Posted by Nate on August 22, 2008 at 6:07 pm
And all I can think is… “Damn, I’m getting old…”
This weekend Santa Cruz Skateboards is celebrating 35 years of creating the boards I ride. Well, in the winter, anyway. I don’t skate anymore, but the reason I design today is because I was influenced by Jim Phillips. You probably know the screaming hand. This type of art forged a new culture – rock art, I call it. Phillips’ book is a must have for designers. His silkscreen-style is arguably more accessible and more popular than Warhol or Lichtenstein’s pop art. Some, like myself – think it’s better all around.
Cheers, SCS – thanks for the good times.
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Posted by Nate on August 18, 2008 at 2:38 am
I’ve really been enjoying the Generation Kill mini series HBO. Tonight I visited the show’s website, and it blew me away. It’s literally perfect! I think the design is cutting edge, it hits the target demographic on the nose, the functionality is perfect, and it’s purpose is met – perfectly. It’s loaded with information, and it lends a hand to the show by answering the right questions. I can’t say enough about this site. Go visit it and see for yourself:
GENERATION KILL by HBO films.
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Posted by Nate on August 16, 2008 at 3:24 am
Over the last year or so, my wife and I have built a pretty diverse vinyl collection, and right now, I’m loving these albums more than my CDs and mp3s, and close to as much as my SIRIUS subscription (but gaining on it)
My (super cheesy) top ten:
10. Bouncing Souls – How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Anyone who likes punk should own this album.
9. Black Sabbath – Master of Reality. - Ozzy rules. “Children Of The Grave” at volume level 52 actually scares my dogs.
8. Janis Joplin – Pearl – All of the current-day female vocalists combined have about as much true emotion than Janis’ big toe. She absolutely wails.
7. Rage Against The Machine – Evil Empire. There are sounds in this record that I never heard in thousands of listens on CD and mp3. Tom Morello. ’nuff said.
6. Jimi Hendrix – Rainbow Bridge Soundtrack – Can’t get enough Jimi. So far ahead of his time.
5. Bad Religion – How Could Hell Be Any Worse? - Punk and brains unite!
4. The Clash – Sandinista! – There’s so much music on this (36 tracks), it’s actually a challenge to listen to all of it in one sitting. (but if you do, you’re glad you did).
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones – Music doesn’t have to be old to be awesome on vinyl.
2. Led Zeppelin – Houses Of The Holy – 2 words: Jimmy Page.
1. AC/DC – Let There Be Rock – I think there needs to be an “AC/DC Day” worldwide holiday.
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Posted by Nate on August 15, 2008 at 12:00 am
It’s been a while since I posted this, and I think it’s more relevant than ever that we stop abusing our privileges as typists.
BAN IT.
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Posted by Nate on August 8, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Luck is kind of funny. I believe in things like karma, hope, and positive thinking. Today it’s a hot topic because of 8-8-08, and it’s significance in Chinese culture. I’m here to tell you, we all need some good vibes. Not necessarily me or my company – but all of us, as Americans – and globally.
I hope there is a message of peace and progress that comes out of the Olympic Games, starting today in China. I hope there is a turnaround in Americans esteem. The current US fear-based government has polarized the country and sucked the momentum and esteem out of itself. The “charge them first, deliver later” philosophy along with poor work ethics and big business tax breaks are sucking the life out of the diversity of American Small Business.
People think it’s about oil, but it’s a bigger shift in perspective than that in my opinion. Of course it is terrible that American families are now being forced to budget $25-30K annually for gas, and it’s driving the cost of everything up from groceries to utilities. America is going to have to learn to live with the fact that we’ve got company. Our ego is bruised – and it kind of needs to be. China, Japan, India, Russia and the U.K. are viable economic powerhouses NOW, not later. American businesses will need to innovate, and lose the naiveté if we’re going to compete. Think about the concept of NEXT, not simply keeping up with the company across the street.
Then there is the issue of the War in Iraq & Afghanistan, which I hope is over soon. The lost lives of our military seem pretty pointless in today’s context. Our nation has bigger fish to fry, so to speak, at home. I hope the US is done picking fights for a while.
Our environment is another issue to be hopeful about. We could use some good fortune in turning the Chinese on to a cleaner living. It’s been said that everything Americans do to help globally is counteracted by China 4 times the amount. Pretty bleak statement.
So, like I said: I’m hopeful that 8-8-08 can bring us all some good fortune. We sure could use it.
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Posted by Nate on August 3, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Really solid interview in the new Las Vegas Weekly. I’ve known STS since I moved to vegas – to the day, actually. I watched a show at the “Old Boston” the night I pulled in to Sin City and I love it that they’re getting some props again. I think they have been good, and are about to be considered great. The two newest songs updated this week on their MySpace page are outstanding. STS’ style is so unique and complex. They switch up from all angles. Better than a hybrid band. Better than calling it alternative (though it actually is, in a backwards sort of way). Just go have a listen…
If you haven’t yet, click this link to sample Slow To Surface on their MySpace Page.
Here’s a link to the new article in the Weekly.
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