Death (from Detroit)

I was looking at an interesting website called the Acid Sweat Lodge and I saw this picture..

The fake Death.  Photo by Sarah Kjelleren

  Style Research: Uniforms

Now first this is a sweet picture. Nuff said.  But to take it up a notch I know a fellow here in town who is in a band called Rough Francis.  His name is Bobby.  We don't know each other well (though I'd like to hang with him sometime) but we know the same people.  Anyway the band pictured above is Bobby impersonating his dad and his uncles and thier band Death.  They were pioneers, think Iggy and the Stooges, of punk rock.  When you see this picture the guy on the left must be Bobby's dad because they could be twins. Read more here and here.

"... I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. When I was told the history of the band and what year they recorded this music, it just didn’t make sense. Ahead of punk, and ahead of their time.” -Jack White

the real Death.  Photo by Tammy Hackney

Anyway here is some Death and Rough Francis for some Friday Tunes.

 and finally Death and Rough  Francis playing together:

This...

is the most bike action I've gotten in a week.  It's been floating around for a while but it is just what the Doctor ordered.  Thanks All Hail the Black Market for turning me on.

Muscles Not Motors

This is something that I can get behind.  Onion River Sports in Montpelier, VT has announced the launch of a new website based on thier motto: Muscles not Motors.  According to ORS owner Andrew Brewer, "We’ve created a business that communicates the values of Muscles Not Motors: living a well-balanced, active life with purpose. Vermonters recognize the importance of being socially responsible, healthy citizens. Muscles Not Motors brings that Vermont attitude to the world!"

Ain't nothin' wrong with that!

The kid's got class

This has been making the rounds on the internet and Facebook.  If you are one of the few people with internet access who hasn't watched this, do yourself a favor and do it now.  This kid is an inspiration for his imagination and dedication to a dream.  Makes me think what am I doing with my life and do I love/believe in it as much as this kid.  Just watch it's a funny, inspiring, touching story.

Levon Helm

Sad news today from the music world.  Levon Helm, drummer/vocalist/songwriter from The Band and the series of "Midnight Rambles" at his home in Woodstock, NY, is in the final stage of his battle with cancer.  I saw this news on the Old Spokes Home website and followed this to Levon's website where I saw the news repeated.  The Band is, in my opinion, one of the greatest and under-appreciated musical acts of all time.  The blended perfectly American roots music with rock and soul to create something unique filled with beauty and passion. 

And you know the Muppets recognized good songwriting.

It's Spring...

this is my classic:  the Monday morning commute.  Actually the Friday ride home and Monday ride to work.  This setup is a bit easier on the schedule since I don't need to budget an extra two hours into my work day. I can spread it over two days and really the only one who notices the extra time for the morning commute is me since everyone is sleeping when I leave the house.  The benefits to my psyche are huge.   The photography is shitty.  Next time I'll at least bring a point and shoot camera.  Anything is an improvement from my phone.

Friday afternoon before I lost my taillight

Old farm-stand in Colchester

This is my spring classic

 Note: I did not drink a beer on my morning commute, not that it's a bad idea, I just didn't do it.  The can propping my bike upright was one of six I found discarded by some nature hating roadside fisherman.

Friday tunes on Thursday

just 'cause.

I believe

I have a tool fetish.

Fastboy

I've been reading Fastboy's Blog for about two years.  I stumbled across it looking at beautiful bikes and photography.  After poking around for a bit is saw he was a native Vermonter and quickly fell into his story.  He's a young fellow, healthy and athletic.  He seems to be doing everything right and then he get's cancer.  His blog follows him through the process of his treatment and eventual relapse.  Now he has beaten back the beast for a second time and has turned his energies back to building bikes and damn beautiful pieces of art at that.  Here is his latest offering which I saw on his site and then on a few others. 

And here's another older model:

 Inspiring story/ functional art.