UPDATE: GYPSY GENTLEMAN EPISODE 5: LONDON

The fifth installment of the our favorite tattoo travel series visits London.

The Gypsy Gentleman - Episode 05: London from Marcus Kuhn on Vimeo.

Get more info. here.

SCREENING: 47 INDUSTRIES IS SCREENING 6 0VER SAT. NOV. 10, 2012 AT 7PM

One of the best and most honest mechanics you'll ever meet, my pal Mike, is hosting a screening of 6 Over at his shop 47 Industries. While you're there have him start building you the bike or classic car of your dreams.

For more info. and to subscribe to his blog, go here.

6 OVER

6 Over is a documentary about 6 motorcycle builders (Caleb Owens, Jason Webber, Kim Boyle, Jeremiah Armenta, Max Schaaf and Eddie Cleveland) and their love for 2 wheels.

Check out the trailer and buy a copy for yourself:

Trailer from Wild Honey Productions on Vimeo.

UPDATE: GYPSY GENTLEMAN EPISODES 2, 3, 4

The internet based tattoo/travel show that showcases "the world’s greatest tattooers and the world’s most fascinating places." is back with 3 new episodes:Episode 2: Austin, Texas

The Gypsy Gentleman - Episode 02: Austin, Texas from Marcus Kuhn on Vimeo.

Episode 3: San Francisco, California

The Gypsy Gentleman - Episode 03: San Francisco from Marcus Kuhn on Vimeo.

Episode 4: San Diego y Tijuana

The Gypsy Gentleman - Episode 04: San Diego y Tijuana from Marcus Kuhn on Vimeo.

More info. can be found here.

BONES BRIGADE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

An upcoming documentary on the crew who ruled skateboarding when I was a kid. I was too young for the Dogtown/Z-boys era, but my first "pro" skateboard was the Powell Peralta Mike McGill Skull and Snake in blue. I'm definitely looking forward to this. Screening now in select locations (in NYC on October 17, 2012), and being released digitally/home video on November 6, 2012 (available for pre-order now). Get more info here.

JACK LONDON TATTOO QUOTE

"Show me a man with a tattoo and I'll show you a man with an interesting past." - Jack London

REVIEW: GYPSY GENTLEMAN - EPISODE 1: NEW YORK

A new internet based tattoo/travel show that showcases "the world’s greatest tattooers and the world’s most fascinating places."  Kind of like a tattoo version of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.

I really like this show.  The Cultured Hooligan approves of the Gentleman Gypsy.  Had to write that, sorry.

Check it, enjoy it, and donate so they can make more episodes.


The Gypsy Gentleman - Episode 01: New York City from Marcus Kuhn on Vimeo.

Check out the official page for more info.

STEVIE TOMBSTONE OCT. 14, 2011 8PM

First show I've helped book in probably a decade.


Friday October 14, 2011 8PM
Stevie Tombstone
with Special Guest Gabe Zander
Calabrese's Barber Shop
33 West Front St., Keyport, NJ

REVIEW: ST. GEORGE ABSINTHE VERTE

Hands down my favorite all around Absinthe. I don't know if it's the different herbs used than with other Absinthe's, but this drink is a thing of beauty. It's warm yet cooling, with a little spice/bite, but without the heavy licorice flavor. It's still there, but not as strong and Good and Plenty-esque as some other Absinthe brands.  I've found with all the other Absinthe's I've tried it was either sickly licoricey, or licorice and with a bitter aftertaste, or just a faint licorice/peppermint flavor - like watered down Scope.

St. George Absinthe Verte has a whole other level flavor.  It's a glass of nothing but goodness.  Maybe it's because the base spirit is brandy and I'm a brown liquor kind of guy (whiskey/bourbon, aged rum, cognac/brandy).  I have no idea, but what I do know is that I now have a go to Absinthe and after testing the waters (5 brands down - Lucid, Pacifique, Sirene, Kubler, Vieux Carre) I'm pretty much done searching.  I'm so sad it took me so long to get to try St. George.

From now on I won't be chasing the green fairy, I'll be following the Monkey!



Get more info. from the official website.

Watch this enjoyable interview with Mr. Lance Winters of St. George Spirits:

THE ZIG ZAG CAFÉ, SEATTLE, WA

Bar at the Zig Zag Café.  Photo from Good Spirits News via Google Images

Hemingway may have had Sloppy Joe's in Key West and La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita in Havana, but I've got him beat because I've got the Zig Zag Café when I'm in Seattle.

This is the bar I've always been looking for.  An old school vibe, comfortable, dimly lit, yet classy at the same time.

I loved this place so much that I went every night I could, six nights in a row.  Erik and Ben are not just amazing "mixologists", but the best of old school bartenders.  I can't explain it, but think about every fantasy you had about going to a bar and meeting the best bartender ever, and you'd know how I feel.  Sort of felt like I went through some alternate universe where the cocktail culture of the roaring 20's never ended.  Kind of like a cocktail version of Steampunk, if that makes any sense to you.

Ben of Zig Zag Cafe

The Zig Zag Café 

1501 Western Avenue

Seattle, WA

206-625-1146 

Open 5 PM to 2 AM every day

Read my entire review (and follow me) on Yelp here.

TATTOO AGE

A new tattoo documentary series featuring a series of interviews/profiles of what they're calling "the most interesting and sought-after [tattoo] artists in the world."  It debuts July 13, 2011 on VBS.TV with a profile of a buddy of mine, Dan Santoro.  Although I don't have any tattoos by Dan (yet?), he's a legit artist of all sorts (needle, spray paint, acrylics, etc.) and it's good to see him getting recognized for his talents.  If you like what you see, book an appointment with him at Smith Street Tattoo at (718) 643-0463.  You won't be disappointed. 

 

From the official page:  

Tattoo Age is the new series that takes an inside look at the craft of tattooing through a series of profiles on some of the most interesting and sought-after artists in the world. The series kicks off on July 13th with Dan Santoro, and new episodes featuring such artists as Troy Denning, Mike Rubendall, Freddy Corbin, and Grime will air through November.

REVIEW: TRANSCENDENT MAN

A documentary about "futurist", scientist, genius Ray Kurzweil.  Not nearly as boring as that sounds.  This is one of the few documentaries that I've seen recently that actually made me feel optimistic about the future.  This movie delivers some of Kurzweil's predictions for the future of technology while also telling his life's story, his life's goal (bringing his father back from the dead), and gives some scientific theory/proof on how humans will live forever as part machine, or maybe even part of the machine.  This movie makes me happy about this world, and longing for the future (soon to be the present).  Check out the trailer below.


From the official site:

The compelling feature-length documentary film, by director Barry Ptolemy, chronicles the life and controversial ideas of luminary Ray Kurzweil. For more than three decades, inventor, futures, and New York Times best-selling author Ray Kurzweil has been one of the most respected and provocative advocates of the role of technology in our future.

In Transcendent Man, Ptolemy follows Kurzweil around the globe as he presents the daring arguments from his best-selling book, The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Kurzweil predicts that with the ever-accelerating rate of technological change, humanity is fast approaching an era in which our intelligence will become increasingly non-biological and millions of times more powerful. This will be the dawning of a new civilization enabling us to transcend our biological limitations. In Kurzweil's post-biological world, boundaries blur between human and machine, real and virtual. Human aging and illness are reversed, world hunger and poverty are solved, and we cure death.

Ptolemy explores the social and philosophical implications of these changes and the potential threats they pose to human civilization in dialogues with world leader Colin Powell; technologists Hugo deGaris, Peter Diamandis, Kevin Warwick, and Dean Kamen; journalist Kevin Kelly; actor William Shatner; and musician Stevie Wonder. Kurzweil maintains a radically optimistic view of the future, while acknowledging new dangers. Award-winning American composer Philip Glass contributes original theme music that mirrors the depth and intensity of the film. 

REALITY 86'D - BLACK FLAG DOCUMENTARY

A Black Flag Documentary covering their last tour. Never released, but due to the power of the internet, now available. Watch the teaser below, or watch it in it's entirety here.

From the official site:

REALITY '86'D

(Shot in 1986 and completed by director David Markey in 1991 for We Got Power Films, approx. 62 min., Super 8 film)

Three bands and crew (a combined total of 13 individuals), 2 Dodge Ram extended cab vans, one equipment truck, one PA system traverse the continental US for six months. A road documentary shot from the inside of the last Black Flag tour ever (the 1986 "In My Head" US tour.) Greg Ginn along with Henry Rollins, Cel Revulta, and Anthony Martinez comprise the final line up of the band. Featuring behind the scenes proceedings and live performances from Black Flag, Painted Willie, and Gone (Ginn's side project, then featuring Sim Cain and Andrew Weiss (later of the Rollins Band) . David Markey was along for the entire trip as the drummer / singer for Painted Willie (with Phil Newman & Vic Makauskas), documenting the six month tour with his Super-8 camera as it happened. Also features roadie Joe ("Planet Joe") Cole, soundmen Davo Claasen and Dave "Ratman" Levine, and the tour manager who kept it all together, Mitch Bury. A crucial turning point in American underground rock. The end of the line for a trail blazing American band.

THE SPORT OF KINGS

My major sports championship season is a few weeks away. Unlike most championships, mine starts in the beginning of the season. It's almost time for THE TRIPLE CROWN. It all starts with the Kentucky Derby (May 7, 2011 6PM), followed by the Preakness Stakes (Saturday May 21, 2011 6PM), and lastly, the Belmont Stakes (Saturday June 11, 2011 6PM).

If you want to learn how to bet on horses, check this out. I was going to explain it here, but the internet beat me to the punch.

RANT: POKER SITES SHUT DOWN BY US GOV

The FBI shut down Pokerstars.com, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker. What happened to due process? So I guess now the government can just take your business (i.e. your website) just by charging you with a crime, not proving it. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? On top of this nonsense, they're not even sure if poker is really illegal gambling or a game of skill.

2.5 wars, 9.2% unemployment, $3.80/gal avg. gas price, US deficit over $14 trillion, Osama Bin Laden is still free, but the US government goes after online poker.

RANT: SORRY CLEAR CHANNEL, PANDORA IS THE NEW RADIO

Bob Pittman spells out why Pandora is not Radio

While I can agree that a good DJ with the power to choose his own playlist is great, it's rarely if ever done these days. The last time I heard a DJ with playlist power it was on an independent "public" station (e.g. WFMU, WXPN, WBJB, WRSU, WSOU) not those that Mr. Pittman represents.

Clear Channel and national playlists killed radio with their fast-food-restaurant approach to radio programming and sent the music listeners away to the internet. If someone wants to hear the same tired and over-played 10 songs every hour then they should continue to listen to the corporate radio drivel that Mr. Pittman and Clear Channel represent. Services like Pandora while not perfect at least allow for discovery of new (or new to me) music, where corporate radio really doesn’t. So maybe Mr. Pittman should be saying Pandora is not CURRENT radio, it’s what radio used to be when it was good.

THE GREAT GATSBY IN 8-BIT

My newest time waster and addiction, The Great Gatsby as a pseudo Nintendo Entertainment System game. If you thought snapping a whip in Castlevania was cool, imagine throwing a fedora in 1920's era New York. I wonder if F. Scott Fitzgerald would sit and get drunk while playing this.

Play it here.

PREPARING FOR THE APOCOLYPSE WITH CLASS: BELT

I've been going through a "I should be prepared for a unexpected event" fad as of late. Maybe it's from the impending doom of the American Dollar crashing, reading too many Every Day Carry blogs, or maybe it's the new AMC show The Walking Dead that's got me all freaked out. The problem with "being prepared" is walking around like a dork wearing tactical gear with too many pockets. I've also tried to minimize carrying my bookbag around. So when I see things that can allow me to be prepared, but defy the tactical gear look I'll post it here. Here's product Number 1, the 686 Original Snow Toolbelt. It has a built in bottle opener in the buckle, 2 prongs in the buckle made up of a flathead screwdriver and a phillipshead screwdriver, a belt loop with 3 wrenches (8mm, 10mm, and 11mm). Available in Punk Rock studded belt (Rocker Stud Snow Toolbelt) and Work friendly (Original Snow Toolbelt) versions. Get it for $40 at 686.

(Source: Cool Materials)

RANT: STEVE JOBS IS AN ASSHOLE/FUCK APPLE

I've been in the market for a new mobile phone and have been checking out the Android OS phones, but rumor has it that the iPhone in coming to Verizon (January 2011). I like the specs on the iPhone and that there are so many companies making 3rd party accessories (meaning more choice, cheaper prices), but I can't stand Apple's "walled garden" aka dictatorship mentality.


I find it pretty ironic that some the most lefty "free thinking" people I know have such an allegiance to Apple products, namely the iPhone. The company is against the freedom of speech and ideas. They must approve whatever program/app that is available in the app store, and only those apps approved can be put on the iPhone because they lock down their device (unless you choose to Jailbreak it). Apple has a policy against adult content applications. That is unless you're Playboy. For some reason an independent producer/app maker can't make an adult app, but if you're Playboy you'll be accepted by the app store. Fucking bullshit.


I don't need a new daddy Mr. Jobs. I'm an adult and will make my decision on what I would like to surround my life with, what I want to view, and what I want to put on my portable media products. Jobs even went on the record stating that "we do believe we have a moral responsibility to keep porn off the iPhone". Who the fuck do you think you are? It's not that I have some need to have porn on my phone, but I don't like someone telling me I can't do something, especially with a product that I buy. Apple also blocked a cartoonist's app due to a political cartoon because Apple said applications that ridicule public figures are not allowed. What the fuck? Fight the oppressor of information. Support Free Speech.


STEVE JOBS IS AN ASSHOLE. FUCK APPLE.


JAILBREAK YOUR IPHONE (OR BUY ANDROID?)

WHO CARES: THE DUANE PETERS STORY

A documentary (from 2005) with a shitload of skateboarding and a decent soundtrack. Tells the story Mr. Duane Peters, old school skateboard legend and punk rocker. This movie made me pine for my time as a member of the 4-wheel, 7-ply-maple militia. There's some pretty killer pool sessions that made me want to get a pool built and learn how to skate all over again...

The official(?) trailer: