Saturday, August 23, 2008

Designing your Fitness

I've always struggled with finding ways to get fit that also work with my hectic lifestyle. I used to have an $80 per month gym membership a the New York Sports Club and that didn't work out for me because:

  • I hated spending that $80 per month.
  • I'm a bit shy about working out.
  • Every time I got in the zone I was interrupted by one of the personal trainers who wanted to sell me one of their overpriced one-on-one packages under the guise of wanting to help me out with my workout.
  • Although the showers appeared clean I was still icked out.
  • The whole process of packing a gym bag and going to the gym seemed to take up so much time.

I've also tried other ways to stay fit but each had their share of woes.

  • I could never seem to make it to my intramural volley ball games.
  • Running made my shins hurt.
  • I'm too much of a hedonist to diet.
Recently I've found a new tool to help me out that I love love love. I'm doing these downloaded audio podcasts from yogadownload.com. There are a lot to choose from with a wide range of difficulty and durations. They are also the right price at $1 - $5. Way better than what I was spending at the gym. They also have a nicely designed website which counts alot for me.

I like em blasting off my computer speakers but you could also put them on your ipod. Some of the poses are a bit confusing for me but the classes also come with pdfs of the poses in order. This helps but i think it would have been even better to integrate these into the class and have it like a movie. They should try editing some together with the pose guide.

Try their free trial class 20 Minutes of Power.

My favorite classes from them:

  • 8 Minute Abs I don't have time to mess around I need to hit the goods fast.
  • Dawnelles Hip Opening Flow #2 Shes got a super sexy voice and it focuses on spreading your legs wider. Not too bad for the love life.
Speaking of working out. I recently designed some flyers with tear offs for a personal trainer in Park Slope. I did this under the creative Direction of TankIndustries who also had previously designed their nice logo. See pics below. Click to view larger.






This was fun to do. The bottom part tears off and become like a business card style thing. The client was awesome and even allowed for a little 'white space'. They are super happy and these rack cards represent their fun energetic outlook and even fit in a regular envelope so they can mail them to prospective or defunct clients.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Soul Finger Sam



Fortunately I was invited to play with SoulFinger Sam next week at an art inspired party called family affair in Clinton Hill.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Against the Grain in Digital Photography

I'm trying to learn how to work my camera better. I have a canon power shot S3 IS.



I really like it a lot. It has an amazing zoom. But alas, I'm still looking for ways to further reduce my digital grain with what I thought was a mid-level camera (Currently on sale for $319.99 on Amazon). Am I asking for too much?


I use this camera for my graphic design product shots, chronicling my 'DJ career, and sometimes at personal events. Because of its design its easy to hold and great for those candid shots but I am struggling a bit trying to get really professional looking product shots. Things always come out a bit too grainy for my taste. With sort of a slight RGB glow to things on the edges. I've tried using external lighting (albeit not professional) and using a tri-pod but I'm still battling with it this. Maybe there is something I'm missing... How do you reduce grain in your semi-pro digital photography?

See an example of a shot I took below.

Photobucket

Saturday, May 19, 2007

KILL YOU TO DEATH!

Crazy life has prevented me from achieving my full nerd potential and keeping an updated blog.

Today there is a dance party in the streets (parade to Washington Square Park) I'm gonna hit up, that has an afterparty at Element. Hope its not wack. Its NY's first annual Dance Parade. Lots of dance organizations involved and is actually being used to help overturn the cabaret laws.

I recently found this old hour-long electro mix that has some really good parts in it. Especially exactly at 55 minutes. The best is when the foreign Russian sounding DJ ominously comes on the Mic.

Direct Control Radio Mix


A little Mr. Oizo never hurts, either.

Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat

Friday, January 26, 2007

3BICDP!


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting



Yo come to the party!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

brandnew



New Years is coming up. My priorities have changed so much in the past year. And I want to be even better.

My New Years resolution. (I never actually had one before).
Be more punctual.


If I can get that under control--it would greatly improve my life. For New Years, I am leaving New York and going to New Orleans. But if i was staying in New York I would be at one of these...
New Years Parties


-------------------------------------

New Years Dream : New Years Eve

The Pleasure Corporation with the support of TheDanger and
a half dozen artist organizations is building the New
Years Eve event you dream of.

New Years Dream : December 31st through January 1st

Dozens of artists and performers are transforming two
spaces into the most decadent and intimate celebration of
new beginnings that this city has seen.  Featuring music
by Rich Medina, Adam Matta, Akim Funk Buddha, the Maracatu
Drum Core, and the Ruel String Band. Experience the beauty
& burlesque of Ooh La Luz, daring do from Poofy the Clown,
two thousand seven acts of indulgence by Boring Incorporated,
massive art and much much more.

Proceeds from this event benefit the rebuilding of the 9th
Ward of New Orleans.  The immense need continues and we
are doing all we can to support our sister city.

Save the date, full details will be revealed next week.
Two thousand seven will be the best year of your life.

-------------------------------------


Mad Suspect New Years

Sunday December 31st
BANG IT OUT New Years Eve Party 07
w/ The Captain + Shark
Drop The Lime
Egg Foo Young
after the 4 - The Bangers

$60 -ALL YOU CAN DRINK - 10 - 4

$50 pre sale tickets available at Savalas

Savalas
285 Bedford St. bet. S. 1st + Grand St.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn


-------------------------------------


The Rub New Years Eve Party

Sunday, December 31, 2005
The Rub New Years Eve Party
DJ Ayres, Cosmo Baker & DJ Eleven
with guest DJs Catchdubs, Caps & Jones
Rahnon's Birthday!
Free Champagne Toast at Midnight
Free food 9PM - 10PM
Party 10PM – 4AM
$50 tickets
Tickets available at TicketWeb.com
Southpaw
125 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215



# # # #


Also it would be ridiculous not to recap on the ridiculously beautiful street art show this past weekend. The line was 6 blocks long to get in to this free show. It took hours for us to get in--luckily we could take took turns holding the place in line. But it was absolutely worth it. The vibe was awesome. Some people were buying soda and giving it away.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Ponies are the new hotness

I see ponies. Here are just a couple of instances.

The New Young Pony Club's video for Ice cream.


Madonna's most recent tour Confessions on a dance floor was one of the best and sexiest live performances I have ever seen in my life. It was also very horse influence. In the background you cannot see but there are several straight minutes of vintage footage of horses and riders falling. Probably very hard to find and it was edited and color managed beautifully to produce an organic silvery feel. No YouTube video does the experience of being there justice. And I had no idea she was gonna come out of the disco ball because it was up there for an hour before the show started.


Of course the pony sneakers.


And the infamous International Pony.


Then the return of the Polo "Big Pony" shirt.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

I am Somebody

Who wouldn't love this video by DJ Medhi. He is on the Ed Banger Records list as you can see by the tell-tale 70s-ish handwritten type that brands this frenchie record label.


I recently saw an advertisement for the New York International Independant Film and Video Festival that reminded me of the Ed Banger brand look.


Also of the Ed Banger Label:

Uffie - Ready to Uff

Uffie - Hot Chick

Uffie - Pop the Glock

DJ Mehdi - Lucky Boy feat. Fafi

Justice - Waters Of Nazareth

Justice - Let There Be Light

Justice - Carpates

# # # #

Friday, November 17, 2006

For all you lonely boys

One of the ex-DJ founders of the infamous band the Sneaker Pimps (a name coined from an article about the Beastie Boys' dealings with a rare sneaker dealer) is doing quite well on his new project, IAMX. This new band also carries the same haunting harmonies that the Pimps were known for. But IAMX also conjures up strong themes of drug use, bisexuality, sado-massichism, and politics. In interviews Chris claims that this new band is a sort of "act" that destroys the seriousness of creating music. Watch the Video for President.


IAMX's new album has a more aggressive, unhinged, dark-wave influence and they might be worth watching.

IAMX - Missile - (From Kiss and Swallow)

# # # #


Last night I went to a Direct Drive Party (Drum 'n' Bass) at Sol on West 29th. I hadn't been to the spot in a long time. The Line Up included:

DJ Dara: Did well early but I was really sad he didn't spin anything really old off his future perfect album. Or maybe he did while I was chillin with the bathroom lady from Senegal. Would have given anything to hear his remix of Kosheen's Slip'n'Slide. Last time I saw him was about 4 years ago. I was his drink bitch at a club I worked at as a performance dancer in Savannah, GA called, "The Zoo".

DJ Odi: Standard D'n'B

DJ Marky: One of the best people there brought his funky Brazilian style out and got the floor moving. Extremely accurate mixing. And a "cool-as-a-pickle" vibe.

Burner Brothers: These guys were a tag team of energy. It was almost scary. Too bad the DJ booth was 20 ft above the dance floor and not lit properly because that magic didn't carry down.

TC Izlam. Ok he is a good MC. Knew how to work the hell out of a crowd. Was up in the DJ booth hanging off the edge. And when he wasn't performing he was slappin hands and workin the floor. He can be a loose cannon at times though. Plus he bigged himself up more than Mike Jones.

MC DYER: TC Izlam's wife and a really cute petite girl from the UK. You wouldn't think all that hollerin' and party control could come out of something so small.

Overall I would give the party a 6.5. The venue was really big but had inferior temperature control. It cost an insulting $20 to get in, a ridiculous $10 a drink, there was an aggressive bathroom attendant, and an appalling $5 for f-ing water. The Dj booth was so high up and not even lit well that there was no connection between audience and musicians. I have to admit since I was friends with some of the performers I did hang out there in the booth for a while and it did feel like a god-like VIP-room in there. But that is not what it should be about! Also, I don't remember the last time my purse was searched so thoroughly at the door. The party lasted till 6--I got bored and left at 3. Most interesting moment: A short girl got hit in the face really hard while watching this breaker do windmills. She was rushed out by security.

# # # #


Tonight I may go out tonight for one or both of these 2 parties. Dirty Down at Lit or Pistol Whipped at Fontana's.


Both party throwers are actually friends and associates and I am used to going to their joint events. The one at Fontana is $10 to get in (my new entry max) but Drop the Lime brings mad energy and vibes to the situation so it makes it seem worth it. Also, he is a really good DJ who exhibits a whole lot of personal style in his production work. I could definitely tell if a track was his just by listening.

But at Dirty Down, Captain (great selection--terrible beatmatching) and Shark will be (sober) and krunk as hell at this Lit party. Look like there are also gonna be some special guests coming through.

Captain - Live Extended Club Mix from Kobra Kai Party at Superman Plaza

Thursday, November 16, 2006

firetruck



So this week I tried to branch out and try out some new spots that I don't really go to.

Fontanas - most likely only ok if you are going to a specific party that is held in the downstairs area. The people upstairs were boring and super-wasted.

Happy Ending - I don't know if I can stress how cute the door-guy was. For that reason alone I would go back. I checked out their downstairs area which was really cool. I took a peek in one of their vacant red-lit VIP rooms that look like the kind of place that inmates would shower and some stupid guys rudely stopped me because they had it reserved. Okay collared shit man, you weren't even using it and I was just looking. That is why no girls are talking to you up-tight egotistical pricks. The only consolation was seeing the cute door guy on my way out. Hmmph.

Le Souk - Always jumping and I hadn't been there in so long. They had an OK dance/house DJ but also two great conga/djimbe drummers who were keeping the vibe live. Also good to see the old familliar faces of the Stuy-Town veterans which haunt that block.

Drop the Lime - Firetruk (by the Infants) remix

Trentemoller - We Share Our Mothers Health (by the Knife) remix

# # # #

Saturday, November 04, 2006

I'm Back..

Haven't posted in a while. I have been really busy living. So busy I accidentally missed The Knife.


# # #


I have been feeling really proactive recently and have been making leaps and bounds with my graphic design. My nerdiness has paid off and now I am also really fast at execution and my time-mangement. What I really want to do is start something of my own. I'm feeling empowered while listening to Dr. Israel

Dr. Israel - Black Rose Liberation
and just for fun
Dr. Israel - Sensi Man

# # #


And if you have nothing planned for Sunday there is a free show at Plan B and TC Izlam is gonna be there.


One of the most famous DnB/Jungle MCs around. Did alot of great work in the 90s with Carlos Soul Slinger and Liquid Sky records (Who by the way is trying to get started up again and is soon releasing a Classics LP). And TC is the son of Afrika Bambaataa.

Below is a video clip with him freestylin in his Seattle home. He can sometimes walk that thin line between brilliant and annoying and sadly I think his friend here, Merciful is a little bit wack. Fortunately he wont be there but TC Izlam usually brings a lot of B-Boys out the woodwork so needless-to-say it should be an interesting evening.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Weather is Getting COLDER but its Still Getting HOTTER



So it turns out Homer Thanuka and his brother have their own blog. They are some of my very favorite illustrators because they have the illest drawings and they have some of the best digital coloring I have ever seen—hands down.

# # #


Ratatat - Missy Elliot's Hot (Remix)

Alas, I have waited long but The Danger is going to throw another party on Saturday September 23rd at the 3rd Ward artists studio. $10 cover, cheap drink, performers, party all night and into the next day. I have already mentioned William Etundi before and his life changing events. The party is called, "Future: Perfect" which is strangely also the name of a DJ Dara album. It would thrill me to no end if someone actually spun one of his tracks which I haven't heard in public in the past 5 years.

# # #

Friday, September 15, 2006

Riding the waves


Career wise things are on the up. I am now working with one of my dream companies, Love Brigade. My boss-lady is really cool. In fact I saw her out at the bars in Williamsburg the other night.

I also got to give a shout out to one of the best restaurants in Manhattan. Ivo and Lulu. They are good friends of mine and it is BYOB no corking fee gourmet organic French-Caribbean cuisine that aint that expensive. Eat there.

Do you know what else is good? DJBNX of the Zimpala group. Another good friend but also a seasoned DJ and he throws the best wine tastings. He did an awesome set at nublu that incorporated everything from jazz, salsa, rap, and some of the rarest records he could get his frenchie fingers on. You can book him for your next event when he returns to America in December. He will also be doing a couple of swinging wine-tastings that I will be keeping you updated on. I reccomend track 5, 10, 11.

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Nicole Willis - Feeling Free) Track 1

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Nephews of Phela - Mulah) Track 2

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Spirit Catcher - Rise and Shine) Track 3

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Peven Everett - Stuck - Phil Asher) Track 4

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Rockysopp - What Else is there? - Trentemoller) Track 5

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Innocent Sorcerers - One dollar race) Track 6

DJ BNX - Live Mix (VoomVoom - Sao Verought) Track 7

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Laurentius - Karate Samba - Science Fiction) Track 8

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Azymuth - Roda Piao - Spiritual Youth) Track 9

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Zero dB -Bongos Bleeps and Basslines) Track 10

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Makossa & Megablast - Kunuaka) Track 11

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Dj Gregory - S2) Track 12

DJ BNX - Live Mix (Russ GHabriel feat.Corrina Joseph - Patience) Track 13

DJ BNX - Live Mix (A taste of honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie) Track 14

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Gnarls Barkley "Smilin Face" video remake


I was doing some Poppin' & lockin' research and I came across this. You may see me trying to be this guy at Savalas on Saturday night.

Monday, September 04, 2006

RE:Think RE:Design RE:Construct


This is apparently a "chin-strap". A new non invasive way to treat malocclusion caused by TMJ in Guinea pigs. It provides support to the jaw, encourages normal wear of the teeth, and helps build muscle.

DangerDoom - Sofa King

I got this excellent new book. RE:THINK RE:DESIGN RE:CONSTRUCT—How top designers create bold new york by RE:INTERPRETING original designs It presents an collection of real executed designs that are given to several other designers to re-interpret. In addition to a collected look at what some top new york designers are putting together this book also has a lively "Q&A" for each work and a contributors contact list in the back. Booy-a-ka.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

I listen to music 20 hours a day.



In the 90s I was obsessed with Drum and Bass Music.

Dara featuring Kosheen - Suicide

Now I am just really starting to get into grime, so if anyone knows any really good artists please educate me.
Right now I am listening to a few artisits under the TigerBeats umbrella.

LIFE OF THE PARTY

I had a crazy week. And everywhere I went I put on my sunglasses and danced like they had never seen before. I went out with my newly formed female entourage and partied A-list style. But I got sick of it and last night I was itching to go out by myself. I know alot of people think it is dangerous, but it is my own personal adventure. I put on head to toe black and my sneakers (nothing sexy) and I went to Brooklyn. I rocked "Trouble and Bass" party at Boogaloo till about 5 am. These Trouble and Bass guys grime sound was no joke.

They also had a whole lot of energy and they had the whole crowd sweating like slaves. The set-up at Boogaloo is also very intimate. The DJs are on pretty much the same level as you. and then I went around the corner and danced salsa merengue until 8 am. I didn't spend a dollar and I love the way my body feels weak after dancing so hard. This is definitely a party I will hit next month. I hope to also hit it solo so I don't have to talk for the whole night.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Frickin 50s

I just got this awesome new book called Fun Fabrics of the 50s


I also love this International Pony Video but I hate 50s style interlude—I just wanna hear the song I showed up for. Their Mit Dir Album looks Ok but the older "I love Music" album is straight awesome all the way through. Thanks for putting me on them, Jen. Real friends are friends who show you good music.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

If I only had a brain!

Yo, yo, YO!
Do you be a graphic designer or close to it?
Well do this Tinspiration contest with Fossil. You could win $1000 (in ahem Fossil merchandise), get your tin put into production, and have an all expense paid trip for two to see the Fossil design studio. Due September 12!

I went to DTUT this afternoon trying really hard to come up with some killer design concepts and I think I know what direction I am gonna go in. But I still have alot of work to do. And I'm really tired cause I went to a pretty good party at Bed last night. And I took the train both ways and I didn't spend a dollar. They were playing some pretty righteous hip hop. How do I have time to do it all? I dont watch TV or sleep.

I just wanna dance!


When I go out at night (especially when I'm wearing my Chuck Taylors instead of heels) I pretty much just want to sweat all the stresses of my week away. I wanna dance hard because I wanna feel something. I want to party...with purpose!

Do you know who has the best events with a purpose in all of NYC for the past many years? Will Etundi. Most recently I unknowingly went to one of his "I heart Danger Parties" in the huge 3rd Ward building off the Montrose Stop and it was amazing. I didn't know whose party it was until I saw the flyer when I got there and it looked familliar so I did more research. Before he started this group he had another group called Complacent Nation and my sisters went to the final complacent nation party called One Night of Fire which started in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge where a tug of war would decide if the party continued to Manahattan or Brooklyn (they had no permits) and moved on the F train to Coney Island. I kicked myself in the ass hard for not showing up to this one. This guy also did the Money Project where he dumped Two-Thousand in $1 bills on shoppers in Herald Square. Also does anyone remember the Cabaret Law thing that happened a few years back? I was in Georgia at the time but I remembered how stupid it was when my friends and family told me on the phone. Well, Complacent Nation had an outdoor party outside Mayor Bloombergs home! He is one of my personal heroes because he is a man of momentum.




Nelly Furtado - Live Cover of Gnarl's Barkley "Crazy"

Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stonger