Bunji Garlin feat. Kubiyashi

Another track produced by Walshy Fire with the great Bunji Garlin on it...again it fusions several elements to one big ting. And it might get you hungry...

Kingsman 2 - Trailer

Finally we get a full length trailer, after that short teaser several weeks ago:

Valerian - New trailer

Okay, it ain't really new since it has been released 4 weeks ago, but it kicks ass big time....wow, wow, wow, wow. But damn, don't like the use of the word graphic novel in the trailer, it is a goddamn comic; nothing else!

PS: Is that Rihanna in it?

Ketchup feat. Bunji Garlin - No laziness

I don't know who Ketchup is and it is truly a stupid name for an artist, but I know Bunji Garlin and I think one of the best shows I ever experienced was Bunji tearing down the Rude7-Club in Mannheim city. It was unbelievable awesome and everybody who was there will probably agree on that. Anyway, the following tune produced by Walshy Fire (Black Chiney & Major Lazer) is some wicked bass music hybrid mixing up Dancehall, Soca and a little EDM together to create havoc upon the dancefloor. I really like it:

Hippocamp Circus Club - King of Hobos

In the previous post, I was talking about the French comic artist Jef. But not only does he draw comics, he also does some quite unusual music with his band 'Hippocamp Circus Club'. Check their video below:

The Assignment - Trailer

Before the movie, there was the comic. Walter Hill, who has been working on several graphic novels in the recent years, teamed up with French cult-comic author Matz and the brilliant Jef Martinez, who was responsible for the artwork of the Jim Morrison-biography comic. Both French dudes have a incredible output and are highly talented. Matz wrote the famous 'The Killer' and worked on the video game scripts of 'Splinter Cell' and 'Rainbow Six'. As a duo they have published already couple of things in France. Together with Walter Hill they did Tomboy, which is the German title of 'The Assignment'. It was published by 'Splitter'. We have talked about it on my radio show 'ComicCouch' on bermuda.funk about it. It did have a little of an 'OldBoy' kind of feeling to it...well, it is a crazy revenge thriller. 

In the US the series is published by Titan and the covers are drawn by Stephen B.Scott, a cool dude, well known for his work on Batman and also the Indiana Jones, which George Lucas gave him credit for. Also check them if you are into comics.

The trailer has been out since nearly two months already, but I hadn't checked it so far. It does have a good cast and let's see if Walter Hill still can make brilliant movies like in the past.

Kingsman 2 - The golden circle (Teaser Trailer)

Now look what just has been released. Mark Millar's hommage to James Bond goes into the second round.

Supercopy - Festival der Samplingkultur

Vom 5.5. bis zum 20.5 wird in Mannheim das Supercopy-Festival stattfinden. Das Thema lautet die Kunst, Theorie und Ökonomie des globalen Kopierens. In der heutigen Zeit ein durchaus spannendes Thema, denn Kultur war noch nie etwas statisches und wird es nie sein. Kultur is gekennzeichnet durch Wandel und Veränderung. Seit Jahrhunderten gibt es die 'cultural flows' (Appadurai). Die moderne Form der Globalisierung hat dies alles nochmals beschleunigt und noch enger verknüpft. Das postmoderne Zeitalter gekennzeichnet durch Bricolage und Inter- und Transkulturalität wäre ohne diese reziproken Prozesse gar nicht denkbar. Aber dennoch existiert in den letzten Jahren eine auf Identität basierende reaktionäre Politik, die diese Entwicklungen als kapitalistische Ausbeutung im Rahmen der 'Cultural Appropriation' betrachtet. In weit weit wäre Hip-Hop überhaupt möglich ohne diese Mechanismen und Techniken des Samplings aus anderen Musikbereichen. Literatur und Film ist in der modernen Zeit immer durch eine Form der Intertextualität gekennzeichnet und kann nie originell sein, dafür müssten wir uns als Gesellschaft an einen Nullpunkt zurückversetzen; ist das auch schon eine indirekte Form der 'kulturellen Aneignung'? Darf Tarantino überhaupt noch Filme drehen, denn seine Werke sind 'Cut-Ups' und Referenzen aus diversen anderen Werken? Dürfen Weiße Dreadlocks tragen? Dürfen wir Kizomba tanzen? Viele Fragen, ein sehr umfassendes Themengebiet und noch mehr Antworten und Meinungen dazu. 

 

Ich finde die kulturelle Vielfalt in Mannheim eine Bereicherung für unsere Gesellschaft. Das Festival ist eingebettet in die VA "Das Mannheimer Erbe der Weltkulturen". Die VA ist vom Zeitraumexit e.V. organisiert mit Workshops, Seminaren, einem Symposium mit dem Centre for Transcultural Studies, Heidelberg. Die VA findet in den Räumlichkeiten im Jungbusch,in der Feuerwache mit Konzerten, Parties und an zwei, drei weiteren Orten statt. Schaut im Programmheft und in dem Flyer nach. Ein Besuch lohnt sich auf jeden Fall. Vor Allem wenn Henry, der Große, zu dem Event '1000 yards of dubbing' seinen Anlage im Innenhof des Zeitraumexits aufbaut und mit seinem Bass die Erde im Jungbusch vibrieren lässt.

Zum Flyer

Protoje on BBC Radio 1Xtra - His favorite MC's

Protoje talks on Radio 1Xtra about the his personal favorite Hip-Hop MCs and the influence of Rap music on his career. I always think it is interesting when certain artists debate another musical genre. Check out the link!!!

Spike launches trailer of Stephen King's 'The Mist'

Spike has produced an entire TV-show about to start on June 22nd, 2017. The setting will be of course a lot bigger than in the movie of the last decade. Watch the trailer...

Tokyo Ghoul - Trailer

Another Anime-adaptation to hit screen this year.

Legion Mas Band

Check out this new Mas Band, which combine Carnival with Cosplay. I personally think it is great idea, because both really work well together and the costumes are awesome. And it also caters to all the lovers of comics and Caribbean vibes. You can participate in the band and take part in the roas march @ Notting Hill Carnival or maybe we will have the chance to take part one day in Germany at the KDK/Berlin. Definitely something I am thinking about....

Click on the link here for more info

 

DubAddiction - Zunguzeng inna Penh

Couple of years old. The only Reggae/Dub-combo from Cambodia as far as I know:

The Bad Batch - Trailer

I really don't know what it is about, but it looks damn evil. And Jason Momoa looks even more evil. Plus Keanu Reeves. Since he acted in that trash movie John Wick I like him somehow again.

Major Lazer - Run up

Neues Video von ML....was hat es mit den dummen Smartphones auf sich? Trotzdem netter Tune.

Hangar 44 - Phnom Penh

If you are looking for a good bar down in Phnom Penh, you have various choices. I don't like being among too many tourists, so I prefer checking for some small bars the insiders or expats hang out at. You might want to visit Samai distillery, a Cambodian rum factory with special events taking place on Thursday nights. Or go to Hops Brewery, a micro brewery with a beer garden serving the best quality style of beer Germany has to offer. But for me the best place is Basaac Lane, a small lane with many nice bars and high quality food shops, giving you the feeling you might be in London, Paris or NewYorkCity. I really love Hangar 44, a bar with a certain mix out of hipster-meets-ruff-rider-attitude. From the ceiling you got a motorbike hanging, the interior has a certain custom bike garage atmosphere. The owner himself is a dedicated motorcyclist, setting up events as the annual Gentleman's Ride, a motorbike and scooter cruise with the goal to raise money for prostate cancer research. The event has become a big happening with many motorbike lovers dressing in the best suits to take part in the ride. 

Inside Hangar 44, you have a nice selection of European wines, craft beers from Cambodia and overseas, the bartenders know their craft and serve high quality cocktails. If you feel like smoking, go for the cigars kept in an humidor to keep them fresh. 

You will always meet interesting people there, who are out for a chat and having a good time. If you get hungry, you can order food from the other shops directly at the bar. The waitress will go and place the orders for you and the food will be brought to you, You can eat inside with no problems. I went for a black bean burger from the shop down the lane. It was served with homemade fries. All in all, one of my best experiences I had down in Phnom Penh and I will surely go there again, if I touch down in the city.

Attack on Titan - Season 2 - Trailer

Finally after a long period of waiting, we can watch the second season of 'AoT'. Hopefully, many questions will be answered. I will grab some popcorn and lock myself in a room for a night until I watched all episodes...as with the first season.

Death Note 3 - Trailer

Just a couple of days ago I posted about a new Netflix Death  Note movie. What I didn't realize is, I missed out on a third Japanese installment of the story. I did like the two preceding movies; they didn't quite live up to the complexity of the anime series, but they weren't bad. I will definitely check out the third movie, before I watch the Netflix adaptation.

Thor: Ragnarok - Teaser Trailer

Looks like fun. I really love the design and looks. Thor's helmet is awesome. And most of all: the look of Hulk. Reminded me of the gladiator style they gave him in Planet Hulk. Above all; "We know each other from work." Haha..I liked that one.

Chark Terk Dong - Yuri

Travelling in Cambodia I would stumble into some local music of course. This is some crazy Khmer style bass music for the New Year celebration with some dance to bust to it:

Has a 80's Miami Bass feeling. I might try to play it at the next dance in Germany and check out the reactions of the massive.

Full Metal Alchemist - New Trailer

Skepta - No Security / Avelino - Energy feat. Skepta & Stormzy

Since the whole world is dancing and singing Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of you', a lot of good stuff has been missed out on. I love Skepta's - No Security & Avelino's - Energy. UK going large right now. Sad I won't make it to the Outlook in Croatia, where you have the chance of seeing many of these acts.

Skepta:

 

Avelino;

The Bug Vs. Earth

My favorite producer, based in Berlin after leaving the UK, has teamed up once again with Earth, a psychedelic Metal-band from Seattle, to release a new album on Ninja Tunes called 'Concrete Desert'. It is some heavy shit for real. Looking forward to get the vinyl. Psychedelic industrial metal dub..whatever you want to call it. Check 'Snakes vs. Rats':

Rendel - Trailer

A Finnish superhero movie: not Grendel, but Rendel. Hmmm. Don't know what to think?

Panda Dub - Shapes and Shadows (Free Download)

Last month Panda Dub released his new album as a free download online. As always, it is fantastic dub music from the French producer. Just follow the link here.

Netflix: Animated Godzilla Featurette

 I just have discovered this and it looks awesome!!!

Chiang Mai, Thailand & my CELTA course

Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand is the second biggest city after Bangkok, but far, far away from a similar city size. The inner city has about 150.000 inhabitants; counting in the wider area it is about a million. It is located near the highest mountain of Thailand; it is worth taking a bike up there for the beautiful view. Chiang Mai is a very laid back town, with most of the tourist attractions in the old city and around the night market. There is also a very interesting China town, where you can find a lot of good spices, herbs, teas and whatever the Chinese sell. You can take a short bus ride and drive up to Pai, a small hippie and backpacker place. The road there has something like 730 curves and sitting with a Thai driver you might really get car sick. Great experience. There are also the possibilities to visit Chiang Rai or go over the border to Laos. 

There is a lot of street art and graffiti in Chiang Mai:

 

I was busy doing yoga at Freedom house, which offer drop-in classes for 250 Baht. Adam is a great teacher and it is worth checking out his classes. I had the feeling it really did me good. I also attended some Muay Thai classes at Evolve Boxing Studio. There are many choices in town, but since I don't have any experience and I decided with the cheapest option. 300 baht a session. It was worth it. Because I was the only guy there I received personal training, in which the teachers focused on getting my basic punches and kicks right. They pushed me to my limits, but never over it, which gave me always a good feeling without having the notion of being tortured by some crazy old school teacher. The facility is super modern and clean. They provide you with towels and boxing equipment, so you don't have to worry about anything. Once I went for work out in GoGym, a fitness studio, in which you can do any kind of workout styles from hardcore bodybuilding to street style fitness a la NYC's infamous Hannibal or also go for some Muay Thai, but you need to bring your own gear. Drop-in costs 60 Baht, which is next to nothing. 

Car show at the East Gate:

 

 

The artificial river surrounding the old city. 

The clay garden.

I rented a bicycle, which was a challenge driving it in Chiang Mai, since the Thais are mad drivers and among the highest death rates in traffic in the world. And Chiang Mai gets hot around March reaching its climax in May with hot and dry season. It can go up to 45 degrees Celsius. And there is no beach to cool off, just some lakes around.

At first I still was eating meat and spent some time at the various food markets at night, before switichng to a vegetarian diet. Chiang Mai had many good options for veggie food.

 Chinese bao filled with minced pork and duck:

Thai breakfast: Yok. Vegetarian. And a pineapple shake with spirulina.

Simple omelet with rice for about 40 cents.

 A mushroom dish, very tasty. Vegetarian.

 Beetroot juice.

 Saturday night market with a lot of great street food.

A coconute ball. 

@ Taste of heaven. A veggie restaurant with two shops in town.

 Rice porridge with almond milk and bananas @ CatHouse cafe.

Two poached eggs with garlic hummus and pita on a bed of tomatoes and sweet peppers @ CatHouse.

An avocado egg sandwich with a fresh ginger, orange and carrot juice @ Freedom yoga

 Kimchi with tofu and a Kimchi pancake @ Korean restaurant.

 Vegan breakfast tortilla filled with tofu @ CatHouse.

 Vegan Burger with falafel @ Vegan heaven.

I was invited by one of my students to go eating with him, so I broke with my vegan eating. We went to this crazy dude two pictures below. It was an experience. All the Thais go there and there is a big line on the outisde of people waiting to get a seat. We had a bowl for two people (could have served three). It comes with noodles, filled dumplings, vege on the inside, two eggs, a soup with ribs. Wow. It really stuffs you. You get two drinks and dessert all for 290 Baht. And the owner of the place is a cartoon figur. And order placed with him he will shout through the whole place at the chefs in the kitchen. He had me cracking up. Thought I was in some samurai flick.

I spent one month in Chiang Mai and one month in HangDong at International House, where I did my CELTA certificate, one of the most intense experiences in my life. But now I am certified I can teach English in many different parts of the world. Doing your CELTA is like participating in a boot camp for teachers. The pressure is extremely high. As of the second day, teaching practice already starts and you are assessed constantly by your trainers. Every week you have to hand in a written assignment, a lesson plan for every teaching practice and if you have a language lesson (grammar, vocabulary or functions) an extra analysis sheet of the target language you are going to teach. I slept around 5 hours waking up early concentrating on my lesson preparations and writing my assignments plus learning all the material which was handed out during the input sessions. I often didn't sleep good with all that stuff going through your head. In the third week I had my doubts if I am really doing the right thing and if CELTA was the right choice. Getting into the fourth week then was absolutely a moment of relief knowing you passed your course. As much pressure it was, I did have the feeling I really learnt a lot thanks to my great tutors. Now I sit and observe different teachers without CELTA and I do wonder what they are doing.