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Wait Until You Hear The Totally Outrageous Thing Chris Christie Said About Marijuana 

Sam Jones
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Wait Until You Hear The Totally Outrageous Thing Chris Christie Said About Marijuana 

Governor of New Jersey and notorious legal weed grouch Chris Christie continues to resist the marijuana industry’s progress, and seems determined to say more and more outrageous things about it along the way.

His comments came at the end of a speech at a conference on substance abuse hosted by the New Jersey Hospital Association in Princeton, according to Politico. The political news outlet reports that Christie said:

“They want that blood money? Let them do it. And they will. Let me tell you something — this will be like priority number one come January. I guarantee you, if we have a Democratic governor, it will be priority number one… Then why not legalize heroin? I mean, their argument fails just on that basis. Let’s legalize cocaine. Let’s legalize heroin. Let’s legalize angel dust. Let’s legalize all of it. What’s the difference? Let everybody choose.”

The “crazy liberals,” the Republican governor said, are willing to “poison our kids” for the tax revenue. “How ironic would it be if these dopes actually legalize marijuana and take the $300 million they say it’s going to raise and put it toward drug treatment. Talk about chasing your tail,” he said.

New Jersey recently enacted a bill for strict crackdowns on Vicodin, Percocet and OxyContin prescriptions—which is a good step—but the state’s death rate from opioid abuse is more than double the rest of the country. That’s a lot of people in need of addiction treatment, and cannabis has been showing potential as a useful treatment for opioid recovery. If Christie cares about his constituents, he’ll do less lambasting about politics, and more reading up on the research that could help them.

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Science: Hotel Sex Is The Hottest Sex Of All And Now We Know Why

Maria Loreto
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Science: Hotel Sex Is The Hottest Sex Of All And Now We Know Why

The idea of hot hotel sex makes couples want to book rooms on special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. They believe that a change in scenery can provide an escape from normalcy and will work wonders for their sex life. Now this belief is backed up by research.

For starters, couples tend to get inspired when they’re at hotels. They like to dress up, drink alcohol, listen to music, and eat chocolates, all of which affects directly on the amount of dopamine their bodies produce, making them happier and more relaxed than usual. The fact that they’re in a new place is also a dopamine booster, which is a little crazy but we’ll go along with it.

Checking into a hotel also triggers a feeling in couples as if they were going on a vacation, even if they’re just booking one night on an crappy hotel located in the town they’ve always lived at. This mini vacay makes couples forget a little about their responsibilities, their jobs and kids, giving them a feeling of escape and relaxation, prompting them to make the most out of the moment.

Obviously, the fancier the hotel the better. A beautiful lobby, clean sheets, a stocked up mini bar and some room service can truly do miracles for every couple in the world.

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Oh, Snap! Here Are The 10 Best Recipes For Asparagus, Ever

Ryan Ross
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Oh, Snap! Here Are The 10 Best Recipes For Asparagus, Ever

Thin, fat, green, white, purple — asparagus season is upon us! And guess what, they are the OG superfood! Asparagus tote vitamin A, E K, folate, selenium, fiber, magnesium, the list goes on and on. These spring-y stalks are one of the most nutritionally balanced veggies available, and the time is now to reap the rewards.

Asparagus aficionados say to look for thin and uniform stalks, pristine tips without flowering or limp buds, and prepare and enjoy right away, no storing! Yes, these are great guidelines, especially when you are choosing to prepare your asparagus simply; steamed or roasted are both yummy! But don’t limit yourself or be intimidated. All I can recommend is to enjoy RIGHT NOW, asparagus is at it’s peak when in season, and this is by far the best way to enjoy. Give all the varieties a try and find your favorite way to prepare this super-food hero!

Here are 10 different ways I like to showcase these tender little nutrient packed spears!

Simply Roasted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Choose uniform and slender asparagus with tight buds, ends trimmed and discarded ( or save for soup!)
On parchment lined sheet pan, scatter your washed, prepped and dry asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and plenty of salt, roast for 5-7 minutes.

Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup

  • 2 T Coconut oil
  • ½ yellow Onion
  • 1 clove of Garlic
  • 1 bunch of Asparagus (great for Asparagus that has gone a touch limp and for the less than tender, often woody stalks!)
  • 1 cup Vegetable stock
  • 2-3 cup Almond milk
  • pinch of Cumin
  • pinch of Chili flake
  • plenty of Sea salt
  • freshly Ground white pepper
  • juice of one Lemon

In a medium soup pot heat coconut oil over medium high heat. Roughly chop your onion, garlic and asparagus and add to pot. Salt and sauté for a few minutes and add tock. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Pour into blender, add almond milk and seasonings blend until very smooth, streaming in water as needed. Stir in lemon last and adjust seasoning if needed.

Steamed With Mustard Sauce

For sauce:

  • 1 Tbsp Veganaise
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Whole grain mustard
  • 2 tsp  Maple syrup
  • 2 tsp Coconut aminos
  • juice of half a Lemon
  • pinch of Chili flake
  • pinch of Cinnamon
  • big pinch of Sea salt

Start with your Veganaise in a medium mixing bow, and whisk out any lumps. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside. Fit a medium sized pot with a steam basket and lid that fits snuggly. Be sure to have a good inch of water in the bottom. Bring the pot up to simmering to produce steam. Place cleaned and trimmed asparagus in your steamer (try purple for this recipe!). Steam for 1 minute or until just tender. Immediately remove from steamer and scatter on clean towel to finish steaming on their own and to dry. Plate and drizzle a lot of mustard sauce over asparagus, or dip!

Fish And Asparagus En Papillote

(in parchment)

  • About 6 oz of preferred White fish or salmon
  • About 10 stalks of cleaned and trimmed Asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • White wine
  • Walt
  • 1 slice of Lemon
  • 1 sprig of fresh Thyme
  • parchment paper

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Lay a 1 ft. x 1ft. square of parchment down on your work surface. Work from the point of view that your parchment square is a diamond shape. Lay your asparagus down as a bed for your fish, in the bottom half of the diamond. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and a splash of white wine. Lay your fish on top of the seasoned asparagus, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, healthy sprinkle of salt , lemon slice and thyme. Fold the top have of your diamond over the fish to create a triangle. Pinch and roll the edges tightly and your ‘papilote’ puffed in the middle, so air may circulate and steam the contents. Place papilote on sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Asparagus Tapenade

Great as a dip, sandwich spread or for a crostini or fish topper!

  • 1 bunch of blanched Asparagus
  • 2 Tbsp Sunflowers seeds
  • 2 cloves of Garlic
  • juice of 1 Lemon
  • juice of half an Orange
  • big pinch of Chili flake
  • a couple of pinches of Sea salt
  • ¼ cup of Olive oil

Add all ingredients, but the olive oil, to a food processor and pulse while streaming in the oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Frittata With Asparagus And Goat Cheese

  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • ¼ Yellow onion, sauteed sliced
  • about 10 spears of Asparagus, clean and trimmed and cut on a bias
  • 4 Eggs
  • Goat cheese
  • Sea salt
  • freshly Ground pepper
  • fresh Thyme or basil
  • Lemon zest

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a small to medium sized and oven safe skillet. Sautee onion in butter, with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes, or until slightly caramelized. Add asparagus and sautee for another two minutes more salt, (it is always important to season as you go). Whisk your eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pour over the onions and asparagus. Turn off heat and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes then dot the top of your frittata with goat cheese, bake for another 10 minutes. Pull from oven when the egg has just set. Top with lemon zest, fresh and torn herbs and black pepper.

Shaved Asparagus With Parmesan And Pine Nuts

  • 1 bunch of fat stalked Asparagus, cleaned and the woody ends trimmed away
  • wedge of Parmesan
  • Lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • Basil
  • Pine nuts

Using a vegetable peeler, make long ribbons from your asparagus. Do the same with your parmesan cheese. Place in a salad bowl and squeeze lemon, drizzle olive oil and plenty of salt and pepper. Toss in fresh basil and pine nuts. Enjoy!

Quick Asparagus Barley Risotto

This is a very unfussy way to make a yummy version of an upscale classic risotto!

  • 2-3 cups cooked Pearled barley, prepared according to directions on package.
  • Asparagus, about 10 spears blanched and cut on a bias
  • ¼ cup Heavy cream, or 1 Tbsp cream cheese
  • ¼ cup Vegetable stock
  • ¼ cup grated Asiago cheese
  • zest and juice from one Lemon
  • ¼ cup Parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt
  • freshly ground Pepper
  • a few grates of Nutmeg

While your grain is still hot from cooking, add in all of your ingredients, stir and simmer over low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, adjust seasoning. Enjoy!

Chilled Asparagus And Pasta Salad

  • 3 cups cooked and chilled Farfalle pasta
  • ½ cup of cooked and chilled Black quinoa
  • 1 bunch of Asparagus, or about 15 spears of a mix, white purple and green asparagus, cleaned, trimmed and blanched , cut on a bias
  • ¼ Red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup of chopped Almonds
  • ½ cup Dried cherries or cranberries
  • 1 Tbsp Poppy seed
  • 1 Tbsp Hempseed
  • 2 cups fresh Arugula

Add ingredients to a bowl. Gently toss together with a sprinkle of salt.

Dressing:

  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup Shoyu
  • ½ cup Balsamic
  • 2 Tbsp Maple syrup
  • ½ cup Avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil

Add all ingredients to a blender except the oils. Blend while streaming in the oils slowly. Dress your salad and mix gently. Serve chilled.

Quick-Pickled Asparagus Spears

These are fantastic in a Bloody Mary!

In a preferred glass jar with fitted lid, clean and trim asparagus to fit upright and snug.

For your brine:

  • 1 part Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 part White wine vinegar
  • 1 part Water
  • ½ part Honey
  • Add whole peeled Garlic cloves, whole peppercorns and chili flake along with a few pinches of salt.

Stove top, bring brine ingredients to a simmer, remove from heat, add fresh dill and pour over asparagus. Screw on lid and let cool slightly before placing in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Enjoy.

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Gossip: Caitlyn Jenner Could Be Getting More Vagina Surgery; Kelly Ripa Gets Husband Mark To Cut Ties With Michael Strahan

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Caitlyn Jenner Could Be Getting More Vagina Surgery; Kelly Ripa Gets Husband Mark To Cut Ties With Michael Strahan

Caitlyn Jenner has confirmed that she has had genital reassignment surgery but doctors say her transformation is far from over.

Dr. Amir Marashi, also known as the “Vagina Whisperer,” tells Straight Shuter, “Many transgenders that undergo the surgery to get a vagina will often need more than one surgery. It’s very important that after surgery the patient continues to use dilators. If the hole is too small Caitlyn will not be able to have sex. The reason for the surgery is to be able to have sex with a man so it’s important that the new vagina is functional.

Kelly Ripa Gets Husband Mark To Cut Ties With Michael Strahan

Kelly Ripa wants to completely cut ties with her old co-host Michael Strahan, so it should come as no surprise that husband Mark Consuelos who once shared a publicist with Michael Strahan, no longer does.

“Mark and Michael shared the same publicist for years. She is one of the best in the business and has represented everyone from Ricky Martin at the peak of his success to turning Kim Kardashian into a superstar. But now after Michael split with Kelly, Mark has split with her,” sources tell Straight Shuter. “Kelly has not spoken with Michael since he left and evidently doesn’t want her husband having any association with Michael either.”

Love the fresh dirt we bring over daily from Naughty Gossip? Let us know in the comments!

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Is Jay Z Secretly Working On A New Album? Here’s What We Know

Brendan Bures
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Is Jay Z Secretly Working On A New Album? Here’s What We Know

Reference Jay Z in 2017 and various monikers will pop up: He is Beyoncé’s husband, the subject of scorched-earth feminist manifesto Lemonade. He is the sports agent and music mogul. He is a meme. He is a business, man.

Most coverage will recognize Jay Z the celebrity before acknowledging Jay Z the rapper. This makes sense: He hasn’t really had it since 2011’s Watch The Throne, though some high velocity hit-or-miss guess features—that intro to Frank Ocean’s “Biking” is subtle fire and “Drug Dealers Anonymous” proves Jay and Pusha T should collab on a nostalgic coke boy/hustler EP already—showcases Hov still has bars. How much that matters is (kind of) irrelevant, however. Jay Z remains the always-in-your-top-five GOAT, and you look silly pretending otherwise.

Since Lemonade, rumors have percolated that Jay was quietly working on an album. It would serve as the public response to Beyoncé and that record and every other grainy elevator footage drama around Hov. At one point, it was to be a joint record between Bey and Jay, the evolution of their On The Run collaboration tour. That album was supposedly finished last year and Page Six reported it would drop as a TIDAL exclusive “very soon” last summer.

Of course that hasn’t happened. But Jay has pulled some classic testing-the-waters moves he has played in the past. Appearing on not one, but two DJ Khaled records, demonstrating a) an ability to blend in with a contemporary radio single sound and b) he could spit with dexterity, changing flows and rhythms and voices with ease.

The most significant indication came through two recent moves, though. The first is the most prominent as longtime Jay Z collaborator Swizz Beatz posting an Instagram early May 5 of Jay and Swizz together. Captioning the picture, Swizz wrote, “They don’t even know what’s about to happen.” He also added: “Album ModeZone.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTsr3-YD_Dh/

Also worth noting is Jay Z signing on as a headliner for two fall festivals: Philadelphia’s Made In America festival in September and Austin City Limits in October. Since Jay co-founded Made In America, that move wasn’t too brow-raising. But headlining ACL seemingly out of nowhere would be a strange move if he didn’t have a record to promote alongside with it.

The clues are out there is what we’re saying. It’s been four years since Jay’s last LP, Magna Carta Holy Grail. We’re not saying the world needs another Jay Z record to save it or something outlandish like that, but damn, Hov. We sure could use it.

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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: May 8

Alec Engber
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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: May 8

Last week was a busy time for those fighting in legislatures across the nation for cannabis reform. Even in Texas, a medical marijuana advanced. Find out about that more in our weekly marijuana legislative roundup.

National:

President Donald Trump on Friday signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 to fund the federal government through September. The omnibus spending bill includes measures to shield state medical marijuana systems and industrial hemp production from federal law enforcement. Section 537 extends the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment prohibiting the Justice Department from using federal funds to crack down on or impede medical marijuana laws in U.S. states and territories. It also renews protections for the production, processing, and sale of industrial hemp passed in 2014.

Colorado:

On Wednesday, the Colorado House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill designed to protect its recreational marijuana industry from federal law enforcement. The measure would allow recreational cannabis growers to reclassify their product as medical “based on a business need due to a change in local, state or federal law or enforcement policy.” This is one of the boldest moves yet by any legislature to guard a state-legal recreational marijuana system from threatened changes to federal enforcement policy. The legislation faces another vote in the House before moving onto the Senate, which passed its own version of the measure earlier this year.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Senate failed to approve a separate bill that would have barred state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities in enforcing the federal marijuana ban. The law would prohibit the use of state funds by public employees to aid federal agents in “arresting a Colorado citizen for committing an act that is a Colorado constitutional right.” A similar measure is being considered in California.

Colorado lawmakers also unveiled legislation last week that would increase funding for rural schools and cut taxes for business owners while increasing the tax on recreational marijuana sales. The measure is part of a sweeping spending bill designed to help address hospital budget cuts in the state. Under the bill, the special sales tax on recreational cannabis would be raised from 10 percent to the maximum voter-approved rate of 15 percent.

Vermont:

Lawmakers in Vermont passed a bill on Tuesday to expand the state’s medical marijuana system. The bill would allow eight more dispensaries and expand the list of approved conditions to include PTSD, Parkinson’s, and Crohn’s disease. Additionally, patients would no longer be required to choose between either growing the plant at home or seeking cannabis from medical dispensaries.

On Friday, the Vermont Senate voted 20-9 in favor of legislation to legalize marijuana in the state. The bill is nearly identical to a legalization law approved by the House of Representatives earlier in the week and represents a compromise between the House bill and a more permissive measure previously approved by the Senate. If enacted, the bill would permit the growth and possession of small amounts of cannabis beginning in July of 2018. Meanwhile, a new commission would be tasked with crafting comprehensive legislation to tax and regulate the growth, production, and sale of recreational marijuana. The House now has the choice of passing the Senate bill or sending it to a conference committee to hammer out remaining differences when the House returns to session on Wednesday.

New Hampshire:

On Tuesday, the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee cleared legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. If enacted, the law would make possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis a civil violation punishable by a fine of no more than $300. The House of Representatives had passed similar legislation with a one ounce limit earlier in the session.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to include PTSD and chronic pain on the list of diagnoses for which doctors can prescribe medical marijuana. Both bills will likely be taken up by the full Senate this week.

Florida:

Last-minute legislation to implement Florida’s voter-approved medical marijuana law failed when the Senate refused to take up a compromise bill on Friday. The measure would have created one of the most tightly-regulated medical cannabis systems in the country. Instead, the Health Department will now be tasked with drawing up a regulatory system for patients, caregivers, and treatment centers before a July 3rd deadline. The medical marijuana law is to be implemented by October. Voters approved the ballot measure by a 71 percent vote in 2016.

Texas:

The Texas House Committee on Public Health approved legislation on Friday to legalize medical marijuana in the state. HB 2107 would create a comprehensive set of rules governing the growth, production, and sale of cannabis products to qualifying patients through a network of dispensaries. The measure will go to a vote of the full House of Representatives later in the legislative session.

Masturbating During Childbirth Helps Some Ease Labor Pains

Sam Jones
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Masturbating During Childbirth Helps Some Ease Labor Pains

A very happy birth day to everyone involved in this story. When Angela Gallo was in labor with her second child, everything was going to plan: She’s a birthing doula herself, and was choosing to have her baby at home in a pool. But when the pool sprung a leak and her contractions intensified, she instinctively moved to a warm shower and started masturbating to take her mind off of it.

What she discovered was a way to also relieve some of the pain associated with her contractions: Masturbation.

She told Woman’s Day in an interview about the experience:

“I wanted my muscles to feel like I was working with them and not against them, so I tried to work with every ounce of energy, make every single contraction count,” she says. “Touching myself took the edge off, helped me to focus, get clarity, and regain control over what I was feeling…. We use it to cure headaches, when we have periods—it just makes sense—but it’s taboo. We just can’t put sex back into childbirth, which is counterproductive and counterintuitive to what women feel in this space.”

She goes on to explain that although sexual stimulation and birth seem like two odd things to combine, it makes total sense:

“Orgasmic birth doesn’t need to be the way I did it; it comes in all shapes and forms, which is exciting because women of all walks of life can tap into it,” says Angela. “And I’m not trying to undermine the women who do have difficult experiences; that’s a reality. But, [they usually] haven’t had women tell them positive experiences…Was it challenging? Hell yes, absolutely. It’s childbirth; it pushes you to the brinks of your physical limits. But it was awesome.”

The practice of “birthgasms,” or euphoric births, isn’t new or novel—science even backs it up—but Gallo’s story brings it back into the spotlight. Although she didn’t actually have an orgasm, and she ended up needing to go to the hospital to delivery the baby, she was able to deliver in 15 quick minutes. It’s an easy birth she attributes in part to her self-stimulation.

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New York Publishes List Of Doctors Who Will Recommend Medical Marijuana

Mike Adams
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New York Publishes List Of Doctors Who Will Recommend Medical Marijuana

For more than a year, patients throughout the state of New York have been forced to endure the daunting task of tracking down a physician connected with the state’s medical marijuana program. There was simply no public record detailing which medical professionals had the willingness or the power to certify patients for enrollment.

But on Friday, the state Department of Health finally released a list of white coats that can put people with debilitating conditions on the path to gaining access to cannabis medicine. The list, which consists of around 315 practioners, comes complete with all the pertinent details a patient would need to make contact with area doctors that can legally discuss cannabis medicine as part of their treatment plan.

State health officials said the move is all part of their commitment to improving patient access through the Compassionate Care Act.

“We are improving access to medical marijuana for patients in need across New York state,” Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said in a statement. “As we have said from the very beginning, we will continue to grow this program responsibly and help ease the suffering of those who may benefit from this treatment option.”

However, the list is not complete. It only contains roughly over 30 percent of the doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners that are now qualified to make medical marijuana referrals. This means there are several hundred registered healthcare providers that have opted to remain off the list. It seems that some of these professionals, while eager to incorporate cannabis medicine into their practice, are still uncomfortable with publicizing their involvement.

“A lot of doctors don’t want their name out,” nurse practitioner Terri D. Haskins told the Democrat & Chronicle. “They knew when we signed up, you could pick that you wanted your name put out there or not put out.”

Last ear, the New York Department of Health began taking steps to improve the state’s medical marijuana program, adding chronic pain as a qualified condition. Since then, thousands more patients have become medical marijuana cardholders. There are now more than 18,000 patients statewide.

In order to facilitate this growth, the state is currently working to license five more marijuana companies to produce and distribute additional cannabis products. Yet the plan is being met with a great deal of resistance from the initial five companies charged with this task, all of which argue that an expansion effort of this magnitude will cripple the program entirely.

Nevertheless, the state says it will continue moving forward with plans to ensure that patients are getting the medicine they need.

Gossip: Nicki Minaj Helps Dozens Of Fans Pay Their Student Loans; Ellen DeGeneres Bans Donald Trump From Her Show

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Nicki Minaj Helps Dozens Of Fans Pay Their Student Loans; Ellen DeGeneres Bans Donald Trump From Her Show

Nicki Minaj took to Twitter on Saturday, May 6, to graciously offer to help dozens of fans pay their college tuition, student loans and bills.

The “No Frauds” rapper, 34, spent the night retweeting fans who were promoting her new single “Regret In Your Tears” and her upcoming Billboard Awards performance. Then, one fan upped the ante and asked Minaj to pay for his tuition — and things got interesting.

“Show me straight A’s that I can verify w/ur school and I’ll pay it,” she replied. “Who wants to join THAT contest?!?! Dead serious. Shld I set it up?”

Naturally, fans took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and began sending screenshots of their GPAs, student loan statements and more. “I Have a 4.0 I’m In Medical School! I Wanna Join!!” one Twitter user wrote. Minaj replied, “Ok do u need help w/tuition or do u have a full scholarship?”
Another fan tweeted, “What about helping a fellow immigrant that wants to go to school?” The Trinidad native responded, “U want to go to college but can’t? How much do u need to get u in school? Is that the only thing stopping u?”

The requests continued rolling in throughout the night. “1k would be more than enough for my 3 summer classes help me Nic,” one student wrote. Minaj replied, “That’s it? I’ll send it tmrw. dm me ur bank info babe. Next!”
In total, the Grammy nominee offered to help more than 30 fans with their financial struggles. “Ok u guys. It’s been fun. Let me make those payments tmrw then see if I have any money left,” she joked. “I’ll do some more in a month or 2.”

Minaj has been a vocal advocate of education since the beginning of her career. In 2011, she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and told viral sensations Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland, “I just want you to stay in school, the both of you. Music is beautiful, but I want you to stay in school. Put your books first and singing second.”

Ellen DeGeneres Bans Donald Trump From Her Show: “He’s Against Everything That I Stand For

Ellen DeGeneres has she has no interest in having Donald Trump on her highly rated talk show.In a Today show segment, Matt Lauer asked the out icon if she wanted to have Trump on Ellen. After a brief pause, she responded, “Um, no.”

DeGeneres has had numerous politicians on her program, including a few arch-conservatives, but when Lauer asked “Why wouldn’t someone like you want to sit down opposite the president of the United States?” she gave a pretty straightforward answer.

“Because I’m not going to change his mind. He’s against everything that I stand for.”

The 59-year-old comedian revealed she did meet Trump once during an early season of The Apprentice, and even rode in his helicopter for a bit. But the two haven’t spoken since he went from game-show host to world leader.

“We need to look at someone else who looks different from us, and believes in something that we don’t believe in, and still accept them and let them have their rights,” she said.

Last Sunday marked the 20th anniversary of DeGeneres’ coming out on her 1990s sitcom.

“I wish I would have done it sooner—I wish I hadn’t waited so long,” she told Lauer, admitting she received death threats at the time and that her career went into a tailspin.

But, she said, the incident ultimately made her realize “I was strong enough to start all over again.”

Love the fresh dirt we bring over daily from Naughty Gossip? Let us know in the comments!

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Michigan Might Be The Next State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Al Olson
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Michigan Might Be The Next State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Advocates for legal recreational cannabis in Michigan officially launched a ballot drive on Friday to put the initiative to a vote in 2018.

According to the language in the petition, adults 21 and over would be able to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to a dozen plants.

The petition needs approval from the state’s Board of Canvassers. If it gets the OK, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol — the authors of the petition — has 180 days to collect 252,523 signatures in order to qualify for the 2018 ballot.

“Our country’s marijuana prohibition laws have failed miserably. About 20,000 nonviolent offenders are arrested annually for marijuana possession and cultivation, causing an enormous waste of taxpayer dollars and choking our already overburdened court system,” said John Truscott, spokesperson for Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. “This initiative would make Michigan a leader in responsible adult-use marijuana laws, while also creating an entirely new industry and generating badly needed tax revenue for our state.”

The initiative proposes a 10 percent marijuana excise tax at the retail level, which would be in addition to Michigan’s standard 6 percent sales tax. The initiative will put hundreds of millions of dollars every year into schools, roads and local government while paying for all enforcement costs and a study on using medical marijuana to prevent veteran suicides.

If passed by the voters in November 2018, this proposal will:
  • Legalize the possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis and industrial hemp.
  • Protect consumers with regulations requiring testing and accurate labeling.
  • Taxes marijuana at the wholesale level in addition to the standard state sales tax. Half of the excise taxes will be used to make community colleges and vocational schools more affordable for Michigan residents. The other half will be directed to local governments that decide to allow marijuana businesses in their jurisdictions.
  • Gives people convicted of a non-violent marijuana crime a path to clear their criminal record.
Among the groups in support of the petition are the ACLU of Michigan, the National Patients Rights Association and the State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section.

In 2016, a similar initiative failed due to invalidated petition signatures.

If approved by voters, Michigan would follow Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in legalizing marijuana.

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