Vintage Scooter Replacement

I'm a mod. I think 1963 - 1966 is a high point in terms of style, design and music. And I've always loved vintage scooters. I've had a few of them over the years and they're a blast. But this car is, in my mind, the ultimate. I've driven this '63 356 Super for 10 years now and I never tire of it (Teddy seems to like it, as well). It feels like the natural evolution of my scooter love. Now, don't get me wrong, if I lived in a more metropolitan area I would probably still have my '74 Rally 200. But I live right off the most vintage car-friendly stretch of road in the nation - Mulholland Highway through the Malibu Hills. And I've loved this car since I first saw one when I was 5. So there you go. I still feel like the Ace Face when I drive it and I hope the mod faithful understand.

Visit To The Holy Land

If you love the out of doors then that title is not sacrilege or hyperbole. This is the humble shack where Mr. Yvon Chouinard started making climbing equipment way back in the day. That company evolved into Patagonia. This shack still exists in the courtyard of Patagonia headquarters in Ventura. Pretty great. I had to sneak back in there and grab this shot. Besides making great stuff, he's THE model of what a company leader should be in every way. If you haven't read his book "Let My People Go Surfing" then stop reading this and grab it right away. Really. Go. Now. Scoot.

You'll Be Mods And You'll Like It, Dammit!

The kids on my brother's '63 Lambretta. Wish it was mine. 'Tis much nicer than the ones I used to ride. Anyway, I have him cruise by often so the kids will be exposed. Could go either way. They could embrace my style or, because I'm Dad, reject it and embrace metal or country-rock. Time will tell.

You'd Better Believe It.

I don't care what year we're talking about, I still think this is true.

Special Thanks to Parkaavenue for this beauty.

Nashville Portraits

Amazing real, honest portraits.

Being an American, I was raised by fans of old-time country music (as well as other genres - mostly jazz and classical, honestly). When driving through Nashville as a kid, Dad got last-second, SRO tickets to the Grand Ole Opry (in the original, old, rickety building) and dragged us kids in. I think we saw Mel Tillis and Buck Owens among others. We, being kids, were miserable and hungry. My dad just kept saying "you'll remember this later." I do remember it.

And I'm still not a fan of all country - mostly the classic stuff that's really more folk than anything. But these photos are cool. Honest. And man, country is the only genre where the people are artists but still look like they could kick the crap out of you.

The Case For Increased School Library Funding

This is a real interaction with my son. My wife told me about the report he had to do for school and I went in, camera blazing.

Sound Advice, Mr. Graffiti Man.

Seen on my ride this morning. Good life advice, wouldn't you say? I think I'll give it a shot with my wife in a bit. Wish me luck.