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Nickelodeon Classics Will Soon Hit This Streaming Service

Brendan Bures
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Nickelodeon Classics Will Soon Hit This Streaming Service

If you’re a millennial hankering to relive your youth, or if you’re just nostalgic for the 90s, then might we suggest binge-watching some old Nickelodeon shows? But how is this possible you might be asking. It’s all thanks to the wonderful streaming platform VRV and its NickSplat channel, which will soon offer episodes from your favorite old-school Nick shows.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, NickSplat will feature:

300 episodes from the likes of ‘All That,’ ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?,’ ‘Clarissa Explains It All,’ ‘Doug,’ ‘Kenan & Kel,’ ‘Legends of the Hidden Temple’ and ‘Rocko’s Modern Life.

But that’s not all! We’ll also see episodes from other fan-favorites like “AAAHH!!! Real Monsters,” “The Angry Beavers,” “The Wild Thornberrys,” and “CatDog.” More shows are expected to be added in the coming months.

The NickSplat channel will be available through VRV for just $6 a month. If you’re already a subscriber to VRV’s premium membership, NickSplat will be available through your bundle. VRV’s premium membership, by the way, only costs you $10 a month and also includes Crunchyroll, Funimation, Rooster Teeth, MUBI, Nerdist, and more. We feel comfortable calling that a really good value.

“VRV, with a sophisticated user base that loves the best in animation, is the perfect platform to launch our NickSplat channel,” Viacom executive Sam Cooper told THR. “Viacom’s content—including our deep library of genre-defining television—is highly in demand, and our audiences are always looking for new and innovative ways to enjoy our programming. We’re committed to finding the best partners to bring our individual brands direct to the consumer, and this relationship with VRV is an exciting step forward in our strategy.”

This move is also notable because it’s the first time NickSplat’s offerings have been bundled together for digital distribution. Previously it was just a late-night block viewing on Nickelodeon, akin to Adult Swim on Cartoon Network.

But if you don’t want to add another subscription to your streaming bundles, don’t worry. Viacom also hinted that NickSplat could be made available on other platforms in the future.

Elizabeth Warren Reveals How Jeff Sessions ‘Catalyzed’ Marijuana Legalization 

Brendan Bures
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Elizabeth Warren Reveals How Jeff Sessions ‘Catalyzed’ Marijuana Legalization 

The STATES Act has emerged as one of the most prominent and important pieces of federal legislation affecting cannabis legalization. Acting to replace the Cole Memorandum that Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked last year, the bipartisan bill would effectively end cease the federal ban on cannabis, turning all cannabis legalization decisions over to the state level. Each state could decide their policies on cannabis without fear of federal prosecution, in short.

The bill has received support on both sides of the aisle and even found an ally in Donald Trump. As one of the bill’s original sponsors, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is enthusiastic about its passage. But as she revealed in a recent Rolling Stone interview, the legislation has stalled since its introduction last summer because of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel, who has remained adamant about cannabis retaining its Schedule I drug classification and continuing cannabis prohibition.

Warren has latched onto the cannabis legalization movement in recent years, supporting the STATES Act, as well as Sen. Cory Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act. In talking with Rolling Stone, one of the more illuminating nuggets Warren shared was how “Sessions has acted as a catalyst in getting people up off their rear ends and moving on this issue.”

“Let me describe it this way: We are in a moment when Jeff Sessions highlighted aggressive law enforcement on marijuana and a lot of folks here in Congress looked at each other and said, ‘That’s a bad idea.’ What Cory [Gardener] and I have done is give them a place to channel that where we can make real change. Now we just need to get a vote from Mitch [McConnell],” Warren said.

Warren also revealed that when Sessions revoked the Cole Memo, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner called a meeting with senators whose states would be affected. Though the Cole Memo had its drawbacks—marijuana businesses couldn’t access legal banking for examples, said Warren—its protections were valuable to states with legalized cannabis. How would the senators respond?

Via Rolling Stone:

So we’re all sitting around a table. A few people show up—maybe 10 show up. And people are talking about it, and they’re talking about how hard it would be to legalize it at the federal level and what could we do. And I said, ‘Why not just use a state’s rights approach?’ That is, if the state acts, then the federal government backs off. If the state doesn’t want to act they can leave federal law in place but leave this up to the states. And Cory’s eyes lit up, and he said ‘That’s an interesting approach. We might be able to do something with that.’

So Cory and I left the meeting, kept working on it, hammered out a bill. And Cory went out and talked to a lot of Republicans about it, and I’ve talked to some as well. We’ve got plenty of colleagues on the Democratic side who will support this, and Donald Trump said it sounded like a good idea to him. He’s said it, I think, three different times now. So I’m pretty hopeful that if we could get a vote in Congress that we could actually get this passed.

However, Warren’s pro-cannabis views have been an evolution a few years in the making. She told Rolling Stone she publicly endorsed and voted for Massachusetts legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2016, but that wasn’t exactly the case. As has since been debunked, Warren dodged publicly endorsing or condemning the legislation, repeating that she was “open to the possibility of marijuana legalization.”

But criticizing Warren on such an issue is trivial at best. Warren has demonstrated the hope we reserve for all public officials—that they may allow their views to grow and be shaped over time as they digest new information and listen to their constituencies. In becoming a leader of the marijuana movement in Washington, Warren has done precisely that.

You can read the rest of Warren’s interview with Rolling Stone here.

The Good, Bad And Ugly With Marijuana Concentrates

Terry Hacienda
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The Good, Bad And Ugly With Marijuana Concentrates

Concentrates, generally, are manufactured by extracting THC, most commonly by using a solvent such as butane.

If you have ever stepped into a dispensary, you may  have noticed the huge shelf space reserved for various marijuana concentrates. Shatter, butter, wax, ice hash. The names are a bit daunting if you are new to the concentrate culture. The intoxicating effect can be absolutely dizzying if you don’t do your homework first. Here is the good, bad and ugly with marijuana concentrates.

What Are Concentrates?

Concentrates, generally, are manufactured by extracting THC, most commonly by using a solvent such as butane. The end product is a potent oil often referred to as wax, honey, shatter, budder, crumble or butane hash oil (BHO).

As the name suggests, these are highly concentrated forms of cannabis. The THC content is exponentially higher than most anything else you’ll find at a retail outlet.

The THC levels in most concentrates can reach 70-90 percent THC. For context, a typical marijuana joint contains about 15 percent.

The Good

Most doctors would consider concentrates an acceptable method for administering medical marijuana, but there are many patients who prefer this route because it is more affordable, faster to relieve pain and longer lasting.  For those dealing with severe or chronic pain or intense nausea may find concentrates effective.

Cost is another positive factor for purchasing concentrates. Sure, the upfront cost is much higher than buying dried flower. But a small amount goes a long way. And the effect of concentrates is longer lasting.

The Bad

There is very little wiggle room when it comes to dosage. I can’t stress this enough. Start slowly. Don’t try to keep up with others in the group.

For most newbies, one hit of concentrate is sufficient for an enjoyable, long-lasting high. But two hits may result in an awful experience.

It takes a while for your body and your brain to adjust to the rush of THC to the system.

Light-headedness, dizziness, blackouts and disorientation are common side effects of using concentrates. Other possible side effects include a rapid heartbeat, paranoia and hallucinations.

If you feel any of these symptoms, hydrate, lay down and close your eyes. Remember, you can’t suffer a fatal overdose from cannabis — and that includes concentrates. But you can harm yourself if you should fall down. It is intense, but not deadly.

The Ugly

When you read negative stories about concentrates, it usually about an apartment or house exploding. These news events have nothing to do with ingesting concentrates. The stories almost always detail an uneducated person trying to manufacturer the concentrate. Butane is one of the most common solvent utilized to extract the THC from the plant. Butane is highly flammable and requires sufficient ventilation.

So you no doubt have read a lot about the hazards of butane honey oil (BHO). Do yourself and your neighbors and the fire department a huge favor: NEVER under any circumstances try making it at home.

Should You Try It?

It is not recommended for newcomers to marijuana. If you have an understanding of how your body reacts to cannabis, give it a try. It’s a different experience than smoking or vaping dried herb.

Paul Armentano, the deputy director of NORML, cautions that it is riskier than smoking a joint. “When a product is more potent, and when the route of administration is conducive to people experiencing a very strong high very quickly, then one can argue that the risk of abuse goes up,” he said.

Legal Marijuana States Beg Congress For Banking Protections

Mike Adams
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Legal Marijuana States Beg Congress For Banking Protections

One of the most dangerous aspects of the cannabis industry is that it is forced to operate as a mostly cash businesses. This puts employees and countless others at risk for violence and theft. But because marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug in the eyes of the federal government, most, larger financial institutions simply refuse to accept deposits from the legal pot trade. The fear a relationship with weed could result in charges for money laundering. It is for this reason that a number of states, including Pennsylvania, are now pleading with Congress to pass protections that give banks and credit unions the piece of mind needed to move beyond the apprehension.

Earlier this week, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s administration fired off a letter to Congressional leadership, asking for them “to consider legislation that creates a safe harbor for financial institutions to serve a state-compliant business, or entrusts sovereign states with the full oversight and jurisdiction of marijuana-related activity.”

The letter, which was addressed to U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan, Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, was also supported in ink by banking authorities in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington state, according to The Inquirer.

To be fair, the federal government has yet to investigate or prosecute any bank choosing to work with cannabis-related businesses. But it’s a schizophrenic business environment. Some of the smaller financial institutions, those that were initially comfortable enough to offer bank accounts to pot businesses, got spooked back in January when U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a non-binding Obama-era guidance (Cole Memo) that allowed states to experiment with marijuana legalization without federal interference. Accounts all across the nation were closed due to the uncertainty created by this move.

As it stands, approximately 70 percent of cannabis companies are operating without a bank account.

“The well-documented conflict between federal and state law creates barriers for banks desiring to serve businesses involved in state-licensed marijuana activities,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann. “This raises concerns with respect to public safety, increases difficulty tracking the flow of funds, and contributes to a loss of economic activity, workforce development and community development opportunities.”

Aside from the clear obstacles, operating a “cash and carry industry” also threatens the bottom line of cannabis companies. It is easy for a marijuana dispensary to have hundreds of thousands of dollars on hand on any given day. Yet, insurance only covers a cash loss of $20,000, according to Philadelphia-based cannabis banking attorney Steve Schain.

Sadly, some state lawmakers are not even trying to help their own. In California, which launched its recreational marijuana sector at the beginning of 2018, a bill designed to establish a proper banking system for the cannabis trade was recently killed in committee. The proposal, which was introduced by Democratic Senator Bob Hertzberg, would have paved the way to state-licensed charter banks for the sole purpose of serving the cannabis trade. However, while the bill would have ensured banking services for those who cultivate and sell weed in the Golden State, it would not have shielded any of them from federal prosecution,” reports the Associated Press.

Banking protections have been introduced in Congress in the past, but they have so far failed to go the distance. It remains to be seen whether the issue has gained any ground this year.

Cannabis Coffee Shop Conversions Already In The Works For Canada

Mary Schumacher
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Cannabis Coffee Shop Conversions Already In The Works For Canada

Second Cup is the second largest coffee chain in Canada and it’s looking to convert a portion of its more than 130 shops in the province of Ontario into cannabis dispensaries by spring of next year. Because of considerations like proximity to schools and whether or not a municipality will allow pot shops is deciding the number, at this point, it looks to be around 50 locales.

They’re not slated to be the coffee shops of Amsterdam’s fame, as public consumption hasn’t been approved – yet – but they do represent a trend that could spread like wildfire. There’s nothing stopping any chain store from converting their brick and mortar locations into cannabis dispensaries, and that’s where the money is really going to be coming in.

With Ontario alone making up over 30 percent of the country’s population, it sounds like the country is getting a shot in the arm of cannabis cafes, ahem, dispensaries and it’s not likely the buck will stop there.

Second Cup strategically partnered with National Access Cannabis Corp. (NAC), which are a network of cannabis clinics in Canada. The idea is to convert the existing coffee shops into Meta Cannabis Supply Co. branded recreational marijuana dispensaries. It’s not clear if you’ll still be able to enjoy a cup o’ Joe while perusing your pot, but these new shops are geared up to be the latest “it” thing.

Canada has been a marijuana mecca for decades, despite actual legalization finally going to be in effect on October 17, 2018 making them the first G7 member to make the historic move. In Vancouver B.C. pot coffee shops were a norm and definitely a tourist attraction for years and years and in July 2001 Health Canada allowed access to medical cannabis. So whomever is building has a rich history on which to build upon.

The parade of elephants in the room include that, despite protests that they will “only” be dispensaries, these things in the works already sound an awful lot like the beginnings of the next marijuana tourism hot spots. Said elephant parade also includes companies likely already making plans to follow Second Cup’s suit and convert their own coffee shops and existing retail stores into pot destinations, as regulations allow.

There’s the word, “destination.” As stores continue to brand and expand themselves in preparation for the country’s own already growing green rush, it will be interesting to see how much of the county’s overarching conversations are going to be taken over by cannabis for the foreseeable future.

5 Spas That Use CBD Topicals For Holistic Well-Being

Mary Schumacher
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5 Spas That Use CBD Topicals For Holistic Well-Being

The discovery of cannabinoids and their non-psychoactive properties has opened up new worlds to those who were once completely against the use of cannabis, including the marvelous measure of CBD massage. By isolating that particular cannabinoid or by growing cannabis/hemp with a high-CBD, low-THC content, important options arise for those simply looking for relief.  A CBD rubdown might be just what the doctor ordered.

One thing that really sets CBD apart, aside from its health benefits, is its availability. Though all components of the cannabis plant are considered illegal at the federal level in the U.S., CBD is carried in headshops, gas stations and mom-and-pop stores across the nation. CBD is infused into our morning coffees, our candies, but especially into our skin and muscle products, as its main known course of action is the reduction of inflammation.

Inflammation is the reason for so many of our aches and pains, for joint flare ups and for stiff bones and muscles. Massaging CBD-infused topicals into the skin and tissue where it hurts is a powerful analgesic and spas everywhere have caught on. If you’re lucky enough to live near one of these five high-minded spots, take advantage. Your body will thank you.

Ohm Spa and Lounge—New York, New York

This spa offers “some of the best massages…in NYC,” which is quite the statement. NYC is known for its massages, but at Ohm you’ll find a CBD massage on the menu, so they do have that going for them. They describe the experience as, “The infused massage cream is rubbed into the skin throughout the session to provide a unique sense of calm and relaxation.” $189 for one hour.

The Green Tea Spa—San Diego, California

According to their site, this is “The CBD Spa Experience.” They promise to massage away your worries and pamper you with hemp-derived CBD. The “Get Lit” package is an ever-so-relaxing steal, with a two-hour facial and massage package for $115. (First-time visitors only.)

Lodo Massage Studio—Denver, Colorado

You probably can’t go wrong with an experience called the “Mile High Massage.” It includes a choice of creams, one of which is “Apothecanna’s Pain Crème,” infused with CBD, Arnica, Peppermint and Juniper.

The spa states that as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, the lotion is perfect for deep, therapeutic work. $75 for one hour.

Blue Marigold Massage—Portland, Oregon

After a few weeks of trials using CBD lotion on their fortunate clients, Portland’s Blue Marigold Massage now offers the infused massage to the masses. Their formula uses other relaxing essential oils and has an infinitesimal amount of THC in it, which is cool, because adding even a little bit, though not nearly enough to get high off of, is enough to create an entourage effect of healing cannabinoids. $105 for an hour.

Interlocks Salon—Newburyport, Massachusetts 

As of June, Interlocks offers their own CBD massage. Their techniques have already won them awards, so imagine the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD melting in with an award-winning massage focused on relieving muscle soreness. Using handcrafted salve from The Healing Rose, these massages are $113 for an hour and can be booked online.

What Is The Scar On Kate Middleton’s Scalp?

Amy Hansen
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What Is The Scar On Kate Middleton’s Scalp?

If you’re just now noticing the Duchess of Cambridge has a situation on the left side of her head, we’re hair, er, here to explain. What is the scar on Kate Middleton’s scalp? In 2011, shortly after she married Prince William, Kate was photographed during her first solo engagement as a royal and it was obvious she had a suspicious mark that was visible when she pulled her hair back.

RELATED: Weed And The Royal Family?

At the time, there was some speculation that it was a bad weave, specifically, an extension track. Seriously? This is the flawless, not-a-hair-out-of-place Duchess of Cambridge we’re talking about. She’s like a walking can of hairspray.  V was later dismissed when a palace spokesman confirmed that the mark was actually…a three-inch long scar.

“The scar is related to a childhood operation,” they told the Daily Mail.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm6Xl3MBwyE

Though the childhood operation Kate underwent was not disclosed, the Daily Mail  said that senior royal sources confirmed that it had been “a very serious operation,” However, John Scurr, a consultant surgeon at the Lister Hospital in London said the exact opposite:

I really doubt it was any serious medical condition and I would say it is as a result of an arteriovenous malformation – a birthmark – being removed.

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Michael and Carole Middleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on 9 January 1982. The Princess of Wales is the eldest of three children, and was christened at the parish church of St. Andrew’s Bradfield in Berkshire on 20 June 1982.
On 29 April 2011, Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey. The couple are now known as The Prince and Princess of Wales, having formally been known as The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.

SZA Shares Wild Weed Brownie Conspiracy

Brendan Bures
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SZA Shares Wild Weed Brownie Conspiracy

As one of the newly-minted stars in the music industry, there aren’t many talents with more burgeoning careers than SZA. The R&B/pop singer broke out with her debut studio album CTRL in 2017, and the record was rated near the top of many year-end lists. Though she lost out on her five Grammy nominations, her career appears destined for success. Another big part of the news – SAZ shares wild weed brownie conspiracy!

But it wasn’t always that way for the singer. SZA decided to share stories about her retail working days on Twitter, which included True Religion, Lucky Brand Jeans, Sephora, H&M, and Abercrombie. She also had a stint at her hometown pizza shop, and “anywhere else that would allow me to walk in late and moody.”

But it was when SZA revealed she worked at Diesel when things got interesting. Why? Because, says SZA, “they fired me over a weed brownie conspiracy.” Immediately fans flooded her mentions, begging for the full story. And let us tell you—it doesn’t disappoint.

A co-worker had brought in a container of freshly-baked brownies. Everyone starts crowding around, looking for a treat to get through the work day. The woman who brought them, according to SZA, “DONT SAY NUFFIN BOUT NO DRUGS.”  From there…well it’s probably better if I let SZA tell the rest of the story.

The singer probably wouldn’t complain how her life’s turned out, though. Earlier this month, SZA took to Instagram to thank her fans as she crossed two billion streams on her records.

“Today I found out we 2.3 billion streams deep and a bunch a other cool stuff,” SZA wrote on Instagram. “I love my family. I love you all for pressing play at any time. Thank you for this journey.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmwXEClDzoP/

Shaking our head at SZA shares wild weed brownie conspiracy.

Ethan Hawke Doesn’t Consider ‘Logan’ Or ‘Avengers’ Real Movies

Brendan Bures
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Ethan Hawke Doesn’t Consider ‘Logan’ Or ‘Avengers’ Real Movies

Some advice for Ethan Hawke: Log off from the internet for the rest of the week. That’s assuming he wants to avoid the wrath of infinitely spawning nerds and trolls forming the wave of backlash in response to some recent comments he made. What did Hawke say to irritate these masses? Simple: He bashed comic book movies.

Perhaps “bashed” isn’t the proper term. In a lengthy interview with The Film Stage, Hawke suggested that we not include superhero films in the same category as regular movies. “Now we have the problem that they tell us Logan is a great movie. Well, it’s a great superhero movie,” he  said.

Hawke isn’t necessarily arguing superhero movies aren’t worthwhile enterprises — at least it seems he isn’t making that argument. Instead he’s seemingly positing that superhero movies exist as a separate art form. And we have to say, he kind of has a point.

Via The Film Stage:

[Logan] still involves people in tights with metal coming out of their hands. It’s not Bresson. It’s not Bergman. But they talk about it like it is. I went to see Logan cause everyone was like, “This is a great movie” and I was like, “Really? No, this is a fine superhero movie.” There’s a difference but big business doesn’t think there’s a difference. Big business wants you to think that this is a great film because they wanna make money off of it.

Before you get up in arms, here’s a spoiler-y question: Watching Marvel’s Infinity War, the movie event of the summer, did you really feel the emotional resonance of the characters’ deaths? Did it pain you when a surrogate father sacrificed his daughter to achieve ultimate power with the Soul Stone? Did you weep when Spider-Man faded to ash in Tony Stark’s hands — a relationship by proxy symbolizing a son pained to fail his father, and vice versa? Your “yes” answers were likely fleeting, disappearing as soon as you stepped outside the theater when you remembered the big business game being played here.

This tweet sums it up.

https://twitter.com/misterpatches/status/1032072380095647744

Hawke’s comments are worth thinking about, if only to recontextualize our relationship to these movies. That statement may attract the ire of the legion of superhero fans unwilling to do so, which is where the advice offered to Mr. Hawke comes in handy: logging off for the rest of the day to avoid trolls.

MedMen’s First Quarterly California Return Puts Apple To Shame

Mary Schumacher
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MedMen’s First Quarterly California Return Puts Apple To Shame

When retailers measure success, one of their most important tools is the revenue per square foot equation. While Apple topped the world again last year, clocking in at $5,546 per square foot, and, according to the Motley Fool, the fine jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. came in at a snazzy $2,951 per square foot, MedMen beat them both with their recent revenue report.

The quarter ended for MedMen on June 30, 2018 and their revenue per square foot came in at an astounding $6,541. Meaning, in one stretched sense of the takeaway, that cannabis is more precious than high end tech or perfectly cut diamonds. The more fathomable takeaway is that this was the grand opening of California’s recreational marijuana market and MedMen managed to scored bigtime.

Another takeaway could potentially be that pot for profit is cozying into the once compassionate market. While we’d never begrudge a woman or man their living, cannabis was always about, and for, the people. Perhaps with this new era of big business and towering revenues, cannabis is becoming the cash crop we always said it would be, and now we have to swallow a bitter, expensive pill.

On the other hand, that pill is not so bitter for the millions of people who now have access to legal cannabis and will no longer fear jail time, job loss or a fast fading stigma that, not so long ago, held people back in big ways. It’s also a rather sweet pill for those who rode the wild west showdown to the finale, invested early and big and are now reaping the benefits.

Two sides of the same coin are a given, and let’s just hope that no matter heads or tails, that there are multiple winners with most tosses. Every toss can’t be an across the board winner, but the hope is thrilling.

MedMen has six strategically located stores in California and for them it’s all about branding, ease of transaction and access to the best medicines. That’s a winning combo in cannabis and it’s working for this brand that also has locations in New York, Nevada and soon to be Massachusetts and possibly Florida.

They all resonate as smart moves — and that revenue per square foot is certainly impressive — but as was also pointed out, the shares for MedMen are ridiculously high, even for a showboat brand that makes more per square footage than other, non-cannabis, iconic money-generators. It may not be time to invest, but it’s high time to keep an enthusiastic eye on MedMen, their impressive revenues and what comes next.

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