You can always count on Rob Strang to resort to the Green Party playbook on weeks when there is nothing to write about. I'm sure sometimes he does it just to get under my skin (like I do to him on occasion) but never would have guessed that his column last week calling for the legalization of marijuana would have elicited such a strong response. I'll admit that I once too wrote a paper with an argument strikingly similar to the one my colleague proposed, based very much on economics. [continues 467 words]
If you live in Orangeville you received a brochure in a recent hydro bill which provided an impressive amount of information about marijuana home grow operations and how to spot one. While I wouldn't want to make light of an obviously serious situation, I couldn't help but notice the similarities in what you would look for in your average home grow operation and what you can expect in your average bachelor pad. The first clue that you have a home grow operation in your neighbourhood is "Residents attend the home occasionally for short periods of time." This could be me. I'm up early and gone to work for the day, home for a shower and a quick bite to eat before leaving for whatever the evening's activities might be, returning much later -- usually long after dark -- to repeat the cycle again. [continues 372 words]