Archive for the ‘Cufflinks by Hobby/Interest’ Category

Style Icons: Jack Kerouac and the Beatnik Generation

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

You gotta love those men who just embody style. It’s in their walk, their manner of speaking, the way their hair moves delicately in the whispering wind, the way their hands move coyly to their faded jean pockets…

Just kidding. On a serious note, it takes much more than fashion to make a style icon. There’s something very prolific about men with a beaming spirit and a reason to be different– this, inherently, is stylish. And these iconic men have changed the way we look at ourselves and the world around us. Don’t believe me? Well take a look at the first runner up in our little “Style Icon” competition: Jack Kerouac

“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”- J. Kerouac

This man single handedly changed the way we look at an entire generation of people. Writing in the 1940′s and 1950′s, Kerouac defined a generation of “beatniks,” although he never actually used that word, it was pressed upon him by agents/publishers/men in power, etc. The point is, he represented the thousands of free spirited men and women around America who were interested in a “new wave” of life, a sense of freedom on the open American road, and an enlightened vision of the West Coast…

“I’m not a beatnik, I’m a catholic.”–Jack Kerouac

Robert Graham Blue Spiritual Cufflinks

With Ginsberg and Neal Cassidy on his side, Kerouac unwittingly turned into a star icon. They practiced Buddhism together, wondered about the expansive void of the universe, nothingness, meditation, art and life. They fed each other poetry and lines, raging in the nights together, until it was all over.

“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” —Jack Kerouac, “On The Road, The Original Scrolls”

It was all about jazz music, bumping, going hungry, eating too much, drinking until you pass out, wearing the same clothes for days and not caring, hiking mountains, bumming rides, buying a ticket to nowhere, living in a dream, carrying a notebook with torn out pages, building fires, visiting ladies, ladies, a cigarette and pen.

With his quiet meditation, slicked backed hair, and dreams of becoming a real live Buddha, Kerouac wrote one of the most influential novels in American history: On The Road.

Route 66 Cufflinks

He wrote the original manuscript on one long scroll, which he placed in his typewriter, and just kept writing. I believe this added to his stream of consciousness style and breathless sentences. The new edition of On The Road, The Original Scroll, is on sale at almost any bookstore around the country.

Even Ginsberg had better days in his youth. He was once a stylish looking man, before the fame, ultra hippie-LSD induced figure took over. Allen Ginsberg was a close companion of Kerouac’s, and probably even more prolific in the literary world. Here he is with Bob Dylan:

His numerous books of poetry include “Howl,” “Reality Sandwiches,” and others. His full collection of poetry can be purchased: Collected Poems of Allen Ginsberg, 1947-1997. Ginsberg revered Walt Whitman as a poet and mirrored his free verse style; coincidentally, Ginsberg was also a homosexual like Walt Whitman.

Fishing Hat Cufflinks

Ginsberg was an American poet who vigorously opposed militarism, materialism, and sexual repression.  In the 1950s, Ginsberg was a leading figure of the Beat Generation, an anarchic group of young men and women who joined poetry, song, sex, wine and illicit drugs with passionate political ideas that championed personal freedoms. Ginsberg was also a practicing Buddhist and was seriously involved with Krishna-ism, devoting money and time to the causes of the Hare Krishnas. This is partially due to his friendship with A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement in the Western world:

Ashoka Pillar Cufflinks India

Ginsberg’s epic poem “Howl“, in which he celebrates his fellow “angel-headed hipsters” and excoriates what he saw as the destructive forces of capitalism and conformity in the United States, is one of the classic poems of the Beat Generation.

The Opening of “Howl”:

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by
madness, starving hysterical naked,
dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn
looking for an angry fix…

Tags: 60's cufflinks, Allen Ginsberg, Beatnik cufflinks, beatnik generation, Buddhist cufflinks, Citylights Booksellers, Fishermans hat cufflinks, fishing cufflinks, Howl, India Cufflinks, Jack Kerouac, Jack Kerouac Cufflinks, On The Road, On The Road The Oriignal Scrolls, Route 66 Cufflinks, The Collection of Poetry by Allen Ginsberg, The Dharma Bums
Posted in Celebrity Cufflinks, Cufflinks by Hobby/Interest, Fashion Icons | Comments Off

The Grinch who Stole Kwanzaa

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

“Put on your yamaka, here comes Hanukkah…”

Everyone has their own way of celebrating the holidays. Some people sing ancient hymns over a plastic baby Jesus in a Nativity scene, some people light a Menorah and possibly wish they had a tree in their living room, others celebrate Kwanzaa (we’ll explain Kwanzaa later in case you don’t know about it…), and the rest just over decorate their living spaces with fat old men in red suits and overstuffed snowmen. Of course we’re just poking a little fun at age old traditions, because you have to add some levity in the world. So whichever is your way, Merry Christmas, Shalom or Happy Chanukahm , and Happy Kwanzaa!

For all you Gentiles out there who need an explanation of what Hanukka is, here ya go: Also known as the Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.

Israel 10-Agorot Menorah Cufflinks

Of course there is more to it, but if you’re  interested, go ahead and research it. Here are some Ramla Stamp Cufflinks that would make a perfect gift for your Jewish cousin, neighbor, Rabbi, or any other non-gentile companion:

Ramla Stamp Cufflink (Israel)

Or these Israeli Big Menorah Coin Cufflinks, which are absolutely stunning for the holidays:

Israeli Big Menorah Hand Painted Coin Cufflinks ($139)

Now, on to Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States honoring universal African Heritage and culture, marked by participants lighting a kinara (candle holder). It is observed from December 26 to January 1 every year. Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving.

Hand Painted South Africa Coin Cufflinks

Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as the first specifically African American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”

Although there is no religious basis in Kwanzaa, its purpose was meant to steer off from the traditional “dominant” norms, to celebrate culture and history.

Banded African Jade Cufflinks

And now on to Christmas: Observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also widely celebrated by many non-Christians, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly.

Personalized Merry Christmas Ornaments ($19.99)

In addition, several similar mythological figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.

Santa Claus has been the topic of many popular songs, including this lovely tune by Eartha Kitt:

For Christmas this year,  we offer personalized gifts, such as this Paisley Praise Cross, just under $25:

Personalized Paisley Praise Cross

The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. From pre-Christian times, people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter. Decorating with greenery was also part of Jewish tradition : “Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. ” (Leviticus 23:40)

Enamel Christmas Tree Cufflinks

Stay tuned for more Holiday extravaganza talk! Peace, love, and happiness.

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Posted in Christmas Cufflinks, Cufflinks by Hobby/Interest, Holiday Cufflinks, Party Cufflinks, Political Cufflinks, Religious Cufflinks | Comments Off

Cyber Monday Hot Deals, Gift Ideas, and Cufflinks

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Cyber Monday was coined about five years ago, to signify the largest online shopping day after Black Friday. In late November 2005, the New York Times reported that “The name Cyber Monday grew out of the observation that millions of otherwise productive working Americans, fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping, were returning to high-speed Internet connections at work Monday and buying what they liked.” So to show our support of CYBER MONDAY, we are offering 25% off all orders $100 and up!! Type in “MONDAY” at the checkout. Discount ends at 12am 11.29.10. Yes, yes, thank us later… 

And NOW we present you with some great deals and stylish gifts for the whole family!

1. Gifts For Dad (or a special man in your life)

Izod Shirt, Striped Pinpoint Oxford, $19.95, from macys.com

Sport Cufflinks:

Yankees Limited Edition Cufflinks, $52

For the humorous ladies man, give him these Drinking Hand Cufflinks:

Drinking Hand Cufflinks, designed by Sonia Spenser

And to add some classic accessories, these Robert Graham Green Painted Wheat Penny Cufflinks will look great on any cuff:

Robert Graham Green Painted Wheat Penny Cufflinks, $167

And for the man always on the go and in a hurry, we love this elegant, black dial watch from Citizen:

2. Gifts For Mom (or a special lady in your life)

This sleek peacoat comes in a variety of colors, ranging from red, yellow, and olive green. St. John’s Bay® Cashmere Blend Classic Peacoat from JCPenney.com:

The layered look is in, and so is saving money. These east 5th sweaters from JCPenney.com are only $9.88:

And for the lady in action who loves a little bling, this Citizen Watch is absolutely stunning and seriously on sale:

3. Brother/Sister

This year, give the kids what they want: video games. For that ornery brother of yours, get him a classic throw-back for the wii:

Nintendo® Wii™ Sonic Unleashed, Sale $18.99, from JCPenney.com

And for his Sunday’s best, add a little fun and color to his shirt sleeves, with these

Yellow Moto GP Racing Bike Cufflinks, $49.95

And for your sweet little dancing sister (or niece, granddaughter, etc), get her a game that will get her moving: Dance Sensation!

Personalised Children’s Art Cufflinks, by Sonia Spenser

4. Gifts for Grandma and Grandpa

Don’t be fooled by this hot lady sporting these Ambrielle Flannel Pajamas. Flannel Pj’s are for just about everyone, but especially for grandma. She will appreciate the comfort and the fact that you only spent $12.88:

And for that hip, nostalgic Grandma, give her these James Dean Cufflinks to remind her of better days. Maybe she can wear them will her over-sized blazers from the 80′s:

James Dean Cufflinks, $75

And for the man who never likes to stop and ask for directions, this Garmin nuvi 265W 4.3″ Portable Bluetooth GPS is on sale for only $99 at walmart.com:

For the Papa who is always fixing stuff, even when “it ain’t broke,” give him these Handy Man Cufflinks:

Handy Man Cufflinks

And for the grandfather who is a proud veteran, these Veteran Stamp Cufflinks are the perfect gift:

Veteran Stamp Cufflinks, $75

And every Pa-Pa loves comfort too, especially while he’s reading the Sunday paper and eating pancakes. These Route 66 Men’s Jordan Trapper Moc Slipper in Grey are only $9.99 at sears.com:

So don’t forget folks, Cyber Monday only comes once a year, so grab the deals while they’re here. Also remember we at Cufflinksman.com are offering 25% off all orders $100 and up!! Type in “MONDAY” at the checkout. Discount ends at 12am 11.29.10.

Stay tuned kids. Keep the economy going, keep shopping..

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Posted in Children's Cufflinks, Cufflinks by Hobby/Interest, Holiday Cufflinks, Movie Cufflinks, Political Cufflinks, Professional Cufflinks, Sports Cufflinks | Comments Off