Dual Kadrons

So after my VW broke down again, I decided to upgrade the engine up a bit. Added an electronic ignition for those cold mornings and a set of dual Kadrons (carbs).
Runs a lot better now than it used to. Still quite a bit left to do but little by little it's getting there. I also had to add the DC sticker!

Wii Adventures

I've been holding out to get a new system for a while now. Nintendo has always been my first choice and this time has been no different. I still want to get a PS3 but I'm going to wait til the price goes down, but little did I know it was going to be this hard to get a Wii. After going to store after store on launch date (excluding the overnight camp out in front of the store) at the crack of dawn I came home empty handed. Wave number two came around on Black Friday. My brother and I showed up at 1a at Best Buy and people were camping out in front since 10p. The line was outrageous. Our next bet was Target down the street. After going home to get a few hours of sleep there we are at 5:20a in line for Target to open. I never imagined waiting in line before sunrise to shop. Doors opened and people rushed in, Supermarket Sweep style. We rushed to the Electronics section only to discover that their shipment hadn't arrived. While we waited to confirm there were no Wii's people were picking up DVD players and PSP's like their life depended on it. Bumping, shouting "I got one" and attitudes were aplenty "I was here first". And this is in the first five minutes.
Once home yet again emtpy handed our drive to find a Wii turned to Craigslist. Yeah, I know it takes the adventure away from your own story of how you found one. But let me tell you, that Wii drug style deal at the parking lot of B of A when money exchanged hands and we got a brand new box out of the trunk made up for it. And yes, we did check that there were no bricks in the box. The guys that we bought it from had bought two on launch date after waiting in line 20 hours. And was all the trouble worth it?
Yes, the Wii has got to be one of the most funnest things that we've purchased in a while. While the graphics are a tad bit better than the GameCube, while there are no HD connections or BlueRay DVD, it makes up for it with the game play. So if you don't yet have one now, hit up Craiglist or eBay because you can't afford to wait to have this much fun.

Julieta Venegas and Los Abandoned

I went to go see Julieta Venegas at the Fillmore on Sunday, 11/19. The opening act was a band from LA called Los Abandoned. Wow, they rocked the house. Definitely check them out if you can. Can't wait for them to come back to town. I can't get "Van Nuys is Very Nice" out of my head. Julieta was amazing as ever. Overall a great concert. One of the best I've been to.

More Upgrades

As you can see my VW broke down again. I just decided to upgrade the engine while I was at it. I ended up getting a new electronic ignition and I went and put on those dual Kadron carbs. I'll post some picts of the engine upgrade once I take the car back out. There are still a few details I want to add (new mirrors, European license plate) but it's running sweet. The only major work still needed is re-sanding the car and re-shooting it flat black, getting it pinstriped, getting new whitewalls and re-doing the entire interior. Hmmm. Maybe there is still quite a bit to do.

Delirium

I recently went to see Delirium, Cirque du Soleil's newest creation. As a performance show it is good, but if you were expecting the acrobatics that make the other shows so great, it was a disappointment. I had seen Corteo last year and it blew me away, it was one of the most amazing shows I had ever seen. I was real excited to see Delirium, I even invited my parents, grandma and uncle. Visually, it was stunning. The way they use the stage as a projector was cool, but it was a novelty that got old fast. And the acrobatics were few. So if you love live music and cool costumes, you can either go to Carnaval in Brazil, or see this. If you want to see some amazing stunning acrobatics, save your money and see one of Cirque's other shows.

What's been going on?

Sorry, I've disappeared for a quick minute.. Still trying to get my VW back on the road. After getting a decent stereo in there to bump the oldies it started giving me starting problems. After much trouble shooting, the starter bearing was replaced. Much rejoice followed but then the gears started slipping. Just got the transmission rebuilt and with a new clutch, I was bracing for the worst.. But it was actually my brake drum.
Here is a pict.. Pretty grinded down. My mechanic wants to raise it since the back tires are cambering so much, but I'll still be low enough to cruise.

Price is Right...

I'm a big fan of the Price is Right, and I recently stumbled upon this site. Price is Right . It has some great old videos of the early shows, cool facts, etc. But there is one video in particular that has Bob Barker saying that they've been partying too much, followed by some clips that look like they've been hitting the bottle pretty good.

On that note, you have to check out this clip. Talk about luck!
I hope she is not an accountant.

Amazing Comics

If you were at Comic Con this year, I'm sure you heard all the hype surrounding these comics. If you weren't, then you are definitely missing out and have to pick up a copy of these comics ASAP. I'm fortunate enough to call these guys (and gals) my friends, but I guarantee these comics are definitely a must have. Jamie Baker compiled a list of the hottest comics at the Con. It includes comics by Enrico Casarosa, Scott Morse, Derek Thomson, and many others. You definitely won't regret it. Enjoy!

Pixar Motorama 2006

The good thing about summer is all the car shows that take place. I was at Asphalt last week, and this week was the Pixar Motorama. Lots of great employee cars, even Jay Leno had a car there. Audi had a new S8 and Ford had a GT. Good times.

Asphalt Invitational 2006

This weekend I went to check out Asphalt International hosted by my friend Jay Ward's Car Club - The Vultures. Some amazing cars were out there. Enjoy some of the picts. You can see more on Insomniakz's Photos.

Little Miss Sunshine

I had the opportunity to see this film and it is one of the best films I've seen all year (besides Cars of course). The writer and directors were there presenting the film, and afterwards had a Q and A, but I had to dash out at the end because I was late to a review, but I highly recommend it.

Cartoon Alley

If you love old cartoons, you have to check out this show on TCM. Every week they showcase different cartoons, from the early Warner Brothers, Popeye, Tom and Jerry, and forgotten shows like David Hand's Animaland shorts. There have been a few Tex Avery shorts that were hilarious!

Entourage Season 3

I hope you have your Tivo's ready for Sunday. Season 3 of Entourage starts on HBO.
If you still haven't seen this show, I suggest you go and buy both Season 1 and 2. One of my favorite shows of all time.


And check out this student film from CalArts. One of the better ones I've seen in a while.

Good ol' Fashioned Radio

A few years ago my friend Gerardo told me about this radio show that he listened to every once in a while. It was called the Art Bell show and it dealt with different topics every night. UFO's, Bigfoot, ghosts, etc... What I enjoyed most about it is that it is on A.M, so it sounds like an old radio show from the 50's. Eventually that show became Coast to Coast now hosted by George Noory. I enjoy it because they have guest speakers that range from different topics, and a part of me goes "What if?" Are there UFO's? Is Loch Ness real? I don't know, but it makes for some good late night listening.. Here is the web site: Coast to Coast , and if you're in the Bay Area, you can listen to 560 AM, starting at 10p. Don't get too spooked out!

As Cars approaches

It's cool to work on a film for so long and to finally see the public embrace the magic of a great film.
Check out these images that my friend Jay Ward found on a Hot Rod message board. Cars-Mania is hitting the nation.





And speaking of Jay Ward, check him out on the Cars Podcasts. He truly is a genius of automotive culture.

Michael, what happened?

We all know Michael Jackson as the weirdo that dangles his kids off a balcony living in Bahrain dealing with tons of problems that we all know about. But remember when Michael Jackson was the guy we all wanted to imitate, from his moonwalk to his glove?
Check out this video that shows a time when Michael had all the moves.. wow.

What's the latest?

What's the latest you ask? Well, still trying to find a new pad to call home. Still trying to find that one that catches my eye. Went to Vegas for a few days and didn't win nutin man, nutin. But the good news is that my VW Bug is almost done. Just had the transmission rebuilt but there is a small leak that still needs to be fixed. After I get it back from Art's Auto Point Motors (in Pt. Richmond), It's going to LaVere's in Concord to get the 1963 Ragtop Clip installed. Then it's on to Rolling Thunder in Marin to get the stereo and alarm installed. Stay tuned on picts on this restoration.

Time to move on

Well, about two years ago I bought a house with my uncle. The way housing prices are in the Bay Area, it was the most logical thing to do at the time. But the time has come to move on. So we're starting the process of selling and buying another home, this time just me and my brother. So if you know anyone interested in buying an awesome pad, lemme know! =-)

Not feeling so well

So I finally took a vacation day from work, so much to do, etc. etc. and low and behold, I wake up at 6a freezing and with the worst stomach ache ever. So much for an action packed day off. =-(
For some odd reason my stomach is in a twirl and my entire body aches. I've taken Pepto and Tylenol but they've just minimized the symptons.
In other news, the one good thing about having a day off during the week is The Price is Right. I grew up watching this show and what's great about it is that it hasn't changed. Same host, same games, same deco. But different models. ow, ow.. Bob you ol rascal! =-)

Weekend is here!

If you haven't seen Wonder Showzen on MTV2, you got to check it out. It's like Sesame Street, with all the puppets, kids and animations, but for adults. Funny stuff.
In other news, 12 more weeks for Cars to be unleashed into the world. Can't wait!

And if you still haven't seen the Juggernaut!

Neon

I need to get one of these for my house!

Agustin Victor Casasola

Mexican Independence Day - 1906


Soldier during the Mexican Revolution - 1914


Francisco "Pancho" Villa and Emiliano Zapata - Dec. 6, 1914


Assasination of Pancho Villa - July 30, 1923


Assasination of Emiliano Zapata - April 10, 1919


I was looking at some photo exhibits online and stumbled upon this great photographer, Agustin Victor Casasola. I've always been intrigued by Mexican History, and his photos offer a glimpse into that time of turmoil. There are a few books with collections of his photos but some are not in print. There is one called Mexico: The Revolution and Beyond, that you can pick up on Amazon.

More Cool Toys

Here are some more picts of some really detailed models. The X-Wing I made with the help of my friend, and the other model is one that my friend has, which is pretty much self explanatory for all you Star Trek peeps. Notice how detailed this thing is.
And can you believe that I found the exact interior I want to get for my 64 VW in a Rat Rod toy.

Awesome Toys

The other day I took these photos from my co-workers office. The Indiana Jones Idol was made from the same mold as the one used in the film. The Starship Destroyer he made from scratch. That's right.. No kits.. From scratch. And the AT-AT is one of only a thousand created by Master Replica's... It's a thing of beauty..

Another weekend

Has came and gone, but a productive one. Finally finished the Leo True Hollywood Story DVD, and designed some new business cards for my uncles Body Shop. Take a look.
Also, I got the new spiffy Motorola SLVR, this phone is cool. And it has iTunes.. =p
And it wouldn't be a weekend without drinking.. Here's a shot of one of my favorite bars in the city, The Tunnel Top.

Not much is new, just can't believe it's February already. Sheesh. Our wrap party for Cars is less than a month away and I still need to find a nice pin stripped suit.
Here is a pict for you to enjoy. Alessandro Carloni took the pict, and it's posted on his blog but I just had to share. Really cool!

It's Friday!

Still waiting for my Bug to leave the shop, but have been ordering parts for it. In the mean time, check out this new image from the upcoming movie Cars, which I spent the last 4 years of my life helping an amazing creative and technical team bring it to life. It's going to be an amazing movie.