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Playing Koy
From humble beginnings to his current star-studded status, comedian Jo Koy talks about his road to success, his inspiration and his support for cannabis. O n t h e C O V ER :
P hoto b y J oh n G i l hoo l e y
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Hemp Adventures Hemp has its place in many industries, so it’s no surprise that it is also used to make skateboards and specialty wheels.
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International Attention Native-born Slovakian artist Veronika Vajdová expresses her thoughts on her most recent cannabis-inspired artwork.
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Inspired Transformation From law to cannabis, Nicole Skibola is an author, cancer survivor and cannabis business owner whose personal journey has brought her to new heights.
departments 08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Provisioning Center Highlight 17 Strain Reviews 18 Cool Stuff 19 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 34 Growing Culture 36 À La Carte 38 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Smoking Cannabis May Lead to Brain Aging d New Brunswick Universities Prepare for Legalization
Vol 10 IssUE 3
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Edmundson. Caroline Hayes, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Rocki Davidson, Casey Roel, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines 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. All rights reserved. 36500 Ford Rd #348 Westland, MI 48185 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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L ETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Laughter is the Best Medicine
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eanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, Abbott and Costello—these are famous pairings that will receive the limelight for all time. Another pair that needs little introduction is cannabis and comedy. Comedy has always been a staple source of entertainment alongside cannabis. Joints and movies, edibles and comedy shows— few will miss the chance to light up before watching movies like Friday or Pineapple Express. Consuming cannabis calms the everyday anxieties of life and replaces them with an elevation of classic entertainment. Together, cannabis and comedy work in tandem to ultimately create one hell of a good time. In the past, CULTURE has celebrated the intersection of cannabis and comedy through interviews with many famous and talented comedians such as Reggie Watts, Tenacious D, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Adam Corolla and comedy duo Cheech & Chong, among many others. Now, we’re welcoming Jo Koy into the mix. Like cannabis, laughter is the best medicine. And like all good pairings, this duo only grows stronger with time. CULTURE’s interview with Koy is an example of how mainstream cannabis continues to grow strong in the comedy scene, as Koy states in response to whether or not he consumes cannabis, “Who doesn’t!” We’re also witnessing the ways in which comedy-centric cannabis events hold a bright future in legal cannabis states. For instance, one is the Lemonhaze Cannabis and Comedy Convention in Washington coming up in October—a magical place where the likes of comedian Doug Benson delights audiences of up to 5,000 industry professionals. After all, all work and no play would make our unique industry a dull one. In the past, comedy shows where cannabis consumption was allowed were done on a “bring your own product” basis. In some legal states, comedians are trying to comply with state laws, while still incorporating cannabis into their acts. A recent example of this was when comedian
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Adam Hartle gave out free joints to his audience at a comedy show in San Francisco, California in August. Although he did share that in order to comply with state law, the giveaway was happening outside the venue, before the show, to adults ages 21 and older—and the kicker? Consumers were not allowed to partake during the show. Unfortunately, this is not the type of comedy and cannabis development that voters in legal states are looking forward to after passing legalization. But the partnership between legal cannabis and comedy is off to a strong start in Canada. Cannabis lounges are increasingly hosting comedy shows. For example, Toronto-based Vapor Central hosts “Stoner Sundays,” while Hotbox Lounge + Shop in Ontario hosts comedy nights every Thursday. Overall, we tend to hold the belief that cannabis has the ability to make just about everything better. When it comes to our entertainment, we’re delighted to bear witness to any trend that is good for the funny bone. Bring on the laughs, and pass the vape! c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Michigan Officials Approve Two Cannabis Testing Labs The Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board approved licenses for two medical cannabis testing labs on Aug. 9. The two licenses were awarded to IRON Laboratories based in Walled Lake and Precision Safety Innovation Laboratories in Ann Arbor. “IRON Laboratories has made history again— officially receiving our Safety Compliance Facility licensure from the state of Michigan with a unanimous five panel yes vote from the board,” the company stated.
In addition, six provisioning centers were also awarded licenses, with four located in Detroit and one processing facility in Chesaning. Up until now, without an approved testing lab, there was no legal way complete the supply chain. The latest move closes the loop for what will be Michigan’s new medical cannabis system. Businesses that haven’t secured a license by the Sept. 15 deadline could be shut down.
Northern Mariana Islands House Votes to Legalize Cannabis The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory located near the Philippines, may soon legalize cannabis. On Aug. 8, the territory’s House of Representatives voted 18-1 in approval of a bill that would legalize cannabis for adults ages 21 and older. The Senate approved an earlier version of the bill last May, but the House’s Committee on Judiciary and Governmental
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Lawmakers Ask Governor to Extend License Deadline Medical cannabis businesses in Michigan with temporary licenses have until Sept. 15 to obtain a state license, or they could be shut down. After the deadline, all medical cannabis, from seed-to-sale, must be handled by businesses with a new state license. At least 10 Michigan lawmakers have asked Gov. Rick Snyder to extend the deadline, because the Sept. 15 deadline would put many people out of business. “It is not acceptable to allow a bureaucratic delay to bankrupt law-abiding
Operations made a few revisions to the bill before filing this updated version. “Therefore, the Legislature finds that it is in our best interest to move marijuana into a regulated and controlled market for responsible adult personal use,” the House of Representatives stated. Now, the revised version heads back to the Senate for approval. Should the bill pass, the Northern Mariana Islands will go straight from having no acceptable use of cannabis to recreational cannabis without first legalizing medical cannabis.
small businesses, to destroy jobs, and to deny epileptic children and disabled veterans access to the medicines they need,” several lawmakers wrote in a letter. The letter was signed by Sen. David Knezek, Rep. Jewell Jones, Rep. Frank Liberati, Rep. Robert Wittenberg, Rep. Patrick Green, Rep. Yousef Rabhi, Rep. Adam Zemke, Rep. Tom Cochran, Rep. David LaGrand and Rep. Martin Howrylak. Originally the deadline was set for June 15, but it was extended to Sept. 15.
The maximum number of medical cannabis facilities that officials in the city of Detroit will allow under a new zoning ordinance: (Source: Metro Times)
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The percentage of Michigan residents who stated in a poll that they support legalizing and taxing recreational cannabis: (Source: WTOP)
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The number of Grand Rapids City Councilmembers, out of six, who cast votes in favor of adopting an ordinance to allow medical cannabis facilities: (Source: Mlive. com)
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The percentage of success observed in children with autism who were treated with CBD oil in an Israeli study: (Source: Israel National News)
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The number of cannabis testing facilities that were approved in Michigan on Aug. 9: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
2
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of Florida approved in additional funding for a new medical cannabis office: (Source: Tampa Bay Times)
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The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Missourians for Patient Care campaign committee raised to support a medical cannabis initiative in Missouri: (Source: San Francisco Gate)
530
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Alaskan officials collected in cannabis tax revenue in the 2018 fiscal year: (Source: New York Post)
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Motor City Comedy Festival WHERE: Ant Hall, El Club and The Sanctuary in Hamtramck and Detroit WHEN: Thurs, Sept. 20-Sun, Sept. 23 WEBSITE: motorcitycomedyfest.com Everybody loves a good laugh, but this year’s lineup for the second annual Motor City Comedy Festival is definitely no joke. With main stage headliner performances including Ms. Pat (Last Comic Standing, The Joe Rogan Experience), Myq Kaplan, Tony Hinchcliffe (Comedy Central Roast), The Motown Laugh Kings, as well as other renowned comedians
from across the country, you’re sure to be laughing the night away. The comedy festival will be spread out amongst a handful of intimate venues at some of the hottest clubs and social spots in the greater Detroit area, including Ant Hall, El Club and The Sanctuary. So mark your calendar, grab a date and make the most out of an evening full of laughter! CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Cannabis Concourse Cannabis business could bring up to 500 jobs to Marshall By Benjamin M. Adams
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n Marshall, Michigan, at the Brooks Industrial Park, an enormous medical cannabis hub is beginning to materialize— and a company called Michigan Pure Meds is at the center of it. In June 2017, the Marshall City Council approved cannabis cultivation and processing facilities, but decided to not allowing provisioning centers. Despite the absence provisioning centers, the area is destined to become a busy hub for cannabis-related activities, given the large projects that are currently underway. On Aug. 8, the Marshall City Planning Commission approved a plan to allow Michigan Pure Med to open a large facility that will function as a centerpiece. Per Marshall’s ordinance, facilities must be located a half-mile away from other cannabis facilities. Joe Jarvis, chief operations officer of Michigan Pure Med, said the company plans on taking a “pharmaceutical approach” to its business plan. According to Michigan Pure Med’s website, the company is vertically integrated and produces pharmaceuticalgrade cannabis. Michigan Pure Med cultivates and processes indica, sativa and hybrid varieties, converting them into pens, capsules and topicals that are designed to treat a wide range of illnesses. According to its website, the company operates eight provisioning centers across Michigan and cultivates cannabis in Detroit, Hazel Park and Lansing. 12
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The Marshall facility will act as headquarters for the company with a central campus located on Old U.S. 27 South in the Brooks Industrial Park. The five-year project will grow to become 1.2 million square feet and employ at least 400 employees. Now that the firm has local approval to operate, it needs to secure its license at the state level. “They are applying at the state of Michigan for their state operating license,” Marshall City Manager Tom Tarkiewicz told CULTURE. “Once they have received that from the state of Michigan, then they can actually start growing product. They’re going to move forward building their [facility] prior to even getting the license. They will be breaking ground here next month. But they can’t have any product until they receive their state license.” The relatively close neighboring Branch County communities of Coldwater Township, Quincy Township and Union City have opted out and decided not to allow medical cannabis facilities. In Calhoun County, things also move at an equally glacial pace. Marshall is the first community in Calhoun County to take such an approach. Michigan Pure Med will be located next door to the Marshall Energy Center, and will utilize two natural gaspowered plants that will together provide 1,000 megawatts. When we asked Tarkiewicz whether or not he foresees an economic boom due to the new project, he answered affirmatively. “It will because they are expecting, over the next five years, to have between 400 and 500 employees,” he said. “We’re a town with an over 7,000 population, so that’s a lot of new jobs that will be created in our community.” Fourhundred or more employees make a huge impact on a small community. Michigan Pure Med plans on opening more provisioning centers across southern Michigan. Construction on the facility in Marshall is scheduled to begin soon, and the complex will continue to grow into 2019. Marshall, if all things go as planned, could serve as a beacon for other Michigan communities that are sluggish to embrace commercial cannabis activity and that want to see proof of medical cannabis’ effect on the economy. c
Capital City Comic Con Get your cosplay and wallets ready, because Capital City Comic Con is the best place to let your fandom flag fly. With over 1,500 attendees last year, Greater Lansing is again hosting its inaugural comic book convention event, which supports tackling illiteracy in “Capital City.” Hosted at the Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of Michigan State University, this event will provide the best exhibition of comics, collectibles and creators as well as games, cosplay, contests and artists. Special guests such as Ryan Stegman (Marvel comics artist), Dirk Manning (comic book writer) and Mike DeCarlo (DC Comics artist) will be present to chat and sign items for fans. Partnering with The Reading People at the Capital Area Literacy Coalition, Capital City Comic Con helps children and adults in the capital area and throughout the state of Michigan improve their reading and writing abilities. WHEN: Sat, Sept. 8 WHERE: Breslin Student Event Center, 534 Birch Rd., East Lansing WEBSITE: capcitycomiccon.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Moving Forward
Detroit opts-in for cannabis zoning ordinance By Matthew Abel
O
n July 31, the Detroit City Council finally adopted a zoning ordinance for medical cannabis facilities. The ordinance becomes effective 60 days after adoption—around Oct. 1, and will replace the moratorium that is currently in place. Detroit will allow a maximum of 75 provisioning centers with an unlimited number of all other types of facilities. Currently, there are approximately 55 locations in Detroit operating under the temporary operations provisions of the emergency rules established by the State of Michigan to govern medical cannabis facilities. The temporary rules (to be replaced by permanent rules later this year) allow facilities to remain open only until Sept. 15, unless they have obtained full licensing by the state. Four provisioning centers in Detroit have been approved by the state for licensing, and a few more are likely to be approved at the final licensing board meeting on Sept. 10, the last meeting before the deadline. Of those currently operating in Detroit, not
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all of them have even completed the second part of the application process, which mostly deals with the facility itself, while the first part is the prequalification review for assets, integrity and criminal clearance. Considering that, the opportunities for provisioning centers in Detroit may be greater than they seem, as any facilities failing to respect a cease and desist order from the state are likely to have that used against them. While a few very lucky applicants will be successful in being licensed before the deadline, for most applicants, the process is much more frustrating. The slow roll-out is about to severely constrict the legal supply, causing the illegal market to increase as a result. Patients may end up using less cannabis, and that is not always a good thing. The licensing bottleneck may soon be resolved. If the cannabis-friendly major party candidate for state governor, Gretchen Whitmer, wins the general election in November, the eventual replacement of board members might fairly be expected to be more favorable to an efficient processing of license applications.
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The electors of the city of Detroit had voted at a previous election to approve both a medical cannabis facilities licensing ordinance and a medical cannabis facilities zoning ordinance. Those ordinances were challenged in court by a neighborhood group and joined in by the city. The neighborhood group was dismissed from the action, and the city was allowed to change sides (an extremely unusual procedure) and become the plaintiff challenging the citizens’ zoning initiative. In short, the judge let the licensing ordinance stand, but struck the zoning ordinance on the grounds that the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act reserves those functions to elected municipal officials. That issue is still in litigation, now in the Michigan Court of Appeals. A decision might be expected in spring of 2019. The city has also established a Medical Marihuana Facilities Review Committee made up of representatives from departments in the city including Building and Safety Engineering and Environmental, Planning Commission, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Planning and Development, Assessor, Health, Police and the Law Department, whose representative serves as chairperson. At long last, the city of Detroit appears to be on track to begin licensing new businesses under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act. Now all that is needed is for the state to fairly and efficiently process the applications. c
“While a few very lucky applicants will be successful in being licensed before the deadline, for most applicants the process is much more f r u s t r at i n g . ”
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REVIEWs
provisioning center highlight
Top-Sellin g Str ain OG-18
JC3
1291 Falahee Rd., Jackson (517) 962-2654 www.JC3life.com
How and when did your provisioning center start up? I helped start the Jackson County Compassion Club with my dad in March of 2009. We were the second compassion club to open in the state. After that, [we] closed down in September 2017, and I started working towards opening one in Leoni Township called JC3. JC3 opened its doors Dec. 14, 2017. What’s the story behind the name of your provisioning center? JC3 has always been the acronym for Jackson County Compassion Club. I wanted to name it that for my dad since he got out of the business. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The cannabis industry has changed 16
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exponentially since 2009, from the MMMA and fighting for safe access for patients’ rights to legalization! The MMJ future in Michigan is going to create jobs, safe access, and criminal law reform. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a provisioning center? . . . Biggest joys? Definitely hardest challenge right now is getting fully licensed. Biggest joy is our patients! JC3 has an excellent cancer program with fantastic employees. Our JC3 family is the best in the industry. What is the one thing you want patients/customers to know about your provisioning center? We truly care about our patients. Everyone that works at JC3 does so because they want to help educate people in creating a
Top-Sellin g Co ncentr ate Platinum Vape Cartridges Top-Sellin g Edible Sativa Gummy 100mg by Levitate healthy alternative way to pain relief. Our focus is on education and patients’ health. If someone wanted to open a provisioning center and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Research. Go to the meet-andgreets in the cannabis community and talk with people. Only go into business with people you can truly trust. Know the law and abide by it. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? I hope to succeed in providing the best quality medicine and safe access to patients in Michigan. I want my employees to have a place where they can call it a career and not just a job and for them to feel accomplished as well. c
REVIEWs
strain Available at: Green Planet Patient Collective in Ann Arbor.
Querkle TGA Genetics crossed Purple Urkle and Space Queen to create this indica-dominant strain (80/20), which is well-known for its sweet grape and berry aroma. This particular phenotype has fluffy buds composed of green and light purple hued leaves with bundles of long orange hairs, dusted in frosty trichomes. With strong cerebral euphoria, this strain can be used strategically during the day, but may be most ideal for evening use, especially for patients combating insomnia or needing help with muscle relaxation prior to sleep. Lab results by PSI Labs show that the strain tested at 22.6 percent THC and tested negative for all foreign material.
Gelato 45 Available at: Motown Meds in Detroit.
Triple OG Three proud parent strains, Triangle Kush, Constantine and Master Yoda were crossed by Walker Wade Labs, bringing us this offspring that’s a triple threat with top-notch looks, aroma and effects. At a glance, this bud structure is simply beautiful—healthy-green tone throughout the leaves, bundled in predominant calyxes with bright orange hairs peeking out. A vibrant earthy and piney aroma taunts the taste buds from the first whiff. Patients medicating with a desire to alleviate symptoms associated to AIDS/HIV, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, insomnia, migraines, muscle spasms, nausea and PMS have noted that this indica-dominant strain (90/10) offers heavily potent effects of relaxation and sedation that exists predominantly in the body. It contains 25.5 percent THC and 0.3 percent CBD.
These dense buds emit a pungent sweet earthy aroma that beckons to be consumed. A cross of parent strains Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies results in nugs with rich purple hues decorating predominantly green leaves, intertwined in an abundance of orange hairs. This indica-dominant hybrid (60/40) was reported to provide relief for patients with a variety of ailments, providing nearly instantaneous physical and mental ease at 22.5 percent THC. Consume strategically and prepare a healthy snack or meal before your medication session, as strong appetite stimulation has also been consistently noted by consumers.
Available at: Herbal Solutions in Ypsilanti.
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REVIEWs
1. Gift a Green Send someone the birthday card that keeps on giving! An herb grows out of the card once you rip off the top and water it. You get to personalize each card with your own picture, your own message and you can add anything you’d like. Choices include arugula, grey dwarf sugar peas, kale, radishes, sunflower, kohlrabi or a mixture of arugula and kale. Then you can mail the card to your destination, or give it to the recipient in person. Personally, we’d choose to plant a different type of seed, but this card is definitely one-of-a-kind. Price: $10-18 More Information: giftagreen.com 2. HUDWAY Glass What is this futuristic sorcery? You’ll feel like one of the Avengers with this high-tech transparent glass screen that looks like a hologram and appears on the windshield of your car. Navigate Google Maps or your favorite navigation system using the HUDWAY Glass system and look through the screen onto the road in front of you. It’s practically guaranteed to wow your friends with this impressive display unit. HUDWAY’s patented design also makes the image from your phone screen appear 20 percent larger. Price: $49.99 More Information: hudwayglass.com
3. Summerland Fruit Fantasy Apple Pipe This finely-crafted ceramic piece is almost too beautiful to use. Its high-shine polished glaze, chic modern appeal and striking titanium white color make it scream, “I was made by a modern designer!” Each apple piece is painstakingly handmade, bearing the inscription “Summerland, California” on the bottom. It’s equipped with a functioning carb and extra-large smoking hole. The bowl is formed perfectly to fit a generous portion of cannabis at the top of the apple. Any seasoned cannabis consumer will instantly know about the D.I.Y. apple pipes that it represents. Price: $95 More Information: kindredblack.com
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4. Sweet Leaf Denim Shirt If Kylie Jenner or Naomi Campbell were to purchase a cannabisthemed denim shirt—this would be it. Beverly Hills-based fashion designer and icon Jacquie Aiche has really outdone herself this time with the Sweet Leaf Denim Shirt. Each shirt is adorned with a large white, black, light pink, whiskey, red or turquoise cannabis leaf made out of pure snakeskin. Aiche’s Middle Eastern background occasionally influences her finished products. Each shirt is available with or without a python collar, and the tops are all handmade in the U.S.A. Price: $1,330 More Information: jacquieaiche.com
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entertainment
Release Date: SEPT. 7
BOOK
Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana Danny Danko Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. No two words are more synonymous with cannabis expertise than High Times—so when High Times Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko pens an introductory book on growing cannabis, it’s best to pay close attention. Hot and fresh of the press, Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana is the simple, straightforward handbook that beginning green thumbs desperately need. From setting up your grow room, to determining the best genetics through every step of harvest, cultivation and more, Danko’s first-hand experience shines through in every chapter of this 144page book. (Jacob Cannon)
Available on: PlayStation 4
MOVIE GAME
Marvel’s Spider-Man Dev. Insomniac Games Pub. Sony Interactive Entertainment On paper, Spider-Man games have always been an exciting idea but in the past, the technology was not quite up to snuff in allowing game developers to create a successful experience—until now. Marvel’s Spider-Man, which won Best PS4 Game at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany last month, is poised to be the best SpiderMan game ever, offering beautiful rendered landscapes that legitimately make players feel like they are the web-slinging hero. The game presents a brand new story and enjoyable combat that evolves seamlessly between varying weather conditions and unique enemy battles. (Nicole Potter)
Avengers: Infinity War
MUSIC
Dir. Anthony Russo; Joe Russo Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Just when you thought a Marvel superhero movie couldn’t get any bigger or more character-packed, Avengers: Infinity War is here to show just how huge a superhero movie can be. Incorporating cast members from the Avengers, Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy, the film follows the heroes of each franchise as they take on one of the Marvel universe’s most powerful and dangerous villains, Thanos. Directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Infinity War may be gargantuan, but it never feels excessive or indulgent. Instead, the film brings one the most compelling stories in comic history to life. (Simon Weedn)
Soul Assassins: Dia del Asesinato DJ Muggs Soul Assassins Records Though he may be best known as the longtime DJ/producer of Southern California hip-hop legend Cypress Hill, DJ Muggs has also been releasing a steady stream of solo and collaborative records since the late ’90s. His most recent release, Soul Assassins: Dia del Asesinato, is one of his best albums yet and finds the seasoned producer colluding with a slew of veteran MCs including Raekwon, Kool G Rap, MF DOOM and several others to great effect. Loaded up with the old school, aggressive, bass-heavy beats that Muggs built his career on, the record will impress old and young hip-hop fans alike. (Simon Weedn)
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“We’ve been kind of blessed w i t h t h e s e p e n s r i g h t n o w, s o I don’t have to worry about rolling joints anymore or getting rid of seeds.”
See Jo Koy live Sept. 23, at The State Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI
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Photos by John Gilhooley
Comedian Jo Koy continues to charm a n d e n t e r ta i n h i s ever-growing fan b a s e w i t h c o n s ta n t t o u r i n g , a w e e k ly podcast and new comedy specials By David Edmundson Comedian Jo Koy may be the nicest person CULTURE has ever met. The veteran comic greets everyone with an enormous hug, a smile and infectious positivity. Koy attributes a lot of his humor, hustle and success to his mother, who showed him by example that it is possible to go from struggling to make ends meet, to headlining comedy clubs around the world. After spending even a brief amount of time with him you also learn that his other two loves are his son and stand-up. And if you’ve seen his recent Netflix special, Jo Koy: Live from Seattle, you’ll be regaled with countless funny anecdotes about his son and his quest to conquer puberty. Koy was raised in the Seattle, Washington area, and from the moment he saw Eddie Murphy’s Raw in person, he knew what he was going to do with the rest of his life. Sure, there were lean years; he sold shoes at Nordstrom Rack the day after he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This was 15 years into his journey in stand-up. His story is a tale of perseverance and a testament to what you can accomplish if you dedicate yourself to something and give it 110 percent all the time. Now, Koy only continues to reach new audiences and make lifelong fans, selling record-breaking shows across the world and recently receiving the “Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” award at Montreal Canada’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Koy chatted with CULTURE about being a comedian, the new Netflix special he has in the works, as well as his relationship with cannabis. CultureMagazine.com
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“I’m shooting my new Netflix special. This time Netflix i s b e h i n d i t, s o I d o n ’ t h a v e t o w o r r y a b o u t t h e b u d g e t, b u y i n g s ta g e c o v e r s , s e t design and directors. I don’t have to wear any of those hats. I get to walk out o n s ta g e a n d j u s t b e f u n n y. ”
When did you know that comedy was what you were going to do in life? I knew comedy was what I wanted to do when I heard Eddie Murphy do Delirious, so 1981-1982. When it came out I was in the sixth grade, that’s when I said I wanted to be a stand-up comedian for the rest of my life. In sixth grade, at 11 or 12 years old, you’re watching Delirious? I recorded it on a VHS tape. I recorded Delirious on there with Whoopi Goldberg’s Direct from Broadway, Robin Williams’ Live from the Met and Bill Cosby’s Himself. I had everything on that tape, and all I did was watch stand-up. I was in love with Eddie Murphy though, so when he went on tour with Raw, he came to Seattle, and I bought tickets for me and my friend William. My mom drove me to downtown Seattle, two 15-year-old kids, she was saying, “Why are you going to see a movie in Seattle, why didn’t you get tickets to see Eddie Murphy in Tacoma?” She had no idea there was a [live show], but she dropped us off at the Coliseum; that was the best day of my life. 22
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Which do you like more? Raw or Delirious? Well of course my heart is going to be with Raw, because I got to see it before anyone else did. This was back when kids didn’t really watch stand-up. It was like an adult thing to do. It was a special moment for me, and that comedy routine will always be in my body for the rest of my being. I remember that whole moment. I remember walking into the Coliseum, I remember buying a sweatshirt, I still remember the name of the production company. I remember that I was so mad that I didn’t buy the T-shirt, and I bought the sweatshirt. The sweatshirt said “Panda Panda,” which was the promotion company that brought the tour there. And then it said Eddie Murphy, it didn’t say Raw and had some Argyle on it. It had nothing to do with the tour. Then
they had T-shirts, that I didn’t buy, and it was just a red T-shirt with a silhouette of Eddie that said Raw. Should have bought that, I think about that every fucking day man. How did your family react when you decided to pursue stand-up? Were they supportive? Well my mom, no of course. She’s an immigrant mom from the Philippines, and now her kid wants to be a standup comedian. For her generation it’s all about having kids, sending them to college, she retires, and the kids take over. I get it when you come from a country where everyone is suffering from poverty, and you arrive in the land of opportunity, the last thing you want is for your kids to struggle. She didn’t think it was really going to happen, and she was right for about 15 years. From 1989 until 2004/2005, so you’re talking about 15 to 16 years of my mom being right. Reminding me every holiday, “Thirtytwo and you work at a fucking shoe store, trying to be a comedian. You’re not a kid anymore.” Then it starts to wear on you, like, “Fuck, maybe my mom is right, maybe I should quit, maybe I should get a full-time job being a mailman.”
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You’ve been doing stand-up for over 20 years. How long were you in the game before you felt like you made it? I did the Apollo in 1998 or 1999, and I felt like I made it. I was nine years in, and I’m on national television. I’m on a show that I’ve dreamed of being on ever since I watched it when I was a kid. I remember standing in the shower and pretending I was doing stand-up on the Apollo, and it came to life. So, to me I made it. Financially I’m not making it, I’m broke. For my mom, it was when I did The Tonight Show [with Jay Leno]. She was able to see something on NBC, and this is Jay Leno, the world knows Jay Leno, and here he is introducing her son. So, to me that’s when I made it, 15 years in, and literally that was when I was able to quit all my jobs because I was still working part time jobs when I did The Tonight Show. You use your family experiences for comedy gold. Has there been any pushback? I get nervous sometimes. On my last 24
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special, Jo Koy: Live from Seattle, I talked about my sister getting kicked out at 17. In the special I say she was kicked out of 18, when in reality she was kicked out at 16, but I didn’t want to say that. I remember practicing that joke at Treasure Island before I taped the special, and my mom, who finally made up with my sister a couple years before, and my sister are in the crowd. I remember doing that joke in front of them and being so fucking nervous. I remember getting offstage and my mom hugged me, and my sister hugged me. My sister said, “It really didn’t happen that way.” But I don’t want to say all the shit that happened, but let the audience know that this is generally what happened. I don’t want to make it too serious, so I got their approval, but I was really nervous. What does your mom think of your impression of her? Of course, her natural instinct is to say, “I don’t really say that,” or “I don’t sound like that,” and then I’m
like, “You sound like it right fucking now.” She’s where I got my comedy from, that’s where the natural ability comes from. She used humor when she came to this country to make friends and that’s pretty fucking awesome. Imagine coming here when the country was pretty much white and black. In 1968, immigrant with a military husband and a kid that nobody’s ever seen before. They’ve never seen a mixed kid. What the fuck is that? He’s got Asian eyes, but they’re hazel. What the fuck! My mom had to figure it out, there was no Facebook, she had to meet people on her own and figure out the language. I got my hustle from my mom. My mom used to put together these events with other Filipinos. They would rent out the Knights of Columbus Hall for $200 and invite all these people she met at the mall. There would be a long table of food, and the kids would perform. I saw my mom’s hustle, and I think that indirectly that motivated me, because I saw her do it.
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Has your teenage son, or one of his friends, seen your act? All of his friends have seen it. It’s what they do when they go out on the weekends. If they meet up at a friend’s house, my son will come over and he’ll tell me how Aiden put on my special and they all watched it. Do you consume cannabis? Who doesn’t! We’ve been kind of blessed with these pens right now, so I don’t have to worry about rolling joints anymore or getting rid of seeds. The pens are right there, and they’re all over the place, so I’ve been blessed to go to certain places where you can pick up some cool pens. How do you think cannabis affects the creative process? For me, not at all. Creatively I don’t need that. I do it purely for entertainment value. It’s fun to do it and laugh. I don’t use it for creative reasons, more just recreation. To relax and have a good time.
“For me, not at all. C r e a t i v e ly I d o n ’ t n e e d [ c a n n a b i s ] . I d o i t p u r e ly f o r e n t e r ta i n m e n t v a l u e . It’s fun to do it and laugh. I don’t use it for creative reasons, more just recreation. To relax and have a good time.”
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You released your last special Jo Koy: Live from Seattle on Netflix; what makes the streaming service such a great fit for stand-up? That’s the blueprint right there. I don’t understand why networks haven’t copied this blueprint. Netflix changed my life, changed my career. I knew that I needed to get on Netflix, and they said “no” to me so many times. So I just invested all my money, and financially paid for my special. I knew that
if we didn’t sell this I’d be broke, so thank God I had a good manager and agent that believed in the project and were willing to invest as well. I had enough confidence to think that I was going to be able to sell it, even though Netflix said they didn’t need it. So, I shot that shit myself, with no potential buyer. Just praying that someone would buy it. We shopped that thing around for a few months, and we finally put it on Netflix’s table, and they bought it. Changed my life. Aside from touring, you also host a weekly podcast called, “The Koy Pond.” Do you find this to be an extension of your comedy, or a way to do something new? I love “The Koy Pond,” because I get to show off my ad lib skills, my improv. I do it onstage, but I love to do it in conversation. So that’s what that is all about, I go in there unscripted without a topic, without anything. I literally walk on and let it roll, and wherever that conversation takes us, that’s what we’re posting that night. So what’s next? I’m shooting my new Netflix special. This time Netflix is behind it, so I don’t have to worry about the budget, buying stage covers, set design and directors. I don’t have to wear any of those hats. I get to walk out onstage and just be funny. I don’t have to worry about getting offstage and having to eat a butter sandwich because I’m broke. c jokoy.com
LIGHTNING ROUND Richard Pryor or George Carlin? Carlin, only because I got to see him live when I was 15 at Bally’s. Soccer or football? Both suck. Pineapple on Pizza; gross or yum? Disgusting. It’s cold, why is it on there? Name a movie that makes you cry. My Life with Michael Keaton. Die Hard; Christmas movie or straight action movie? It is the greatest Christmas action movie ever. Batman or Superman? Batman. Cats or dogs? Dogs. Are you kidding me? Cats suck. Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore all day. People who back into parking spaces— monsters or geniuses? Geniuses. Favorite cannabis strain or product? Chocolate chip cookie edible. CultureMagazine.com
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Hemp on the Halfpipe Skateboard manufacturers offer skaters sustainable boards and gear made from hemp By Kiara Manns
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he integration of hemp into mainstream production appears to be right around the corner as more and more companies take it upon themselves to abandon traditional practices of production that are more harmful to the Earth. The cultivation of industrial hemp, once a common practice, has been hindered throughout modern history by federal laws that placed the plant in the Schedule I drug category despite containing nonpsychoactive components. Before its prohibition, hemp 28
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was often used for paper and textile products dating back to the 18th century and beyond. Progression in legislation and an evolving perspective on the benefits of hemp now allow companies the chance to supply sustainable products. Consumers of every market will soon be able to opt for eco-friendly options in their lives. Whether they are clothing, housing or goods, choosing industrial hemp products help to break preexisting stigmas while showing kindness to the planet. The active sports industry proves to be no stranger to industrial hemp as some skateboard companies have decided to incorporate the crop into the production of skate gear such as wheels, decks and whole boards. Check out some of the brilliant franchises embarking on the exciting journey toward a sustainable future through hemp.
Granny Smith Sports Granny Smith Sports grew from the minds of Nick Griffith, David Blanchard and Greg Osusky in San Diego, California. Together, the three partners agreed on developing skatewear in such a way that would integrate sustainability and durability. “We don’t have to sacrifice the environment to enjoy the best performance” they share on the Granny Smith Sports website. “Just because the standard is there doesn’t mean there’s not a more eco-friendly and sustainable way.” Designing boards made with hemp has several advantages. Not only is the plant easy to replenish, taking only six months to grow and mature, cultivating hemp involves no deforestation. With an anti-plastic mindset, Granny Smith Sports provides skateboards and aids in the preservation of our oceans. The composition of the Sprout Cruiser for instance is 80 percent hemp and 20 percent plant resin. Consumers can rest assured that they are investing in a board that is 100 percent plant-based. “We at Granny Smith take pride in our hands-on process of crafting quality with sustainability” they explain. “It IS possible to have real durability with a plant-based product.” The company proudly crafts its skatewear to follow a plant-based lifestyle and to make a more positive impact on the environment.
“ I f o r m e d HEMP Z OO t o g i v e s u s ta i n a b l e options to people t h at c a r e a b o u t o u r planet and children’s future.”
Vibronic Hemp Wheels How does one make a 100 percent plant-based skateboard more eco-friendly? Roll in a set of plantbased wheels for a completely sustainable ride! Vibronic Hemp Wheels proves that hemp can be incorporated into practically any product. What began as a family business in 1953 evolved into the current Rubber-Tech Inc., a company in the rubber industry. With roots from this family company, Vibronic Hemp Wheels blossomed into an innovative brand that sought to create a new way of going down the halfpipe. As a division of Rubber-Tech Inc., the founders of Vibronic Hemp Wheels set forth to bring a “unique product” to the sports market. Vibronic Hemp Wheels often makes custom wheel designs and aims to be a leader in advanced and sustainable development. Manufactured in the United States, the wheels give back to both the Earth and the economy.
HEMPZOO Although HEMPZOO is only a little over a year old, having officially launched on April 20, 2017, the
company has made great strides by partnering with like-minded businesses to bring consumers planet-friendly products. Company Founder Jasen Russell has been involved in the cannabis industry for more than a decade. After the loss of his brother in 2006, Russell took it upon himself to fully commit to the budding industry, later leading him to begin HEMPZOO. Like many other ecofriendly entrepreneurs, Russell hoped to create an alternative option that would be more conscious of the environment. “I formed HEMPZOO to give sustainable options to people that care about our planet and children’s future,” he explained. Looking to collaborate with like-minded companies, Russell partnered other franchises including Granny Smith Sports. “We collaborate making custom eco hemp skateboards for big and small businesses or individuals looking for a unique Earth-friendly product. I work with many companies and supply hemp materials to make my custom products.” On the official HEMPZOO website shoppers will find Granny Smith Sports boards, Vibronic Hemp Wheels and hemp-made protective gear. Among the variety of hemp merchandise are knee and elbow pads featuring canvas that is composed entirely of hemp. The pads are custom made in the United States and have proven durability. c CultureMagazine.com
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Frame of Freedom Artist Veronika Vajdova finds inspiration in the need for political change By Simon Weedn
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wenty-sevenyear-old Glasgow Caledonian University student Veronika Vajdová has been painting and creating art her entire life. However, it wasn’t until she began submitting pieces to the Natural Cannabis Company’s annual High Art competition, a cannabis-themed visual art contest, that her work began attracting international attention. Her contribution to 2018 installment of the competition, Metamorphosis, was among the most interesting and beautiful pieces submitted, and the piece garnered a great deal of praise from her peers. Recently, CULTURE had the opportunity to catch up with Vajdová and hear all about her art, her inspirations and the message she is trying to get across with Metamorphosis.
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Self Portrait
To start off, can you give us a little background on yourself and how became interested in painting and graphic art? Well, I’m originally from Slovakia, and I’ve always been interested in art, but in my family it wasn’t always something I was encouraged to pursue. So I always kept trying to find something else I was interested in, because everyone was telling me that art was just something you do as a hoppy, and I ended up studying medicine. However, after studying for a few years I realized I was spending more and more time on art and that it was something that interested me a lot. So, I decided to quit medicine, found a 3D Animation and Visualization course in the United Kingdom, and so that’s where I am and that’s what I’m studying currently. Recently, your piece Metamorphosis was picked as a finalist for the High Art competition. Can you tell me a bit about the painting and what inspired it? The topic this year was “freedom,” and I come from a country where marijuana is illegal, and in the U.K. it’s the same situation. So, with Metamorphosis I wanted to say with it was that there are way too many things that I feel should change and that nobody seems to be dealing with the situation. Instead, everybody is connecting the idea of change to something bad. In my country, you can hear people talking about how legalization, even
for medical marijuana, would just lead to more people taking other drugs, and no one realizes that we already have other legal drugs. If you just think about alcohol and how much trouble it causes in families, and it is something legal. So, what I was trying to say with that piece, is that change doesn’t have to be something negative; change can be beautiful, and it can lead to something positive. What has been your experience submitting to High Art so far? Well, it’s been a few years since the contest started, and I think I submitted my art to the first or second year of the competition. Back then, it was actually the first time I had the courage to submit my art to a competition, and I think I became a finalist that year. I was shocked that I made it that far, and it’s one of the things that pushed me to make the change from medicine to art full-time. You mentioned that in Slovakia and the U.K. cannabis laws are still pretty restrictive. Do you see attitudes starting to change over there especially with successful legalization efforts in Canada and the U.S.? Well, people do talk about it, especially if something happens in bigger countries like the U.S., Canada or Mexico. You can see that some people who just a few years ago wouldn’t have thought about it or have an opinion that would be completely negative are no longer thinking in negative terms
Metamorphosis
“ Y o u k n o w, w h e n p e o p l e ta l k a b o u t their experiences with marijuana and c r e at i v i t y, t h at ’ s i n s p i r i n g t o m e . ” about it. I think what’s helping is people going on YouTube or the news and talking about their own experiences with medical marijuana. Especially when people talk about their experiences with chronic pain or illness, it makes people think about it more. Is cannabis something that inspires some of your work? You know, when people talk about their experiences with
marijuana and creativity, that’s inspiring to me. Every year I check to find out when the High Art competition is happening, because I always love their topics and find them to be very inspiring. It’s usually just one month that people can submit their work, and I just love browsing through other people’s art and checking it all out. There’s just something about the High Art community that’s so nice and relaxed that it inspires me too. c www.deviantart.com/weroni
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Cosmic C uNicole r at i v e Skibola of Cosmic View found healing and entrepreneurship in cannabis
By Devon Alexander Brown
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fter graduating during the financial crisis of 2008, it became clear to Nicole Skibola that she no longer wanted to practice law. Instead she began working as a business consultant in New York City before deviating into sustainability and corporate social responsibility work. But before long, she discovered that this was just as unfulfilling as the prospect of spending hours in a dismal law firm. Soon she found herself, like thousands of fellow New Yorkers, selfmedicating with cannabis to cope with the stresses of Midtown Manhattan. By 2012 her world was upended—she was diagnosed with cancer in the form of a rare uterine sarcoma. But that illness only transformed her into the person she is today. Almost six years after recovering, Skibola has found greater peace. Her creative side, dormant for the better half of her adulthood, sprung to life shortly after her diagnosis, and she is now the author of the upcoming book, Wakeful Night, an illustrated exploration of cancer-related loss
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Photos by Drew Stevens
she developed to lead readers through their own stages of identity, fear and metaphorical thinking. Through art—the book also features a series of Skibola’s abstract linocut prints and India ink paintings—and narrative storytelling, Wakeful Night aims to support readers through their cancer experiences and inspire creativity. In addition to her newfound creative practice, Nicole is the co-founder of Cosmic View, a craft cannabis company specializing in handmade organic salves and tinctures that reflects her new perspective on life. Skibola described her company to CULTURE. “[Cosmic View] really promotes this idea of body intuition,” Skibola said. “I think cannabis is an amazing way to develop that skill . . . getting to know your own body, taking control of your own health and figuring out what works for you. There’s a trend right now in the cannabis industry, which is making cannabis feel like a pharmaceutical drug, which is great for some people, but for us it’s really about helping consumers know themselves and listen to their bodies.”
“I don’t know where I would be without cannabis. I think t h at c a n n a b i s i s a n a m a z i n g tool to be able to come back into the present moment and s i t w i t h w h at e v e r y o u ’ r e d e a l i n g w i t h . . . t h at ’ s a n a m a z i n g g i f t t h at c a n n a b i s has offered us.”
Skibola doesn’t credit cannabis for curing her cancer, but she does acknowledge the science showing cannabinoids—like CBD—are effective in treating certain cancer cells, notably endometrial varieties. After undergoing surgical treatment, Skibola adopted an Ayurveda diet and began placing more focus on mindfulness and being present. Although cannabis wasn’t directly consumed during her cancer treatment, it has since allowed her to develop the skills necessary for deeper introspection and subsequent emotional healing. Her illness was also the primary inspiration behind the launch of Cosmic View. “Cannabis was never really presented as an option to me while I was sick . . . it really became a big part of my life after I was sick because I needed to change my lifestyle,” Skibola said. “Living in New York is a stressful life, and I was drinking a lot of alcohol and sort of relying on that, and cannabis became a way for me to just relax and have a good time without having to worry about poisoning my body with alcohol.” Her mother and co-founder, Dr. Christine Skibola, is a former
University of California, Berkeley professor and cancer researcher. She was also a professor of epidemiology and an endowed chair of oncology in the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. At the cancer center Christine was inspired to craft herbal salves after witnessing their use on the burns of radiation patients. Her daughter’s diagnosis led her to delve into the literature of plant medicine more aggressively, where cannabis continually appeared as a promising tool. As her mother began preparing to retire from academia, she became increasingly interested in crafting her own medicinal products and decided to add cannabis to her recipes. That decision led Nicole to relocate from Brooklyn to California to join her mother in a cannabis collective. By January of this year, Cosmic View truly came into its own as a company. “I don’t know where I would be without cannabis,” Skibola said. “I think that cannabis is an amazing tool to be able to come back into the present moment and sit with whatever you’re dealing with . . . that’s an amazing gift that cannabis has offered us.” Skibola’s book, Wakeful Night, goes on sale Sept. 25 and can be pre-ordered from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Because Cosmic View products contain both CBD and THC, they are only available for purchase and delivery from select dispensaries around the greater San Francisco Bay Area. c
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GROWING CULTURE
Urban Herbs A v i s i t t o o n e o f t h e la r g e s t u r ba n c u lt i vat i o n s i t e s i n t h e U . S . By Ed Rosenthal
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t wasn’t long ago that the idea of growing an acre of cannabis in California was just a fantasy. But in 2016, citizens in California voted affirmatively on a partial legalization initiative. Now we can see the short-term results. Commercial cultivation sites have since expanded from Mendocino-type gardens typified by large plants, and each had a yield of 10 to 15 pounds. Back in the day, cultivators were able to harvest relatively large crops, while staying within the plant limit, which usually ranged from six to 49 plants. Indoors, a 100 light facility with a canopy of 1,500 to 2,000 square feet was considered large. Those are antiquated numbers now. In California, the law allows outdoor farms to contain at least one acre or more. There are a number of outdoor farms in legal counties, but most of the large ones are in rural areas, where there is ample space to spread out. However, in an urban area of California there was an acre-plus lot that had just been cleared of derelict buildings. The soil was suspect. Before it was cleared, abandoned cars and old machinery had been dumped there. However, the land was level enough to cover it with 20-gallon bags irrigated using a drip system. The new owners were planning to construct a greenhouse on the land, but that was only in the planning stages. The space was not scheduled for improvement after the growing season was over. However it needed some modifications before it could be used. City water
Once the plants were set outside they suffered from sunburn (bleaching), and nutrient imbalance including magnesium and potassium. 34
The stakes were tied together and then the netting was attached. Finally the branches were tied to the netting. No branches stuck out from the rows, much like the way wine grapes are trained.
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would have to be hooked up, which wasn’t much of a problem. However before plants could be planted, a chain link fence marking the perimeter was needed in order to make the lot visually impenetrable. Rather than buying pre-filled bags of soil, the cultivator decided to buy bulk soil and have laborers fill the bags from a soil pile dumped in the middle of the space using shovels. As the bags were filled, they were set in place and then planted. Once the containers were in place, the stakes and netting were installed. The stakes crossed each other and were tied. Then the netting was attached to the stakes. Finally, the branches were spread apart and attached to the netting using twist ties. Unfortunately, the final garden design was not followed and the netting was set at an oblique angle to the sun. As a result, portions of the plant that would have been in sunlight were partially shaded. The correct angle would have been for the plants to face north and south,
A plant tied to the netting. Photo taken about a week after the plants were set.
perpendicular to the sun. This becomes especially important in the fall, when the sun drops in relationship to the horizon, casting longer shadows. The cannabis plants had been growing under lights for several months before being planted outdoors, but the intensity was low so the stems were somewhat stretched and the leaves were small. The six-inch containers were slightly root-bound. The situation wasn’t critical and the roots would be able to grow into the new planting mix. It turned out that the planting mix was not ripe, so the plants were held back a little for the first two weeks by pH instability, causing unavailability for some of the micro-nutrients. Another problem that the plants faced was sunburn. The plants had been growing indoors under HPS lights, which emit no UV light. The old leaves were easily sunburned as a result. In spite of all these problems, the plants adjusted to their new environment and the newest growth showed that the soil problems had been resolved. c
Ten days after the first photo, plants have recovered somewhat, and new growth is healthy.
Looking down a row. 3,000 containers were planted. They are irrigated using drip emitters.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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Instructions:
An Apple a Day By Laurie Wolf
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owadays, there seems to be very few apple varieties available in most markets. However, a quick drive to the countryside for apple picking will offer up various other varieties of apples, many of which are still growing on centuries-old trees. As September marks the beginning of apple season, make a trip to apple country to get your hands on some of the freshest fruit available—apples are good for you, particularly when they are in season and handpicked by you. Our favorite baking apples are Jonagold, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Braeburn. Embrace the season, and delight your taste buds with this recipe for Granola Baked Apples. Since we are infusing these apples with cannabutter, you have increased your chances for keeping the doctor away!
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Makes
6
Servings
Granola Baked Apples Ingredients: 3 apples (Braeburn apples are suggested) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 cups granola, any variety
2 tablespoons cannabutter, cold 1 tablespoon butter, cold 1 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
Photos by Bruce Wolf
Maple syrup
1. Heat oven to 340° F. Cut the apples in half, core them creating a cavity, and rub the cut surfaces with the lemon juice. 2. In a small bowl combine the granola, brown sugar, cannabutter, butter, cinnamon and salt. With clean fingers, work the topping until the butter is evenly incorporated into the granola. 3. Place the apples on a baking sheet. Fill each cavity with equal amounts of infused granola mixture. Bake until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. If desired, drizzle each apple with maple syrup before devouring.
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Infamous South Beach street artist Jonathan Crenshaw, 46, attracts a lot of attention in Miami among tourists, who watch him paint on a canvas—using his feet. Crenshaw does not have arms and is homeless. Profiled in a local newspaper in 2011, Crenshaw told of a difficult childhood (he also claimed Gloria Estefan had given birth to 200 of his children). He landed in the headlines again after stabbing a Chicago man with a pair of scissors on July 10. According to the Miami Herald, Cesar Coronado, 22, told police he had approached Crenshaw to ask for directions, when Crenshaw jumped up and, using his feet, stabbed Coronado. Crenshaw’s story is that as he lay on the pavement, Coronado punched him in the head—so he stabbed him, tucked the scissors into his waistband and walked away. Police found Crenshaw, who has a lengthy arrest record, nearby and arrested him. BOLD MOVE Faith Pugh of Memphis, Tennessee, had a date to remember on July 14 with Kelton Griffin. Her casual acquaintance from high school “just out of the blue texted me and asked me to go out,” Pugh told WREG-TV. They took her car and stopped at a gas station, where Griffin asked Pugh to go inside and buy 38
him a cigar. But while she was inside, “He drove off. I came outside and my car was gone,” Pugh said. Shortly, Pugh received a text from her godsister, telling her Griffin had just asked her out on a date. He picked up the godsister in Pugh’s car and headed to a drive-in movie. “He didn’t even have any money,” Pugh said. “She actually paid their way to get in the drive-in just so I could get my car back.” Pugh alerted the police to the car’s location, and they arrested Griffin for theft of property. “I hope he’s in jail for a long time,” Pugh said. MYSTERY SOLVED On Jan. 25, 71-yearold Alan J. Abrahamson of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, went for his regular pre-dawn walk to Starbucks. What happened on the way stumped police investigators until March, reported The Washington Post, and on July 13 they made their findings public. Images from a surveillance camera show Abrahamson walking out of his community at 5:35 a.m. and about a halfhour later, the sound of a gunshot is heard. Just before 7 a.m., a dog found Abrahamson’s body, lying near a walking path. Police found no weapon, no signs of a struggle; he still had his wallet and phone. Investigators initially worked the case as a homicide, but as they dug deeper into the man’s computer searches and purchases over the past nine years, a theory developed: Abrahamson had tied a gun to a weather balloon filled with helium, shot himself, and then the gun drifted away to parts
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unknown. A thin line of blood on Abrahamson’s sweatshirt indicated to police that “something with the approximate width of a string passed through the blood on the outside of the shirt,” the final report says. As for the balloon, investigators said it would likely have ascended to about 100,000 feet and exploded somewhere north of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. BRIGHT IDEA It’s time once again for minor league baseball promotion fun and games! This time, however, the Montgomery (Alabama) Biscuits managed to tick off a whole generation of baseball fans. The Biscuits announced Millennial Night on July 21, featuring participation ribbons just for showing up, a napping area, selfie stations and lots of avocados, reported Fox News. While some Twitter users thought the promotion was insensitive, others were more philosophical. Dallas Godshall, 21, said, “More than targeting millennials, it’s sort of targeting older generations who like to make fun of millennials.” Pitcher Benton Ross weighed in: “If it’s insensitive, maybe they should just have thicker skin.” REVENGE, TEXAS-STYLE The Austin AmericanStatesman reported that on June 17, RV park neighbors and longtime adversaries Ryan Felton Sauter, 39, and Keith Monroe got into a heated dispute about an undisclosed subject. Later that day, Monroe saw Sauter leaving Monroe’s RV and asked him why
he had gone in without permission, to which Sauter replied, “You’ll see why.” Going inside, Monroe soon spotted a 3-foot-long rattlesnake. “I freaked out,” he said. He used a machete to kill the snake, which strangely was missing its rattles. Turns out Sauter had bitten off the snake’s tail, with its signature warning sound. Sauter has been charged with deadly conduct and criminal trespass. PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS Tina Ballard, 56, of Okeechobee County, Florida, was arrested in North Carolina by Linville Land Harbor police on July 16 after fleeing there to “hide (her pet) monkey so that state officials could not take that monkey from her,” assistant state attorney Ashley Albright told WPBF News. Ballard’s troubles began in May, when the spider monkey, Spanky, jumped out of a shopping cart in an Okeechobee Home Depot and grabbed a cashier’s shirt, “leaving red marks on the cashier’s shoulder and back.” In June, Fox News reported, another Home Depot employee spotted Spanky in the parking lot, having escaped Ballard’s truck and dragging a leash. Spanky was spooked by the store’s sliding doors and bit the employee on the arm, grabbing her hair and running away. The employee gave chase and eventually caught Spanky, but not before suffering more bites and scratches. Spanky was in the car when Ballard was arrested and extradited back to Florida; the monkey will be placed in a primate sanctuary.
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