PUBLISHER’SLETTER FEBRUARY 2011 VOL. 3 ISSUE #2 NUG Magazine Staff: Publisher: Ben G. Rowin Associate Publisher: M.J. Smith Editor: Dion Markgraaff Associate Editor: George Alberts Administrative Assistant: Gio Blitz Copy Editor: Hashley Events Editor: Cletus “KRON” Greathouse Music Editor: Ras Mike Photographers: Gio Blitz, Eric Fowler, Courtney Pakalolo, Jennifer Martinez Calendar Editor: Courtney Pakalolo Videographer: Chris Gabriel Contributors: “SD OG Grower”, Dion Markgraaff, Kim Twolan, Eugene Davidovich, James Dean Stacy, Marc Emmelmann, Dannabis Ruderalis, Pamela Jayne, Goldi Schiffner, Lance Rogers, Zodiac Mama, Tiffany Janay, Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Jed Sanders, George Alberts, Robert Stinson, Rocky Neptun, Tiffani Kjeldergaard, R.J. Villa, Ryan Whitaker, Hashley, Sandieganliz, Eric Fowler, Courtney Pakalolo, Bahareh Green Reefer Comic by. Joshua Boulet Sales Director: Ben G. Rowin
NUG Staff/Advertiser Appreciation Party February is here and once again, it’s time for love! Speaking of love, we wanted to give some to our advertisers, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring this publication to you. If a location chooses to be highlighted or advertise with us and support the cannabis community, we should then in turn spend our money with those who support us! So go ahead and make a trip down to Blazin’ Grill to eat. If you need a plumber, give Jimbo’s a call; or if you need hydro equipment, choose one of our many advertisers and tell them NUG sent you! It is better to spend our hard earned money with organizations that agree with our feelings on cannabis. Once again, we want to thank all of our advertisers for making this publication possible and for helping to get the information in it out to the public! We have a crazy big issue for you this month, stuffed with some amazing articles! Make sure to check out our music coverage as always because this month is thick with talent. Also, NUG is bringing you some information on healthy living with an article on Hemp Milk written by Dion Markgraaff, and our new column Mind, Body, Health and Wellness makes its debut with a piece on healthy relationships. We also have some info on Raw Foods brought to you by our very own Tiffany Janay and an awesome review on the OB Noodle House; and don’t forget to check out the Cooking with Cannabis column for lovers. We highlighted the recent effort by Americans for Safe Access San Diego as they assisted in training County Public Defenders on helping to defend medical marijuana patients correctly. Of course, once again, our regular staples of the magazine did an outstanding job! The Chronisseur upped his workload by reviewing 5 strains this month, and Leo Laurence of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition brings you another outstanding article. We also have more performing arts coverage and a great artist profile! Thanks again for picking up NUG Magazine, San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication!
Advertising Sales Reps: Dion Markgraaff, Cletus Greathouse, Eugene Davidovich, Brom Richey, James Dean Stacy, Myles Liddle, Kirk Lazar, Jordan D.
-Ben G. Rowin
Art Director: Ian Rie Finance Manager: M.J. Smith
Distribution/Subscriptions: Beau’s Distribution Service info@beausdistribution.com NUG Magazine Staff Contact Information: 9880 N. Magnolia Ave #168 Santee, Ca 92071 (619) 616-4961 For general information or to reach our Publisher: info@nugmag.com For all art/design information: art@nugmag.com For all editorial related information: info@nugmag.com For submissions: submit@nugmag.com NUG Magazine is published and distributed by NUG Magazine LLC. All contents are for entertainment and educational purposes only and are intended for mature audiences. We are not responsible for any actions taken by our readers nor do we condone any illegal activity. Advertisers are responsible for their own ads and content. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the magazine. All submissions become our property and may be used for publication. At times we may use materials placed in the public domain. If you own it let us know and we will acknowledge you. Reproduction of any content is encouraged if you get permission from our Publisher. All contents copyright. 2011
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CONTENTS
\\:NUG TIMES
19
\\:DEAR NUG
20
\\:L.E.A.P
24
\\:ACTIVISM
28
\\:PATIENT PROFILE
32
\\:HEALTH & WELLNESS
37
62
42
65
\\:HEMP MILK
\\:RAW FOOD
46
\\:OB NOODLE HOUSE
49
\\:BLUE BIRD
54
\\:COOKING
58
\\:GROW
\\:CHRONISSEUR
\\:AMSTERDAM
68
\\:MAMMOTH LAKES
78
\\:HOW’D THE SHOW GO
88
\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS
92
\\:BUD REVIEWS
ExtravaGanja Comes Back to the La Jolla Comedy Store On January 18th, Americans for Safe Access organized another laugh out loud, side-splitting, hilarious comedy show for the medical marijuana community here in San Diego. This year’s event was a smashing success! Performers included MC Burnz Dailey, Leslie Jones, local legend “Big Toe” Goffney, Elizabeth Croydon, Andy Dick’s son Lucas, Phil Mazzo, Eric Marino, Zane Helberg, Jeanette Caradonna, Ron Josol, The 420 Comic Jeffrey Peterson, and NUG Radio’s Medicinal Mike!
Patients send a strong message to City Council on Dispensary Ordinance By: Eugene Davidovich, San Diego ASA
The proposed ordinance that would regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in the City of San Diego is now one step closer to a full city council vote. On Thursday, January 20th, the San Diego Planning Commission voted to approve recommendations to further restrict access in San Diego. By a vote of 3 to 2, the commission recommended that the city council add colleges and universities to the list of sensitive uses, and that the Conditional Use Permit be a process 4. The restrictive recommendations also accompanied one promising recommendation, which is that existing locations have 6 months to come into compliance with the proposed ordinance. The discussion and vote took over four hours on Thursday, and included testimonies from concerned citizens, doctors, lawyers, law enforcement and land use experts, all pleading with the commission for less restrictive recommendations. The San Diego Medical Marijuana Community did an amazing job in sending a strong message to the city council that
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Photo: Jennifer Martinez the ordinance they are working on simply does not reflect the wishes and needs of the San Diego Community. Unfortunately, against the protests of dozens of people as well as the chair of the planning commission, three bias driven individuals were able to advance their prohibitionist agenda and recommended more restrictions rather than a reasonable ordinance that allows for at least a few dispensaries in the city. The city council is expected to take up the recommendations as well as the proposed ordinance in the next couple months. Let’s hope the council will see through the hate of a few and vote for the interest of many. As one of the speakers from the community said, “Councilmembers, think before you vote”!
Dear
,
Thank you so very much for the mag. My partners have already stolen it (I will get it back when 40 or 50 of them have seen it), and from the oooh’s and aahh’s, they love it! I’m doing well and I’m at a camp. It is still prison, but it’s better. If you ever want me to write a story (about prison), please, let me know. My appeal is looking very good and I should hear back by May; I’m praying for the best. Please keep sending me copies of NUG. Again, thank you all and share my info with your readers. Respect all Hurt none & Love one another, Charles Edward Lepp #90157-011 Federal Prison Camp Lompoc 3705 West Farm Rd. Lompoc, CA 93436 Eddy Lepp is a Vietnam War Veteran and medical marijuana activist who grew marijuana for patients in Northern California. He gave away free marijuana to those who needed it most. In 2008, he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. He is currently at Lompoc Federal Prison Camp and is expected to be released in 2018. Please take a moment to write Eddy a letter and let him know you are following his story, or donate to his defense fund at www.green-aid.com.
YOUTH LAUNCHING “GENERATION 420” ORGANIZATION TO CAMPAIGN FOR LEGALIZATION by Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
Youthful, high energy will feed a new organization in San Diego called “Generation 420” (Gen420) to “bring together young people in the campaign to legalize marijuana,” says Ty Wightman(25) of San Diego, the Gen420 founder. “We’re creating a social movement under the auspices of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (L.E.A.P.) in San Diego where young people can use all their energy, all their talent, and all their passion to push our legalization campaign,” Wightman said in an exclusive interview with NUG Magazine. “We’re launching an organization so people around my age (25) can have a place to talk about this, and to set the record straight. So far, older people dominate the marijuana campaign and may be completely outof-touch with young people,” Wightman observed. “We’re going to start by creating a Facebook ‘Group’ where young people can come together (online), and out of that will come a Facebook ‘Cause’ (that further develops our Internet communications with young people). We want to give young people a forum where they can talk to other young people under the experienced guidance of L.E.A.P. in San Diego. They will create a free flow of ideas and information that is not suppressed by (older) people with other agendas,” Wightman explained. Choosing the Name: “Gen420” We’ve heard of Generation X and Y. Similarly, the name of this new youthful organization was created spontaneously by Wilfred “Chacho” Romero during discussions with founder Wightman. “The name is a synthesis of one of the most popular, counterculture numbers (420), which is code for marijuana while texting. Everyone in my generation is able to pick up on its meaning and appreciate it,” Wightman explained. “It’s a generational movement that we are creating here. Young people want this to happen! They want it to happen NOW! They are done with being lied to (about marijuana). They’re done accepting the status quo. They’re done with being told by the powers that be what they reasonably can or cannot do,” Wightman added. “We (young people) see the facts. We are increasingly joining together and realizing that we can make a giant difference with all our passion and energy. Generation 420 is going to be a pivotal organization that helps bring all that about,” Wightman explained. At 25,
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Wightman is a 2009 graduate of Arizona State University with two undergraduate degrees: a B.S. in Marketing and a B.S. in Supply-Chain Management. YouTube In addition to using Facebook as a major Internet media to get its message out to young people while inspiring them to get involved with the cause, Wightman added that Generation 420 will also be using the very popular YouTube. “YouTube is progressively becoming one of the most important voices of young people today. They’re turning off their TVs and turning to YouTube, and that says a lot. We need to be on YouTube and we plan to ask the teenage videographers in the Media Arts Center (M.A.C.) in North Park to help us with that,” Wightman reported. M.A.C. produces the internationally popular Latino Film Festival each spring in San Diego. “We’re hoping they can produce a video for and by young people, so we can explain our new organization (Generation 420) and what it does, and give more of a voice to young people.” By “young people,” Wightman and his Gen420 crew are generally referring to anyone under 30. With parental permission, teenagers are even encouraged to get involved. Expansive Activities On Facebook, Wightman and his Gen420 participants are creating an ambitious agenda of possible things they can do. Discussion groups for young people are being planned for the near future. There are critical online links to a vast amount of current information on marijuana, including medical marijuana issues. They plan to use the word “marijuana” rather than the more timid word “cannabis” in Gen420 educational efforts. They want the public to feel comfortable using the word “marijuana” in their conversations. Using young people recently trained in professional polling methods, the Generation 420 organization plans to conduct local polls on the “real” public opinion of these issues without using the distorted and loaded questions of polls produced by the opposition. A contest among students in local graphic arts classes to design a logo for the new organization is also on the agenda. The ambitious plans of the Gen420 organizers also include the production of video games to teach young people the truth about marijuana. The high costs of creating those animated
games will come from targeted, fund-raising efforts. Hopefully, a 501C3, non-profit organization will come forward to help make those serious contributions tax-deductible. A.S.A Helps This Launch During an L.E.A.P. speech before a Jan. 11th meeting of the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access (A.S.A) in La Jolla, arranged by the San Diego Area Liaison Eugene Z. Davidovich (SanDiegoASA@gmail. com), baby-faced Wightman was noticed in the center of the audience and used as an example to encourage more young people to get involved. Wightman met with L.E.A.P the following day for four hours to get guidance in launching the new organization that is specifically for, of, and by young people under 30. Without the connections made at the A.S.A meeting, Generation 420 may have never been launched. While A.S.A is an organization primarily focused on “advancing legal medical marijuana therapeutics and research,” Gen420 will have a broader focus to include the legalization of marijuana, which is more expansive than the more limited provisions of Prop. 19 last fall. Indeed, as a matter of policy, L.E.A.P., with headquarters in Medford, MA and a PR office in Washington, D.C., seeks to legalize all drugs just as Portugal successfully did, thereby reducing consumption. Anyone interested in getting involved in Generation 420 can contact Wightman directly at (619)218-2378 or e-mail at tywightman@gmail.com, or by contacting L.E.A.P. - San Diego at (619)757-4909 or e-mail at leopowerheremsn.com Ty Wightman, 25, is shown while launching “Generation 420” (Gen420), a new organization of, for and by young people under 30 to promote the legalization of marijuana. Photo by Leo E. Laurence
Current and former law-enforcement personnel (local/state/federal), prosecutors and prison staff are invited to confidentially contact L.E.A.P. at the phone number or e-mail address above. Your confidential help to L.E.A.P. is needed!
ASA Advocates Train County Public Defenders
By: Eugene Davidovich, Americans for Safe Access On January 13th, the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) – the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research – in collaboration with the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office (PD) conducted certified, continuing legal education (MCLE) training on how to defend medical marijuana cases for over 100 attorneys in San Diego. ASA’s idea to train attorneys arose in 2004, after Senate Bill 420 (SB 420) went into effect in the state. SB 420 gave patients and dispensaries additional rights, directed counties to afford better protection, and at the same time, raised many new legal questions and issues. In response to the new law, ASA launched a program aimed at arming attorneys across the state with the most current knowledge needed to successfully defend medical marijuana patients in court. “No California medical marijuana patient or caregiver should ever have to go to jail or accept a plea bargain again,” said Steph Sherer, ASA executive director. “Once defense attorneys understand the changes in the law and the defenses available to them, they’ll be able to fight every prosecution to acquittal.” The program launched with over two dozen legal trainings held across the state, including San Diego. Public defenders, court appointed attorneys, and private defense attorneys received training from ASA’s Chief Counsel Joe Elford, a Stanford and Yale-trained constitutional law and criminal defense expert. Since SB 420 and the legal trainings conducted by ASA in 2004, parts of the law have been taken apart by the courts and portions specifically relating to limits on how much medicine a patient can poses were ruled unconstitutional. Over the last six years, we have also seen the California Attorney General develop guidelines for patients and dispensaries in 2008, court precedent set through dozens of new cases, and clarification received from the appellate courts affirming that federal law does not preempt state law on this issue. Today in 2011, 14 years since this medicine became legal in the state and over six years since SB 420, San Diego continues to be the frontline for the war on medical marijuana. Patients here are still arrested for simple possession and are regularly denied a defense in court. Providers are targeted through swat-style raids and undercover investigations, and those charged in many cases, lack the 24 | NUGMAG.COM
legal knowledge and qualified representation to defend themselves against a District Attorney’s Office and courthouse riddled with hate for medical marijuana and the unquenchable thirst for assets they seize through their asset forfeiture programs. Aside from all the new changes in the law and the continued war on patients here in San Diego, just about every time advocates of the local ASA chapter are in the courthouse for court support wearing their ASA shirts, they are approached by public defenders and other attorneys with questions and requests for assistance with ongoing medical marijuana cases. All these reasons prompted the local ASA chapter to revive the legal training part of the California program on defending patients here in San Diego. First, the chapter’s coordinating committee designated several members to help organize the training; Marcus Boyd, Eugene Davidovich, Terrie Best, and Bahar Ansari, Esq. were picked to lead that effort. The committee met, discussed the next steps, and agreed that the training must provide the attorneys in attendance with credit towards their requirement for continued legal education. The committee figured that this would give more attorneys an incentive to attend and would allow the training to reach a wider audience of litigators in San Diego. The only way attorneys can receive MCLE credit in California is to attend a course that is taught through a certified training provider. The group was presented with two options: receive certification as an MCLE training provider or team up with an already certified provider and conduct the training in collaboration with them. Bahar Ansari began researching what it would take to become a certified provider and Marcus Boyd launched into contacting the PD’s Office. At the time, Marcus found that the training coordinator for the San Diego PD’s Office was Juliana Humphrey, a deputy public defender who had previously handled a number of medical marijuana cases, and at one point, was even the chair of the first San Diego City’s Medical Marijuana Task Force, a group of citizens charged with helping the City Council develop local regulations for patients. During her time on the task force, the group helped craft the current city regulation that allows patients to poses up to a pound of medicine and cultivate as many as 24 plants in their homes or within a locked greenhouse. In April of 2010, when Marcus first reached out to Ms. Humphrey, he wrote “San Diego Americans for Safe Access would like to offer our assistance in any way we can in making your jobs easier when it comes to defending and taking medical marijuana cases to trial. We are committed to offering training to the Public Defender’s Office as well as court support to every defendant.” To everyone’s pleasant surprise in her communication back to Marcus, Ms. Humphrey wrote, “I am certain our attorneys would be interested in training offered by ASA, particularly if the attorneys who tried these recent cases were involved. Knowledge, as always, is power. I would certainly attend.” While Marcus was communicating with Ms. Humphrey about getting the training going, Bahar was actively researching what it would take for the local chapter to become a certified MCLE provider. After reaching out to the state bar and other certified providers, she found it was much easier, cheaper, and more effective if the training were conducted through the PD’s Office, who was already certified, rather than having the chapter take on the certification themselves. The good news came in June of 2010. In an email to the San Diego ASA Board on June 11th, Bahar wrote, “I just spoke to Juliana Humphrey and confirmed that we do not need to get approval from the state bar since the training will be offered through the PD’s Office.” Along with that good news, the group saw a serious setback. Ms. Humphrey would no longer be the training coordinator for the Public Defender’s Office, and she did not know how receptive the new coordinator would be to the program. Even if the new regime was receptive, the entire office was in the process
of moving and would likely not be able to schedule training for months. However, the group did not lose hope or give up. For the next six months, at every board meeting, they discussed the progress and Bahar continued to follow up with Gary Gibson, the new training coordinator. In December of 2010, after months of persistence, Bahar finally received word that the training had been approved and the date was ready to be set. The San Diego County PD’s Office scheduled an official MCLE course and invited all the attorneys on their mailing list to attend. The training was to be held in their new state-of-the-art training facility located in downtown San Diego, and would be broadcasted to the El Cajon, Chula Vista, and North County satellite offices. San Diego ASA’s focus now shifted from scheduling to putting the actual training materials together for the course, and confirming the instructors’ availability. To ensure the training would be taught by the most qualified attorneys, the group reached out to Lance Rogers, a criminal defense attorney that litigated two of the three most recent medical marijuana trials here in San Diego, and asked him to help teach the class. Lance agreed, and it was decided; Bahar Ansari and Lance Rogers, two expert defense attorneys involved in the three most recent medical marijuana trials here in San Diego, would teach the class.
A power point presentation was created, and it contained information from the three most recent cases, the latest landmark rulings, and a thorough overview of statutes related to medical marijuana. All materials for the course were put together with the two attorneys’ input and the assistance of other members of the chapter as well as ASA National. On January 13, 2011, about 60 public defenders, court-appointed attorneys, and private lawyers were on hand at the main downtown training facility of the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, with over 60 others joining from satellite offices around the county through the internet broadcast. During the 50 minute class, Bahar Ansari and Lance Rogers delivered a thorough review of the law relating to medical marijuana, went over all the recent changes including the latest appellate decisions and landmark cases, and helped clarify many issues and questions the attorneys in attendance faced every day in court. When the training was over, Gary Gibson, the new training coordinator and local law professor, said, “This was our most wellattended training, go figure.”
This training combined with the continued dedication of local advocates from San Diego ASA helped arm over 100 attorneys in San Diego who typically represent the most vulnerable in our community, those who cannot afford private counsel with the knowledge and resources to successfully defend legitimate patients at trial. San Diego ASA hopes that programs like this will help reduce the amount of cases where patients accept plea deals when they are in fact compliant with State law. Advocates in need of help or assistance in setting up a class in their area should contact sandiegoasa@gmail.com for more information. The next MCLE class in San Diego on defending medical marijuana cases is expected to be held later on in the year. Over the next few months, the PD’s Office will gather information related to specific issues that their attorneys face and the next course will be tailored to specifically meet those needs. In hopes of providing this valuable material and information to as many attorneys across the state as possible, the local chapter recorded the entire training and has made the video as well as all the materials, including the power point presentation presented during the class, available on the San Diego Americans for Safe Access website at: www.safeaccesssd.org/p/ public-defenders-training.html
Patient Profile: Susan Story by: Pamela Jayne
Imagine your whole life changing in an instant; waking up one morning, going about your usual routine, and by the end of the day, being hospitalized and told that you will most likely never walk again. This is what happened to Susan when she suffered a stroke on June 14, 2008, while visiting family in Wisconsin. She was gracious enough to take the time to share her story with us and explain why safe access to medical cannabis is important to her. It all started after a normal day out shopping with the family that she and her husband of 36 years were visiting in Wisconsin. It was at that moment when she was overcome with dizziness and realized that her arm and hip had gone completely numb. The signs were obvious; she was suffering from a stroke. Her family quickly called 911 for help; however, you may remember that the summer of 2008 is when Wisconsin and surrounding states were hit with record rainfall and heavy flooding. Due to those circumstances, the freeway was im-
passable and the ambulance was forced to take a longer route. Had there not been a delay in getting to the hospital, the damage caused by the stroke would not have been as severe. Even after a year and a half of rehabilitation therapy and the frustrating task of relearning how to do virtually everything, Susan is still confined to a wheelchair. She can only walk short distances, but needs the assistance of others to do even that. “It is hard to mentally cope with knowing that I will never be the same again,” she said. “I went from being a very active working woman to being stuck in this thing. I want so badly to get out of this chair and do something, but I can’t, and I have to live with that.” Being suddenly sidelined was hard for Susan to handle because she had been very active her entire life. She was a champion swimmer in school, the first female to own and operate a garbage hauling and recycling business in the state of Oregon, and she even wrote a children’s book about the importance of proper recycling, not to mention the fun stuff! She was an avid skier, loved riding ATV’s, and basically anything else she could do outdoors. “All of my life, I worked hard so that I could enjoy these things and have fun. 28 | NUGMAG.COM
Now, I look at them as things I can’t do anymore. But don’t get me wrong,” she said; “I’m not done yet!” Susan looks forward to taking up ballroom dancing taught by a woman who was a long time dance instructor before falling victim to a stroke. –She now shares her love of ballroom dance with adapted classes for others in wheelchairs. What many people do not realize is that after a stroke, even after all of the therapy, there is still a great deal of pain. Susan describes it as “a constant, fiery pain in all of your nerves. All day long, they are fired up and extremely painful.” As with any major medical problem, there are endless amounts of pills. Susan has to take 20 pills in the morning, 6 at noon, and then 15 more at night. She also does daily exercises at home that aid in her rehabilitation. Medically prescribed cannabis is also a very important part of her post-stroke life, and she considers it a Godsend. “I keep it around for medical purposes, right along with all of the other medicines and medical stuff that I have to use now. I use it as I need it, and it helps me.” She was quick to add, “It is absolutely non-addictive and I can go without it. I have gone without it for
weeks at a time.” She felt the need to make this point because of the huge amount of misinformation that has been spread regarding marijuana use. She strongly believes that, “God put it here for a reason. He put it here to help us.” As for those who are opposed to the idea that cannabis has legitimate medical benefits, “Well, they should at least try it before they form an opinion. How in the world can they say that they know what works for me and what doesn’t?” In a more candid moment, Susan explained to me the other ways in which cannabis has helped her through this life changing ordeal. “I was freaking out about my body being useless. The marijuana is a calming agent. It helps me to sit back, sort of relax, and not think about it.” Even though she was speaking slowly with some difficulty, Susan’s message was clear as a bell. Cannabis helps! It helps her, it helps others, and she believes that everyone should have safe access to it. In her words, “What’s the big freaking deal?” Good question, Susan. I wish I knew the answer.
Mind-Body, Health & Wellness
Healthy Relationships for a Healthy Life What comes to mind when you think of a healthy person? Is it an ideal weight? A disciplined diet? Or daily sweat sessions at the gym? When we think about our health goals, it is important to consider diet and exercise. It is just as important to consider other elements that support us in being healthy individuals. Since February is a month to celebrate love, let’s explore relationships and how they contribute to our overall health and wellness. Rumi, the Sufi mystic and poet, will serve as inspiration with his messages of universal love. “Love is the Water of Life.” – Rumi First, what are we talking about when we say “relationships”? Relationships certainly include the romantic relationships in our lives. They also include our relationships and interactions with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Healthy relationships with others nourish us, support us, and help us grow. They allow us to learn about others and more importantly, learn about ourselves. Think about someone you have a positive relationship with. This person brings a smile to your face when you see them. They are there with you to celebrate the good and support you through the challenges. We nurture such relationships, and they are a reflection of who we are and how we love. These are healthy 32 | NUGMAG.COM
relationships and they contribute to our overall health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. They allow us to feel fulfilled and cared for. When we feel nourished in this way, we naturally take better care of ourselves. We want to eat well, be out in the world, sleep well at night, and feel more confident through the day. “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi Unhealthy relationships create stress, fear, and anxiety (Feel the energy in your body as you went from thinking about positive relationships to reading about negative ones). These relationships have immediate negative effects on our emotional well-being. They also have detrimental effects on our overall mental and physical states. When you walk away from a stressful conversation, you seek out poor food choices, eat too fast, and end up with indigestion. You continue to feel negative and just want to be alone on the couch. You go to bed feeling drained, and toss and turn all night. “You were born with wings. Why prefer to crawl through life?” – Rumi While life and relationships are not so black or white, understanding the impact of our relationships on our health is the key
to taking steps towards a healthier existence. We all have different needs when it comes to the amount and types of interactions we need from others. As you explore your needs, truly tap into YOUR wants. Not what you think you should want, but what your heart truly desires. Think about the relationships in your life. What is one area where you feel dissatisfaction? Do you wish for a romantic partner? Do you want to broaden your circle of friends? Do you wish to connect more deeply with an existing partner? Do you want to communicate your feelings to resolve a misunderstanding with a friend or family member? Listen to your heart and allow your true desire around your relationship to surface. Write down what you desire and keep it simple. “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” – Rumi Now it’s time for action. Write down two things you can do or two steps you can take that support you in your goal. For example, if you want to meet a new boyfriend or girlfriend, what are two things you can do to increase the chances of meeting someone new? – Perhaps joining a dating site or making it a point to tell your friends that you are in the market. If you are new to an area and want to meet more friends, try joining a
club that interests you or getting involved in a cause that you believe in. Keep the actions positive and productive. Once you’ve written the two actions, put them in your calendar. Scheduling them in your life will increase the likelihood of actually doing them. If your last conversation with your sibling didn’t end well and your goal is to do your part in improving the relationship, write in your calendar the date and time you will call them, or invite them over for tea. In the end, we know that these actions may or may not result in an immediate fix. However, they set you up to resolve your feelings of dissatisfaction and put you at ease, knowing that you have done what you can. “Wherever you are and whatever you do, be in love.” – Rumi In short: • Recognize that your relationships are part of the picture of your total health. • Be mindful of the relationships that support you. • Be present and take steps towards fulfilling your needs. • Have patience; treat yourself and others with the love you wish for yourself. In health, Bahareh info@mindbodyalliance.com Bahareh is a holistic health coach based in Encinitas, CA. She works with individuals to help them eat better, have more energy, manage stress, and find balance in their lives.
By Dion Markgraaff Over the last few years, hemp milk has gone from an idea of cannabis activists to five different national companies that offer different varieties like vanilla, chocolate, sugar free, and even an organic line. In 2008, natural and organic food items registered $29.7 billion in sales in the U.S., which is up 11.4% from 2007, according to the Nutrition Business Journal information reported by the Natural Products Association. The newest major player in the hemp milk market is Trader Joe’s. Today, there is also ice-cream (sold nationally) with more companies jumping on the hemp bandwagon.
essential amino acids. It is the best source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, which support energy production, nervous system function, brain development, heart health and a healthy immune system. Hemp is also one of the few food sources that contain GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), which we need in order to maintain a healthy cellular growth. GLA has been shown to help maintain heart health, healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and aid in hormonal balance. In health and disease, it is important how our cells develop. There is nothing that compares to hemp seeds for the proper energy our bodies need.
Just follow the facts and numbers; Hemp Food = #1 There are many reasons for this explosion, but the biggest one is because cannabis/hemp seeds are the best food on the planet for people (and also most animals). The cannabis seed is a “super-food”. In nutritional value, the much hyped health benefits of fish and flax trail behind hemp. Most of today’s top fitness advisers (Andrew Weil, M.D., TV gurus Martha Stewart and Dr. Oz) recommend daily consumption. Hemp is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family because the seeds of this plant are the best source of protein, rich in all 10
Hemp protein consists primarily of the two proteins: edestine and albumin. These globular (blood) proteins, which are readily digestible proteins (the most efficient ones), have direct access to enter the muscles quickly. However, hemp is also packed with other nutrients, including: chlorophyll and vitamin E, important B vitamins, folic acid (important for women who are trying or may become pregnant), phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are involved in NUGMAG.COM | 37
energy metabolism, protein and bone synthesis. Hemp foods have a high content of antioxidants (92.1 mg/100g) in the form of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol. Most seeds contain large amounts of LA (Linoleic Acid), which is from the omega-6 family, but ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), which comes from the omega-3 family, is typically a little harder to get. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) in hemp are both short and long chain, making for a broader spectrum and working together to ensure your body has an effective metabolism. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 4:1. Hemp has a ratio of 3.75:1, but a typical modern day diet has a ratio more like 1/10. The well-balanced hemp “fat” not only fights diseases, but it also helps you BURN fat. The list is long in regards to how hemp seeds help people develop lean body mass, promote muscular repair, prevent cancer and cardiac deaths, nourish underdeveloped infants, in addition to stopping arthritis, atherosclerosis and many skin diseases. In an article by Mathew G. Kadey MSc., RD, “Hemp Protein - The King of the Plant Kingdom”, he states how hemp is so good that it is a “nutraceutical”. Kadey states, “The term ‘nutraceutical’ was coined from ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’ in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, MD, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FIM), Cranford, NJ. According to DeFelice, nutraceutical can be defined as a food (or part of a food) that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and/or
Hemp Milk Benefits Include: Strengthened Immune System Clear, Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails Strong, Healthy Heart Increased Mental Capacity Hemp Milk Is: A plant-based superfood Non-dairy Soy-free Vegan Gluten-free Non-GMO Sustainable Herbicide & pesticide free Free of common allergens Hemp Milk is NOT a drug with THC value 38 | NUGMAG.COM
treatment of a disease.” This is why every medical cannabis dispensary should sell hemp oil and seeds to their members. There are other foods made with hemp that are now on the market, including cereals, waffles, and snack bars. However, hemp milk is the best liquid for your body’s health and the best “bang for your buck”. 5 different national brands on the market today One of the global leaders in the hemp milk market is the Living Harvest Foods, Inc., founded in 2002. The company’s website states how “Tempt” hemp milk came into being. This seed of an idea for Tempt dates back over a decade to a time when science, education and creativity merged. It happened at the University of Saskatchewan where scientists seeking a new source of vegetable protein began doing experiments with hemp. These enlightened Canadian researchers discovered the protein potential locked away within the hemp seed. The balanced combination of essential fatty and amino acids provided a nutritional profile unlike any other vegetable. The Center for Food Science’s breakthrough gave us a brilliant and sustainable food source, which can be cultivated without negative environmental impact. Celebration ensued. –Now fast forward to the Pacific Northwest. Freedom loving, environmentalist, hempfood pioneers moved the fledgling company to Portland, Oregon. Connections were made with other hemp visionaries, actors, rock stars, natural foods champions, inventors, mad scientists, revolutionaries and hopeless optimists – Tempt was born. Living Harvest Foods was recently recognized by INC. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in Oregon. This company is the first major manufacture of hemp ice cream, also called Tempt, with five different varieties. Two major food industry corporations have come out with their own milk made from hemp seeds. “Hemp Dream” comes from the decades-old “Rice Dream” company, famous for their milk made from rice. The aspect that makes this company’s hemp milk stand out is the tie-dye packaging their “original” and “vanilla” flavors are in. This company’s move to have their own hemp milk reinforces the cannabis plant’s growing power in the milk market. The other company is Pacific, one of the biggest companies in the natural food industry. It has had two different types on the market for almost two years. The most “rootsy” company in the hemp milk market is the industry-leading pioneers of Manitoba Harvest, which calls itself “the largest, vertically-integrated hemp food manufacturer” in the world. Its other products include hemp butter, oil, protein powder and seeds. They are mostly responsible for making Canada the world leading country when it comes to the hemp food industry. From the beginning, the company has brought in and united local farmers (some as part owners), manufactures wholesalers and retailers. Hemp farming has grown significantly to 25,000 acres across Canada with most of it being produced in the province of Manitoba. The company had contracts with local farmers for 10,000 acres last year, which is up from 100 acres 12 years ago. Founded in 1998, Manitoba Harvest currently has annual sales of $10 million, but expects higher future sales with their 20 different hemp products. In the fall of 2010, their business received a big boost with a new $75 million dollar investment that is partially backed by Farm Credit Canada. The company has grown annually by 50% – 70% and has been on Canada’s 100 List of the Fastest Growing Businesses for four of the last five years. Sales have grown by 500% in the last five years. Manitoba’s hemp milk is called “Hemp Bliss” and is the only organic line. They have four different types: original, chocolate, vanilla, and an unsweetened variety. The newest company manufacturing milk made from hemp is Trader Joe’s. This is a huge step for the entire hemp industry because of the enormous size and distribution power of this company. Surprisingly, it is one of the best tasting milks on the market and certainly the cheapest right now. And Trader Joe’s is getting their hemp seeds from Manitoba Harvest.
Another company worth knowing about, even though they do not make hemp milk (but they do have 3 different hemp shake mixes), is California-based hemp pioneers, Nutiva. Founded back in 1999, this business has a wide variety of organic hemp food products, including various varieties of Hemp Protein, HempShake™, Hemp Bars, and Hemp Oil, in addition to a bulk wholesaler of dehulled hemp seeds. It specializes in 2 other products: coconut oil and chia. INC. Magazine put Nutiva on its list of 5,000 Fastest Growing Businesses in 2009 and 2010. Their products are sold in over 6,000 stores in Canada and the U.S., including Whole Foods, Henry’s and other retailers. Also, you can order at Nutiva.com Other strong reasons for taking over the milk market – Hemp is better than the competition! Besides the many beneficial health reasons to consume hemp seeds in milk and ice cream, the “competition” from cow and soy milk (the two main players in the milk market) are bad choices for the consumer and the environment. The dairy industry in the U.S. in 2008, measured by gross income of the farm level, was more than $35 billion. California is the nation’s largest producer of cow milk, which is low in calcium and protein. Drinking cow milk is a risk because it is stuffed with a cocktail of hormones, including rBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone): a genetically engineered hormone directly linked to breast, colon and prostate cancer. This is injected into cows to increase milk production. Other stuff you might not be aware of; Pus: National averages show that there are at least 322 million cell-counts of pus per glass! The pus comes from infected udders on the cow known as mastitis. Blood Cells: The USDA allows up to 1.5 million white blood cells per milliliter of commonlysold milk. Antibiotics: Currently, cows are in such a state of disease and mistreatment that they are continually being injected with antibiotic medicines and rubbed down with chemical-laden ointments to deal with their chronic infections. Peta.org says, “A cow’s natural lifespan is about 25 years, but cows used by the dairy industry are killed after only four or five years. An industry study reports that by the time they are killed, nearly 40% of dairy cows are lame because of the intensive confinement, filth, and strain of being almost constantly pregnant and giving milk.” After cow milk, many people have turned to soy milk for ethical reasons, vegetarians looking for a plant-based alternative and/or the many people who are lactose intoler-
ant. Today, soy milk dominates the non-cow, plant-based milk selling over a billion dollars a year. From 1996 to 2009, soy food sales in general have increased from $1 billion to $4.5 billion. However, there are dangers associated with soy milk consumption because of the process used in making the product and the ingredients used in it. At Buzzle.com, Palmira S. writes, “Some of the dangers reported from soy milk are high in phytic acids, which causes low absorption of certain minerals and vitamins. The level of phytoestrogen is high in soy milk, which decreases the testosterone present in the male body. It also affects the production of sperm. Phytoestrogen also leads to early puberty and early developments of adolescents. In females, soy milk can lead to abnormalities in the reproductive tract, which can give rise to infertility. Isoflavones present in soy milk causes diseases like leukemia and breast cancer. It can also cause thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. People who consume soy milk very often can suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease. The presence of toxic aluminum in the milk can also affect the nervous system and the kidneys in a negative way. Soy milk can also contribute to endometrial cancer in females. In some cases, it also causes dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, colitis, and may increase or decrease the pulse rate. Some of the soy milk dangers for children are learning disorders, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, etc. It can also cause pancreatic and growth related problems. At times, the amount of manganese present in soy milk is large enough to cause damage to the cortex. It also contributes to skin problems like sudden and severe eczema, acne, blisters, canker sores, swelling and hives. In severe cases, it can also cause a problem in swallowing or cause anaphylactic shock. The protein enzyme inhibitors present in soy milk block the action of trypsin and enzymes, which are required for protein digestion. In some cases, it can give rise to chronic pain; typically, people suffering from asthma are prone to this kind of disorder. If soy milk is consumed in large amounts, it can lead to stomach problems. The soy milk estrogen is harmful to babies.” Healingdaily.com goes even further to say, “It is child abuse to feed a baby soy formula. A baby fed soy will receive, through the phytoestrogens, the equivalent of approximately 5 birth control pills per day! The damage is incalculable.” There are
other reasons to stay away from soy. A very large percentage of soy (over 90%) is genetically modified and it also has one of the highest percentages of contamination by pesticides of any of the foods we eat. The website goes on about how soy is processed, “Production takes place in industrial factories where soybeans are first mixed with an alkaline solution to remove fiber, then precipitated and separated using an acid wash, and finally, neutralized in an alkaline solution. Acid washing in aluminum tanks leaches high levels of aluminum into the final product. As a result, soybased formula has over 1000% more aluminum than conventional milk-based formulas.” Hemp is good for everyone Hemp does not have these production problems. There are no allergies to hemp food, nor do they contain phytates, enzyme inhibitors, oligosaccharides, or have any antinutrients. Hemp seeds are vegan, some are also organic, and they are not genetically modified, yet. Hemp is easily grown without pesticides or herbicides, and it comes directly from nature. Throughout time, farmers used hemp as a “4th” crop in rotation with other foods to clean the soil of weeds and pests. Market research obtained by the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), collected by the market research firm SPINS, shows that hemp grocery sales grew in the sampled stores by 65% over the previous year (from August 2007 to August 2008). Make sure your local restaurant, grocery store and dispensary provides you and your neighbors with this important choice for everyone’s personal and planetary health. Vote with hemp food everyday for a better future for everyone.
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Veggie Vibes
Source Local: Raw Food
Suzie’s Farm is one local farm that practices all organic farming. They are located right near the border in San Ysidro and have over 40 acres of land. The company is owned by husband and wife, Robin Taylor and Lucila De Alejandro, who also own Sun Grown Organic Distributors, a sprout and wheatgrass farm.
By: Tiffany Janay
It’s a new year, which means New Year’s resolutions have been set. It’s almost guaranteed that most of you reading this are planning to get healthy and lose some weight. If this isn’t the first time this has popped up on your list of resolutions, then it’s probably because you were unsuccessful with the methods you tried in the past to achieve your goals. Well, it’s the perfect time to introduce new ideas and thoughts into your life, and to finally mark this resolution off your list so you can focus on other areas of your life, like personal growth. If you truly want to lose weight and become healthy, you must start by exercising the heaviest part of your body – your mind. It’s important to learn about the different resources available to you that will assist you in living a better life. In our city, there are lots of resources available to support an organic and clean lifestyle. If eating healthy is something you truly desire, but find it difficult to shop and to prepare those types of meals, there are people in San Diego that are available to help you. For example, there are CSA’s and companies that take raw produce and create already prepared gourmet meals that you can purchase weekly. In San Diego, we are very fortunate to have beautiful, year-round climate that provides great conditions for harvesting. There is a plethora of local farmers in our area that we should be taking advantage of. They’re doing great things with the abundance of life that is being harvested in our city. Why buy food from a grocery store chain that has been shipped from half way around the world and support unknown farmers, when we can buy produce grown right here in San Diego. There are farmer’s markets 7 days a week throughout the county where you can meet the actual farmers or farm workers, which allows you to get a feel for who is feeding you. 42 | NUGMAG.COM
WHY ORGANIC In 2001, the USDA took over organic farming and put into effect a nationwide regulation that defines what organic farming means. They hire certain private companies to certify farms for organic produce because the USDA doesn’t have enough inspectors to make sure farmers are keeping up with requirements. Those inspectors come out about once a year to check the farms, making sure everything is in compliance. Organic farming means that there is no use of synthetic pesticide or fertilizer applications allowed. It has been reported that the use of such chemicals have caused serious illnesses
to people such as cancer. Instead of using harsh chemicals to protect their crops, they opt for more organic options; for example, to control rodent and gopher problems, they have a lady who comes out occasionally with a falcon that chases down different rodents that naturally affect the crops. Also, as part of organic farming, there is no growing of genetically modified crops. Although a farmer can’t look at a seed and tell that it’s genetically modified, they know because there are only certain companies that will sell it. It is also extremely expensive since it is patented life and not readily available to just anybody. CSA’s A CSA is a community-supported agriculture. When people buy shares into a farm, what they receive by helping the farm is freshly grown local produce. People prepay and every week, or every other week, the farm provides them with a box of in-season produce, and at Suzie’s, a week of produce is as low as $25. You can also decide how often you want to receive the boxes. However, the farm always decides what is in the box, so it’s always a surprise and an opportunity to be creative. There are several different pick up spots throughout the city for your convenience. Financially, the best way to support a farm is by being a part of their CSA. It is a consistent stream of income for them and it helps to pay their employees, which keeps the farm effectively running. Eating in season is best because you are eating what is growing in your area, and it’s what nature is providing for you at that time. We should take advantage of that and go with the natural rhythm of nature. Currently in their box is: gold, Chioggia or Detroit dark red beets, blue scotch kale, red Russian kale, lettuce, broccoli, onion, parsley, turnips, chard, spinach, red frill, pea shoots, and spicy salad mix (mizuna, tatsoi, red mustard). Veggie Vibes is a unique weekly meal provider company that is a customer of Suzie’s Farm and buys their produce regularly along with other locally grown crops from farmer’s markets. They create culinary art without cooking the food above 118°. This is called eating a raw food diet. BENEFITS OF RAW FOOD The reason many people opt to eat raw food is because it’s the way nature intended. It is said that once food has been cooked over a temperature of 118°, many living enzymes in the plants die and become inactive. For instance, if you eat a carrot because of the beta carotene, which can help strengthen your eyes, but cook it, then you may no longer receive those benefits because the enzymes that provide those nutrients are no longer active. Raw food is beneficial for such things as detoxifying your body. It is also easier to digest, which gives you more energy and vitality, and of course, it has the highest nutritional value. It’s important to keep our bodies in an alkaline state versus acidic. Highly processed foods and fast foods are acidic. It is said that diseases such as cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body. By eating raw fruits and vegetables, you are helping to create an alkaline environment in your body.
Veggie Vibes’ menu changes every week, and they are truly creating art with their food. They look forward to a new week because it gives them the opportunity to vibe with the plants and exercise their creativity in preparing gourmet cuisine to please the palates of their clients. They deliver their fresh food to your home in SD County every Monday. They are producing real works of art and are creating gourmet raw food. For as little as $100 per week, they will prepare meals for you for up to 7 days, including desserts. Everything is made from scratch and perfectly crafted by Chef Perkunas. Working with raw foods and creating the type of gourmet art that they do, is a very intensive process. Everything is made from scratch. To make a meal, they have to begin preparing several days in advance by marinating, sprouting seeds, and dehydrating. All of their food is free of dairy, gluten, soy, cholesterol, refined sugars and flours; it is organic and there are no artificial flavors or preservatives. They only use fresh raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and natural seasonings for raw food preparation. The taste and texture is always changing because it is dictated by nature, so every meal is a new experience to savor. Erika from Veggie Vibes is also the organizer of San Diego’s Raw Vegan Meet Up group, and they meet regularly with fun community events such as potlucks or movie nights. Sign up to immerse yourself into the culture and experience something new. Once a month, Suzie’s Farm hosts a farm tour where you and your family can come out and get a guided tour of their farm, and at the end of it, take home a bag of their freshly picked produce for around $10. Also, if you want to learn more about organic farming and possibly begin your own garden at home, you can volunteer with a friend of the farm through Wild Willows Farm. To find out more about these companies and become involved with your new lifestyle change, log onto www.suziesfarm.com and www.veggievibes.net, and tell them NUG sent you. Lucila from Suzie’s adds, “One of the things I like about the magazine is that you would never know who smokes marijuana. Just because you like to smoke pot doesn’t mean you aren’t intelligent, into politics or social issues, or being vegan; that’s one of the cool things about NUG Magazine.” When you pick up some fresh produce from Suzie’s and make a nice big salad, here is a recipe using hemp oil to make a good healthy salad dressing: HEMP GINGER SALAD DRESSING: 1 cup Hemp Oil 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1/2 cup freshly peeled and chopped Ginger 6 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Raw Agave Nectar 2 Tablespoons White Miso 2 Tablespoons Water Pinch of Cayenne Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and enjoy. Top your salad with Chia and hemp seeds for an extra nutritional benefit. To see a video on how to make this, log on to www.organicblood.com and click on recipes. NUGMAG.COM | 43
By: George Alberts | Photo: Courtney Pakalolo As San Diegans, we enjoy a diverse way of life through entertainment, sites, art, and great opportunities for dining, the unique characteristics that make up our fine city. As a local, born and raised, I still find myself discovering new and old, delicious and incredible meals. What I’ve learned over the years is that every appetite and craving can be a great opportunity for a new experience. Last month, I stumbled upon an unexpected and memorable food find tucked away in the coastal community of Ocean Beach. Known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, the OB Noodle House has exceptional Pho dishes with some serious and refreshing flavor that will leave you wanting more. After meeting the owner, sampling their menu, and taking advantage of their VERY extensive bar, I learned that other Vietnamese-style restaurants just won’t cut it anymore. Since 2008, the OB Noodle House has been enjoying a pretty successful ride because of its high quality food, fun atmosphere, and hungry people like me, craving a refreshing experience. Steve Yeng, the genius behind this incredibly unique restaurant, who also grew up in OB, originally set out to create the perfect hangout spot for him and his buddies,
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but found himself with something more and the challenge to create something better. The current location of the Noodle House had already endured the unfortunate demise of a previous Vietnamese eatery, but Steve was determined to put it together and make it work. Most entrepreneurs and business owners typically deal with some of the same obstacles and challenges that arise when starting up a business, but not Steve. “We didn’t really have any business or restaurant experience…we didn’t really have a plan either. I was getting out of college and didn’t know what I wanted to do, however, my friends and I really wanted to put something together where we could chill and hang out, then one thing led to another and everything just kind of fell into place…we got lucky,” he said. Most people would have called him crazy for starting up another Pho restaurant after seeing the first one go up in smoke, but for Steve, his inspiration had a lot to do with his family and what he grew up eating because that’s what he knew. “I had a pretty rough childhood and came to this country with nothing, and didn’t even speak English, but now I’m living the American dream. And unfortunately, I can’t really describe to you how this happened, it just did…we got lucky. However, the biggest challenge I ran into was putting the menu together, but after doing a little research, using my best judgment, and learning how to make the food, everything pretty much worked out in our favor again.” There’s no shortage of good places to eat in OB, but the Noodle House sets the bar as a fresh and unique restaurant experience. I really admired Steve’s carefree, positive attitude and fun-loving spirit; it’s his state of mind that drives this prosperous and dynamic business. Since they’ve opened their doors, they’ve been packed! OB residents love their food, and San Diegans pour in from all over to try some of the best Pho in town. This place is truly one of kind and I say that with confidence. I’ve had plenty of bad experiences when it comes to Pho and this wasn’t one of them. I absolutely loved the simple, clean
layout and appreciated its original and creative environment. The eclectic design and sports bar space presented me with a warm, fun and friendly atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The servers were polite with a certain charisma that really got me in the mood for a good time. It was also good to know that Steve takes great pride in his brain child by working long hours alongside his employees/ friends that have been with him since the beginning, which is a rarity in the restaurant business, and it just goes to show that everyone enjoys what they do. It’s hard to find a place with a good mix of alcohol, food, and great service, but the Noodle House is doing a great job at filling that void. It attracts crowds both young and old with an atmosphere that shifts like night and day as the evening approaches. With incredible drinks, an extensive bar, and great specials, the Noodle House lures a thirsty, younger, college crowd, which makes plenty of sense for the surrounding locale. Whether you’re with family or friends, it is the perfect place for any gathering. While I waited for my appetizer and the OB Special, Steve introduced me to their Honey Melon Sake that took me back for a moment with its smooth and deliciously sweet taste, which made it hard to put down. I also helped myself to an amazing Belgium beer that was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Lindemans
– Pomme had a smooth, light body with an outstanding fresh apple flavor that was GOOOOOOD! Somewhat tart, this particular beer didn’t taste like a beer at all, but rather an early desert. Since the tasty sake and beer didn’t stain my palate, it was easy to enjoy the Tiger Shrimp appetizer that was served up with a very unique, homemade sweet and sour sauce that was a great compliment to the already delicious shrimp. And when things couldn’t get any better, my Pho had finally arrived! The OB Special consisted of extra large rare steak, well-done steak, brisket, flank and tripe…the communion was meant to be; everything was perfect! Nothing warms my heart more than a huge bowl of noodle soup. When it comes to Pho, the focal point for me has always been the broth. Other restaurants have a bad habit of using excessive amounts of MSG, which has a tendency to manipulate the flavor of any food, especially Pho, by always leaving a dry aftertaste in your mouth. It’s hard to find places like this that use very little (if any) MSG and the truth is in the broth. It was clean and refreshing all the way through; the rice noodles were perfect, the meat was tender, and the overall taste was satisfying! I can go on, but the OB Noodle House is one of those places you have to experience for yourself, and if you don’t, then you’re only wasting your time with what YOU think is good Pho.
Any dubious individual would find comfort in the high quality, home-style Pho and other dishes this place puts out; they certainly get down in the kitchen! The OB Noodle House is a perfect accolade to the Ocean Beach scene with its youthful energy and great, friendly service. But if you absolutely love Pho, can’t get enough, and would like to pledge your love, they’ve got the “Pho 20”. This beast will decimate you with 2lbs. of noodles, 1.5 lbs. of meat, and 1 pint of Stone beer, but on a positive note, you’ll be recognized and forever remembered as a “PhoKing Champion” on their Wall of Fame. You see, it’s something as simple as this that sums up and defines what this business is all about: fun, good times, and heartwarming food. And believe me, it’s ALWAYS a good time for a bowl!
OB Noodle House 2218 Cable Street San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 450-6868 www.obnoodlehouse.com
Article and Photos By: R.J. Villa The Bluebird Coffee Shop opened its doors to Las Vegas on August 25, 2010, and at that time, the possibilities for the medical marijuana patient-friendly café appeared to be extremely promising and forward thinking for Nevada. Mention the words marijuana and coffee shop, and plenty of people will have visions (or flashbacks) of hazy visits to Amsterdam. This Las Vegas, Nevada coffee shop is a far cry from the tourist laden cafés of Holland, and instead, it has become one of the first steps for the medical marijuana community in the state. The Bluebird Coffee Shop opened with a bold statement to the medical marijuana community in Las Vegas. They were allowing Nevada MMJ patients to medicate on site in a private, club lounge area. However, since the turn of the New Year, they have stopped allowing patients from medicating on site. “We actually stopped the use of medicine on site back in December,” says Chris, a Bluebird Coffee Shop employee. “We feel we’ve created enough buzz for the Nevada community to know who we are as far as medical marijuana patients go. We are now focusing more on the food and beverage side of our business. Overall, that is what keeps us operating. When we were offering the program to medicate on site, we didn’t have
enough members signing up. At that time, we were not allowing non-medical marijuana patients to enter the room. Now, we’re allocating any and everyone the benefit of using our lounge.” When the Bluebird Coffee Shop was divided into the café area and the smoking lounge, access to the smoking area was extremely limited to Nevada MMJ patients registered with the club. Members of the club sign a waiver and are held responsible for all the rules and regulations they must adhere to in order to gain access to the lounge area. Members are required to travel to and from the club safely; via mass transportation, a designated driver, or using a taxi voucher (issued to members). Members permitted access to the smoking lounge are exposed to a secure area where they enter a relaxed environment equipped with a flat-screen television, smoking utensils, and vaporizers. The price of membership is listed as $10 per visit, $100 per month, or $1000 for an annual membership. However, the Bluebird Coffee Shop has transitioned away from being a place where patients can medicate. NUGMAG.COM | 49
“Holding vaporizers and such items for patients to use is a little risky. We have to study the law to see what is legal and what is not. At the moment, we are making sure ALL of our staff members have a license to consult medical marijuana patients on products such as bongs, vaporizers, etc. As of now, we hope Nevada becomes a little more relaxed on the law regarding medical marijuana patients.” The opening of the first medical marijuana-friendly coffee shop in Las Vegas last year has shown us the progression and transformation that Nevada is experiencing since becoming a medical marijuana state. However, the closing of the smoking lounge still shows us that the fight for more rights for MMJ patients in Nevada continues. Progression is only a matter of time. After all, this is the state where prostitution is legal in certain counties…right? 50 | NUGMAG.COM
The Bluebird still offers a venue where these individuals can gather information on the top quality medicinal products they desire. While the smoking lounge is no longer available as a place for patients to medicate, the Bluebird Coffee Shop is still an environment where MMJ patients can network, converse and discuss their conditions and medication; it’s a venue that understands the community. The Bluebird still provides its patrons with a legal, safe and secure environment for acquiring knowledge of Nevada’s MMJ patients and their caregivers. Bluebird is a gathering place where people can relax with like-minded souls and find the proper resources pertaining to medical marijuana and the compassionate caregiving they are looking for. The Bluebird believes in the education of its patrons with emphasis on legal and healthy use of medical marijuana. “I identified a need in town last December (2009) that there was a growing movement in the medical marijuana community,” states Larry, Bluebird Coffee Shop co-owner. “I think the community has been demonized in the press and in society. It’s a legitimate movement for legitimate people that have legitimate problems.” When medicating was allowed on site last year, the Bluebird Coffee Shop gave cardholders “an outside place to come and medicate themselves in a safe environment,” added Bluebird Coffee Shop co-owner Chris Lexis. At the time, the Bluebird Coffee Shop was divided into two sections. The coffee shop was open to the general public and had the same feel as any other coffee shop; standard café drinks with food options. “The place has a nice friendly, laid back atmosphere with no hint of the tackiness you might find at a head shop,” said Bluebird Coffee Shop pa-
tron Jen F. “The smoking lounge is closed off from the rest of the café, so there is no cross ventilation,” she continued to describe, which was the feel of the Bluebird Coffee Shop when members still had the ability to medicate on site. “The owners were so super nice, friendly and very welcoming. I think that they’re doing a good service for the legit side of the medical marijuana community. Plus, I always love a place that has a few vegan options.” The Bluebird started out serving coffee, tea, and smoothies with a light selection of cereal, fruit, sandwiches, soups and salads. Since the opening of the grill, they have begun to expand their menu a little bit more. “The business has been picking up since we changed the face of our company and opened the grill,” reveals Chris, a Bluebird employee. “Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, sausages, etc…at the moment, we’re still adding new items to the menu. Our hot beverage menu has grown a lot since our opening.” The co-owners, Larry and Chris Lexis, are both cardholders dedicated to educating and helping their patients. They can help instruct patients on various methods of consuming medication, operating a vaporizer, or even coach joint rolling. They do not issue cards nor do they vend any marijuana. “We are abiding by the laws of the state of Nevada to the T,” Larry adds. Bluebird brings an array of medical marijuana resources to Southern Nevada patients and their doctors. They can assist in helping patients locate their specific medicines and strains. The Compassion Club at The Bluebird continues to meet with open sessions for mental health care groups. They put together support groups for cancer patients and survivors, as well as programs designed for individuals with Crohn’s Disease, MS, IBS, Celiac, and chronic pain to name a few. Lectures and seminars focus on their club members’ need to obtain the latest up-to-date information on the medical marijuana movement. Nevada MMJ patients can find information on a variety of topics including: compassionate caregiving, medical marijuana prescriptions and physician referrals, as well as cannabis products and services. “What the Bluebird Coffee Shop is doing is really good,” says Bluebird patron Yutchadol Saennok. “We need more places like this to educate us on medical marijuana. To me, Las Vegas is lacking the knowledge on this topic.” “I’ve visited the Bluebird and I can tell you that everyone there is dedicated to providing our growing cannabis community with a venue to gather, share and network,” states another Bluebird patron Jay Trujillo.
Unfortunately, storefront marijuana dispensaries are not recognized under Nevada law, and it is illegal to sell medical marijuana in Nevada. If you are a medical marijuana patient or caregiver in Nevada, you must grow your own marijuana. The dispensaries require donations rather than compensation in return for marijuana. However, this feature of the Bluebird Coffee Shop is merely a glimpse into the progress that Nevada is experiencing for the medical marijuana patient. When visiting Nevada and Las Vegas as a California MMJ patient, we are still asked to be discrete and limit medicating to behind closed doors at private locations such as a residence or your hotel room. Please keep in mind that under NRS 453A, only a person with a qualifying debilitating medical condition who has obtained a valid Nevada Medical Marijuana Program card is exempt from criminal laws of the state for engaging in the medical use of marijuana as justified by the symptoms or effects of the person’s debilitating medical condition. At this time, the NMMP is not aware of any “reciprocity” agreements with any other states to honor the Nevada law. This includes even those states that have medical marijuana laws of their own, such as California or Washington; medical marijuana programs vary by state. For more information on Nevada’s Medical Marijuana Patient Laws, you may want to contact the Nevada State Health Division or you can visit their website at: www. health.nv.gov.
Bluebird Coffee Shop 2025 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 (702) 735-9750 Hours of Operation 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
Stephen Hearn
Written by Canna Chef Kim, Mother Earth Co-op | Serving San Diego MMJ patients since 2005 This month we have a few new healing recipes for your Valentine and 2:15 dinners with of course, our medicinal twist! Most of us are familiar with the history of 2:15 from Prop. 215, the medical marijuana proposition that passed in 1996, in California. Proposition 215, known as the Compassionate Use Act, legalized marijuana for medical use. Proposition 215 permits allow seriously ill Californians to use marijuana, provided they first obtain a doctor’s recommendation. Proposition 215 also gives doctors a legal defense against professional or legal sanctions for recommending marijuana use. To date, there are 15 states that have voted in favor of medical marijuana and more are considering totally legalizing the curative herb. It is not accurately known why the 14th of February is Valentine’s Day since there are a few different legends surrounding the history of that day. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by the name of Valentine. One was a priest in Rome; another was a bishop in Terni. Not much is known concerning the third St. Valentine apart from the fact that he was martyred in Africa. Amazingly, all three were martyred on February 14th.
He secretly performed many marriage ceremonies until Claudius found out about this “friend of lovers”, and had him arrested. When Claudius met Valentine, he was impressed by his dignity and conviction. However, Valentine refused to agree with the emperor regarding the ban on marriage. The angered Claudius gave the order of execution of Valentine. According to another legend, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer while imprisoned. Just before his execution, Valentine signed a farewell message to her that read, “From Your Valentine”, a phrase that lived on ever after. He was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion and was executed on February 14th, 270 A.D. It became a day for lovers, and Valentine became its Patron Saint. Young Romans offered handwritten greetings of affection to the women they admired, which were known as Valentines. The earliest valentine’s card, which is preserved in the British Museum, was sent in 1415 A.D. by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
One legend proclaims that it originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration observed every year on February 15th. The Christians in Europe changed many pagan holidays. They renamed and dedicated them to Christian martyrs. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia into a Christian feast day observed a day earlier on February 14th. He proclaimed 2/14 in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the third century.
The holiday evolved over the centuries. By the 18th century, gift giving and exchanging handmade cards on Valentine’s Day had become common in England. It was not until the 1840s that Valentine’s Day greeting cards began to be commercially produced in the U.S.
The story of St. Valentine has two different versions. However, both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II, who had prohibited marriage for young men. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were emotionally attached to their families, which he believed made men weak and not good soldiers. He issued a law forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers. Bishop Valentine realized the injustice of the decree. He saw young lovers giving up hopes of being married and planned to counter the monarch’s orders in secrecy. Whenever lovers wanted to marry, they went to Valentine and met in a secret location where he would marry them.
1 small Onion (finely chopped) 2 stalks Celery (chopped) 2 tbsp. Cannaoil* 2 tsp. Sugar 1 1/2 lbs. Beets (chopped) 1 tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
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Some of the following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” Kim Twolan © 2008 Cookbook available at finer co-ops, collectives and physician offices or online at www.motherearthcoop.com/products COLD DYNAMITE BORSCH SOUP (Soups) 1/4 tsp. Kief* 3 cup Chicken Broth 1 pkg. Sour Cream 2 tbsp. Chives (freshly chopped) 1 tsp. Horseradish
In a heavy saucepan, cook onion and celery in cannaoil* with sugar, salt and pepper to taste over moderately low heat. Stir until veggies are soft, then add: beets, vinegar, kief* and broth. Simmer mixture, covered 35 to 40 minutes or until beets are very tender. In a blender, purée in batches until smooth, then transfer puréed into a bowl. Chill soup, covered, for at least 6 hours or overnight. Season it with salt and pepper. Makes about 7 curative cups. Note: Garnish with sour cream or yogurt seasoned with horseradish in the shape of a heart and sprinkle with fresh minced chives.
MUSHROOM CHESTNUT NIRVANA (Vegetarian) 1 (8-oz.) pkg. Ready Puff Pastry 2 tbsp. Cannaoil* 1 cup Leeks (finely chopped) 1 (10-oz.) pkg. Mushrooms (sliced) 1 (7-oz.) pkg. Chestnuts (cooked) 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper (ground) 1 cup Sour Cream
1 large Onion (chopped) 1 tbsp. Parsley (chopped) 1 tbsp. Thyme (chopped) 2 tbsp. Cannabis (chopped) 1 tbsp. Dry Sherry (chopped) 4 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat cannaoil *(see recipe) or cannabutter in a frying pan, then gently fry onions, garlic and leeks for about 5 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms; fry for another 5 minutes, then stir in chestnuts, parsley, thyme and cannabis. Add sour cream, pepper and sherry, and then cook for another 2 minutes. Spoon filling into a pie dish and let it cool. Roll out pastry slightly larger than the top of the pie plate; cover the top of pie plate with pastry. Make a cut on the pastry to let the air escape. Brush with a bit of milk and put it in the oven. Turn down oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 13 to 20 minutes or until pastry looks golden. Note: A great vegan comfort food that is wonderful when served with fresh bread. This is excellent for nausea, cramps, anxiety and pain relief. PASTA SOPHIE & LOVE PEPPERED SAUCE (Pastas) 1 (12-oz.) pkg. Linguine 1/2 tsp. Kief* 1 (12-oz.) jar Roasted Red Peppers 2 small Carrots (thinly sliced) 1 (6-oz.) jar Artichokes (w/ liquid) 2 small Tomatoes (diced) 1/4 cup Dried Tomatoes (rehydrated) 2 tbsp. White Balsamic Vinegar 1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt 1/4 tsp. Lemon Pepper 1/2 cup Parsley Leaves (finely chopped) 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add linguine; cook at a rapid boil until al dente, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain linguine, rinse under cold water until cool. Combine red peppers (with liquid), artichokes (with liquid), sun-dried tomatoes, parsley and kief*(see recipe) in a food processor or blender. Pulse on and off until mixture is coarsely and evenly chopped. In a large serving bowl, combine red pepper and artichoke mixture with linguine, and toss. Add carrots, tomatoes, and vinegar; season to taste with salt and pepper, and then toss again. This makes 6 to 8 curative servings. Note: Garnish with Parmesan cheese, green onions and red peppers. LOVE POTION CHOCOLATE FONDUE (Fondue) 4 tbsp. Cannabutter * 4 squares Unsweetened Chocolate 1 cup Half & Half
1 cup Sugar 1/4 cup Peanut Butter 1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
In a medium saucepan, combine cannabutter*(see recipe), chocolate, and half & half. Cook over low heat until mixture is smooth and blended, stirring frequently with a wire whisk. Add sugar, and continue to stir. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer until sugar is dissolved. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and stir until blended. Remove from heat; then pour into fondue pot or chafing dish. This recipe makes 6 wonderful servings. “KIEF” is an age old way of extracting trichomes from plant material. Kief is the product derived from the kiefing process. Kiefing is a method in which you rub dry trim, buds and small leaves with crystals over a silk screen. The THC glands will form a powder that comes through the screen, which is used in cooking or for smoking. It is usually a pale green to light brown dependant on the strain of cannabis. Kief powder that is pressed together is called hash. Note: Kief boxes are sold at some smoke shops and are easier to work
with than silk screens. In a kief box, the screen is above the collection drawer allowing the THC glands to pass through the screen and into the collection drawer. This makes it easy and compact for the average user to collect kief and use for smoking or cooking. * Cannaoil is any high quality food grade oil such as coconut oil, hempseed oil, olive oil, or canola oil that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis. * Cannabutter is dairy butter that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis. The recipes for cannaoil and cannabutter can be found in the first copy of NUG Magazine or online at www.MotherEarthCoop.com Wishing you a hempy journey to a healthier you! Please remember to continue the 2011 challenge of being kind to each other everyday!!
Peace, Love & Gratitude, Kim
Photo: AMS by Greenhouse Seed Co. NUGMAG.COM | 57
GROW by The SD OG Grower
All of us want that magic potion in a bottle that is going to give us heavier yields and sweeter fruits! But most growers concentrate on the lights and nutrients, wanting a flowering or bloom booster, or enhancer that’s going to magically give us a larger harvest. However, if we don’t pay that same attention to our environment and water quality, then we can never achieve the best yields possible. Many people have the most expensive nutrients, but have no type of water filtration and have a poor environment, or simply don’t have the proper temperature and humidity control. These are all things that need to be perfect in order to achieve the best yields possible. But once you have these factors dialed in, there are a couple of other new things you can do to improve your garden, and here is one of the newest products to help! Has anyone ever wondered what the natural sounds of nature do to plants? Have you ever noticed that the only sounds in your grow room are your buzzing ballasts, fans and pumps? Well, as always, Mother Nature provides things that we just can’t explain or understand. Nature creates all sorts of natural sounds, vibrations and harmonic waves that have a direct effect on the plants and how they grow. BioWave Industries has recently released a machine that does just that; it produces harmonic waves that resonate with plant frequencies, causing the plant stomata to dilate. What does this mean? It means that it allows the plant to breathe easier and more efficiently, allowing it to produce larger, healthier crops! Many of you have probably heard that classical music is good for plants. However, it’s the vibrations and harmonic waves of the
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music that are soothing to plants, which is similar to how music relaxes us and allows us to be more at peace. These machines are not cheap. It costs about $2400 for the DI-9200, but it can cover a 5000 sq ft room. I recently got one from Scott at IGS to test it out for him. I’ve heard a lot about it from reputable growers up north, and there have been studies and tests done by labs that prove it’s effective with an average of 20% higher yields and much higher brix or sugar levels. Not bad for larger yields and sweeter, healthier crops! It also reduces pests because the harmonic waves seem to disrupt their activity; fewer pests have been reported in most of the tests. This is not new to me because I’ve read about plants benefitting from sounds and harmonic waves for quite some time. However, this is the first actual machine I’ve seen, and one with university studies behind it that prove its effectiveness. The great thing is that it’s easy to install. It only took about 20 minutes to mount it to the wall with the brackets that were included with the unit. It also has a 3 year warranty and is made out of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. It comes in 2 models; the DI-9200 is for indoor grow rooms and greenhouses up to 5000 sq ft (1.5 acres). It operates off either 120v or 240v, and draws only 60 watts. The DI-9000 farm model covers up to 10 acres, and it operates off a solar panel and a car battery. I will be testing this unit for the next couple of months on a fresh batch of plants in a controlled, sealed environment (a warehouse grow room). I’m not running side by side experiments, but this is a room that I’ve dialed into over and over again for the last year or so, which is about 7 crops or
cycles. I believe I’ve consistently grown 1415 lbs of high quality fruit. I’m also using the same strain clones from the same genetics and stock plant I’ve been using for years, so I know what to expect. The room uses five 1000watt lights and four 600watt lights that are all air-cooled with a 3 ton Excel Air Stealth Split A/C system, a C.A.P. CO2 Generator, and the GEN-2Pe with 8 burners. It is a drip system with no more than 9 plants per 1000w light, and no more than 6 plants per 600w light. All plants are grown in Canna Coco using Canna Coco nutrients A/B, Cannazyme, Rhizotonic, Boost and PK-13-14. A couple of additives are used such as Botanicare Cal-Mag, Botanicare Silica Blast, Vermicrop Compost Tea Solution, Mycos – Mycorrhizae, and foliar spray through veg and the first 3 weeks of flowering with Heavy 16 foliar spray. This has been my nutrient schedule for the last year and I will keep it the same for this test run. I’m excited about this new product, and mostly excited about the higher brix or sugar levels. Sweeter fruit is one of the best things in life to me! The larger yields are pretty cool too! Look for the article in a few months when I write about my results and how it really performs and works! Till then, concentrate on your environment, air quality and water quality. Always sterilize your room and keep a clean environment because your plants will thank you for it!
Happy Growing, keep it green!
Five strains, five days, and five full sessions made for one very happy Chronisseur this month. As expected, Hopper dove into his workload lungs first…and as usual, he had plenty to say about it.
G-13: (Coastal Green Collective) “This is one beautiful nug. From the green coloring to its red hairs, and every trichome in-between, it shines like a diamond. The smell doesn’t remind me of a traditional G-13 though; it’s more like an OG. Maybe they should’ve called it OG-13! However, it is still a very nice aroma. With excellent flavor, it reminds me of San Fernando Valley Kush. –Coats the tongue and really opens the lungs! Great expansion; the head and shoulders are where I felt it first. I’d recommend the G-13 to a variety of patients with different ailments; it’s an all around winner, kudos to the grower!” Sour Kush: (Healing Dragon) “The first thing I noticed about this bud is trichomes, trichomes, and more trichomes! It sparkles like a disco ball! It has a pleasant lemon/pine aroma, which is nice, but not very Kush-like. I really enjoyed the flavor of this one. It’s earthy and smooth on the exhale and offers a nice head high that continues to creep up. This would be perfect for an evening of relaxation after a stressful day. Overall, this is an absolute beauty of a bud. Good job!”
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J-1: (Healing Dragon) “Wow…I don’t know how else to describe this one, except to say that it’s damn near perfect! Appearance and aroma both get a ten out of ten. I wish you guys could see this one in person. It was clearly grown with care and cured correctly. I have always been a fan of the J-1, and this sample is one of the best I’ve recently had. It tastes amazing, exactly what I expected; very smooth and well-flushed. Hats off to the grower, I give it full green thumbs up! I would highly recommend this to patients in need of great daytime medication. I feel like golfing a full 18 holes!”
857 Erkulum: (Sensible Selections) “I’ve never heard of this strain until today. The first thing to catch my eye is the amount of purpling and red hairs. Smells nice with a sweet and floral scent; my guess is that this is a Purple Urkle/Romulan cross. It also has a nice flavor; I taste a hint of the Purple Urkle in there. It’s not very expansive, but that could be a plus for some patients. Not everyone wants to feel like they’ve been punched in the lungs!” 857 Grape Ape: (Sensible Selections) “This is a really frosty looking nug with lots of trichomes and a slight purpling. It’s a nice, tight, little nugget too. It’s not that pungent, but it does have a pleasant aroma; it’s more on the floral tip. Good flavor, great expansion. It definitely creeps up. This one would be great for pain management and for those who need rest in order to heal.” “Once again, I have to give huge props to the San Diego medical cannabis community for the consistency of high quality medicine that continues to be grown locally by San Diegans, for San Diegans,” Hopper said, as we were finishing the fifth and final session of the month. “It’s not just about the meds though. To see the way the community came together during the holidays to collect donations for the San Diego Food Bank and Toys for Tots, really made me proud.” It also gave him renewed drive to expand the charity work that The Green Door Collective is known for, which led him to come up with a fun way to get other collectives involved. The first annual San Diego Food Fight challenges several local collectives to get competitive for a good cause. From February 1st to March 1st, each collective will collect as many non-perishable food items as possible, with the winner taking home a custom-made trophy, not to mention the all-important bragging rights. What really struck me is that Hopper is promoting a contest he admits he most likely will not win, because The GDC is a private, referral only, patient resource center, and fewer patients means fewer donations. Does that bother him? “Not at all,” he said. “It’s not about me. It’s about giving back to the city I was born and raised in. This is the least I can do, really.” Really? If this is the least he can do, I can only imagine what else he has up his sleeve. In the meantime, be sure to pick up a few extra canned goods to help your favorite collective win the Food Fight. For more information and collection sites, email Hopper at thegreendoorcollective@gmail.com. Story by Pamela Jayne
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Photo by Derek Plank
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Nug Shots by M.K. Jack
Holland Restricts Cannabis in Border Towns Article and Photos By R.J. Villa Is tourist access to Amsterdam’s coffee shops and regulated cannabis truly in jeopardy? Say it ain’t so! According to various reports on the BBC and even The Wall Street Journal, December’s rulings by the European Court of Justice on the recent crackdown in border towns has left cannabis tourists (worldwide) wondering if the 30+ years of regulated marijuana, hashish and smart drugs access in Amsterdam will be coming to a close. The Dutch and international media have been reporting the last few months about the regulations that the new government in Holland is considering for the coffee shops in the Netherlands. One of these proposed regulations would even introduce an ID pass system that would exclude non-Dutch citizens from visiting a coffee shop that distributes cannabis. “I do not believe there will be a real restrictive change,” says Editor of the Amsterdam tourist information and travel guide website amsterdam.info, Piotr Andrejew. “There is an attempt to change the character of the whole scene, but not to shut it down. The solutions in the border regions will not be applied in the whole country.” There are close to 700 coffee shops in the Netherlands. The main international hub for marijuana tourism has always been Amsterdam. Have you taken the time to visit Amsterdam yet? A flight into Amsterdam Airport Schipohl with a short train ride into Grand Central Station and you are in the thick of it. A tram ride or adventurous cab drive towards Leidsesplein and you are ready for: street performers in Leidsesplein Square, a stroll through Vondelpark, the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums, live music at the Melkweg or Paradiso, the canals, the bicycles, the gorgeous Dutch people and of course, the regulated access to marijuana and hashish along with other smart drugs. Laws cracking down on the border cities to Germany and Belgium have taken aim at curbing the so-called “drug tourists” who drive from foreign countries to buy marijuana. The European Court of Justice said the city of Maastricht was within its rights when it passed a 2005 law that stopped foreigners from entering cafés that sell marijuana. The European Court of Justice ruling by the Dutch Supreme Court had the Council of State targeting Marc Josemans, the owner of the cannabis coffee shop Easy Going. Josemans was forced to close his coffee shop for disregarding the 2005 “no foreigners” rule. The European Court of Justice found that the ban was “justified by the objective of combating drug tourism and the associated public nuisance.” The court added that the governments of Belgium, Germany, and even France had linked drug tourism to public order problems in their own countries. “Tourists (in Amsterdam) for the most part do not create too much of a disturbance,” states Raymond Maigret of The Bulldog Coffeeshop. “Your typical coffee shop visitors are described as peaceful by the Dutch who live adjacent to many of the shops.” Amsterdam tourists differ from these foreigners commuting to acquire weed. The typical cannabis tourist visits Amsterdam for the city itself. It is an international destination because of the city’s unique way of life, its museums, canals, rich cultural history, as well as the coffee and smart shops. “The coffee shops that remain in the city have probably scared down, but this also happened with the whole tourism industry,” Andrejew continues. “I do not believe there was a dramatic change because of the fact that the whole scene seems quieter now. The authorities will try to leave soft drugs accessible, but cut it off as the source of income for the criminal underworld. The people of Amsterdam do not want their city to be the capital of junkies and drug addicts from all over the world. But at the same time, they have nothing against tolerance and accessibility of the soft drugs. They would prefer to have a quieter scene, but not necessarily smaller. Any kind of sharp restrictions will have the opposite effect to the intended. The criminal world will control what would eventually become illegal and reap even bigger profits than before.” The Netherlands continues to be a flagship for marijuana and soft drug tourism. This soft approach to soft drugs has allowed the authorities to focus on the harder drug element that exists in Holland. But, the recent rulings in the European Court of Justice have correspondents all over Europe murmuring about how Holland may appear to be on the verge of shifting their political stance on allowing foreign tourists to purchase marijuana and hashish at their world famous coffee shops. While Andrejew remains optimistic that regulations of cracking down on foreign tourists’ access in Amsterdam will not happen, Mark from The Rookies Hotel and Coffeeshop in Amsterdam speaks about the debate on this still being open. “We have to wait for the drugs debate, maybe in February of this year, and see what comes out of that,” Mark mentions. “There is always the illegal market that would love to take this over. The local resident to Amsterdam does not want this, including the mayor. There is another law that may be coming in 2012 or within the next four years that says coffee shops are not allowed
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to be any closer than 350 meters from a school. That means 187 shops have to close in Amsterdam.” After the potential loss of those sites, the remaining shops would then become too busy, potentially creating more of a nuisance to Amsterdam residents. Mark also believes that the implementing of an ID pass system would be “the beginning of the end.” He believes that 30% of the shops in Amsterdam will be forced to close. This regulated access would then move a bulk of the cannabis trade to underground crime; once again, linking suppliers of street cannabis to harder drugs. “They have the illusion that if you shut down the coffee shops, then cannabis consumption would go down,” Mark comments. “I think consumption will rise. Even worse, the young people will use harder drugs. And as a result, it would mean more crime on the streets.” The use of marijuana, hashish, or smart and soft drugs in the Netherlands is still illegal, but it is tolerated in small amounts with possession and purchases limited to 5 grams per adult. The law against cannabis has not been upheld since 1976. As it stands now, a consumer’s nationality is not an issue. However, the Netherlands’ current government is considering turning coffee shops into “private member” clubs with ID passes. They feel the 30 year soft stance on drug tourism possesses a major threat to the Dutch way of life. The Wall Street Journal reported that tourists “have a reputation for rowdiness, creating havoc on the roads and in the city’s narrow medieval lanes.” As of late, the border cities have been the main target, but many feel it is only a matter of time before the increasingly conservative government extends their regulations and bans across the Netherlands for foreign tourists. There are fears that this would eventually include Amsterdam. The ruling in Maastricht has been regarded as an important precedent because the new government is planning to use it as the model to restrict the sale of marijuana and hashish. They plan to create an ID pass system or “grass pass” that will only be given to Dutch adults, preventing foreign drug tourists from being served in cannabis cafés. But before you hit the panic button, many believe that these regulations will only continue to affect border towns, while Amsterdam will remain unaffected. “This is another example of the symbolic politics of the new government and a case of creating problems where none exist,” remarks Maigret. “The government is making themselves look good in the eyes of neighboring countries and the rest of the European Union. An ID pass system in Amsterdam will be unnecessary and will not be introduced. This has been forwarded in a letter by the mayor to the minister in charge.” While the political spectrum in the Netherlands appears to be in constant flux, it seems no major changes are set for the near future. However, Holland’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the current government in power may continue to implement a more conservative agenda. Whether it is symbolic politics or if they truly intend to end 30 years of foreigners traveling to the Netherlands to enjoy cannabis, it remains to be seen. Over the past decade, I have taken several trips to Amsterdam; my first visit was back in 2000 when the American dollar had an extremely favorable rate to the colorful Guilder. Studying in London at the time, I was only a cheap flight or hovercraft away from Dover. There is no time like the present to enjoy Amsterdam for the freedoms they have offered us over the past few decades. For more information on visiting Amsterdam, please refer to the following sites and locations. amsterdam.info amsterdam.info is an independent project run by a team of editors living locally in Amsterdam, providing its visitors with valuable information while serving attractive content within an easy-to-use structure. The Bulldog Coffeeshop Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220 1012 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands The Rookies Hotel and Coffeeshop Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145-147 1017 PZ Amsterdam, Netherlands www.rookies.nl www.hotelrookies.nl Museums: Rijks Museum Jan Luijkenstraat 1 1071 CJ Amsterdam, Netherlands www.rijksmuseum.nl Van Gogh Museum Paulus Potterstraat 7 1071 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands www.vangoghmuseum.nl
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Live Music Venues: Melkweg Lijnbaansgracht 234 /A 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands www.melkweg.nl Paradiso Weteringschans 6 1017 SG Amsterdam, Netherlands www.paradiso.nl
Mammoth is as Frosty as Their Medication Article and Photos By R.J. Villa
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area at the end of December 2010, proudly stood on top of the Sierra’s beautiful cliffs, cornices and peaks as they claimed the “most snow in the world”. Mammoth had snow falling at the rate of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour for four days straight, stacking up to 16 feet of new snow. Mammoth set a record for the snowiest December since 1969, when the resort started keeping records.
“Green Mammoth operates in the true spirit of a cooperative and collective,” says Steve Klassen, Director of Green Mammoth. “We are people who live an organic life here in Mammoth Lakes.” Established by Wave Rave Snowboard Shop owner Steve Klassen, Green Mammoth first opened its doors on December 16, 2010. Green Mammoth carries a wide selection of sativas, indicas, and hybrids that are grown outdoors and indoors with a few selections from greenhouses. They also sell videos, books, and have blown glass products. Some of their more intricate glassworks are not only functional pieces, but works of art created by Klassen’s close friends. First time patients to Green Mammoth are given a free glass jar, and locals receive a discount of 10% off eighths or more. Other promotions include incentives for referrals. If a current patient refers another medical marijuana patient and brings them in with them, the individual who gave the referral to the new patient gets a free gram. Both patients have to come together in order to receive the free gram.
With medical marijuana patients following the exodus out of the city and into the Sierra for a little powder and vacation, we will take a closer look at the two collectives waiting with your holistic medication in Mammoth Lakes. With the passing of Proposition M and the hard work Steve Klassen and Tony Barrett did alongside the Chief of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department and the Mammoth Lakes Town Council, the close of 2010 marked the opening of medical marijuana and safe access for medical marijuana patients in the Eastern Sierra. Proposition M allowed for two collectives to operate within town limits. Both permits were issued on October 27th, to Klassen for Green Mammoth and Robert Calvert who opened Mammoth Lakes Wellness. Blueberry Headband, Grapefruit Diesel, Blackhawk, Owens Valley Purple Kush, Lavender, Durban Poison, and African Powerplant are some of the Green Mammoth strains that make up the wide selection of medication available at Green 94 Laurel Mountain Rd Mammoth. Klassen’s main source of strain selection and quality control is Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 his trust in his circle of friends that are now Green Mammoth member pro760-934-5400 viders and vendors. “We are currently exploring the testing side since that greenmammoth@yahoo.com is the direction in which co-ops need to go. However, I have known most of these growers and vendors for ten to fifteen years. I feel I am fortunate
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to live in Mammoth, meeting everyone I have up here and just living the lifestyle. I also met many of these friends in certain music scenes where organic marijuana is standard and expected. I know these guys personally. I know they live an organic lifestyle and they wouldn’t grow any other way. They are people I trust and I trust my circle of friends.”
really feel it in your eyes as it grips you. I found this strain to be a great aprèsski flavor, great for muscle and body soreness.
On the sativa end, I felt drawn to their outdoor grown Blue Dream. Always a favorite for growers and patients alike, this Blueberry/Haze hybrid was a great representation of the strain. It is very heady in nature with strong cerebral As certain organizations need funding, Green Mammoth also looks effects. Upon medicating, its flavor left a nice spicy Blueberry taste on my to give back to the community just like Wave Rave has in the past 20 palette. Blue Dream is a good and functional yet potent medication, a great years. Green Mammoth has expansion plans for the future as they choice for socializing and activities. have rented out the adjacent commercial space for a natural healing Blue Dream arts center and studio. “Right next door, we have rented the facility Mammoth Lakes Wellness and are in the process of turning it into a yoga studio, meditation room 3399 Main Street, Suite Q1 and natural healing center. We plan to hold lectures involving can- Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 nabis and health, meditation classes, and focus on various aspects of 760.924.2299 natural healing. As far as the future of Green Mammoth, we intend to www.mammothlakeswellness.com go with the flow and listen to our patients. There will be a time where info@mammothlakeswellness.com I can see myself step aside as director. I feel it was my job to get the co-op and medical cannabis going in Mammoth. I did the political side Mammoth Lakes Wellness opened its doors on November 27, 2010, becomand everything I could with Tony Barrett to get the vote for Proposition ing the first medical marijuana dispensary site in the Eastern Sierra resort town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. The collective is tucked away in the Mammoth M through.” Luxury Outlet Mall, and it has been the effort of Robert Calvert, Jon PaulOn Klassen’s recommendation, I took a closer look at their Bubba son and Stephanie Giangiordano. Calvert states that the collective’s mission Kush. It was a product of an indoor garden. This indica dominant strain statement is simple: “provide safe, legal access for patients to acquire medicomes from Bubblegum crossed with Master Kush. It has a spicy yet cation.” skunky flavor to it. This is a perfect winding down indica, and you can
Bubba Kush
Paulson and Giangiordano ran a co-op in Long Beach for the past three years and brought their knowledge and expertise to Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes Wellness offers a variety of glass products and accessories, as well as lighters and stickers with their logo for first time patients. They offer medication that ranges from $25 – $75 for an eighth, obviously depending on quality. When asked about their current quality control and vendor selection process, Paulson explained that he has been working with his current providers for quite some time. “We have dealt with a lot of our growers for a long time. Some are already certified organic. We plan on periodically testing our medication to make sure our vendors are still providing clean product. We have a microscope here in the shop and check for powdery mildew, bugs, pests, etc. We search for quality, look, smell and smoke. We ask our vendors questions to make sure their growing IQ is up to par. We also want to make sure they’re the ones growing it.”
Mammoth Lakes and the Surrounding Areas Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the leading four-season mountain resort in California. With 1.3 million annual skier visits, Mammoth Mountain is currently the third most frequented ski resort in the United States. The company owns and operates a variety of resort businesses, including recreation, hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage, and retail. From Southern California, you would just head north on the I-15, then take the northbound Highway 395 all the way through the Eastern Sierra Byway until you hit Highway 203, the exit to Mammoth Lakes. If you do not feel like driving several hours north, Mammoth Yosemite Airport has incoming flights through Alaskan and United Airlines. You don’t need to try and fly with your medication when you have a few options up here to acquire your cannabis… just remember to pack your appropriate paperwork. Both collectives in Mammoth Lakes are waiting for your next visit to the Eastern Sierra.
Mammoth Lakes Wellness has a great website that lists their strains, descriptions of their effects, and pricing. They dispense their medication in glass jars, which is a nice touch. Some strains of note would be their higher end Cosmic Skunk, Ogre, Pre-98 Bubba, Sage, Sour Diesel, Purple Afghani and Grand Daddy Purple. I decided to take a closer look at a couple of their eye pleasing sativas. First up was Jack the Ripper. The lineage is a well-balanced sativa and indica cross between Jacks Cleaner and Space Queen. It has a distinct lemon scent with a strong sativa effect. The uplifting high left me a little chattier than normal as my mouth kept trying to catch up with my internal dialogue. This strain is great for artistic inspiration and writing. The other sativa I sampled was Opium. The name alone created a little bit of apprehension, but the appearance and bittersweet aroma offered an unmistakable sativa anchored high. It was strong, cerebral and visual, and uplifting with minimal burnout as it wore off. The high is definitely sativa heavy and extremely thought-provoking. Mammoth Lakes Wellness also carries a few full melt concentrates, but the vial of extract goes for $40 a gram. It is straight extract with the final product containing roughly 95% THC. It is made with a laboratory botanical kit and steam extracted using grape alcohol. This extract is strong and heavy, or as Paulson puts it, “It’s insane and cutting edge. One drop on a bowl when smoking or even ingested on the end of a toothpick does the trick.”
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ABOVE:
Jack The Ripper LEFT:
Opium
Kickin’ it with The Dandy Warhols By: Robert Stinson The crowd swelled at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach as we were ushered backstage where Zia (keyboardist) and Brent (drummer) from The Dandy Warhols welcomed us aboard their hipster version of The Honeysuckle Rose. With charismatic charm, they opened up about their North American tour promoting their best of collection, “The Capitol Years 1995-2007”, while extolling the virtues of cannabis. NUG Magazine was granted an up close and personal peak into one of the most iconoclastic rock bands to ever explode out of the Portland, Oregon post grunge scene. NUG: Could you explain in your own words the creative process behind your song writing? Zia: Courtney comes in with what we call a skeleton: chord changes, melodies, lyrics, and then we flesh it out either in rehearsals or in recording. I think having our own side projects has allowed us to figure out song writing by ourselves. And with Courtney having a kid, he is looking for more time off, but the rest of us are looking to get more involved in the song writing process. NUG: What projects are you both working on outside of The Dandy Warhols? Brent: I have a band called Immigrant Union that is based
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out of Melbourne, Australia. We have a North American lineup as well as an Australian one, so I have my gang there, just a pack of amazing musicians (almost to an intimidating level). So far, we have an autocratic way of dealing with the song writing process. That is something completely different than what we’ve been trying to do with the Dandy’s. Zia: We’re in a very experimental stage. My side project Brushed Prairie is country sounding, fiddles and stuff. The band was named after a little town in Washington where I was born (in the kitchen of a farmhouse). For the most part, we were doing covers and weren’t really sure if we were a band. Since we kept getting invited to do covers at parties, I thought we should take a crack at writing and see what happens. I’ve come up with banks of potential lyrics, and while lying around getting stoned with my guitar player as he plays different ideas, I scroll through the notes on my iphone. I have fun going oh-ohoh, wait that fits, go back, yeah-yeah-yeah, that works, we have something! Then we start “hashing” out a song that is completely different.
NUG: In Portland, marijuana is legal to use, possess, cultivate, and deliver for patients who have prescriptions. How long do you think it will be before legalization is drafted to completely decriminalize marijuana in Oregon? Brent: It might sound harsh, but I think it’s crucial to have the old dinosaurs go away. The younger people understand that God put this beautiful plant on almost every continent. NUG: “Reefer Madness” Zia: Seriously! I own that DVD by the way, it’s great campy fun! It will take a while for people to let go of the propaganda that has been ingrained into their minds. –The worst case scenario would be when we’re in our 50s and the best case would be in a couple of votes or two. There is enough progress for people to stay motivated and not lose hope. Plus, there are so many activists like you guys, NORML and MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) who continue to build steam, getting a little further with each ballot initiative. Brent: The days of burning fields of marijuana have got to come to an end; it’s a resilient plant that grows everywhere. It is medicine that comes from the earth as opposed to the drugs that the pharmaceutical companies are putting out that can potentially kill people. Making cannabis illegal is utterly absurd and goes against the nature of humanity. NUG: Since we’re on the subject, what is your opinion about the medicinal qualities and practical uses of cannabis products? Brent: My father has multiple sclerosis, and marijuana has been one of the most beneficial things for him. Zia: I made pot brownies for Brent’s father and said, “Hey man, these can really help you,” to sort of bypass the whole awkwardness of the father/ son thing. My husband’s mom has an advanced stage of bone and stomach cancer. I made her loaded food as well because she is someone
who would never have smoked otherwise. Marijuana has kept her from losing too much weight and saved her from a lot of pain; plus, she doesn’t want to be on all those pills. My dad had aplastic anemia when I was a kid, so they started growing it in the backyard. I’ve seen the medicinal uses just as much as I’ve seen recreational use. Unfortunately, a lot of people that can benefit from marijuana are reluctant to seek out a source because of legalities. Brent: Yeah, the major side effect is having the munchies, and for once in your life, you’ll understand 2001: A Space Odyssey. NUG: What was the craziest moment you guys had on this tour? Brent: The other night we had a dance party on the bus; Zia was the DJ and Courtney was working the lights in this very room while we all danced. Zia: I didn’t even charge a cover. We had a couple of the guys from our opening band up in here while some friends of ours were visiting, and I was like “this is what tours are like, chicks on the bus!” You know what I mean, that never happens. Brent: The craziest night we had was when my wife was on the bus and I got a black eye from wrestling. NUG: How have TV shows and movies such as Veronica Mars, Igby Goes Down, and the Good Will Hunting Soundtrack impacted The Dandy’s? Brent: We have a career because of it. The radio stations in America rarely play our music. Zia: So as a consolation prize, we get paid a lot of money to be featured on TV shows or in movies (snickering). NUG: Has the Portland music scene changed since you guys first took off? Zia: Wow…massively! It used to be one scene that didn’t have that many tendrils coming off of it. It was one counterculture, ragtag, straggler, second hand clothes wearing scene. There were just a few clubs to play and there were a lot of house parties. Now, there are clubs everywhere and all kinds of niche/genres that have really evolved into an industry. Things couldn’t have changed more in the last decades since we first became a band. http://www.dandywarhols.com/
Interview and Photo By: Courtney Pakalolo It is 4:20 here in S.D. and I’m walking into The Green Door Collective to smoke with Yukmouth, one of rap’s smoking legends. He has been in the game for over 17 years and is still producing hits. Yuk’s single “I got five on it” might have been back in the 90s, but this family man has done a ton since then. Let’s light this blunt and hear what Yuk has to say. Where should we start Yuk? Since this is NUG Magazine, let’s talk about trees. Do you prefer sativas, indicas, or hybrids? Whatever OG Kush is, is it indica? YUP! Yeah, I like the indicas. I like loud, strong weed! It tastes good. I don’t like to smoke for recreation. I like to smoke to get fucked up, you know. Kush is the best on the market to me and I’ve been smoking for a thousand years, like dinosaur eggs and shit. What’s your favorite way to partake? Straight blunts man! I’m tryin’ to get into the pipes though; I got asthma and shit. YOU NEED A BONG! Yeah, Na Na, not a bong… but I’m gonna start vaporizing; I got a hand held one that killed me. I hear you’re from Oakland, what was it like growing up there? Oh yes, East Oakland. I grew up in the projects, 65 Village. It was hard, but I had both sides of life. My father lived in a good area and I was going back and forth between my mom in the projects and my father in Sausalito. I used to go to school with white kids and black kids. I got the best of both worlds. What have you been up to since “I got five on it”? Putting out hella albums! We went on tour with Biggie Smalls – (R.I.P Biggie), Puffy, Mary J. Blige, Junior Mafia, and Naughty by Nature. After the Luniz, I got a solo deal with
YukMouth Rap A Lot Records and put out my first solo album, ‘Tugged Out the Albulation’, which was a double album that went gold. After that, I put out a few more albums with Rap A Lot. Then, I left Rap A Lot and started my own label, Smoke A Lot Records. Now, I’m on my own label and here we are. I just dropped my Free at Last solo album, which came out in June, and features: Duffle Bag Boys, Tity Boi, Gutta Gutta from Young Money, Ya Boy the Rock Star and Choppa from Making the Band. Smoke A Lot Records sounds like something I need to hear more about. Who’s signed under the label? Faze, for the youngsters. He’s 19 with a new single called ‘Skateboard Faze’. He’s for stoners and skaters. I also have an artist Kuzzo Fly; he is an O.G. pimp type of rapper. Then there’s my crew, The Regime, which consists of me, Tech9ne, Dru Down…a slew of us all in one crew. I have another group called The Thug Lords, which is me and C-Bo. You’re a busy man and have plenty going on; do you have anything coming up in the near future? I just played down here at the San Diego Medical Cup 2010, so more S.D. events are in the near future. What’s your favorite San Diego collective? Right now, The Green Door and The Beach Collective. I just smoked out heavy at The Beach Collective. We just smoked a big ass pipe bong, smokin’ wax or somethin’. Shit blew my lungs up. You know I got asthma; I damn near died in there. Now you’re ROLLIN’ a blunt, SMOKIN’ a blunt, and talking about how trashed you were 5 minutes ago. HA! I love it! Now, I’m rollin’ up some of the Green Door…this GDK, man! Yeah buddy! Alright, let’s get serious…who were your main influences growing up? Basically, my father; he was a musician – R.I.P Dad. He was a bass guitar player and put me in music real young. In the third grade, I played the trumpet; and in sixth grade, I played the snare and bass in a marching band at school. By the eighth grade, I was rapping and into the early influences that made up the rap game like: Run DMC, Curtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane, and people like that besides the Sugar Hill Gang and all the old school shit. When 80s rap came in, that’s what really made me want to rap. Do your kids follow in your footsteps? Definitely, my daughter can sing good as shit! Gina, she’s my lil princess. My older son is skating and my youngest is rappin’. He’ll be in the back seat in his baby chair bustin’ raps. It’s definitely in their blood.
Alright, I’ll give you a second to light that blunt, but when you’re done, I want to know what happens out there on tour!!! Naughty by Nature, Biggie Smalls, and Mary J. Blige, all of us on tour together. Someone got beat up with a big ass gate chain, the shit you use to lock up a gate; then, police came and raided everybody’s room. They blamed the shit on us. Since we didn’t have a padlock or chain, you know they were harassing the wrong people, so that was crazy. Another crazy one is when we had a hotel room and went across the street to go smoke some trees with Junior Mafia. They burnt down their hotel man, and ran back to our room; the fire department got called and shit. We ended up getting kicked off the tour. I can already tell you wouldn’t just leave a blunt on fire. Yeah, I smoke that shit till the end man, but we ended up getting kicked off the tour. We lost a lot of money and weren’t supposed to be home for couple of months, we were only gone for one. But whoever started that fire was getting kicked off the tour, it is what it is. Okay, give me all the info that Nug readers need to find more Yukmouth. Go holla’ at the kid at www.SMOKEaLOTrecords.com. Thanks Yuk, I had an amazing day here at The Green Door with you and The Green Door crew, let’s blaze real soon. You can find the live interview at: www.nugradio.com Peace & Love, Pakalolo.
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Sam Adams Article and Photo By: Eric Fowler You know the American icon, you know the beer, now meet the rapper; Sam Adams!
Hailing from Boston, a Trinity College student, and captain of the soccer team, Sam Adams has quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. From his YouTube hit song “I hate college remix” to selling out large venues, Sam Adams has quickly proved that he is here to stay. The 22-year-old sold close to 8,000 digital copies in its first week, taking out Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled. I got an email from his publicist telling me about the upcoming tour, so I decided to check him out. I listened to the “I hate college remix” and “Still I Rise” featuring label mate G. Curtis, and
was immediately hooked. I went to the Los Angeles show at the House of Blues Sunset Strip and was amazed at the amount of people you can pack into a venue of that size. The energy that the fans gave off was intense, and Sam responded back by giving them an amazing show. Most college students have enough trouble dealing with school and sports. How do you deal with school, soccer and a music career? I’m real good when I’m busy at getting shit done, especially for soccer. I give a lot of my time to that, and then when I have any free time, I’m doing work; and then after that, it’s all school shit; and after that, it’s all “free time”… time to make music. So being busy is real good for me, it always has been, whether it’s just school and soccer. But it’s really just about managing my time and being smart. If I have an hour off and don’t feel like doing work, I’ll write a song or make a beat. You know, it’s only a couple days or a couple hours a day of practice, so it wasn’t too hard to balance that out…but once commitments start getting in the way, like concerts and shit, it starts to get real difficult. You went from doing shows at colleges, parties, and bars to selling out large venues throughout the U.S in a short amount of time. How did you do it? We toured in places with big fan bases, did well with it, and people started coming back and telling their friends. And when you get to the level where you can sell out a venue, venues start respecting you and other people want to jump on. I have new management that’s about to come on and I’m about to sign a record deal, so it’s really just grassroots shit, playing what the fans wat to hear and playing the places we wanted to. Some venues you really got to struggle through, and you have to sort of bite the bullet where the numbers are low, but overall, it’s a testament to the fans of how loyal I am and how real those dudes are. Your first song “I hate college” is a remix to Asher Roth’s “I love college”, which has over four million views on YouTube. What made you choose that song?
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Just the beat…I love the beat that Mike Caren produced. It wasn’t at all taking a shot at Ash. I had the hook written and it was real catchy, and after that, I wrote the verses and it all came together. That’s insane that it has over four million. Your first EP “Boston’s Boy” was released earlier this year and immediately took the #1 spot on iTunes, passing up well-known artists like Lil Wayne and DJ Kahled. How does that feel? It feels ridiculous and very rewarding. A lot of people work their asses off for years, but can never break top ten, so it was great. It was so overwhelming at first that I didn’t really realize I was sitting at number one, but the cool thing is that we dropped it at the right time. It was suppose to come out on Saturday, but came out on Friday. I was in the middle of the air when I found out it was number five; and when I landed in LA, it was number two, and then it was number one. It was the best feeling in the world as you can imagine. New Era Cap Co. has chosen you as one of the select few to be a flag bearer in the National “Fly Your Own Flag” advertising market campaign; can you explain the message behind the campaign? There is a jewelry artist, an athlete, a choreographer and I’m the rapper; basically, all people that have different occupations. Different sources of entertainment are designed and the whole campaign is just sort of unbiased around what your city is or what your team is, and what New Era caps mean to you. I’ve been wearing New Era lids since I could walk. I always had on a Boston cap, so it means a lot to me. It’s like a staple of my wardrobe and always has been, and probably always will be. So that’s what it’s all about: where you come from, what New Era means to you, and how the cap you wear has impacted your life or style, swag, etc. This is your first big tour and you have opened for Snoop Dogg, Drake, OK Go, 3OH!3, LMAFO, and many others; do you have any crazy tour stories to share with the readers? Yea, this tour is insane! The last tour in September was rugged because we were in a van, then we bought some ghetto ass RV; so it’s a lot different rolling up in a tour bus. It’s also crazy the way kids come out at college shows to support you. They sort of take a risk like “I don’t know if I like this dude yet, but I’ll go to his show”. This tour is just as insane as it was in September. I think we sold out ever single date, and for college, that’s hard to do. As for crazy stories, I’ve seen fans faint, chicks literally trying to pour into our RV and bus like it’s a zombie land, and tons of other stuff – too much to list! This tour is a little mellower; I have little more privacy, so it’s nice. Who are your musical influences? Everyone from the Neville Brothers to Dave Matthews, Nas, Biggie, JayZ, Eric Clapton. Are there any artists you would like to tour with or work with? Everyone! Your current single “Still I Rise” features label mate G. Curtis; did you know him prior to joining 1st Round Records? No, I actually met G about four or five months ago, maybe a little longer than that. I was actually flying to LA when Zach (who found Curtis) was recording a song with him in the studio; I wanted to go say hi and introduce myself, but ended up writing both verses and putting them down that day. –That was the first day we met and wrote the song. Check out Sam Adams: www.sammyadams.com; www.facebook.com/samadamslive; www.twitter.com/bostonsboy
How’d the Show Go?
Winter Greens Tour: Rebelution w/ Iration and Orgone Article By: Sandieganliz Photos By: Gio Blitz
If you haven’t heard about Rebelution’s Winter Greens Tour, which started at the House of Blues in San Diego on January 13th & 14th with Iration and Orgone, then you’re missing out! In fact, whoever came up with these collaborations is a genius! The only word I can think of to describe Rebelution is “mesmerizing”. From their recorded songs to their latest performance, Rebelution takes you on a journey filled with hope, sedation, and meaning. Their reggae promotes relaxation; listen to their irie tunes and soak up their meaningful lyrics. January 13th started the tour with an all-ages crowd. The show was sold out and all floors at the House of Blues were packed; everyone had to find their place and stay put! In fact, when I scaled the only area to move, it was near the staircase where fans accepted the fact that they wouldn’t see the entire stage; therefore, why not dance, sing along, or watch the TV screen showcase the performance? Orgone started the night, which I missed; however, I was able to catch their performance the following night at the 21 and up show. They self describe themselves as “funk/soul/afrobeat” music, and yes, that is very much the case. The congas and side percussions are a nice treat; the bass and electric guitarist playing next to each other is an awesome display; and the singer provokes listeners to have a good time. I believe they have six albums out with one album being fully instrumental from what I saw at their merchandising booth. The girl in the booth told me the instrumental album takes you on a trip, and I believe it from what I heard that night. Coming from the Hawaiian Islands and playing island-infused reggae with hints of rock, Iration keeps the crowd smiling and swaying. It seemed as though there were more Iration fans at the 21 and up show judging from the applause when the band hit the stage. That’s not to say that the all-ages show didn’t enjoy or support them as much, but if more people showed up specifically for Rebelution, I’m sure Iration got some new, young fans that night too. Popular songs like “Electricity”, “Falling”, and “Time Bomb” received enormous cheers 78 | NUGMAG.COM
from both audiences. “Summer Nights” was a mega hit too! It was nice seeing two singers take the stage for different songs: one performed by Micah Pueschal and the other by Kai Rediske. I enjoyed the long set they played and how they changed their playlist for each show. My favorite songs performed were “Cookie Jar”, “Let Me Inside”, and “Turn Around”. The headliners came onstage after some plants and a portrait of the Lion of Judah were set. The crowd roared! People went crazy with excitement from the moment Rebelution played until they left the stage. I saw so many people singing and dancing to their songs, and I couldn’t blame them; Rebelution puts on one hell of an irie show and their lyrics are extremely uplifting! Their manager was right; this band needs no review because they have a tremendous amount of fans that not only follow their music, but feel it. Both guys and girls of every age were singing along, couples were dancing throughout the entire performance, and all eyes stayed on the band. Another plus, no mosh-piting! People just want to stand, move, sing and listen. Rebelution’s music is different from other California reggae. It’s more melodic with its high blend of keyboards, electric guitar, and bass; and combined with great vocals and lyrics, Rebelution is extremely unique. It’s about embracing change, getting over life’s speed-bumps, and maintaining an open mind. Great songs like “Outta Control”, “Change the System”, and “Bright Side of Life” demonstrate this style. As for their live performance, Rebelution influences the crowd. They definitely take fans on a journey, and for the most part, they play their songs flawlessly. They also know how to handle minor setbacks as well; for instance, they had a sound check problem at the beginning of a performance, and front man Eric Rachmany played it off well, even re-directing the guys on the opening song “Green to Black” without stopping the music in play. He incorpo-
rated “San Diego” in the show, but not too heavily and even made a joke about the setback later on. He is a great vocalist and showman; actually, the whole band delivers a rich, casual vibe that rubs off on their fans. I personally enjoyed both their performances and rank them as my top choices to listen to over and over again.
The Winter Greens Tour ends in early April with a couple of stops in Los Angeles. I highly recommend catching this tour, especially when they reunite with Iration on April 1st. In fact, get your tickets now while prices are still low because in the coming future, they’ll be hitting bigger venues with pricier tickets—at least that’s what I think.
Local Artist Spotlight: By: Jed Sanders Jasmine Worth is a creative chameleon of sorts with the ability to apply a keen artistic touch in everything she delves in. She is a brilliant painter who also dabbles in other creative endeavors such as modeling, film, and curating art events. Her work contains a mysterious allure; cute and bubbly characters greet you in the foreground of macabre scenes with murky, yet beautiful backgrounds. There is an eerie antiquarian flavor; Candyland meets Edgar Allen Poe. Her creative sense stays true in her other work. In the world of fetish modeling, her photos are tasteful, artistic, and hold a similar resemblance in a balance of light and dark; the new and old. Last December, we were able to speak to Jasmine after her “Ghost of Christmas Past” group art show at the Junc Boutique in South Park. What inspired you to become an artist? I have always loved watching cartoons, and they inspired me to try to draw my favorite cartoon characters. One of my first drawings was at age three of Fred Flintstone, and it was a darn good likeness if I do say so myself. Also, my father was an artist, which influenced my interest in the arts very much. Have you attended art school? Were you satisfied with the experience? I have a BFA from the Laguna College of Art and Design. I have also attended two ateliers and found them to be very satisfying. What medium do you like to paint with? I currently paint in oils. I love the versatility and the different styles that can be achieved with oils. I am always learning new things. You can paint in oils your whole life and never stop learning new ways to use the medium. I also enjoy painting with watercolors. You have curated many group art shows at the Junc Boutique gallery in South Park. How do you feel about curating art shows and working with other artists? Curating shows for Junc has been a lot of fun. I’ve met some great people, made a lot of friends, and have been introduced to a lot of local artists. It’s also given me the opportunity to come up with a lot of interesting themes for shows. It’s always fascinating to see how different artists interpret a theme. Any good or bad experiences? Mostly good experiences, although, there have been a few odd ones, as there always are when working with the public. Any recommendations to other artists who would like to start curating shows? I think finding the right venue is the most important part. Jeffrey Parish, owner of the Junc Boutique and Gallery, has always been really supportive of the art shows. He’s a great person to work with and always has a packed house for every art opening! What do you like to do for fun? I read a lot. I like to be outside and try to grow as much of my own food as I can. What types of books do you like to read and who are some of your favorite authors? Some of my favorite authors include Sue Hubbell, Diane Ackerman, Joanne Harris, and Daniel Quinn. I also love YA fantasy, and I really enjoy J.K. Rowling (of course), Angie Sage, and Kristen Cashore. The Seven Kingdoms is my favorite series out right now. Are you a collector of art or any other interesting items? I collect animal bones (humanely procured), old weapons, skeleton keys and strange antiques.
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You have an impressive background in modeling, having worked with many photographers and even obtained some film experience. Would you care to share any interesting adventures or experiences you’ve had in the modeling world? I’ve had a lot of fun working with some of the photographers and stylists. The video shoot with Billy Idol and Slash is one of my favorite experiences because I was an Idol fan growing up. I also really enjoyed making the movie Dark Reel. It was a fun experience, and we filmed in some pretty cool locations. I only wish I could have met Lance Henriksen on the set. I really admire some of the photographers I’ve worked with. It was great to be a part of their creative process. A couple of photographers whose work comes to mind are Chad Michael Ward and Aaron Hawking. As a model and a visual artist, have these two careers ever conflicted with one another? I think that occasional modeling has opened me up to meeting a lot of interesting people. Art is a very important part of my life, and I only model once in a while for fun. There would never be a conflict for me. I will always choose my art. You have been involved with art shows all over the country in some very prestigious galleries. What do you consider to be one of the most notable shows that you have been a part of and why?
I think my four person show with La Luz de Jesus was probably the most exciting show I have been a part of. The gallery is run and staffed by amazing people, and all of my artwork sold. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to do many more shows with La Luz in the future. Do you ever stop and wonder to yourself, “What the hell am I doing?” No, [laughs] I don’t think I’ve ever wondered that specifically. If anything, I probably don’t keep myself in check often enough. I tend to daydream a lot. In a previous interview, you explained how you felt that San Diego’s art scene could use a little boost. Could you expand on what you feel might be lacking and what, if anything, might help to improve this? I do think that for such a large city we have a shamefully small art scene. Even the art shows that do happen seem to attract people more interested in the free alcohol than the art. There are some great galleries out there bringing art to San Diego; Distinction Gallery of Escondido, Subtext Gallery, and Limbo Gallery to name a few. And of course, I am happy to be a part of Junc’s efforts to bring art to South Park. Many report that women in corporate America are still struggling for equality in the work place. Being a woman in
the art world who has participated in art events like the Grrrrrl Power group shows, do you feel that this carries over into the art world in any way? There are some amazing female artists out there right now that are getting a lot of attention, and there are a lot of top galleries that are owned or run by women. I think it’s really wonderful and encouraging. I would say that most show lineups still have male artists as the majority, but I think that we are on the right track. Hopefully, it will only get better. If you could give an emerging artist any advice here in San Diego, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to submit your work to a gallery. Even if you start at the local coffee shop, it’s good experience. I think submitting your work to a gallery can often be daunting, and fear of rejection may hold some people back. No matter how wonderful an artist may be, everyone has been rejected at some point. The important thing is to keep trying and keep working at your art. Any upcoming shows? I will be in a show at La Luz de Jesus in March. I’ll also be in a show with the C.A.V.E. Gallery in Venice Beach at the end of the year. I always have art at the South Park Walkabout art shows every three months at the Junc Boutique & Gallery.
Thank you so much for your time. More of Jasmine’s work can be seen and purchased online at www.JasmineWorth. com as well as her Etsy store: JasmineWorth.etsy.com. She also shows regularly in California at various galleries. Be sure to check out her website, which is updated regularly with event information.
Popped Culture: Interview with Big Mike By: Robert Stinson
“Now LGBT men and women soldiers fighting for every American’s freedom no longer need or have to hide who they are. They have and always will be like every other American that is willing to sacrifice their life for the great of this country, they are truly American Heroes. I’m personally grateful that these LGBT members of the service have always loved this country enough to die for our freedoms. It’s about time we give them the respect they deserve. Thank you to the President and all who voted to repeal DADT. For those who did not feel these Americans deserved this right, let’s take names as Joseph Rocha suggested and make sure those 206 that did not vote to repeal DADT lose their seat in the next election. Nevertheless, it is a day to celebrate and rejoice. Free at last, Free at last!” This quote by Big Mike was submitted to us right after the repeal of DADT was ratified, which happened shortly after this interview. This monumental accomplishment in our nation’s history was made possible by grassroots advocacy and concerned citizens who united their voices against the injustices dictated by the bully pulpit. Big Mike is a shining example of what one man can do to better his community and the world around him. Could you talk about some of the charity organizations that you helped to create? My first project started with my best friend Nigel Mayer, who owns Flicks. I took him to a restaurant in Coronado for his birthday and we started talking about things. He said I’ve always had this idea to give back to the community because people believe that bartenders don’t give back, so I thought it would be great to have all the bartenders in the community donate half of their tips to Special Delivery. That led to an Employee’s Christmas Charity event that was renamed Ordinary Miracles. Within five years, our contributions totaled over $300,000 with the help of many people in the community. We started donating money to different organizations throughout the city, including children’s charities, cancer, women’s organizations, breast cancer and animal advocacy groups. San Diego has so many incredible individuals who support gay rights, how does it feel to be a part of such an elite group? I think it’s exciting! It has helped me to be a more boisterous person as I join with members of the community that are fighting for equal rights on a daily basis. We always work better as a group than as individuals. So it’s all about learning to compromise, learning to understand, and not to be fearful of what you don’t know. The more we come together as a community, the more we can join in and help each other with things such as hunger, health coverage, and all the issues that should be the focus of our country. We’re so busy working for equal rights and protections when it should be a given. However, I do feel that more individuals are getting the bigger picture and coming around. What scares me are the people in this country who use God as a political weapon when they could be focusing on love, acceptance and compassion. What turn of events led you to step up to the plate and take action in the community? It started 20 years ago when I moved out here to be with my friend Tino, who was dying of AIDS. I came out to visit him on a Saturday and while I was here,
I was taken into organizations like The Gay and Lesbian Center and other places that were helping my friend, who was a complete stranger to most of these people. I was coming from Texas, where they didn’t provide those kinds of services, so I was really blown away by the kindness these people were showing my friend. I was so moved that I gave up my life in Texas and moved out here. When Tino died, I promised myself that I would somehow give back to those organizations that were helping my friend to live a peaceful life and to die with dignity. So over the years, I have continued doing just that.
experience being on their advisory boards because they not only listened to what we had to say, but they followed through and took action on our suggestions.
Would you tell us about your campaign for That’s So Gay Live? That’s So Gay Live is an online reality show featuring people in the LGBT community. All you need to do is tape a short video about your thoughts, ideas, and how you’re trying to make a difference in the world, and then submit it to www.thatssogaylive.com. It can be anything, like instructions on how to cook, a I know you’re an avid photographer, comedy act, news, or whatever. It’s a voice for what shots do you find the most gratify- our community, and people who go on the site ing? will see that we’re just as human and AmeriI love taking pictures of people because I like to can as anyone else. capture their best moments. I get people all the time who say they’re not photogenic, but I tell How do you feel about the House of them, “You need to stop saying that because ev- Representatives’ repeal on DADT? eryone has a photogenic side, so let’s have some Do you believe it will have a majority fun and bring out who you are through the pic- vote in the Senate? tures.” We have a track record in this country if we stop and look at our history. Gays and LesbiCould you talk a little bit about your ex- ans have been fighting in foreign wars for genperience working alongside Bob Filner erations and it was never a problem when we and Dick Murphy in an advisory capac- kept our mouths shut. Now that we have the ity? opportunity to speak out, there are a bunch of Oh yeah, I think those were great moments. It straight, white men sitting up on Capitol Hill was an honor to be in a political environment with trying to keep us in the closet when it’s obelected officials who actually listened to what I vious we should just move on. If someone is and other activists had to say. It was an incredible willing to die for this country, it shouldn’t matter who they are.
Do you believe that marijuana is a feasible option for patients? Most definitely. The only thing that kept my friend Robert going when he was dying of AIDS was smoking marijuana. He was able to sleep, eat, and it made him feel alive. When I listen to people tell ing me that it is a dangerous drug, I think of all the pills that are much more dangerous. Once again, we fight the dumbest fights in the country when it’s obvious how many health properties this plant has. What can concerned parents and citizens do to prevent LGBT suicides from occurring in our city? Through education and listening. It starts with the parents and school districts, and this is what I think the Trevor Project is trying to do. They go to different schools and teach administrators how to prevent situations like this and how to protect these kids from bullies. They show people how to get involved by being a friend and standing up for what’s right. It is my personal belief that churches need to be more involved because this is where a lot of the hatred is spewing from, when they say that homosexuality is wrong and they’re not God’s children. This just translates onto the playground, so the change really has to come from home. I always say that Christians were in the lion’s den, now they’re the lions!
Performing Arts Portal By: Marc Emmelmann Behind every wave of cultural renaissance, visionaries and trailblazers are directly responsible for most of the desired effects. In San Diego, our future is bright because of determined artists working tirelessly to collaborate, reach out, and build bridges for community to happen – beautiful, timeless, and stirring moments of appreciation, introspection, and awe-filled inspiration. One such artist influencing the artistic landscape of San Diego is Executive/Artistic Director Peter G. Kalivas of The PGK Project. Peter values community and collaboration as much as he does creativity, and has the experience to back it up. Busy as can be, he has been stepping it up in arts education, nightlife, community centers, and on stages locally and nationally. Here is a recap and some forecasting: Community– Since 2009, Peter has mounted and produced “San Diego Dances”, a biannual festival that moves to a new, alternative, donated space within the county each fall and spring, which features professional, local and regional dance companies of all styles. Previous sold out performances have included Mojalet Dance Collective, Jennifer Curry with dancers from The California Ballet, Eveoke Dance Theatre, Somebodies Dance Theater, DK Dance, and La Diego Dance Theater among others. Nightlife– In North Park, Peter produces “The Movement” at Queen Bee’s Arts & Cultural Center, and “4 x 4 x Floor” at the Bluefoot Bar & Lounge. I recently had some Blue Moons with a couple of friends while we enjoyed the variety of works presented at the Bluefoot Bar & Lounge, which featured both established and emerging choreographers and perform84 | NUGMAG.COM
ers. –There was an array of modern, contemporary, flamenco, and burlesque. Previous nights featured Afro-Cuban, Tap, Body Percussion, Circus Dance, Tribal and much more. The most recent “San Diego Dances” took place in Mission Hills at 57 Degrees (a wine warehouse & bar), and featured Natasha Ridley & Dancers, Heather Dale of Opus Mixtus Post Jazz, City Ballet of San Diego, and The PGK Project. Performances roved around various locations in the enormous building while onlookers sipped wine and kept up. The people I bring to these performances are always blown away by the pockets of arts & culture lurking in their own backyard. Collaboration– In University Heights, Peter annually directs “Dance/Theatre”, which features new dances inspired by theater, created by local choreographers, and produced by the Diversionary Theatre. This past year he was also the Associate Producer of the 14th Annual Celebrate Dance Festival in Balboa Park, which often features up to 70 different national, regional and local companies, and independent artists. –Over three days, about 15,000 people attend this free event in August. As an “outside the box” kind of guy, Peter is well-known for producing dance performances in galleries, museums, storefronts, lobbies, hair salons and other spaces in an effort to make dance more inviting, fun, and accessible while promoting the very businesses and organizations who support the arts.
“Collaborating with businesses who donate their spaces to us for our performances has benefited everyone. Through this process, we are able to offer high quality art that is affordable to audiences because we have reduced its cost, and at the same time, we’re able to promote our partner’s spaces and services they donate to the festival. Since initiating this course of action, our audiences have doubled our partner organization’s traffic, increasing their clientele; and the appreciation and awareness of the diverse, quality dance in San Diego has improved.” – Peter G. Kalivas Arts Education– In 2010, Peter was invited to become the new dance lecturer for The La Jolla Music Society. In this role, he will offer a history, and conduct interviews with artistic directors and choreographers before each of the performances from the various, respected dance companies invited to perform in San Diego at The Birch North Park Theatre and Civic Theatre. Stages across the Country– Already in 2011, his critically acclaimed, award-winning dance company, The PGK Project, has performed at the famous Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC; and this past October, it gave sold out performances in 5 cities throughout Florida. This April, The PGK Project returns to Florida with additional stops in Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and Philadelphia. Coming Soon: “4 x 4 x Floor” at the Bluefoot Bar & Lounge on February 9th; “San Diego Dances” in Kearny Mesa at the Infinity Dance Sport Center featuring Omo Aché Afro-Cuban Dance & Music Co., Sabor Mexico Theatrical Dance Co., Infinity Ballroom and The PGK Project on March 18th & 19th; “Three’s A Crowd” featuring duets by Michael Mizerany of Malashock Dance and Peter G. Kalivas of The PGK Project with special guest performers on May 20th & 21st at The Wood Room. Visit www.ThePGKProject.com for more on Peter Kalivas, The PGK Project and their upcoming performances.
Photo: Keith Weng
PRODUCT REVIEWS By. Ben G. Rowin
420 Science (420 Scope) Our friends over at 420 Science sent us the 400x USB Microscope! This powerful microscope plugs directly into your computer and comes with all the software you need to capture the images on-screen and save them as JPEGs. I took a few shots of the strains I’ve been smoking lately to show you the magnification power of the unit. This thing is beyond AMAZING! It is simple to install and you can start using it out of the box within minutes. The photos that it captures are great, showing all the beautiful trichomes! This scope is essential for ALL growers and cannabis connoisseurs! In fact, I feel that every collective should have one, so they can show their members the medicine at a magnified level. They offer wholesale and retail options on their website, and my suggestion is to get one for yourself as soon as you can! This is one of my favorite new products! www.420science.com
Black Afghani
Abusive OG Actual Images Taken with the 420 Scope
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Castle Pipes (Medicinal Use Disposable Pipes) Castle Pipes sent over some of their new Medicinal Use disposable pipes. At 3.5” long with a price of less than $0.99, you can’t beat it! Though they are disposable, they can be used multiple times if you choose to. The pipes are made from a food quality cardboard and include a removable brass bowl and screen. These pipes are great for travel if you don’t want to risk breaking your expensive glass piece. They’re also great pipes for events; no one wants to risk carrying their dirty pipe out of an event, especially when you could toss this one in the trash on your way out. They are durable, convenient, and great for the patient on the go! www.castlepipes.com
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1 1) Mystic Roots “Cali-Hi” This highly anticipated sophomore album features 18 positively groovin’ new tracks and includes a companion DVD “What’s It Like” – The Official Mystic Roots Documentary. The band’s new sound was created by the addition of American Idol contestant Katherine Ramirez (co-writing and contributing vocals), and Zion Thompson from the Hawaiian reggae group The Green. This essential album features an amazing blend of horns and three part harmonies that are sure to get you in the mood for relaxing with that special someone! www.mysticroots.com
2) Kēvens “We Are One” We Are One is the debut release of Kēvens, a Miami-based musician who has been strongly influenced by the rave scene of the late 90s, the sounds of London, and the Marley family taking him in as a musical brother. In his search to create an original sound, Kēvens has finally succeeded in merging his life experiences with a single, cohesive message that is spiritual, positive, and uplifting. Fusing his reggae roots with unexpected new rhythms and a sexy voice, this is a great album to set the ambiance for a romantic dinner or a roll in the hay. www.kevens.com
3) Aivar “Steady Rising” This San Jose band’s second release, an EP called Steady Rising, mixes rock, pop, ska, and funk to create a fresh sound that the ladies will love. That’s probably why MTV picked tracks from this EP to be featured in this year’s Miami Fashion Week. They describe their style as a combination of sweet and spicy mixed together to create a delicious blend of savory perfection. Yum! Songs like Seventeen will remind you of the innocence of your high school days, and Fly Away and Want Her Now will have you yearning for more. www.aivarmusic.com 4)Jet West “Dropping In” This is local band Jet West’s first full-length album, hence the title Dropping In, which simultaneously describes their entry into the music industry as well as their love for dropping in on the San Diego waves. For those music lovers looking for something a bit harder, they offer a balanced mix of reggae and hard rock. In a quote from their Facebook that describes them perfectly, “They just might have what it is you’re looking for. You know, that sound that makes you want to take a long drive, love someone, drop in on an overhead wave, or even just kick it on a porch. Whatever it is you do, or wherever you are from, they know.” http://www.jetwestband.com/
February 2011 Sundays Uptown Ranking at U31 @ 9 Reggae at RT’s Longboard Grill @ 9 Mondays Dub Dynamite at The Office @ 9 Industry Night at U31 @ 9 Reggae at Stage Bar and Grill @ 8 The Style Tones at Bar Pink @ 9 Tuesdays Reggae Saloon at The Saloon @ 9 Stress Free Tuesdays Comedy Show at U31 @7 Local Mediums Art Show at El Dorado (every 1st & 3rd Tuesday) @ 8
Saturdays Rasta Nation Vibrations at Sapphire Lounge @ 9 1. Johnny Lang At Belly Up @ 9 The Stuart Art Collection at 30 At UCDS Library from 10-5:30pm 2. Vinyl and Vino W/ DJ ARTISTIC At House of Blues @ 8
The English Beat At Belly Up at @ 8
Maxium ‘Super Bowl’ Party At Stingaree @ 9 5. The English Beat At Belly Up @ 8 Big Fat Soul At RT’s Longboard Grill @ 8 No Gimmicks w/J.Blow and Philly Phil w/ DJ. L At Bluefoot @ 9
Wednesdays Reggae at Winston’s @ 9 Royal Wednesdays at Diamond Jim’s (every 1st & 3rd Wednesday) @ 9 Dub Dorado at El Dorado (the 2nd & 4th Wednesday) @ 9
Interpol At Rimac Arena @ 7
J-Boog and Tribe of Kings At Soundwave @ 8
3. Subliminal Trip At Gallagher’s @ 9
6. Common Ground At The Office @ 9
Thursdays Riddim Roll Reggae at Harney Sushi in Oceanside and Old Town @ 9 Generations Hip Hop at U31 @ 9
Midnight Eagle At Tower Bar @ 8
8. Haste the Day At Soma @ 8
Friday TRC Dub in Da Skybox at Skybox Bar and Grill (every 2nd & 4th Friday) @ 9
4. No Regrets w/Stircrazy, DJ. EJ and Kid Wonder At U31 @ 9
Ky-mani Marley At Belly Up @ 8
SD ASA Meeting At 7536 Fay Ave, La Jolla 92037
Murs At House of Blues @ 7
Linkin Park At Viejas Casino @7:30
9. Plain White T’s At House of Blues @ 8:30
Irie Underground At Satin Lounge @ 9
21. 30th Annual Tribute to The Reggae Legends At Sports Arena @ 12pm
Bushwalla At Belly Up @ 8 The Infusion Project Presents: Spin Cycle with No Sucker DJ’s At The Ruby Room @ 9 10. Southbay ASA Meeting At 1233 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach 11. DJ Fresh One At Ivy Night Club @ 9 Bad Fish At House of Blues @ 8:30 Scream w/DJ. I3 I3 Nd At World Beat @ 6 13. The Decemberists At House of Blues @ 7 17. The Expendables At Belly Up @ 8 Above and Beyond At Fluxx @ 9
18. Luxxury ‘Disco Noir’ Night At U31 @ 9 Queno Suarez At Circo at La Sexta (T.J.) @ 9 Ramona Reggae Fest w/Pato Banton At Ramona Mainstage Night Club @ 8 Young Jeezy At 4th and B @ 7 19. Subliminal Trip At The Royal Dive @ 9 Neon Beat, Junior the Discopunk, and Mr. Atari At Bar Pink @ 8 Social Distortion At House of Blues @ 7:30 20. Led Presents: Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris At 4th and B @ 9 Social Distortion At House of Blues @ 7:30
22. North County ASA Meeting At 514 South Coast Hwy, Oceanside 92054 24. Subliminal Trip At Coyote Bar & Grill @ 9 25. Mike Pinto, Shoreline Rootz, Tribal Theory, and Megan Combs At Belly Up @ 9 Subliminal Trip At Rosie O’Grady’s @ 9 The Aquabats At House of Blues @ 7 DJ Fresh One At Bar West @ 9 26. Cash’d Out ‘Johnny Cash’s Birthday’ At Belly Up @ 8 28. Kaki King At The Loft at UCSD @ 8:30
ASTROLIGICAL PERSONALITY OF AQUARIUS – THE WATER BEARER RULING PLANET – URANUS With New Year’s resolutions waning, lovers start thinking of the most romantic day of the year. There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to lovers. The legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”, which started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine’s Day.
By. Zodiac Mama
January 20 - February 19 Lucky Numbers 8, 15, 17, 24, 26, 39
NUG Astrology The Aquarius Female
The Aquarius female is stimulating, intelligent, and fast thinking with a very strong will power. Her sense of fairness and equality is inspired by the hope of tomorrow. She may appear to be conventional and conservative with an air of aloofness, but she is more passionate about the unconventional. She has keen intuition and insight, and is attracted to other unconventional and trend-setting individuals. The Aquarius female is a bit of a rebel and feels that rules are meant to be broken! You can find this gal keeping up with the latest in hemp fashions, or she might be motivated to follow the ways of an advocate’s lifestyle for what she truly believes. In a relationship, she does not want you to change. All she asks is that you be true and honest to yourself. The Aquarius female has the ability to forgive and forget. Fairness and equality is a strong part of her personality. The more freedom she is given the more she will love. Give her space and she will give you yours too. This gal does not like to be possessed, smothered, or criticized; she prides herself on independence. She is not the type to be overly sensitive or cry easily. When first meeting an Aquarius female, you will find her charming and self-confident. Get to know her and you will find out what a true friendship is all about. Honest and caring!
The Aquarius Male
The Aquarius male is a people person with many friends. He values friendship and is interested in the many personalities that surround him. With his gentle smile, he has the ability to draw out the feelings of others. To an Aquarius male, everyone is special. However, don’t try to get him to reveal his true feelings, he keeps those to himself. He has a refreshing, dry, straightforward, and fascinatingly honest sense of humor with a mind that is forever analyzing. He cannot function properly in stuffy and closed environments. He definitely needs his freedom to bring out his best qualities. This man loves to party! Being the center of attention is what suits him best, so when you see him spark up, get in line. His generous nature goes into high gear. In a relationship, he needs a best friend. He wants to have fun with no particular demands. He is attracted to closed pages; the more tightly closed will arouse his detective mind. When he finds the “Right One”, he will make an ideal mate. Compatible Signs: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius