Beware of the Alligator Gar!

So we found this online one day and it still gives me the creeps. What other weird animals do you know of?

"The Alligator Gar... is a primitive ray-finned fish. Unlike other Gars, the mature Alligator Gar possesses a dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw. These remarkably Alligator-like teeth, along with its snout, give it its name... Their scales are diamond-shaped and interlocking and are sometimes used by Native Americans for jewelry. The Alligator Gar is capable of breathing air and can survive up to two hours above water." -- Wikipedia

Transformers USB, the movie!

I so want one.

Transforming USB Flash Memory (2 GB) - Ravage PRICE: $42.99

"Sure, you already have piles of flash drives scattered around your apocalyptic nightmare of an apartment, but this one's more special than those, right? Because it's a Transformer-- Ravage, AKA Tripredacus Agent." -- engadget


Via James

FRESH MUSIC: CocoRosie

Ignore the weird fan made video and soak in the music. I love this song, its so beautiful. Besides CocoRosie has such a unique sound from two Yankees in France.

Coco Rosie - By Your Side


CocoRosie is an American duo based in France and formed by sisters Bianca Leilani "Coco" and Sierra Rose "Rosie" Casady in 2003. Sierra mainly plays the guitar, piano and harp, and contributes vocals. Bianca sings and manipulates various children's toys/electronic & percussion instruments as well as other exotic noisemakers. CocoRosie performed strictly as a duo early on but in recent years they have appeared with various backing musicians at live shows. -- Wikipedia

Reasons to love Katy Perry

I follow her on Twitter cause she's a hot momma.

Websites for Bored People: MLIA

Remember the fascination you had with FMyLife.com and how you found the best embarrassing stories of all time and never felt like you could compare.

Well there is a website for you. It's called, My Life Is Average (MLIA). Some of this stuff sounds like the sarcastic humor of Michael Cera and I couldn't stop laughing.

Today, I was talking to a friend and I tried using a slang word that I thought would be cool. My friend said 'what?'. I rephrased the statement without using the word. MLIA

Today, I was using a public restroom. I chose the handicapped stall. I'm not handicapped, I just like how roomy it is. MLIA.

Today, I had dinner at a friend's house. I ate a lot less than I usually do so that they wouldn't judge me. MLIA

Steadicam Your Life!

I've read a lot of articles about building this, but he makes it look so easy. Side note...its $14 if you already own the tools.

Weekend Project: $14 Video Camera Steadicam



Via James

Skate Africa

I love a good skate video and grew up playing Tony Hawk 3 like there was no tomorrow. But when you combine Yann's haunting portraits, Africa and skateboarding, there is something very special there. Something that no one has ever seen. Kitintale Skates takes us to the root of skateboarding. The root of life.


"Yann Gross’s “Kitintale Skates,” offers a glimpse at the first skate park in East Africa. Located in the working class suburb of Kampala in Uganda, the park was created both for and by local kids, without assistance from either NGOs or government. Gross describes it as both a source of pride and empowerment, a space that not only keeps kids out of trouble, but fosters the development of a real sense of community. It’s one defined by respect and solidarity, and it feels like a realized dream." Picture Show: Kitintale Skate Park in Uganda -- Good.is

Safe Sex Ads... a little over the top?

When you date a Gender Studies major, you hear a lot of stories. Also, as a designer I'm always looking for inspiration but seriously when you combine Safe Sex ads with such violence, will people really listen?

"While I am all for encouraging safer sex, I would prefer that such efforts not conflate the penis with a weapon. Goodness knows doing so only contributes to the idea that the penis is inherently or naturally useful for enacting violence and women’s bodies inherently or naturally vulnerable to violation from men." -- contexts.org

Video Games Rock

This is probably one of the coolest video game trailers I have seen in a long time. I really wish it was a movie or a special on Cartoon Network.

Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 2009 Jedi vs. Sith Trailer

FRESH MUSIC: Naturally 7

I'm just recognizing talent. Seriously I can get down to this. I would love to see them live though.

Naturally Seven "Feel it (in the air tonight)" MUSIC VIDEO!



Naturally 7 is an American music group with a distinct a cappella style they call "Vocal Play". They sing primarily R&B with extensive beat-boxing. Band members are Garfield Buckley, Rod Eldridge, Warren Thomas, Jamal Reed, Roger "N'glish" Thomas, Dwight Stewart, and Armand "Hops" Hutton. Their style is strongly reminiscent of Take 6. -- Wikipedia

Keep It Short: "I See"

"Azazel Jacobs has made a short film for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The 90 sex film, called I See, is the first in a series that MoMA plans to commission, at the rate of one per year, from filmmakers who screen work in their spring New Directors/New Films series." -- Spoutblog

I See


The thing is.... I do see and feel. But what's the point? Sometimes I think art is really only self serving. But still... I make art.


Via Dave K

Stop Motion Animation: Deadline

DEADLINE post-it stop motion


Wow, this guy is amazing. What a great concept and the animation is so fluid. Besides its Post-it notes! Who doesn't love Post-it notes!

Quotastic! - Megan Fox

"I think all women in Hollywood are known as sex symbols. That's what our purpose is in this business. You're merchandised, you're a product. You're sold and it's based on sex. But that's okay. I think women should be empowered by that, not degraded."
Megan Fox: Stop Comparing Me to Angelina Jolie! -- Yahoo

Why do I feel guilty about this? Read the article. Maybe I should love her for her acting not because she blows my mind.

J'aime la musique française.

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

You can find some more great French/Euro music here: La Blogotheque. It may take it a while to grow on you but you'll definitely find FRESH MUSIC.


Via DailyCandy

Music & My Photography

Just posted new photos from the DC9 show last night on my Flickr. Enjoy.

"I Can" by Blue Pop

Blue Pop - I Can (CLIP)



I never thought following along with the words on the screen would be so much fun. The visuals are very creative and the sound is light. Check out more of the French soul Blue Pop, cause this is the kind of music I dream to.

FRESH MUSIC: Ryan Leslie

Ryan Leslie makes perfect music for the weekend. He's got a great sound and I'm loving it. It seems like he's been around for a while in the background and knows the right people. Good luck bro. (Has anyone noticed that this is the time in music where producers are stepping into the lime light? Seriously what would have happened to music if Quincey Jones started a solo career?)

Add "Diamond Girl" to your mixtape.

Anthony Ryan Leslie (born September 25, 1978, in Washington, D.C.) is an American record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and singer. Founder of the marketing and media company NextSelection Lifestyle Group, Leslie is best known for his production work with NextSelection/Bad Boy/Atlantic recording artist Cassie and her single "Me & U". Leslie's debut album, Ryan Leslie (2009), features the hits, "Diamond Girl," "Addiction," and "How It Was Supposed To Be." -- Wikipedia

Ryan Leslie Makes "Addiction"



Via Kanye

The Best Job in the World

Sometimes when I'm having a hard day at work, I remind myself to look for the positives. Amen.

Massage Therapist for Models

I Heart That Shirt #12 - Mushroom Clown

OMG, yes! Atomic bombs! Okay, so I dig the clown shirts for some reason, though I really don't like clowns. This one caught my eye the other day, but I definitely wouldn't wear it to work. Mushroom Clown - MySoti Price: $19.49

Milo is the beginning of the end!

Meet Milo; powered by Project Natal and Lionhead


It's the end of the world! A Terminator/Matrix/iRobot reality is only years away! CREEPY! Please slow down on this technology thing people.

Artist You Should Know: Ernie Barnes

Ernie Barnes passed away in April but his paintings will be timeless. I've seen replicas here and there like memories from a forgotten past. I love his use of colors, shapes and that emotion his paintings capture. I'll probably buy one for my mother some day, but his art is worth checking out if you're into the African American scene.

Barnes came to painting after a career in professional football, as an offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Teammates called him "Big Rembrandt." He could take on a defensive lineman, then commit the encounter to canvas.

Many people would call Barnes a "black painter." He preferred the description "neo-Mannerist." Barnes never painted his subjects with their eyes open. "We don't see each other," he said once in an interview. "We are blind to each other's humanity." -- NPR



Via Kanye

FRESH MUSIC: Wale + Lady Gaga

Ok, so my co worker is in love with Lady Gaga and I can't stand her but it looks like there is a popular route that the stars are following. "Sing the loop for the rapper game!"

No, matter what I think its still a hot song. (Oh, did I mention Wale is from DC and is going to blow up HUGE one day. Repp'n the tri red star state!)

Lady Gaga - MTV Shows

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin better known by his stage name Wale (Pronounced Wahh-lay) is an American hip hop artist from Washington, D.C. -- Wikipedia


Via Kanye

In the Eyes of a Black Boy

My mother sent this to me this morning.... it is the MAIN reason I voted for him. (Don't judge.)

Change is "real" in the eyes of black boys.

Like many of us still can't believe our eyes, understand just how unreal this seems to every little black boy and how they now see themselves, every day for the rest of their lives. That's what change means...

Recent photo of a little boy visiting the White House. He wanted to feel Obama's hair because he wanted to know if the President's hair felt just like his. Obama obliged. Priceless.

Dance Post #10 - Diversity

Diversity: Dance Group - Britain's Got Talent 2009 - The Final



There is no way Boyle was going to ever win with a dance crew like this tearing up the stage. OMG! This is one of the sickest live performances I have ever seen, simly because the little kids kill it! Bravo! Bravo!

What is the price of success?

(sit down. sigh. adjust.)

So I'm sorry for this emo moment but between work, my relationship and trying to finish up grad school... I've been doing a lot of thinking and planning. Its frustrating. It's useless. So I'm just writing out my thoughts and trying to answer my own questions.

(strike fire. light. puff.)

What is the price of success?

Well it depends on how you define things, so lets us define things. Label, so we can understand. Do the math correctly.

Price: value measured by what must be given or done or undergone to obtain something

Success: an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

(wave. order one.)

Well I'm realizing that this thing that must be given actually doesn't have to be given by the person reaping the reward of the event that must be accomplish. You can have success without paying for it. You can pay for it and not reap success.

So now I'm asking myself... what do I want to be successful at and can I afford it? Do I even have to pay for it?

(pick up. sip. thank you.)

Now, lets review my Personal Mission Statement developed in Palmer's life class titled, "Producing Environmental Films." Maybe my list of short term (5yr), long term (20 yr) and life goals will reveal something.

The top five from all three list in no particular order.

Visit outer space
Own a yellow Corvette
Build a boat
Buy a car
Create a large college education grant
Travel around the world
Create my own Anime series
Produce a full length feature film that is screen nationally in theaters
Finish paying off Student Loans
Travel to more then 3 European countries
Buy a home
Start my own investment portfolio
Get a tattoo
Sponsor children (at least 2)
Graduate from Grad School

(puff.)

So what do I need to do to accomplish half of these? What is the price of success and can I afford it? What can I accomplish in the next 15 years?

Well I don't know. I mean, 15 years ago the 10 year old me had no idea what the 25 year old me would be doing! At that age I wanted to live in the Caribbean and raise sea turtles and I still dream about it. At that age you know nothing. At this age you still know nothing.

What I understand is heavily based off of what people have told me, what I have read in books and have seen on TV. Its all "oh that looks like fun, I want to do that." BUT none of it is based on true understanding of the facts. The reality of the situation.

I feel like I went grocery shopping and threw a bunch of nice tasty things into my cart, but when I got to the register the total was so much higher then I anticipated. The price tags were wrong. Very wrong.

I look at my life now and though it may seem to be a success, I'm not sure how I got here. I didn't really put in 110%. I wasted a lot of time and did enough to get by. So what is wrong with the picture? Why did they tell me to work hard and dream big if the destination isn't the what you thought it was? Why are the prices not clearly written next to the product? Is it because its a different price for every person though we all act like its the same for everyone?! That doesn't make any sense. Who wrote these rules? AUGH!!!!

(puff. puff. out.)

I guess its life. You reap what you sow... well sometimes.

(sip.)

These days, I'm really two feet closer to no longer giving a damn and sticking strictly to only the things that make me and my family happy. Food, music, traveling, late night TV, cereal, sunny warm days, tshirts and laughter. Screw the rest. They can have their money. I'll earn enough to give them what I can. It will be less then what I owe so deal with it. I don't care, it's better then nothing. Take what you can before it runs out.

(gulp. its burns.)

At some point, the money will be gone and the time will run out. We'll all end up in the same place. Forgotten by the next. I guess its not the destination that matters, but the journey and who you ride with. It's the now. Not the past or the future. One is a fading memory and the other we really don't have control over. Do I want to be a planner? Do I want to be a schemer? Do I have to be a planner? Do I have to be a schemer?

I think the answer is yes... or I can't have any expectations.

Expectation: the condition of looking forward to something

(tip. get up. exit.)

Why not, right?

This is a great website for bored people...

WhyTheFuckDoYouHaveAKid.com

Yes, LMAO!! Wow, this website is chocked full with examples of why some people shouldn't be allowed to breed. Its amazing that we're still alive.


Via Lauren

Look Mom No Controller!

Project Natal for XBOX 360


Holy crap. So this is Microsoft's answer to the Wii phenomenon. I think someone took off their gloves OR kind of stole it from a earlier version made by Sega? (I think they came out with this in the 90s but it didn't catch on.) Well I'm still doing my research... more to come soon.

But the future looks bright for video games, so JOIN IN!

Banned xbox 360 Ad

Movies That Rock: Toy Story 3

I can't even tell you how much this warms my heart. Defiantly going to see this with my nephew.

Toy Story 3 Teaser Trailer



Via Kanye

H Street Country Club

Oh the life in DC can be a bore with all our bars and clubs. Some would say that we have too many and the popular ones fill up too fast. Well the new H Street Country Club has mini golf and lines like a theme park. If anyone has ever been. Please let me know if its worth the trip. I think going on a Monday would be sweet.

"Join us on one of DC’s most historic streets for a unique "Country Club" experience. No membership required. Think eclectic, urban and industrial – it’s casually sophisticated, irreverent and the only of its kind. Enjoy our beers, margaritas, sangria and authentic Mexican cuisine along with a game of skeeball or minigolf on our DC-centric nine-hole course."


Via DailyCandy