February Trip to Austin

Somehow Dakota Roberson and David Langston convinced the powers that be at Southside Skatepark that I needed some days off to go on a weekend road trip to Austin to film it up. Accompanying us was Sean Villars and George Karvounis. This was the first time that I had gone on the road with the latter two, but it worked out and they held their own on the road for sure. When we went up to Austin we stayed at Jacalyn's place, since she resides in a house waiting for it to sell for her parents all by herself. It's great being able to hit the road and go to a different skateboarding scene and be taken care of, it never happens more often than in Austin, Texas. The weather was amazing and we stopped by to meet up with Guru Khalsa at his new place which was really nice. He seemed to be enjoying the new house and trying to get out and skate with the locals such as Flint Brewer and JD Clark. We skated street all day while being shown around by Shaun Mefford as he was shooting photos. On Sunday we made a point to stop by Alien Pod as we heard that it might be in it's final days. It seems as though recent rail construction in the area as put the secluded and hidden spot up for demolition by the Transportation Board of Austin. To bad it doesn't seem as though the City of Austin is going to turn a blind eye to the do it yourself "Dream Destroyers" creation. We filmed our last lines there and kissed it goodbye, just in case the next time we are in Austin the spot is gone. Thanks for the good times Alien Pod, hope to see you again soon, take care and rest in peace.

Houston, Great Place to Live

Believe it or not Houston, Texas might just be one of the best kept secrets in regards places to live in the United States this millennium. Somehow Houston has managed to dodge the brunt of an economic downturn, while still affording many of it's citizens a decent living wage and a high quality of life. Everything is less expensive in Houston. We have some of the best restaurants and bars in the country and you can still have dinner for two at under $100. If you are out traveling the US and are looking for a place to visit you should really stop by and have a blast. Recently, and I never thought I would live to see it, Houston put in a massive public skatepark downtown. It has a downtown skyline overlook and is a really great place to roll around and warm up before heading out and getting some street footage. The only problem is that you have to wear a helmet, but hopefully not for long as people are working hard to change that. We also have access to the Gulf of Mexico, just 50 minutes south of downtown. You can literally go out to the beach for the day and go out downtown the same night. There are not to many places in the US that you can enjoy those types of amenities and still be able to afford a really nice home for under $200,000. Of course, Southside Skatepark is there as the only problem we have in this town is our violent changes of weather. One day it is hot and muggy, the next chilly and brisk. Southside Skatepark is there taking care, just look at how happy people are to be there.

Farewell Federal, We Will Miss You!

I took this image about a year ago when the Federal Bank was moving from this location to their new facility on Allen Parkway. I suppose that security was somewhat compromised during this process so they posted a armed guard outside. I knew that eventually one of the spots with the highest bust factor in the city, might become skateable for a few months. Surprisingly enough it became a hot spot that ended up getting a lot of coverage and attention from the industry. Footage from the spot was in numerous online montages and various videos. I knew it wouldn't last but was pleasantly surprised that it lasted as long as it did. When it was all good to go and skate there I would try to go as often as I could. When the crew I was rolling with wanted to go elsewhere I tried to remind them that the spot would not last forever and that once gone, it would be missed. Eventually a church group acquired the building and immediately started the harsh process of shutting down the spot. It didn't die easily and the Habitat team and photographers ended up getting their equipment confiscated and thrown in jail for an overnight stint. The church group being so forgiving tried to go down to the jail and force Houston's authorities to hold the offenders for a longer period of time. I suppose that is the Christian thing to do, nah probably not. I know that the group was trespassing but to take it further than it had already been taken was just ridiculous. The spot is still there but I haven't heard of anyone touching it since, time to let it cool off for a little while, we'll have to wait and see.

California Days and Nights

So, apparently when you order a latte at an organic foods restaurant in LA they carve a little bird out in the froth. When it came out to the table I had to shoot a photo. Isn't that tight? It looks like it could be the cover of Blueprint and Alien Workshops bastard video child. I really like the way it looked and after I drank it I was reved way, way up. Lunch was nice to, apparently the restaurant had recently been renovated, it dubbed as bakery as well. All their breads were baked daily and all meats and greens were organic. After lunch we went back to the Berrics for a little while and then went on down to Pacific Highway 1 to dinner. The view from the table was really nice. We ate dinner while watching the sunset on our first day in LA, which was probably one of the highlights of the trip. You would of enjoied it too, if you had been there.

Things to Do While in LA

So, after we were all settled in at the Roosevelt I texted Steve for the location of the Berrics. He replied and we cruised over there to shoot some images of the park and get some ideas about our own park. It is hard to visualize new things that would work well within the current set up at Southside, so I thought this might help. The office area is pretty tight, there are all kinds of things being monitored and done there. I saw a tray of AVE raw footage tapes, didn't see any footage of course. Thought I would go ahead and shoot a photo of the Game of SKATE bracket that is mid game right now. This weekend is going to be insane as we are now down to the semi-finals. the pictures below are of the "boardroom" just look at how many decks there are. You know they aren't even skated that much either. There are probably a few of those, "I just don't like this deck" in there. They have lights, interchangeable rails for the set, all kinds of mini props that change existing larger structures. I will post up some shots of the park tomorrow, glad to have been able to stop by and check it out.

Los Angeles's Roosevely Hotel

The Roosevelt Hotel is one of Hollywood, California's most storied hotels. Home to many a rat pack actor and actress over the years the hotel resides just across the street from the famous Chinese Theather on the Hollwood Strip. Janine is so internet travel savy that she was able to secure us a room for three days and two night at half the price. Traveling in during the January offseason has it's perks. The day before flying out to LA I decided to hit up Steve Berra and was lucky enough to have him answer. We wanted to hit up the Berrics and see it for ourselves, he said to give him a call once we were settled. Upon arriving at the hotel I was shocked at how dark and relaxing the atmosphere was. I suppose that's what Hollywood's elite had loved about it for all these years. Pretty quickly Janine and I felt at ease within our hotel room. We wandered around the hotel and shot off a couple photos that you can see accompaning this text. If you are ever in Hollywood and have a chance I suggest you book yourself a room. The hotel is quite nice and you won't be dissapointed. I was relucatant, but that is what wives are for, to make you try new things and try to relax and live in the moment. I am very greatful to be experiencing my new life as Southside Skatepark's caretaker. We are able to travel more now than we ever have in our lives, something we have always wanted to do. I won't soon forget my stay at the Roosevelt, it looks more expensive than it actually was, don't be fooled.

Popeye Cat

This cat stays at the flop house in Austin. It isn't as comforting as you would think falling asleep with this little guy watching over you. He doesn't like pictures much and I was lucky to get out of there with this image of him. He looks kind of pissed off in the photo. I think he wants some treats. If I had some you know I would have hooked him up. Next time I head over there I will have to stop at Pet Smart and get him some super gourmet food. Safe bet that this skate house cat is going to end up in someones lifestyle interview head shot sooner or later, he is just too much of a character. See you when I see you homie.