I was watching Top Gear last night and near the closing of the show this beautiful piano music was delicately playing in the background. It’s soothing tones summarized three mens extraordinary discovery of the best driving road in the world after countless trials and awkward setbacks. I had to find this music…

A quick trip over to the global hub for fans of the show - Final Gear - I was introduced to the incredible music of Ludovico Einaudi. The track I was in search of was Ritornare on the Divenire album. While I can’t comment on any other works by Ludovico, I can say Divenire is exceptionally beautiful and sounds like a movie soundtrack. Wonderfully produced, the album conjures up an array of moods in one sitting.

Moving through midtown on my way to work, drizzle falling on a grey morning, iPod in hand, music playing in my ears, I felt like I was walking in slow motion through a chaotic world; it was surreal. I was totally engulfed in the warmth of the music and its atmospheric melodies. Pour a glass of wine, find a comfortable spot in the house and soak up the euphony; this album is definitely a must have.

If you’d like to see the portion of Top Gear I am referring to, watch part 9 and 10 of the first episode from season 10. It starts 3/4 to the end of the challenge, but gives you a nice enough introduction into the frustrations of finding that perfect something.

This poster is so fresh to me. Very Scarface-ish. We just finished watching this movie and it’s pretty good. Like all things Hollywood, it is a rather glamorous and stylized version of Frank Lucas’ life. Be that as it may, it’s an entertaining - and I use that term very loosely - story.

I won’t get into the details and life of this guy, you can wiki that info. However, I’m starting to think that Denzel really likes these dark roles. But here’s the good news: it totally works for him. The downside: you still can’t get past the fact that you are watching Denzel…act.

The casting in the movie was pretty good…minus the dude playing Muhammad Ali. Funny note, I was there for the filming of this when they transformed 120st - 123st into 1960-70’s 116st - 118st. The props, cars, buses, fruit stands, newspaper stands and even the cafe they ate in, I saw all that and it looked pretty damn convincing. I even rode my bike through while they were filming. Sadly, I’m not in the film.

A lot of friends and random people ask me about fixed-gear bikes; what’s good, what’s bad, where to buy, brakeless vs. brakes, and so on. Most times, with regards to what to purchase, I tell them to get something affordable and not break the bank until they are sure they will 1) ride the bike and 2) enjoy riding fixed. There are track bike frames (that is, frame plus fork and nothing else) that will set you back several hundred to several thousand dollars. Some wheelsets can get into the $450 - 800 mark. And if you don’t know what you are getting into, all this can be rather daunting not to mention a rather unfruitful investment for a I-just-want-to-try-riding-fixed bike that turns into a wow-this-isn’t-what-I-though-it-would-be bike and-now-its-just-sitting-in-the-corner-of-the-room-
while-I-sit-here-broke-and-hungry. Ok, maybe it’s not that extreme, but you get the idea.

For those friends and simply anyone else in the market, I’m always on the hunt for good fixed-gear bike deals. So when I saw that the 2008 Tommaso Augusta track bike was $399, I had to stop and give this one the once over.
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Have you ever been to Park Slope and felt slightly out of place? When walking around Williamsburg do you get the vibe that you’re just too normal? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone in this predictment. If people don’t cringe when you tell them how much you paid for a sweatshirt, you may very well suffer from EMS.

EMS (Economically Minded Shopping) affects thousands of individuals. 1 in 4.5 people just don’t have that certain it when it comes to being hip (ah yea, that rhymed! holla!). Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a t-shirt, you opt to save that money or shop at moderately trendy stores and express your style without breaking the bank. This is a huge no-no! That lifestyle is for suckas! If you aren’t blowing $400 on a pair of Evisu jeans or $250 on a BBC hoodie, your priorities aren’t right!

But there is a way to combat EMS and Satchel of Gravel will show you the way. Their 10 step guide to battling EMS and becoming a personifier of true style is covered in their article So You Want To Be A Streetwearer. The facts are laid out in plain engrish for you to discern and follow. Want a snippet?

6.Pick up an action sport. Literally. Just buy a deck or a fixed bike and walk around with it. Don’t actually use it, you’ll lower the resale value, which you’ll need for…

Read the rest of their article to find out more real life tips to help you successfully fight back against the man and your savings account. Whatever, being The Awesome and broke is the new “s/he’s keeping it real”.

YouThoughtWeWouldntNotice! Just added to my blogs-I-check-daily-when-on-my-lunch-break list.

…a site dedicated to pointing out those thing’s that give you that feeling of ‘haven’t l seen that somewhere before?”

The Suzuki Sakura is a recent excellent example of remo (retro+modern = remo; seriously, I just made this up; hot right?).

Combining the look of the early 1970’s XS-1 with modern Japanese design and style, the Sakura (full name: XS-V1 Sakura) is a concept design intended to display “models as works of art that are the realizations of Yamaha’s corporate principle: to be a company that creates Kando*”.

Unfortunately, all signs point to this never hitting production. However, given that even remo is all the rage these days - with a few seeing production soon - one can only pray Suzuki wakes up and smells the shag and blesses us with this gorgeous beauty.

My wife always says this to me when I head out on my bike. Quick ride around the corner to pick up some fruit, a few hours lapping Central Park or heading out to commute to work, she makes it a point to hug, kiss and gently say, “Come home safe, bud.”

Yesterday two cyclist in Brooklyn were killed within two hours of each other in separate incidents. It is a somber time when you hear someone dies enjoying the very same privilege that you do. One of the riders happened to share a close bond to several members of our forum and was active in the community. Hits close to home when you hear news like this.

Stay safe out there my friends. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid risks as much as possible, wear the right protective gear and get home safe.

Don Mecca aka The Red Stallion brings us two tasty gems.

The first is ClassicCloseouts. The moment you hit the homepage you want to grab for your wallet. Seriously, the prices on the merchandise are amazing and the store looks completely legit. Sure, most of the mens clothing is old school stuff and mainly consists of Members Only paraphernalia (like the jacket pictured), but who cares; the 80’s is the new awesome! There are great deals for men, women, kids and home. Shipping is free if you buy more than $40 worth of merchandise. If you’re looking for some good deals all around, consider this store in your search.

The next - and absolutely most awesome find - is Replica Business Center. I’ll be honest, when I first went to the site, my first thought was “oh snap, shady!”. But then, I read their payment policy and was like, “oh snap, SHADY!”.

The prices on the clothing and shoes is absolutely mind boggling. Complete “replicas” of brand name shoes and clothes for hundreds less. I like that they make no qualms about it either. I’m not so sure how it all works and I’m skeptical to find out. However, I am in desperate need of some new shoes and jeans. If you are feeling adventurous, go ahead and give it a try, but don’t get all pissy with me if things don’t work out.

Aaron has a gallery show coming up November 1.

IVY BROWN’S GO FISH GALLERY
675 Hudson St. 4 North, New York City, New York 10014
between 13th + 14th streets, the heart of the meat-packing district
(212) 925.1111 | www.gofishgallery.com
hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-5pm

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