Manik Skateboards, a premium Seattle based skateboarding company, has announced its collaboration with photographer and Frank151 photo editor Craig Wetherby, to produce limited edition skateboards, shirts and New Era fitted caps. The series will be released to select boutique shops worldwide in conjunction with a world gallery tour exhibiting Craig Wetherby’s photos and limited edition skate decks. The Manik and Craig Wetherby collaboration features a selection of some of Wetherby’s most popular imagery. Wetherby has photographed just about every relevant hip-hop artist to date while also being highly respected and admired by the punk rock and rock n roll communities alike.

We are proud to announce the first in a series of exhibitions showcasing these pieces at Goods in Seattle Saturday May 31st. The reception will be preceded by a skate demo by the Manik team at Innerspace.

For more information on this contact us.

Opening Reception Saturday May 31st

- Manik Skateboard Demo & BBQ 4:00-7:00pm at Innerspace ( 3506-1/2 Stone Way N Seattle, WA 98103)

- Opening Reception May 31st 7:00pm-9:00pm at Goods (1112 Pike St., Seattle, WA) www.needgoods.com

- After Party at The War Room 9:00pm-2:00am (722 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122)

RSVP at: craigwetherby@pitchcontrolpr.com for guestlist.

It’s the third installment of what’s apparently becoming our “free from the government” series – articles highlighting governments and agencies around the world who are, whether they know it or not, giving brilliant hand-outs to the public (previously: free hookers, free Viagra) — and this time, a lucky passenger arriving Japan’s Narita Airport yesterday left with about 5 ounces of herb in his bag… put there by airport security.

It’s true. An officer at Narita Airport stuffed the side-pocket of a random incoming bag with cannabis, as an exercise for his drug-sniffing dog’s nose. But the dog didn’t find the weed, and then the officer forgot which bag he put the package in… Basically, one thing led to another and now the luggage is gone – presumably collected by its owner.

We’ve got two thoughts on this one: either A. the officer was getting high himself (which explains forgetting what bag he chose), or B. the officer was actually supplementing his meager Airport Security wage by slipping some government pot into a bag which an accomplice could casually exit with… which would be sheer genius. 

And of course, C. is “damn, wish that was my luggage”….

On Saturday, May 31st, Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol will be opening their new retail store The Last Laugh in downtown LA near Skid Row. Asked to elaborate on this new venture from S.A. Studios, Estevan Oriol explained “The economy sucks, and retail sales are shitty, so we figured it was the perfect time to open our retail store. We’ve been known to take risks, you’ve heard the saying “Don’t Be Scared.”

WHEN: Grand Opening: Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 1 – 8 p.m.

WHERE: Upper Playground & The Last Laugh
125 E. 6th Street (between S. Main St. and S. Los Angeles St.)
Los Angeles, CA 90014

More info after the jump…
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“This image shows a polygonal pattern in the ground near NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander, similar in appearance to icy ground in the arctic regions of Earth.

Phoenix touched down on the Red Planet at 4:53 p.m. Pacific Time (7:53 p.m. Eastern Time), May 25, 2008, in an arctic region called Vastitas Borealis, at 68 degrees north latitude, 234 degrees east longitude.” (via Nasa.gov)

This mission hopes to uncover further evidence of water on Mars, and even possibly the existence of life. Another amazing accomplishment that shows what happens when humanity focuses its attention on achieving rather than destroying.

Emerging masters of dope swimwear designs (and Frank fam) HOUSE OF JACKIE BROWN dropped their Summer ‘08 collection on us a couple weeks back, and we’ve been obsessing ever since. 

Created by New Yorkers Jaclyn York and Emily Brown (hence the name), the House of Jackie Brown focuses its efforts on bikini designs which compliment the variety of shapes and sizes which make women so unique and wonderful, with body hugging cuts to accentuate each individual woman’s best assets.

But it’s the features that really set HOJB apart. Each style is complimented with a unique lining, and specific pieces from the ‘08 collection feature exclusive treats for the wearer, from curly string ruffles to a scented kiwi bikini.

Seriously, if you can’t tell these bikinis are gonna be the hottest thing goin’ on this summer (apart from the August sun)well, you must be blind.

You can treat yourself (or your girl) to one of their ‘08 bikinis now by visiting their website, houseofjackiebrown.com… or, if you’d prefer to try out their luxurious and unique fabrics first, you can pick them up in person at Valley or Patricia Field.

Follow the jump to see more of Jackie Brown’s delicious designs….

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Devin The Dude and Frank Distro League rep Matt Sonzala (The man behind Houstonsoreal & Austinsurreal) are seen here jet setting on a sea plane over the fjords of Bergen. By the looks of this video, these world travelers are definitely familiar with “Jet Set” - Frank151 Chapter 32

DJ Kid Grebo of Blakplanit representing West Covina California hit us up and laced us with his Paul C Lives Volume 1 Mix to offer to our family for download. If you don’t know about Paul C, you need look no further than any classic Organized Konfusion, Ultramagnetic MCs, Eric B. and Rakim or Steezo album to learn the deal. The late Mr. Paul C was a major force in Hip-Hop’s golden era when he engineered and sometimes produced much of the material for these seminal artists. He revolutionized the art of engineering by creating techniques that defined the music of that time, as well as for years to come. As well, he served as a mentor to Frank fam Large Professor. This man is a major unsung hero of the culture.

Sadly, Paul C was murdered in his studio before he got a chance to produce Rakim’s third album, as had been planned.

To learn more about Paul C, check out his wikipedia page. To download Paul C Lives Volume 1 click here. You can learn more about DJ Kid Grebo and his Blak Planit Musik at their myspace which is myspace.com/blakplanitmusic.

The first Single from Vulture’s Wisdom, new album from Opio of Souls of Mischief, slated for release in April 08. Produced by Architect.

Other classic tracks from Souls of Mischief and the Hieroglyphics crew:

‘93 til Infinity

Cab Fare

Mistadobalina

One of our Bay Area Frank Distro League reps, DJ Platurn (Oakland Faders) stopped by the Frank151 office yesterday to tell us about his current documentary “From Oakland to Iceland: A Hip Hop Homecoming” directed by Ragga M. Thordarson. The documentary was recently premiered at Iceland’s leading documentary film festival a week ago and received rave reviews. Check out the trailer and myspace for more info.

He Took a Polaroid Every Day, Until the Day He Died
(via Mental Floss)