1967 VW Beetle

So I finally got the VW back. It took 3 weeks but was well worth it. She runs like brand new. Today I got the new carpet in. I think this just about wraps up my restoration work for now; time to drive and enjoy it. Here are some pics.

My 1967 VW, recent stuff I have done.

Art can save lives

Now, when you read that title you might think "What the hell is this guys problem?" Well, nothing really.

About a week ago I posted a really personal demon of mine; my childhood. It's something I don't talk about much. My Wife knows the stories. Some of my old friends know... My Sister knows because she suffered right along with me.

There are some new things I have thought about that I might post in the next week or so. That or I will trash them and let them forever collect dust in my memory. Maybe that's a better place..

Art & Perception

Interesting article about the idea of Fine Art vs. Commercial Art. What do you think?

Art & Perception, is it selling your soul?

Taqueria Del Sol

Don't get me wrong... I love the food there, and I think everyone else in this city does. But, this one really just threw me over the edge.

"You may have read other entries referring to how they hustle and orchestrate seating to optimize traffic flow. While I agree with the business rationale for asking people to sit in certain places if they're by themselves, or restrict seating before placing an order, some exceptions can be made. In my grandmother's case, I naturally assumed I could seat her at a table while I waited in the out-the-door line to place an order for our lunches.

In the meantime, this dumbass went over to my grandmother to tell her that she will have to wait in line with everyone else (walker and all). When she demurred, the moron suggested that she hop up on one of the barstools--cane and all. I left my place in line to inform him that she would indeed be sitting down. He rather militantly stated that this was "against the rules". I asked him if it would be against the rules if he received a thumping instead. I'm not a hothead at all...but I was deeply protective of my grandmother.

Anyway, long story short: I found out later this officious cretin was the manager. When I spoke with the owner about my experience, he essentially told me too bad, those are the rules."

Tacos served by turds, you have to read this!

Rap Cat!

Got the hottest beats, and the softest fur!

Rap Cat!, check it out.

Individuality

Today I was on the train feeling lazy half way into my bike commute to town. Looking around, I noticed that everyone seemed to have some type of branding in his or her t-shirts. (How I pick up on stuff like this; anyway) Everywhere I looked it was Nike, Timberland, more Nike and even an MTV shirt.

All the different brands coming at me made me think about this company I used to skate for back in the day called Raped Inc. Before a bunch of people left the team (and the company called it quits) Shawn Beeks had a deck made up with all of our names on it. Also, it had a message about the lack of individuality among people today. Here is that message:

"Raped inc. was started in the fall of 1996 as the result of an everyday conversation with a friend about the lack of individuality among people in America. Most of it centers around beliefs, cultures, or lack there of, and the ethics of everyone. Living in Athens, Georgia has made me realize more than ever that those who lack an identity of their own tend to sample the identities of others. This is evident throughout American "culture," and especially in matters of money. Basically, if an image or work can produce feelings from people, it can be sold at any cost. There are times when the "have's" abduct objects, or ideas from the "have not's" and mass produce them for the general public simply for profit. Unless you consider yourself a "have not" I do not expect you to understand the theory stated above. But, next time you are at the mall, or watching television, pay attention to the images that are being thrown at you and think about where they are coming from".....

Just food for thought. What do you think?

SWFAddress - Deep linking for Flash

"SWFAddress is a small script that sits on top of SWFObject and provides deep linking for Flash websites and applications. In other words it enables the Back, Forward and Reload buttons of the browser and creates unique URLs with page titles that can be sent over email or IM. SWFAddress uses the ExternalInterface functionality introduced in Flash Player 8 and comes with a technique that enables search engine indexing for deep Flash links."

SWFAddress - Deep linking for Flash, learn more

Skateboarding 1986 - 2000

Those who know me know I rode a skateboard for a lot of years; Great times. Surfing around on youTube, here are just a few influences I grew up on:

New Deal 1281 - Chris Hall 1991
Matt Hensley - H-Street Shackle Me Not 1988
The Bones Brigade Video Show (Skateboarding)
New Deal 1281 - Ed Templeton and Mike Vallely 1991

Brand Information Systems

My buddy Gabe has put together a nice little site showing design work new and old. It's cool to see the progression of his style over the years. Internet ^5 to ya man!

Brand Information Systems, check it out.

Self expression is important

I remember my sister and I huddling under a fish tank at my parents house when I was about 4 years old. I remember sounds of glass breaking; my Dad peeling out of the driveway; broken furniture, tea cups and hearts.

My Parents divorced right before I turned 5. I often used to joke with my Mom telling her I remembered little things like that. She would laugh and say, “Eric, your Dad and I never fought like that”. Lol, I would tell her vivid memories that would silence the conversation with facts.

6 months after Dad left, at school I was put in a program with a counselor where I would be assigned to draw how I felt on a weekly basis. It would often involve wonderful crayons that I used to sneak home. I think she knew I was keeping them. My drawings would be random things. Sunshine's, rainy day’s, etc. (Well, back then I am sure it was mostly a bunch of nothing seeing that I had no idea what I was doing) One thing she would always tell me is “Eric, I want you to feel comfortable. If you are happy express that, if you are sad that’s ok too.” This went on for a little over a year. I don’t remember her name, but I wish I could thank her for introducing me to the wonderful world of self expression.

Fast FWD about 5-6 years. My Dad leaving was truly a hard thing for my Family. My Mom was not the best parent; I know she tried but we always seemed to be without. Lights cut off, no food, sometimes no phone. (I guess that’s why God made Man and Woman for each other; to be together as one so life is not as hard) I grew up thinking this was what the world was really about. (Makes you really want to be a part of it)

Once in an English class, probably middle school I was required to write a Christmas story. Everyone was doing the typical stuff; Santa, Christmas tree, etc. I pulled from my imagination and wrote about two kids coming home from school the weekend before the Holidays. They met a man covered in nothing more than newspapers and old boxes. At first, they were scared he might hurt them. But, after a gentle hello they realized he was a normal person going through some hard times. He spoke of how they needed to be happy they were going home to a warm fire and clean clothes; how they would be opening gifts on Christmas with their Families.

The two children thanked the man and rushed home with a better appreciation for the Holidays, etc. The story also followed with a little flip book made out of shoe boxes I had. Poorly illustrated it won an award at my school for creative writing.

I did not understand at the time, and probably not until many years later that I was actually taking events from my own life and using them in for elements in story telling. That, or it was my way as a child to let the world know I was hurting and struggling with my parents divorce and being poor.

With that said, I think it’s more important than anything to learn how to express how you feel. That it be a song, poem, style of dress, art, etc.

Someday when Amanda and I have children I will make sure to sit down with (insert name) and ask them how their day was; maybe we can break out some crayons and draw what the day was like.

Ajello Rolls From Agency.com

Interesting to say the least.

"NEW YORK Tom Ajello, Agency.com's ecd in New York, has become the latest executive to leave the shop, the company confirmed.

Agency.com has suffered a string of high-level departures since ex-CEO Don Scales resigned in February 2006 over strategic differences with TBWA. The departures since new CEO David Eastman took the reins include the managing partners of the New York and San Francisco offices and media director Scott Symonds. Several other Agency.com staffers followed Scales to iCrossing, a search agency.

Ajello Rolls From Agency.com

The Bridge Documentary

"More people choose to end their lives at the Golden Gate Bridge than anywhere else in the world. THE BRIDGE offers glimpses into the darkest, and possibly most impenetrable corners of the human mind. The fates of the 24 people who died at the Golden Gate Bridge in 2004 are linked together by a 4 second fall."

The Bridge Documentary.

Police Seek Atlantic Station Killer

Article information from 11Alive.com

"Atlanta Police detectives are reviewing surveillance video in the hope it will yield clues in the first-ever murder in the fashionable Midtown Atlanta neighborhood of Atlantic Station.

"You never would guess that something like that would happen over here, but crime is everywhere," resident Sonya McClendon said when she heard fatal gunshots near her home in midtown's Atlantic Station complex. The Tuesday afternoon shooting is the first murder in the mixed use complex of residences, retail stores and office buildings that has become a symbol of intown Atlanta's redevelopment.

Of course there have been crimes in the area, mostly car and home break-ins, but nothing like the broad daylight shooting around 5 p.m. Monday. Atlanta Police said it apparently began as an argument between two men in a car at the corner of 17th and Mecaslin Streets. It ended with 28-year-old Rodney Cunningham of Atlanta dead in some bushes outside the Park District apartment building. A woman with them was grazed by a bullet and is being interviewed by detectives as a witness. Apparently none of those involved lived in the complex.

Witnesses said the shooter sped off in a gold or tan Buick sedan. Police hope some of the numerous surveillance cameras in the area will provide more clues. Anyone who knows anything about the crime is asked to call the Crimestoppers Tip Line at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Calls can be kept confidential and there's a reward of up to $2,000."

Police Seek Atlantic Station Killer, learn more.

Why Dave Chappelle Left

Interesting video about why Dave Chappelle left his show. It's funny that the more money that's involved, the more BS people have to put up with.

Why Dave Chappelle Left, learn more.

Almighty Boston!

Almighty Boston is doing some really nice work. Check them out when you have a moment.

Almighty Boston, learn more.

Homeless in Atlanta

"You are looking at the face of a VERY unhappy man" Those were his words to me.

I am always interested in hearing stories of Homeless people in Atlanta. Something in my heart always wants to offer them whatever I have in my pockets. Sure, there are a lot that might go spend it on drugs, etc. But, there are also the one’s that are just trying to get food, shelter, etc. It kills me to see how society looks at them as “trash”.

This man did not even approach me, I approached him. He was walking around with a blanket on his back. I asked, “Have you been able to keep warm at night?” He said, “Man, I am freezing to death out here, and no one cares either”. We talked about other things. He said he was working for a company in Detroit; came down here for better work, made some bad choices and is now homeless.

He said he was also a Vietnam Vet. Now, My Dad was in Vietnam, so I do know a little about the war. He said he in the U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry in 1968. (Something about a fight in Nhi Ha. I wrote that down so I would remember it.)

He also told me that he asked a man for a cup of coffee about a week ago and the man spit in his face. Can you believe that? Someone that fought for our Country getting spit at in the face. What does that say about our Country?

Before I left, I bought him about $10 worth of snacks, and refilled my soda and gave it to him. It made him smile. He said that “it’s people like me that make him want to keep on going, to try to get out the situation he is in”.

Like I said, I know there are people out there hustling for $ on the streets. But it’s good to keep in mind that we all came from the same place, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Photo 1 on my Flickr photoStream
Photo 2 on my Flickr photoStream

Wolfsburg West

As some of you know, I have a 1967 VW Beetle my GrandFather kindly let me inherit. He purchased it brand new and it's been in my Family as long as I can remember. I have been replacing little things here and there.

There is this GREAT place in California called Wolfsburg West. The selection of parts and quality is by far the best I have seen.

"Celebrating 20 years of high quality, Wolfsburg West is the ultimate source for Volkswagen Beetle and Volkswagen Bus restoration parts. Our comprehensive parts inventory exceeds 5000, making us the largest "stock" Volkswagen parts dealer in the world. At Wolfsburg West, we offer only the highest quality parts available, including O.E.M. German parts, new old stock (N.O.S.) parts, and quality reproduction parts. It is through our commitment to quality, which has allowed Wolfsburg West to be the leading manufacturer of reproduction VW Bug, and VW Bus parts. Each member of our staff is expert in the field of air-cooled VW's and can assist you by providing product installation tips and procedures, as well as suggesting additional parts that may be needed to properly complete your project."

Check out Wolfsburg West
Check out my 1967 VW Beetle

Jim Phillips

I grew up skateboarding. I don't even have to write anything about this post. Simply put; Jim Phillips is an amazing artist. Takes me back to those day's.

Check out Jim Phillips art work

Jesus Muzik

Anyone that's close to me knows that I am a believer, but not over the top with Jesus type stuff. I have always been laid back and never pushed my views on other people.

I ran across this today; originally from a post off my buddy Mason Poes site. I dunno, I am kinda feeling it. A lot of the rap (not hip hop) out right now seems all about drugs, guns, cadillac grillz and hoes. It may sound like crunk music, but it does have a positive message. (although, a little silly) Take it as you will.

Get down on some Jesus Muzik

Cool Apple stuff

"You guys ROCK! I placed an order Thursday, and received it Saturday! How do you beat that?! I will recommend you to all of my Mac friends!"

If you love Apple (and I know you do) check out this site!

The Missing Bite

Working for FREE (UPDATE)

Now, I first posted this back in Jan. I was in touch with the former student just the other day to find out she is working pretty much day's, nights, weekends, etc for "FREE" only to get that great work in her book. Now, you tell me who is being ripped off here..

So today I had a conversation with a friend of mine who is about to move further South to take an internship at ___________. When I asked about a little more detail, I was told they were going to be working for free. After an hour of thinking the idea really started to bother me.... Working for free. Then, I started to think even more about lot’s of other people who have been through the same thing.

When I was in college (2002) I did have an internship at a very good shop in town. I too worked for free. Why did I do it? So I could have the name on my resume and the work in my book. Would I do it now if I were in the same boat? I honestly don’t know. And this is why:

Working over the last few years, I have learned there are places out there EVERYONE wants to work; And what’s sad is I believe the Agency’s know that. Does that give them the right to abuse people, burn them out and replace them after 3-6 months with the next eager intern? Do these CD’s sit in a room and think “We don’t have to pay people because we are one of the best. People will work for free”. I simply don’t think it’s fair at all. Students should at least be paid a decent wage for their efforts.

There is something to be said about someone that has a lot of natural talent. Hands down, Art school can only teach you so much. I have seen over the last few year’s some really great students of mine end up getting offers to work internships for FREE. What really gets me is, I have seen students great idea’s get sold to clients. And, what did they give back to the person? That piece in their book? Not always because some end up signing lot’s of NDA’s, etc; so they can’t even showcase the work. I feel they are simply raped of their idea’s and effort.

How do you feel?

First fundamental rule

I think the comments below are very well written... I know I make lot's of mistakes each day; and learn from all of them.

"First fundamental rule; programming languages, especially ActionScript, are designed for YOU to use. They are not just for the scary smart folks, and you don't need a degree in computer science to become a good programmer. This seems a simple concept but I assure you that the assumption that you can never learn something or that it is not designed for ���people like you��? can be more of a barrier to your success then anything else."

"Second rule; most programming books are thick and not really designed for you to read them cover to cover. Think of them is instructions broken up in to sections. Like the manual you get for a new car. The car is designed for you to drive it. You only need the manual to learn about a particular feature or maintenance. You will use the book as a reference and jump around from section to section to learn about when you need as you need it. Taking a similar approach to your programming books can make them far less intimidating."

Third rule; start small. Give yourself the chance to learn to walk before you run! I can't count the number of times a brand new Flash user boldly enters the user forum with a URL to a professional website built by a team of 5-12 experts and asks ���can someone tell me how they built that site. That is exactly what I want to do!��? Sorry, but few things in life work that way. There is a reason most coding platforms and language manuals start with the ���Hello World��? program and it is not because programmers find it amusing."

So you are new to ActionScript by Ken Toley

Stereo Eclipse = AMAZING.

"When scientists announce they're about to calibrate their instruments, science writers normally put away their pens. It's hard to write a good story about calibration. This may be the exception:

On Feb. 25, 2007, NASA scientists were calibrating some cameras aboard the STEREO-B spacecraft and they pointed the instruments at the sun. Here is what they saw:"

Watch a Stereo Eclipse

Flash Professional 9 ActionScript 3.0 Preview

"Adobe Flash Professional 9 ActionScript 3.0 Preview provides registered users of Flash Professional 8 with early access to the new ActionScript 3.0 language and the ability to publish to the newly-released Flash Player 9. ActionScript 3.0 and the new ActionScript Virtual Machine introduced with Flash Player 9 are among the most significant advances in the history of Flash. These new advancements, made in Flash Player 9, provide a more robust programming model, achieve standards compliance, and deliver ground-breaking performance improvements.

The Flash Professional 9 ActionScript 3.0 Preview is the only planned "preview release" of the next version of the Flash authoring tool before the final version ships in 2007. The only "new" features exposed in this very early preview of Flash 9 are those related to publishing ActionScript 3.0 content to Flash Player 9. This includes integration of the new ActionScript 3.0 compiler, the new "Document Class" feature which allows users to assign a class to the main timeline, and a new publish target for Flash Player 9. There are other useful features planned for ActionScript development but they are not being made publicly available at this time.
Download and Discuss

A universal binary version of Flash Professional 9 ActionScript 3.0 Preview for Intel-based Macintosh computers is not planned to be made available on Labs. A universal binary version is planned for the final release."

Flash Professional 9 ActionScript 3.0 Preview

Art School

Ok so when I think of schools in Atlanta for design I think The Creative Circus, Portfolio Center and The Art Institute.

Now, I went to school at The Art Institute. (Pause for a moment) So, from reading the information above that would mean I went to the worst of the 3? Well, that depends on who you ask. Also, I suppose it’s all a matter of opinion. Here is mine.

Around 1998 I was going to school for Computer science. Completely bored with the abstract concepts I was being taught I decided to do something with Art. Art had been in my life for a long as I can remember. Of course, my parents always told me “I know you like that stuff, but it’s not going to make you a living”. Well, I should say it was more my Mom than Dad. My Dad is a Photographer at heart so now he does more than anything support what I do. Mom was well; just not that involved to begin with. (ugh)

I wanted to get into Multimedia/Web stuff. Out of the three schools, AIA was the only one that had a complete program dedicated to nothing more than just that. I was sold and transferred to The Art Institute in the Fall of 1998. (Fast fwd a few years)

So, I graduated.....

Looking back and even until now. How do I feel about AIA?

I believe it’s a commercial approach to art school. Sure, it’s a business and they are in it to make $. But, why did they seem to allow anyone to enroll? Sure, I had to write a thesis type paper that sure as hell made me feel important at the time. (I wonder sometimes, did they read it or just stamp a big “APPROVED” right next to my student loan check)

I learned a TON there for sure. But, what I think I learned more than anything was how to get my work on the web; how to ftp, how to use photoshop better, illustrator, dreamweaver, flash yadda yadda. I remember a few quarters before I graduated I took a “conceptual thinking” class. I asked the Dean of education why they did not make you take that right at the start, or at least more classes like it.

To me, the the idea is EVERYTHING. It’s the most important part of the process. If you don’t know what you are doing then how do you know what to execute? That’s my frustration with The Art Institute. They teach people how to execute, but not the creative process as a whole. Maybe in the traditional design programs it’s a bit different. However my time there I know was mostly spent learning the technical side of things.

I remember a few times teachers getting on to me about bringing in rough sketches for idea’s. Why? Because I did not spend 6 hours in photoshop showing all the tech mastery I had been learning. (Let’s not forget the bad drop shadows and bevels)

Maybe things have changed?

Good, relevant post from now on!

Ok, so during lunch my homeboy Beaman let me know that my post here have been somewhat dry, boring and without substance. So, I promise to only post things of interest. (Ok, so I might throw in some Flash related stuff, but that’s just because I am excited about learning more AS 2. Sorry you uber nerds, I probably won’t touch the AS 3 stuff)

So, what’s new around here?

I have been really busy at work. That’s a good thing. Speaking of work stuff. I have been at RazorFish for a little over a year now. I started as a freelancer. (thanks Corey! Ok, Anja, and Mason too) It’s pretty fast paced, but we are doing some cool stuff. Later this year we move to a new office. I am excited to be in a more open, creative atmosphere which is more what I am used to anyway. Maybe they will even let people bring their Dogs, Cats to work? Hey, it’s worth asking for. We do get free Soda now. :)

Oh, what's this I hear about ChesterFly having a new blog?

Old friends

Ok, enough with all the code talk. Amir and I emailed the other day about some random VW stuff and it reminded me about his site. I checked it out and noticed it's new. (or, new to me at least)

I am sure pretty much everyone in Atlanta has seen his stuff, or Mr Fangs ghosts floating around the city. Nonetheless, he is super talented. Check it out:

mr-totem.com

Learning Fuse

This example is more a mental note for me. Trying to learn some new stuff.

import com.mosesSupposes.fuse.*;
ZigoEngine.register(PennerEasing,FuseItem);


//ZigoEngine.doTween({ target:eric_mc, scale:400, alpha:50, ease:Strong.easeIn, time:"00:50", startAt:"01:50" });

//ZigoEngine.doTween({ target:eric_mc, scale:40, alpha:50, ease:Strong.easeIn, time:"00:50", startAt:"01:50" });

//ZigoEngine.doTween({ target:eric_mc, scale:40, alpha:50, ease: "easeOutBounce", time:"08:50", startAt:"01:50" });

//ZigoEngine.doTween({ target:eric_mc, scale:80, alpha:75, x:'300', time:"01:50"});

ZigoEngine.doTween({ target:eric_mc, scale:80, alpha:75, y:'300', time:"01:50"});

Ok, maybe I do like it

Just sitting here trying to get a grasp on the new Tweener class. I think right off, the issue I have is I want to be able to pass in a "frameTo" or an "alphaTo". It's a lot different than what I have spent the last year learning and using. I knew the time was going to come when mcTween would go to something a little more AS 2, AS 3 oriented. So far looking through the documentation here are the things I have found you can apply in your animations:

_color,
_colorTransform,
_color_ra,
_color_rb,
_color_ga,
_color_gb,
_color_ba,
_color_bb,
_color_aa,
_color_ab,
_frame,
_sound_volume,
_sound_pan,
_alpha,
_x,
_y,

Now, that's not to say there are not more. I am sure there are, or there are going to be. Maybe there will be a full new site to support the class when it's 100% done. If anyone else is using this class I would love to communicate with you and get your thoughts, likes, dislikes, etc. More soon as I continue to learn. (And make lot's of mistakes)

Tweener, better?

Baby steps. I think there are more things I will need to see with this class before I am 100% sold. Anyone else using it?

//Import so we can use:
import caurina.transitions.Tweener;

//Let's make something move:
Tweener.addTween(box_mc, {_alpha:50, time:1, transition:"linear"});

Tweener.addTween(box2_mc, {_x:-10, time:1, delay:3, transition:"linear"});

John Ferguson | PublikSpace

I helped by buddy John with a little Flash to showcase some of his new work. John works over at ArmChair media and his work inspires.

John Ferguson, dropping new hotNess over at PublikSpace

Agency.com Creative Showcase

My friend over at Agency.com sent me this link. I am super impressed with some of the clever ideas behind the work they are doing.

Check out Agency.com Creative Showcase

Stones Throw Podcast Widget

Some nice work from a Portfolio Center student!

Stones Throw Podcast Widget, download it now!

My new best friend!

I have a new best friend. Her name is:

this.attachMovie("moo", "moo_mc", this.getNextHighestDepth(), {_x:5, _y:108});

Capturinglight Photography

Amanda just finished her latest photo shoot with a new baby boy. Her work just gets better and better! Sneak Preview | Newborn Session!

The Capturinglight Photography Blog, click me!