Both Thomas Campbell's "The Present" and Mikey DeTemple's "Picaresque" have finally been released on DVD after much anticipation. Both have received strong reviews from critics and viewers alike. I caught a screening of Picaresque in Wilmywood, NC a while back and I have already put in my order. I haven't seen Campbell's film to know that I need to own it. His previous endeavours rank at the top of my fave's list. I'd love it as a B-day Present if anyone is paying attention. Go get'em!

Labels: art, music, surf

Not being familiar with these guys, I gave it a shot because, hell, it's only a buck. If you like Beirut (the band), then you should dig this album. Easily worth your ten dimes. Cool idea, Fanfarlo!

Labels: music

These are some wonderfully fun photos from the Dust and Grooves blog. If you're into music... especially collecting vinyl, then this blog is for you. The photos and interviews are superb. Looks like some exciting posts are on their way. Check it (again)!!!

Labels: music, photos

Kodak announced yesterday that they are discontinuing their Kodachrome line of film... the choice of many professionals and hobbyists alike. Been around since 1935... wow.

From wiki:
Kodachrome is the trademarked brand name of a type of color reversal film that was manufactured by Eastman Kodak.[1] Kodachrome was the first successfully mass-marketed color still film using a subtractive method, in contrast to earlier additive "screenplate" methods such as Autochrome and Dufaycolor, and remained the oldest brand of color film. On June 22, 2009 Eastman Kodak Co. announced the end of Kodachrome production, citing declining demand.[2]

Since its introduction in 1935, it was produced in several camera film and movie formats, 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, 120 and large format. It was for many years used for professional color photography, especially for images intended for publication in print media.

Kodachrome film required complex processing that could not be carried out by amateurs. The film was sold with processing included in the purchase price except in the United States, where a 1954 legal ruling prevented this.

Kodachrome was appreciated in the archival and professional market because of its color accuracy and dark-storage longevity. Because of these qualities, Kodachrome was used by professional photographers like Steve McCurry and Alex Webb. McCurry used Kodachrome for his well-known 1984 portrait of Sharbat Gula, the "Afghan girl" for the National Geographic magazine.[3]

In recent years, the film's sales had been in steady decline. Many Kodak and independent laboratories once processed Kodachrome, but only one Kodak certified facility remained: Dwayne's Photo in Parsons, Kansas.

Labels: art, photos

Here's a summery mix for you to tote along on road trips or for simply milling around the house with the windows and doors open. The idea was conceived by Miss Parks outta Tulsa, OK, and is basically meant to be a compilation of music that I might play for a group of hungover morning risers. In order to be eligible for the compilation the music had to satisfy at least one of three categories: 1)it makes me smile, 2)it makes me sing, or 3)it makes me dance. Hopefully, you'll have a similar response. Tracks span a time range from the 1970's to barely released and the scope of style is a also diverse, but musically (in form) related. Anyway, enjoy!

Download the "sun up" mix The file is large, but that's because I try to keep the sound quality high!

Labels: design, mixes, music

A couple weeks ago, I took a solo camping trip down on the NC coast. My goals were to surf, camp (obviously), and catch a screening of the surf flick,Picaresque. I camped at a state campground between the sound and the beach. As it was pre-Memorial Day weekend, it was pretty quiet, which was great. The weather was still cool enough to keep most of the bugs away. I think that the truck is smiling in the above picture.

I got in pretty close to dark. Once I set-up the tent and got a little food in my belly, it was time to start a fire and have a couple cold ones. Had a little slow-shutter fun. Smiley.

I was glad I decided to take the PDUB cruiser. I could pedal to the facilities and also check the surf. It was also nice just to get some time on a bicycle again. I love riding.


Between exhausting surf sessions (see below), I did a bit of hiking. This part of NC is one of the few places in the United States to have a variety of carnivorous plants growing in the wild. One of the trails I took was the "Venus Flytrap Loop," and I couldn't find one of the little bastards to save my life. Did find this radical pitcher plant though.

Sooooooooooooooo greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen.

The wind was a blowing strong over the couple of days that I was down there. Currents were a force to be reckon. As you could see in the above photo, there was a large amount of soup to paddle through. That made for a pretty tiring paddle on my 6'1".

Once I finally made it our there, much of the surf was about overhead. Unfortunately the wind swell made for waves that popped up anywhere and everywhere. Pretty inconsistent. Not alot of folks were out, and because of the conditions, I didn't spend much time out there by myself.

Post surf lunch of chumpions.

Oh, cool. Tell him I said, "What up?"

The second night, I headed into downtown Wilmington for the screening. Whenever, I'm down there, I make it a point to stop in for some pizza at a Slice of Life. Top-notch pizza and beer in a quaint little space. Recommended.

Grabbed some parking just off Market Street. I had to take the bike into town. I knew the gates to the campground would be locked by the time I got back, and didn't want to walk back to the spot.

The boys from Picaresque showed up shortly thereafter. The Bastard Lovechild of Rock'n'Roll aka "BLORR" is also part of the, now international, tour. The screening and performance were hosted at the historic level 5 bar. Set on the 5th floor rooftop, I can't think of a better view to scope whilst sipping on a cocktail.

Inside the 5th floor historic theater just prior to the showing. As you'd expect for a surf film, the atmosphere was upbeat and casual. There were plenty of XX flowing, resulting in joyous hoots and hollers throught the flick. Overall, I thought it was great. All shot in 16mm, Mikey Detemple's (filmmaker) creative perspective shown brightly through. I was talking to one of the guys on the tour, and he said that there was a big push to make the soundtrack amazing. They ended-up spending $15K in licensing alone, and it was well worth it in my opinion. Once distribution is flowing, I'm definitely going to pick up a copy.

Level 5 Bar... just a few steps up from the theater door.

The view from the bar. This looks towards market street. There were also spectacular views of the Cape Fear River and the U.S.S North Carolina. I like the "Ladies Always Free" text.

After the Picaresque festivities were completed, I headed up the block and dove into a Commie themed bar. The physical bar space was pretty rad. They had a variety of infused vodkas that they created on premises. You can see them fermenting in the pic above. Actually, that might be my favorite shot of the trip.


I think this was my first Russian beer... Baltika. Solid... similar to a czech-style pilsner or the Italian biggies: Moretti and Peroni.

Day 3 began with more exhausting, but fun surf. It's hard to keep in paddling shape when you live +2 hours from the coast... especially when you avoid the gym, like myself. Anyway, afterwards it was time to pack-up and get back home. 2 nights away had me fiending for the family. My time was up, but I missed my girls, and was ready to get back.

Labels: art, film, photos, surf

Best Flyer Ever? Yes. That pretty much sums up what will be going down out west. Jealousy & yikes at the same time.


Just picked up the Durham Bulls new road cap. Kept it clean with blue, grey, and black. Fun touch switching out the orange for this one. Anyway, I swore it was wool, but it ain't: New moisture wicking fabric (polyester) replacing the wool hat. No more sweat stains, cooler and not going to shrink like the wool version! Yurp!

Labels: art, design, left field project, photos, sport