Posted in art, reflections on April 13, 2008| 1 Comment »
Fuel, this is my little corner workspace at home… my computer sits on a small table in my bedroom. It is surrounded by loose change, post-it notes and various other crap.
I have a little garden gnome that lives with me named Willliam… I seem to only see him when a camera is present. He’s pretty vain.
I’m pretty fuckin’ tired of William. I think he’s poisoning my Q-tips.
-wade
Posted in art, reflections on April 12, 2008| Leave a Comment »
at 11 this morning i stopped concentrating. i kicked what i thought was the edge of a box under my desk but actually unplugged the powerstrip and lost all sorts of shit immediately. the final straw came later when i stabbed my finger on the same staple fragment i’ve been stabbing since 2005 that hides fishhooklike in the first nonsensical folder in my drawer. time to clean.
i don’t know about the rest of you but my office at work is part studio, part computer room, part community center, part research facility. i have generous shelving and wall space to put anything anywhere and that’s the problem. i see images i like, cut them out and add it to the layer of crap bordering my desk. when i need to access something like a list or folder there’s never any room because of all the wall pretties. so that shit gets filed. today i pulled 4 folders labelled SORT ME.
my point: i like messy studio spaces with remnants of inspiration, quotes, funnies from friends, entertainment venue stubs, photos, exhibit postcards—any and all ephemera from a life spent accumulating memorabilia—but enough is enough. so today i turned my desk to face the corner (to discourage unsolicited conversation from pop-ins), took everything off the north and south walls, crammed mementos into a space measuring 18×24 inches and allowed myself just two images to look at: an 1869 aerial map drawing of topeka (so clean, sweet and not trashy back then) and two contemporary masai tribesmen. they made the cut because the map is cool and reflective of my work in archiving and preservation, and the africans have so many patterns of fabric mixed with jewelry and are so beautiful, athletic and blackblackblack i never get tired of looking at them.
i cannot concentrate in a cluttered studio space. not anymore. i cannot deal with old files and stacking shit on top of shit anymore. i’m curious about other studio spaces, their condition, what’s accumulated and what the walls have on them.
anyone care to describe theirs? i’m interested. maybe we could all take pictures of our spaces and do a 2009 calendar. i want to be november.
Posted in Uncategorized on April 12, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in music, TV, tagged DEVO, Green Day, Money Money 2020, music, The Network on April 11, 2008| 1 Comment »
Be sure to checkout THE NETWORK a six-piece New Wave Band comprised of members of Punk-Rock band Green Day. The Network released their debut album Money Money 2020 on the independent record label Adeline Records on September 30, 2003. A collection of songs about scoring drugs, supermodel robots, space aliens, and Masturbation that blend elements of 70’s punk with 80’s new wave.
This album kicks ass.
If you are a fan of either Green Day or Devo, you will love this album.
In fact, I probably like it better than most of Green Day’s albums.
The album is available on Itunes for $9.99.
Enjoy
Posted in video on April 11, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in comics on April 11, 2008| 2 Comments »
Posted in TV, tagged American Idol, Annie Lennox, Fergie on April 10, 2008| 3 Comments »
I predicted that the Bottom 3 would be: Brooke White, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns… with Syesha Mercado as an ‘alternate’.
Well, I underestimated the love America has for Brooke White and her goodness… she was safe.
So, the Bottom 3 was Carly, Michael & Syesha…. I was pretty dang close.
And, goodbye to Michael Johns… too bad, I really liked him, but he had it coming. I think he gave his best performance after he got ‘kicked off’… and America was probably sorry they dumped him.
I watched Carly cry and I thought that this competition is putting her through the ringer. I hope she really comes out and kicks ass next week… and why didn’t they let her sing with Heart last night, instead of that scary freak Fergie? Jesus, Fergie gives me the heebie jeebies. She seems like the creepy drunk girl at your party that’s not getting enough attention so she talks and sings real loud and says things like “I’m sooooo drunk”…. and then she vomits into the sink.. and then laughs really hard with a little vomit on her chin… and then blows some dude in the bathroom… and then passes out….and then you try and wake her up and she says “I love you”… and then she nods off and then wakes back up and screams “Leave me alone, I’m fuckin’ fine!”… and then she starts crying a lot…. and then she says she tired of being an alcoholic and a whore… and that she really doesn’t even like alcohol or sex….. and then you have to walk around the party and hope that somebody knows who the heck she is and that they will drive her home, because you really don’t want this crazy drunk girl passed out in your bathroom, because that’s waaaaaaay too much responsibility and a complete buzz kill.
And how great was Annie Lennox the night before? I cried and donated 50 bucks… crap, I’m not made out of wood, people? (I almost forgot the comma after wood and that would of sounded like I was saying I was not made out of “wood people”… that’s gay (in a good way).
Posted in film/movies on April 10, 2008| 2 Comments »
Posted in BOO YAW!, music, shout-outs, tagged DEVO, energy dome on April 10, 2008| 6 Comments »
I always thought that I wasn’t an official DEVO fan until I had my very own Energy Dome. Well, it only took me 25 years but mine arrived in the mail yesterday! And you can see me sportin’ it above…
And it came with the following story and instructions for the DEVO Energy Dome.
Yep, I’m a geek.
And I’m proud.
Posted in Uncategorized on April 10, 2008| 1 Comment »
It’s 4:28am and I can’t sleep…I hate insomnia so so much right now.
Posted in comics, funny ha ha on April 10, 2008| 2 Comments »
if you need a laugh check out
http://www.garfieldminusgarfield.tumblr.com
Here is a little sample of what you’ll find….
Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness in a quiet American suburb.
Posted in art, first loves, make-up, the bride, tagged art, balls, basketball, championship, KU, NCAA, vomit on April 9, 2008| 2 Comments »
it’s 6:19 and grey. my windows are open. i’m home with a stomach virus that jumped ship from bean tostada to intestine island and my down there thinks it’s monday night on mass street circa 10 pm. broken glass, dicks out, vomit et al.
so i’m not especially a good candidate for new posting, but–on monday night after getting hit in the face for the third and final time by a drunk’s KU flag i looked around at the crushed flowers beneath my feet, the hairy balls 20 feet from my face, the multitude of straw cowboyhatted soroity girls in broken form and challenged myself to find the art. because someone somewhere will reduce an experience like that to an eloquent concentrate and i want to push myself to be that person. for me, art must reduce experience to its essence. all experience. positive negative vomit sunshine. that’s my new.
Posted in unrealized potential, video on April 9, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged film/movies on April 9, 2008| 1 Comment »
In my weekly column that I write for The Wichita Eagle — “Movie Maniac” — this week I write about David Willis, who starred as Paul Dano’s father in “There Will Be Blood.” He’s from Wichita, and still has family living here.
It was a great conversation, and I didn’t get to include a lot of stuff just because of space restraints. But David has finally gotten a break — now at age 61 — after years of rejection and road blocks.
It’s very inspiring. Because we ALL know, especially among these contributors, how hard it is to do anything creatively. Just the act of creation is monumental, but getting it seen, heard, played or viewed is another matter. We all appreciate it when someone gets a good break, because we know how hard a struggle it is. And when I see that happen — like seeing the work of everyone here — it makes it seem possible that I can accomplish something, too.
I loved a quote from Brad Bird after he won the Oscar for “Ratatoille”: “Life has a way of knocking you down. If you get up enough times, eventually something’s bound to happen.”
Here’s to standing back up. And staying there,
-rawd
Posted in TV on April 9, 2008| 1 Comment »
Those of you that follow AI will understand this… those who don’t, please ignore the following.
My predictions for the BOTTOM 3 tonight:
1. Brooke White: She is definitely not bringin’ her “A Game”. She is capable of sooo much better, and America knows that. America is frustrated with her. Bottom 3.
2. David Archuleta: Last night’s song was soooo boring. I’m not sure why Simon thought it was so great? But, David did good enough… safe.
3. Carly Smithson: I think she is better than last night’s performance, also. I think she is confusing her fans on who she is (like Hillary Clinton)…. I want her to bring chills to me. She isn’t. Bottom 3.
4. Jason Castro: Perfect last night. He is sooooooo safe. Hello, couch.
5. Kristy Lee Cook: She has found her stride. She may be the toughest person in this competition and she is showing it. She is safe.
6. David Cook: He stunk it up. It was bound to happen. Every great Idol has a bad night. This was his. That “Our Lady Peace” song was terrible, or, at least his version was…. I just wanted it to stop. He deserves the bottom 3, but I think he will get by on his past “cred”…. he will be safe.
7. Syesha Mercado: She did just “okay”…. Fantastia, you are not. But I think she will make it through… safe.
8. Michael Johns: He does have to stop doing imitations of other singers. Stick to the blues… it’s your calling. America will punish you tonight and send you a “wake up” call. Bottom 3.
(My second thought: I believe if I’m wrong on any these, Syesha Mercado will be in the Bottom 3.)
-And, I loved that Paula finally told Randy that he needed to stop on the whole “pitchy” thing… he’s become a bad joke. They should just have a cardboard cut-out of him that says “dawg, pitchy, dawg, pitchy”…. of course, I always fast forward through him anyway.
I’ve grown to like Paula after last night.
Posted in funny ha ha, video on April 9, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in first loves, funny ha ha, housewares, quickies, unrealized potential on April 9, 2008| 4 Comments »
BELLEVUE, Ohio — Police said an Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a picnic table.
Police arrested Arthur Price Jr. after an anonymous tipster dropped off three DVDs that reportedly showed Price in the act.
According to NBC Toledo, Ohio, affiliate WNWO-TV, the videos show Price tilting the metal round picnic table on its side and then laying up against it to have sexual intercourse with the table. Afterward, he can then be seen cleaning the table and the deck.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted to having sex with the table. Police said he also admitted to bringing the table inside his home for sex.
Price faces four counts of public indecency. He was freed after posting $20,000 bond, authorities said.
Posted in music on April 9, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Today I downloaded the new The Breeders album, Mountain Battles and I really like it. My favorite tracks are “Overglazed,” “Bang On,” “Walk It Off, “No Way,” and “it’s The Love.”
You can listen to the entire album on their myspace profile at http://www.myspace.com/thebreeders. So if you are unfamiliar with The Breeders be sure to check out the new sounds.
If you like what you hear you should also check out Pod (1990), Last Splash (1993), and Title TK (2002).
The Breeders are an american rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal, the bassist for the The Pixes, and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The current line-up consists of Kim Deal (vocals and guitar), her twin sister Kelley Deal (vocals and guitar), José Medeles (drums) and Mando Lopez (bass).
The Breeders follow the “All Wave” philosophy when recording their albums. All Wave follows the mantra that everything that is recorded should be done using analog equipment, rather than using a computer to generate or digitally manipulate sounds separated from the dimension of time in which they were performed.
In short, to record All Wave one must use no computers, no digital recording, no auto-tuning, or any other mainstays of contemporary production. A parallel drawn with the realist film movement (including Lars Von Trier’s Dogme 95 school) is not inappropriate.
The All Wave philosophy carries through the entire production and mastering process, including mixing, editing, sequencing, post-production and the exceptional step of an all-analog direct-metal master for the vinyl LP. This process has been employed on Title TK, the Off You EP, and Mountain Battles.
Posted in film/movies on April 9, 2008| 1 Comment »
One of the funniest things that happened while I was with the crew in London was when the director decided to go shopping after the shoot ended early one day. He went with our Hairdresser and the sound man, both of whom eventually got tired and headed back to the hotel.
Five hours later there’s still no sign of the director and everybody from production starts freaking out looking for him on every major street and neighboring Borough. The man spoke no English whatsoever and had no idea how to get back to the hotel as (come to find out) he had neither his bag, with the address taped into it, nor his cell phone on him. We looked for him for 4 hours until someone called and let us know he was back at the hotel.
Till today, I have no idea how the man made it back (12:30 in the morning) having been lost for 6 hours in a place like London.
Posted in health on April 8, 2008| 1 Comment »
My left eye has been twitching periodically for the past 3 days. Tiny muscle spasms that strobe my vision. This isn’t the first time my left eye has gone all twitchy on me. When I’m extremely fatigued or if I’ve spent too many long hours in front of the computer my eye will twitch like a dying fish to tell me that I need to rest. Usually this twitch happens 2 or 3 times in a day and goes away. But this time my eye won’t stop twitching. A constant pulsating rhythm. After the second day I started thinking about brain tumors and muscle degeneration. I imagine myself having a stoke while going 70 mph on the freeway and hitting a bus full of school children, flames and blood and screaming pieces of our future lying everywhere.
Did I mention that I’m a hypochondriac.
A couple days ago a large area of my back suddenly became hot to the touch. There was no noticeable rash or insect bite or other skin irritation. Just an intense heat. It felt like the flesh of my back was touching the sun. I couldn’t get comfortable. After a few hours it went away. Maybe it was just an allergic reaction to something I ate or touched. Maybe it was lung cancer from second hand smoke. Maybe it was God blessing me with some terminal illness – a near death experience to make me appreciate life more.
Several months ago I woke up with a severe pain in my left elbow, and I had difficulty moving it. My elbow was noticeably swollen and red, and the skin looked dry and cracked like desert sand. My elbow was warm to the touch. My elbow felt like I slammed it against a brick wall. The pain didn’t go away for a couple days. I kept waking up with this red elbow throbbing in pain. Maybe I had gout – monosodium urate crystals growing on the cartilage of my joints making my elbow inflamed and fat. Maybe it was something worse. Something rare and deadly. Something never seen my medical science. But after a few days the pain disappeared and never came back.
Did I mention that I’m a hypochondriac.
I could keep going.
but you already know I’m crazy.
Posted in comics on April 8, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in BOO YAW!, eat me, shout-outs, wade hate "hates", tagged justin timberlake, Kansas Jayhawks, memphis tigers on April 8, 2008| Leave a Comment »
And Justin Timberlake got to see his Memphis Tigers get their asses handed to them by Kansas!
There is a God… and he loves Kansas.
Posted in BOO YAW! on April 8, 2008| 2 Comments »
Posted in art, Books and Magazines, general, hobbies, quickies on April 7, 2008| 1 Comment »
One of my many side projects is an online art + design magazine called Proteus Mag, a FREE PDF magazine that showcases art by both amateur and professional artists in a variety of styles and mediums.
Be sure to check out the mag at http://www.proteusmag.com
The current issue features work by Francoise Nielly, Zach Johnsen, Tony Philippou, Marion Bolognesi, Brad Ruder, Rocky Burris, Chris Trenary, Jaki Mcelroy, Brian Hinkle, Cande Aguilar, Dolan Geiman, Erik Von Ploennies, Handiedan, Jacob Arden Mcclure, Jaleh Afshar, Sandrine Pagnoux, Nishi, Kareem Rizk, Jay Taylor, Iggy Medeiros, Paul D. Mckee, and Katie Sykes.
Enjoy…
Posted in film/movies, reflections on April 6, 2008| 2 Comments »
This is an amazing film that has left me feeling strange inside.
The journey that this young man has taken is a dozen lifetimes compared to my own. it makes me reflect on a lot of different things:
1. Am I living to my potential?
2. Am I taking any chances with my life (am I living or am I playing it too safe)?
3. Am I making the world a better place or am I being too selfish?
4. Am I taking the time to really appreciate all that I am blessed with… family, friends, health, artistic abilities?
5. Do I let “ego” interfere in my own happiness?
6. Do I truly accept “who I am” and “where I come from”?
I guess we try to answers these questions everyday of our lives. And, I believe, we feel the need to answer them more as we get older and reflect on our lives, our past, and that which has made us who we are… good and bad.
The main character, Chris McCandless sets out on a journey to escape the shackles of society, but it really seems he is trying to escape the pain of his childhood. And he makes his ultimate goal, Alaska. And as Hal Holbrook’s character asks him simply, “What are you running from”? The answer, of course, is himself.
He discovers the ultimate truth is, that we all need each other to get through this world.
“You can’t make it on your own”
And I couldn’t help but think about what an amazing job Sean Penn did as a director and a filmmaker. But, it also begged the bigger question… Why do most genius artists seem to be such tragic assholes in their personal lives. And Sean Penn confuses me. He seems to do a lot of good, but I’ve heard enough stories about him that lead me to believe that he believes “his own hype”.
He seems to be working on his image and legacy with every puff of his cigarette.
If you shot him with the “honesty raygun”, he would probably admit to wanting to just play golf, get fat and watch a lot of cable TV.
But he can’t, he has his legacy to think of. James Dean and Jack Kerouac didn’t play golf and they definitely didn’t play by the rules…. because that wouldn’t be “cool”.
Those who pursue “cool”, will never be cool. I’ve tried and failed many times.
So, can a great artist be a nice guy? Not in the dramatic sense… that’s boring, that doesn’t sell books or make for good films.
So, are there are great artists that are also very good people?
Absolutely, and some of them are right here on Pretty Frank.
And I’m glad to call them friends…
Because you can’t make it on your own.
–
Posted in frankenstein, the bride on April 5, 2008| 3 Comments »
Posted in Uncategorized on April 5, 2008| 1 Comment »
Just got back a few days ago. I was helping produce a tele-series for Dubai TV called “Love in Hyde Park”. I spent two and a half months working with an Arabic film crew, the entirety of which was absolutely insane (think PG Borat collides with Mr. Bean, no offense to the crew, it’s just the types of situations they got into). My only regret is that I didn’t have a handheld camera to film the behind the scenes escapades that happened every single day.
I’m going to try to blog about some of the things that transpired there over the course of the last few months..
P. Boom Boom
Posted in art, music, video on April 5, 2008| 3 Comments »
I’m not a huge Bjork fan. I respect her, but I don’t own any of her work. And I normally wouldn’t simply post a link and say, “Dudes… Check this out!!!” But this is seriously blowing my mind right now (in a fantastic way):
Posted in art, mental concepts, reflections on April 5, 2008| Leave a Comment »
So I stumbled across a web site in which graphics/designer/animator Cassidy Curtis and friends document the ever changing landscape of urban graffiti. From the site:
Graffiti is the chameleon skin of the urban landscape. Equal parts public art and vandalism, virtuosity and subversion, it is among the most ephemeral forms of human expression. Graffiti walls are repainted frequently, as different writers compete and collaborate on the public canvas. A given piece may last years, weeks, or mere hours. For graffiti writers, this is expected and in fact fundamental to their process, which they perceive as an ongoing dialogue. However, most city dwellers experience this constant change only at a subconscious level.
Is the site interesting? Absolutely, both conceptually and visually. Is the subject interesting? Absolutely, and on many levels. However… I have always had personal issues with the idea of graffiti-as-art. I am, admittedly, unschooled on the subject of art history and the connections, both direct and indirect, that may exist between gaffiti and “high art”. So you’re reading the words of ignorance but also of gut reaction, which can be equally important.
Here are the things I think about when I meditate on graffiti:
1) I was raised on the Golden Rule. And that meant showing respect to everyone who deserved it, and if you didn’t know if they deserved it, you gave them the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. And graffiti feels like, with respect to being an “artist”, one of the most disrespectful, self-serving things I can think of. I’d rather be insulted verbally by a performance artist. I welcome every opportunity to exist beyond my own realm of comfort, but I don’t cotton to people defacing the property of other people.
2) As I mentioned above, one division I draw between what graffiti “artists” (I use that phrase in the same way Subway does) do and the oh-so-nebulous idea of “art” is intent. Again, I could be completely wrong here, but my interpretation is that most folks using graffiti as some form of expression aren’t exactly trying to interpret the inner workings of human-nature, both good and bad. I don’t subscribe to the “art must be beautiful to be art” school (see verbal abuse example above), but the impetus of art in my mind is to draw attention to the idea, not the artist. I realize there are always ulterior motives, but graffiti, in contrast, seems focused primarily on drawing attention to the artist sans concept.
Obviously, I’m making some broad, sweeping statements that I would love to make less contestable had I more room (and interest…). And there are plenty of artists using graffiti/guerilla style art with some modicum of intent beyond saying, “Dudes… Check out the size of my balls.” Banksy comes to mind, here. But even Mr. Curtis has stated that he intends to keep the locations confidential on his site so as not to get the graffiti-ers in trouble with the law. And my knee-jerk is to say, “Fine. Let me spray-paint some genitals on the side of your home and car, and we’ll call it art… You’re welcome.”
Finally… as a result of my meditation on graffiti, there’s this little part of me that wonders about the importance of it all; about graffiti, art, work, relationships, and so on. The majority of all the art ever made is now gone. We’ll never see it again. And when the sun finally expands to engulf the entire solar system, what will it matter? And I have to remind myself, that’s exactly WHY it matters.
Posted in creepy, sucks, unrealized potential on April 5, 2008| 3 Comments »
Yesterday Katie (my girlfriend) informed me that her older sister wants her to move out of her house by June 1st to make room for her boyfriend and his two dogs.
I’ve been with Katie for over 2 years and the subject of moving in together has been brought up on numerous occasions but we’ve never fully committed to the idea. Actually, I haven’t fully committed to the idea. I definitely have my bag full of excuses and many of them are justified, but most of them are based on the fear of growing up and the fear of failing at being an adult. I wish I wasn’t so fucking afraid of life. Afraid to fail. Afraid to face some hardships. Afraid to get outside of my comfort zone. I’m that baby bird that refuses to leave the nest. I’m afraid my wings won’t work and I’ll fall to a grim and messy death.
Fear is worse than death.
I’m 27 and I still live with my parents. Every time I discuss moving out and finding my own home my mother inevitably tries to convince me that I will starve to death and that my meager salary won’t be enough to pay my bills. So maybe that is why I’m so paranoid. Because my mother doesn’t want me to leave the nest. Maybe I’ve been fucking brainwashed into being a giant pussy. A paranoid and insecure little man.
At this point I’m not sure if I want to buy a home or rent a house, I’m definitely not living in an apartment complex. I called up a realtor today and chatted with her about some of my options and I must admit that I’m extremely intimidated by the whole idea of buying a home. There are so many things that you don’t consider or plan for, and I’m one of those people that hates surprises. I want to know exactly what to expect and when to expect it… which is probably the main reason I still live at home.
So…. should I buy or rent?
I don’t fucking know.
Posted in quickies, sucks, unrealized potential, tagged dork, emo phillips, has beens on April 5, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in sucks, tagged beige crap sucks on April 4, 2008| 1 Comment »
What is up with this crap? WordPress sucks.
(Okay, you have to imagine some sort of crap and something sucking here, because friggin wordpress won’t let me upload any sort of photo. It’s because I’m beige, isn’t it?)
Posted in music, tagged willie nelson night club poet wade pea pod geometry bac on April 4, 2008| 4 Comments »
“Was it something I did Lord a lifetime ago, Am I just now repaying a debt that I owe. Justice sweet justice you travel so slow….”
Willie Nelson
Hello fine folks. I was recently invited to rap with you about my little version of the world. Most of it passing by 70-75 mph outside an E150 van that should be converted to biodiesel as soon as humanly possible. Happy to join this cadre of artists and visionaries.
I am a writer of short bursts. Lyrics and poetry. The lyrics I sing 4 nights a week on the road- the poetry I hide away. Most likely for the best. But if I can report back to you a couple things from out here in little America I am happy to do so. And I am happy to be a part of prettyfrank. One of it’s founders, Wade Hampton, is my favorite painter, and a damn fine human being. We have become cronies over the years, and he has let me see myself in ways that ego and repitition can slowly dim and stash away.
He has also given me a place to crash every time I gig in Wichita, KS, hiding away in his green retro couch, better known as the pea pod, waking up with what my crew lovingly refers to as “geometry back”.
I am in Tulsa, OK tonight. I go on stage in 3 hrs and play 2 hrs. I played the local radio station this AM at 8am, loaded in the club at noon, visited with old friends, answered email, called my lady, reached out to some people for upcoming shows, called my agents, changed my strings, got a nap in at a fine local hotel, ate veggie sushi, and now I join you from an internet café down the street from the club. It is grey and cold – this spring tour has been a winter tour so far. Makes you want to eat and drink too much coffee. Blue Bassa just came over the little overhead speaker. Life is good.
I will write what I see. I will be honest. I have a fun little fishbowl camera that I will send photos to you with – I am horrible photographer- but I get a vantage point being a touring musician that I am very grateful for. Every night through the sleepy Midwest towns, rusting sodium lit gas stations and rock n roll bars let us stumble across dreamers, schemers, poets, fakes and liars, suits, broken hearts and beard pulling pseudo-intellectuals who have it all figured out til love takes hold and spins them in ways that none of these words can ever account for. I am somewhere in between all of them. Better than none of em. I sing off key- I make the stories a bit bigger than they are- and when all else fails- I love to strum and tap my foot. Thanks for joining us here. I’ll be back with ya soon…
Gooding
Posted in art, video on April 4, 2008| 1 Comment »
I hope this is real….
Posted in art tools, unrealized potential on April 4, 2008| 11 Comments »
in 2005 Adobe Systems Incorporated acquired Macromedia thus creating a software empire with weapons like Flash, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop in its powerful arsenal. But one of Adobe’s best weapons has been collecting dust in the basement – Freehand. When Adobe purchased Macromedia they decided to kill Freehand and force Freehand users to migrate over to Illustrator. This is like trading in a Mercedes-Benz to get a Dodge Stratus. Freehand was/is simply a better product, and Adobe has failed to see the benefit of supporting this powerful product. They claim that have added new features to Illustrator CS3 to make the transition easier for Freehand users, but the majority of the features that make Freehand so powerful remain absent from Illustrator. So where the fuck are these features that are going to make us Freehand loyalists happy? What about multiple page layouts, or paste inside, or the mirror tool, or find and replace? To name just a few. Illustrator has clipping masks…. fuck clipping masks. They suck, they are a pain in the ass to use. Paste inside is a far superior and user friendly and time efficient feature. If Illustrator was a 12 step program it would be 24 steps, and we would have a bunch of drunk people crashing into things. Adobe InDesign has many of these features so why doesn’t Illustrator? Why not beef up InDesign and phase out Illustrator. Just make InDesign a really bad ass vector illustration and page layout program. I’m holding out as long as a I can. I’m loyal to Freehand. I just pray that Apple buys Freehand from Adobe and then crushes Illustrator. Illustrator can suck it.
Dear God
Please bring back Freehand. World hunger and Global Terrorism can wait, that shit ain’t going away. But you can easily bring back Freehand. You are all powerful and all knowing and you know the right thing to do.
Thank you God
Love
Dust
Posted in shout-outs on April 4, 2008| 1 Comment »
Apple Just announced that iTunes has surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US. This makes me very happy. I fucking hate Wal-Mart and I love everything APPLE.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
iTunes Store Top Music Retailer in the US
CUPERTINO, California—April 3, 2008—Apple® today announced that the iTunes® Store (www.itunes.com) surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US, based on the latest data from the NPD Group*. With over 50 million customers, iTunes has sold over four billion songs and features the world’s largest music catalog of over six million songs.
“We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.”
*Based on data from market research firm the NPD Group’s MusicWatch survey that captures consumer reported past week unit purchases and counts one CD representing 12 tracks, excluding wireless transactions. The iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the US based on the amount of music sold during January and February 2008.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
Posted in film/movies, video on April 4, 2008| 1 Comment »
Last night I watched “Confessions of a Superhero,” a documentary film by Matt Ogens and I loved it.
The film explores the fascination, obsession and allure of fame through the eyes of a group of struggling actors who earn their living by dressing up as our most beloved superheroes and posing for photographs for tourists on Hollywood Boulevard. This film is deeply touching and beautiful. Be sure to check it out.
For more info visit http://www.therealsuperhero.com
Posted in BOO YAW! on April 4, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Aliens Touched Me, TV, tagged aliens, ufo, ufo hunters on April 3, 2008| Leave a Comment »
The History channel has a new kick ass show, UFO Hunters. it is some damn good shit.
The main star is Bill Birnes, the publisher of UFO Magazine. He’s one “iconic” dude, with his ever-present sunglasses, UFO ball cap, navy coat and pants tucked into his boots. When he does take off his sunglasses he blinks his eyes like crazy.
He is a hybrid.
He talks about those people who walk among us that are a little human AND alien. He’s one, there’s no doubt.
I bet that fucker will “probe” you at any given chance.
Each week, he and his team of researchers travel to the sites of world-famous UFO events where they use high-tech equipment and cutting-edge investigative techniques to explore the encounter and arrive at answers about what really happened.
I like that most of the time the show ends with Bill believing it all and the rest of his crew basically saying they are still looking for the “smoking gun”. Because, i believe the credibility of this show is the fact that they do actually have some real scientists looking into this stuff. it’s not just some dumb asses running around with a video camera saying, “Did you see that”? Hello, most paranormal shows!
Anyway go to: http://www.history.com/minisites/ufohunters/
Or just click here
The show is beautiful to watch. it’s one of the best designed and photograped shows of it’s kind on television.
I’m just glad Bill Birnes believes.
Oh baby, I WANT TO BELIEVE.
Fuck that, I DO believe.
Posted in funny ha ha, music, video, tagged Bees, Nicolas Cage, Wicker Man on April 3, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in music, TV on April 3, 2008| 1 Comment »
How great is Dolly Parton? Pretty damn great I would say!
On American Idol this week they sang Dolly Parton songs (she wrote almost all of them). Heck, she’s had 22 ‘number one’ singles… I had no idea.
Anyway, last night on the “Results Show”, Dolly came out and sang, and I was moved.
You realize that you are looking at a “Music Legend”, like Johnny Cash or even Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix for that matter.
I know a lot of people talk about her plastic surgery, but as far as I am concerned, she gets a “free pass”. I mean have you ever heard somebody say something that they have heard bad about Dolly Parton? Never. I think she is as genuine as she seems… and she seems like a damn hoot. And I NEVER call anybody a hoot. Never.
She sang a new song about “How all she would ever need is Jesus and Gravity”, and I thought “Right on”. I mean Dolly could song a song about diarrhea , and we would all be clapping along.
And her whole “look”, still works for her and always will, as far as I’m concerned.
I mean, who doesn’t love Dolly Parton?
And if you don’t, you’re a part of the “Axis of Evil”.
Posted in art, exhibit openings, shout-outs on April 2, 2008| 1 Comment »
if you live in or near lawrence KS and are looking for walker’s shortbread and decent coffee and/or sex on the beach shots, this sunday between the hours of 7 & 9 pee em, you can see and visit with me and my funny friends at the opening of pareidolia, a group show by brother/sister friends of mine, brett and maggie allen at the bourgeois pig at 9th and massachusettes. maggie is easily one of the smartest people i know. brett is karen’s husband and otto’s dad. he’s smart, too. come have a piss with us.
Posted in Uncategorized on April 2, 2008| 1 Comment »
It seems like George Michael has sneakily re-entered my life.
First, he keeps popping up in the new TV show”Eli Stone,”which has pretty much been a big commercial for his music, using “Faith”to set up Eli’s weird visions, then using “I Want Your Sex” as a major storyline driving a young girl’s legal case.
Now Michael’s new album,”Twentyfive,” was released April 1 and he will embark on a U.S. tour later this year. What gives?
I must shamefully admit that I have liked a lot of Michael’s songs, “Faith” being one of them. But while I would readily shell out some dough to see The Police back on stage, I doubt I would see a George Michael concert.
And since when did he stop being a joke? Michael Cera’s character on “Arrested Development” was named George Michael, after all, and every time someone called him by name, I swear a chuckle just inadvertently burst out of me. It was funny.
Now we’re supposed to buy him again as a “serious artist?”And the new album is a “retrospective,” basically just all his hits repackaged for mass consumption. Am I supposed to respect that?
I guess if you can do it, then knock yourself out. Guy’s gotta make a living. And at least he seems to have a self-deprecating sense of humor on “Eli Stone.” Almost like he knows what a joke he had become and is saying, “Guess what? I don’t care.”
I suppose that deserves some respect in its own right. But don’t wake me up before you go-go, George. Because, really, I already thought you went-went.
-rawd
Posted in funny ha ha, TV, Uncategorized, unrealized potential, video on April 2, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in art, comics, funny ha ha on April 2, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in art, comics, funny ha ha on April 2, 2008| 3 Comments »
Posted in mental concepts, reflections on April 1, 2008| 3 Comments »
I saw this image of a residential development in Copenhagen, and it reminded me of a conversation we had recently on connecting with one another. These angular balconies make for a fascinating facade virtually moving and rotating in on itself while screaming “LET’S ACTUALLY TALK TO ONE ANOTHER!!! What a novel concept…” I’ll admit, I’m a pretty private person, so my knee-jerk to this kind of closeness is an uncomfortable shyness pierced with unending silence. But there’s that deep-down biological side of me where the caveman genes bang rocks and sticks while their developing minds realize it might be easier to take down one of those monstrous hairy things with more than one person. That part loves this idea, at least conceptually.
Posted in art, eat me, wade hate "hates" on April 1, 2008| 1 Comment »
Posted in hobbies, TV, unrealized potential, video on April 1, 2008| 1 Comment »
I have a hardcore television addiction, but my hectic work schedule has been keeping me away from my precious television. I’m a huge fan of shows like The Office, Nip/Tuck, Family Guy, South Park and many others but I never get a chance to sit down and watch my favorite shows.
Luckily there is http://www.hulu.com, an online database of television shows and movies owned and operated by NBC Universal and News Corp. The site is free and features several full length episodes of popular shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and The Simpsons, and classic oldies like Who’s The Boss, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Miami Vice. Some of the episodes are only available for a short amount of time, but that is only for current shows.
The site also features full length movies like Sideways, Requiem For a Dream, The Jerk, Naked Lunch, and Mulholland Drive. But you need to set up an account if you want to see movies that are R rated.
I’ve gotten in the habit of watching movies / tv shows on my computer while I work on digital art projects or freelance jobs. I just keep the movie in the corner of my monitor while I work and it seems to work pretty well for me. So Hulu is perfect for my current viewing habits.
I need to catch up on watching the current season of the Office and Check out Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles.
Back to TV
Posted in BOO YAW!, funny ha ha, TV, video on April 1, 2008| 1 Comment »
This is my all time favorite Bruno clip.
prettyfrank.wordpress.com 