So it's been a while. Been living life, basically just trying to keep on keeping on. Things are never easy. Been listening to lots of rad music, wanting to get a new band together. So hard to meet people my own age who are into similar things.
Got to go see Red Fang recently here in town, so good. Looking forward to Weedeater coming up in May. Until next time here's some music you should check out if you haven't already.
Cheers!
Red Fang "Shadows"
Weedeater
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Monday, March 16, 2015
Future looks bright
Well, looks like the Vans video is actually set to drop, apparently it's called propeller. That's one hell of a line up and I'm looking forward to it.
Also, it's pretty damn cool that antihero has all their videos available to watch now at their website. http://www.antiheroskateboards.com/
Going to try and update this thing more often...I've been slacking.
Also, it's pretty damn cool that antihero has all their videos available to watch now at their website. http://www.antiheroskateboards.com/
Going to try and update this thing more often...I've been slacking.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
ST. LOUIS AND FERGUSON, NO JUSTICE NO PEACE
I was born in St. Louis. I've lived in St. Louis, gone to shows in St. Louis, spent numerous hours of my life in St. Louis. It's the rust belt, the midwest, the slums, the hipster, the coffee shops, the dives, Uncle Bills at 2am, the loop, the arch, the Cardinals and west county mall kids and soccer moms. It's the Frison Flea market and Cherokee street. It's what the landing used to be and what it is now. It's Mississippi Nights, the Hi-point lounge, Fubar, and the Grove. It's also Ferguson.
I've always had a tough time with this kind of stuff. On one hand being a lifelong skateboarder and musician I've been apt to cause a little trouble now and then. I've certainly had my run-in's with the law. But I'm a white dude, that's certainly not blind to the advantages I have because of this. If I'm not on a skateboard and am dressed reasonably well I look like any other forty-ish dude. I'm graying, I'm white, I'm afforded a lot that others aren't. While I certainly recognize that what happened in Ferguson is, to a large extant, about race; the issue of police overstepping their boundaries encompasses something we all should be concerned about. I could write, speak, talk and endlessly babble on about the oppression of those in economically depressed situations and areas and what they experience. It's the PJ's, or the trailer parks. Black or white, the way we treat and think about those who are poor or disadvantaged is sad and it's even sadder that as one people, we can't have a little more empathy for our fellow man.
To those that call the people in Ferguson animals, thugs, or any other "terms" that have been used which thinly veil what you're really trying to say, (black) you ARE THE PROBLEM. When you're hungry, tired, cold, poor, pissed off and feel that everyone is against you sometimes it's feels better to lash out. You lash out at what's around you. You fight the system that has established the alter of consumerism that we all worship at. Why do you give a fuck if they burned down an auto-zone? Why do you care that local Walgreens got looted. They have insurance, those giant corporations that pay their workers a pittance that is usually somewhere around the poverty line can take a hit. Maybe they won't rebuild, maybe they will. Who cares, they are offering nothing to any community that is of any real value. They take, they don't give.
I also understand the argument that small business owners get hurt when things like this happen. I understand, but the merchant class, while hurt by these things, can still go home to their affluent neighborhood and be safe. They still have their lives, their families. Food, money, clothing, heat, and all the other things their advantaged life affords them. They earned it, they worked for it and this shouldn't be overlooked. But we're not concerned about them right now. We shouldn't be concerned with them right now. There's a bigger picture to consider and that's what matters right now.
A young man lost his life, a police officer, a peace officer, took it. The reasons, the justification, the questions over who was right doesn't matter in the end. It's symptomatic of a bigger issue. Our police officers, who through no fault of their own, have become a military force instead of our friends and neighbors.
Once upon a time our officers walked what was called a "beat." They strolled through our neighborhoods on foot. They interacted with those in their communities. They spoke to kids, to parents, teachers, the town drunk, the local garbage man, the homeless as they would speak to anyone. Because they knew the people and families that they were protecting. Those people also knew the officers. They interacted on a daily basis, became friendly, and took responsibility for each other, for the areas they lived in and protected. They were on the same level, fighting real crime. The officers knew when someone was breaking into your house because they knew what you looked like.
Our police forces have become more and more detached from this as time has gone on. They see only the worst in people. They sit in their vehicles, away from the neighborhoods they have sworn to protect. They react to calls, they stop Joe from beating the shit out of Linda. They pull dead babies out of dumpsters, they see the dead, the wasted, the drugged. They see the worst parts of our society and they react. They are taught and trained to react a certain way, they are in constant fear of their lives because they don't know the people they are dealing with. They are out of touch with the people who rely on them, and the people distrust them because they don't know them either.
That said I don't yearn for some "better" time that existed. I yearn for a new way forward. I yearn for a time when we can live together and relate to one another regardless of our social status, race, religion or culture. We don't always have to agree, we don't have to be best friends, but we can be something and view each other as something other than the enemy. When you stay in your ivory tower, your police cruiser or your little subdivision and don't try to be a part of the world, or when you talk about the actions of others, beliefs of others, lives of others in a derogatory manner you can't be surprised when the world looks at you and collectively says, "What the fuck is your problem?"
This disconnect within OUR community is the cause of things like this. OUR greed is the cause of things like this. OUR culture of consumerism is the cause of this. OUR fear of each other based on the way we look, dress, worship, speak, and live is the cause of this. OUR lack of interest and dialog with each other is the cause of this. OUR political divide is the cause of this. America can change. It's okay. We don't have to burn it to the ground. We don't have to have a rebellion. We don't have to keep electing the same ass-hats into our government. We can take control through peaceful methods. We can make this a place we are proud to call home. We can move forward and learn from the mistakes that have been made in our history. It starts by talking to each other. Keeping an open mind. It starts by being open to the things that scare you. It stops by ending the fear. It stops by not being afraid. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. What burns down can be rebuilt. What once was can be made better and what doesn't work can be fixed. Standing up, getting knocked down, getting back up and being brave enough to try again.
Stop listening to the media, stop reading the papers, stop believing everything you read online. Stop reading this blog. Go out, talk to your neighbors, talk to your government, talk to your mom, your grandma, the guy on the bus, the girl standing in line behind you, the person serving your food. Listen and speak and think and learn.
I've always had a tough time with this kind of stuff. On one hand being a lifelong skateboarder and musician I've been apt to cause a little trouble now and then. I've certainly had my run-in's with the law. But I'm a white dude, that's certainly not blind to the advantages I have because of this. If I'm not on a skateboard and am dressed reasonably well I look like any other forty-ish dude. I'm graying, I'm white, I'm afforded a lot that others aren't. While I certainly recognize that what happened in Ferguson is, to a large extant, about race; the issue of police overstepping their boundaries encompasses something we all should be concerned about. I could write, speak, talk and endlessly babble on about the oppression of those in economically depressed situations and areas and what they experience. It's the PJ's, or the trailer parks. Black or white, the way we treat and think about those who are poor or disadvantaged is sad and it's even sadder that as one people, we can't have a little more empathy for our fellow man.
To those that call the people in Ferguson animals, thugs, or any other "terms" that have been used which thinly veil what you're really trying to say, (black) you ARE THE PROBLEM. When you're hungry, tired, cold, poor, pissed off and feel that everyone is against you sometimes it's feels better to lash out. You lash out at what's around you. You fight the system that has established the alter of consumerism that we all worship at. Why do you give a fuck if they burned down an auto-zone? Why do you care that local Walgreens got looted. They have insurance, those giant corporations that pay their workers a pittance that is usually somewhere around the poverty line can take a hit. Maybe they won't rebuild, maybe they will. Who cares, they are offering nothing to any community that is of any real value. They take, they don't give.
I also understand the argument that small business owners get hurt when things like this happen. I understand, but the merchant class, while hurt by these things, can still go home to their affluent neighborhood and be safe. They still have their lives, their families. Food, money, clothing, heat, and all the other things their advantaged life affords them. They earned it, they worked for it and this shouldn't be overlooked. But we're not concerned about them right now. We shouldn't be concerned with them right now. There's a bigger picture to consider and that's what matters right now.
A young man lost his life, a police officer, a peace officer, took it. The reasons, the justification, the questions over who was right doesn't matter in the end. It's symptomatic of a bigger issue. Our police officers, who through no fault of their own, have become a military force instead of our friends and neighbors.
Once upon a time our officers walked what was called a "beat." They strolled through our neighborhoods on foot. They interacted with those in their communities. They spoke to kids, to parents, teachers, the town drunk, the local garbage man, the homeless as they would speak to anyone. Because they knew the people and families that they were protecting. Those people also knew the officers. They interacted on a daily basis, became friendly, and took responsibility for each other, for the areas they lived in and protected. They were on the same level, fighting real crime. The officers knew when someone was breaking into your house because they knew what you looked like.
Our police forces have become more and more detached from this as time has gone on. They see only the worst in people. They sit in their vehicles, away from the neighborhoods they have sworn to protect. They react to calls, they stop Joe from beating the shit out of Linda. They pull dead babies out of dumpsters, they see the dead, the wasted, the drugged. They see the worst parts of our society and they react. They are taught and trained to react a certain way, they are in constant fear of their lives because they don't know the people they are dealing with. They are out of touch with the people who rely on them, and the people distrust them because they don't know them either.
That said I don't yearn for some "better" time that existed. I yearn for a new way forward. I yearn for a time when we can live together and relate to one another regardless of our social status, race, religion or culture. We don't always have to agree, we don't have to be best friends, but we can be something and view each other as something other than the enemy. When you stay in your ivory tower, your police cruiser or your little subdivision and don't try to be a part of the world, or when you talk about the actions of others, beliefs of others, lives of others in a derogatory manner you can't be surprised when the world looks at you and collectively says, "What the fuck is your problem?"
This disconnect within OUR community is the cause of things like this. OUR greed is the cause of things like this. OUR culture of consumerism is the cause of this. OUR fear of each other based on the way we look, dress, worship, speak, and live is the cause of this. OUR lack of interest and dialog with each other is the cause of this. OUR political divide is the cause of this. America can change. It's okay. We don't have to burn it to the ground. We don't have to have a rebellion. We don't have to keep electing the same ass-hats into our government. We can take control through peaceful methods. We can make this a place we are proud to call home. We can move forward and learn from the mistakes that have been made in our history. It starts by talking to each other. Keeping an open mind. It starts by being open to the things that scare you. It stops by ending the fear. It stops by not being afraid. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. What burns down can be rebuilt. What once was can be made better and what doesn't work can be fixed. Standing up, getting knocked down, getting back up and being brave enough to try again.
Stop listening to the media, stop reading the papers, stop believing everything you read online. Stop reading this blog. Go out, talk to your neighbors, talk to your government, talk to your mom, your grandma, the guy on the bus, the girl standing in line behind you, the person serving your food. Listen and speak and think and learn.
"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson
Monday, October 27, 2014
So we recorded a new album
And you should go to our bandcamp and download it. We worked really hard on this and I'm proud of it. I'll try to update this thing a little more often too. No longer stuck in Missouri, went through a divorce, living in the Southwest now. that's the short version.
http://tuneport.com/profile/thedifferenceengine#.VFPBUcmKX6U
http://tuneport.com/profile/thedifferenceengine#.VFPBUcmKX6U
Thursday, January 9, 2014
2014 Coming on like a....Snowstorm
So I've neglected my poor little blog here. Fuck man, I've got lots of shit going on all the time. There's more to life then updating little blogs about nothing, that nearly no one reads. I basically started this to bitch and moan about getting old, skateboarding, playing in my band and just life in general.
So 2013 is over, gone, good-fucking-bye. One thing, my birthday is at the end of December and for the last year my wife kept saying I was 37. She makes me older than I am a lot. Why? Because she's nearly four years older than me and it makes her feel better about her own decrepit state. So for the past year I've been 36. I would have sworn to you I was turning 38 this last birthday, but no, it's a lie!! I'm only 37! I feel like I've gained a year of my life I thought I'd lost, I've got to keep better track of this shit.
Last year was pretty fun and the holiday's and New Year have been pretty awesome. Minus all the snow and 20 below zero temperatures that have taken place in the last month. Here's a few photo's from the last month or so. Take care in 2014, I'll see ya around.
So 2013 is over, gone, good-fucking-bye. One thing, my birthday is at the end of December and for the last year my wife kept saying I was 37. She makes me older than I am a lot. Why? Because she's nearly four years older than me and it makes her feel better about her own decrepit state. So for the past year I've been 36. I would have sworn to you I was turning 38 this last birthday, but no, it's a lie!! I'm only 37! I feel like I've gained a year of my life I thought I'd lost, I've got to keep better track of this shit.
Last year was pretty fun and the holiday's and New Year have been pretty awesome. Minus all the snow and 20 below zero temperatures that have taken place in the last month. Here's a few photo's from the last month or so. Take care in 2014, I'll see ya around.
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| My Backyard has looked like this most of the winter... |
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| And my front yard like this... |
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| And The smoking section of my work |
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| My Father in law and cousins |
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| A picture of My Great-great-great grandparents my sister found researching the family |
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| My 4x Great grandpappy |
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| And finally got a Welcome board that I've been unable to skate other than in my car port since every concrete surface in a 300 mile range around me is covered in snow and ice. Thanks Polar Vortex!!! |
Monday, October 21, 2013
RIOTFEST AND MY SUMMER VACATION
So, with knowing I was going to cut what was first planned as a long vacation down to just a few days around Denver to see the Replacements at Riotfest I was a little bummed. I haven't had a long vacation in years, but we're in the middle of remodeling our house and doing some other things that caused us to make this decision.
One thing I had to do was stay at the Stanley Hotel. I'm a huge Stephen King fan, and this is where he got the inspiration for The Shining!
So after staying the night here, with nothing creepy happening to me, the wife woke up at 3am freaking out, but I was in a nice alcohol induced coma, it was time for riotfest.
The Replacements were fucking phenomenal. Flag was awesome, Superchunk, AFI, Against ME, everyone was good. It sucked that Flag got rained out halfway through their set, and it sucked even more that I left due to the storm, then halfway across Kansas found out they let people back in for Rancid. But I didn't give a fuck about seeing Blink 182 and had a long drive ahead of me. I love Colorado and will be going back when I can just explore and not have to sit in a dusty field for two days to hear some music.
Monday, September 16, 2013
VACATION TIME...
Finally, after waiting all summer and working for the last three years without a break I'm taking one this weekend.
I'll be attending Riotfest near Denver, Not only will I get to see Rancid, Against Me and Naked Raygun, but I also get to fucking see the mother-fucking Replacements!! So excited I think I pooped myself.
I'm a little concerned over the flooding and shit in Colorado right now, hopefully that doesn't hamper my trip, but I'll post pics and updates when it's over. Plus I may make a few other stops while I'm away. I've been burned out on work and everything else, really need to get away for a bit.
Stay tuned.....
I'll be attending Riotfest near Denver, Not only will I get to see Rancid, Against Me and Naked Raygun, but I also get to fucking see the mother-fucking Replacements!! So excited I think I pooped myself.
I'm a little concerned over the flooding and shit in Colorado right now, hopefully that doesn't hamper my trip, but I'll post pics and updates when it's over. Plus I may make a few other stops while I'm away. I've been burned out on work and everything else, really need to get away for a bit.
Stay tuned.....
Thursday, July 18, 2013
NO ONE EVER TOLD ME I'D HAVE TO WORK...
My dad, he always promoted hard work as a way to get what you want in life. growing up, I never had a new skateboard, bike, 20 bucks, what have you without working for it. That might have meant mowing the lawn, picking up tree limbs, or doing something simple, but he always instilled in me a work ethic.
He also said something to me once that I've been thinking about a lot lately. He said it's not the work we do that's valuable and it's not our output that's worth something. It's our time. We get paid for our time, it's something valuable, that runs out on all of us at some point. I don't get paid nearly enough for my time. I've figured that out at this point. My time should be worth more than a figure that's barely above the poverty line.
I don't mind doing somethings for free, things that take up time like skateboarding, playing guitar, enjoying a swim...(hey it's summer).
But I really don't think I get half of what I'm fucking worth at my job. But what to do in this economy? Jobs are hard to come by and for the area I live in I get paid relatively well. At least enough to pay the bills and have a little, (very little really) left over.
If you think about your measly wages when compared to some asshole that play baseball, or trades stocks all day, it's fucking sad really. Then I think about all those skaters out there that aren't making what they should be. I realize with some of the big shoe companies paying the bills, and energy drink sponsorships, lots of guys are doing really fucking well. But then I think about guys that probably don't make much more than I do for putting their bodies on the line day after day, especially as some of these dudes get older and pushed out of skating by the young guns.
That's why I was stoked as fuck on two things recently. One, this Marc Johnson interview with Jenkem. click here fucktard
It's so cool to see someone of Marc's caliber say, you know what? I'm happy where I'm at, I appreciate what I've been given and I make enough. Insight isn't something that can be bought, and apparently, neither can Marc.
The other thing ... Fucking Dan Drehobl. I didn't real grow up skating much tranny. We had some shitty mini-ramps around for a bit, and quarter pipes, but I never got very good at it. In my head, this guy is how I always imagined myself skating it. Peep this shit Cancer Dan and enjoy. Power, speed, lines, dude has it all. And I have a feeling he doesn't get paid shit compared to your Nyjah's and P-rods and what nots... Fuck those guys, here's real skating. And go buy some freedumb stuff while you're at it... http://freedumbairlines.com/
He also said something to me once that I've been thinking about a lot lately. He said it's not the work we do that's valuable and it's not our output that's worth something. It's our time. We get paid for our time, it's something valuable, that runs out on all of us at some point. I don't get paid nearly enough for my time. I've figured that out at this point. My time should be worth more than a figure that's barely above the poverty line.
I don't mind doing somethings for free, things that take up time like skateboarding, playing guitar, enjoying a swim...(hey it's summer).
But I really don't think I get half of what I'm fucking worth at my job. But what to do in this economy? Jobs are hard to come by and for the area I live in I get paid relatively well. At least enough to pay the bills and have a little, (very little really) left over.
If you think about your measly wages when compared to some asshole that play baseball, or trades stocks all day, it's fucking sad really. Then I think about all those skaters out there that aren't making what they should be. I realize with some of the big shoe companies paying the bills, and energy drink sponsorships, lots of guys are doing really fucking well. But then I think about guys that probably don't make much more than I do for putting their bodies on the line day after day, especially as some of these dudes get older and pushed out of skating by the young guns.
That's why I was stoked as fuck on two things recently. One, this Marc Johnson interview with Jenkem. click here fucktard
It's so cool to see someone of Marc's caliber say, you know what? I'm happy where I'm at, I appreciate what I've been given and I make enough. Insight isn't something that can be bought, and apparently, neither can Marc.
The other thing ... Fucking Dan Drehobl. I didn't real grow up skating much tranny. We had some shitty mini-ramps around for a bit, and quarter pipes, but I never got very good at it. In my head, this guy is how I always imagined myself skating it. Peep this shit Cancer Dan and enjoy. Power, speed, lines, dude has it all. And I have a feeling he doesn't get paid shit compared to your Nyjah's and P-rods and what nots... Fuck those guys, here's real skating. And go buy some freedumb stuff while you're at it... http://freedumbairlines.com/
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Forever 90's
It's weird the amount of stuff I've been doing lately that takes me back to that time when I was a young teen. Not only did I go see the Dead Milkmen this week, I've got a Black Flag show coming up later this month. I never got to see Black Flag in their first incarnation, and since Henry isn't singing, well...It's really more about seeing one of my first guitar heroes in action. Ginn is like my 13 year old inner punks idea of Jimmy Hendrix.
I keep promising myself I'll stay young and get out and skate more this summer. So far that's been difficult. I go at least 2-3 times a week, but with work, family, band duties and so forth the time I get to spend on board is getting shorter and shorter. But that's ok I guess. I certainly appreciate it more.
Alex reminded me the other day when I was telling him about going to see the Dead Milkmen that the last time he listened to them were at our friend Mike's. He lived up the street and was basically my best skate friend from 12 years old until I split and he split town around 18 or so. We built these two shitty quarterpipes in his garage to skate during the cold or rainy Missouri days. We had this Jambox out there where we played music constantly. Mike and I were on the same page music wise, and time's back then weren't so close minded. We'd listen to DRI, then Dead Milkmen, DK, then something weird like 10,000 maniacs. Yeah, I walked the thinnest line.
I keep promising myself I'll stay young and get out and skate more this summer. So far that's been difficult. I go at least 2-3 times a week, but with work, family, band duties and so forth the time I get to spend on board is getting shorter and shorter. But that's ok I guess. I certainly appreciate it more.
 |
| Dead Milkmen in St. Louis June 2013 |
Alex reminded me the other day when I was telling him about going to see the Dead Milkmen that the last time he listened to them were at our friend Mike's. He lived up the street and was basically my best skate friend from 12 years old until I split and he split town around 18 or so. We built these two shitty quarterpipes in his garage to skate during the cold or rainy Missouri days. We had this Jambox out there where we played music constantly. Mike and I were on the same page music wise, and time's back then weren't so close minded. We'd listen to DRI, then Dead Milkmen, DK, then something weird like 10,000 maniacs. Yeah, I walked the thinnest line.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Help build a skatepark!!!
So it's been a while. I always tell myself I'm going to post on here at least once a Month. Then I miss all of March. Oh well shit happens.
But here's something important. If you've ever skated Kingshighway in St. Louis, well next year it's going bye-bye, The bridge is old as fuck and falling apart. They plan to blast it and replace it next year. Because of this the guys behind the KHVT are working with the city to build another public park. There are absolutely no public parks in the city of St. Louis. Not one. Please if you can spare a dollar, or 10 or 20 or what have you, go donate to their kickstarter. They need to raise 15,000 to reach their goal. Be a part of something that will make a difference. just click here to donate. KHVT kickstarter
Also on the Missouri front, the guys at Infinity have been getting some great attention for their video St. Losers. I didn't make it to the premiere in December due to my lack of a vehicle at that time, but I just got the Video the other day and it's pretty damn great. The extras and all the St. Louis crackheads are pure entertainment and worth the 10 bucks, and that's on top of some great skating. Just click here to order. Buy here
But here's something important. If you've ever skated Kingshighway in St. Louis, well next year it's going bye-bye, The bridge is old as fuck and falling apart. They plan to blast it and replace it next year. Because of this the guys behind the KHVT are working with the city to build another public park. There are absolutely no public parks in the city of St. Louis. Not one. Please if you can spare a dollar, or 10 or 20 or what have you, go donate to their kickstarter. They need to raise 15,000 to reach their goal. Be a part of something that will make a difference. just click here to donate. KHVT kickstarter
Also on the Missouri front, the guys at Infinity have been getting some great attention for their video St. Losers. I didn't make it to the premiere in December due to my lack of a vehicle at that time, but I just got the Video the other day and it's pretty damn great. The extras and all the St. Louis crackheads are pure entertainment and worth the 10 bucks, and that's on top of some great skating. Just click here to order. Buy here
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
STICK A KNIFE IN ME
So I rolled my ankle last week. I've now officially broken my right ankle twice, it'll never be the same again. I'm ok with that. What really sucks is it takes twice as long to heal from injuries these days as opposed to when I was 16. That's the worst thing about getting older. When I was 16-25, if I'd rolled my ankle like this I'd have been out of commission for a few days. Now, I know it'll be at least a solid 10 days before I feel like I can really skate again. I should always wear an ankle brace everytime I go out, even though it's uncomfortable and feels like crap. At least I only rolled it, I don't know how it would feel if I full on broke it again.
Saw this, thought it was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=beZcJnXQQv8
Saw this, thought it was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=beZcJnXQQv8
Friday, January 11, 2013
Hellbent and Hellbound
I don't know where to even start with this. I don't necessary want to sit and write about people, or make this some sentimental blog about life, love, or the problems of the world. With the exception of writing about the fucked up shit that goes on in my little asshole of the world, I try to stay positive about things.
That said, I had a very good friend of mine stop by the house yesterday. He's been a friend since I was 12 years old and we skated together into our 20's. He moved away, but we've always stayed in contact. He's a stand up guy who's always had my back, the type of guy who would put himself at risk to save a complete stranger. The problem, the guys had a serious drug problem since high school.
I've had my own periods of drug use, but for what ever reason I've never gotten addicted. I've always been a "weekends only" drug user. I want to add here that I don't consider weed a drug. I know there's people who'd disagree with me, and I honestly smoke weed about 5 times a year anymore, but lets be real here people. That shit ain't any worse than alcohol.
So I've tried it all, I still enjoy an adult beverage from time to time, but I stay away from most drugs these days besides advil and the occasional puff-puff pass.
My friend however has a problem with the needle. He was actually the first person I ever saw shoot up. We were with a group of friends when I was around 18 or so. We were doing normal 18 year old shit, drinking, smoking weed, talking shit and skating. However several of these guys got into slamming shit into their veins. I know I'm not the only one who's had this experience. I know no one probably cares. I know that for whatever reason, skateboarding, punk rock and all the other trappings of that lifestyle tend to attract the self-destructive people of the world. But I'm going to say here I hope my friend gets the help he needs. He stopped by to do some laundry before he checked himself into a sober living house. It was the least I could do for the guy. Even though he's been a junkie he's the most stand up junkie I've ever known. He's never stolen a thing from me, he's never asked for anything and I could tell he was ashamed.
I don't have kids, I haven't been blessed with children for whatever reason. My wife and I however are always there for our friends and because we're stable, and have jobs, a home, and the rest I feel like we are a rock that's there when those we love need us. That makes me happy some how. I've lost too many friends that I loved dearly, I don't want to loose anymore.
I hope my friend gets help, I hope my friend gets clean. If he doesn't, or needs help I'll be there for him, but I really hope he does. Out of the three people I saw shoot up for the first time, he's the only one still alive.
That said, I had a very good friend of mine stop by the house yesterday. He's been a friend since I was 12 years old and we skated together into our 20's. He moved away, but we've always stayed in contact. He's a stand up guy who's always had my back, the type of guy who would put himself at risk to save a complete stranger. The problem, the guys had a serious drug problem since high school.
I've had my own periods of drug use, but for what ever reason I've never gotten addicted. I've always been a "weekends only" drug user. I want to add here that I don't consider weed a drug. I know there's people who'd disagree with me, and I honestly smoke weed about 5 times a year anymore, but lets be real here people. That shit ain't any worse than alcohol.
So I've tried it all, I still enjoy an adult beverage from time to time, but I stay away from most drugs these days besides advil and the occasional puff-puff pass.
My friend however has a problem with the needle. He was actually the first person I ever saw shoot up. We were with a group of friends when I was around 18 or so. We were doing normal 18 year old shit, drinking, smoking weed, talking shit and skating. However several of these guys got into slamming shit into their veins. I know I'm not the only one who's had this experience. I know no one probably cares. I know that for whatever reason, skateboarding, punk rock and all the other trappings of that lifestyle tend to attract the self-destructive people of the world. But I'm going to say here I hope my friend gets the help he needs. He stopped by to do some laundry before he checked himself into a sober living house. It was the least I could do for the guy. Even though he's been a junkie he's the most stand up junkie I've ever known. He's never stolen a thing from me, he's never asked for anything and I could tell he was ashamed.
I don't have kids, I haven't been blessed with children for whatever reason. My wife and I however are always there for our friends and because we're stable, and have jobs, a home, and the rest I feel like we are a rock that's there when those we love need us. That makes me happy some how. I've lost too many friends that I loved dearly, I don't want to loose anymore.
I hope my friend gets help, I hope my friend gets clean. If he doesn't, or needs help I'll be there for him, but I really hope he does. Out of the three people I saw shoot up for the first time, he's the only one still alive.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
MY END OF YEAR RANT
See ya 2012,
I've been looking at all the year end shit on the other blogs I read. Everyone's list kind of covers all the cool videos, not so cool videos, and everything else that happened in skateboarding for the last year. So I won't do that shit.
I do want to go on record as saying Longboarders suck cock. Like massive amounts of it. That's the gayest shit ever. I do however have to admit that all the vintage reissues are kind of cool.
So I'm most likely going to break down and buy something with big soft wheels to take to the coffee place, gas station, pizza spot, etc for fun. The choices are damn limitless, and the 12 year old who started skating in 1988 is excited about rocking some of the boards I never had when I was a wee tyke.
The only thing I gotta say is I'm bummed that not all the companies are doing this. I guess you'd probably have to pay some of those old guys for selling the fuck out of their boards suddenly. So with that in mind if I have 1 request for 2013 it's that ALVA start making some of the classics for reissue. Cause I always wanted this board and never got one.
There's some cool shit from Santa Cruz too, like this Jason Jesse fucking rules! But hey guys how about making some more Corey O'Brien decks? That graphic is badass, and you reissued it but it's no longer out? WTF Santa Cruz.
But I have to say the one deck I want to see reissued, the one board I love so much I've got the graphic tattooed on my fucking arm, by one of the raddest mofos' to ever step on a board, please for fucks sake somebody reissue this so I can buy it. I'll spend my hard earned money on this deck!! I'd also like to see it reissued in it's original shape. none of this mini-deck shit.
I've been looking at all the year end shit on the other blogs I read. Everyone's list kind of covers all the cool videos, not so cool videos, and everything else that happened in skateboarding for the last year. So I won't do that shit.
I do want to go on record as saying Longboarders suck cock. Like massive amounts of it. That's the gayest shit ever. I do however have to admit that all the vintage reissues are kind of cool.
So I'm most likely going to break down and buy something with big soft wheels to take to the coffee place, gas station, pizza spot, etc for fun. The choices are damn limitless, and the 12 year old who started skating in 1988 is excited about rocking some of the boards I never had when I was a wee tyke.
The only thing I gotta say is I'm bummed that not all the companies are doing this. I guess you'd probably have to pay some of those old guys for selling the fuck out of their boards suddenly. So with that in mind if I have 1 request for 2013 it's that ALVA start making some of the classics for reissue. Cause I always wanted this board and never got one.
There's some cool shit from Santa Cruz too, like this Jason Jesse fucking rules! But hey guys how about making some more Corey O'Brien decks? That graphic is badass, and you reissued it but it's no longer out? WTF Santa Cruz.
But I have to say the one deck I want to see reissued, the one board I love so much I've got the graphic tattooed on my fucking arm, by one of the raddest mofos' to ever step on a board, please for fucks sake somebody reissue this so I can buy it. I'll spend my hard earned money on this deck!! I'd also like to see it reissued in it's original shape. none of this mini-deck shit.
 |
| See, permanent and shit... |
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
VIDEOS ARE SILLY
So these guys wanted to make a video for us. It's really weird making a video, and I'm all for never being in the fucking thing. I'd rather have a concept video, like the kind where you never see the band playing. At any rate, we wrote this song, and named it tattoo, way before the stupid shitty Van Halen song came out. That's neither here nor there I suppose. This song's about a relationshit, more than it is about tattoos. Here's the video....it is what it is I guess.
The Difference Engine Tattoo
On a side note, I went skating yesterday for the first time in like a month. I'm turning 36 in a couple of weeks and the weather has been nice one day and cold as fuck the next so I figured I better go get some. The shitty part is my knee has been fucked lately. I have no idea what I did to it. It's just sore, more so when I bend it to ollie. I keep thinking it's going to get better, but it hasn't. I don't know what to think at this point. But I went skating anyway. The weird thing is after I skated for a few minutes my knee stopped hurting. The moral of this story? Skate more probably. Anyone want to donate several hundred bucks to me so I can build a mini-ramp?
The Difference Engine Tattoo
On a side note, I went skating yesterday for the first time in like a month. I'm turning 36 in a couple of weeks and the weather has been nice one day and cold as fuck the next so I figured I better go get some. The shitty part is my knee has been fucked lately. I have no idea what I did to it. It's just sore, more so when I bend it to ollie. I keep thinking it's going to get better, but it hasn't. I don't know what to think at this point. But I went skating anyway. The weird thing is after I skated for a few minutes my knee stopped hurting. The moral of this story? Skate more probably. Anyone want to donate several hundred bucks to me so I can build a mini-ramp?
Friday, December 14, 2012
WELL THIS GUY LIKES IT!!
So this dude reviewed our EP, go check out his blog, watch our review, then buy our CD. We're playing the 22nd if you're in St. Louis this December. January 26th we're playing with Sponge...you remember them right? They will be playing "Rotting Pinata's" in its entirety. So come out and scream along to 16 candles down the drain....
Strange Angles review
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
WENT TO KANSAS CITY AND ALL I GOT WAS LEG CRAMPS
So, The Difference Engine loaded up the van for a show in Kansas City the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I've been doing this kind of shit since I was 15 years old, but it's still super fun. Getting out of town, no one knows you and you get to act like you're 15 again for a couple of days.
Unfortunately we couldn't get anything at the local rental place but a cargo van, as we don't have a van at this point. So we were kind of crammed in the back of the thing with all our shit for five hours. That doesn't mean we didn't have some fun.
Once we got to town, we went in search of food.....
Then we played a show
With these dudes called Various Blonde, the rocked the fucking house.
We stayed with a friend of a friend who was gracious enough to let us crash on his floor. Thanks again Casey. Turns out Casey's a pretty fucking talented skater, artist, and all around cool motherfucker. And he had this skate graveyard going on at his place.
We eventually crammed back into the van, for a long, hungover ride home. Get out there and get some.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE "STRANGE ANGLES" NOW AVAILABLE ON iTunes!!!!
So yeah, we're on iTunes now, so go buy our EP "Strange Angles"....not to be confused with strange angels. We're not into angels for fucks sake. We're into rock and roll, and drugs, and evil shit. The albums mostly black like our hearts. And red. like blood.
Hail Satan!!!
Hail Satan!!!
Friday, October 19, 2012
GO BUY OUR EP AND MAKE ME RICH!!!
So after months of hard work, recording, re-recording, mixing, mastering and everything else that goes into making a CD we're finally done.
We've already starting the recording for our full length, hopefully it will be out by late spring early summer of next year.
For now go check The Difference Engine's EP "Strange Angles." CDs will be done in a couple of weeks, but if you're into digital downloads and what not you can go buy it now at our bandcamp page here. Thanks for the support and love and come out and see us, setting up dates now for November and December.
Buy our EP and support real indipendent music!!
We've already starting the recording for our full length, hopefully it will be out by late spring early summer of next year.
For now go check The Difference Engine's EP "Strange Angles." CDs will be done in a couple of weeks, but if you're into digital downloads and what not you can go buy it now at our bandcamp page here. Thanks for the support and love and come out and see us, setting up dates now for November and December.
Buy our EP and support real indipendent music!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
POSTINGS FOR NERDS
Yeah, it's been a while. Things have been crazy here in twisted knife world. The bands played out several times a week in the last couple of months. Getting CDs, t-shirts, stickers and all the rest of the merch made has been a pain in the ass. I've also had a bunch of other bull shit to deal with. Water pipe break at my house that had me digging a hole, plugging leak, only to have it break again, and again. Third times a charm I'm hoping. Haven't been skating in I don't know how long. Getting old sucks kids. You have to do things you don't want to, or feel like doing pretty much all the time.
To top all that off I've had a killer tooth ache all week and no money to get it fixed. I did learn a pretty good lesson however. Weed totally dulls the pain from said tooth ache, but then I get the munchies and want to chow down on Doritos or whatever and I can't. It's torture I tell you.
To top all that off I've had a killer tooth ache all week and no money to get it fixed. I did learn a pretty good lesson however. Weed totally dulls the pain from said tooth ache, but then I get the munchies and want to chow down on Doritos or whatever and I can't. It's torture I tell you.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
FUCK THOSE FUCKERS
I rarely use facebook these days. Why? Because everyone's uber religious, homophobic, right wing, left wing, politically fucking retarded. Seriously, the world is obviously fucked, and the USA ain't what she used to be.
The Economy tanking makes me think about how lucky I really am. I have no big debt, I live on the cheap, I don't fuck with credit cards (they're the fucking devil, useless unless you own a business.) and I don't have a lot of expensive habits. Smoking, but I'm trying to quit OK!?!
Here in the Heartland (Missouri, Misery, the leadbelt, the parkland, the fucking asshole of america.) we've had no goddamn rain, temperatures reaching 100 or more every fucking day, and mother fuckers going crazy. Just to give you an Idea of where I live, the shitty ass clown, fuck faced, inbred bunch of fuck tards known as the K.K.K. had a picnic last weekend. They were giving away free sandwiches. Which in it'self seems nice right? But it's just so fucking underhanded. They say they're not a hate group, but their regulations, stipulations, and what not doesn't allow for anyone not white.
Then I think about how everything is like that. Our Congress is bought and sold by the special interest groups, the military industrial complex, and Wall Street. The sad part is I know this, I know it's all a lie, I know how the asshole cops, lawyers, judges, congressmen and the like perform in their respective job duties. (Just a note, I realize that not every of the aforementioned occupations are fueled by nothing but assholes, there are good cops, lawyers, etc.....It's just that they're so far and few between.) but I just don't give two shits anymore. That's wrong of me, but arguing with someone that even cares what Chick-fiturd thinks about gay marriage is like trying to make a retard not retarded. IMPOSSIBLE!?!
Having a sense of humor, and not taking the whole ride of life too seriously. Stop caring what the fucking actors, rockstars, preachers, politicians, and for fucks sake a fast food chain say about what life is! They are just part of the problem.
I love how Tim says he lived with Eric Koston and doesn't really know him. I think that's one of the thing, besides his skating, that we all love about Koston. Just a mystery, but at the same time totally likeable. Skateboarders on the whole have the right attitude about all of this. Fuck you, get out of my way, and fuck your agendas. Enjoy life, and the world around you, get out, search, travel, don't take a moment for granted. It's just a ride.
http://www.vice.com/epicly-later-d/eric-koston-part-4
The Economy tanking makes me think about how lucky I really am. I have no big debt, I live on the cheap, I don't fuck with credit cards (they're the fucking devil, useless unless you own a business.) and I don't have a lot of expensive habits. Smoking, but I'm trying to quit OK!?!
Here in the Heartland (Missouri, Misery, the leadbelt, the parkland, the fucking asshole of america.) we've had no goddamn rain, temperatures reaching 100 or more every fucking day, and mother fuckers going crazy. Just to give you an Idea of where I live, the shitty ass clown, fuck faced, inbred bunch of fuck tards known as the K.K.K. had a picnic last weekend. They were giving away free sandwiches. Which in it'self seems nice right? But it's just so fucking underhanded. They say they're not a hate group, but their regulations, stipulations, and what not doesn't allow for anyone not white.
Then I think about how everything is like that. Our Congress is bought and sold by the special interest groups, the military industrial complex, and Wall Street. The sad part is I know this, I know it's all a lie, I know how the asshole cops, lawyers, judges, congressmen and the like perform in their respective job duties. (Just a note, I realize that not every of the aforementioned occupations are fueled by nothing but assholes, there are good cops, lawyers, etc.....It's just that they're so far and few between.) but I just don't give two shits anymore. That's wrong of me, but arguing with someone that even cares what Chick-fiturd thinks about gay marriage is like trying to make a retard not retarded. IMPOSSIBLE!?!
Having a sense of humor, and not taking the whole ride of life too seriously. Stop caring what the fucking actors, rockstars, preachers, politicians, and for fucks sake a fast food chain say about what life is! They are just part of the problem.
I love how Tim says he lived with Eric Koston and doesn't really know him. I think that's one of the thing, besides his skating, that we all love about Koston. Just a mystery, but at the same time totally likeable. Skateboarders on the whole have the right attitude about all of this. Fuck you, get out of my way, and fuck your agendas. Enjoy life, and the world around you, get out, search, travel, don't take a moment for granted. It's just a ride.
http://www.vice.com/epicly-later-d/eric-koston-part-4
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