor does it feature any current interviews of the band members themselves (much like their “Bastards of Young” video in which the Replacements never appeared). But what Color Me Obsessed does feature is a lengthy interview list, talking with the who’s who of the Minneapolis punk scene some 30 years ago, including friends, promoters, journalists, fans and even members of area punk vets, Hüsker Dü. It’s a comprehensive, chronological look at the band’s output and experiences, but Color Me Obsessed might not be of extreme interest to the casual punk listener. If you’ve got Tim on three formats shelved between copies of frontman Paul Westerberg’s solo catalog, this documentary will be a worthy addition to the ’Mats collection. Indeed, Color Me Obsessed is best suited for those who are truly Replacements obsessed. (Justin Cienega)
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The New Jim Crow book discussion
While many in the MMJ community are clearly aware that cannabis prohibition’s roots are inextricably tied to classism and racism, writer and lawyer Michelle Alexander points out that the past is alive and well, courtesy of her 2010 book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness. There is a saying, “History repeats itself,” and Alexander reveals the truth behind the statement with statistics regarding the high numbers of African American in prison (read: racial injustice). If you follow Jim Crow’s argument, racism remains prevalent and the “War on Drugs” appears to be more of a war waged on black communities. As the Jim Crow laws of days past included a racial caste system with “separate but equal” provisions, the 21st century, Alexander argues, is “a growing racial divide,” an idea relevant today to issues of drug policy, race relations and criminal justice. Whether you agree or disagree with this book, take this opportunity to talk about some pretty heady topics. (Yensil Chung)
IF YOU GO
What: Book discussion of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age Of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander. When/Where: Jan. 13 at Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor. Info: Go to www.aadl.org or call (734) 327-4555.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
Wiz Khalifa is relishing the spotlight with the success of his most recent album, O.N.I.F.C., which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The Pittsburgh-based rapper and noted cannabis connoisseur—who graced the cover of CULTURE’s 4/20 issue in 2011—is also nominated for two Grammy Awards for his collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Bruno Mars on the song “Young, Wild & Free” and his appearance on Maroon 5’s “Payphone.” Since debuting his first major-record album in 2011, Wiz has seen a meteoric rise to fame. The Pittsburgh City Council even declared Dec. 12 to be “Wiz Khalifa Day.” The rapper showed his gratitude in a simple Tweet: “I also wanna thank the city of Pittsburgh for making 12-12 “Wiz Khalifa Day” in the burgh.”
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let’s do this Our picks for the coolest things to do around town Drag Queen Bingo, Jan. 4 Want to start off the New Year being bold and adventurous? Well, take some baby steps. A safe game of bingo with the finest drag queens in the state? This could be the start of something interesting. Five 15, Detroit www.five15.net
Jersey Boys, Through Jan, 6
It’s a show for everyone. Women like musicals, guys like the Four Seasons because they’re the epitome of classic manliness. Really, you’ve got nothing to lose here, except for the wildly varying price of tickets. Totally worth it though. Fisher Theatre, Detroit www.broadwayindetroit.com
Bill Bushart, Jan. 4-6 Looking for something a little risqué? Then you’re going to like Bill Bushart. The man will not hold back when it comes to tales of sex, lies, and the overall insanity that plagues his life. A must see for a gut-busting night out. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Ann Arbor www.aacomedy.com
Swan Lake, Jan. 13 It’s the classic story of true love, hindered only by the fact that she turns into a bird. There have been weirder arrangements, probably. Mendel Center Mainstage, Benton Harbor www.lmcmainstage.com
Conned, Jan. 17-27 For a limited engagement, two of the greatest con men ever will show you the ropes and tell you tales of how they swindled and stole to make a living. Just look after your wallets and jewelry during the show. City Theatre, Detroit www.olympiaentertainment.com
Ice & Spice Festival, Jan. 18-19 The classic Winter Wonderland approach never quite gets old, even if it is a staple of the community. Ice carving, ice, ice and more ice await the happy family members and friends who show up. Just try not to melt the sculptures. The Village, Bay Harbor www.villageatbayharbor.com
Eddie Griffin, Jan. 24 For those of you who still remember Undercover Brother, you know why you have to see Eddie Griffin perform his stand-up 34 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
guide to our advertisers
live. For those of you who don’t, you need to get educated in the best way. A hilarious night full of social commentary and racial tension to be had by all. MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit www.motorcitycasino.com
Flogging Molly in concert, Jan. 25 These guys may be the greatest punk-rock Irish band in the world. If you’ve ever seen The Departed or attended a really rowdy soccer game, then you’ve probably heard these guys. Enjoy them while they’re here—it’s a one-night only show. The Fillmore, Detroit www.livenation.com
Baking with Beer, Jan. 26 Want to know what’s good with beer? Everything. But seriously, if you need to have more booze in your life, the boys at Zingerman’s will teach you how to cook great dishes with some of the best drinks on earth. Nothing like creative alcoholism. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Ann Arbor www.bakingwithzing.com
ANN ARBOR Ann Arbor Wellness Collective. 734-929-2602 Green Bee Collective. 734-929-2553 OM of Medicine. 734-369-8255 BURTON Hemphill Wellness Center. 810-820-3812 Meme’s Green Dream. 810-234-8100 The Barn. 810-742-1500 FLINT Club Medz. 810-234-4778 Michigan Compassion Center. 970-509-0781 Michigan Organic Solutions. Flint. 810-309-0564 The Green Bean. 810-232-4400 We Grow Education Center & Collective. 810-422-9679 MONTROSE Your Choice Meds. 810-639-6331 WATERFORD Metro Detroit Compassion Club. 248-618-7302 YPSILANTI CannaCure. 734-484-1990 Greenleaf Wellness. Opening Soon – 915 W. Michigan Ave.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES Beste’s Hydroponic Supply. www.besteshydroponics.com Cannabis Attorneys of Mid-Michigan. 517-546-1181 Cannabis Tax Advisors. 810-522-8399 Cloud Vaporizer. www.cloudvapes.com Cones. www.smokecones.com Dixie Elixirs. www.dixiebotanticals.com Galactic Gardens. Flint. 810-922-6643 Iron Laboratories. www.ironlabsllc.com Hydro Kare. Flint. 810-407-8120 Hydroponic Gardening Equipment & Supplies. 810-406-3355 Kush Bottles. www.kushbottles.com LA Container Medical Marijuana Supplies. www.420Packaging.com Northern Lights Hydroponics & Garden Supply. www.northernlightshydro.net Smokers Alley. www.smokersalley.org Step and Grow Systems. www.stepandgrowsystems.com THC Jobs. www.thcjobs.com
Full Moon Night Skiing, Jan. 26 Night skiing may sound risky, but it’s truly a rush like no other. Nature is at its most beautiful at night, so zooming on the slopes serves as an almost transcendental experience. Alternatively, you can stay in the lodge and drink cocoa by the fireplace. Whatever works. Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon www.cross-country-ski.com
Revival 80’s Dance Night, Jan. 27 Start off the New Year by going back several decades! Okay, the logic isn’t exactly sound, but you’re still going to have a good time. Excellent music you already know the words to with a general atmosphere of a good party? Tubular indeed. Billy’s Lounge, Lansing www.billyslounge.com
“Lego Architecture: Towering Ambition,” thru Jan. 31 They say you have to dedicate 1,000 hours to any given skill to be good at it. Apparently, this applies to Lego as well. This exhibit contains replicas of the 13 greatest manmade monuments, made entirely out of the building blocks. Talk about spare time. The Henry Ford, Dearborn www.thehenryford.org JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 35
Chuck Shepherd
News of the
Weird LEAD STORY— HAIR LIP
; Plastic surgeons in Turkey and France told CNN in November that mustache implants have suddenly surged in popularity as Middle Eastern men use their increased lip bushiness to convey power and prestige. Surgeons extract follicles from hairier parts of the body in procedures that cost the equivalent of around $7,000 and show full results in about six months. An anthropology professor told CNN that, by tradition in Arab countries, a man of honor would “swear on my mustache,” use mustaches as collateral for
loans, shave off a vanquished foe’s mustache as a reward and gravely insult enemies with “Curse be upon your mustache!”
PANDA GRADUATION PARTY
; Yes, This Is Really How They Do It: The Wolong Panda Training Base in Sichuan, China, released a series of photos to China Daily in October to mark the graduation from captivity, and into the wild, of the 2-year-old Tao Tao. Sure enough, Tao Tao and his mother, Cao Cao, were shown frolicking in the woods, accompanied by trainers each dressed in full-length panda suits, including
panda heads, as they appeared to demonstrate climbing trees and searching for food.
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES
; At the religious festival of Pon, thousands of Muslims travel to Gunung Kemukus, on Indonesia’s main island of Java, to have the required sexual intercourse with a stranger. The experience, which supposedly brings good fortune, has become heavily commercialized, but nevertheless, about half the participants are “pure,” in that no money changes hands. More than a quick tryst is involved, according to an October Global Mail dispatch. The pilgrims must first pray, then bathe themselves, then select their proper stranger, then bathe themselves afterward (carefully saving the water for later re-use) and finally return seven times at 35-day intervals to refresh their ritual. ; According to testimony in Perth, Australia, in November, one retired priest, Thomas Byrne, 80, bit off the ear of another, Thomas Smith, 81, in a brawl over a parking space. Father Byrne and Father Smith are residents of the same retirement home in the Perth suburb of Dianella. ; For centuries, some residents of India’s Madhya Pradesh state have allowed themselves to be trampled by garishly dressed animals in periodic attempts to have their prayers answered. The November Ekadashi (the 11th day of certain months of the Hindu calendar) this year began with prayers, followed by the liquoring up of the animals (cows in Ujjain and buffaloes in Bhopal, for example) to “remove their inhibitions,” according to a WebIndia123 report. Even so, according to local press reports, hardly anyone ever gets hurt.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
; Things People Believe: (1) Personalities are heavily influenced by blood types, according to the Japanese. People with Type A blood are thought to be “sensitive perfectionists and good team players, but over-anxious,” accord36 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
ing to a November BBC News dispatch, while Os are “curious and generous but stubborn.” Some industries market blood-typespecific products ranging from soft drinks to condoms. (2) Names given by their parents heavily influence a person’s fortunes in life, according to many Thais, but that means relief from misery is just an official name-change away, according to a November Wall Street Journal dispatch from Bangkok. Services-for-fee are available to help find prosperous names, with one smartphone application suggesting five for the equivalent of about $10. ; Saudis Remain FreedomChallenged: (1) In September, officials in Jeddah detained 908 female Nigerian visitors who were not accompanied by appropriate male guardians as required for all females in the kingdom under age 45. (Women older than that are allowed merely to carry notarized permission slips from husbands, sons or brothers.) That the Nigerians were in the country only to make the required Muslim Hajj pilgrimage did not deter Saudi authorities. (2) Saudi immigration officials in November began a text-messaging service to notify husbands if a woman attempts to leave the country (at an airport or across a border) without the official “yellow sheet” authorizing her departure. ; Update: Japanese and Chinese traditions absolutely reject the idea of reusing wooden chopsticks, and for many years Japan’s (and then, China’s) forests easily met chopstick demand. But Japan requires 23 billion pairs a year, and China 63 billion, which the wood industry (even China’s) eventually could not provide. In 2011, Korean-born Jae Lee built a factory in Americus, Ga., near forests of poplar and sweet gum trees that proved the ideal combination of softness and hardness for the sticks. In 2011 and early 2012, he supplied Japanese, Chinese and Koreans with 20 million pairs of “Made in U.S.A.” chopsticks every week. (In June, Georgia Chopsticks LLC was inexplicably closed by court order, even though its sales had remained brisk.) V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS
; Police were seeking a 6-foot-3 man concerning an attempted child-abduction in November after a father intervened as the man led the father’s 2-year-old daughter toward an exit of the Fashion Square mall in Charlottesville, Va. The father alerted Fashion Square’s security, and the cops took the man into “custody,” which turned out to mean escorting him off the property and warning him not to return (catch and release?). ; Questionable Product Launches: (1) The Demeter Fragrance Library (maker of such “classic” scents as “Dirt,” “Crayon” and “Laundromat”) has added to its line with “Sushi” cologne, reported the website FoodBeast. com in November. Fortunately, the scent is not that of raw fish, but “cooked sticky rice,” seaweed, ginger and lemon essences. (2) A company called Beverly Hills Caviar recently installed three vending machines in the Los Angeles area that sell nothing but varieties of caviar (ranging from pink mother of pearl ($4) to Imperial River Beluga ($500 an ounce).
PERSPECTIVE
; “In beautiful La Jolla Cove,” wrote The New York Times in November, describing the cliffside-vista community near San Diego, “art galleries and coffee shops meet a stretch of unspoiled cliffs and Pacific Ocean”—unspoiled, that is, until recently, when seagulls took over. Now, because of California’s showcase environmental regulations, use of the cove has been restricted, and cleaning the bird droppings from the land is subject to a permitapplication process that might take two years. Some residents profess not to mind (“Smells just like the ocean,” said one, “but maybe a little ‘heightened’”) while others are appalled (“As soon as we pulled up, it was like, this is awful”). Even though the smell grows “more acrid by the day,” according to the Times, residents’ and visitors’ only short-term hope is for cleansing by the traditional winter rains (which, fortunately, do not require California permits).
; In 2011 only 75 worldwide shark attacks on humans were reported, with only 12 fatal, yet researchers writing recently in the journal Conservation Biology found that about 60 percent of all media reporting about sharks emphasized just the serious dangers that human swimmers face. By contrast, only about 7 percent of the reports were focused on shark biology or ecology, though the sorry state of shark survival would seem more important, in that an estimated 26 million to 73 million sharks are killed annually from the harvesting of their fins.
PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US
; Update: There was no one more different from us than Dennis Avner, last reported here in 2005. Having transformed his body through surgery, tattoos and implants, he had almost completely adopted the persona of a cat (“Stalking Cat,” as he was known in the body-modification community). Mr. Avner had tigerstripe tattoos covering most of his body, dental implants sharpened to points to resemble tiger teeth and metal-stud implants around his mouth to hold his long, plastic whiskers. Ear and lip surgery had made his head more catlike, and special contact lenses made his eyes appear as ovals. Mr. Avner passed away in Las Vegas in November at the age of 54, reportedly of suicide. ; Maturity-Challenged: Attorney Thomas Corea of Palmer, Texas, was indicted in August for four felonies related to misuse of clients’ trust accounts, and in October a panel of the State Bar of Texas voted to revoke his license. He apparently did not take the news well. On Oct. 31 (according to a judge’s later findings), Corea vandalized his rented law office, resulting, said the landlord’s representative, in “complete destruction,” with “penis graffiti on every single wall throughout the building,” with the representative’s name written next to several of the penises. Furthermore, at the November sentencing hearing, the judge had to admonish Corea to stop making faces in the courtroom. JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 37
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