A public hearing today on Wisconsin's Medical Marijuana Act has sparked much debate regarding the prudence of providing marijuana to seriously ill patients. Detractors say the act is a gateway to legalizing marijuana for the masses, while proponents say it's about providing relief to those who need it most. Governor Doyle says he would support the bill, and President Obama has asked prosecutors to refrain from targeting people involved in the sale and use of medical marijuana in compliance with state law.

So, what does that mean to you? Have you read the act? I have, and I've broken it down into plain English. Read Wisconsin's Medical Marijuana Proposal Basics for details.

Currently, there are 13 states, including Michigan, with some type of medical marijuana law. Besides Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois are also discussing legislation.

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Have you got a woman on your holiday gift list that is both fashionable and fanatic about the state of Wisconsin? If so, I have solved your dilemma on what to buy said woman: A Wisconsin Fender Purse by Littlearth. You can find these online at Littlearth.com for approximately $140, or for a little less elsewhere if you shop around. Rumor has it that Bayshore Town Center shop Urban Accents also had some of these in stock.

Still stuck on gift ideas? Check out my Milwaukee-Centric Gift Guide to find some locally-produced items that would make great gifts.

Image courtest of Littlearth

Milwaukee will be getting a little crazy with its holiday spirit this weekend with three wacky celebrations.

• The Santa Cycle Rampage: Don your favorite red furry suit and join other Santas on a beer fueled bike ride through the streets of Milwaukee. The rampage starts at 10am at Cafe Hollander on Downer.

• Festivus on Brady Street: Air your grievances, exhibit feats of strength, and win Festivus poles this weekend at The Nomad, Regano's Roman Coin, Joe Cat's and Club Brady.

• Ugly Sweater Saturday: Listen to Christmas carolers, see talented artists make murals out of tacky attire, then rival the tackiness of said attire as you parade around the East Side in your best holiday sweater.

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A public auction of The Gobbler Supper Club, a quirky 1960s-era modern, carpeted, rock walled anomaly -- with a rotating bar, will hit the auction block at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 12.

The restaurant is located approximately 45 miles west of Milwaukee in Johnson Creek, about halfway between Milwaukee and Madison.

To get a great taste of what The Gobbler Supper Club was in its prime, visit the Lileks.com site featuring the Gobbler Supper Club and its adjacent motel, which was unfortunately destroyed in 2002. Another internet gem is...Read more!

Image by Reznicek111, for use under Flickr Creative Commons licensing

Nothing makes the season brighter than an animal wearing a Santa hat, right? If you agree, bring your dogs and cats to Mayfair Mall for a holiday photo shoot. St. Nick's Pet Pics will be taken from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday nights now through Christmas, on December 7, 14 and 21.

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Friday and Saturday

• Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their reindeer, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, buy your Christmas tree and some holiday gifts, take in a holiday concert...all during Christmas in the Ward.

Saturday

• Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition (what else?) at Branded in the Iron Horse Hotel. 1930's attire encouraged, five-cent taps of Lakefront's 'Iron Horse Prohibition Ale' from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday

• Support local business by doing some shopping at the Alternative Gift Fair/Buy Local Fair. More than 20 non-profits and other vendors will be selling their wares and services at the Lakefront Brewery from 1-5 p.m., plus there will be free brewery tours, live music and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Image courtesy Iron Horse Hotel

Well, it's a little later than usual this year, but Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park is scheduled to open on Thursday, December 17. The ice skating rink will be open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays through February (March if weather allows). Ice skates may be rented for $6 per pair, or skaters with their own skates can skate for free. Red Arrow Park is located at 920 N. Water St.

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Candy Cane Lane, an area of several city blocks just north of Oklahoma Avenue in West Allis, is once again lit for the holidays. Drive or stroll through the neighborhood from 6-10 p.m. weekdays and from 5-10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. There is no charge to visit Candy Cane Lane, but those that wish to can give a donation to the MACC Fund.

Read more...

Image by Carrie Trousil

Want to avoid unsolicited telemarketing phone calls? Wisconsin residents have until Monday, December 1, 2009 to add their number(s) to the current No Call List that will go into effect on January 1. Those who sign up after December 1 will be added to the next list, which will take effect April 1, 2010.

There are two easy ways to be added to the No Call List:

• Fill out the easy form at nocall.wisconsin.gov
• Call 1-866-9NO-CALL (1-866-966-2255)

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