This 8mm film was shot in the late 90’s on the Paramount backlot. Chad and I sneeked on the lot with a group of film students on a day trip. Later we faded in to the background and found quite place to pop of this one take short. The music is from the film HOUDINI staring Tony Curtis.

So the party last week was a make up for the normal car camping we do every year. Here’s a clip from last year. Along the road in Mexico they sell fireworks. Crazy fireworks, not the safe-and-sane stuff we get here. However, the thing with fireworks are that they are fun for a while but then people start getting the ugre to get more creative—especially after a few beers. So someone, can’t remember who, decided to put a GIANT bottle rocket in the trash can and turn it upside down. Click to see what happened.

Click here for more photos from the 2005 trip

Who invited Willie Nelson?

Once a year all the guys get togther and go on a trip. Last year was to Baja. This year we had a lot of new Dad’s so no one could get away. We all settled on a simple pool party and BBQ.

It good to see that we’ve all grown up and don’t act like kids anymore.

Sean “lockbone” Laughlin: King of the Que.

Gabe just trying to keep up with the 80’s gang.

…and who says white folks don’t have soul?

Get a room.

We’re looking at chicken here but the Korean short ribs that came off the grill right before these were awesome.

Same to you buddy!

Jason (nickname omitted) Sarrow: Master of Ceremonies

We ended the evening with a little poker. I think I broke even.

If you happen to find yourself in the Historic Core (skid row adjacent) in downtown and are looking for a great place to eat then this is the place. Pete’s Café is located at the corner of 4th and Main. The food is great. It’s a little upscale but still very casual. The Hellman Burger is guaranteed to end any hunger issues you might have. Also try the Chicken Pillard if you want something lighter. Stay away from the salads, they haven’t figured that one out yet. If you really want to go down for the count then order the Flat Iron Steak with Blue Cheese Fries—it comes with a freindly side of angioplasty.

Check out their site

On Monday Sheila and I went to the House of Blues to see Corinne Bailey Rae. Neither of us had ever heard a note of the music before the show. We just went on a friends recommendation. I think it’s pretty hard to get into something on the first listen as songs have to grow on you a little. But man, she really blew us away. Such a beautiful voice and presence on stage.

The crowd was in a great mood. The response to each song was amazing. If you like Erica Badu or India Arie you’ll be right at home.

Check it out here

So last week I shot out to CVS to pick up some cat food at around 10pm. When I pulled back up to my house I see there’s this sofa just quitetly sitting on my corner, on fire. So I run into my house and grab a fire extinguisher, run back outside, and put the thing out. The flames were getting up to about 8 feet! The fire department came a few minutes later, drenched it and drove away.

The burnt sofa hung out on the corner for a few more days until one day it disappeared.

I’d like to introduce you to it’s replacement.

It looks like this corner is the best place in Van Nuys to dump your piece of shit sofa. I guess I should call someone…