Life Is A Road Trip » Matt

Marrakech

Matt — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:10:13 +0000

West Virgin… ee.. ah.

Matt — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:04:10 +0000

After driving through some of the most similar, flattest, boring states, we got to run through the mountains on the east side of West Virginia on our way to Washington, D.C. Very gorgeous. Funny, I didn’t feel at all weirded out like when I visited over a decade ago and rolled through some unincorporated towns. Thanks for having mountains, West Virginia. Good job.

Red Door East and 3 Crows, Nashville

Matt — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:02:41 +0000

Seeking to get off the beaten path, we headed out to East Nashville to the Red Door Saloon.

No air conditioning :( But we met a lovely couple who are also deep into photography – Sarah and her hubby:

We walked about silver photography, getting it right in camera and how Photoshop is for suxx0r! Long live film, and, err digital.

Having sweated enough, we moved on the the 3 Crow Bar.

Hard to see above is some magical fan that filters out smoke (yes, smoking in bars is still legal! woo-hoo!)

Obligatory.

The chick to guy ratio was kinda in our favor , but I couldn’t have another beer and Zoo was yawning. Too bad, both places looked fairly chill.

Station Inn – Not on Bluegrass Night

Matt — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:40:50 +0000

I have a very fond memory of visiting Nashville about 12 years ago. A friend of mine took me to this trashy area of Nashville to this basement of a place called the Station Inn. i heard heart-wrenchingly-beautiful bluegrass from family bands I had not listened to before, ate simple food and really just plain enjoyed the experience. I’m not dissing the Station Inn, but things have changed a bit.

Tuesday nights now belong to a hilarious country/western comedy group called Doyle and Debbie. We went without checking it out first – our cabbie let us know it was not what we were expecting, but we were in for a treat.

Ummm, and not only was it my first comedy show ever, but we were also the most junior people in the room possibly by 30 years. Nonetheless, it was pretty damn funny and they can sing their hearts out.

Hoping that next time I get to hear more bluegrass :)

Nashville – cleaned up and open for business

Matt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:28:54 +0000

In the wake of the flood Nashville experienced in May, it’s apparent that they are back on their feet and ready to move on.

Speaking of which, Zoo was looking a bit haggard and stopped into a fancy man-cleaning establishment called a barber.

It’s called Red’s Classic Barber Shop. If you are manly and in Nashville, stop in here to make yourself look presentable before going out. Nashville is a well-dressed town.

Cleans up good, don’t he?

BBQ 6: Cozy Corner, Memphis

Matt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:32:10 +0000

We had to boogie outta town to get to Nashville, but despite our BBQ overindulgence we stopped at the local-recommended Cozy Corner on the way to the interstate.

It’s everyone’s favorite!

The sliced pork was already gone, so we opted for baloney (hot-spicy!)

and sliced beef (hot-spicy!) sandwiches.

Great road food, for sure. It was topped off by sweet tea and a slice of pumpkin pie that was to die for.

Gibson Factory, Memphis

Matt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:00:02 +0000

You may not know it, but I’ve been playing guitar since I was 17. I couldn’t pass up a chance to visit the Gibson factory since it was right across the street from our hotel in Memphis.

I skipped the tour, since we had to boogie, but upon entering the store, I saw a shit-ton of guitars… droool. I’m a Martin and Fender guy – Gibson was always the grass on the other side. So I sat and played through a bunch of them.

I gotta say I am disappointed they play the MSRP vs. street price game in the store, but I guess you have to support your sales network. Outside of that, they tune and check all the guitars, so even if you get one made in Indonesia (like I did), it comes all set up as if you went to a shop and had a local pro tune it for you.

This one is my new honey. Solid, bright, loud and shiny. Low action up the fretboard, built-in tuner and some serious electronics should I dare plug it in…

BBQ 7: Drifters, Nashville

Matt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:48:37 +0000

Drifters: As Zoo puts it, this was technically not BBQ since they add stock to the meat after cooking it, but it was nonethless delicious. Plus they also had some tasty BBQ sauces of their own concoction.

I had my first fried pickles. These had the bonus of being hot (spicy). D-Lish.

Pulled pork and beef combo sandwich,

..aaaand some more pulled pork.

Zoo liked the mustard sauce so much they put some in a container for him and divulged some of it’s ingrediential secrets.

And 2-for-1 beers wasn’t a bad deal, either :)

Trust me, really. Justice is only half-blind.

Matt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:11:01 +0000

BBQ 5: Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City, KS

Matt — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 22:23:16 +0000

Scrumdiddlyumptious. Just go.

As you may well know by now, Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ is in a Gas Station. But Anthony Bourdain was not deterred by this…

Bug hurrah from the kitchen staff.

Pulled Pork, Ribs, Creamy Slaw, Onion Rings and draft Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Unfiltered Wheat Beer in the Bud cup.

Sausage, pulled pork, onion rings and the Boulevard Pilsener.

Time for a food coma. It was GLORIOUS.

Kansas is wonderful

Matt — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:27:08 +0000

Not joking. The roads are smooth and fast. The landscape is beautiful. I enjoyed driving through and kinda wish I had longer then my 100 miles to cruise.

FAIL: Credit Card is not Hotel Keycard

Matt — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:49:13 +0000

There was one helluva wedding last night…

SoCo, Austin

Matt — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:57:48 +0000

South Congress in Austin is hip, trendy, hot as bawls. Kinda like Portland on a hot plate minus the rain plus some irrational lack of extra coolness.

Buchanan Dam, TX

Matt — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:58:39 +0000

So we had this grand idea. It required someplace remote and near water. Buchanan Dam, TX was adjacent to a large lake we thought would be great for this photo project.

We first went to Fuzzy’s Corner. Douchecock racists at the bar mumbled something I couldn’t hear, but Zoo did.

Moved on to dinner at Danny’s Country Diner – a solid, family-run place with home cooking.

And then back to Fuzzy’s to show the arsewipes that their stupidity was not intimidating. Then, on to the fun…

Turns out this place is mostly for vacationing seniors. Outsiders such as us are not very often seen and much less welcome.

Buh-Bye New Orleans

Matt — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:33:04 +0000

Here’s a few parting shots of New Orleans. You treated us well.

I finally got a non-foggy shot of Pat O’Brien’s VooDoo Fountain.

Austin next…

Evelyn’s Place for Lunch

Matt — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:24:39 +0000

The hot, wet June in New Orleans was getting predictable. We sought a place for lunch close to the hotel with simple food.

I had my first Mufaletta. Holy yum. I am a devotee now.

And Zoo had Red Beans and Rice.

And a few years back New Orleans passed a law stating you can;t smoke in an establishment that sells more food than liquor. Evelyn’s Place serves more liquor, so we got to smoke in the same place we ate. Nawlins FTW!

Best hangover cure in New Orleans – Cafe du Monde

Matt — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:41:58 +0000

After a night of sugar-rich Hurricanes, I highly recommend getting yourself a tall Cafe au Lait and Beignets at Cafe du Monde.

Too bad you can’t have a cigarette while drinking your coffee anymore… Used to be a morning tradition for me.

And I continue to curse the transition from air conditioning to humidity. It takes my camera one hour to de-fog. But at least it’s representative of how I actually saw the world at that point :)

New Orleans – Day 1

Matt — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:07:14 +0000

Ah, the Big Easy. We arrived to hot and wet, but clear skies.

Had our first meal at the Napoleon House Bar & Cafe, having some delicious, sticky Jambalaya. I was so hungry I forgot to shoot a photo. And I had my first Pimm’s Cup – a southern traditional drink for warm weather that includes gin but mysteriously tastes nothing of it. Won;t be the last one I have :)

… and then as we exited, it started to rain like no tomorrow.

I give that rain only one thumb up. My underwear was still dry.

A Southern Breakfast Tradition – Waffle House

Matt — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:00:59 +0000

I have a strange fascination with waffles. When I saw my first Waffle House in southern Florida years ago, I asked why no one had ever told me about this before. I mean, seriously, everyone can make a pancake. Dedicating yourself to waffles is a special devotion to the gridded breakfast.

So on our way out of Panama City Beach, we stopped at one of the five Waffle Houses that garnish the highway. Bam. $6 breakfast with all the trimmings.

Despite the young, touring church camp evangelists we ha dour meal and drove awaya… only to make a bathroom stop shortly thereafter. I;m undecided if these events are connected. I love waffles no matter the answer,

Night Shots, Charleston

Matt — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:24:38 +0000

Since it was so deathly, disgustingly humid and hot last night, I eschewed going out for an hourlong night exploration of the downtown and waterfront. Too bad, really – it’s an enchanting old town.

But, here are a few captures while leaving a trail of sweat back to the hotel.

I like the French Quarter – hoping to come back someday when it’s cooler and explore a bit more.

BBQ 2: Jim & Nick’s Barbecue

Matt — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 05:10:16 +0000

A little time on Yelp yielded this walking-distance meatariffic gem of an establishment.

Um, it’s bawls hot here and 9,000% humidity. “Walking distance” is relative and this was the limit, albeit worth it ;)

Popular, $2 domestic beers, $3 Margaritas. Say no more.

Zoo pays homage to the meat prior to digging in. Right after this, he bet me who could eat the most (we both got the same platter).

I winked for the love of barbecued meat.

“Platter” 2010, Giclee Print available for $400

“Sides” 2010, Giclee Print available, $350

I housed him, but he later mentions this whole “pound for pound, I beat you” bullshit line.

“Forlorn Pig” 2010, Giclee Print available on demand for BBQ trade.

F U, Apple – We can Do It Ourselves.

Matt — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:59:14 +0000

So Apple is out of the Camera Connection Kit for the 3G iPad right now. So Zoo bought a wireless router and a USB CF Card reader. Ummm, wireless file access to post on the road! Posts will be written on a more timely basis, instead of when we are arriving in town and cleaning up to go out for the evening.

g33k out.

South of the Border

Matt — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:51:18 +0000

As a youth, my family chose to go elsewhere on vacation on not flock to Florida like many of my peers. For better or worse, I never got to stop in at South of the Border, land of kitsch, fireworks and horrible misrepresentation of the mexican culture. But I had to do it. Bucket list, folks.

Zoo got mauled by a large, orange dog.

For some reason, this energized him.

I was confused, and wandered in the the mad hattery.

This was a big no… So I bought a cheap drum. Zoo keeps rhythmically banging on things. I think he’s going mad…

BBQ1 – Ralph’s Buffet

Matt — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:41:42 +0000

Right off of Interstate 95 in North Carolina we found a good place to start our BBQ throwdown – Ralph’s Barbecue (Buffet) in Weldon, NC.

Load yourself up, grab some sweet tea and chow down. Best eats were the pulled pork and roasted chicken.

The fried chicken was also good. Zoo says he makes better at home, though. Can’t wait to get invited to his place.

Oh, and I wished I could be there at night to see the neon pigs all lit up. Hard shadow looks real good, though.

Groggy in Richmond, VA

Matt — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:33:15 +0000

Waking up early ain’t one of my strong suits. Waking up to direct sunlight is harder. But Richmond had its charm from 19 floors up. Check these out.

And found this awesome banner that declares our intent for RT6:

Southern States, indeed.

RT6: The legend begins…

Matt — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 06:37:19 +0000

OK, so we start this 17-day journey with high hopes to enjoy the hell out of the South. Just want you to know that outright.

For starters, we hit Hoagie Haven in Princeton. Zoo got this monstrosity:

I believe he called it a #16.

I chose a #8,l and they had no idea what Russian Dressing is, so they added oil and vinegar. Close. But check out how damn HUGE these Hoagies are:

And yes, this is a Hoagie. Not a Wedge or Grinder or whatever else you want to call it. THIS IS NJ!!!

Sooooo, we made for Richmond, VA. Made it just after midnight and headed over to Sine Irish Pub. First shots and beers.

Live band, one shot, one beer. Out. See you tomorrow!

Now in Beta: Life 3.0

Matt — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:53:02 +0000

Just got off the phone with Zoo and the recounting of his latest galavants, my own struggles to keep the work gears meshing with my artistic pursuits and constant practice of living that happy life made me consider writing this whole thing as the exciting beginning of a movie script. It sure sounds fucking fun. (grin) Well, it is.

How many times have you re-evaluated, improved and upgraded your life? Seriously. I think I’m in a damn rut again and it’s my own fault. Good thing is that I’m on it and the next road trip is only days away…. droooool. Gimme a break, gimme a break make me take some time off off to live real good!

(above: punkout wussyface)

But then again, there is always moments like this:

Now that’s what I call the pursuit of happiness. And this opening is two nights prior to our departure.

So taking a check on past promises to self (from memory) that I would follow my wants I have to put a fat “X” on this one. Check. I have one awesome group of friends, family and supporters, too. Check. Healthy. Check.

So I’m beta-testing Life 3.0 on this RT to see how much further I can this this. Alpha build is done, time for some realtime debugging. Lemme know about your experiences in the comments, if you are so inclined.

Glitz and Bits

Matt — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:06:17 +0000

Vegas, helloooo again!

Zoo and I are on a little R&R and hopped over to Fremont for some photo ops and she-nan-i-gans.

Reminds me of my head.

Rub it…

Zoo spotted this bar, had a hunch and made a run for it.

Music wasn’t impressive, but I felt like we were transported to Portland, OR. It was so NOT-VEGAS, chill, firelit and filled with younger, somewhat less-skanky people.

And some beautiful people…

And fun people, some with sequin pants and mismatched shoes. Good times. Will come back, for sure.

RT4.3333333 begins

Matt — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:37:26 +0000

Hey folks, we’re back after a few months of silence — glad you’re still with us.

We started a mini road trip today, we’re going to call this RT4.333 for the moment … we’d planned to go from NYC to Toronto (AKA TorTonto) to Detroit To Glen Arbor, but someone, who shall not be named here, lost his passport, so we made a detour this morning and headed towards Pittsburgh.

Turns, out there’s a little town called Bellefonte on the way to Pittsburgh if you take Route 80. Bellefonte may or may not be where a certain roadtripper’s girlfriend hails from. First stop: the American Legion .. this fella’s got a big gun. I’m sure veterans in this town wouldn’t appreciate my fondling, but hey, whatever.

We may or may not have stopped at a certain Bald Eagle High School.

We may or may not have filled a certain superintendent’s truck’s door handles with Beef Jerky.

Anyway, we’ve just arrived in Cleveland and are cleaning up. It’s happy hour … so later!

Phaux’s Closing Thoughts, Part 1

Matt — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:15:48 +0000

I am sitting in seatac airport with five’ish hours to go until I liftoff for home, and want to record some thoughts while they are fresh and juicy.

First off, Zoo is a GREAT road mate. Words cannot express his huge contribution to the road trips being extraordinary, but I’ll give it a shot..

He is unflinching about being alive and living life his way. I have great respect for him, even when I disagree. His travel is experience is deep, so having him along adds a layer of comfort, especially when he says, “Can we drive down on that iced over river?” (unnamed rental car company, please do not read this). His encouragement of me and other people to go outside their boundaries and live a little makes life interesting and fun. There’s so much more, but my point is sincerely that I appreciate you, Zoo. Thanks for the miles and the smiles, dude.

Places
#1 Portland
#2 Banff
#3 Vancouver

I could move to Portland tomorrow and be a very happy man. I will visit Banff many times in the future. And Vancouver is a damn cool city.

Highlights
Kennedy School – just plain awesome
The Doug Fir and Rontoms are great bars with fun people. Always wanted to drink at the Doug Fir and I learned that the Indie Music scene in Portland is great at Rontoms.
My beautiful skull
Banff, the beautiful
Best Road
Biggest Unanswered Question
Whistler Village, BC

Panoramas

Favorite People Photo

Best Breakfast – Voula’s (Sorry, Portland!)
Best Lunch – St. James Gate Gangers and Mash
Best Dinner – Tie between Slo Bar (burger) in Portland and Grizzly House (fondue) in Banff

Growth
Every single road trip we make includes opportunities taken to plant seeds, leave room for gestation and let the new rear its head. On this trip, I was a lot more emotionally stable than prior trips, so instead my personal growth included being a bit more “one of the guys.” My life prior to this didn’t really have opportunity to ever be a wingman, play in bars, flirt outrageously, etc. It was a fairly “normal” path towards the American Dream of having the house, marriage and kids. Now I am living a new bachelor life and finding out that not only do I like being alone, but I also like learning more about what I may like in a relationship with each new gal with whom I spend a little time.

The result? I still believe in love and fidelity in a committed relationship. But it’s not something I’ll die over if I don’t get it now… In the meantime I’m having fun.

As for Zoo, I know he had his own thoughts gestating during the trip. I won’t presume to comment on them, but I do think they are going to stay underground for some more nutrients and water in the dark.

On another topic, I have some more thoughts about authenticity. It is a slight paradox that I choose to use a pseudonym on this site, but firmly believe in transparency and authenticity. This is brought into relief by one of Zoo’s posts where during that evening I gave out personal information, but not info about this site. It turned out for the best, because the fun-poking from Zoo could be hurtful should the site be found. Nothing terrible, just not entirely nice. And here is the crux of the matter… What Zoo posts is not my responsibility, but I do share the site with him. Do I reveal what he posts by revealing the site, or do I let it pass? That question lies unanswered at present. So I also have something that needs more time to grow before I can make a decision.

It’s also apparent that I am still learning the fine art (snicker) of being a wingman. It’s foreign to me, and my beliefs. In parallel, I also believe that it’s far easier to condemn something without every trying it. Greater understanding comes with experience. Easier said, I’ll try anything once. In this case, if everyone is out to have a good time then it’s a part of the “game.” My gut feeling is that I am far too sincere to be a wingman. ;)

Compare to before RT4

Biggest personal disappointment: Ummm… being a little naive about ’signals’

2nd biggest personal disappointment: Not actually engaging in deliberate Sentography, only holistic.

Biggest personal success: Frankly, enjoying myself with unfamiliar women on short notice. I’ve been removed from that world for a long time… I usually work into relationships over a long period of time. Bars and dating are almost a foreign language to me.

Wrapup
Every road trip is a potent reminder that we have to choose to enjoy our days, not wait for enjoyment to find you. Make the things you want happen, but don’t expect to be able to plan every road between here and what you want, leave that to chance – it’s more fun that way.

And finally, get yourself a mohawk. It’s the tits.

Sleeping in is sooo good.

Matt — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:18:41 +0000

Sequim, WA and the ferry back…

Matt — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:17:41 +0000

On our way out of Portland, I decided that I wanted to check out the rumor that Sequim (pronounced “SQWIM”), WA was one of the most wonderful places on earth to live. It was a helluva long drive to get there but the reports of it being sunny when all else is rainy were.. True. They apparently get less than 15″ of rain each year. But it is a strange town.

We stopped at the Hi-Way 101 Diner for lunch and I had the Dungeness Crab n’ Cheese sandwich. Holy Yum.

Back out and headed for Seattle, we decided to take the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. There was a line, so we got bumped back one. It was pouring rain… Anyhoo, we made it on the 5:50 (quite huge) car ferry and I went upstairs to snappy-snappy.

Stumptown Coffee and Voodoo Donuts

Matt — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:55:03 +0000

I was headed out for an early breakfast with Reggie and Boo when I realized I hadn’t gotten my two pounds of Stumptown Coffee yet! Fortunately, it was only 8 blocks from the hotel.

Saw some interesting art on the walls – crocheted portraits!

If you like, here is how to contact Jo Hamilton about the work.

I moseyed on over to Voodoo Donut (map) next…

And for the first time in my life, I was confused by donuts. The gal behind the counter guided me through this.

“Do you like bacon?”

“Yes.”

“Do you like Maple?”

“Yes.”

“OK – have this. It’s a Bacon Maple Donut.”

It was no joke. It was also delicious in a very hedonistic way.

Road Trip Worthy: Slow Bar in Portland, OR

Matt — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:13:45 +0000

Burger: Yes

Beer: Yes

Slow: Yes

Good: Yes

This was the Winter Burger:
1/2lb. Strawberry Mountain natural beef, Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese, Pancetta, grape tomato relish and butter lettuce

Yes, medium rare it was the most delicious burger I’ve had in many months.

Check out their menu for the other burger. Find Slow Bar on a map.

Atoms Rearranged at Rontoms in Portland

Matt — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:33:45 +0000

We switched streams to another bar, called Rontoms, where Phaux immediately engaged with Matt Brown and discovered Matt’s passion for music as ACTUAL indie music label owner.

While Phaux was having a conversation of actual substance, I was pointing at this girl’s cleavage.

Not sure what this is all about. I think I thought her nose was cute. Maybe.

Her friends pick me up … this is going well …

I can’t resist looking at the cleavage some more …

The Carrie Underwood look-alike shows some tongue.

Matt and the cute bartender pose …

Soy el campion del mundo! I’m wearing her friend’s jacket right now.

The cleavage girl tries to nibble on Phaux’s ear.

At this point, Phaux ditched me (and opportunities to photograph me molesting cleavage girl) because the blondes from the Doug Fir showed up and dragged him off to a lesbian dance party. Kelsey shows off her extremely strong thighs, dancing around the bottle of lotion. Don’t ask me, I wasn’t there, I don’t understand, either.

Cathleen revives dance moves from 1994:

Kelsey rests …

Kelsey starts looking at our website on her iPhone. Phaux suddenly leaves …

This is “The Tallest Man On Earth”. I saw him open for Two Gallants the day (or was it two days) after Christmas 2008. He was royally fucked up. Woo. Anyway, I am taller than “The Tallest Man On Earth”.

Broders for Breakfast – Portland

Matt — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:05:50 +0000

First off, breakfast is a tradition in Portland. Expect to wait 30-45 minutes to sit down. But also expect free coffee while you wait :) It’s worth it.

We walked from downtown …

all the way over to Broders Cafe. Saw some cool graffiti on the way, plus an inventive sign discouraging parking in a particular spot.

Zoo snapped this photo of me looking very introspective. I am thinking hard, but there is an edge of hunger in there.

Ah… Æbleskiver. Something my family (with no Scandinavian heritage) has been making since I was a wee lad. Yum, but not enough. They were delicious, though.

Pioneer Square in the morning

Matt — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:04:02 +0000

Snappy-snappy while getting coffee this morning.

Ground Kontrol – Arcade Bar

Matt — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:01:12 +0000

I was introduced to Ground Kontrol last time I came to Portland, and we visited yesterday for a few drinks before heading out the the Kennedy School. Awesome place – bar filled with old-skool arcade games, tons of pinball upstairs, and from what I hear, Rock Band Karaoke on Thursdays.

After kicking Zoo’s arse in Soul Caliber II, he said I should play the computer, so I kicked it’s ass and went 10 for 10, game over, won.

Going upstairs, I saw a pinball machine open – snapped a shot of its guts. Cool.

Kennedy School with Friends

Matt — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:48:36 +0000

I am so damn glad. I love Portland, I love my friends, I love Terminator Stout and the Kennedy School. Awesome evening in the Boiler Room.

We’re silly. We’re fun. We’re happy.

We flick each other and throw things.

We laugh. We drink.

Zoo has a contest to see if any gals can point at his nipple.

Aw, it’s Reggie!

Zoo got slapped… again.

I, however, did not.

Zoo, however, instigated and received more slaps.

But he did reveal that he sits in as a drummer for Beirut…

Which was received with the Portland equivalent of a Bronx cheer.

Boo was shocked.

Zoo thought the best way to show off his purple hair was pushups.

So I figured the best way to show off my Mohawk was booth-to-booth pushups.

Rock on.

The legendary Terminator Stouts rolled in and in and in… not to mention seven’ish rounds of tequila.OMG… What a night. Thank you, friends :)

Mo’ Hawk

Matt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:42:47 +0000

I always wanted a pony for Christmas. Now look what I went and did.

Day 6: When You Least Expect It …

Matt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:18:12 +0000

It looked like it was going to be a quiet night for us, with most of Banff trying to deal with their St. Patty’s Day hangovers. We headed to the Rose and Crown for a pint and some billiards …

The we met Little and Big John, a Scot and an Englishman, respectively, who both live sorta near Birmingham. Shropshire, I think. They kicked our ass in pool. Then we drank some more. Then they kicked our ass some more.

We made it down to the Magpie and Stump (with Little John, Big John went sleepy-bye-byes). Peanut throwing ensued.

John made a new friend.

… who felt compelled to pick me up … and then call me a fat ass.

Phaux drank a caesar. Which is like drinking a cappuccino after noon. Caesar are a gross take on a bloody maria, with Clamato (yes, clam juice) instead of tomato juice.

John notices Noush, who was pretty hot.

Noush’s rejection of me (her boyfriend was the bartender) shamed me into passing out.

Shots with staff …

Dancing with the waitress … first me, followed by John almost pulling her arm off.

Day 6: The Grizzly House … Nearly More Tears

Matt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:03:27 +0000

I know we’re not supposed to get sappy on a road trip, but Banff just brings out the girl in me. Ten years ago, when I left Banff (and the girl), my housemates took me out on my last night for fondue at the Grizzly House. It’s a Banff institution, once it was a rocky mountain themed disco. Anyway, coming back here (I avoided it on all my previous returns to Banff with various girls) got me a little misty eyed. Eh.

Anyway, this is one of those Banff “must-do’s”. The food is just good, not great, but you can’t beat the atmostphere. And table-to-table calling.

The cheese fondue …

The sauces and the meats …

The bison head, available for purchase for $4000. Really.

Banff now lives in my heart

Matt — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:48:59 +0000

I grew up in Saranac Lake, NY during the 1980 Winter Olympics… When I arrived in Banff, it felt like home. The mountains are a bit taller, the visitors a bit more international, but it’s got the same soul – happy people, skiing, drinking and good, clean air.

I’ll miss you, Banff. I will be back.

Bangers and Mash at St. James Gate – Banff

Matt — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:56:45 +0000

Yum. Nothing says breakfast more than bangers and mash.

This is the place we couldn’t get into last night… Love the skirts and knee-highs….

Road Trip: Makeover Edition Part 2

Matt — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:51:34 +0000

So Zoo decided to go black again today… and eggplant is close, right? Still gets a NOT FAIL. It takes really bright light to reveal the real hue.

Columbia Icefield Tongue Panoramic

Matt — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:10:50 +0000

Download a hi-res here.

Link to Google Map

Mount Kitchener Panoramic

Matt — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:03:19 +0000

Download a hi-res here.

Link to Google Map

Best Roads on Earth: Ice Field Parkway

Matt — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:30:28 +0000

To drive from Jasper to Lake Louise take the Ice Field Parkway, please. Imagine a huge valley running through the Rockies with a (frozen) river and a glacier… and you will be here.

Stunning. Amazing. Breathtaking. And somewhat dangerous. Definitely qualifies for our “Best Roads on Earth” series.

Road Trip: Makeover Edition

Matt — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:19:45 +0000

Sometimes you just have to make a change. I’ve always wanted a mohawk. Zoo once had blonde hair. The results?

I handled all the voting. Zoo said my mohawk is called “the Blum.”

Jasper is not a hopping town on a Monday night… I guess that’s fortunate. If we go out to a bar looking like this, everyone might think we’re a gay couple. Which we are not. Seriously.

Night Shots: Jasper, AB

Matt — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:52:01 +0000

Tonight I braved the 19-degree (F) cold plus possibility for a bear mauling and broke out on my own to shoot some astral photography.

Looked good in B/W, too.

Then the clouds rolled in and I tapped the brake lights a bit for local lighting. Hey, whatever it takes!

(apologies for the bad re-compression by Wordpress… the images are not icky like these show up…)

Skill Testing Required for Canadian Residents

Matt — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:04:59 +0000

Ummm… You can’t avoid the latest Toyota commercials right now. The premise of it is Canadians abroad who visit a Canadian theme park. Canadian hilarity ensues, including Shoot a Puck, Knit a Toque and this promotion with Tim Horton’s. Which, by the way, it’s the same here in Canada as it is in America:

We also have moose behind the police cars at our chain coffee houses. See him?

OK, so on the coffee cup, the rules state:

“Skill testing question required for Canadian residents.” Ahem, on to the website PDF.

Before being declared a winner, each Canadian selected entrant must first correctly answer, unaided, a time-limited, arithmetical, skill-testing question to be administered by telephone at a mutually convenient time.

I am confused. You have to answer a math question to qualify? Perhaps Americans should consider this, too. “Hello? Yes – if a train leaving Sacramento at 11:15am approached a train leaving Los Angeles at 1pm…” We just have to be breathing to qualify.

(not) Curling in Kamloops

Matt — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:41:09 +0000

When we arrived last night in Kamloops, our hotel was right next to the Curling Center. I was excited! We went in and asked if we could learn/play/photograph. Warm reception – great people!

Alas, when we came back at 9am this morning (their suggestion), neither the Russian National Women’s Curling Team or anyone else was there… Shucks. I really wanted to learn how to Curl.

Kamloops Lake Panoramic

Matt — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:54:53 +0000

As we descended into the valley, we ducked back behind a lumber mill on Cherry Bluff and shot north – northeast:

View Larger Map

Download a hi-res version here.

Whistler Village, BC

Matt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:03:25 +0000

Zoo and I arrived in late afternoon and ate at the Longhorn Saloon. Asked bur medium rare burgers, got well done. Music was too loud (well, we were sitting on the subwoofer), and got a food coma afterwards.

Some napping ensued. Some gear rental for tomorrow, and some orange long-john buying. Seriously.

Then night descended on the village and we journeyed out for dinner at Tapley’s, where our waitress kindly reminded us to use protection on the receipt for dinner. Photos galore, including some fist-swinging action aimed at Zoo (who else?).

Lots of snow today – 8:30am we’ll be on the slopes tomorrow. woo-hoo!

Zoo easts saltwater mussel raw!

Matt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:45:43 +0000

I caught this unthinkable act earlier today.

Furry Creek Panoramic

Matt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:46:47 +0000

Download a larger JPG here.

Furry Creek, BC

Matt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:14:05 +0000

Wandering up the Sea to Sky Highway towards Whistler, we waded through all of the pre-Olympics road construction and kept our eyes peeled for a break, somplace to drop tripod and shoot the beauty of the wate, sky and mountains meeting in one place.

We found it in the unlikely place named FURRY CREEK. No Second Life jokes, please. It’s a gated community. Well, who knows what goes on behind those gates?

View Larger Map

I have a massive pano to work on – will post later. Also, Zoo grabbed a live mussel from the mossy shoreline, cracked it open and… Well – wait for his post.

Buh-bye Vancouver

Matt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:04:35 +0000

Parting images from Vancouver. Wish it wasn’t go gray when we were here! I’ll never forget the mysterious stains on the back of my jeans.

Gascouver

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:58:37 +0000

Gassed up on the way out of Vancouver. OK, I’m no stranger to liters, but 46 liters of gas (12 Gallons) was $44.75 CAN (US $35).

That was only 1/2 tank on the lowest grade.

False Creek Panoramic, Vancouver

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:29:29 +0000

It was a dark, stormy night…. I was soaked, and had just fell on my ass jumping down onto the river stones by the water. But it’s ALWAYS worth it.

Download a larger version to see it bigger.

Night Shots: Vancouver, BC

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:08:25 +0000

Photographs of a rainy Vancouver night. I fell on my ASS down by the river in slippery stones. Bam.

Stitching a pano from river sometime soon.

I came to Vancouver to play pool in Soho?

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:18:00 +0000

Apparently, yes.

We’re staying in Yaletown, which is very similar to Soho in NYC. Irony abounds. Or maybe it’s deliberate. Irony can be deliberate.

I won a legitimate game of pool by dropping the 8 ball in our first game. W00t! Must be the second time I’ve beaten Zoo…

We went out for a smoke and met up with Jill and a gal who is also a photographer (I apologize – I forget your name! Beer does that to me. Shoot me an email and I will fix it). She proceeded to berate me about not using a flash and my photos being out of focus. I tried to appease her, and that was my first mistake. After trying that out, I went back to doing it my way with available light and at f/1.4. Right then things got better and suddenly we were best of friends!

BTW, she shot the photo of me at the top of the post. Phauxtogs unite! Brothers and sister in glass, be happy with your depth of field and composition. We went inside and Zoo invited Jill to play pool and she nearly kicked his ass, too.

Zoo almost took himself out with a pool cue, he was so worried.

Fun bar – Fussball tables were hopping.

Not far down the street, an apartment dweller didn’t feel like going downstairs for a smoke.

And in our crazy hotel, this is the lighting in the elevators. Too swank. Too swank.

Eats in Vancouver: Oysters and Beer

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:01:47 +0000

Some years ago, I went to Toronto with possibly the sweetest of all the girls I’ve ever dated, Joan (pronouced “Jo-anne”) Lee While we were there, we made a point of calling our northern neighbour “Canadia” and Ontario’s fair capital “Tortonto” (by the way, I realize that Ottawa is the capital of Canadia, I said Ontario). That was awesome fun.

So while were were there, we stopped at a Toronto legend, Rodney’s Oyster House. It was way out of the way, it felt like it was almost in North York. Who knows. I just remembered the fried clams, delicious oysters, and the hot dog. Yes, I had a hot dog at an oyster house. Don’t ask. Since then, I’d been back to Tortonto many times — most spectaculary during the SARS quarantine, blaster virus, and northeast blackout, but I never made it back to Rodney’s.

Today, walking around the corner from our Yaletown hotel, I spotted the classic Rodney’s sign. Of course, that’s where we’re eating. Yum.

Photos below, but in short:

Oysters: Yes. Chowder: Yes. Bread Yes: Oysters Rockefeller: Maybe. Garlic Shrimp: No. Cougars: Yes. The place is a bonafide cougar den. Enjoy.

Vancouver: First Look in Photos

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:10:21 +0000

Just a quick tour on an empty mind and tired feet.

Slice o’ Seattle: Chase Jarvis

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:04:19 +0000

Well, we woke up and had our liberal dousings of coffee.

After coming around to something approaching normal, we headed north and dropped in on my friend Chase Jarvis.

Chase was addressing a group of students form the Art Institute of Seattle. We caught the tail end of on inspiring presentation. Chase has a great tradition of posting one photo from his iPhone each day on Twitter – and here he is shooting today’s:

After this we had a few moments to say hello and meet the crew, then Chase, being the busy and inventive guy that he is, had to hop on a conference call. So, we continued to get to know his wife and crew (awesome peeps) and asked about where to get breakfast.

Chase is a guy to watch. Check out his blog, Twitter and Facebook group.

Blogging is such a chore

Matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:53:56 +0000

I hope you all appreciate it! We do it for you. Only you.

Day 0 – in and down

Matt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:41:57 +0000

After a long flight from Newark (flawless), I landed, picked up my rental car without speaking to a human (way cool) and drove up into the city, where Zoo was already partying for hours (dick). Alas, the 5 was blocked, so I had to take my first “side road” and ended up driving up the west side through all the docks and industry. I was groggy from a full days’ work and flying, but I made it. At least I didn’t get pulled over this time…

Anyhoo, I met up with Zoo at Juju in Belltown. Thank heavens for the mapping feature on the iPhone.

Here are the photos, photos, photos… And Zoo will provide commentary below.

So we’re talking, heads are getting closer, this is after we’ve already hit the photo booth …

Heads getting closer, staring awkwardly. Why the hell not. I kiss her. Her: “I have a girlfriend”. I am unflappable. I start chewing on her neck. Her: “Don’t be an asshole.” Me: “Does that mean stop or continue?” Hijinks ensue.

Photo booths + alcohol + candlelight = why nobody trusts their partner.

This one’s for you D Lam.

Geared up!

Matt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:25:02 +0000

(My iPhone messed up and wouldn’t publish this at the airport )

I have 2 hours until the flight leaves, so I thought I’d detail my photo gearbox for y’all.

I dropped it on the scale during check-in and the Tenba Shootout Medium Rolling Backpack is filled to the gills with 40lbs of Phauxto lovin’

Nikon D700
2 spare batteries for Nikon D700 + charger
AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5~5.6 lens (S’ok…)
Vivitar 85mm f/1.4 Apsherical IF lens (new purchase – thanks for the tip, Louie Lu!)
Nikon SB900 Flash
Hanson Fong Skin Glow bounce card
Nikkor 20mm f/4 MF lens
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 MF lens
Lensbaby Composer + lens ki f/Nikon
Canon G9 + spare battery
Mamiya 7II black body
Mamiya 43mm f/4.5 lens
Pano kit for Mamiya 7
10 rolls 120 Ilford XP2
15 rolls 35mm 36 exp Ilfod XP2
8GB of CF cards
4GB of SD cards
MacBook Pro 17″ & power adapter
Passport
Nikon MC-36 electronic cable release
Gepe 16″ Pro cable rleease (blue!)
3 – USB to mini USB cables (can never have enough!)
1 – iPod/iPhone cord + wall dadapter
8 AA batteries
Flashlight
Sekonic L-758DR light meter
X-Rite Digital ColorChecker SG
iPod 160GB (road tunes!)
iPhone 3G 16GB (data center!)
Marlboro Mediums, qty. 8

What’s Under Your Skin?

Matt — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:17:55 +0000

: You are where you are – sentography

Last time around we posted separate pre-trip musings to set the emotional and cerebral stage for what could easily be seen as a vacation for two rowdy guys. Heck, we’re not nearly as shallow as we may come off. We certainly like to have fun, but it’s easy to say that both of us derive a lot of enjoyment from working out the bullshit from daily life and coming home a newer and better person each time. I expect this trip to be just as illuminating, if not more.

The only thing that is a real shame is that I wanted to shed some poundage prior to this, but I chose other priorities. My own damn fault. Whatevs, I am who I am, all the time.

So here I sit in my apartment, drinking some Peets Major Dickason’s and waking up from a long week (seven weeks) of work and visiting friends and their art shows. All in all, I am very happy with how my life is going right now. I’m being social in the wake of an extended separation and rough divorce last year, I’m making new friends, making art, shooting more than ever, making great progress at work, meeting gals I like and some like me back, and growing up in big ways.

For instance, I’ve learned one of those really important life lessons – how to be friends with a woman I think is attractive. Seriously, it’s hard! Well, it was. I think it’s one part controlling primal instincts and one part choosing the more important benefit over satisfying said primal urge. For sure, the benefits of having meaningful friendships with members of the fairer sex outweigh a lack of it any day. But it’s something I really didn’t know how to do until this past year or two. I had a best friend, and she was a gal (and previously my wife), so it’s a skill I didn’t try to develop since attraction and friendship were wrapped together in one package. Being on my own, it’s now part of my healthy lifestyle. After all, attraction is one of those intangibles that can strike quickly, but when you ask yourself, “What’s the benefit of not being myself because I am attracted to this gal?” it gets pretty easy to identify that there are none. So, on to being myself always. In the end, that is the goal paramount to staying happy all the time.

So what big things can I focus on for this road trip? Sentography, right?

Sentography: dynamic forms of communication of emotion and qualities.

A portrait photographer worth their salt always looks to make a person or people a story out of a moment. A sentographer has to take this one step further – not just make someone look good and natural, but capture them in a natural state of emotion. And make it cathartic, damnit! (snicker).

So in addition to my regular path of always reaching for more self-improvement and having maximum fun, I will add to this my ability to help people delve into themselves and then capture those moments. Perhaps we’ll post interviews, too. Not sure how this is going to work, but I do know that somehow, it will.

I guess that last sentence is something I say to myself often and that’s a big part of who I am today. I believe in me.

So, RT4 (Road Trip 4 for the uninitiated), I’m coming for you. Be ready to bare your soul.

RT4: Phauxtog weighs in on waiting it out

Matt — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:01:30 +0000

I’m thinking about the road trip that’s only one month away… these things come to mind:

Vistas. Panoramas. Breathtaking views. Open road. Skiing. Canada! Seattle! The Canadian Rockies! Portland! The Pacific Ocean.

Potential. Progress. Presence. Authenticity. Expansion. Refinement.

One thing I’ve realized being a passionate night (photo)sentiographer for so long is that is easily perceived as darkness, over time, becomes something much closer to day.

Continues after the break…

Four minutes exposed, and night becomes day. Thoughts, over time, expose deeper meaning much the same way.

I’ve been on an expansive path for a few years now, and the more I learn about myself, the more I know I can be more, do more, achieve more of my dreams. Coffee and cigarettes may fuel my body in the morning, but passion and dreams fuel my choices. I choose to pursue an open-ended road trips because it enables possibilities. Thinking in terms on long exposure, I wish that the 10 day road trip were two months.

Why? It’s certainly not vacation greed; I enjoy my day job very much. No, I know that I would get much deeper insights over a longer stay away from my daily existence. Much like a 15 minute exposure

reveals a bright city bustling even in moonlight behind a darkened and forgotten rail transfer station and glassy water that is the visual sum of all its movement, I am thinking about what the total experience would equal over a period six times longer.

My best guesses:

I would discover that I have larger goals that are dismissed out of practicality
I would meet other people experiencing a similar freedom from “normal” life
I would relax more than I have in ten years
I would come up with previously unfound and potentially amazing creative ideas
I would find twenty more places I would consider living

Why am I even doing this mental exercise? Am I ungrateful for this 10-day window? Not at all – I live for this. And I ask myself because I want to push a boundary. That being that I have a fairly standard schedule to my life. I am grateful for its consistency, but I wonder if I am using my time the best I can… I am certainly growing in many facets: career, knowledge, skill, etc. but something feels like it wants to explode out of the gate – my creativity. and nine’ish hours a day allow only restricted access to that.

All that out of the way, Rt4 is one month away and it’s gonna be one hell of a ride. We have a surprise or two for you, and I’m sure we’ll be served some of our own ;)

So, start counting the days. Seattle, here we come!

We’re Spam-free now, and feel much better.

Matt — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:04:59 +0000

I once enjoyed the life of a spammer. But the overall effect was net negative, and once that realization descended upon me and slapped me around for a bit, I left the spam business.

I am now a sentographer, and I record feelings/consciousness with a specially-modified camera system and a host of techniques. These were taught to me by my guru, who lives under the Brooklyn bridge in a floating darkroom. Or maybe I just love being a photographer. Or maybe I am fronting as a photographer while practicing the act of sentography. You can decide for yourself when you meet me in some bar, at a pool table, on a city street or on a back country road between here and there… And perhaps I will get to know you a little better, too. That’s what I look forward to, after all.

As of this post, I leave the names “SpamZalot” and “spammer” behind me without a second thought. You may now address me (should you wish to) by:

Phauxtog

Follow us on Facebook – become a fan for life!

Matt — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:39:35 +0000

We just entered social networking, folks. We have our very own page on Facebook.

If you’re addicted to it, become a fan! Follow our shenanigans down the asphalt and up the mountain.

Road Trip Worthy: Brooklyn’s Spuyten Duyvil and Fette Sau

Matt — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:45:07 +0000

No joke folks. This is as close to a perfect evening as you can get. Click on for luscious photos and succulent descriptions.

First stop: Spuyten Duyvil

Self-described as “serving Cheese, Meat and a wide selection of Beer.” It shouldn’t take much more to get me in the door, but when I sat at the bar and asked for “something dark and beery” I got the most delicious Imperial Stout I’ve had since Portland, Oregon – and served in a wine glass to boot. These people got it down. It was my first stop, so I only had drinks, but the food I saw being served look d-lish.

And I must add that Spuyten Duyvil is my FAVORITE town name from the train ride down from Westchester into NYC. Always makes me feel naughty.

After the wonderful, swirly, dark beer, I walked across the street to Fette Sau to meet up with friends:

This is almost what it looked like, the beer was so good. It’s off the street, so walk under the sign and back to the most amazing barbecue this side of Nashville. And you buy your meat by the pound. Bring your appetite, or don’t come.

And the bar is something to be seen and… tasted. Boasting an amazing whiskey selection, they also have premier beers. I sampled the High and Mighty Fette Sau and the Chocolate Lager, served so delicately in mason jars.

And while you’re at it, be sure to do this on a Monday night so you can go see some Burlesque later on!

View Larger Map

Black and white photos from RT3

Matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:46:54 +0000

I just realized that I never posted the black and white panos from RT3! So, for your viewing enjoyment…

High Desert, eastern NV

Canyon, southern Idaho

Salt Lake City, UT

24 more photos after the break – click on!

Idaho Highway

Idaho Railway

Badlands, SD

Great Salt Lake, UT

High Desert, eastern NV

Canyon, southern Idaho

Desert, southern Idaho

Zoo on the Road

Desert road and dappled clouds, southern Idaho

Desert, southern Idaho

Reservoir, southern Idaho

Continental Divide Rd, WY

Western Wyoming

Salt Flats, UT

Badlands, SD

The Corn Palace, South Dakota

Road Trip Worthy: Maison Saigon Tacu Tacu

Matt — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:27:44 +0000

Cheap eats, simple atmosphere, good beer – and a karaoke lounge downstairs. I had Vietnamese Pork Chops (around $10) which were straight-up delicious.

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Road Trip Worthy: Bonita in Clinton Hill (Brooklyn)

Matt — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:59:58 +0000

On my way to see TV on the Radio last night, I dropped by Bonita at 338 Bedford Ave in Brooklyn, NY for a little pre-show eats. Ho-lee yum.

I went for the gusto and the Michelada to drink. I won’t reveal EVERYthing that’s in it, but here is the gist: Ice, tabasco, lime and beer – with a salted rim. It is heaven, after you get over the shock of having ice and tabasco in your beer. As the waitress who indoctrinated me said, “it’s an obsession that’s hard to escape.”

For dinner, carnitas: pork shank confit, chile de arbol salsa. I was on the phone with DJ when I basted it with the topping my buddy behind the bar pointed at… what I didn’t hear him say was, “watch out, gringo, this is fucking hot.” So I barely tasted the first carnita and had to get off the phone and go tap the fire hydrant outside to put out the flames.

Wiping my brow, I tried some milder toppings and sank into caloric heaven Delicious – and illustrated (two missing)

Twin Falls, Idaho Panoramic

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:20:50 +0000

You see this vista off to the right as you enter Twin Falls from the north on 93.

Download Hi-Res (ZIP)

Island Park, Idaho Panoramic

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:19:21 +0000

Download Hi-Res (ZIP)

Crazy Horse Monument Panoramic

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:03:22 +0000

It’s a work in progress, and is estimated to be done in 100 years.

Download Hi-Res (ZIP)

Custer State Park Panoramic

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:54:26 +0000

As mentioned previously, we visited Custer State Park so I could feel more in touch with my ancestor. Found a wonderful pano spot:

Download Hi-Res (ZIP)

South Dakota Badlands Panoramic

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:43:48 +0000

As I go through the rich library of unprocessed images from the trip, I will post some gems for you. Here is the first – a 360-degree panoramic from the South Dakota Badlands.

Small:

Download high-res (ZIP)

…and I’m not Really a Spammer

Matt — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:01:34 +0000

Oh, gosh. I am blushing. But it’s a great conversation-stopper!

Spammer’s Closing Thoughts, Part 2 (Metaphysics in ReAction)

Matt — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:18:11 +0000

You know how I was talking about juxtaposition? How about following up such a tremendous journey with a full day of “work” on 4 hours’ sleep? LOLz.

There’s a certain phrase bandied about, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I’ve heard it applied in so many ways, including in reference to relationships (and how it isn’t… eventually), work (and how it isn’t… eventually) and playtime (and how it isn’t… eventually – getting the point?) But a new insight is that I appreciate vacation more for having a regular job and vice versa. Like not knowing how wonderful light is only in its absence, you have to have opposites (or dissimilarities) to appreciate. Again, comparisons are the key. They are the reference, the measuring stick and the opportunity for insight. (more…)

On the other hand, it is conceivable that you can appreciate something simply because you can. If you have the clarity of self to see what you have/do and like it for what is is, is it not possible to simply enjoy that without juxtaposing? I believe so.

If you believe your grass is green, then it is. ‘Nuff said.

So now I am at home, enjoying the comfort of my well-chosen green couch, cat by my side, after a full day of work where I am appreciated and I appreciate it. I like spam, and it likes me.

Let’s visit a moment from the road trip. Night in Cheyenne, and our new friend Tyler asked me, “So what does the rest of the country think of us in Wyoming?” My blank stare left room for him to elaborate. He continued, “You know, with all of the bad things that have happened here?” He gave me some details and I simply remarked, ” I don’t watch television, listen to the radio or listen to newspapers. I don’t know what these things are and my own opinion, because I can’t speak for everyone else, is that I like Wyoming, and everyone I have met so far. In addition, it’s getting better all the time. I am having fun and I’m going to tell everyone about it.” So there you have it, lots of beliefs wrapped in a tiny little conversation:

What do other people think of me? (and how does that inform my own opinion of myself)
I believe I am a good person and live with good people.
What do you think of me/us?

I believe that every single person is distinct and different. Groupings and categorizations are unfair and unrealistic. Zoo figured this out, too. This is such a wonderful belief to reaffirm over and over while on the road. You meet the best people while holding this belief.

So, here is the real meat of this closing thought – you are what you believe. If you believe yourself to be open to new experiences, you will be. If you believe the gravel road under your wheels is the best possible path you can take at that moment, it will be. If you believe that the Amber Ale is crap and that the Stout is better (Zoo…), then so shall it be. And if you believe that you can do what you want to do and it will make you feel good… then you will feel like I do right now.

Thank you, everyone!

Matt — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:01:48 +0000

From the myriad of people we met on the road, to our friends, fans and family back home, thank you all.

We’ll be posting more very interesting stuff we just didn’t have time to pull of while on the road in the next week or so, so keep checking. Plus, a super-secret special opportunity of a lifetime.

Leaving for home

Matt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:51:47 +0000

Bye bye…

Day 10: Spammer’s Closing Thoughts, Part 1

Matt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:11:29 +0000

Social spamming was hella fun.

Taking – no – MAKING time to have a road trip with Zoo Broker was one of the best decisions I have made this year, and let me tell you folks, it’s been a year for decisions. I so very enjoyed myself that it is hard to clearly explain. Perhaps all of the posts we made for you (well, for us really) will, in total, represent an experience that mirrors my path in life. Deliberately unplanned, but pursued with enthusiastic vigor.

Full entry after the jump.

If you take a peek at my opening musings, you’ll find that I put forth some goals for the trip. Let’s see how I did:

Uncertain destinations (YES)
Lots of photo-ops (YES)
Some ridiculously inebrious evenings (YES)
Perhaps double mileage versus previous trips (3,200 miles)
Meaningful, probing conversation (YES, IN PLENITUDES)
Insights (YES, WILL EXPAND ON THIS)
Glee (YES)
New people with interesting stories weaving into ours (YES, SEE BLOG)
Potentially embarrassing moments (YES, SOME NOT SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC)
Incredible discoveries only found via an open mind and no agenda (YES, SEE HERE & HERE)
Deep, satisfying exhaustion (YES, TOOK A NAP YESTERDAY)

Do you achieve all your goals? I am not mystified at all that I did. I chose my priorities and focused on them. Everything else fell into place alongside this journey because I have learned (and practice) that you have to focus on the things you can control, and let everything else take care of itself.

Here is the wonderful part… Now I get to set NEW goals. Yes, exciting! I do already have some big plans involving some art, and am ready to jump on that immediately, as well as getting back to a healthy diet (big wink).

As for Zoo Broker, he has been the finest friend I could ask for. Exciting, sharing, generous, thoughtful, encouraging, brazen, inspiring and made me laugh until I cried more than a few times.

Let me share some insights that found me while on this epic journey.

People are generally the same, no matter where you go. To be specific, there are so many indiviual people with different goals and dreams (or dreads), that an generality by region is impossible. Each person you meet is full of potential. Some are more exceptional, and I think this is because they also have a keen interest in life.

America is diverse and wonderful. From the seediest piss-smelling alleys to the majestic and barren desert mountain ranges, it is a composition of amazing things. I love it all. Juxtaposition is the key. I recently went to an Edward Tufte seminar and he states that presenting data without comparison is a meager meal. In this case, seeing the smallest of towns (population 16) to the big metropolises, the plains to the Rockies, the desert to the forest gave me a grand scale for comparison. It’s within these differences that lie the opportunity for gratitude, and I am very grateful to have learned more about my country.

I knew this already, but it has been reinforced during this trip: If you do not make time to do the things you love, you may never do them. Just change your priorities.

Being selfish is not a bad thing. After all, who is more important in this world than yourself? I had an interesting conversation with a mostly drunk architect last night and brought up my favorite question (for architects), “Have you read THE FOUNDTAINHEAD?” LOLz, it realy gets some of them going. I see that book as having lots of people acting on the beliefs surrounding “being selfish”. Exercising your personal right to choose happiness for yourself before choosing it for other people is what I choose. In general, America sees selfish as a very negative word. I do not. I will always choose my happiness first. This does, however, go hand in hand with the belief that I treat the world as I want to be treated. That is harmony.

Doing unplanned things is one of the best ways to learn something you do not know. It sounds so obvious, but you won’t know what Imean until you do it. Why re-learn things you know? Life is toooooo short.

Take the time to tell other people that you like your life. It helps the world become a better place when people know that happiness is out there…

As Zoo Broker repeatedly says, “the opportunity never taken is something that will never happen. It’s always better to do it, than not do it.” You only get one chance (that we know of) here and now. Do something you like with it.

–SpamZalot

Register to vote!

Matt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:56:06 +0000

We just met Shana, who is out on the street registering people to vote. Today is the last day on Colorado to register for the presidential election!

Get out and register!!!

Night Shots: Downtown Denver

Matt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:28:14 +0000

Here is Zoo in front of the Brown Palace. Not laughing.

Last night out… It was rainy early on as we headed to dinner, and just plain wet when we were done. Note to all: New cowboy boots are slippery onwet stone block (and 16th street is ALL paving blocks!)

Tons of photos after the jump.

Appaloosa: Good food, good beer, good music

Matt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:26:11 +0000

Tonight, Zoo Broker and I ate at Appaloosa. We heard from a certain source that someone we met 1 1/2 years ago here in Denver was working there… It turns out that yes, this certain someone works here, but worked the lunch shift. Alas… what were we to do but enjoy ourselves anyway? Deets after the break.

First off, some Queso Dip and I had a really spicy and good Chicken Lasagna.

I had my first (and second) pint of White Rascal – a Belgian-style white beer made in Boulder. Damn fine beer.

Next up we had a neighbor that Zoo realllllllllly liked.

Than the Clam Addys took the stage

Do yerself a favor if you’re in town and they are playing – go see them. Great singer, harmoica player… Aw, heck they’re all fantastic.

Good bar, good times. Thanks, Denver!

Night Shots: Whiskey, Girls, Beer and Girls

Matt — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:20:27 +0000

It was only fitting since I’ve already covered LODO, it was more important to meet some of the people that work and party here.

TONS – I mean LOTS of nightlife photos after the break.

First off, meet Danielle. She likes mining.

And when not mining, is a stunning woman. (OK, she’s still sexy when mining.)

She invited Zoo to mine.

And it was like a magical elixir:

So he started other prospecting:

Which was taken so favorably that he was rewarded with some dances on the bar:

Meet Beth – her husband works here (he’s on the left, and a damn cool guy). It took about two hours, but the gal with the best hair in Denver, a self-proclaimed pacifist, finally let one loose on him.

And it wasn’t the last.

During a smoke break, we met two incredibly intelligent and sexy women:

And Zoo just doesn’t know when to accept only a kiss…

Again demonstrated here:

All in all, this bar is downright fun.

Just watch out when they bring you the check…

Day Shots: Pool, Beer and Barmaids

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:32:48 +0000

Zoo and I headed over to Tarantula Billiards for some beer and pool. Four games, and I won the most. Yeah! I have to say that Zoo is an excellent teacher and I COMPLETELY sucked at pool before. Now I am quite a bit better, and still haven’t won by dropping the 8 ball, but I have skillfully blocked Zoo into a scratch on the 8 ball more than once. =D

Our new favorite beer: 90 Shilling (and some Blue Moon in the Broncos glass):

More photos and grab-ass after the break.

Brandi shows us her Thursday tattoo. Apparently, it’s an obscure band from New Jersey. I believe Zoo is pointing to where the wedding ring goes…

Danielle didn’t know what was coming…

but certainly knew how to handle it. She’s 21 – we checked – so it’s legal for her to hit Zoo.

Zoo said he liked it and wanted one more…

Anyhoo, this is a fantastic billiards bar. Come play when you are here, but avoid table 16, it has a massive westward drift.

Cheyenne, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:12:07 +0000

Cheyenne, WY to Denver, CO from Sir Arthur SpamZalot on Vimeo.

Day Shots: Cheyenne to Denver

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:47:07 +0000

After having morning coffee and blog time, I made my way over to The Wrangler. I was itchin’ for some cowboy boots. Having never owner a pair, or even gonne into a western wear store, I was floored. Lookit all them boots!

More pics and stories after the break:
I found just the right pair and a super-friendly Cheyenne-ite (whose sister live 7 miles from me in New York), rang me up and gave me some greta advice on driving to Denver.

See, it’s Saturday and by Wyoming standards, there are lots of Saturday road-ragers on the highway, so she gave me a tip. We took a lesser-known highway.

It was like deja-vu. 65 mph, slow down to 50, then to 45, then 35, then a small town less than a mile long with a railroad and grain towers on the left, some seedy bar ond general store on the right, done and repeat.

There was this interesting creature, though. Methinks it’s Zoo’s id.

Today was a very short drive (by our standards), only 2 1/2 hours. So, we’rte back in Colorado and Denver again. Wow… Now to tear up this town for 2 or so days before flying to our homes. I’m certain we’ll make some more indelible marks on this city, and perhaps visit Croc’s again…

Closing the Loop

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:48:24 +0000

Straight ahead lies the end of our long and stimulating loop o’ fun. Road miles, road smiles.

Zoo says: According to National Geographic, the land area of Great Britain is 80823 square miles. Our loop enclosed a area roughly 3 times the size: 253000 square miles. But that’s still less than 10 percent of the continental United States.

Night Shots: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:46:30 +0000

After Zoo and I had left our mark on the town, I headed out with my tripod and electronic cable release to grab some essence of my own. Sleepy little town with some wonderful vignettes.

Here is where we had our steak dinner:

Lots of shots after the break:
Here is Shadows – our bar.

Wish I had visited while they were open to get a cowboy hat and boots :(

These people are smart. Love it.

…and funny.

The capitol building is in the distance.

Here is the bar we decided NOT to go to…

Here is our hotel – The Plains

Mosaic in the sidewalk outside

Lobby

A real player piano…

Many thanks to the folks behind the counter for allowing me to snap some shots.

You can’t make this up, but you can make it happen.

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:15:38 +0000

Today, Zoo and I turned over 4,751 miles on the odometer. What’s the significance? Well, when you subtract the distance between where we each live, it equals the mileage on the truck when we rented in in Denver only seven days ago.

Zoo Says: Driving Cross Country Without having to touch New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and any of the south is cool.

Zoo Broker lives in San Francisco, I live in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

The distance between our homes is 2,926 miles.

And guess what? You can’t make this shit up. It happened on this road:

Coincidence or meant to happen? I believe that not planning is the best plan, and so far this has been the best road trip ever.

Later on when the Vimeo movie time-lapse is up, you can see where we get out of the car and do a little victory dance. We just drove the equivalent of going from California to New York. Awe-some.

I think I remember Zoo shouting something like, “Top of the world!”

Zoo Says: Um, the quote is “I’m the King of The World”, but I didn’t even say that. I said, “Do I look fat up here?”

But seriously, you can’t do this kind of thing with just anyone. Why would you? Good friends with an open mind and a lust for the open road and the new experiences that come along with that are paramount on a journey like this.

Salt Lake City, Utah to Cheyenne, Wyoming

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:50:48 +0000

Salt Lake City, UT to Cheyenne, WY from Sir Arthur SpamZalot on Vimeo.

Day Shots: Roaming in Wyoming

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:39:47 +0000

We had no side trips today, except for a little celebration we’ll post separately. So, this is a small collection of photos that can be taken from Route 80. I gotta say, I had no idea that Wyoming had such diverse terrain, and a humongous canyon (that we did not visit – we would have missed our steaks tonight!)

So, without further ado… photos after the break:

And now for a word from our sponsor…

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:27:27 +0000

Nearly every time we filled up our gas tank (and had a choice), we chose Sinclair. The friendly dinosaur was so endearing. Today, we passed a Sinclair refinery while traveling east on Route 80. Thank you, Sinclair. We like your gas, and your dinosaur.

OK, we really have no sponsor, but we like them anyway. As much as you can like a gas company.

Planning for the end…

Matt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:10:07 +0000

We stopped just over the Wyoming border to get some supplies for a little finale…

Don’t worry, it will be artistic (snicker) and not destructive.