+ Wednesday, November 29th, 9:39am +

Ever want to see a destroyed Carrera GT? Here you go. And the driver went out and bought the owner another one right away? Damn.

Nice to see over at A Blaze In The NJ Sky. Always worth a visit.


+ Tuesday, November 28th, 7:59am +

I didn't sign up for snow. Or the wettest November ever. I just need to work to stay positive about all this...

Patrick's Chicago Moz show photos. I should have gone. West coast?


+ Monday, November 27th, 8:30am +

I have no problem admitting that my eyes welled up a bit upon watching 'Back And To The Left' brought back to life by Texas Is The Reason at their reunion show. (Version One - side view, poor sound, full song / Version Two - front view, good sound, part of the song ). Thanks You Tube.

Frank was at the show and reported that it was indeed amazing. I just hope they decide to go on the road...but it seems doubtful. I'd travel anywhere on the west coast. I'm not much for the indie rock these days, but TitR were one of the first post hardcore bands that really grabbed me.

+ Sunday, November 26th, 2:58pm +

- Back after a week in the Bay Area. This is the first time I was in SF and felt we made the right choice in moving to PDX. Housing prices are falling, the city looked dirty and none of the proposed changes went down in our old neighborhood.

Still, it was nice to go outside and not be greeting by rain. The weather was perfect. Sorry, that will always be a huge benefit to the bay area.

It was nice to see friends down there and hit up Novato for an hour. I miss that park.

- The new Arsis is worth a listen. I wasn't all that into their EP 'A Diamonds For Disease' but this new full length remindes of their epic 'Celebration Of Guilt' album. It's a technically driven speed fest with a hint of Caracass thrown in. Andrew has a review posted.

- Oh, my new tattoo came out well. Thanks to Jeff Rassier for the fantastic job.


+ Friday, November 17th, 4:54pm +

I'm speechless. The most insane thing I've ever seen tattoo wise. Beats out the guy I met years ago who had 'Fuck The Police' tattooed below his right eye. I feel bad for the guy. Pal, your life ain't going to be easy. As Hanley said, if he's luckly he'll be on the talk shows sitting next to the Enigma and Lizardman. If he's lucky.

If other tattoo news, Playstation3 goes on sale today. That barely makes sense.

I'm also planning to get some new work this weekend, but I think I'll stay away from the face.




+ Thursday, November 16th, 10:55am +

I really hope the general public will go and see the new film Fast Food Nation by Richard Linklater based on the book by by Eric Schlosser. It's something I think every American needs to see.

Now, I've seen more than a few of the 'inside the slaughter house films' (including parts of Earthlings) illustrating the animal horrors in the meat industry. Although these films are certainly valid, I feel that Fast Food Nation really does an amazing job of showing the HUMAN suffering caused by the meat industy. After viewing this film no one can say this problem doesn't effect them.

Past pulling back the curtain on the meat industry the film really focuses on the American way of life and how so many people are part of a system that rewards the wealthy and powerful and drains society of creativity, expression and originality. I may be going a bit overboard but I sometimes forget that over half the country lives the McDonalds, Wal-Mart, strip mall lifestyle. Millions go to their crummy job to make just enough money to afford unhealthy food and their small apartment. They live this life everyday while those few at the top get rich.

I left this movie incredibly thankful that I followed my passions and lived near a city with culture and creativity. It also felt good knowing I haven't given a cent to the meat and dairy industry in over 12 years.

If you still don't think where you spend your money and how you live your life effects other people (and animals) you need to watch this film. Somewhere in the movie a character mentions how America has turned from an example of democracy to a shameless display of capitalism...with very few caring about the people lost along the way. I couldn't agree more.

Things need to change.

(Also, as a straight up film review...yes, it had flaws. It lagged a lot in the middle and yes, some of the actors were not top drawer (Avril Lavigne!?) Also, you do wait until late in the film to see the 'killing floor' of the meat plant which some see as a final shock image. Understood. Some people need that. And yes, if you're not looking for a message and you're happy thinking the Director is just trying to push his 'agenda' this won't work for you. It's not an easy film to watch, but in my opinion an important one.)

+ Thursday, November 9th, 8:59am +

Tales Of The Rat Fink was terrible. I was really looking forward to it and was let down in a big way.

The film was all fluff. Talking cars? Where were the interviews with the other artists and people who knew him? Silly animations that went on for way too long? Yeah, I get it...who ever produced this movie was really into cutting up photos and making them move. Fantastic.

It was really just a bad coloring book. There were no interesting facts or edge to the film at all. Here's a guy that was called '...the supply sergeant to the Hells Angels' by Time magazine in the late 60's for his involvement in biker art. Where were the amazing Robert Williams ads seen in magazines or the nazi inspired 'Surfer' helmets? It would seem like a good idea to mention these not so sanitary (and very interesting) parts of his career and the fact that he converted to Mormonism in the late 80's.

And even if you just focused on just the cars (as you could have) what about some actual details and facts on the cars past the still photos we've all seen countless times? BOR-RING. I know Beatnik Bandit was cool...but this is a guy who build his own three wheeler using a 914 engine and drove it solo from Southern California to Alaska and back.

If you are really interested in all aspects of Roth's genius check out the fantastic book Rat Fink, The Art Of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth from Last Gasp. It contains every photos shown in the film as well as thousands more. It also has chapters written by Robert Williams, C.R. Stecyk, The Pizz and Chris Cooper amoung others. People that get it.

With the wealth of material out there hopefully someone will step up and do a decent Roth documentary. Until then don't waste your money on seeing this film.


+ Wednesday, November 8th, 10:51am +

- Things could be looking up. Example 1, example 2, example 3.


+ Tuesday, November 7th, 10:42am +

A few people have commented that I write a lot about the weather. True. I think after 8 years in the Bay Area I forgot about the fall and harsh rains. I have no problem saying I was sad to cover my car and motorcyle yesterday not knowing when they would leave the garage again.

Here are a few shots of my backyard. The first was taken less than two weeks ago. Perfect day. The second was taken this morning. Pretty drastic for the short time period. Anyone want to help me rake some leaves?




+ Saturday, November 4th, 6:43pm +

- Located in Portland, I went and checked out this amazing 1962 356 this afternoon. It's out of my price range, but if I had the extra cash I would pick it up in seconds. It looks even better in person (UPDATE: Sold for $32.5 to someone in Canada).

- Borat is EVERYWHERE these days (Daily Show, Today Show, Good morning America, etc) but I think his appearance on Letterman takes the cake. "like sleeve of wizard..."

- I never thought I would be interested in checking out a film on the Dixie Chicks. And as far as wishful thinking...


+ Wednesday, November 2nd, 4:26pm +

Ah, the rain...it's back. Not enough fall if you ask me, just straight to winter. Still, I've been so damn busy it's hard to notice.

My studio space is finally ready. With walls being built in the next week I'll be ready to move in. DSL and phone lines are working and I just launched the NECKDEEP® STUDIOS site. Take a look. If you find any bugs please drop me an email.

Earthlings tonight and Borat tomorrow.


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