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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 26 Strain & Edible Reviews Our ever-popular sampling of amazing strains and edibles currently provided by your friendly neighborhood dispensary. 30 Destination Unknown Let it snow, let it snow . . . in Encarnación, Paraguay!
features 12 Violator A patient from Olympia feels Initiative 502 violates the state constitution. 14 Divide & Conquer New research suggests cannabis may work to treat bipolar disorder. 16 Motor Heads Clutch never idles—it’s still got riffs for the heavy metal faithful.
32 Profiles in Courage Our latest feature provides insight into the life—and struggle—of a medical marijuana patient near you. 34 Shooting Gallery Here are the med-friendly things we saw you doing around town. 36 Cool Stuff From the Vans x Metallica 20th Anniversary Half Cab Shoe to the WakaWaka Solar Lamp, if it’s a cutting-edge product or cool lifestyle gear, we’re all over it. 38 Recipes Let’s honor the spirit of MLK by enjoying culinary contributions from the South. 42 Entertainment Reviews The latest films, books, music and more that define our culture. 44 Let’s Do This Our wrap-up of some of Washington’s coolest events.
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letter from the editor
Vol 4 IssUE 7
Publisher
Jeremy Zachary
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
Roberto C. Hernandez Editor-In-Chief
Editor-in-Chief
Roberto C. Hernandez
Managing Editor Lynn Lieu
Editorial Contributors
Dennis Argenzia, Omar Aziz, Stephanie Bishop, Jake Browne, David Burton, Michael Carlos, Grace Cayosa, Jasen T. Davis, Stacy Davies, Philip Dawdy, Alex Distefano, David Downs, James P. Gray, Lillian Isley, David Jenison, Liquid Todd, Kevin Longrie, Dan Macintosh, Meital Manzuri, Jane Mast, Sandra Moriarty, Damian Nassiri, Paul Rogers, Jeff Schwartz, Lanny Swerdlow, Arrissia Owen
Photographers
Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Amanda Holguin, Audrey King, 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.
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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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THE STATE Law enforcement officials: Oregon and Idaho should be cautious dealing with legal Washington
Just because possession of cannabis is legal for adults from Washington who are 21 or older, doesn’t make it a free-for-all for the neighbors in Oregon and Idaho, authorities say. As the Evergreen State continues to flesh out the provisions of Initiative 502, officials in Portland are warning residents that while you can go over to Washington to “smoke some weed,” you can’t legally drive under the influence and it will be a year before the selling or buying is legal, according to the Associated Press. Those driving under the influence of cannabis in Portland also face possible arrest. Patients from Oregon can still obtain their meds in Washington under the legal limit. Idaho has no MMJ laws so possession of less than three ounces can result in jail time and/or a $1,000 fine.
Spokesman-Review. The attorney for Scott Q. Shupe (who formerly operated the Change dispensary on Northwest Boulevard) praised the decision, saying, “He was the first one to put his butt on the line and test it. My hope is that we can get to the point where this can help the patients that this law was designed for.” In the state Appeals Court 2-1 decision, Judges Dennis Sweeney and Teresa Kulik ruled that Spokane County prosecutors didn’t have enough evidence to justify the March 2011 conviction. The two judges also said that “the language of the law should be interpreted to allow medical marijuana providers to sell marijuana to one customer at a time rather than the prosecution’s interpretation of providers selling it to only one person at all,” according to the newspaper. With dropped conviction, police will be required to return more than $8,000 in cash and three cannabis-filled jars that were previously seized.
Justice Department: Keep cannabis away from federal land
The U.S. Department of Justice reminded Washington residents that cannabis remains illegal under federal law and warned against bringing it on to federal
property—such as Mount Rainier National Park, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic. While I-502 allows possession of up to an ounce (and a limited amount of edibles) by adults 21 and over, local police say cannabis should only consumed in private residences. Qualified MMJ patients can continue to possess and grow cannabis as before.
THE NATION 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 purposes. U.S. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) has drafted
Spokane dispensary operator’s drug-trafficking conviction dropped
A drug-trafficking conviction against the man who operated Spokane’s first dispensary has been overturned, according to The 8 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
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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
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The percentage of people who think states should determine whether or not to legalize cannabis: 59 (Source: StoptheDrugWar.org)
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The number of cannabis stores estimated to be established once legal retail sales are finalized: 328 (Source: Washington State Liquor Control Board).
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The number of Washington residents estimated to buy cannabis from state-regulated stores: 363,000 (Source: The Seattle Times).
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The number of additional state employees that will be needed to implement Initiative 502: 40 (Source: Washington State Liquor Control Board).
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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Percentage of people who supported medical marijuana: 83 (Source: CBS News poll)
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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 holding a large cannabis cigarette generated: 7,000 (Source: The Hamilton Spectator)
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The number of years of probation that Brionne Corbray—operator of the G.A.M.E. Collective locations in West Seattle—was sentenced to last month: 5 (Source: The Seattle Times).
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The fine (in dollars) that Brionne Corbray must pay: 25,000 (Source: The Seattle Times).
“Andy Warhol’s Flowers for Tacoma”
You don’t need to be an art junkie to recognize Andy Warhol as an iconic artist of our age. So, it might come as a shock to hear that the Studio 54 socialite proposed painting a giant flower to adorn the Tacoma Dome . . . and was turned down. We’ve avoided asking the question of why anyone would turn down such a groundbreaking, boundarypushing artist . . . but we digress. Luckily, Warhol’s vibrant floral imagery will be making a long overdue appearance at the museum. In honor of the 30 year anniversary since the pop-artist’s proposal was denied, the delicate and feminine flowers he was apparently obsessed with painting—when he wasn’t producing pop art renditions of Campbell’s Soup cans—are being showcased front-and-center for “Andy Warhol’s Flowers For Tacoma” show. While it’s probably time we forgive Tacoma for the public art could-have-been, let’s count ourselves fortunate that Warhol’s vision is finally being recognized in our hometown. In the words of Etta James, “aaaaaaaaaaat laaaaaaaast.”
IF YOU GO
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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: “Andy Warhol’s Flowers for Tacoma.” When/Where: Thru Feb. 10 at the Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. Info: Tickets $10. Go to www.tacomaartmuseum.org or call (253) 272-4258.
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FLASH
Why Stop Now? An MMJ patient from Olympia has filed a lawsuit to halt I-502 {By Stephanie Bishop} Last November, Washington sent a clear message to the world with the passage of Initiative 502, the measure to regulate the use, possession and sale of cannabis by adults. The bill outlined a system of distribution set to be defined by the state Liquor Board by December 2013 and set DUI standards for motorists. Many gathered together to celebrate the decriminalization of the plant by smoking it in public places and attending private parties across the state. As the proverbial smoke cloud clears, citizens are still left with many questions—and not everyone is ready to settle down with the idea of I-502 as a reality. Consider the case of Olympia resident Arthur West. West is a registered voter and a patient impacted by the 5-nanogram per milliliter per se DUI limits established by the initiative. Last month, he filed a lawsuit contesting the legalization measure. The suit names the state
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and New Approach Washington, the group behind the initiative, as defendants in an effort to block enforcement of certain of I-502’s provisions—specifically the DUI limits.
“West routinely operates a motor vehicle on State roads and highways,” the lawsuit reads. “He has never been found to be responsible for an accident in his entire driving history. With the adoption
Where There’s a Wheel . . . As Initiative 502 works its way through the system, here are a few things that Washington motorists—patients and cannabis users alike—can do to protect themselves. —When carrying cannabis in your vehicle, keep it in a smellproof container locked inside the trunk of the vehicle. Officers need to find additional probable cause to search the trunk of the car. —Do not smoke cannabis in or around your vehicle. The smell of recently smoked cannabis could be considered probable cause for law enforcement to move forward with a search or blood test. —Always be very polite and cooperative when dealing with enforcement officers. Many times in a criminal court case, the defendants’ actions at the time of arrest are considered in the final outcome of the case. —Blood tests are looking for active tetrahydocannabidiol (or 11-COOH-THC). Active THC is only found when the individual has smoked or ingested cannabis recently. Wait two to four hours after smoking before operating a motor vehicle.
of 1-502, he is in imminent danger of having his blood drawn and having charges filed against him for DUI despite the fact that at 5 nanograms per milliliter of THC, he does not demonstrate any acute signs of impairment. These adverse impacts are particular and specific, and directly and proximately result from 1-502.” West’s suit contends that I-502 violates the state constitution, and seeks to void the initiative and bar the enforcement of its disputed provisions. West alleges that the initiative infringes upon residents’ rights to be free of unreasonable search and seizures (thus, allegedly violating the 4th Amendment), and fails to provide for due process of law (5th Amendment). Additionally, the suit claims the fines set in the initiative for DUI violations constitute as cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment), and exposes state residents for prosecution since cannabis—for any reason and in any form—remains illegal under federal law. The lawsuit also calls into question certain earmarks (or funding sources), arguing that they raise money for programs and things that have nothing to do with cannabis. The initiative— through cannabis taxes—is set to cover the costs of implementing the program as well as using funds to pay for general public health, drug abuse treatment programs, drug abuse prevention and cannabis research. Alcohol tax revenue is also similarly earmarked in Washington through state regulation. West accuses the defendants of including these earmarks as a way to entice voters (“logrolling” or quid pro quo) to vote for the initiative. Alison Holcomb, the drug policy director for ACLU of Washington State who was I-502’s campaign director, told Washington State Wire that West’s arguments don’t stand up. Holcomb said “everything that is in Initiative 502 pertains to that issue (cannabis).” c
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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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Some call them man’s best friend. Some call them critter companions (OK—no one calls them this), but to you and me they’re our pets. And we want to take good care of them. One of the best ways to do so is keep them away from medical cannabis. While it improves the quality of your life, that gram of Death Star ain’t gonna do Fido no good. If your pets ingest cannabis, depending on the amount, they might end up disoriented and have trouble walking . . . or unresponsive. Here are some tips:
NEVER intentionally feed your pet cannabis in any way, shape or form—or force them to inhale smoke. It’s not cool and not funny.
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When at a park or other public place, keep pets on a leash. While not common, dogs, for example, have been known to eat cannabis that was left behind or dropped outdoors.
If you think your pet has ingested cannabis, stay calm and contact a veterinarian immediately.
Illustration by Vidal Diaz
Store your flowers so your pets can’t reach and eat them. This includes tables, furniture, the floor, etc. Ideally, keep your meds locked up. Most poisoning cases involve pets eating edibles—so stash those, too!
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Photo by Craig Larsen
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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
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.”
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strain & edible reviews GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
Qush
Nammaw’s “Killer Haystacks” We were dubious when we first encountered this medible. Nammaw’s “Killer Haystacks” from MediGreen Access Point in Puyallup are a mix of organic peanut butter, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and coconut that we’d never run across before—and here we thought we’d run across every combination possible in medible land. Turns out this medible’s novelty is well deserved. It’s tasty without being cloying, always a good quality. Even more, it’s highly effective. Each little cookie from this Pierce County collective contains one gram of dried cannabis and two grams of cannabis concentrate and onset is within an hour—super fast by medible standards. Needless to say, this is strong medicine and not for inexperienced patients. We felt strong painkilling effects for four hours-plus, all of it without a hint of that unpleasant agitation that some medibles can cause. Hands down, this little haystack cookie is one of the best medibles around.
We will admit to being smell dorks when it comes to medical cannabis. And in the case of Qush our scent snobbery is completely rewarded. The essence of this strain (available at South Sound Holistic Medicine in Graham) is of lemony wood, almost like an old cedar floor that’s been oiled recently. Qush is a 70-30 indica/sativa hybrid comprised of Bubba Kush (the pre1998 phenotype) and Space Queen. But, of course, it’s the effect that counts and this strain is effective at dropping the hammer on anxiety, pain and leads to that woozy bedtimey feeling that’s such a wonderful antidote for patients suffering from insomnia. This is not a daytime medicine for anyone except the most experienced patients. But we promise wonderful nights with this excellent strain from this Pierce County collective.
Mexican Sunrise Mexican Sunrise might conjure images of a tequila breakfast and fields of sativa, but this strain is very much of the indica-dominant variety. Get this: It’s a four-way hybrid of Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, Permafrost and Blue Dream—all heavy hitters in their own right. Mexican Sunrise—from the good folks at Green Rush Collective in Lynnwood—is an 80-20 indica/ sativa hybrid and, in looks, reminds us of Dutch Treat. Its effect is powerful and lasts a solid two hours, and in our test flight reduced overall pain dramatically. It has a deep pine odor and is very tasty. But the best part is that this strain from this collective in South Snohomish County doesn’t knock you out, allowing you to think and get work done without a trace of anxiety. So it’ll be a good choice for patients who need daytime pain relief without all the heady effects some patients don’t like in your typical daytime sativa—without the drowsiness that many indicas can cause. That’s our kind of Mexican Sunrise. 26 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
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Maui Wowie While it’s definitely not the youngest kid on the medicinal block, we’ve long been fans of this straightout-of-the-’60s strain. Why? Maui Wowie—from Professional Patient Co-op in Wallingford—is delightful in smell and taste. And it’s a sativa-dominant strain of unknown parentage that works very well on depression and anxiety as well as migraines. It’s absolutely bliss inducing. And then there’s the cool name. Simply saying “Maui Wowie” makes you feel good—and medicating with this strain is no different. This particular Maui Wowie ranks as one of the nicest examples of this strain that we’ve encountered in ages, a refreshing change from the sometimes less-than-spectacular Maui Wowies we’ve seen in the Puget Sound region. Get some and wow yourself.
FUBAR Chews Available at Seattle MMJ Co-op in Lake City, this FUBAR Chews’ label is simply brimming with all manner of warnings about the potency of its effects. “Caution: Quad Dose.” “Extremely Potent.” The warnings are right: this medical-grade BHO extraction tootsie of a thing is quite strong. We were so timid after reading the label that we only tried a quarter-dose at first. The effect was light, so we ate the remainder of its indica goodness and were rewarded with four hours of solid pain relief, all of it without any signs of agitation or walk-the-neighborhood restlessness. That tells us this would also be worth trying for anxiety. But best of all, despite being an obviously strong indica, it didn’t make us drowsy in the least.
Guava Dawg From the wide array of Chem Dawg variants hitting the market in Western Washington of late we can tell that patients and growers have decided that it’s a strain to experiment on to see if they can get better results. This Guava Dawg from Rain City Delivery in central Seattle certainly seems to have worthy outcomes. It’s a cross of Chem Dawg 4 (one of the original Chem Dawgs), Afghan #1 and Star Dawg, each an indica-dominant strain, and the end product is definitely high in THC. This example was an effective pain killer and anti-spasmodic—you will feel the healing effects creep into your body. We also hear it’s also a fine treatment for arthritis and insomnia. We can testify to the latter effect, as not long after medicating we felt heavy-lidded and tired. Its overall analgesic effects last a couple of hours. Patients beware: This is not a daytime or driving-anytime-soon medicine.
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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.
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profiles in courage
Are you an MMJ patient from Washington 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
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Shooting Gallery iREADCULTURE.com GET YOUR HITS HERE
School of Dank (Photos by Robert Barr)
The Emerald Cup (Photos by David Downs)
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cool stuff Vans x Metallica 20th Anniversary Half Cab Shoe Enter Vansman? Iconic metal band Metallica teamed up with Vans, the original skate shoe company, to come up with the Vans x Metallica 20th Anniversary Half Cab Shoe. “Thrash” just got redefined. ($85) www.vans.com/halfcab20
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
Jan. 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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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 39
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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 Walkman in concert With 2012’s Heaven, The Walkman members believe they have hit a milestone in their careers. When the album dropped, it had been a decade since the band released its debut Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone, a confident rock album that surged the band into stardom. In anticipation of Everyone, The Walkman made waves on the publicity charts appearing on MTV and had critics buzzing. Some compared the band to U2 and The Cure, some while skeptical at first were quickly won over and some simply enjoyed the album for its progression and Hamilton Leithauser’s showmanlike vocals. When Heaven hit racks, The Walkman members— Leithauser, Paul Maroon, Walter Martin, Peter Bauer and Matt Barrick—expressed how far they’ve come as a band. Maroon has been quoted as saying, “when you’re starting out, you’re sitting there trying to come up with a big idea, but after a while, you learn about the process of writing. You learn about your friends in the band and how they work best.” Heaven was released early last year with the album’s title track first appearing on Pitchfork’s website in April. That same day, Pitchfork named the song “Best New Track.” And from a band that began on such a high note, did you really expect anything less?
IF YOU GO
What: The Walkman in concert. When/Where: Jan. 27 at Neptune Theater, 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle. Info: Go to thewalkman.com.
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Let’s Do This Our picks for the coolest things to do around town The World’s Quickest Theatre Festival, Jan. 4, 5, 11 and 12
Think of this as the Russian roulette of theatre . . . Here’s how it works: Thursday night, tap the ceremonial keg and for one random theme for a 10-minute play that gets chosen and written by seven different writers. Friday, seven directors randomly draw a play and a cast out of a hat. They rehearse and perform an original play that night. Sit back and enjoy the final project. A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle www.1448fest.com
Lake Chelan Winterfest, Jan. 11-13 and 18-20
It may be extremely cold outside but don’t let that keep you indoors, it’s the perfect weather to get out there and see some incredible ice sculptures, or enjoy live music, ale tasting, a chili cook-off and a polar bear splash. If you can’t find something you like to do then maybe you should stay indoors. Manson Bay Marina, Lake Chelan www.lakechelanwinterfest.com
The KISW Loud and Local Event, Jan. 12
There’s nothing better then the sound of local music in the misty morning. The straight-to-the-point rock of Windowpane will make you proud to call Seattle your hometown. Van Eps, Mechanism, Black Diamond, Jason Kerston and the The Immortals will also be performing. The Showbox, Seattle www.showboxonline.com
Of Mice and Men, Jan. 12
The members of hardcore group Of Mice and Men would rather you not hug them and kiss them and call them George . . . but feel free to show them you appreciate the hospitality in the pit. Woe Is Me, Texas In July, Volumes and Capture the Crown will be supporting acts. El Corazon, Seattle www.elcorazonseattle.com
One Act Fest, Jan. 17-20
The talent pool never ends when you can have anyone create their own play. Come out and see some comedic one-act playwrights with themes from the familiar to the obscure. With names like A Case of Anxiety, DMV Tyrant and Three Turkeys Waiting for Corncobs, would you really want to miss out? Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org
2013 Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival, Jan. 19
Check out the “Icons of Science Fiction” exhibit first, and put the Star Wars geeks to shame! This fest will also feature Hear My
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Train A Comin’: Hendrix Hits London, Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Films and Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses. EMP Museum, Seattle www.empmuseum.org
Slightly Stoopid, Jan. 24 Watch the room slowly fill with smoke as Slightly Stoopid takes the stage for a show that will have everyone feeling “On Top of the World.” The Knitting Factory, Spokane sp.knittingfactory.com
Chris Hardwick, Jan. 24-26
Listen to what the tech-savvy host of shows like Web Soup and G4’s Attack of the Show has to say in his stand-up comedy special. You have to be there as he dishes out the latest jokes from his technical arsenal. Tacoma Comedy Club, Tacoma www.tacomacomedyclub.com
Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Jan. 25-27
In the mood for some cinema—but not the kind you find at the
local multiplex? This festival will feature a variety of films from all different genres—but all connected to the Asian American experience. Flicks range from the five-minute Magellan Doesn’t Live Here to the 25-minute A Flicker in Eternity. The Wing Luke Museum, Seattle www.seattleaaff.org
Randy Hansen: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Jan. 26 There can and will only be one Jimi Hendrix, but his music lives on and continues to be played by people today. Randy Hansen will be strumming the signature songs of the guitar great and reincarnating some of Hendrix’s signature moves. Jazzbones, Tacoma www.jazzbones.com
Lewis Black “The Rant Is Due,” Jan. 31
If the rent is due on the first of the month, it only makes sense that the hilarious Lewis Black will have his own rant due before that. Who or what will be on his rant-radar at this show . . . people, religion, politics or something else? Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham www.mountbakertheatre.com
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Photo by Marc Hom
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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Gettin‘ Jimmy Wit It
Photo by Rick Diamond, The Carter Center
President Obama may not support widespread cannabis legalization . . . but former President Jimmy Carter sure does! During a recent interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20, the 39th President of the United States said he approved making the plant legal. “I’m in favor of it. I think it’s OK,” Carter said. He went on to describing Colorado and Washington, the country’s first two states to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over, as “experiment states.” This should come as no surprise to fans of the former of Commander in Chief—Carter’s been pro-leaf for decades; he advocated for decriminalization during the 1970s. In a 1977 message to Congress, the former president said, “Marijuana continues to be an emotional and controversial issue. After four decades, efforts to discourage its use with stringent laws have still not been successful.” Tell it like it is, Jimbo!
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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 48 CULTURE • JANUARY 2013
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. V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
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,” according to a November BBC News dispatch, while Os are “curious and generous but stubborn.” Some industries market bloodtype-specific 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. Servicesfor-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
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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.)
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
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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 permit-application 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 writ-
ing 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 bodymodification community). Mr. Avner had tiger-stripe tattoos
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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.
LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS
; Rookie Mistake: Joseph O’Callaghan, 31, was sentenced to nine years in prison by a court in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in November for having robbed an armored-car guard in 2011. He had made off with the guard’s cashbox, but since he had accosted the guard on his way into Northern Bank, and not on his way out, the box contained no money.
READERS’ CHOICE
; For two months, up to Nov. 20, the water company serving Johnville, Quebec, had left standing a utility pole even after the Quebec highway department had rebuilt Highway 251 to a location that left the pole squarely in the middle of the new two-lane street (which
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thus became a popular sight for fans of incompetence). Fortunately, during the two months, no accidents around the pole were reported. (2) A 35-yearold man was shot to death in Wilkinsburg, Pa., in September when he took a break from a game of dominoes on a second-floor balcony around 11 p.m. and urinated over the rail. Unfortunately, an unidentified man was walking below. He yelled, “Yo! Yo!” and fired several gunshots, killing the urinator. ; (2) Donna Giustizia lobbied the city of Vaughan, Ontario, in November to chop down all the oak trees in the vicinity of Stephen Catholic Elementary School, claiming that her children and others like them with nut allergies were in danger. She mentioned especially their “anxiety” from even glimpsing acorns on the ground and suggested that the allergic children could be easily bullied by acorn-wielding classmates. ; (3) In a parental-involvement program with 70 public schools and Walgreen Co., the City of Chicago announced in October that it would give previously uninterested parents $25 gift cards just to come by the schools to pick up their kids’ report cards.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
; The Lost Art of Cuddling: (1) At the recently opened Soineya “cuddle cafe” in Tokyo, men buy hugging privileges (but no “sex” allowed!) with young women from 20 minutes to 10 hours at prices (gratuity optional) ranging from the equivalents of $40 to $645, with surcharges for special services (e.g., foot massages, resting heads in each other’s laps). (2) The Deluxe Comfort Girlfriend Body Pillow, which began as a boutique-only niche product, recently became available at Amazon.com and Sears.com at around $25. The bolster-like, cuddling-enabled pillow is augmented with two strategi52 CULTURE • JANUARY 2012 2013
cally placed mounds and a snuggle-up arm hanging to the side. (There’s also an Original Soft and Comfy Boyfriend Pillow, without the mounds.) ; “You have wrinkles,” the inquiring customer was told, “and your left cheek is larger than your right,” explained “Tata,” the Bangkok-born woman who recently opened a salon in San Francisco to employ the supposedly traditional Thai art of faceslapping. Frown lines and droopy skin are curable with a 10-minute regimen of wellplaced whacks across the cheek (and payment of the $350 fee), Tata told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in October. Masochists are warned that Tata deals in therapy, not punishment. “If you want someone to hit you, go on Craigslist.”
CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE
; Among the “Ig Nobel” prizes awarded to earnest academics in September by the Annals of Improbable Research was the one to Patrick Warren and colleagues who delved into excruciatingly detailed predictions (at the behest of a cosmetics firm) about how someone might ultimately look with a ponytail, based on hair characteristics. The team took into account the stiffness of the strands, the effects of gravity and the random curliness or waviness in the hair in a set formula to compute a “Rapunzel Number” for each head. Explaining his particularized work to reporters, Dr. Warren acknowledged (perhaps with underestimation), “I’ve been working on this for a long time.” ; A research team at Lund University in Sweden, led by neuroethologist Jochen Smolka, concluded that one reason dung beetles dance in circles on top of dung is to cool off, according to an October report on LiveScience.com. To arrive at their conclusion, the team went to the trouble V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
of painting tiny silicone “boots” on some beetles to protect them from the ambient heat experienced by a control group of beetles, and found that the booted beetles climbed atop the dung less frequently. Explained Smolka, “Like an air-conditioning unit, the moist (dung) is cooled by evaporati(on).”
LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS
; While the U.S. recently nearly elected a multimillionaire as president, Uruguay’s chief executive, Jose Mujica, declared his personal wealth in 2010 as the equivalent of about $1,800 and gives away 90 percent of his $12,000 monthly presidential salary in order to remain true to his political roots with the leftist guerrilla group Tupamaros. He has rejected the government-provided mansion and instead lives with his wife at her family’s farmhouse, where he helps work the land, according to a November BBC News profile from Montevideo. “I have to do (this),” he told a reporter, “because there are many Uruguayans who live with much less.” ; Financial advisers charge the big bucks because of their sophisticated understanding of money and markets—or maybe because they know how the stars align. A September Marketplace radio program highlighted the newsletters of “financial astrologers” Karen Starich and former Merrill Lynch stock trader Arch Crawford (who left the trading floor because, apparently, astrology is more lucrative). About 300 traders pay $237 a year to learn what Starich knows about Neptune and Saturn, and Crawford’s 2,000 subscribers (at least a few of which prefer receiving copies in unmarked wrappers) learned that any new business venture goes south when Mercury is in retrograde. ; The Continuing Decline of American Manufacturing: A Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion agent told the Associated Press in October that factories in Mexico have recently been supplying American markets with especially potent and inexpensive methamphetamine. “These are sophisticated, high-tech (businesses) . . . that are operating with extreme precision,” said agent Jim Shroba. The 90 percentpure product offers “a faster, more intense and longerlasting high.” Many Americans, meanwhile, continue to make small batches of inferior meth in 2-liter soda bottles.
UPDATE
; Taunting of Third-World Laborers: First, as News of the Weird reported more than 20 years ago, Indonesian coffeemakers made “Kopi Luwak,” using only beans that had passed through the digestive tracts of native civet cats. More recently, Thailand’s upscale Anantara Resorts began offering coffee using beans similarly excreted by elephants. In both cases, these digestive-tract coffee beans, picked and processed by laborers earning as little as $1 day, wind up as a drink sipped by (in the words of an NPR reviewer) “cat poop fetishi(sts)” who may pay upwards of $10 for a single cup.
LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS
; Recurring Themes: (1) In November, Jacory Walker, 19, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery in Waxahachie, Texas, and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. He had made the mistake of asking a teller at the 1st Convenience Bank to access his account (giving the teller his Social Security number), and only then, when realizing he had no money left, deciding to rob the place. (2) Almost No Longer Weird: Demarco Myles, 19, was arrested in Washington, D.C., for rape after he, as rapists sometimes fatuously do, decided that his second victim might have had eyes for him and left her his name and phone number, anticipating a follow-up rendezvous. JANUARY 2013 • CULTURE 53
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