Frank151 and Lafayette have come together to design this limited edition tee for Lafayette’s 5th Anniversary.

This special occasion was kicked off with a party in Yokohama, Japan, and ended in the creation of collabo tees with several different companies. Check out the website for more info.

There is an initiative in the works that could end up on the November ballot that allows for marijuana to be sold to anyone, and anywhere that already sells alcohol. Its being called The Inalienable Rights Enforcement Initiative.This initiative will amend the Constitution of California to defend and safeguard the inalienable rights of the People against infringement by governments and corporations, providing for the lawful growth, sale, and possession of marijuana. Marijuana will be taxed through a system of stamps and licenses–a $5 stamp will be required for the sale of an eighth ounce of marijuana and a $50 annual license will be required for the growth of one marijuana plant. To protect participants and encourage participation in the system, such licenses and stamps will be available anonymously in stores where marijuana is sold.

So instead of getting some quack doctor to give you a prescription for $100 because of your supposed “anxiety” or alleged “insomnia”, you will just pay an extra tax each time you buy yourself another 8th.

Aside from allowing all willing adults to be able to buy weed easily, this initiative will start to generate revenue for California, and stimulate our struggling economy. More weed stores means more jobs for Californians, more taxes to be collected, and more people enjoying better weed. And finally marijuana will be put into the same file as Alcohol and Cigarettes where it belongs, instead of it being equated with crack-cocaine and heroine.

For the full story, check out laist.com.

However, there has to be a catch–even if the state were to pass this initiative, the federal government would barge in and crack down on it indefinitely. But for now, let’s savor the possibilites…

Doug Cohen is, and has been, many things.

A pioneer of the turntablism scene; founder of a record label and open turntable showcase; one of the consultant co-designers on the Rane TTM-54; magazine editor; BBQ fiend; wine connoisseur… the list goes on. But his most recent persona seems to have stuck, unshakably, and despite Doug’s versatile background, his next step was nothing you could have predicted.

Doug Cohen makes watches.

When he saw Tableturns, his record label and touring DJ event, fold after the turntablist scene dried up, Doug opted out of the music business rat race. Starting up a fledgling watch company in 2007 on inspiration alone, Doug watched Flüd Watches grow from a tiny operation in his parents’ basement to a thriving concern in the urban watch market.

 

Frank151 had a chance to sit down with him and talk about timepieces recently; Doug’s answers were anything but reserved.  (Ed. note — the views Doug expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Frank151, no matter how hilarious and incisive they might be.)FRANK151: So, why watches? What was it about the idea of starting a watch company that appealed to you?

DOUG: I’ll give you a business answer, I’ll give you a creative answer and I’ll give you an abstract answer. I’ll start with the abstract.
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Leave it to the Canadians to do their part to be greener!

Over the past year, rumors on the Internet have been circulating about a new public bike system (PBS) that was in the works for North America (following the super-successful French system that’s 10,000 strong in Paris). Now our time has finally arrived, and the first American project looks like a winner.

New York City has a pilot bike-share program of its own, set to run from July 7 to July 11 this summer. Riders will be able to check a bike out and ride it to their destination for under .50 cents a trip throughout the week, and the test run’s results will be presented, along with speeches from design and transportation experts, July 9 - 11 at the Storefront for Art & Architecture (at 97 Kenmare St).

Read more about the Canadian bike sharing via Ecofriend; or about the New York City project and the worldwide movement from NYBikeShare directly.

BBC uncovers lost Iraq billions

Is it still cheating if everyone is doing it? This Friday “Bigger Stronger Faster” hits selected theaters, covering the dirt behind the steroid controversy here in America. From the producers of Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine, this one should be interesting.

Official website and trailer

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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Frank Fam, and contributor to the Tuff Gong chapter, Liz Solms, just let us know about her new blog www.sweetpeabanana.tumblr.com.

A foundation grant first lead Liz Solms to Jamaica in 2005 to establish an organic growers association in the agricultural area of St. Elizabeth, a part of the Island known just as much for its beauty and bounty as its rampant use of agricultural chemicals. Years later, you can still find her championing the organic cause both on the Island and off. Back in the States you can find Liz hooking up families and dinner parties with the most banging meals made with local ingredients, or connecting weddings and other large events with local farms for their food service. And in JA, you may find Liz reasoning with a farmer on how to do it the organic way, or lacing out the dopest of villas with its very own kitchen garden. Check her out at www.sweetpeanourishment.com and www.bananatreeconsulting.com

Big shock.  Anyone who strolled by this work site over the past few weeks could’ve predicted something like this going down.

The sad part is that whatever cost-cutting bullshit the Trump crews are pulling down there led to an innocent concrete worker’s death.  Someone should start an anti-Trump foundation in the guy’s name.

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Frank will always have love for RZA, but lately it seems dude just can’t along with anyone but Jim Jarmusch.

Only 2 months after losing a legal battle with Ghostface Killah, the Wu-Tang Clan are back in court – once again battling over money with U-God.

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