Mark Waggener

Features Mark Waggener If you believe that crack cocaine is not all it’s cracked up to be, think again. In the mid 80’s crack cocaine became enormously popular because of the immediate high created by smoking it, and the exploitation of a cheaper price point for it in the ghettos of America. Today, it is just as popular, and just as capable of ruining a human life in any demographic in any society worldwide. It’s fairly inexpensive to produce; it’s readily available, and outrageously addictive. And, just as importantly, it is illegal.

Features Mark Waggener Have you ever plugged in a lamp only to discover that you had a damaged electrical cord? That startling pop, a puff of smoke, as the light bulb flickers and the sparks begin to fly. It quickly becomes apparent that the electricity required to power that bulb has been compromised and is leaking right through the cord.

Features Mark Waggener Have you ever questioned whether your thoughts actually have a physical effect on things? Can it be assumed that our mental health and physical condition go hand-in-hand, based on the way we think? If you nod in agreement, then you are likely to recognize that thoughts contain a type of energy which can manifest into a positive or negative form

Features Mark Waggener After two more soldiers were recently killed in Iraq from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and with another 20,000 troops on their way to the region, you have to question the U.S. Army’s decision not to deploy a proven defense system called Trophy.

Features Mark Waggener What does an 800 lb. gorilla do? Anything it wants. And like
the gorilla, pharmaceutical companies appear to have free rein over consumers by bombarding us with shifty marketing campaigns, draining our pocketbooks, and pilfering insurance companies with ridiculously overpriced prescription drugs.
You can’t turn on the television today without being offered a drug for insomnia, depression, acid reflux, high cholesterol, or a plethora of other so-named diseases. Walk through a doctor’s office or hospital and you might notice that virtually every pen and notepad bears the label of a prescription drug. The lingering presence of pharmaceutical reps is also apparent as drug samples are dished out like candy in order to influence physicians’ choices to use their product.

Music Mark Waggener On Thursday July 27, storied guitar hero Johnny Winter makes a rare appearance in Northern Michigan. This is an opportunity for music fans throughout the region to pay homage to one of the most prolific blues guitar players in modern times.
Born in Beaumont Texas in 1944, John Dawson Winter III grew up surrounded by cajun, country & blues music. He organized his first band called Johnny and the Jammers when he was just 14 years old. His brother Edgar played piano in the group and it wasn’t long before they became a local phenomenon.

Music Mark Waggener This summer’s favored event in Northern Michigan is about to unfold. The ever-popular National Cherry Festival gets under way July 1-8 at the open space on Grand Traverse Bay. Aside from the daily activities and the tummy-tempting aroma of good food, one of the most celebrated attractions commences every night on The Bayside Entertainment Stage. As a long time fan of music I have often wondered what it takes to deliver eight straight nights of live entertainment. I recently had a chance to sit down with Mike Jones and discuss his 24 years of experience as the “man behind the music” in selecting which acts will perform at the festival.

Features Mark Waggener Best friends, my son, Mark Waggener Jr. and T.J. Wisniewski have a penchant for fitness and weight training. These teens have known each other since the age of 3 and share many interests. While often seen playing pool, shooting hoops, or enjoying a variety of other activities, you are more likely to catch the two of them working out at Fit ForYou Gym in Traverse City.
Approximately two years ago these young men purchased a membership and have been lifting weights ever since. They adhere to a strict exercise schedule, as well as a closely scrutinized diet of various nutritional supplements, vitamins, and healthy foods. Mark was 18 when he started working out and just turned 20 this month, while T.J. is 19.