Suzanna Fisher (Supergenius Tattoo) Interview

Super (Duper) Genius: Suzanna Fisher vs. Totally Crushed Out
by Ryan Pangilinan

I’ve known Suzanna Fisher for the better part of a decade as we worked together at an unnamed video chain store in the early aughts. After we both escaped the dreaded corporate video environment, Fisher went on to greener pastures, first as a University of Washington graduate, then as a tattoo artist at Seattle’s popular Supergenius Tattoo shop. I have the utmost confidence in Fisher’s ability – as she’s tattooed everything that’s on my right arm, as well as Totally Crushed Out’s Janice Benton and Michelle Morris – so I thought she should kick some raps about being an artiste in a male dominated industry.

TOTALLY CRUSHED OUT: You've been illustrating for as long as I've known you. What first piqued your interest in art?

SUZANNA FISHER: I have been interested in art for as long as I've been able to grasp a drawing utensil. There is no point in my life that I can remember not doodling or being the "arty person" in school or in my social circle. The more I've done it, the better I get, which makes me want to make more art. It's a never-ending cycle.

How did you get into tattooing?

When I was 11 or 12, I watched a Discovery program on tattooing and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Being a tattooer was next on my list to being an actress, both of which were professions that I mentally filed under "probably not going to happen but it would be cool". My dad wanted me to go to college, which I did, but I didn't discover anything that interested me as much as tattooing. I ended up getting tattooed, hanging around shops, asking a lot of questions and eventually getting a job running the front counter at a tattoo and piercing shop. This led to an apprenticeship, which led to a professional tattoo job at Supergenius, and here I am:)

What is your favorite medium to work in?

Of course I love permanently marking folks, but man, a pen or pencil and a piece of paper can make me really happy. I also enjoy making three dimensional art: jewelry design (mostly in silver) and woodcarving are some mediums that I get a kick out of. I like materials that are unforgiving; when you make a mark, you've committed and there's no turning back.

Do you ever get hit on by random dudes that you end up tattooing?

Haha, yes I do get hit on by random dudes I tattoo, but being situated right next to The Wild Rose (a rather infamous lesbian bar) opens up the field for every gender. Usually the most forward folks are older women or drunk men. I don't really get cute young groupies like the boys do, but someday when I've attained cougar status, that may change;) I like this industry because if you are inappropriate and I don't like you, I can tell you to fuck off and it's perfectly ok.

Who are some artists that you're inspired by at the moment?

Well I like to be inspired but the folks around me, so my coworkers at Supergenius are always pushing me to do better. As for other visual artists, I currently, and have always, adored Robert Crumb. I also am a fan of Tim Burton, Ramiro Rodriguez, Audrey Kawasaki, Gustave Dore, and El Greco, to name a few. Lately I've been inspired in my tattoo work by other tattooers such as Jeff Gogue and Darcy Nutt. Music is also always inspirational and necessary for me to make art, and my tastes run the gamut.

Suzy's Facebook page

Ryan's Top Picks of 09

09’s So Fine; Or My Very Belated Favorites List
By Ryan Pangilinan

I didn’t really know what to write for this, only because the year was blur, but I did get an awesome girlfriend out of it, which is always a plus in my book, right? The latter part of the year was more of a banner success than the first half (which totally sucked, by the way). Anyway, here are some arbitrary lists that you can judge me on (but not really because, to quote the late, great Tupac, “Only God can judge me”).

Favorite burger: Two Bells
During the year, I used my food blog to go eat a bunch of hamburgers with Michelle. After much debate, Two Bells and their gourmet burgers and tip-top service won me over. This bar was also the place where we started working on our current comedy project.

The Castaways
Redefine asked me for my Top 5 records; I gave them 10 (here are the ones they didn't publish):

Polar Bear Club, “Chasing Hamburg”/Heartsounds, “Until we Surrender
Raekwon, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II”
David Bazan, “Curse Your Branches”
Owen, “New Leaves”
Sourpatch, “Demo”
Brand New, “Daisy”/Kevin Devine, “Brother’s Blood”/Brian Bonz, “From Sumi to Japan”/Thrice, “Beggars” (they all roll together, so they get a collective spot)

Favorite blogs:
Polar Blog Club
Burger Conquest
Dealbreaker (and not because they posted one of mine, but because it’s genuinely funny)
Scotch and Plaid (R.I.P.)
Look at this Fucking Juggalo

Corey Ball's Top 10 (aka the Mostesses) of 2009

2009 Mostes
by Corey Ball

I'm not a Top 10 list kinda guy. More a Conan fan, than Internbanger. Err, Letterman. So instead of a list I've created a few catergories that incorporate the word 'Most' in it. A nice cross section of my year, highs and lows. With that, I present the Mostesses.

(Brandon Lee approves of Corey's use of 'The Business' [pka 'da biznass])

Song Released in 2009 Most Likely To Be Included On a Wes Anderson Soundtrack:

The Dirty Projectors - Two Doves

It's got it all. Lilting strings, plinky keys and an overall feeling of nostalgia. You hear that, Mothersbaugh? Hire me already.

Movie I walked into Most Excited and Exited Most Disappointed:

This honor is bestowed to District 9. I remember liking the short they released on youtube, and was excited to see the full length, fleshed out (so to speak) feature. Sadly, the flick for me suffered under the weight of an unsympathetic, unlikable main character. I just couldn't muster up any concern if he lived or died. Which usually determines the life or death of a film of this sort. That said, the aliens, weapons and robot suits were pretty damn cool.

Most Watched Fake Talk Show on the Internet:

It has to be 'Between Two Ferns' with Zach Galifanakis. Everyone's favorite fat bearded comedian brings a form of anti-comedy with a mixture of aloof-osity, awkward innuendo and general hilarity in this FunnyOrDie.com exclusive where he interviews some of the hollyweird's biggest stars. This would have originally gone to The Michael Showalter Showalter but they haven't made one of those in hella. Much to mine, and many others chagrins.

Slang Term Most Used By Me In 2009:

The business. As in, "This song/bailout package/heavy handed, but visually stunning movie is the business".

Most Absurd Music Related Conspiracy:

This definitely goes to the charge that the Carter family (Jay-Z and Beyonce) are pushing a Freemason/Pagan friendly agenda due to imagery in Be's 'Sasha Fierce' and Jay-Z's 'On To the Next One' video.

[Seth & Amy] Really?!? [/Seth & Amy].

I don't know where people find the time or energy to create such outlandish assertions, but I prefer my conspiracy theorists like Mel Gibson in the movie of a similar title. That is, with combination locks on his coffee, obsessed with 'Catcher In the Rye' and in love with Julia Roberts. Take notes, new jacks.

Free Local Rap EP Most Repeated on IPod:

The Physics - High Society EP

2009 was the year of the free EP for Seattle hip hop. A cohesive product from this Southend crew that I would have gladly paid for. With standout tracks like 'Callin', 'I Just Wanna Beat', and 'The Session'- it was a perfect Summer soundtrack. I'm excited to hear what they come with next.

Honorable mention to the Drobots Saga EP by They Live!

Most Impressive Live Show:

Say Hi/David Bazan at Neumo's 11/07/09

Not being very familiar with his past work with Pedro the Lion, I was formerly introduced to David Bazan because a good friend's brother played drums for Say Hi and Bazan on their last regional tour. As that tour progressed, I learned (and listened) more and more of David Bazan via his latest album, 'Curse Your Branches.' Their last stop was a hometown show at Neumo's and by the time that rolled around I was definitely intrigued. In a live setting I found Bazan every bit as transparent as his music, candidly doing Q & A's and answering if not always eloquently, honestly, the questions shouted out at random by the enthusiastic, shoulder to shoulder crowd. I don't really care for Say Hi too much but David Bazan more than made up for it as the members of Say Hi joined with Bazan's crew and formed a type of indie rock Megazord for his set. They had great chemistry and provided the perfect backdrop for Bazan's revealing lyrics. A+! Would watch again.

Most Fun I Had For No Money:

Multiple times in 2009 I ventured over to the Balagan Theatre in Capitol Hill and attended their variety show night known as Smorgasborg. Every time I went I was greeted with a friendly bartender, witty banter and grab bag of performances by the talented, crazy and crazy talented. Aside from churning out quality theatre, all that inhabit the space are good folks. Guests, regulars and company members alike. It's a good vibe there. Very recommended for a recessional constitutional.

So there's my Mostesses for '09. Out with the Aughts, in with the... other things. This also marks my first contribution to TCO! I'm feeling all tingly inside. I hope to have that feeling a few more times this new year. Here's to a clean slate!

You can read more of Corey's musings on his blog, Lawn Darts Anyone? and his Tumblr.

Michelle Morris' Top 10 Jews of 2009

Michelle and I are friends for a reason. For one thing, we both share an affinity for those of the Hebrew persuasion. I gave her free reign for her Top 10 and she gave Totally Crushed Out a list of her favorite Jewish men and women of the 09.



Jon Favreau: This man is number one for numerous reasons. First off, I know, he’s technically not fully Jewish. His mother is Jewish which means he’s mostly Jew, and that is good enough for me. This man has done nothing but provide Iron Man 2 foreplay via Twitter for the entire year. He also had a few very memorable cameos in some of the best comedies of the year. How can we forget Barry in I Love You, Man and Joey in Couples Retreat? He should be number one for merely taking a face full of vomit.

Christoph Waltz: This Austrian Jewish wonder finally won over the hearts of the American population with his not-so-loving portrayal of Hans Landa, the “Jew Hunter”, in Inglorious Basterds. He has been dropping panties all over Europe for decades with his acting skills in the movies and on stage. At the Cannes premiere of Basterds, he snagged the Best Actor award. If you just google images of him, you’ll find millions of this handsome bastard. If you google images of young Christoph Waltz, your panties will inevitably drop as well. Ps. He’s divorced and living in London. Have at it!

Judd Apatow: First off, he’s fucking Judd Apatow. Second off, he wrote and directed Funny People. This was one of the best movies of the year. It was so darkly humorous and yet you knew that everything was spawned from some real life event; just like Freaks and Geeks. The movie was full of fabulous Jewish men, too many to list actually. Thank you Judd for writing something close to the heart again.

Emmanuelle Chriqui: I can’t clog up this top ten with the Jewish men I would like to randomly find nude in my bedroom. As an Entourage fan, I was thrilled to see the return of Sloan. E was an idiot to dump her to begin with, blah blah blah. Hopefully the Sloan return wasn’t because of the shit movie she did in 2008 with Adam Sandler. Somebody get a hold of her agent or manager. They need a swift kick in the shin for Zohan. Ps. somebody hire her.

Lorne Michaels: Supposedly this man is a complete douche and a possible dick. I don’t know either for a fact. What I do know is that he is responsible for SNL and 30 Rock. I scoured all the writers and actors of 30 Rock to find a plausible Jew to nominate here to no avail. By scoured I mean I looked at people that their last name was possibly Jewish and went from there. Basically, 30 Rock is the best. They killed at the Emmys and the editor of this zine has a Tina Fey tattoo. Lorne made this possible. Thanks douche!! B.J. Novak: This gorgeous, blue-eyed Jewish man has won our hearts as Ryan Howard on The Office, as well as the “Little Man” in Inglorious Basterds. The reason he is on the list isn’t because of either of his acting skills, or singing skills (see Subtle Sexuality); he’s here because of what he’s been doing behind the camera. No, it’s not me. I wish though. He’s become an avid producer and now director of The Office. This clearly means that he has grown some balls and is now taking control of the backside. Swoon.

Seth Rogen: Sigh. Seth is my dreamboat. There actually wasn’t much this year that could make him on this list, sadly. I’m putting him here because of his amazing performance as Ira in Funny People. Also kudos to the man for getting in shape to play the Green Hornet. His dream, and pretty much everybody who was born in the early 1980s, of writing an episode of the Simpsons came true. He delivered. The writers of the Simpsons had to feel like shit after the season opener where he killed. Chubby Seth or svelte Seth, he is still dropping trou across the globe, or just in my bedroom.

Sarah Silverman: She’s the Jewiest Jew and damn proud of it. She’s on the list because she was nominated for an Emmy for her show; the name of the show eludes me at this moment. 2009 was not the best year for Sarah. She got an Emmy nod, no Emmy though. Jimmy Kimmel dumped her (ewww). A sex tape scandal with Jimmy Kimmel (double ewww). However, towards the end of the year; things started looking up. She snagged Rob Huebel, who is actually handsome despite his appearance in I Love You, Man. I’m not a Sarah fan, but after the year she has had, I would buy her a drink if she would have it. It’s a lady thing. We support each other in rough times.

Adam Sandler: I wasn’t sure I should even put him on this list after Don’t Mess with the Zohan. That was horrible. Seriously. BAD. His brilliant performance in Funny People was too dead on for him to not make my top 10. That movie was the perfect magnifying glass into the dark world of aging comics. Judd Apatow, as previously mentioned, wrote it but it does seem rather autobiographical for Mr. Sandler. Such is life. Kudos Adam for bringing your best acting chops to the table for this movie.

Jason Segel: Have you seen I Love You, Man? No really…have you seen it?? Jason Segel is impeccable. The premise of the movie is painfully real. The casting is flawless. Mr. Segel is at the bottom of the list because I am very biased (http://mrssegel.tumblr.com/). Also, this was not 2008 where he had tons of movies coming out that he had written. This is the year where he played Sidney Fife and started writing a Muppets movie.

Honorable mentions:

Eli Roth: He can’t act for shit. Hostel 2 had the worst ending. He was in Inglorious Basterds, where he gained 30 pounds of sexy muscles for the part. He did bring it when the ONTD ladies asked for it. And by it I mean very sexy photos of him eating blueberries. The photos make panties moist everywhere (See above or below). He should stop writing, stop directing and stick to playgirl type photos. Or he can retire now…in my bedroom.

Tom Arnold: He hasn’t really been doing anything lately. He is 20 years sober now and the fact that he held an emergency intervention speaks volumes to his character. Kudos Tom. Ps. Tom is Jewish because he converted for Rosanne Barr.

Samm Levine: He’s a Basterd! He is also a Jew. He has also been killing it with his stage performances. He’s participated in so much lately, including the live Yo Gabba Gabba with fellow Freaks and Geeks castmates Martin Starr and John Francis Daley.

Critter Caravan Interview

Critters Among Us: Non-Profit Group Helps Displaced People with Animals
by Janice Benton; Introduction by Ryan Pangilinan

While Seattle’s one of the most beautiful cities in the Pacific Northwest, it does have a rampant homeless problem, especially as nearby metropolitan areas like Bellevue and Portland start edging out displaced people who have to look for shelter elsewhere. Many of the homeless have found companions in dogs, but the care for these animals are somewhat problematic. This is where Maribeth Topalanchik and her organization Critter Caravan comes in.

Totally Crushed Out: What is your community project, Critter Caravan?

Maribeth Topalanchik: The goal of Critter Caravan is to provide basic medical care, food, clean water and supplies to pets of the greater Seattle homeless.

What made you want to get this started?

I have always loved animals, and dogs especially. Seattle is reported to have between 7,000-24,000 homeless people. If only 1 percent of those people have pets, then I want to make help available to them.

There is currently one "free" clinic, The Doney Clinic, which has been around for about 20 years. This clinic is held twice a month in the basement of the Union Gospel Mission downtown. The staff are all volunteers and do a great job of taking care of pets. Clients must furnish photo ID, proof of residence in Seattle, and either a medical coupon from SSI or their food stamps authorization (not just their food stamp card).

Clearly, there are people and their pets who do not qualify. I want this project to fill the gap.

Both pets we met last weekend would not qualify. One couple was from out of state and the other had no identification at all.

What areas of Seattle are in the most need?

We are still in the assessment process on this point. There is a large contingent of youth homeless who make Capitol Hill home. Some people are living out in the U District (University District), and some park (living in their vehicles) down around the Seattle ferry docks.

We need volunteers to organize and canvass the city. Make contact and ask people with pets what they want and need.

Next is to get a plan in place to collect and distribute supplies.

What is your plan for severe, at-risk pets (ones that cannot survive on the street)?

We have not yet seen this situation. There are many foster programs available both through the Seattle Humane Society and non-profits in the area. Outside of the usual public programs I think it's safe to say that I know a half dozen people who would consider taking a pet until a suitable home was found for them.

What are some of your goals for 2010?

The goal in 2010 is to touch 20-200 pets creating the possibility of life, health and happiness for them and their people.

What do you need help with and what kind of volunteers do you need?

In order of unfolding:

Another 5-10 volunteers who are willing to canvass, interview and takes pictures of what they find. I want to get more facts and provide a visual on my facebook page and to potential media, contributors, etc.

A vet and/or vet tech who is willing to donate a few hours a month and do it on a mobile basis.

One volunteer has located a donation bin at her business in Kirkland. The basic needs are food, collapsible bowls, water, blankets and leashes.

I dream about having someone get involved who has fundraising and media experience.

The cost to establish ourselves as a non-profit will run about $2,000. Many organizations function for years before they take this step but once it's done we can apply for and accept grant money and take monetary/cash donations which are tax deductible.

Where can people go to get involved?

Ideas/help can be communicated to me by either becoming a fan and following us on Facebook, emailing me or giving me a call. I'm also available to meet w/anyone who would like.

Honestly, we are making this up as we go along. I'm open to any and all help/ideas and expertise. We have a lot to learn and I'm sure the program will morph over time.

Critter Caravan’s Facebook