Game Review: Guitar Hero 5

by Max Abrams, Mon Nov 16, 2009

There are generally two types of people who play guitar rhythm games. One group has all 600 versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, spends evenings comparing the merits of each franchise, and eagerly awaits the next revolution in plastic guitar (and drum) technology. The other group likes to pick up their instrument/controller of choice and burn some free time rocking out. Guitar Hero 5 will satisfy both of these groups, and anyone else who feels like jumping in. It has never been easier to play a song you love with your friends. With all the big ideas behind Guitar Hero already in place, the fine-tuning of the smallest details makes Guitar Hero 5 the most enjoyable GH installment yet. 

From the first time you turn on Guitar Hero 5, all the songs will be unlocked. Instead of spending hours going through the career mode just to play a …READ MORE

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Movie Review: A Serious Man

by Max Abrams, Thu Oct 22, 2009

The Coen brothers have been accused of being too intellectual, without any substance to back their brainy ideas up. While this reviewer doesn't share that opinion, A Serious Man should help put those ideas to rest. The film is constantly dealing with the big questions in life: Why am i here? Why are these things happening to me? What should I be doing with my life? How does God speak to us? But at its core the film is an ironic, often dark, comedy. Using the world they were brought up in (1960s Jewish America), the Coen brothers have crafted a brilliant comedy (or is it dramedy?) which refuses to give away the answers. In this way the film is about the Coens' cultural upbringing, not all the big philosophical questions.

Films that claim to blend comedy with philosophic insight often fall into the trap of seeming too self-important. While comedy can comment on the way we live our lives, to bring in questions of being and God …READ MORE

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Obama Defends Medical Marijuana, States' Rights

by Max Abrams, Mon Oct 19, 2009

The Obama administration will not seek to prosecute medical marijuana patients or dispensaries as long as they conform with state law. A 3-page memo was sent Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states with medical marijuana laws. In addition, the memo was sent to top officials at the FBI and the DEA. The new policy guidelines tell prosecutors it is "not a good use of their time" to arrest those who are in compliance with state medical marijuana laws. While federal prosecutors will still attempt to arrest those in violation of both federal and state law, there are no details on how that goal will be achieved.

The memo stressed to prosecutors discretion when choosing which cases to pursue, saying it is "not a good use" of federal manpower to prosecute those who are in compliance with state law. This is a huge departure from the Bush administration, who insisted on ignoring state laws and continued enforcing federal drug laws. During his …READ MORE

tags: headline news, medical marijuana, medical news, drug policy news 64    « add a comment

Massachusetts First to Legalize?

by Max Abrams, Tue Oct 13, 2009

California may be losing it's crown as cannabis kings. Massachusetts, which decriminalized marijuana in the historic 2009 election, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday October 14th on bill H. 2929, "An act to regulate and tax the cannabis industry." If the bill is passed, prohibition at the state level will be taken down and replaced with a system of taxation and regulation. The system would be similar to the sale of wine and "is largely modeled after the alcohol control laws."

This is the first bill introduced to a legislature that would fully legalize pot. The bill opens with: "The governor and the representatives of the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging that previous efforts have not succeeded in eliminating or curtailing marijuana use and abuse; determined to exercise some measure of control over the use of cannabis consistent with respect for individual freedom and responsibility." Good to see law makers recognizing and …READ MORE

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L.A. Crackdown

by Max Abrams, Fri Oct 9, 2009

The pot-friendly city of Los Angeles may be changing its image. The District Attorney of Los Angeles County, Steve Cooley, announced that all over-the-counter marijuana dispensaries in the area will be subject to prosecution. While many on both sides of the issue claim California's medical marijuana laws are vague, Cooley claims most dispensaries in the area are run for-profit, which is prohibited by California law.

There are 800 dispensaries in the Los Angeles area. While for-profit dispensaries are the main target, Cooley and Sheriff Lee Baca have informed all county mayors that they consider, "such over-the-counter sales illegal" and encouraged cities to "permanently ban dispensaries." This is not a move to close the few profit making dispensaries, but a reaction to the increasingly casual sale of marijuana in Los Angeles County.

This move comes at a strange time, as activists are currently attempting to get a marijuana …READ MORE

tags: headline news, california, legalization, medical marijuana 35    « add a comment

California Closing In on Legalization

by Max Abrams, Thu Oct 8, 2009

Masses of California marijuana advocates are gathering signatures in order to get as many as three legalization measures on the 2010 ballot. Even the most conservative of the measures allows for anyone over the age of 21 to possess one ounce of pot and grow up to 5 feet-by-5 feet on their private property. That specific size is meant to keep the number of plants under 100 - the point at which the DEA will start to pay attention. Federal law would still prohibit marijuana, however many believe federal agents will not bother with casual smokers.

Although the laws would be in direct violation of federal law, state agencies could not be forced to prosecute marijuana offenders. This is particularly relevant as federal law enforcement alone accounted for less than one percent of marijuana arrests in 2008.

"It's only something the feds are going to be worried about if you're growing tons of pot, they don't have the resources to waste on …READ MORE

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HT News Hit - Black Hawk Take Down

by Max Abrams, Fri Oct 2, 2009

• Hunters in Colorado have stumbled on 1,000 Marijuana plants near Golden Gate State Park. The Jefferson County area in general has been the host of four busts just this year. But the area’s landscape presented such difficulty that the National Guard had to be called in with Black Hawk helicopters, which lifted huge bundles out of the "rugged terrain." Glad to see the Colorado National Guard is being put to good use. ...huffingtonpost.com

• San Francisco's Sunset District recently has been the subject of raids, yielding over 8,000 marijuana plants and 20 guns. Growers are attracted to the area for its relatively cheap rent and coastal fog. The winds in the area help "sweep pot's skunky smell away." In this liberal pot haven, known for its medical marijuana laws, four of the thirty-six growing operations actually …READ MORE

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