Went out for a few drinks last night with Sandra and our friend Jeff. We used to work together at Podium. Actually before that he sold me my Steamroller when he worked at King's in Seal Beach. We hit the usual spot, the Red Room in Long Beach. It is one of the few bars in LA that reminds me of SF. Plus the bartenders are all really friendly. It is a skate scene but I guess it could be worse... believe me.
Anyway back to last night. Nothing spectacular happened but we had a blast and shots were had which always set's it off. But you know what really annoys me; when people skip your songs on the jukebox. The newer style jukeboxes allow you to pay extra to hear your song right away. That is some serious bullshit and you will be verbally harassed. Last night the exact same thing happened during Sandra's set. Some douchebag skipped her second song to hear a T.I song, a fuckin T.I song, are you freaking kidding me. I immediately asked the bartender to skip said shit song due to Sandra being skipped by said douchebag. The bartender obviously and understandably did not want to get involved. Frustrated, I did what any normal person would do. I threw a straw at the back of his head. Then mad dogged him through some stupid Lil Wayne song. Who the hell puts an extra $1 into the jukebox just to hear those two songs which are on the goddamn radio, or MTV or BET or some other Top 40 bullshit music outlet all freakin day? A douchebag that's who. I thought the rules were simple, I guess not.
All in all it was fun time and it was good to sit and have some drinks outside the house for a change. I have been staying at home quite a bit lately.
Yesterday afternoon we watched a movie called What we do is secret?. It is the story of The Germs, "the" LA punk band of the late 70's. If you don't know the story about Darby Crash, I highly recommend this movie and even if you do it is still entertaining.
In honor of the punk afternoon I have some songs below for you. Enjoy! and break some shit!
I hate children - The Adolescents
Tim - This is for you!
Inside Out - No Spiritual Surrender
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Weekend update not with Norm MacDonald
Went on on mission Fri to get some skate shoes. I knew what I wanted and where I wanted to buy them. Off I went out to the OC, to my favorite skate shop, Liberty Boardshop. Upon arrival I immediately notice a large shoe wall filled with all types, shapes, and styles. Upon closer inspection my choices were actually pretty slim. I am on a mission for Half Cabs. Nothing too spectacular. Looking at the wall, lots of high end Half Cabs, and low tops. No regular Half Cabs. I guess they don't sell as well as the high end material styles. The higher end Half Cabs with leather and designs are cool and what not but you can't skate those. Or at least I can't. So after looking around for a second I jetted. That was a long ass drive for nothing. Oh well at least I was out of the house and cruising around. Since I have been laid off and injured I have been trapped in the house. I have neglected to mention the craziness of driving in an area like Fullerton/Brea/Yorba Linda where the world revolves around each privileged "human being" in their cars out there. It was amazing and dangerous, lots of lane switching without signals in traffic while on the phone. No look pull outs of shopping centers, along with an over abundence of large SUV and tank type vehicles. As well as the last remaining Yes on 8 and McClain/Palin stickers. You see what I am getting at...
Next stop another legit shop on my way back to the LBC. This time they had them but not in my size. OK, Late. Last stop a little spot I know in Seal Beach. Get there, it's freakin' deserted, but I see they have them on the wall. Hope they have my size. Hit the dude up in the shop (LBC pro from the late 90's) up to see if they have them in my size. Nope. Sweet...strike 3. WTF!?! I can't get a pair of plain Half Cab's at a skate shop (usual bitter old guy comment).
So there I was a beaten dude standing on Main St alone and without Half Cabs...
I am not going "shopping" for skate shoes. I just want to cruise to the shop and pick them up, same as I would a board or wheels.
So I bought them online at an un-named website. Bummer, but really...no regular Half Cabs at the shops. I guess at least I can get them. But it takes 3 days or so and I would much rather give the little bit of $$ I spend on product to the shops. It just seems like a sad state of skate affairs. You have to pay the bills and when times are tough you have sell as much of what you can to keep the lights on. But still...
Last night our neighbors had a bbq and bought the latest UFC championship fight. They had invited us over earlier in the day. We spent the evening drinking, eating and watching goons beat each other stupid for an arena full of spectators. I really like boxing but I cannot get into this MMA deal at all. It seems to me that a lot of these dudes actually like to fight and would whether or not there was an audience. That is the big difference for me between boxing and MMA. Either way Sandra I and hung out and chilled and watched until it was late. Radley spent the entire time playing with Marley (neighbors Boxer). He is all sleepy today and just laying in the sun on the back of the couch.
The Eagles played to a 13-13 tie with the Cincinatti Bengals today. Yes, a tie. Yes, the Bengals had only won 1 game previous to this all year. No I am not happy about the way the Eagles are playing, but what can you do.
At least there is hockey on tonight!
What happened to skaters like this? Where are you Robbie Gangemi?
Straight up East Coast raw shit!
Next stop another legit shop on my way back to the LBC. This time they had them but not in my size. OK, Late. Last stop a little spot I know in Seal Beach. Get there, it's freakin' deserted, but I see they have them on the wall. Hope they have my size. Hit the dude up in the shop (LBC pro from the late 90's) up to see if they have them in my size. Nope. Sweet...strike 3. WTF!?! I can't get a pair of plain Half Cab's at a skate shop (usual bitter old guy comment).
So there I was a beaten dude standing on Main St alone and without Half Cabs...
I am not going "shopping" for skate shoes. I just want to cruise to the shop and pick them up, same as I would a board or wheels.
So I bought them online at an un-named website. Bummer, but really...no regular Half Cabs at the shops. I guess at least I can get them. But it takes 3 days or so and I would much rather give the little bit of $$ I spend on product to the shops. It just seems like a sad state of skate affairs. You have to pay the bills and when times are tough you have sell as much of what you can to keep the lights on. But still...
Last night our neighbors had a bbq and bought the latest UFC championship fight. They had invited us over earlier in the day. We spent the evening drinking, eating and watching goons beat each other stupid for an arena full of spectators. I really like boxing but I cannot get into this MMA deal at all. It seems to me that a lot of these dudes actually like to fight and would whether or not there was an audience. That is the big difference for me between boxing and MMA. Either way Sandra I and hung out and chilled and watched until it was late. Radley spent the entire time playing with Marley (neighbors Boxer). He is all sleepy today and just laying in the sun on the back of the couch.
The Eagles played to a 13-13 tie with the Cincinatti Bengals today. Yes, a tie. Yes, the Bengals had only won 1 game previous to this all year. No I am not happy about the way the Eagles are playing, but what can you do.
At least there is hockey on tonight!
What happened to skaters like this? Where are you Robbie Gangemi?
Straight up East Coast raw shit!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
In my brain
I know I have been pretty skate heavy on the content lately so I wanted to put up a couple songs that have been bangin in my brain for a hot minute. I think it shows how all over the place I am right now. Lots of free time due to not being employed, and being injured will make your head spin.
KRS-One - Out for Fame
Jamie T - Operation
Agnostic Front - Anthem
What is the thread tying all these together...I don't know.
KRS-One - Out for Fame
Jamie T - Operation
Agnostic Front - Anthem
What is the thread tying all these together...I don't know.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Is that a needle in my knee, dr?
Yes, it was actually a needle in my knee. Great...Now as you may have read (or may not, since I am not sure anybody reads this) last week, I have had some ongoing knee problems. I finally went to the dr this morning and had some xrays taken, which did not show anything. Then a dr injected my knee with steroids and lydocaine. At first I was super happy as there was no more pain, but now that I am home waiting to go get an MRI, the pain has returned. I hope this is nothing super serious. It is a real bummer since I actually have free time to really skate a lot but I can't take advantage until I feel more comfortable with my knee.
So what have I been doing then, you may ask. Not much. Watched a ton of ESPN and played Xbox360 (big shout to Zach for the hook up on games) and watched a ton of youtube clips.
Right now I am writing this with Radley curled up next to me staying warm. It has been super nice to spend all this time with him. He is a blast to walk around with as he is curious about everything and everyone. Always really friendly with strangers and he absolutely love kids. I have seen him turn a little girl who was afraid of dogs into a dog lover with a dog of her own. All because Radley is so sweet!
Today's clips fall under the what the hell ever happened with these 2 dudes?? They both rip, no wack styles and seemingly no lame gimmicks. I wonder what these two are up to these days...if anybody know let me know.
1st up is Keith Cole - no sponsors, but pure rippage. Enjoy!
2nd up is Jess Mcraney - 1 part in 411VM then ghost...
Until later.
So what have I been doing then, you may ask. Not much. Watched a ton of ESPN and played Xbox360 (big shout to Zach for the hook up on games) and watched a ton of youtube clips.
Right now I am writing this with Radley curled up next to me staying warm. It has been super nice to spend all this time with him. He is a blast to walk around with as he is curious about everything and everyone. Always really friendly with strangers and he absolutely love kids. I have seen him turn a little girl who was afraid of dogs into a dog lover with a dog of her own. All because Radley is so sweet!
Today's clips fall under the what the hell ever happened with these 2 dudes?? They both rip, no wack styles and seemingly no lame gimmicks. I wonder what these two are up to these days...if anybody know let me know.
1st up is Keith Cole - no sponsors, but pure rippage. Enjoy!
2nd up is Jess Mcraney - 1 part in 411VM then ghost...
Until later.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Freedom from the constraints of modern day marketing plots to rule the world
Over the last few years I had been spoiled with free clothes, shoes, any sort of skate related material, including decks, videos , basically anything. And now since the supply has been cut off I feel surprising good about it. Like an imaginary weight had been lifted. Not that I didn't like what I was wearing, I did. But it gets to a point where you don't have anything in the closet other than "company" gear. I swear I'm not complaining because most skaters never get anything for free.
I never did before I started working in the "industry" where "promo" has almost no end.
Yesterday I had a good purge of clothes, mainly logo stuff that used to be daily wear. I kept a few of the better designs but most are getting the old heave ho. No more free advertising from me. Next up is going to be the shoe collection. Which if you know me is pretty ridiculous. And by ridiculous I mean stupid. Not only I do I have a closet full of sneakers, I have a garage space with multiple, multiple boxes of shoes. It is actually somewhat embarrassing. What the hell does anybody need with that many shoes??? Many of which are still in paper. Ltd edition...oooohhh...coool. Time to trim the fat. Some will make the cut some will end up in Goodwill, on E-Bay (Ltd's son!!), or at the final resting spot for promo, Buffalo Exchange.
All this rambling brings to me what I was thinking about earlier today while playing Skate on Xbox 360.
Did I tell you I am unemployed??
Now that I am no longer tied to a particular brand of skate shoe, what will I wear while shredding. I know that does sound a bit stupid since I have already said I have all these shoes stockpiled. But after how it all went down I really don't feel comfortable running the gear, however I will wear the boxers, socks, and jeans I have as I don't have a job. And unwilling to drop coin on that shit right now.
So I have narrowed the choices down to 3 styles of shoes. In honor of this new found freedom I have created my very 1st poll. I will skate whatever shoes win at the end.
Your choices are below.
Half Cab's
Skate Mid's
Adidas Campus Vulcs
I have been watching this like it was going out of style. This is the newest offering from Traffic Skateboards. If you did not know they are a company out of Philly run by Ricky Oyola.
Oh yeah and then there is this. How can you front on Mac Dre and Nickatina?! You can't that's how! Get it.
I never did before I started working in the "industry" where "promo" has almost no end.
Yesterday I had a good purge of clothes, mainly logo stuff that used to be daily wear. I kept a few of the better designs but most are getting the old heave ho. No more free advertising from me. Next up is going to be the shoe collection. Which if you know me is pretty ridiculous. And by ridiculous I mean stupid. Not only I do I have a closet full of sneakers, I have a garage space with multiple, multiple boxes of shoes. It is actually somewhat embarrassing. What the hell does anybody need with that many shoes??? Many of which are still in paper. Ltd edition...oooohhh...coool. Time to trim the fat. Some will make the cut some will end up in Goodwill, on E-Bay (Ltd's son!!), or at the final resting spot for promo, Buffalo Exchange.
All this rambling brings to me what I was thinking about earlier today while playing Skate on Xbox 360.
Did I tell you I am unemployed??
Now that I am no longer tied to a particular brand of skate shoe, what will I wear while shredding. I know that does sound a bit stupid since I have already said I have all these shoes stockpiled. But after how it all went down I really don't feel comfortable running the gear, however I will wear the boxers, socks, and jeans I have as I don't have a job. And unwilling to drop coin on that shit right now.
So I have narrowed the choices down to 3 styles of shoes. In honor of this new found freedom I have created my very 1st poll. I will skate whatever shoes win at the end.
Your choices are below.
Half Cab's
Skate Mid's
Adidas Campus Vulcs
I have been watching this like it was going out of style. This is the newest offering from Traffic Skateboards. If you did not know they are a company out of Philly run by Ricky Oyola.
Oh yeah and then there is this. How can you front on Mac Dre and Nickatina?! You can't that's how! Get it.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wow!
I have to say I am surprised the election went the way it did. Very happy but also somewhat shocked. If you know me you know how cynical and untrusting of authority I am so whenever things like this happen it surprises me. I have seen some shady shit go down in politics during my life time.
So this time I did my civic duty. I went and voted this afternoon, what else did I have to do. After a bit of confusion on my part, I found the polling place and I was able to cast my ballot.
Then Sandra and I went to have my favorite meal, lunch special at the chinese restaurant. It is the perfect amount of food. Then off to finish the errands for the day.
I am going to try and post more random shit since I am getting bored of talking about my daily routine. I mean if something interesting happens then maybe it is post worthy, but what was written above...not sure.
Anyway on to some videos you should watch from dudes you may or may not have heard of.
Ted Barrow - Has a great blog as well - http://teddybarrow.blogspot.com/
Slam City Skate Rats - whats better than some grimy London skating
Itoshin - Japanese shredder - the spots in this are amazing
Until next time. Keep it earl.
So this time I did my civic duty. I went and voted this afternoon, what else did I have to do. After a bit of confusion on my part, I found the polling place and I was able to cast my ballot.
Then Sandra and I went to have my favorite meal, lunch special at the chinese restaurant. It is the perfect amount of food. Then off to finish the errands for the day.
I am going to try and post more random shit since I am getting bored of talking about my daily routine. I mean if something interesting happens then maybe it is post worthy, but what was written above...not sure.
Anyway on to some videos you should watch from dudes you may or may not have heard of.
Ted Barrow - Has a great blog as well - http://teddybarrow.blogspot.com/
Slam City Skate Rats - whats better than some grimy London skating
Itoshin - Japanese shredder - the spots in this are amazing
Until next time. Keep it earl.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday...my new Saturday?
At least for the time being as I am un-employed for the 1st time in my adult life. So I have been relaxing and trying to stay positive by doing the tings I enjoy. Mainly watching sports and indulging myself. It is still really weird and uncomfortable I do not have a job to wake up to tomorrow. I always wanted an extra day of the weekend when I was working. The world works in crazy ways...
I have been hurt for the past few weeks and my knee is not getting any better. Tomorrow I have to get an appt to see a dr while I still have health insurance. I hope it is a just a bad strain and nothing more serious. This has also hindered my ability to take my mind off the current situation. No skating and no bike riding. The two things I use to relax. Unavailable i turn to other ways to relax...see below.
Beverage of choice
Been listening to quite a bit of early 90's hardcore. My favorite band from then, Gorilla Bicuits
Believe me I see the humor and contradiction of the 2 images above. But I am a complicated person with contradictory beliefs. So in conclusion it's Sunday the Eagles beat the Seahawk's and my fantasy squad is down but not out. I am now off to drop in on True Blood w/ Sandra.
I have been hurt for the past few weeks and my knee is not getting any better. Tomorrow I have to get an appt to see a dr while I still have health insurance. I hope it is a just a bad strain and nothing more serious. This has also hindered my ability to take my mind off the current situation. No skating and no bike riding. The two things I use to relax. Unavailable i turn to other ways to relax...see below.
Beverage of choice
Been listening to quite a bit of early 90's hardcore. My favorite band from then, Gorilla Bicuits
Believe me I see the humor and contradiction of the 2 images above. But I am a complicated person with contradictory beliefs. So in conclusion it's Sunday the Eagles beat the Seahawk's and my fantasy squad is down but not out. I am now off to drop in on True Blood w/ Sandra.
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