I'm Not A Brewster?

Career Opportunities

2011-03-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

All of the pieces are falling into place reassuring me that this is the right decision. Support from my friends and family has been incredible and I will not be able to make it without them.

Double Crossed

2011-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

A symbol of unity. Thank you, Mr. Chaplin, for making such an inspiring film.

LDSC

2011-02-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

Playing around with new logos. Need to get some shirts done real soon!

Goodbye, Slim

2011-01-26T09:01:00.001-08:00

Find more artists like Robert Pete Williams at Myspace Music

Mink my suede

2011-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

I decided to see how mink oil would look on my new suede Vans Surf Siders, and I am well impressed. It completely changes the texture, but it's a change for the better in my opinion. Now, should I oil my H by Hudson dress boots?

Mods

2011-01-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

Changing up the entire rear end. Chopped the fender, chopped off the stock mounts, new taillight ready to go on as well as the freshly modified and upholstered seat. Change is good.

Rainy Daze

2010-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Decisions

2010-10-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Nov. 6th we're riding, but now we don't know what our destination may be. Slab City means party hard with an overload of testosterone and whiskey. Pioneertown means Cold War Kids at Pappy and Harriet's, more chance of good looking women, and bowling with Gene Autry's ghost. Both include sleeping in the dirt (sounds awesome), enjoyable scenic rides (both about 3hrs), and good times with our pals.

¡El Día De Los Losers!

2010-10-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Lamb chop.

2010-09-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I ain't talkin' sock puppets neither!
Erin makes chops and now you can too.

Lamb Chops from Erin Crist on Vimeo.

104°

2010-09-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

2010-09-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Creeps

2010-08-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Van Party at a buddy's surf shop.

Film Critique

2010-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't already heard, I will generously tout Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin as the the greatest filmmaker of all time. His social perspective is amazing and his care for humanity is undeniable, and you see it in the characters he played and the storylines he created. For me "The Tramp" was more than just a lighthearted miscreant, he was humble, and he represented a figure of strength and nobility despite his shabby appearance. Chaplin's films should be a representative of what we are missing in modern cinema, and I'm not talking about Slapstick, I'm talking about content, real content.

City Lights is the single most romantic film ever made, and I will stand by that statement. The film is pure comedy genious, but before the curtain drops, Chaplin leaves you with a feeling that no filmmaker has been able to reproduce quite as brilliantly. Chaplin had an amazing ability to tug at the heartstrings of his captivated audience, and this film does just that. Without hesitation I can say that this is my favorite film ever made. And so… when that final scene plays, I'm left with heavily glazed eyes and a warm feeling in my belly. Now that's is what I call cinema!

2010-08-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

i'm not at home
i have no instruments, no instruments
i'm using yours
i'm throwing pillows on the floor, on the floor

and when i'm home, i'm not at home
and when i'm home, i'm not at home
i'm having thoughts of driving in a storm
i was in a storm

i'm not in love
i'd like to say i never was, never was
it wasn't real, now i can say it wasn't real

and when i'm home, i'm not at home
and when i'm home, i'm not at home
i'm crossing fingers i won't run into…
run into you

2010-08-20T08:26:00.001-07:00

This is my sentiment with the New America and it's modernistic ideals.

You have high self esteem, but your self satisfaction lacks merit. Your sense of entitlement is based on this self image, but nobody else can see it. You think you earned respect the day you were born, yet you've depleted all the credit. This life requires integrity and honor, and you haven't even begun to understand where to find it.

A cocktail means class.

2010-08-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Why not order something with a little class, you're getting older, more mature, it's time you order something a little more refined. My personal recommendation for the whiskey drinker, an Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned is one of the Six Basic Drinks as listed in David A. Embury's, The Fine Art Of Mixing Drinks published in 1948.

• 12 parts whiskey
• 1 Part simple syrup
• 1-3 dashes of bitters
In an Old Fashioned Glass, add bitters to simple syrup and stir. Add about 1 ounce of whiskey and stir again. Add two cubes of cracked, but not crushed, ice and top off with the rest of the whiskey. Twist lemon peel over the top and serve garnished with the lemon peel and a maraschino cherry.

The three basic components of any cocktail can be modified to taste.

Eggs a la turncoat.

2010-08-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine makes eggs.

Eggs Benedict from Erin Crist on Vimeo.

Secret Valley

2010-08-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

It's actually not a big secret, but not everybody that camps out here knows how to find this valley. I'm looking forward to the weather cooling off so I can plan some trips out here with my friends. It's going to be awesome riding my motorbike out here too, the trails are full of curves, ruts, and soft spots, perfect for my knobby tires.

Gabe is 30???

2010-08-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

This means going out on another school night. Tomorrow night, I'm guessing around 10pm? It's Gabe though, so who really knows. Band: Blackout Party.

Inspiration: Mark Mahoney

2010-08-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

Thatcher Cycles

2010-07-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Thatcher is a very talented man. This guy can make you custom bicycles, parts, and even motorcycle parts. These are a couple of his custom bicycle stems. His work is clean and real pretty as you can see from the pictures, and "if you got the money, honey, he's got the time." Product pictures stolen from here.

Neptune 500

2010-07-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

I showed up right as the race was starting and rode my bicycle the length of the race. The only difference was, I didn't stop at each bar to take a shot. A lot of good costumes this year, the winner being "Weekend at Bernie's" which included a lifesized Bernie dummy, truly amazing. I only took a few photos at the Saloon afterparty, but they'll give you an idea of just how outrageous this event really is. It is very apparent that this event is in a rapidly growing phase, and it will be exciting to see what the following year brings. If you are interested in getting involved or competing you can check their facebook page here for more information.

Beat it, Kook!

2010-07-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this one will ever be outdone, truly genius.
Photos from MSNBC, Transworld Surf, and Surfer Magazine.

La Máquina

2010-07-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Loser Machine has a ton of new gear available, I highly suggest that you look into it.

2010-07-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Priscilla Gragg

She is the photographer who shot Elgin and Kiffen's wedding. Look her up, she's kind of amazing.

Perspective Unlimited

2010-07-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just like seeing all three shots together. Trips like this remind us why we work hard, remind us why the people around us are so important, and remind us that it's good to be alive. We may not all see each other on a daily, weekly, even monthly basis sometimes, but there is an undeniable bond, and all the money in the world can't buy what you see here.

To my brothers: We are the underestimated, we are the skeleton to the greater machine, we are the voice singing proudly and out of tune, we are the outstretched hand lent to those who fall, we are not mighty but we are determined, we are Los Derelictos.

Poloroid

35mm

Digital

'72 XS650 For Sale! (SOLD)

2010-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

-SOLD-
This little bike is badass, a friend of ours is selling it after picking up a new project bike. He's got a lot of money into this thing and it is road ready, does not need anything! Asking around $2800, much less than what he's got into it. Email me if interested.

Between the Bars

2010-07-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Handlebars are a cheap way to completely change the look of a motorcycle. I'd like to come up with something for my bike and do some bending soon, but I'm not sure what direction to go. I dig mustache bends, but I also like the look of the sagging riser shown below as well. Those risers are actually a mtb bar that a guy is using for ideas for his bike. The mustache drawing below is just an idea I had for Upton's freshly chopped CB550. You are correct, I can't draw.

Yet another perspective.

2010-07-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Shots fired from Eugene's Fujiroid. I thought about doing some touch ups in PS, but I decided it was proper to leave them untouched.

The Fall

2010-07-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

I know we just started Summer, but I'm looking forward to some brisk Autumn weather, well, brisk for SD, but I guess that's why we have road trips. Here's to the Fall.

New Motto

2010-07-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is who we are, this is what we should be. Simple philosophy from a great film, and Capra is a genius.

2010-06-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Born Free Super 8

2010-06-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

I make an appearance at 2:15. Yes, Vimeo Fame!! hahaha

Born Free II from J.D. King on Vimeo.

Free At Last!

2010-06-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Finally put up a few from the Born Free show, good times had by all. Nice to finally meet Miss Vicky (Ricki you're a lucky man), and Miss Cindy Du Long aka FSK. There was a mix up with the Panhead giveaway and I didn't win, still had a nice time. Look forward to seeing what the next BF show will bring. As always, check the Cheapskate for more photos.

…sigh

2010-06-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

I love this bike… what's that, the girl? …oh yeah, she's cute too.

Born Free

2010-06-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm ready, you ready?

Anthony's 35mm

2010-06-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Some more shots taken on our bachelor trip to Pioneertown. These are just a few of Anthony Derelicto's unedited B&W camera work. Check the Facekook for more.

Love me a good ripoff

2010-05-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Cycle Swap

2010-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

This month was pretty full at the swap, a lot more vendors than last month. Eli and I rolled up with Kosha on this cold windy Sunday morning and saw some sights. Finally bought my Born Free raffle ticket, looking forward to the event and hoping to win big. Planning a little ride up that day, might have a decent sized crew from SD in addition to the WereWolves.

Here's a few snapshots from Sunday, check out that Rat Radio Flyer Wagon!

"Thelma T"

2010-05-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Finally got back on track working on this thing. A few adjustments and she'll be hitting the highway within the next week or two. I took her around the block a week ago, and boy does she go!

Down By Law

2010-05-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

In my top ten of best movies ever made.

2010-05-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

We believe in Marx, Freud and Darwin
We believe everything is OK
as long as you don't hurt anyone
to the best of your definition of hurt,
and to the best of your definition of knowledge.

We believe in sex before, during, and after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that taboos are taboo.

We believe that everything's getting better
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe there's something in horoscopes
UFO's and bent spoons.
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha,
Mohammed, and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher though we think
some of His good morals were bad.

We believe that all religions are basically the same-
at least the ones that we read were.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation,
sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.

We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens…
they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then its
compulsory heaven for all excepting perhaps
Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Kahn.

We believe in Masters and Johnson
What's selected is average.
What's average is normal.
What's normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament because we believe
there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors
and the Russians will be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good
it's only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society
Society is the fault of conditions
Conditions are the fault of society.

We believe that each man must find
the truth that is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly
the universe will read adjust
and history will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
except the truth that there is no absolute truth.

We believe in the rejection of creeds,
and the flowering of individual thought.

-Post Script-

If chance be
the Father of all flesh,
disaster is his rainbow in the sky
and when you hear:

"State of Emergency!"

"Sniper Kills Ten!"

"Troops on Rampage!"

"Whites go Looting!"

"Bomb Blasts School!"

It is but the sound of man worshipping his maker.

The Intolerable Weight

2010-04-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Pressure to succeed, pressure
Pressure to succeed, depression

Pressures to assimilate, pressure to conform
Pressures that begin at nine and never end at five

Like a vice with a grip so tight we can scarcely breathe
With a weight so dense we can scarcely breathe

Hippy Killer Hoedown

2010-04-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Good time hanging out at the hoedown, special thanks to Kosha for letting us hang out in the shade of the Loser tent. Thanks to Kutty for putting on the event, I'm hoping he'll do another one in the near future. I really didn't shoot many photos, I was enjoying the scenery too much, here's a couple of us chillin' with the losers. If you want to see a little more, check out what Eli shot over at Cheapskate Cycles.

Bored again

2010-04-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

Cheapskates

2010-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of nice gents who party hard, but also responsibly. Good builds, good stories, and good times. Cheapskate Cycles

Sometimes a man…

2010-04-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

…well, he just acts ridiculous before getting married. When that man is our friend, naturally, we join him.

An-ti-so-cial networking

2010-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

We joined the rest of the unsociable.

When you share my bed you share my name

2010-03-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Thelma Todd (1906-1935)
Mysterious death at age 29, she's gone, but not forgotten. Thelma Todd had an amazing presence in some of my favorite slapstick films. I christened my motorcycle "Thelma" in her honor.

Skinhead

2010-03-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

To me, there is no such thing as a nazi skinhead, there are only skinheads and nazis. As far as I'm concerned the two are polar opposites, and ignorance has confused the two. I am not fond of nazis, or the swastika. I don't care if the symbol represents peace in many other cultures, it has been desecrated forever in the name of hate and has no place in white American society. I don't want to hear that you're trying to reclaim the swastika as a positive symbol, even though your underlying motive is shock value. Take your swastika and shove it, it doesn't work here anymore.

Gray Sky

2010-03-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

I saw the rain begin to fall and it reminded me of your song
It triggered memories of every river we crossed together
Every mountain we ever stood upon with our gaze in the distance

The smell was that of a spirit passing quiet and unnoticed
It felt like a second chance when the first was a gift
My only prayer was that it would never cease

I yearn to see the rivers swell
I long to find that place called home
I am forever in your debt

Kon-Tiki

2010-03-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

A few shots from the photo gallery on the Kon-Tiki Motorcycles website. It's a really cool shop with a lot of cool vintage bikes, stop in and check 'em out!

Positive ID

2010-03-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

"How do you take away from a man his madness
without also taking away his identity?"

-William Saroyan

Grosso and the Devil

2010-02-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

I can remember almost every skateboard I ever had even as far back as the one I was given at two years old (it lasted me a while). As a young lad growing up in a struggling construction family, I gladly settled for the cheap Variflex boards from Gemco (later became Target). I was happy as long as I had a skateboard, even in the days that I was heavy into bmx my board was never far. My pop even ran over a board with the ol' station wagon and proceeded to repair it with some wood screws and some scrap metal. That board weighed about 3 times as much after that repair, but dear old dad said, "good as new!". When Richie, one of the "big kids" across the street, offered me a new Santa Cruz deck for ten bucks, I knew I couldn't pass it up. Looking at the graphic I knew mom wouldn't go for it, so I had to convince her of the deal without her actually seeing the merchandise. It was a go! Finally, my first "real/professional" skateboard, and with a scary demon graphic! As soon as I got that board home, mom made me sand paper out the eyes of the demon, she intended a lot more, but I got her to compromise on that, it was the part that made her the most nervous. I will never forget that board, I skated it for years, and I hope to one day find another one of those decks, maybe two, one to skate, and one for the wall. My friend Elaina invited me to come skate up in Costa Mesa one day and we went and skated with Grosso, Hassan and some other rippers, that put the icing on the cake many years later. Ah… memories.

Love

2010-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

This video is getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so. Such a beautiful message.

Last Minutes with ODEN from phos pictures on Vimeo.

Horse Feathers

2010-02-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

If you're going to pit Horse Feathers against Horse Feathers, I'm going to have to declare a win for Horse feathers. Though I do like Horse Feathers, I still have to say that Horse Feathers will always be my favorite. Seriously though, check out Horse Feathers.

We want Machotaildrop!

2010-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Finally, a movie about skateboarding for the new generation, and done right! Yes we grew up with Search For Animal Chin, Gleaming the Cube, and Thrashin', but we want the updated version, we want to see it on the big screen, and we want it now! This movie looks freakin' awesome, and I know I'm not the only one who's getting really impatient with seeing it hit a local theater. The preview features, great acting, amazing set design, and genius costuming. The film itself seems to have a Wes Anderson influence, and appears to be well filmed, edited, and scripted, this movie has amazing potential. Please don't keep us waiting long!

More from the master of pinup.

2010-02-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Los Derelictos Social Club

2010-02-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

A little something I wrote a while back to clear up a few questions about who we are and what we're about.

"
Who are we?
Los Derelictos

We are a group of tight knit friends who have many common interests; skateboarding, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, music, cinema, art, fire, explosions, beer, etc. The concept of a "club", and I use that term lightly, formed with the intent to unite and organize our efforts to be unorganized, disruptive, ridiculous, and yet completely genuine in the way we interact with our fellow man. We are derelicts, no excuses, but we are true to each other, and to what we believe in.

What began years back as a group of 4 friends getting together to ride bikes and drink a few dozen beers has progressed and will continue to progress into much much more. We like to build and we like to destroy, and we are people of action, not words. We associate with like minds, and welcome those who are genuine in their nature to redefine the always sincere definition of Los Derelictos. "

3… 2… 1… blast off!

2010-02-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Get some.

Faster, Thelma! Kill! Kill!

2010-02-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

Slowly but surly, she's on her way. Yes, I meant surly.

Dungeon!

2010-02-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world of madness! This is the genius work of Mr. Neil Mclean, a gentleman, and a friend. His free time is spent creating a show in his garage (the dungeon) with characters he creates using found objects, household items, and just plain junk in the eyes of most ordinary thinkers. It's amazing, to say the least, each character is a work of art, though he may be too modest to call them such. Even outside the context of the show, they each have incredible personality and charm, the kind you would expect when carefully created by this mad puppeteer. Some of these little guys can move, some are only animated through the process of stop-motion animation. Neil flipped the switch on my favorite of the characters and he danced across the floor like an awkward Fred Astaire, it was wonderful. Thank you, Neil, for inviting me to be a part of the Dungeon.

Check out more of what's going on with Neil here. Or stop in Lou's Records and pick up a copy of one of his DVDs.

Whiskey Teeth

2010-02-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Do you realize how much better your mornings could be?
Start your day off right.

Pin 'er down

2010-02-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

"Hey babe, can you fix the antenna?"

Gil Elvgren 1914-1980
The man was awesome, and his ladies were gorgeous.

(hi-res)

Inside this man's mind

2010-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

A look into Dungeon, coming soon.

Man the helm!

2010-02-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Good shoppe, nice folks, come by.

Lani Imre

2010-02-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Such amazing talent, I fell in love with "Lilly"(the first painting) in Dec '08 while visiting the 111 Minna Gallery in SF. Lani gives these paintings a soul, and it's clearly seen in the eyes of her subjects. I can't even begin to comprehend how one can capture such beauty and give it such vibrant life. Everything went silent as I let Lilly look right through me in a busy gallery showing. I only got to shake Lani's hand and say hello, but I feel like I got a proper introduction in seeing her amazing talent. Learn more about Lani Imre here.

Spotted Loser

2010-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Loser Machine sighted on Scott Pommier Photography.

Oh SF…

2010-01-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

been to long.

Hater

2010-01-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

Why does he have to be so offensive all the time???

Pilgrum's Progress

2010-01-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

My '74 TX650A, coming along slowly, but she'll get there. Workin'
on a motorcycle is nothing like working on a car or truck, so I'm
completely lost without the help of Tim Wolf. I'm learning plenty
as we go, and I'm happy to be learning something new. She'll be
gettin' new tread today, and hopefully we'll have her purring this
evening like Mortimer Longfellow(our kitten). The work is fun, but
I really just want to see this thing running. It won't be long, Thelma,
not long at all.

Where we go to be.

2010-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

Friday night is a good a night as any to go out, drink, and party like you're 21 again. You can see all the people that you don't really care to see, talk to women who have about as much personality as pocket lint, and burn a hole in your pocket the size of Benjamin Franklin. Or if you're like me, and all of this has lost it's appeal, you might prefer a night hanging in the shop, discussing the stuff that makes life the way it is, not the way we're told it is. No better two can make that experience more genuine than Davy and Thatcher, a couple sincere souls who just "get it" and know how to warm a cold shop with only good conversation. Thanks, gents, it's always a pleasure.

2010-01-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

Los Second Sabbath

2010-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Digital photography is easy.

2009-11-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorites of the last few days. I think I'm prejudiced against light, every shot I want to take lacks it's presence. Luckily most of those shots lack movement as well. I'm enjoying shooting with the LX3, but it just increases the desire to find a replacement for my shutter failing 35mm. The digital age only pushes me harder back to the imperfections of film, and I can't wait to not have the options that a digital camera gives you. For now convenience is king, and I will continue my attempt to capture beauty with a silly point and shoot digital camera.

Doctor?

2009-11-22T01:49:00.000-08:00

Our good friends, The Night Doctors, played a great show at Hensley's this evening. As usual they sounded excellent and had a great crowd movin' and shakin' on the dance floor. I shot some photos, not my best work, but it hasn't been easy getting familiar with this camera with no time to shoot. I wasn't pleased with the over-saturation from the stage lights, so I put everything in B&W. There's a few that look okay, but overall it was a good time, so I'm not going to complain too much. This band is always a good time to see, so check 'em out!

Is This Thing On?: First shots with the LX3

2009-11-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Haven't had time to take many shots but here's the first of 'em. Don't know much about the digital photo world, but I will say that I like this camera. It's fun to shoot with, and its Manual settings make it familiar for someone like me who is used to shooting with a 40 year old SLR. It just takes some studying to find those settings in a digital menu.

Off camera adjustments made to first three photos, no adjustments made to last two. I'm sure they will get better as I get more familiar with this camera.

Digitalimagery

2009-11-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

So I should be able to more easily add some visual stimulation of my own to the b-log soon. I ordered the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 to snap some fun digitals with. I haven't actively shot film in a long time and I miss it, I know it's not gone from me forever, but in the meantime I just need a toy to play with. If someone can find me a Minolta CLE, I promise I will shoot the crap out of some film and not stop to sit down for a while. The stuff I've shot in film just wouldn't have as much meaning to me if they were done in digital, that may not make any sense at all. I will always love film and nothing will ever replace it's value.

Regret: Not getting a ticket

2009-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Why am I not going to see Daniel Johnston tonight? I think I'm gonna kick myself a hundred times for this one. If you have not yet watched "The Devil and Daniel Johnston", just go buy it, you'll understand when the credits roll. The man is a tortured soul, a condition of his condition I'm sure, and in a way, something his existence is dependent upon. The way he puts words together is simple, brilliant, and exceedingly sincere. He really gives all of himself in his music, which is more than you can say about 99% of musical artists. There is simply no image involved in what he does, no pretentious facade in the way he places himself in front of a crowd open to criticism. The man truly is the face of undiluted bona fide music.

So long, and thanks for all the picture messages.

2009-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a random text I got from some random person unknown. I meant a lot to me Ω and I just wanted this person to know.

From Baby Joker to Mistery Clown, (a satirical letter to the man who sent me the picture)

Thanx for sending the pictur holms it realy put a smile on my face. Its nice to see that your staying hard and not forgeting abowt the hood. Life just isnt the same with out the gang and I want you homys to no that I will always rememer you even if Im not ther any more. O yeah an tell selma that if she hooks up with other dudes when Im gone Im gonna be pissed yo!

peece
Baby Joker

A Dance With the Devil

2009-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Years back a good friend introduced me to a band called The Devil Makes Three, I can't thank him enough for that introduction. This band in the last couple years has gained a lot of steam, and their pure talent and distinctive style is something that will take them far. In the early days of Flogging Molly (pre-Hensley), I had a feeling that their days of pub shows were limited, I have the same feeling about DM3. This trio hammers out some tunes that you can't resist movin' your feet to, and croons some ballads that give you that feeling of pleasant nostalgia.

Last night they played their third show in San Diego at Brick by Brick. Their first show in SD almost exactly one year ago was at Winstons, not one of my favorite venues, but still worth venturing for this band. May 7th was their Casbah show (amazing), and so appropriate for a band on their way to the top. Last night they played hard and the crowd danced and swayed like sailors. The band was cajoled into a couple of encores, and the crowd responded with a mighty roar. It was a noteworthy performance as usual (hence the note), and we eagerly await their return to our town. If you have the opportunity to see this band live, do not let it pass you by. Grab yourself a couple beers, post up next to the stage, find a spot for your backup brew and enjoy. You will not be disappointed.

Let's Trade

2009-10-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of time doing a lot of different jobs in my short life. I've tried several trades in construction, I worked in a kitchen as a teenager, and I currently work in the world of graphic art. I like the experiences I've had, but I'm not done finding new experiences. A conversation with a friend recently reminded me how much I like the tools that go along with particular trades. The simplicity of classic tools is amazing, the fact that so many of them haven't changed in centuries gives me a feeling of contentment. A friend that works in sheet metal showed me a hammer that belonged to his grandfather, this tool carries so much blood, sweat, and tears and a legacy that my friend is proud to carry with him. My dad handed me his brass hand level when I started working in grading construction, this little brass cylinder was a part of so many childhood memories and I'm not sure if my dad realized the how significant it was to me.

When I see a tool I have never used before, I want to pick it up and try it out. Many times I see a tool and I want to have the experience of working the trade that goes with it. I know I am ready to try something new, but I'm taking time with such a decision. As I look at this beautiful piece of metal, I'm getting the desire for the full experience. The precision and the care involved make me thirst for it more. I'm ready for a new set of tools.

Thanks for the…

2009-10-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is old, but still a fond memory I thought I'd post.

July 20, 2008

Drive

It's safe to say that the last three weeks has been difficult and strange.
With our own mortality on our mind after the loss of friends or family,
we're shaken but not yet broken. Friendship lost and friendship gained,
it's evident that life is in constant motion and there's no time to sit still.

So a saturday night at another house party, rather uneventful. Four
friends all needing something more, and not quite knowing what it is
begin to drive home.

1:45am
an idea: drive
a destination: The Salton Sea

Nobody willing to back down from the idea, on the road by 2:00am.
A case of beer, some doritos, pretzels, cigarettes, and a soundtrack
meant for driving, it begins. Our first stop, a lookout point 1000 feet
above the desert floor. The moon lighting up both the vast desert and
our faces, words are spoken and nothing in life is taken for granted.
Realizations of what we have, who we are, and where we are headed
are all revealed. I could not even explain the feeling in this moment,
except that whatever it was that we were feeling, we had been
awaiting for a very long time. The four of us howled at the moonlit
desert and the coyotes replied. Lighting flashed in the distance, and
the dark sky began to turn a lighter blue. We traveled on.
With the music playing loud, we made our way across the valley.
Dawn in this valley was one of the most gorgeous sights any of us
had ever seen. We stopped at one point to get out, stretch our legs
and enjoy what was all around us. I came across a brick sized piece
of petrified wood, a pretty nice find just 10 yards away from the car.
We had another beer, shot some more pictures with a disposable
camera, maybe one more group hug, then continued our journey.

6:00 am
Delirium begins to set in.

Music was the a key element in this journey, it made every moment
just a little more interesting. | We pulled up on the wasteland known
as the Salton Sea, a sight I've seen before, but not ever seen by the
other three. The air became hotter, the flies began to swarm, and
our sanity slipped further away. A quick breakfast before our furthest
destination had us sitting across from each other wondering if we
were awake or dreaming. If this was in fact just a dream, it was a
dream not worth waking up from, it was a revelation.

We carried on to the east side of the sea where our mad delirium
found a home, Salvation Mountain. This place is proof that "faith
in God" can be altered by the dessert heat and paint fumes. It's like
somebody took the same journey in the same state of mind as us,
but decided to stay. I can only imagine that is what might happen.
We had finally made it, four people needing to let go of everything
too heavy to hold on to, four people with the realization that it all
becomes easier when you have four to sort it all out. It only took
12 hours to learn so much about 3 other people and learn a bit more
about myself. 12 hours to see experience so many things that may
never be forgotten.

It was time to head home.
Don't ask me what time it was,
I have no idea.

The drive back through the desert was beautiful. The stop at the
Border Patrol checkpoint was hilarious when the officer looks at only
me and asks "what is your citizenship?", racial profiling CAN be funny!
We stopped in Julian for some chocolate shakes, a root beer float, a
scoop of strawberry ice cream, and some french fries. What else
would you eat after a sleepless drive through the desert???

We made it home safe, mentally cleansed and physically filthy.
The only thing we could think of was sleep and shower.
We all walked away from that experience with something gained,
maybe that something is something different for each of us, but it
was done together, and that's what will be shared in all our minds
for a long long time.

And so we waits…

2009-10-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

My Tom Waits playlist in progress.
These are all songs from albums after 1980, I wanted
to put together songs specifically because of the raspy
quality in his voice starting develop around that time.
The order of the songs is being chosen based on a long
drive I'd like to take while listening to them. It starts quiet
and rough, gets louder and gains momentum, then starts
to get a little tired, a little saddle soar and ready to roll out
it's bed on the sand and look up at the stars.

Songs after 31

Two Sisters
Low Side Of The Road
Buzz Fledderjohn
Books Of Moses
Get Behind The Mule
Gun Street Girl
Walk Away
Chocolate Jesus
Make It Rain
16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought-Six
Shake It
Gin Soaked Boy
Big Black Mariah
Goin' Out West
2:19
On The Road
Jockey Full Of Bourbon
Union Square
Big In Japan
Cold Water
Lucinda
Dog Door
Clap Hands
Top Of The Hill
Just The Right Bullets
Kommienezuspadt
What Keeps Mankind Alive
Flash Pan Hunter
Crossroads
Way Down In The Hole
Rain Dogs
The Earth Died Screaming
Telephone Call From Istanbul
Jesus Gonna Be Here
Tango Till They're Sore
Black Wings
I Don't Wanna Grow Up
Straight To The Top (Rhumba)
Russian Dance
Hearattack and Vine
More Than Rain
Altar Boy
Trampled Rose
Straight To The Top (Vegas)
Lucky Day
Cold Cold Ground
That Feel
Diamonds & Gold
Lord I've Been Changed
Dead And Lovely
Everything You Can Think
Green Grass
How's It Gonna End
Yesterday Is Here
Come On Up To The House
Blow Wind Blow
Bottom Of The World
Goodnight Irene
Rains On Me
Anywhere I Lay My Head
Innocent When You Dream (Bar Room)
Never Let Go
Take Care Of All My Children
Train Song
November
Ol' 55
Who Are You
Fannin Street
Dirt In The Ground
A Little Rain
Flower's Grave
Tell It To Me
Fawn
It's Over
Alice
Day After Tomorrow
No One Knows I'm Gone
The Fall Of Troy
Danny Says
Widow's Grove
Long Way Home
The Briar And The Rose
You Can Never Hold Back Spring
Hold On

Thirst for more image.

2009-10-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've always loved skateboarding, it's always been important in one sense or another in my life. Got my first plastic skateboard when I was two years old

and spent my early days butt-bombing the hill in front of my house. Skateboarding as a culture has influenced fashion, music, art and even other sports so visibly it's hard to believe. For the most part I like the influence, as a general statement I think it has opened up the minds of both designers and the public alike.

What gets on my nerves are the big name skateboarders who focus so hard on their image, and the fact that children and simple fools buy into it.
Seriously, Duffail manages to look like an idiot most of the time. The so called "attitude" of guys like this that is looked up to by the young kids is pathetic, contrived, and completely unnecessary. It's no wonder the little brats are turning into such. I could go into the "when I was a kid" rant, but I'll spare you. Yeah, everybody is entitled to their own style I guess, but this is just stupid, quit trying so hard, "go back to your room and change, you look like a whore!"

An introductry introspection.

2009-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good morning, and welcome to the wonderful world of words, written for my own enjoyment. Will there be any order or method to these words? That is yet to be determined. I am but a simple man, I speak plainly and honestly, I promise not to attempt to impress you with a pretentiously forced use of vocabulary which exceeds my own level of intelligence (did that seem forced? argh!). My perspectives are not always popular, but in their absurdity they can be found entertaining to those with like minds (basically I'm saying that if you're a simpleton, you might enjoy this). Sometimes the entertainment will be completely visual (especially if I'm having the writer's block). If my attempt to create something that I'm happy with fails, this blog will be abandoned and never looked upon by my own self ever again. Thanks for reading.