Choogle On with Uncle Weed

Chauffeuring admirals to revitalizing mountain villages with drum circles, counter-culture festivals with hemp history and poetic vibes — hitchhiking and […]

Beginning with a static-y 1996 AM radio interview during a power outage on the island of Guam Micronesia, then checking in from a goat farm in Japan decades later, then again from tiny isle in Indonesia, Uncle Weed weaves hempen stories and personal anecdotes about life on this remote USA “territory” including: selling hemp bags...

From SXSW 2008 – amidst sirens and Austin, Texas 6th St. street noise – comes an interview with filmmaker Erich Weiss premièring “Hori Smoku, Sailor Jerry” about the originator of contemporary tattoo-ing – and iconoclastic libertarian American – Norman Collins who combined Japanese technique, Polynesian traditions, and American motifs in Hawaii during WW2. The interview delves into the...

On a forgotten forest walk, Dave riffs a story about first trip to Europe – starting with trying not to puke over an Amsterdam bridge after a meeting new temporary coffee shop pals – with flashback to Mexican desert trips with Grandpa, LSD trips with VW bus-fixing pals, and family Grateful Dead road trip to...

High in Jamaica, Uncle Weed visits Black Ras’ abundant mountain growfield to discuss “swamp weed” grown in morass versus “hard land weed” grown in volcanic soil with bat guano, plus varieties of ganja strains – both domestic and imported. Plus background about his family teaching him the ways of growing most anything and living an Ital...

In-depth discussion with rock art photographer bev. davies including: hippie days with Neil Young and Joan Anderson (Joni Mitchell), shooting punk pioneers DOA and Subhumans, Motörhead in a park, David Bowie in a stadium, Brian Jonestown Massacre flipping off crowd and so many more. Also stories from backstage with Iron Maiden and Twisted Sister, Nardwuar...

Embarking on meandering natural healing journey around Asia, Indian sub-continent, Arabia, Mediterranean, across Canada, US rocky mountain canyons, and to Grateful Dead anniversary shows while emerging from a fog after chronic and complex illness diagnosis resulting in lost years due to prescription meds. Hit the golden road for: Field Notes from Elsewhere – Choogle On!...

With scant days to go, Uncle Weed reflects on expectations, better realized – plus shares affection for kind people, the important of finding authenticity and supporting local economy– all while embarking on final steps before leaving, including: visiting Mr. Lawrence, the lifeguard; packing up jerk spice and mango chutney; detailing the geometric woodwork in the Queen’s...

“Mongooses are like ninja squirrels – stealth, rat-eating machines. They kinda look like squirrels but squirrels are gentle, nut-eating creatures and mongooses (mongeese) are feared sniper killers.” After more banter about lobsters, reggae and food, Uncle Weed offers observations about music industry, taxi drivers, civic pride, pothole filling, corrupt government and cynicism, devalued currency,...

Visiting pal Hemp Ed in Pe Ell, Washington, Uncle Weed gets up to date on the emerging and ambiguous regulatory framework for production, distribution and retailing of cannabis in the aftermath of Washington Initiative 502. Plus conversation on the state of industrial hemp, small scale growing operations, the impact of state-imported weed, and the role...

Friend Nadine banters with Uncle Weed about Jamaica’s national dishes and alias nicknames before gamely sharing her techniques for the unofficial people’s favourite “jerk” along with a real-time example of a pork shoulder sizzling on a – ubiquitous and rugged – gas-can grill while sharing her tips for choosing the right cut and combinations of...

Sparking a morning joint, Uncle Weed recounts a skiff boat reef trip with Harold, acquiring lobster from John Wesley – member of The Silverlights – house band of Leroy’s bar, breaks down lobster physiology, discusses geo-cultural differences between parishes & regions, reviews of recent meals of skipjack and coconut chicken lobster, and takes a stereo...

Recollections from a wasp poison haze including fleeting messages delivered by film strip, endless fortune cookies and fuzzy memories from forgotten incidents. Plus the backstory about Leo of Little Bay and details of his colourful cabins, banter and rum on the tiny store’s porch with Brodie, plus tales of bonfire ganja mechanics, fortified brownies, chillcuzi...

Now from the north side of Jamaica at Queen’s Cottage, Uncle Weed recounts the aftermath of a wasp bite with recollections from 3 days in a daze including time with Leo of Little Bay, ganja trips with Fire and Foot, kayak to Bob Marley’s swimming hole, and waking dreams with crickets and frogs soundtrack whilst...

On a hike to a mountain top ganja patch, a new pal called Foot shares his curing technique to make the chocolate weed, plus opinions on Jamaica cannabis strains, and effects on his stamina. Then, a Rasta bushman called Fire gleefully explains Ital food traditions while grating coconut for a hearty natural stew cooked on...

A Nyabinghi Order Rastafarian called Lion Claw testifies to Uncle Weed about defending against evil, liberation, redemption and freewill and recounts days-long sessions on his hand-carved drums en route to Zimbali bush retreat. Marko at the wheel passing through Old Hope (down the road from New Hope), he and Uncle Weed banter about his life on...

Catching up after a Heroes’ Day trip to Negril, Uncle Weed discourses about the people, ganja, foods and animals of Jamaica with two pals whilst roasting down around a beachside campfire. Riffs include: handmade charcoal, mutton, ital food, meditation, daily life, kindness, big hearts, evil minds, daily life, community life, neighbourliness, ice cream from a...

Arriving in Little Bay, Jamaica into a hammock with a joint and beer, Uncle Weed documents surroundings including cabins, fisherman’s bar, reggae music sound system, eating conch, mineral pool, sea swimming, and drinking all the Red Stripe in Little Bay. Then discusses Heroes’ Day with locals around a campfire + Jamaica family, skills and abilities … Continue reading Hammocks and Heroes Day – Choogle On! Jamaica Scheme #1 →

Coming into Hornepayne with Tracks on Tracks, Chris Ho plays croons out some tunes, while Shred Kelly shreds on the banjo. Uncle Weed chats up some superfans who agree that Portage and Main have been a highlight of the trip, and Top less Gay Love Tekno Party gets interviewed in their matching onesies. Chantel, the...

As Tracks on Tracks comes in to Winnipeg, Uncle Weed bemoans the rigidity of meal times on trains, and the lack of food that the train station offers. Portage and Main plays an acoustic number on the train, and plugs in for the stop in Winnipeg. When pulling out of the city, Grant Lawrence banters...