Today, I’d like share one of my favorite movies with you. Sweet Elizabeth brought this into my life many years ago and it has been my answer to “what’s your favorite movie?” ever since. I can’t even begin to relate to you how wet this movie is. Kof & Lan know. I watched it over and over in Tendrich. I don’t know. It’s just my kinda shit. Reality will always outdo fiction, because that shit actually happened. And nothing is crazier than that.
Growing up, our image of the ’60s was shaped as a time of massive social and cultural change. After all, this was the era synonymous with political upheaval, brilliant popular art and sexual freedom. It’s also no secret that these movements were linked inextricably to drugs, and a little healthy experimentation. The Harvard Psychedelic Club, written by Don Lattin, documents the life and work of Timothy Leary, later known as the “high priest of LSD” and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), the two Harvard professors whose research led them from being fired at Harvard to becoming veritable leaders of a movement, all amid heavy drug experimentation alongside icons like Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. Below is an excerpt from the book, which is available here and here.
Some artists show you beautiful things, and others show you things that are truly ugly. Some take you places you never want to leave, and others show you places you wish you never saw. Before his tragic and untimely passing via heroin overdose last year, Dash Snow could do all of the above, sometimes all in the same image. After running away from home at 13, Dash started his photography career to document places he saw, that he might not remember in the morning. Running the gamut anywhere from hilarious to outta pocket to downright nasty, his work is some of the most inspiring art I can remember seeing. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
On paper, pretty much everything about this movie sounds dope. When You’re Strange, directed by Tom DiCillo is made up of archival footage, documenting the legendary band from their rise to stardom up until Jim Morrison’s death in 1971. With narration by Johnny Depp, the film will give its audience a chance to see live performances and studio footage not seen anywhere else. When You’re Strange is an official selection for Sundance, as well as the LA film festival, and will be making its debut this June. For now, peep the trailer above.
Does everybody fuck with trees yet? Someday. No peer pressure I guess. Cudi definitely seems to enjoy the greenery though, as the latest clip from director Jason Goldwatch can attest. Nothing too fancy, but some fun visuals to accompany “Cudderisback”, the latest from hip-hop’s resident Moon Man, over Vampire Weekend’s “Ottoman”. Why the OG didn’t surface on the album is beyond me, but Cudi did definitely did his thing on this. Now tentatively titled Cudder And The Revolution of Evolution, his sophomore album is scheduled for release later this year. We’ll be listening.
Yesterday, L.A.’s City Council voted to limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles to 137, with a target goal of 70. The number is a drastic drop from the figure of over 1,000 currently operating in the county. Additionally, dispensaries will not be allowed to operate within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries or residences. Why local government is focusing on shit like this in a time of economic distress is just confusing. The numbers would certainly seem to suggest that cannabis clubs are one of the few avenues where small business is still flourishing. What does this mean for the business owners who opened their shops legally, or the employees who make a living working there? The vote goes down today. Hopefully the L.A. Times will help us make sense of it all.
For all the advances folks have made in neuroscience and psychology, I don’t think we’re even close to understanding what the human mind is capable of. James Blagden of No Mas came correct with this one, the animated story of Dock Ellis, who pitched a no-hitter under the influence of acid. This is just a hell of a story. Let Dock put you up on game.
College is cooler than high school simply for the fact that you get to choose what you learn about. And its always cool when academia takes an interest in pop culture. HBO’s The Wire was a pretty undeniably dope show, holding it down for a strong 5 seasons. Now, The Wire become the subject of discussion in a course where students will study the series as a means of exploring real-life social issues. Full story after the MORE.
I think most of us are well aware that smoking weed is better for you than heavy drinking. Less bad for you anyway. But this week, Professor David Nutt, the chief adviser to the British government on drugs made a claim that folks might be less comfortable with. In ranking the most harmful drugs, Nutt listed cannabis, ecstasy and LSD lower than both alcohol and cigarettes. Depending on your perspective, Nutt’s claims could be either revelatory or downright dangerous. In the eyes of the British government, apparently it was the latter, as they promptly fired him a day later. An interesting question to say the least.
Some unfortunate news from the LA Times this morning. Yesterday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley declared that all medical marijuana dispensaries in the county are operating illegally, citing a recent Supreme Court decision. Furthermore, he’s intending to prosecute each and every one. As far as I know, the D.A. doesn’t have the power to overturn a voter-sponsored initiative, but this could still spell trouble for the hundreds of clubs in the county. Wack to say the least. Hit MORE for the whole story.
The cannabis experience has greatly improved my appreciation for art, a subject which I had never much appreciated before. The understanding of the intent of the artist which I can achieve when high sometimes carries over to when I’m down. This is one of many human frontiers which cannabis has helped me traverse. There also have been some art-related insights – I don’t know whether they are true or false, but they were fun to formulate. For example, I have spent some time high looking at the work of the Belgian surrealist Yves Tanguey…
The effects of a globalized and interconnected world economy can sometimes be astounding. The fact of the matter is that when you buy something, you almost never have the means to understand how it got there. How much other wild shit is happening globally that we’re just not hearing about? A well-written and detailed article from Global Post’s Sam Campbell:
The general perception of trees and cannabis products seems to be changing. As our country faces economic turmoil and a handful of other pressing issues, efforts against our drug of choice seem to be dwindling as people see the practical solutions it may offer. The fact of the matter is that hemp grows faster and uses less water than cotton, giving companies both an economic and ecological incentive. Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. has recently introduced Crailar, an enzyme treatment used to turn hemp into a soft and cheap cotton substitute, suitable for clothing production, and the heads of major corporations have taken notice. Hanesbrand is one of the first major brands to invest, having formed a joint partnership with Naturally Advanced last month. Here’s the story from Portfolio:
Trees are just becoming more acceptable. A general shift of perception that has been changing ever so slightly over time. It seems like people are beginning to see the hypocrisy of some laws in America. Are the laws on alcohol and tobacco in line with the laws against marijuana when analyzing the effects of each? The voters of Oakland have made a statement. How will the rest of the country respond? On Tuesday became the first city in the US to assess a tax on marijuana. State and national advocates of the tax say the victory is a significant turning point…
This is the inaugural Dave Chappelle. In six months, DC has not touched the bloggy blog. Until today. It’s bad. That Michael Jackson bad though. Opposite of what’s in the dictionary. Dave needs little to no introduction, his work speaks for himself. He’s allowed us to laugh about the shit that we should be crying about. Let’s welcome Dave to the Wine & Bowties. We should get used to him though, he’ll be here for a while.
