WHERE IN THE WORLD?

I just cant stop....

2012-02-23T06:26:00.004-08:00

...buying insanely radical foreign movie posters.
My ever growing collection has just gained more steam with these beauties that I bought today:

Burt, Kris and Peter from Turkey

Steve, Dustin, and Elvis from Thailand

A Keepsake

2012-02-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Christian was brave enough to wade through some of the hours of footage we shot while on our "Four Corners Expedition" and actually cut something that is an accurate representation of the journey we set out on.
It's lo-fi, rough around the edges and filled with character..... just like the trip.
If you have 12 minutes and want to get a taste of the Southwest through our eyes....
This is for you.

Fatima Al Qadiri - How Can I Resist U

2012-02-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

When Sophia Al Maria is directing....
You best believe you are going to see something amazing.
Her new video for Fatima Al Qadiri's "How Can I Resist U" is unreal.
Instead of me blabbing about it....
Watch it

Welcome To My Mind

2012-02-09T01:34:00.000-08:00

I dont usually rant about pop culture or high fashion when it somehow makes its way on to my computer screen.
Rightfully so. Why waste my breath or your valuable time with disposable, meaningless bullshit?
BUT this time, I just have too much to say about a particular item that is just too crazy to let slide.
And I have to apologize ahead of time because this is definitely going to get CRUDE, LEWD, and OBSCENE. *maybe you shouldn't read this one, Mom*

And that obsurd item is....
The new Louis Vuitton condom.
Yes. The new Louis Vuitton CONDOM!
At $65 bucks a pop.... these slick, shit colored pieces of rubber can choke your manhood and enter some "lucky lady" (or "lucky dude" depending which way you look at it).
What the fuck is going on in this world?!

Here are my initial thoughts:

Any straight man who carries one of these around DEFINITELY doesn't have a wife or girlfriend
Isn't paying $65 for a condom like saying "Yes. You are worth $65 to fuck" ?!?! And won't you be thinking "This better be good if I am paying $65 bucks for this fuck"?! And is that any different than going out and paying $64 for sex from a prostitute and an extra $1 for a condom that does the exact same job?
Maybe more rich people will stop having babies therefor leaving their fortunes for public or charitable benefit when they die
At least it promotes safe sex, right?
Most dudes that buy these will keep them in their wallet, peaking out just a tad, to flash past their potential partner's eyes, for such a long time that it won't even be safe anymore IF this tool bag of a human ever actually lands a "victim". And I say "victim" because anyone who falls for such a douche.... is indeed a victim.
Could using one of these be like saying "Yeah. I am rich and I don't want to get someone peasant like you pregnant and have to pay you child support for some mongrel baby that pops out of your filthy vagina that I am not even willing to touch with my precious dick."
Anyone who sleeps with Kanye West knows what to expect

I could go on and on about this but maybe I should just stop and let you formulate your own opinion on the matter.

I feel like I need to apologize after writing this because it is (even in my eyes) quite disgusting at times.....

But I won't.

Welcome to my mind.

LONG LIVE

2012-02-01T23:32:00.001-08:00

*by the lovely, talented Ms Lauren McCarthy

#OCCUPYWITWR

2012-01-31T23:04:00.000-08:00

A tide capsizes the thicket,

a wailing Brooklyn bridge floods with the wicked & suddenly the shores run heavy with the sounds of screams.
What does it mean?
When the poor have gathered
Lathered in dreams?
Because before they'd be a slave
they'd be sure to meet their graves. There's a wailing out in Oakland.
It bears sounds of broke & broken.
There are real people in the gutters, laying under the shadows of overseers. They're tossing & turning, starving & burning.
These streets have felt the tide,
They feel it far & wide,
Something will subside,
right before your eyes.
And the triumph does await,
churning in the hearts within the battered torn up tents.
A triumph does await,
The Ninety Nine Percent.

DOWNLOAD OCCUPY WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO

FREE DOWNLOAD: WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO 2012

2012-01-28T23:56:00.000-08:00

For those of you who suffer from "Lackofnewmusicitis" or the common "Toolazytofindgoodnewshitfluenza".....
THE DOCTOR IS IN AND READY TO LEND A HELPING HAND!
*Click this creepy fool to download the new Where In The World Radio podcast
Featuring the prescribed dosage of Wilco, Santigold, Cloud Cult, The Weeknd, Hello Psycho, Sun Hotel, Swear and Shake, Johhny Cash with The Avett Brothers, Royal Baths, and The Narcicyst

The Trading Post - Qatar

2012-01-23T01:01:00.000-08:00

During our "Four Corners Expedition", we were on a mission.
Not only to see every nook and cranny of the Southwest as we could...
But also to hand select loads of Native American jewelry to open a "shop" in Doha.
We scoured reservations, roadside stands, and trading posts for the best of the best.
When the mission was completed, we had collected over 90 pieces of handmade, one of a kind jewelry.

We are very excited to announce our first sale on Feb 4th in Doha, Qatar.
For more info... check out the flyer below.

Have Love Will Travel

2012-01-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

Before coming to Doha in 2009, I didn't even have a passport.
Everything that the world held was found in the US.... Or so I thought.
Once coming out to the Middle East, I realized.... There is a lot I need to see.
Since then, I have become a bit obsessed with traveling.
I spent more time on planes last year alone than I had in the first 27 years of my life combined.
I even had to go get 26 more pages added to my passport because of all the traveling.
It now resembles George Costanza's wallet

The 2011 Checklist included:
-England (3 times)
-Scotland
-Maldives
-New York (3 times)
-Portugal
-Seattle/Oregon/California
-Morocco
-Dubai
-Egypt (3 times)

This year's list is quite ambitious but with a little luck (or an amazing finished film that gets accepted into great festivals), I think I can get to most of these places:
The 2012 Checklist
-Turkey
-Japan
-Brazil
-Berlin
-Amsterdam
-Norway
-Jordan
-Alaska
-Beirut (confirmed in Feb)
-Boston (confirmed in April)
-Seattle (confirmed in Aug)
-New York (at least two more times)
-Egypt (at least once)
-Four Corners (completed in Jan)

HAVE LOVE WILL TRAVEL

We Won!

2012-01-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly surprised when I got an email saying the video that Lee Hardcastle and I had made for Portugal. The Man was a finalist for video of the year at the Silver Sound Music Video Festival and Battle of the Bands.

Luckily, I was in New York for the event which was held at Brooklyn Bowl.

With lots of great friends there cheering me on, I was shocked and humbled when they announced that we had won the grand prize for Best Music Video!!!

If you haven't seen the video yet....

What better time than now?

The Four Corners Expedition

2012-01-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

The words of a weary traveler were in my mind.
Endless miles of open road.
Rolling plains.
Towering mountains.
Desert and snow.
My mind raced with the pace of our speeding car.
Yet my words are no where to be found.

___________________________________

For months, I had been meticulously mapping out the road.
Highways, bi-ways, interstates and dirt paths.
I wanted to leave no stone unturned.
But that was an impossible feat.
So I did the best I could with the time I was given.

My journal fails to reflect the images collected on the road but my mind is blistering with the heat of the experience.
This brief account from the road is what I am sharing with you now.
Like a fine artist filling imperfections in streets, use your imagination to fill in the holes.
_____________________________________________________________

Dec 30, 2011
The plane is packed but I spot his ring.
His long, hardened hands hang over the seat and the reading light glistens off of the brilliant red stone.
It's unmistakable.
A 1983 Philadelphia Phillies World Series ring.
He spots my cap and shouts out to me, "You a Phillies fan?"
'You know it", I reply.
He holds the ring up to my eyes and smiles.
I walk back to my seat shocked and in awe.
Who is he?
His face doesn't seem familiar at all.
Even though he got that ring the year I was born, I have studied the faces tirelessly yearning for "the glory days".
Midway through the flight, he stands in the aisle and hands me the ring and says "Hold on to this for a minute. I'll be back."
I rolled it over and over in my hand.
My eyes like lasers, I examined every nook of the precious treasure.
The name becomes clear-
Ozzie Virgil.
An unsung hero of Philadelphia's past.

We land in Phoenix and hit the hotel.
A quick shower and Christian is at the front desk.
The next morning, we hit the road.

Dec 31 2011

Odometer reads 32365

We pile into the car after a tasteless breakfast.

-Rt 17 to village of Oak Creek, Sedona

Our first encounter with a fellow traveler leaves us laughing and questioning the sanity of people who base their lives around the theory of "all existence is just a vibration and nothing is real". His name was Syd.

-89A North through the mountains

We come across the first Native American roadside sale. We exchange pleasantries and history of stones with the women as they swipe our cards over and over.

-17N to Flagstaff

-40W to 64N

We arrive at the Grand Canyon just before sunset. We take in it's immensity as the sky turns red, yellow and orange.

Our cabin is small but perfect. It sits perfectly at the edge of the South Rim.

We have a small fire going and all is at peace.

After a light dinner, we head back to the cabin where Christian sings us songs.

We are all asleep before midnight but a disturbing phone call wakes me at 11:50pm. By the time I am settled, people are screaming "Happy New Year" into the canyon and the echoes surround the entire rim.

Jan 1 2012

Odometer reads 32601

It's a new year and my bag is on fire. The smell of burnt plastic is gagging.

Christian and I set out in the pitch black along the icy trail looking for the perfect vantage point to watch the first sun of the new year.

We stop at a spot that is over 3.5 billion years old and listen to the wind power through the raven's wings.

Magic.

The sun peaks over the mountains at 729am.

We hiked 1.7 miles up in the dark to hike 1.7 miles down in broad daylight.

We are back in the cabin packing up by 930am.

-64SE through Little Colorado River Gorge

We take a break in the small reservation town of Cameron and meet a few amazing Navajo peoples.

Their voices are soft and their eyes have a dark glow to them.

They tell us tales of the reservation, the old days, and how they "earned their feathers".

-89N to 160N through Tuba City

We pass a place advertising "Dinosaur Tracks" but we dont stop.

We take 160N into Kayenta and through Monument Valley.

We reach the small stables and mount up on our horses.

For the next 2+ hours we live a completely surreal experience.

The red rocks, the giant buttes, our Navajo guide singing us traditional songs, the smell of Christian's horse's ass, the mile wide smiles on Lauren's face...

This was a special day.

We return the horses just as the sun retreats and paints the sky.

The road takes up to Chandler and to "The Hill".

A peace pipe awaits on the reservation.

But soon the paranoia sets in and I find myself flying through the darkness completely unaware of my surroundings.

By the time the gas tank is empty, we are at a Super 8 in Blanding, Utah.

Jan 2 2012

Odometer reads 32967

We have a late start, shaking and spitting.

The breakfast was tasteless again and we are on the road by 11.

-191S to 262SE across Montezuma Creek

-162W to 191S across Montezuma Creek again

-160E

Two women are standing on the side of the road with their thumbs out.

We drive past them and debate whether or not to turn around.

We do.

I ask them where they are going.

"Shiprock", they call back.

I tell them we are heading to the Four Corners and they can hitch a ride if they want.

They hesitate but agree.

Clara and Cindy. A Navajo mother and daughter.

They explain that they are heading to a Trading Post to try to sell the rug they have just completed.

We talk about the road, they teach us words in Navajo.

We arrive at Teec-Nos-Pas ("big round tree" in Navajo).

Stretching and shaking, we head inside for an hour.

A man on the side of the road is selling wild Mustangs that he catches and breaks in a matter of 2 weeks. He is young and has no fear.

We pile back in the car and head to the Four Corners Monument.

It's underwhelming but exciting that we made it there.

We dance between the states and eat Navajo Fry Bread in the warm midday sun.

-160NE to Dolores, CO

We find the small town that shares my mother's name. The Dolores River is frozen over and the streets are empty.

Within 30 minutes we are in Cortez and checking in to the Tomahawk Motel.

At Tequila's we feast on enchiladas and burritos.

Jan 3 2012

Odometer reads 33156

With icy breath and a smokey room, we head out at 10am.

We stop and have breakfast at a diner that is filled with Navajo eyes.

They scan us up and down and giggle as we pass.

Our waitress looks like a professional wrestler and tells Christian he has a "girlish figure".

-491S to Shiprock

-64E to Bloomfield

-550S to 25N

We stop in Santa Fe and stumble upon the studio of American folk artist, Ed Larson.

We welcomes us in and we chat for awhile as we browse his works.

He is painting a giant orange fish made from scrap wood.

I buy a print of Sitting Bull and shake his hand.

He is a true American.

-25S to Albuquerque

We post up at the highest point in the city to get a grip of its size.

It's glamour in the night is negated by it's violent streets.

We go to a Brazilian all-you-can-eat meat spot and gorge ourselves.

Jan 4 2012

Odometer reads 33497

Showering off the meat sweats, we have one last smoke and climb back in the car.

We stop by "Cowboys & Indians" downtown and are awestruck with the amazing treasures inside. I buy a kachina of the Zuni Sun God and a 48 star flag that used to fly in Texas.

-40W (over and about on rt66) to 53W

We spot an interesting sign 30 minutes outside of Zuni Land:

"Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave Ahead"

A no-brainer, we stop.

We hike the 15 minutes to the ice cave then 30 minutes up the mountain to the volcano.

Glad we did it but underwhelmed, we hike back heaving in the high dense air.

Christian entertains us by taking dares and running up the steep, snowy cliffs.

Back on the road, we stop at a trading post and meet two young hippies who explain the allure of living in the area.

We follow rt 53 into Zuni Land and post up at the Inn at Halona.

The warm fire and Pendleton blankets welcome us.

We have dinner at Chu Chu's (the only restaurant in town - rightfully so, it's delicious).

Jan 5 2012

Odometer reads 33668

Sharing stories with fellow travelers and eating blue corn pancakes, we start the day just right. We pack the car and head into town.

Stopping several times, we learn more about the Zuni culture and the people.

We collect treasures from here and there and head out of town around noon.

There is a long road ahead of us.

We're headed for Tombstone.

366 miles later, we arrive.

The sky is black but we take to the streets.

We wander around the OK Corral, Fremont St, and Allen St.

We walk the boardwalk planks along the strip of shops.

Big Nose Kate's Saloon (formerly The Grand Hotel) has music and laughter pouring out of it's doors. We enter the swinging doors and find cowboys and cowgirls laughing and singing and drinking and yelling.

It's as authentic as it could be.

We pound drinks and head down the street for food.

After a quick meal, we are back in the saloon and Christian is on stage singing.

We kick the dust and smile as we walk back to the Tombstone Motel and drunkenly fall asleep.

Jan 6 2012

Odometer reads 34030

We rise early (but not as early as Christian).

We wander the streets that are now filled with tourists and cowboys on horses.

Men in old west costumes tell us about this tour and that tour and this gunfight reenactment and that reenactment.

We find our way into the Bird Cage Theatre, then a big breakfast, a few shops, and over a small sarsaparilla stand on a dirt road.

Johnny One Dog and his friends, The Artist, The Blacksmith, and the manager of the OK Corral share their stories and jokes. We sit and laugh and soak it in before heading into the historama about the town narrated by Vincent Price.

When the lights come up, we head into the Corral to watch a reenactment of the world famous "OK Corral shoot out".

It is painfully bad but had some redeeming qualities when we realized that the actors think they actually are the famous cowboys.

The mid day sun tells us it's time to hit the road.

We hit the highway and get Lauren to Tucson early for her flight to Bakersfield.

Once she is in the air, we head into town to meet an old friend.

Schroeder and his girlfriend proved the best hosts and for the next 2 days.

Day drinking, night laughing, white wine and poodles were all we needed.

Jan 8 2012

Odometer reads 34136

We wake up early and pack our bags.

Hauling them into the car, we hit the road to the airport.

Little did we know, we were headed for the wrong airport.

An hour later, we figure it out and speed to reach Sky Harbor just in time to catch our flight to NY.

With dirt under our nails, grease in our hair, and memories that will last forever, we boarded the plane and headed home.

Final Odometer reading - 34249

Total miles traveled - 1884

__________________________________________

The road teaches us many things.

The treachery of man and Earth.

The beauty hidden within us all.

But most importantly, that there is always something that we must see.

Something we must do.

Somewhere we must go.

And the open road that stretches out in front of us is there to carry us from one memory to the next.

[this road never ends]

Proof That Uganda Filmmakers Are The Greatest

2011-11-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

The Narnia Saga Continues

2011-11-30T00:36:00.001-08:00

Tattoo artist Ryan Fitzgerald from Dayton, OH was hit with a $100,000 lawsuit last week by his ex-girlfriend Rossie Brovent. She claims that her boyfriend was supposed to tattoo a scene from Narnia on her back but instead tattooed an image of a pile of excrement with flies buzzing around it.

Apparently, Ryan found out that Rossie had cheated with a long-time friend of his, but instead of confronting her about it he acted like everything was normal and hatched a plan for revenge. Originally, Rossie tried to have Ryan charged with assault, but the ingenious tattoo artist had covered his bases by plying Rossie with wine and tequila shots and getting her to sign a consent form that stated the design was “at the artist’s discretion.”

*Post was originally found here

Hip Hop is Alive and Well

2011-11-30T00:32:00.000-08:00

Trouble on the Mountain

2011-11-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

I am currently in Egypt finishing the production of my film and believe it or not, I ran into some trouble. Yes! Me! In trouble. Strange huh?
It all started last night/this morning when I stayed at Mourad's house in order to go with him to work in the morning.
I began to document the experience through emails to my producers (aka Lauren and Carrie) around 1am. While writing, I had no idea how bad things would get.
Here are the transmissions:

At 1:15am, my alarm goes off. I must have fallen asleep only mere minutes ago. Tossing and turning, I felt the urge to rip my flesh off through the night. The analog clock ticking, ticking, ticking. Never tocking. My belt is pulled tight holding up jeans that are tucked into my socks. My flannel is buttoned to the neck and to the wrists. My hair is tucked up into my maroon Phillies cap.
I was given the bed usually occupied by Mourad and Um Waleed. I refused and refused (deeming the couch safer) but language barriers and Arab hospitality prevails.
The bed is like a rock hard wave rippling inside of its self. The base is made of concrete and old textbooks. A thin blue sheet is draped over the burgundy and gold mattress. A pillow that feels like solid steel rests against the unpainted stone wall.
When I spring out of the bed and turn the lights on, I am faced with one of my worst nightmares. The bed is teeming with bugs. They are everywhere. They crawl over each other as if rushing to the last train home from work. I crush a few with my thumb before frantically wiping off my clothes. I scratch my hair hard enough to make it fall out in clumps and my scalp begins to bleed.
Yanking the tripod out of the bag, I hurry to get the camera set up so to not miss Mourad's morning ritual of waking up at 2am and yelling at his sons to get up and get in the truck.
1:30 I am in the living room, set up and rolling.
The couches in the room line the back wall like a U. Romany is on the left, Sherif in the center and Osama on the right. I watch the timecode roll away on the lcd screen as the boys lay still. Any minute now.... Mourad will bust through the door yelling obscenities and cursing their mother and grandfather for making them so lazy.
But nothing... The tape rolls on as the living room clock clicks. Clicks. Clicks.
Just after 2am Um Waleed stumbles from the room closest to the front door. She wipes her eyes and looks scared of me standing in the kitchen doorway. She mumbles something and then goes into the bathroom. I slip back into the kitchen as to not make it awkward or startle her more. She flushes and heads back into the bedroom, slamming the door closed. The boys are still.
The clock clicks clicks clicks. My tape has run out. Its 2:30am. Everyone is late for work. Just as I go to switch to a new tape, Daa comes out of the 2nd door and yells something at the boys. They barely move.
She goes into the room Um Waleed came out of and yells "Abuyay! Abuyay!" I can hear Mourad's cough and then a low mumble. Daa comes out of the room and goes back into the door she emerged from. She slams the door three times and it keeps popping open. The fourth time, the frames on the wall shudder.
Something doesn't seem right. Mourad is never late. I turn the camera off and sit in one of the crudely painted neon blue chairs against the wall. Occasionally I can hear the sound of the water heater kick on and immediately shut off. The hum of the refrigerator has become inaudible because of the fly that is circling my head.
Click click click.
I watch the clock.
Sherif stretches one arm straight up in the air and yawns before rolling over toward the wall and immediately falling back to sleep.
Its nearly 4am. I have been up for hours watching three young boys sleep. I start to question my every decision. Is this what a filmmaker does? Wait for the moment? Or does he create it?
Do I stand? Or sit? Leave the camera on and rolling or shut it down and hope to hear movement from Mourad's room so I can jump to action?
What the hell am I doing here?
Damn this click click click.
My stomach is rumbling so I pop a cough drop in my mouth and hope it holds me over.

There is a half eaten piece of bread on top of the dirty laundry. The combination of piss, sweat, and filth emanates. I can see the tag of one of the pairs of jeans: FUCT. How did a pair of Fuct jeans end up here? Even if they are bootleg?!
A fly just landed on Sherif's face and walked into his nostril triggering a chain reaction that ended with Osama getting kicked in the head. He barely moved.
There is a yellow egg shaped ball on the floor that I roll around under my foot as the click click click continues. The floor is littered with rugs of all shapes and sizes. None of which match. The orange and white tile floor peeks out here and there. It looks clean.
The table in the middle of the room is draped in an old vinyl banner from a hospital. It is a case study on survival rates in people who have hepatitis and undergo liver transplants. On top of that is an overflowing ashtray, a set of keys, a pair of nail clippers, a glass with the remnants of tea in the bottom, a pen and a coloring book.
There are at least 8 pictures of Jesus in this room.
Random knick-knacks clutter the entertainment center. The top is filled with fake flowers. There is a dirty stuffed tiger on the shelf next to a crystal ashtray. Its the only one in the room that is not full. There are 3 brooms next to the mint green fridge. One is yellow, one is white, and one is wrapped in old newspapers.
The haphazard white splashes of paint on the cold grey concrete walls are starting to look calculated.
Its 440am and minarets are sounding from all directions. The call to prayer on the first day of Eid.
The clock keeps clicking.
Click click click.

Even though something in me told me that this day was cursed, I forged on taking a page from Werner Herzog's book.
Little did I know that less than an hour later, I would be arrested.
To make a long story short, I was in Mourad's truck filming him driving around while his boys jumped out along the way to collect cardboard boxes and plastic bottles.
Because of our late start, the 2nd Eid prayer was going on. People packed the streets to pray.
Thousands upon thousands of people.
Plus thousands upon thousands of sheep and cows, ready to be butchered.
We zigged and zagged down streets trying to find an opening to move through.
Then.... we got stuck.
Less than 100 yards from one of the biggest mosques in Maadi.
We couldn't go forward. We couldn't go backward.
We sat and waited. The prayer was just about over when 3 police officers approached the truck. They questioned Mourad before noticing the camera at my feet.
Then all hell broke loose.
My answers weren't good enough for the officers so they put me in the back of a police truck and carted me off. No one was speaking English so I didn't have a prayer (no pun intended).
When we got to the police station, I was able to steal my phone back from one of the officers when he wasn't looking and make 3 calls.
One to my translator to call the US embassy.
One to Lauren, no answer.
One to Carrie to let her know what was going on.... or at least what I knew of it.

Over 4 hours of questioning and intimidating went by and I was cracking. I felt like I was on "Banged Up Abroad". They were trying to get me to admit to plotting against Muslims, sign documents that were written in Arabic, and give them the key to my rented apartment so they could "investigate".
Even though I was seriously on the verge of wetting myself when men with machine guns came in, I didn't crack.
With the help of the people at the US embassy, I was set free.
Minus all the footage I shot that day, which the officers made me destroy in front of them.

It was a rather traumatizing experience but I believe I handled it the best I could.
Now I am a free man and back at my apartment.
But I am not in the clear yet.

After a long, hot shower to lick my wounds and burn away the bed bugs..... I came out to the living room to write to my mother. But something didn't smell right.
I went back in the bathroom to see that 4 inches of doo doo water was pouring out of the drain on the floor.
Currently, there are 4 dudes trying to contain the mess.
I have no idea if they are winning the battle or not.
And honestly, I don't care.
I am a free man.
And I will be sipping this Gentleman Jack until I pass out in front of this screen.

That's my story.
And I'm sticking to it.

The Secret is Exposed: Portugal. The Man "All Your Light (Times Like These)"

2011-10-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

As I have hinted, I have been working on a very exciting project with English claymation wizard Lee Hardcastle.
We were secretly creating the video for Portugal. The Man's "All Your Light (Times Like These)".

The video was launched a few days ago on JUXTAPOZ. I have always loved this magazine and to have them be the first to host the video was a dream.

Within 48 hours, the video had nearly 4000 hits and is spreading like wildfire.
It has been featured on a bunch of websites worldwide.
Portable.tv gave us a really kind review as well.

While Lee was animating the film, Swedish show KOBRA showed up and interviewed him.
Check him out at the 18 minute mark in THIS video.

But without further adieu.....
I am proud to present Portugal. The Man - All Your Light (Times Like These).
A Justin Kramer and Lee Hardcastle film.

ZABALEEN ON KICKSTARTER

2011-10-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

7 days ago, we started a campaign on the crowd-funding website Kickstarter.
The objective of Kickstarter is to link up like minded people who have a passion for art. Artists, musicians, filmmakers, or just fans of culture come on that site and post their projects that are in need of support.
Our film for example, needs $15,000 to complete post production.
So we started a 40 day campaign in an attempt to raise the funds we need.

We are 7 days in now and thanks to the extremely generous and amazing donations from people, we are already at 30% of our goal raising over $4500!!!
We can not thank these people enough.

BUT.... the thing with Kickstarter is.....
If you reach your goal in the alotted amount of time.... you get the money that was donated.
If you DONT.... you get nothing. All donations are immediately returned to the contributor.
So we really still need a lot of help.

Because of this we are asking each and every person we know to help us spread the word about the campaign and the film.
By sharing this link (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/justinkramer/zabaleen-a-documentary-film) on your Facebook or Twitter or to your email contacts..... it really helps us spread the word about our goal.

We would really appreciate your support.
We can't wait to share the film with all of you!

Oh yeah....
If you donate money.... you get amazing gifts!
Check the link for more details.

2011-10-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

"The so-called "digital" is not a mere technical medium, but a medium of thought. And when modern democracies turn technical thought into a separate domain, those modern democracies incline towards totalitarianism." - Jean-Luc Godard

WITWR Presents "Hot-ober"

2011-10-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Need some new music for October?
Where in the World Radio proudly presents "HOT-OBER"
46 minutes of music that is going to get me (and you) through this month.
DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE HERE!
Mad props to my boy in Boston: Jizzwand

WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO GUEST PODCAST

2011-09-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a minute since you've had a new Where in the World Radio to jam to.
So without hesitation, I am proud to present a new installment of the podcast with a guest programmer.
A self-proclaimed "man of no fear", the ex-host and programmer for "The High Wire Podcast" and mastermind behind Hello Psycho: JUSTIN "BABY" FREUND
Justin has prepared a 28 minute journey into his world. The inner workings of his mind, his fashion sense, and his way of life.
I speak only for him when I say, I hope you enjoy it.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Harrer, Harrer Morocco

2011-09-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

A last minute decision allowed me to step in and make the trip to Marrakech to teach the "Harrer, Harrer" or "Liberate, Liberate" workshop.
This workshop has been traveling all around the middle east including countries like Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jaffa, Tunis and more. It is a 7 day workshop that allows the participants to tell stories about the Arab Spring and revolution. In each workshop, at least 6 one minute films are produced. All of these films will make up a massive exhibition at this years Doha Tribeca Film Festival.

We flew from Doha on Thursday the 15th to Tunis, then Casablanca and finally Marrakech. We were greeted by a driver with our names on a dry erase board. "Mr. Justin Kramer and Mr. Alaa Mosbah"...... so official.
He shuttled us off to our hotel where we cleaned up and went out to explore.
We had lunch a small cafe and then went exploring Jemma El F'na (one of the largest souqs in all of North Africa). The place was buzzing with life.
Performers (or more commonly known as Hustlers) were playing for change. Everyone had a trick to show you to get your money.

Millions of people bustling around. From one performer to another. One spice cart to the next. One rug shop to a lamp shop to a jewelry shop to another spice cart to another man holding a monkey.
We posted up on the roof of a cafe to get a full view of the mayhem.

Over the next couple days, we worked for hours on end with our students and made it back out to the Medina a few times to take in the sites again. The place never got old. There was always something new to see or do.
One day we went down to the square just before the sun set, in search of monkeys.
As soon as we got there, we found one.
Apprehensively, I allowed it to climb up on my arm for a picture. As soon as he got up there, he popped his little dick out.

We snapped a few photos and we were ready to move on. But the monkey had other plans.
He climbed up on top of my head and sat down. I laughed but was kinda freaked out because he wasn't the most clean monkey I have ever seen. Reluctantly, I let him stay for a minute while Alaa snapped photos.

Then, like any monkey, he started searching my head for bugs.
I thought this was particularly cute until he found something he didn't like and started clawing at my scalp. It felt like his little monkey paws were peeling the layers of flesh on my head away. I freaked. I tried to swat him off my head but he wasn't going anywhere. The owner yanked his chain and the monkey bared his teeth and jumped back to his master.
The rest of the day I spent freaking out and thinking that I had contracted some kind of crazy monkey disease.
We ended the day by going to a Circus.
I spent most of the show freaking out thinking that the white tiger or lion might smell the monkey on me and attack. Luckily they didn't. But a clown DID throw a whole bag of popcorn on me in front of everyone. I spent the next 5 days searching Morocco for him so I could kick his clown ass.

The workshop was amazing and kicked our asses. We worked 15 hour days and shot 6 films in 2 days. At the end of the 7th day, we screened all of the films for a crowd of about 100 people. We were so proud of the work the students did.

We all celebrated with a final dinner at the Medina and Alaa got to make his very own one minute film.
The next morning, we got on a train to Casablanca at 7am and spent a few hours there with Ali Essafi. We walked around, hit the Atlantic, visited the largest mosque in Casa, and explored as much as we could before heading back to the airport to fly home.

The trip was amazing and I will definitely be returning to Morocco in the near future.
Except the next time, I won't go anywhere near those little bastard monkeys.

*More photos from the trip

HELLO PSYCHO - "ALL AT ONCE"

2011-09-07T00:42:00.000-07:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://hellopsycho.com/track/all-at-once"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;All At Once by Hello Psycho&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Notes from the West

2011-09-06T02:16:00.000-07:00

On August 1st, Brit, Freund and I (eventually joined by Markle, Rhett, and Liese) set out for adventure out west. We covered nearly 2000 miles and 3 states.
Washington, Oregon, and California.
The trip was incredible and too much to explain in retrospect.
So how about I let some photos, scans of my notebook, and a little video do the explaining for me?

MORE PHOTOS HERE

DOWNLOAD THE NOTES OF A MADMAN
*Download with caution. Not meant for the faint of heart or those who still consider me a "wholesome young man".

WITW WILL LIVE ON

2011-09-06T01:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. The masses have spoken.
An overwhelming outcry of hate mail came through when I mentioned the possibility of closing up shop on Where In The World.
So it shall live to see another day.

LONG LIVE WHERE IN THE WORLD
Hip Hip Hooray

Where in the World?

2011-09-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

So... I know it has been awhile since I have updated this bad boy.
And I have valid excuses for it. Well, sort of.

I never really saw this blog sticking around for as long as it has.
It has been over 2 years since I started this thing and I havent really slacked when it comes to posting.
Until now.
Because, to be honest, I am getting kinda bored.
Not bored in life. Just bored with dictating my entire life for others to read.
At times I get a kick out of it and go on and on and on (as I am sure you have read in the past).
But other times, I really have to force myself to do it. Its almost like self water boarding or something. I huff and puff and get frustrated and tired of making myself sound interesting.
Or at least my travels and experiences interesting.

SOOOOO.....
I am not sure if I am going to continue or not.
I need your advice.
If 15,000 people have visited this site (or maybe 3 people visited 5000 times each)....
I would love to hear why I should keep going with this.
Or why I shouldnt.

Oh yeah.... Did I mention?

2011-08-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

I bought a Salvador Dali while in NY.
It's an Artist Proof (only 25 of them exist).
Obviously a self-portrait.
Signed and all.
Yup. I'm an art collector now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRK

2011-07-28T05:47:00.001-07:00

Me and some friends decided to set off some fireworks to celebrate your birthday.
It didnt go well.

In just a few hours....

2011-07-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be in the air from one side of the world to the other.
Chances are there wont be any updates until I get back.... so here's a brief explanation of the trip:
FRI- Land, Tribeca, Pal-ass-wah, The Black Lips at Bowery, PDT, Hi Fi, Gutter
SAT - Chinatown, Reading Terminal, baby Marcel, Ol Dirt Dog, Citizens Bank Park, Alloway
SUN- Alloway, Brooklyn, Gutter
MON- Back in the air, Coast to coast, Seattle
TUES- 9 days, 3 states, lots of miles, lots of forest, mountain, beach, hot springs, hopefully no bear
13th- Back to NY
Who knows from there.

Keepin it real.

WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO RANDOM

2011-07-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

The name says it all.
1 hour 7 minutes 30 seconds of pure random goodness.
Enjoy it for free for 30 days HERE....... because after all, who would really pay me for this?

Dedicated to everyone.
*Except Freund

Features music from (in no particular order):
Death, Free the Robots, WuGazi, Elvis Presley, Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi, Metronomy, Cults, Major Lazer, Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Janka Nabay, Dion and the Belmonts, Saul Williams, Kids On A Crime Spree, Arcade Fire, Cloud Cult, Sun Hotel, Chuck Thomas, Beirut, Cornershop, MIA, The Richmond Group, Gorillaz, Hello Psycho, and Mathieu Santos

Introducing This Lil Mofo

2011-07-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

Marcel Raymond Moreau
Congratulations to Jessica Bushman and Kevin Moreau on the birth of their beautiful little son.
Can't wait to meet him at the end of the month!

Ashwin Renju's NOMADINATION

2011-07-16T08:06:00.001-07:00

For those of you who still have not seen it, here is Ashwin Renju's NOMADINATION.
This video was done during our 2011 DFI Music Video Workshop and premiered to a packed house of people at the W Hotel.
Our students worked very hard on this video. I think it paid off!

Zabaleen Updates

2011-07-16T07:35:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I have updated on the status of the film, so here is a little news:
We are currently entering the first stages of post production (logging, translating, labeling, reviewing nearly 100 hours of footage).
We should have a trailer up online by the beginning of September plus a rough assembly that we will eventually take to Beirut to work with editor Wajdi Elian.
We are also working on a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money to complete the film.
This should also be launched in conjunction with the release of the trailer.
We have been updating the ZABALEEN BLOG and will continue to post throughout the entire post production phase.
Please stay tuned.
Lots of written material, photo updates, and short video uploads are coming soon.

Portugal - 07.02.11

2011-07-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

The sun will never rise
on the eyes that see its first rays
Daze
Unidentified reflection
Cold wind
Slams doors
Curtains dance
and laugh when whipped
Its the last day here
Pork pizza and mint ice cream
Folded nice and neat
Stashed away
Pack treasure
Force zip, sit back
Relax with Johnny and Waylon
Back on feet
Red feet
Tramp through town
Museum
Carnival
Shops
Rest.
Skip dark room for sunshine
Beach is bustling
Sun is blazing
Long decided dinner
of ice cold trash
But the numbers called again
11. Fog and Lasers.
Back in the game.
Pause.
Break.
Explosions and air

[I'm ready to go home but not ready to leave]
I need your arms so I'm coming to you.

Portugal - 07.01.11

2011-07-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Its the words
Its the tired eyes
Its the sore muscles
Drag the carcass up
Make it move
Left right left right
Buy a stamp
Buy 3. What's the difference?
More ham
Wrist-cutters
Chat
Laugh
The Taxidermists gain ground in Europe
shorts
Belgium skeleton
Fish and veal
Follow the music
Follow the lights
Ride the rides
Spin, lift, laugh
Repeat.
Throw the leather
at the metal
Fail fail fail fail fail fail
Dead eye got the can
Pink seahorses
Portuguese Spice Girls
cover 80's rock
Climb the rig
to hide from crack
Beach party for adolescence
Reggae is dead
Walk to the next
Visit the sea to see how shes doing
Run jump dance
The fog rolls in
on the bullshit chatter
and drunken confidence
Flip flop the boards
and sleep
and sleep

Portugal - 06.30.2011

2011-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ugh.
Early.
Cloud the morning room
Alive? Not entirely.
13th floor
One too two to 2 tu
many
Unload
[you fat load]
Improv
Scream
Dance
Sing
Stomp
Liberate

Walk it off. Eat.
Shop, men with dresses
Shiver with piss legs
2 min
wet spot
Off for doc
Sleep til the Real Doll
Leave and laugh
Head for a head of jazz
and a sunset painting
Religion, filmmaking, life, math, science, homosexuality, racism Adam and Eve
All in the place to be
16 year old solo
Slam 6 cold
Beach party time
What's this?
Not a soul on the sand
Ass deep in the Atlantic
Its time.
Time for change.
Mine volleyball, singing, dancing, drums, improv
Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand
beach wrestling
Stop. Puke. Walk.
Sing
Gang style
barefoot
Tramp to the medicine
for the wounded
Closed. Knock gate. Charades.
3 euro
refreshed hairy chest hugs
It aint over
Recount
Panic
Plan damage control

What is this actually?
What is the point of these notes?
Will it mean anything?
To anyone?
Even me?

SLEEP WITH SAND IN MY ASS CRACK

Portugal - 06.29.11

2011-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Throbbing head, packed beach
Waves crash
as feet crash to floor
Go get em
But first
get food

Hit beachfront
Scarf scarf puke
Walk. Walk.
Decisions. Too many of them.
Settle.
Walk.
Settle.
Walk.
Documentary abstractions
Poland, Mexico, Portugal
Flogging, Santa Claus, immigrants, activism
The mind of the youth
Tainted but beautiful
Sound masters
Name drop, name drop, words, words, name drop.
2 hours and no news
Walk.
Eat.
Walk.
Bright lights return
The numbers call
and pay
250 up
and out

[2 day total = 510 in winnings]

Portugal - 06.28.11

2011-07-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Breakfast on the beach
Grey eggs and hotdogs
Orange juice with pepper
Grey sky. Yellow table.
Green jeans.
The colors jump as we stumble
11 cents for 5 gallons of water
Rest. Unpack. Explore.

Screening of American phone sex
Pointless
2 bananas and masterclass

Master chefs, fresh fish
Whiskey and blacklights
Cold breeze
Local band, dancing Egyptian
Casino rich
260 Euro richer
Fall at 330am
fully clothed

Scotland/Portugal - 06.27.11

2011-07-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Early belly
and last day air
Breathing it in
and filling it with gun powder
Peppering discs
as the rain pisses down
Shooting pellets
at paper
Laughing at sabotage
Acting like children
We hug
We kiss
We say goodbye

Back on the steel bird
A plane filled
with Germs
Socks and sandals
Reading waters
and staring at clouds
Land in Frankfurt
Dash. Sprint, Argue. Run more.
Feature film length flight to Portugal
More waters
11pm touchdown
Drivers late. Wait.
Speed to Espinho
Straight to party
Greeks, Portuguese, Belgian, Finnish...
all here
all drunk
til 4am

Stumble home along the beach
waves of the Atlantic crashing
on the opposite side
of the world

Scotland - 06.25.2011

2011-07-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

In order to accurately describe the wedding, I'll need to backtrack to yesterday.
We went to try on kilts in the morning.
Little did I know, Jill and Judy were conspiring to play a trick on me.
Jill told Judy the story about "the toilet paper measuring" trick they had played on me a year before. So of course, Judy called ahead to the kilt shop and got the woman working to size me up in ill-fitting kilts.
Problems was (for me at least), I didnt know the first thing about how a proper kilt should fit. So when I'm displaying a kilt that sits just about my ankles and everyone is in stitches laughing at me, I couldn't figure out why. I thought I tucked the kilt into my underwear or something embarrassing like that. Paranoia set in.
What were they all laughing about?
I later discovered the plot.
Well played.
Them - 1 ; Me - 0

The over dinner, it came up that it is proper/traditional to shave your lower thigh to shin so the skin showing between your kilt and your sock is hairless. They all joined in very nonchalantly about this "tradition".
So being a good sport and attempting to respect the Scottish tradition, I settled my mind to accept the idea.
Before bed, I shaved my face and constantly looked down at my legs.
I wondered: "Should I do this?"
"What will it look like when I wear shorts next week?"
"Why is this a tradition?"
"If I dont do it, will people even notice?"
I resigned from the rational thought and began lathering my knees with shaving cream.
As I ran the razor across my right knee, I could hear everyone enter the bedroom.
Some slight chuckling could be heard through the door and then Dale telling me it was a joke and not to go through with it.
I opened the door to see everyone balling with laughter.
They got me again.
Them - 2; Me - 0

Now to the wedding day.
Overnight, the stories traveled and spread like wild fire.
I had become a type of urban legend. "The gullible American" or as everyone else at the wedding knew me as "The Toilet Paper Guy".
It was relatively embarrassing but my defense was "at least I was respecting (supposed) traditions"!!!

The wedding was incredible. Best I have ever seen.
Starting to a 4 piece string band, the ceremony was beautiful.
Then a bagpipe led group photo on the steps of the massive Hopetoun House.
Dinner was course after course of delicious food.
Then the first surprise: an impromptu singing host, waitress, and cook performed a sort of flash mob which ended with everyone in the room standing on their chairs singing and holding hands.
Dinner ended and the dance floor prepared. A song was performed by David (the groom's brother) for the newly weds first dance. Goosebumps.
We danced the Gay Gordon and headed back outside for surprise #2.
A full Scottish marching band played on the lawn to the crowd of people. Incredible stuff.
We went back in and danced before coming back outside to watch a massive fireworks display and the couple drive off in a vintage Porsche.
The day ended in grand fashion just as the rest of the day played out.

It was a truly magical and authentic Scottish day.
Even though everyone was secretly laughing at me all day, I had the greatest time and gladly accepted becoming "The Legend of The Toilet Paper Guy".

Scotland - 06.24.11

2011-07-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

The sun is taunting us
Just want sleep
More and more
But its up
and we're out

Off to Dollar
to try the plaid
Laughing. Sizing.
Men in skirts
Back home, change feet
Mountains need climbing

Over waterfall
Through trees
Over waterfall
Under trees
Exploring castles
and steaming streams
Rocks and trout
Deer jump and run
to wait
and jump and run again

Tiny houses in walls
Sip the cool water
with mossy knees

Today it became obvious...
The trip is coming to an end
But will surely go with a
BANG

England/Scotland - 06.23.11

2011-07-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

Liverpool sunrise
Scotland afternoon
Beastie boy girl air
The rain curtains the mountains
but the sheep still graze
Rain clears
Cross River Tweed
In out across borders
Ham
Family butcher
Hike down to
go
up

River is a mirror
A small house
A small boat
A small man
A big fish

Slippery mud under foot
Rolling thunder overhead
Watch the rain ride run

Back to borders
River to ocean
Country to country

Tiny pub hotel
sounds like TOMAHAWKIN
Fill belly
drunken sleep

*TO SEE PHOTOS FROM ENGLAND, CLICK HERE

England - 6.22.2011 (Liverpool)

2011-07-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

I go to the biggest citites
to search for the most empty streets

Dry mouthed
Wide eyed
I wander down the alleys
Up the streets
Across avenues
Still the same cloud
surrounding
Into the Cavern
Sneak a solo pint
Snap photos
Breathe it in
Stumble on worn soles
to Rubber Soul
for another pint
Venus's match
The stars align
And now I'm stuck to the floor
Everything is stuck

I run with a fist full of ice cream
and stash some in the stache
Whirling head
A meal
A drive
Another meal
Another walk
Asleep.

England - 6.21.2011 (Liverpool)

2011-07-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Lazy start
Roll from sheets slowly
Stretch. Scream.
Lace up and walk
Walk for food
Walk for air
Walk for days

Clear sky darkens
as we slide in seats

England - 6.20.2011 (Liverpool)

2011-07-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Wake up in Crosby
with 4 Liverpudlians in mind
It's a historic day
to uncover history

An early exploration
leads to grizzly discoveries
An elderly man
A watering can
A black speedo
So this is the score?
I see you.
And raise you one.

Blue line south to Albert Docks
Liverpool One
Magritte on the pier
Ferry like Gerry (cross the Mersey)
Hard Day's Night Hotel
Mathew Street
Cavern - this is where it began

4 guys, playing music, having fun
Putting a city on the map
and their imprint on history

Beatles this, Beatles that
Sit on a bench with Ms. Rigby
Walk and walk
Banana shoes
Walk and walk

Train from Central to Crosby
Air freshner lasagna
and a panic
Review photos of memories
just made
Night time stroll
with Let It Be
in my head

England - 6.19.2011

2011-07-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Stomping through ferns
and mile high mud,
It's the last chance
Antiques underground
and a grass covered fortress
by the forest
We wade the stream
and stumble on laughter
The light rain
is welcome
The lakes will be missed.

England - 6.18.2011

2011-07-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

God saved the Queen
and spared the peasants
The sun is up
We are up
and the rain comes down
50 bullets and a champion
111 score
Dead eye. Dead tired.

England - 6.17.2011

2011-07-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wake to bacon
Walk for miles
Licked by cows
Sucked by slugs
Run the routes
Zig and zag
Zag and zig
Suit up and go again
DP and Tennesssee
In the water I go
A million icy daggers
Slip and slide down slopes
Make a mess of moss
Empty energy
Fill of memory

England - 6.16.2011

2011-07-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

The morning martin calls crows
and sparrow song
Light rain clacks the roof top
as eyes crack open
The sky clears
The sheep bleet
Beat
Lace shoes, walk
and walk
As red faces run
and black faces display jewelry
Stare
A breakfast fit for 10
Kings and Queens
90 years today
Drive
and drive
Giant swans bite at bags
and we bite 99s
on the lake
Crawling through the water
Fighters soard overhead
Swoop and dive
with the gulls on the island
Feed 10p
Feed it some more
Pay on 10th try
Math's not right

Stamping arrows was never in the cards for me.

And drive
and drive
Over hills
Through valleys
On bridges
Between mountains
Endless green
Segmented perfectly
by infinite stone
The walls climb
and fall

Fish and chips
and candles ablaze -
We sing our hearts out to you.
90 more

And drive
and walk
Bats swoop and dive
as dog headed sheep
show their balls

The fires on
American pigskin
on the 11th consecutive
Its a duel.
*You see Joe.... I aint got nobody to clean my bed when I'm gone

Its all so similar
yet all so different.

England - 6.15.2011

2011-07-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

6.15.2011
Red eyes on a silver plane
8am and the smell of 1000 Indians
Seven hours in the sky
and touch down
in light rain
Lost
in hard rain
Left side on the right
Rolling green hills
speckled with white coats
Sun bathing meadows
Stones older than my country
A path
narrows to a car and 2 sheep
Ivy flows from walls
with creeping moss
hiding its face
Wild flowers cluster
in the fern
Dashs of purple, yellow and white
Orange light
and muddy shoes
Climbing walls
Jumping fences
Kicking stones
The depth of the forest
eludes the eye
Kicking stones
The steam dances across our skin
as the sun illuminates
the clouds in impressionism
A blood red moon
bathes the bathers
Cool night air and fresh scents
It all makes sense.
Perfect sense

Travel Journals

2011-06-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

In an effort to preserve the integrity and memory of the last 3 weeks traveling, I am going to dictate my journals exactly the way I wrote them.
Sometimes it wont make sense.
Not even to me.
But I can assure you this..... It is the truth. First up....
ENGLAND

Behind the Scenes of Nomadination

2011-06-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

MORE PHOTOS HERE

For The Record....

2011-06-07T03:48:00.002-07:00

I am not the director of the video within the video.
I am leading by example.

Music Video Workshop - Ashwin Style

2011-06-05T04:10:00.001-07:00

This year, I decided to do the music video workshop a little bit differently.
Last year's successful Nitin Sawhney music video workshop was amazing and exceeded our expectations. Yet, it still lacked that real Qatar vibe.
So, I launched a search for a local band/artist. The flyer for the search featured a photo of Christian and Phil on stage at the first ever DTFF, performing as the Blue Badge Blues Band.
We even got a push from Portugal. the Man as they tweeted about the search!
After listening to nearly 25 tracks (all written, produced, and recorded in Doha), I was sold on the music of Ashwin Renju.
He first sent in a track called "The Falling Star".
The Falling Star by Ashwin
The track starts with a symphonic sound and then slides into a dreamy female vocal by Ancy Thomas. It had me very interested. I wasn't quite sure where it would go and then the beat dropped into an electro funk rhythm with an almost hip hop hook.
It was obvious to me that this guy was either super talented OR he sent me in music from a band that I have never heard of, pulling a fast one on me.
Then he sent in 2 more tracks. Which I later found out, were written and recorded strictly for this "competition".
Call Of The Saints by Ashwin
Nomadination (Leornardo) by Ashwin
I notified Ashwin that he was selected and met Ancy and Ashwin about a week later.
They were incredibly humble, excited, and enthusiastic about the project.
I knew right away.... I made the right selection.

After we had Ashwin in place, we shouted out to the public to get people applying for the workshop. This time the flyer featured a shot of Brit from the set of the Buy Star Bombs "Le Petit Mort" music video shoot we did a few years ago (and still never finished haha).
After 2 weeks of applications, we ended up with about 60 people wanting to learn how to make a music video.
We selected the best of the applications and started the workshop.
With the help of Jackie Salloum, we narrowed down the best pitches to 4.
Those 4 students then pitched their ideas to Ashwin and Ancy.
They selected an idea pitched by Irianna Poulsen, which featured an alien who lands in Doha to search for the chosen few to join his intergalactic band. The video is set to the song "Nomadination".
Sounds crazy.... but it's not really.
It's laced with sci-fi elements inspired by The Man Who Fell To Earth, Tron, and other classic films.

The film is currently in post production.
Here is a sneak peek at the title card for the video:
The film will be screened to the Ashwin, Ancy, crew, friends, family, and anyone interested on Thursday night.
If you want to come see it, please let me know and I'll reserve you a seat.
Otherwise, you will have to wait for the online premiere which will happen around the 15th of June.

Things I Will Never Say

2011-05-31T02:12:00.001-07:00

Last night I had trouble falling asleep.
I was obsessing over the fact that there are things that I will never say.
For someone that doesn't always think before they speak, this is a perplexing issue.
So instead of tossing and turning, I decided to write some down.
Here are a few things that I will never say:
-Oh wow! Tom cruise is in a new film! That's bound to be good!
-I was so drunk. I didn't know she was a he.
-I was so drunk. I didn't know he was a she.
-Remember that episode of Cheers?!
-Soccer is fun to watch more than once a year.
-I just pre-ordered the new Harry Potter audiobook.
-Sorry I can't this weekend. I am camping out for a new Apple product.
-Whatever I stepped in doesn't taste that good.
-I love the smell of this cab!
-Dave Matthews is totally chill bro.
-Yeah that one was cool too. But my new Ferrari is so much better.
-You HAVE to try the food in Cairo!
-Yes, your honor. I did it.
-Hey! Ja Rule! Welcome to my home!

Message from Marty (to DFI)

2011-05-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes recognition comes from the strangest of places.

WITWRMIXXXXTAPE

2011-05-18T02:02:00.000-07:00

What's that you said?
You want 35 minutes of nonstop amazing new music?
Oh, for real?
BAMMMM!!!!!!
Hit you with the flava!!!!!
CLICK THE PHOTO TO DOWNLOAD THE WITWRMIXXXXTAPE NOW!!!!
Includes new music from: Adele & Jamie Xx, TV on the Radio, Portugal the Man, Frank Ocean, The Strokes, Man Man, How To Dress Well, Brittenbáucker, Black Lips, tUnE-yArDs, and Hail Mary Mallon.

Inspiration

2011-05-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what inspires me? Doubt it. But in case you are one of the tiny, baby-handful of people that do.....
Now you can.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ALLLLLL ABOUT IT.

28 YEARS: The Celebration

2011-05-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

When I was 18, I doubted making it to 21.
When I was 21, I doubted 25.
Now that I am 28, I no longer have any doubts. I actually look forward to 30. And 50. And (with a little help and the ability to quit smoking) 102.

The one thing that is pretty obvious as you get older....
The actual birthday loses a bit of it's importance.
My idea of a good birthday celebration these days is eating, watching a film on the couch, and going to bed early.
BUT.... no one will actually allow that.
So a weekend of celebrating was set.

THURSDAY
Starting the day in the office, I tried my best to let my bday slip through the cracks without anyone making a big deal. For the most part, it worked.
Ham tricked me into coming outside at one point where she had cupcakes with a candle in em. What a sweetheart.
The other "call out" was from Ben. He came in with a card as big as a Buick and a box wrapped all neatly. I opened it up to find my very own Lamborghini!!!!! Remote control of course.

I basically spent the whole rest of the day driving it around Katara.

I even learned to make it "drift" in the amphitheater.

In true Kramer fashion, my mom was able sneak her present in there without me knowing. With a little help from Lauren, she set up a lovely dinner at MAZE.
Steve, Jill, Dale, and Hannah joined us for some inappropriate public behavior and good food.
Against my will, I was forced to open my presents in front of everyone.
First, of course, was the homemade card "from my parents". Lauren went all out with the patriotism on this one.

I have to say...... I GOT CAKED UP THIS YEAR.
Hannah and Dale got me a pair of Bose headphones. These bad boys are so good that I can hear other people's thoughts.
Steve and Jill got me the ultimate "City Spy" equipment..... a telescope! Amazing.
Lauren, having wrapped the presents in the car on the way over, handed me 3 boxes.
In the first.... the perfect gift for an OCD/Neat-Freak..... an old school label maker!
In the second...... the one thing I actually asked for...... a beautiful handmade book with her photographs in it. Gorgeous. I could have stopped happily right there.
But there was still one more to go...... carefully opening the silver wrapping paper, I expose the glory of the iPad2. Hot shit!
What can I say?! I got a great girlfriend and a great family.
And apparently I was good this year.
We finished the night off with a drink at Wahm with some friends. It was too hot to stay long though so we snuck out (also in true Kramer fashion) and headed home for sleep.

FRIDAY
We got up early and headed up to Fuwarit for a beach clean up.
We spent a few hours in the sun, leaning over and picking up bottles, styrofoam, single shoes, and whatever else the people of Qatar decide to just abandon on the beach or in the sea.
With a sense of accomplishment, we rewarded ourselves with a little swimming and snorkeling.
Didn't really see much but that didn't matter. It's just the act of snorkeling that gets me excited. Fish are just rewards.
With hot skin and hungry stomachs, we headed back to our pool for another swim session.
To end the night, I played with my new toys.

SATURDAY
Minaj booked a ballin ass yacht to take us to a secret island in the middle of the sea called Shrao.
The day was incredible. Too incredible to really use words. So I will let a few photos tell the story instead.

All in all.... one hell of a birthday weekend.
Thanks to everyone who took part in it and made it so special.
Let's hope for another one next year.

Furanafushi Style - The Maldives Papers

2011-05-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

I know that an update about our trip to the Maldives is long overdue.
Maybe it is not even relevant anymore. That paradise seems like a million years ago already.
BUT.... maybe if I write something about it, it will bring that all crashing back to me.

While we were there, I took very extensive notes (as I always do).
I cataloged nearly every minute, every move, every meal.
The notes filled nearly 30 pages of my little pocket moleskine so I wont bother dictate all of them.
I will just give a vague outline, some photos and some excerpts from the notebook here and there (*which will appear in italics).

THE MALDIVES PAPERS - APRIL 2011
April 26th 2011
I passed my driving test, got my Qatari DL, taught a class on camera and audio, and then headed for the airport. We made it through in a breeze and hit the plane for a late night flight.

"I made a deal (to keep the trip relatively romantic) that I would not fart once we reached the Maldives. The penalty per fart was a yoga class that I would have to attend with Lauren. I loathe the idea of yoga classes so I took advantage of the plane ride to pass as much gas as possible. Something about planes.... not sure if its the air pressure, obnoxious food, or just the sheer excitement of looking around with judging eyes as I silently blame others for my foulness..... makes the idea of flatulence incredible and daring."

I watched an Indian film, had an awkward conversation/lie session with a stewardess, and with an hour until landing, glared out of the window to see the crystal clear water rippling below us. We floated above a cluster of tiny islands as we glided through a spattering of pillowy, white clouds.

April 27th, 2011
We made it to Male (pronounced Mah-Lee) around 8am, got on a speed boat, and headed for Furanafushi. On the boat with us was a woman, her mother, a young child and a tiny baby in his mother's arms.

"I couldn't help but think, if this boat were to capsize..... would I save Lauren or the baby? Luckily, I did not have to make that decision."

We made to the island and were greeted with waves and smiles from the resort staff. We were driven to our villa in a golf cart. Once we arrived, we fell in love. We had a gorgeous villa, a nice pool and an uninhibited view of the waves crashing in on the edge of the island right in our "backyard".

We ate, went snorkeling, swam in the pool, took a nap, and then went out to dinner at a restaurant on the beach.

"Stuffed and staggering we walked back to the villa to drink wine and whiskey by the sea. The sound of crashing waves was the score to this writing. Lauren giggled often as she read Richard Hell's 'Go Now'. A beautiful end to a beautiful first day in paradise."

April 28th, 2011
We woke up early, had a huge breakfast, spent about an hour coating ourselves with sun block, and headed for the dock to go on a reef snorkeling trip.

"We climbed on to an elf shoe shaped boat and laughed as the young chinese couples boarded wearing wet tube socks and ill fitting bathing suits. I guess some cultural differences will just never be understood."

We snorkeled on a reef for about an hour and we saw thousands of fish that you can only see there OR on Nat Geo. It was incredible. I shot loads of videos underwater using the flipcam (editing that now.... coming soon). We even saw some shark, clown fish, and a giant moray eel.
When we got back to the villa, I jumped into the pool with little to no hesitation.
We laid down for another afternoon nap and woke up around 5pm. Just in time to head down to the beach bar for drinks as the sun set.

Oh yeah.... and also SHARK FEEDING TIME!!!!

We had our share of whiskey and mojiitos and headed for a dinner on the beach. We feasted on fresh seafood and more wine.
Once we got home, we passed out with smiles that were bigger than the island itself.

April 29th, 2011
We slept in til nearly 11am, finished off our 4th bottle of sunblock, and headed out to snorkel from the beach on the far side of the island.
The sea was rough and made it very difficult to enjoy the swim. We headed back in, laid on the beach, and finally decided to hit the pool.
We had a few drinks by the pool and then hit the gift shop to pick up a book called "Fish of the Maldives". I had a blast identifying as many as I could. We fell asleep and woke up as the sun was setting.
We rushed to the very end of the island to take some photos of the sun set.

A giant black raincloud blocked out nearly all of the suns glowing orange light so we headed for "Maldivian Night" at the other end of the island just as a light dropping of rain came down.
We arrived to a buffet of loads of dishes that I couldn't even begin to identify. We ate 5 courses, drank wine and whiskey, and enjoyed the music of a local Maldivian band.
The night ended with us staggering home laughing at the lizards that crossed the path in front of us.

April 30th, 2011
The trip was drawing to a close. We packed our bags, headed for the welcome center, checked out, and with a few hours to spare, hit the bar for some last food and drinks. We played cards (Lauren whipped me 5 out of 8 times) and enjoyed the scene for one last time.
We got back on our boat and headed for the airport.
We boarded our plane to Sri Lanka and before we knew it, we were there.
The Columbo Airport is a nightmare. No one knows anything. Especially not the staff.
We walked out of the arrivals and to the departures to check in for our connecting flight.

"We scanned our bags and separated for the standard frisk. BUT this was no ordinary pat down. The first move caught me totally off guard. The uniformed guard groped my chest. I mean GROPED. Like a 14 year old boy would do to the first girl willing to let him. Like testing the ripeness of a cantaloupe. If it were a cartoon, it would be accompanied by a "Honk, Honk" and a wolf characters eyes popping out of the sockets and steam coming out of his ears. I was shocked and appalled but most of all confused. I walked away feeling dirty and cheap."

We got on our plane and flew luxuriously in business class back to Doha. We sipped champagne, ate fancy foods, and watched a beautiful lightning storm in the distance.

The trip was over but the memory will live on.
Maldives.... I'll see you again, I am sure of it.

How To Drive Like An Idiot: DOHA EDITION

2011-05-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

If you ask anyone in Doha; "What's the worst thing about Qatar?"
They will surely tell you; "The driving."
Qatar, at one point, had the highest death by auto accident numbers (per capita) in the world.
IN THE WORLD!!!!!
There are only 2 million or so people here and nearly 300 die every year from car accidents.
Thats insane.
I found this website put together by some students here in Qatar if you want to know more about it. They got their info down tight. They even got pie charts, son!!!

So... with all that as a prefix....
Here is the story of the day.

I am sitting at a set of traffic lights on the edge of West Bay waiting to do a U-Turn to go to City Centre. The lights in both directions were red.
Just then I see 2 cars flying through the lights (coming from the area of Salam) and whipping the turn towards City Centre. One is a white Mustang and the other some kind of pea green sports car. They are both going around 150km per hour (that's about 93 miles per hour).
They are dangerously close to each other as the pea green car shoots out ahead of the Mustang.
The Mustang swerves violently, tires screeching, and the driver obviously loses control.
He tries to compensate for the swerve, cuts it too hard, and loses control completely.
His car rockets up over the sidewalk, takes out a sign, goes up a 7 foot ramped embankment, and harpoons into a parked car.
Luckily, no one seemed to be hurt. But the worst part about the whole incident was the dude got out of the car and was laughing about it. Like it was no big deal.
And to him, it probably wasn't.
He'll get a slap on the wrist and a brand new car for free.
Why?
Well.... I don't really need to say why.
Anyone who lives here or has been here knows the answer to that.
Had he killed someone.... still nothing.
He may have had to pay a little bit of money to the family of the victim but he'd still be out on the roads driving like an idiot with no remorse for what he did.

I love Qatar. I really do.
But Qatar needs to wake up when it comes to road safety.
Before hundreds more innocent people lose their lives.

And that's all the preaching I will do.

NEW MUSIC FROM PORTUGAL. THE MAN

2011-05-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

As I am sure you are all well aware at this stage.... Portugal. The Man is my favorite band.
They are like the James Brown of Rock and Roll. By far the hardest working band in the game.
They put out albums at a rate that would make Jay-Z blush and tour more than Barnum and Bailey.
With "American Ghetto" still fresh in our ears.....
They are preparing the release of their new record "In The Mountain In The Cloud" (release date set for July 19th, 2011).
As usual, they like to tease us all. They have release numerous 30 second snippets of new tracks accompanied by gorgeous visuals of their native Alaska.

BUT.... lucky for us.... they have also released a full track.
Feast your ears on this.....
"Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)"

The Conquest of the Useless

2011-04-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

RIP Tim Hetherington

2011-04-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

It was reported tonight that photojournalist and co-director of Restrepo (Oscar Nominated Documentary) was killed by a rocket propelled grenade attack in Libya.
He and 3 other photojournalists were hit while reporting from the front lines in the besieged city of Misurata.
In memory of Mr. Hetherington, here are his 2 videos from his Vimeo page.

The senseless murder of the innocent must come to an end.
Dictators of the world must be stopped.
When is enough, enough?

The Deviler

2011-04-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

As if South Jersey isn't weird enough....
They have a sort of DIY newspaper called "The Deviler".
From what I understand, it's one guy who makes this newspaper from his house. There is no website. It features nude photos, strange news, local supermarket ads, and random other stuff.
My mom and dad are avid readers. Obviously.
There is also this section where you send in a photo of yourself in an "exotic" location holding a copy of the paper. If it is chosen as the best of the month, it is printed in the paper.
So obviously when my mom came to Doha, she had to bring a copy.
Alex snapped a photo of us standing at the entrance of The Pearl and IT MADE IT INTO THE PAPER! hahaha
My favorite part about this is not the fact that we made it in there or the caption about the police.....
but more so the poem about farts that is on the same page.
Keep it classy New Jersey.

Portugal. The Man Live in Manchester

2011-04-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this video I shot of Portugal. The Man performing "New Orleans" live at the Roadhouse in Manchester, England earlier this month.
Watch it all the way to the end..... it surely ends in style.

More from this show and the one in London soon.

Master of Blood and Clay

2011-04-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

Lee Hardcastle is at it again.
This time, he takes on Tobe Hooper's classic "Texas Chainsaw Massacre".
Not only is it amazing in storytelling..... but its also shot on 8mm film!!!!

Paradise Now

2011-04-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

When I ended my last post with "I am ready for another adventure. What's next? "....
I didn't know how soon the next true adventure would be.
But that mystery was solved pretty quickly thanks to the diligence of my lovely girlfriend.
After tireless hours of research on flight combinations, hotel research, and boat transfers.......
She found the perfect spot.....
Oh, Maldives..... How I have longed for you.
The end of the month is going to be paradise.

Portugal: The Manchester Papers

2011-04-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

Waking up bleary eyed and exhausted, we somehow hustled our way to the Euston station to catch the Northbound line to Manchester.
The ride was about 2.5 hours and got us into Manchester around 2pm.
We arrived at the station with no direction what so ever, so we jumped in a cab and headed for The Thistle.
Again, our hotel was within one block of the club. Perfect.
We met with a friend who showed us around the area. We located all the good record shops, vintage clothes, book stores, dvd joints, and everything we could possibly waste our money on.
What commenced was a day of hardcore shopping.
About 2 hours before the show started, we found ourselves wandering the alleyways behind The Roadhouse. As we stood next to the bright red dumpsters, Zach and John from PTM approached.
Dudes are mega friendly and stood and had a chat with us for about an hour.
We skated off to go have some burritos and when we returned, we ran into John again.
We chatted again and then headed into the show.
Zach got me up by the dressing room so I could get the best shots possible and the band killed it. They were incredible again. Maybe better than the night before actually.

We hung around a bit after the show and shot the shit with John.
He made it very clear to me that "It's all about the fog and lazers".
We wished them luck on the rest of the European tour and headed out.
That night I passed out mega early and woke up feeling nice and fresh.

The next day was simple.... shop until I need another suitcase.
Which didnt take long.
I came back with loads of treasures. Clothes, music, books, and almost 50 dvds.
Good stuff.

The next morning we got up at 6am, packed, did one more stroll, and we were on our way to the airport. The exhaustion caught up with me and I slept for nearly the entire flight home.
With my feet firmly planted back on the sand....
I am ready for another adventure.
What's next?

From Qatar to London for Portugal

2011-04-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

This trip has been nothing short of an adventure since we set out.

I was attacked constantly by a child with a metal fork (from first class) the entire trip as well as my row being used as some sort of slip road for people to get from one side to another. Needless to say, I got not a wink of sleep the whole flight.

We arrived earlier than expected but our driver was still there. Nice guy from Indian. Had to act like I knew something about cricket to keep him busy. We arrived at the hotel... and thank God. They got the reservation right. 2 beds.

We went up, threw our bags down and went exploring Islington.

It was super quiet and the streets were practically empty (besides a guy pissing on the outside wall of a pub and a few people riding around on the Barclay bikes that are on nearly every block).

The time flew by as we planned a short film that was half baked from the inception.

By the time we knew it, it was 4am.

We returned to the hotel with a bag filled with bottled water, Tuc crackers, salami, cheese, and some random other little snacks. Not sure how we ate that shit at 4am, but we did.

Thursday we woke up much later than planned.

We called the short film shoot off and stuck with the original plan of only shooting one film. With some new time to kill, we hit up The Lexington (same bar that the show would be in).

Their bourbon menu was like Christian's wettest dream. They had every bit of Kentucky that I have ever tasted plus more. Lots more.

We sat down for a burger and an afternoon Four Roses. It hit the spot and had me moving slowly as we got on the tube to go to Edgeware.

The objective in Edgeware was to find some thobeys walking around so that we could get them in the film. Kinda like a "home is wherever you roam" sorta vibe.

BUT.... we didnt find a single one. What Mo did manage to find was a shitty guitar shop run by a dude who dreamed of being in Whitesnake in the 80's. He, for some reason, bought a junk acoustic to play on the trip but something tells me it wont be making the trip from London to Manchester with us.

We also found an Oxfam (sorta like a Goodwill) and went treasure hunting.

I left with some Yeats poetry, Oscar Wilde short stories, 3 T.Rex 45's, 2 Elvis 45's, and a few other bits and bobs.

We jumped back on the tube and headed to Oxford Circus with Lauren's Topshop shopping list. The place was mobbed. The whole area was a circus. Insanity.

We eventually fought our way through the swarms of people, got everything we came for, jumped in a cab, and headed back to the hotel by 7pm.

After a quick clean up, we headed down to the Lexington to meet up with people.

Vlatka was the first one on the scene. Then I ran into a Rogue named Darren. Then came Nora and her roommate. Then Hend and Dina. Then a group of about 20 other Rogues.

All of the sudden, I felt really at home. Never did I expect to see so many familiar faces.

By the time it dawned on us, the show was sold out and no one (besides me and Mo had a ticket to go in).

So we stayed with everyone for as long as we could. Eventually though, we went up to the ticket lady and asked what time the opening band went on.... she laughed and in a sort of panic said "the headliner is already on!".

SHIT!

We got our hands stamped, ran up the stairs not saying anything to the group we were with (man, we are dicks), and pushed our way into the crowd.

The place was packed. PTM even exclaimed that it was their first ever sold out show in England.

Eventually I was able to push my way all the way up to the stage and get a few good shots.

Once they finished, we poured out on to the street with Hend and Dina. Sadly, everyone else (minus a group of hardcore Rogues) had left when we were upstairs.

We chatted up a bunch of people and then went for a stroll.

I think we unintentionally started a gang as we posted up on a block and called it our own.

Then a brilliant idea came over us..... WE NEED TO RENT THOSE BIKES!

We tried and tried and tried (and probably even got charged for them) but never freed the bikes from the racks. Defeated, we headed back to the bar.

We found an excellent booth hidden in the corner and sat down.

There was a sign reserving the table for someone named "Fandango". We vowed not to leave until this Fandango character showed up and most likely got beat up for trying to tell us to move. But we waited and waited and waited and Fandango never showed. Bitch.

So we called it a night.

I fell asleep with all of my clothes on and didnt even roll over until my eyes opened this morning.

Now we are off to catch a train to Manchester and do it all again tonight.

Here's to Portugal the Man, Hend and Dina, Islington, City Pizza, rental bikes, Rogues, friends from all over the world, and anything else that deserves a cheers.

Drunken Voicemail Turned Disco

2011-04-05T02:17:00.000-07:00

Apparently, if you leave a drunken voicemail on Brit's phone....
He will turn it into a solid gold hit.
Classic shit right here.
Enjoy.

Listen this is the proof by buystarbombs

Middle East Spa Cat Fight

2011-04-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Ok.... Let me just prep you a little for this one.
The following blog entry is an actual email that I received from an employee at the spa that Lauren and I use for massages. Apparently, the entire mailing list of customers also received this very email

Everything you are about to read is authentic and I have not altered it in anyway. Enjoy.

____________________________________________________________

Dear All,

First and foremost I would like to say thank you for the time spent in reading this email. This is for the benefit of those who patronize Spa Chakra so much without knowing how much they waste their money on fake treatments in this renowned spa in Qatar.

In my 3 long years of working here, I have seen the good and the bad things each different manager has to offer. However, I never expect to see the worst until the time of Victory Assaf. A Lebanese whore who climbed the stairs of where she is sitting right now being spa manager just because she sleeps with the right person. It was all a question in our mind how she got to the top without any knowledge of the spa industry. Her background never included spas and how things are in the spa. So the expose about her management begins.

When she first came she re-organized everything as to function of the employees and treatments. We were okay with it but when she started replacing the original products with fake ones that was when we started to question in our mind of what is she trying to prove.

For example the body scrub that we offer which is done in the hammam area, it’s suppose to be Guerlain body scrub but mind you, patrons of the spa pays as high as QR 495 and we are using only a raspberry-scented scrub worth only QR18 for 300ml and we use this for 4 guests, I know this because I am the purchasing officer of the spa and I only get it at Madi International which is one of our supplier. And this was her doing but before we used to use the original Guerlain scrub which is what suppose to be your money’s worth. And Guerlain lavender oil being replaced with an ordinary Johnson’s baby oil or sometimes mixed both to dilute the original oil. Then the eye treatment of Guerlain which is very expensive that would cost QR125 per treatment we always run out of stock without any treatment done. That is because this becomes her personal use every day when she has a 2-hour massage with any of the therapists. She always instruct them to get an eye patch for her. And what about the waxing that we charge for a high price? Guests think that we are using a Guerlain wax, well mind you that is not true at all! It’s just a honey wax which would cost QR7 per refill. Too bad the guest pays high but the real worth of their money goes to Vicky for her personal use. She has once a week overall body waxing and this is where the real Guerlain wax goes and not to the paying guests. When we say overall body waxing that means from legs to her facial area including Brazilian waxing. Oh and for the Brazilian as she really does not mind opening her legs to any of her therapists but this whore-looking spa chakra manager has a very smelly down there. All of her therapists talks about it. We talk about it! For someone who can afford expensive dresses it’s a pity how she can’t afford to buy a vaginal wash which is very cheap for her to smell clean and so she can sleep with more men as to the number of men she is currently sleeping with. It could have been double the number if only she knows the meaning of “hygiene”.

She invites friends over for a free treatment and most of the time she instructs receptionists to block therapists for her own sake. She does not allow them to do treatments for paying guest especially when she the one lying down and relaxing herself in bed requesting for a 2-hour massage or a massage and a facial.

Then it says that the rule in this very modest country says that we are not allowed to offer treatments to male guests. Well that is not so true at all! She has plenty of male friends that we have to accommodate because she is personally making the booking schedule for them. It’s funny though how rules apply to most people but not when it is her friends. Then the discount she offers to friends is overwhelming to the point that it’s already a loss to the owners.

It’s amazing how she can cheat to the people who are paying so high and get the benefits for herself. I am writing this email to serve as an eye opener to spa chakra guests and especially to the owners of this business.

To the owners; you have been very kind to us including to our manager but it’s time to wake up to reality and know what she is doing to you. A daily dishonesty might not hurt your pocket but multiply that by 365 days in a year isn’t that something alarming? Looks can be deceiving they say and our manager Victory Assaf belongs to this. She is good in front of you but at your back you don’t have any idea of what she is doing to you and your business. It’s a pity.

This email is not for the employee’s benefit but for the benefit of the guests and especially the owners who have shown her so much kindness.

Spa Chakra guests you deserve better and you deserve proper treatment as with your money’s worth. But how are you going to get the value of your money when the original products are being replaced with fake ones?

This has to stop and how? I don’t know but I hope that this email of mine will help to stop her monkey business.

Sincerely,

Connie Arellano

Spa Chakra Staff

One Of My Best Friends Doesnt Speak The Same Language As Me

2011-03-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

After returning from Rogue Film School, I was filled with motivation and drive to get back to Cairo and shoot some of the remaining footage for our documentary.
(*YES.... I know I haven't written much in detail about Rogue..... but I will. I promise. I have to sift through the 30 pages of notes.)
I can see the finish line. We are almost done with the shooting phase.

So.... I flew back from London, was in Doha for one day, and took back off for Cairo.
All the way up until I landed, I was uncertain about the "climate" in Cairo. Daily protests, army and thug presence, and unexpected violence were all on my mind.
Much to my surprise and relief.... there was none of that.
The streets were calm and the police and army presence seemed to be even less than before the Revolution. There was almost an eeriness to the calm. Almost as if I was expecting something to just happen at any given second.
But it never did.
Instead, it was an amazingly productive trip filled with some real intimate moments with the family we have come to love.
I was approaching this trip on a "need to shoot" basis and not a "shoot everything possible" trip. That seemed to really pay off. It gave me the attention to detail of the story as well as sparing me some really nice quality time with the family.
This was the first time that the girls of the family were willing to be on camera. They opened up about everything from sorting techniques to which sibling they like best. The normal shyness melted away from them and their eyes sparkled when they answered our questions.

Another development was how close Sherif and I got. He sat for a 30 minute interview and afterward wouldn't leave my side. He shot loads of photos with my camera and was always jumping for the spot next to me on the couch.
He also convinced me to do a little photo shoot with him on more than one occasion. He even busted out his special poses. Amazing character he is.
Overall, I got exactly what I came for and enjoyed the smiles we all shared.
It was sad to go after such a short trip but as we said goodbye.... They and I all knew, I'd be back again soon.

Check out my FLICKR for more photos from the trip

The Life Aquatic in 60 Seconds

2011-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Check out the new video from Lee Hardcastle.
Its Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic done in 60 seconds with clay.
Great stuff.

*check out the rad title at the end wink wink

London - Rogue Style Day 2

2011-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Wake up with a swelling balloon for a head. Shake out the cobwebs. Stay under the covers in the dark, unfamiliar room listening to a light rain fall on the glass.
Noon.
Understand the cycle. Live in depression because weather and lack of money, drink it off, wake up with less money and worse weather. This is a losing game.
Walk through park to Bistro Laz for a full fry up. Struggle through it. Thought I was having a heart attack from the paracetamol. Cram the bacon, egg, and sausage done. Need fresh air.
The man the Beatles wrote Paperback Writer about is sitting next to us. He is dining with a young girl with amazing bright blue mens dress shoes on.
Hope on a bus back to Victoria.
Brown VW bus parked outside of a house where Dylan Thomas once lived.
Finally off the bus at Victoria, hustle to the train back to Crawley.
This journey seems neverending. Need a shower.
Need some water. Need to not feel sick every time I smell something.
Finally back in Crawley. As if that is a blessing.
Almost got jacked by a pikey.
The rain is still falling and Crawley looks especially morose. Statues of crows line the square.
Found a shop that sells Jesus statues and bongs. Wonder about the connection.
Looking forward to a shower and tonights "Meet and Greet" with Werner Herzog.
Walked past the greatest house in the town.
Got back to the hotel, cleaned, nervous and ready.
We headed downstairs to find a line of people waiting to get their credentials.
Herzog walked right up behind us and smiled.
We all mingled in the bar. Met some fascinating people from all over the globe.
A Brazilian who is shooting in the Amazon, a Scottish dude making a film about a kid who lost the use of his muscles, a Polish scientist.... loads of cool people.
Herzog spoke and introduced the next 4 days. Our eyes are as wide as babies.
We went back to mingling and Herzog took the time to meet each one of us.
We had a quick chat about Doha and then talked briefly about Zabaleen. His genuine interest in me and my project was super humbling.
What an incredible experience.
Tomorrow at 830am we start the odyssey into the world of Werner.
What a strange and interesting world it will be.

London - Rogue Style - Day 1

2011-03-18T10:19:00.001-07:00

Beating 5am alarm snooze for as long as possible. I wake at 525am with a camp fire in my guts. Two trips to the bathroom bring little relief.
Smoke. Brush teeth. Hit the road.
Kiss Lauren goodbye and head for the line.
With no bags to check and having checked in online - should be a breeze.
Instead, takes 40 min. People cutting in line, lines closing, too much luggage.... all factors of the traveler waiting time.
See Rob Nield's large, glassy, red eyes and laugh it off with him.
Board the plane.
Strong arm the aisle seat from a small Indian man wearing Levi's glasses. Levi's make glasses?
Settle in with Book #2 of Virgils "Georgics". Eyes struggle. Jot notes. Watch a bit of "Where is the Friends Home?". 20 minutes in, breakfast served. Hot wet slop.
Feeling really gassy.
Listening to Norsk music and drifting off.
At least if I wait to fart til I am asleep, I cant be held responsible or face the embarrassment of being "sniffed out".
Landed, flew through customs, in a cab to the hotel.
Get to hotel. Fucked up booking. Apparently when you ask for 2 beds... They just give you a bed big enough for 2 people. Even though it is their mistake, we pay for a childs cot. Walk through Crawley to train stop. Dismal. Grim. Loads of teen mothers. Gummo style girls on bikes with matching fake red hair. Going to get hit by a car. No idea what way cars are going to come down lanes. Right side driving is archaic. Get real... Switch sides already! Newspapers with not a single hopeful headline. Getting drunk seems the only viable option in this god forsaken place.
Waiting for the train and trying to remember what the sun looks like.
Shit man... Iggy pop is doing car insurance ads here? It is the end of the world.
Old people on the Victoria bound train discussing the situation in japan. Apparently "it was bound to happen."
Yeah I suppose so. But your ideals about the why, how, when are quite preposterous. Suicide must be a pandemic here.
With all this cheek kissing, it must take forever to sit down. "Alright. Yeah alright. You right. Alright. You alright. Right right."
Ben points out the first English castle. Looks like a prison. He corrects himself and says "not really a castle. Probably an insane asylum."
At least there are trees, green grass, and slight semblance of urban culture (by that I mean, at least attempts at graf.... Piss poor but still an attempt)
Saw a red fox licking itself in a bed of daffodils near East Croydon.
Ben points out the power station from Pink Floyd's "Animals" album.
Made it to London Victoria station. Its like Times Sq inside. But more like a 99 cent strip mall filled with sad people .
Got in a black cab and Ben asked the driver to take us to Covent Gardens via Big Ben to "show his American friend". What a knob.
The eye of London, Westminster abbey cathedral, big Ben which truly is just a big clock. Most interesting of all was a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln. What's Abe doing here? Thought England would be pissed at him for undoing all of the horrible impositions they placed on us.
Saw a van having an identity crisis. Apparently it thinks its David Bowie.
Nelsons Column, the National Gallery. Teenagers mounting a giant stone lion. English national opera where Ben performed for 2 seasons in "yeah I like girls... Just not yet."
Terry Gilliam is directing a play here in may. That's somewhat interesting.
Just bought tickets to see "Ghost Stories". Be were persuaded into sitting in the "terror seats".
Rocked up to Covent Gardens. Loads of St Pattys day children in jester hats and stupid green regalia.
People going ape shit for a juggler. Really?! A juggler?!?!
Then limbo artists. Limbo and artist - 2 words that have never been side by side.
Zip through the times sq esc tourism and find a place to eat.
Crab starter that Ben compares to something disgusting. Beers, chats, pork products.
Irish pub, doubles of whiskey, crowded streets of open containers. Sound of broken glass followed by "ohhhhh" ringing clear. Meet ben's ben.
Head to theatre. Front row. More whiskey rattling in glass over deep bass. 15 year olds behind us. Convinced we are actors. Play along.
Scariest thing about the play was the cordoroy suit the narrator was wearing.
Off to the St. Patty's pub mayhem.
Steel cheekbones = underage rape
I don't totally understand the "club" scene. I guess it Basically the same as anywhere (that allows 18+ to drink).... Sad, lonely girls go home with 30+ guys with slick talk.
Sad.
Its time for bed for this overage, claustrophobic, antisocial dude.
What turns me on is a full English breakfast.
Sick. Yeah maybe to some of you.....
But to those with morals.... Yes.
Pork is better than regret and sin.
I love my girlfriend and I love America.
Suck on that you filthy club swine filth!
If that was too mean - that's what honest dudes do.
I love you Lauren.
Kentish don't know about the BK.
Fact.
Mrytle and Bway is the toughest block on the planet.
Drunken stumble to Ben's parents house where the lights go out and I am dreaming of being sober again.
Maybe tomorrow.

When Life Gives You Lemons.....

2011-03-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

After posting Rebecca Black's "Friday" yesterday, it has gone from nearly 2 million hits to over 5 million.
That's 3 million views in less than 24 hours.
That's 125,000 views an hour!
That's about 2083.33333 views per minute.
And that is what I call INSANITY.

This has obviously turned into the perfect chance for parody.
And so far these two take the cake for me:

Life's Cruel Jokes

2011-03-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you stumble upon something that captivates you in such a way, you can't NOT watch it til the end. And you also can't help but feel like you are going to vomit on yourself.
It's no secret that the music industry has almost completely died and gone to hell.....
BUT every once in awhile, it shits out a turd-like gem like this one.

HERE ARE MY BEEFS:
1-I am fairly certain that there isn't a single rhyming word in the entire song
2-The "guest rapper" in the middle really makes my skin crawl. What is he doing in this underage girls video? And what the hell is he even going on about?! Has rhyming completely gone out of style?
3-The production on this video is not cheap. Someone actually GOT PAID to make this video!!!!
4-OVER 2 MILLION HITS?!?!?!?
5-Why wasn't I going to parties EVERY Friday night?

Hemingway And An Open Fire

2011-03-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

After almost 2 years of promising a camping trip.... we finally made it.
On Friday morning Lauren and I pulled a Supermarket Sweep on the grocery store. Dashing here and there, checking things off the list. By 1pm, we were set with the back of the car loaded with goods for the trip.
We headed out to meet Dale and Hannah.... God bless em and their complete lack of concept of time haha.
After an hour or more, we were finally on the road.

We headed up to the Mangroves (one of.... if not THE best spots in Qatar).
We drove through the desert for awhile looking for the perfect spot, which they scouted out 2 weeks before.
I got stuck in the mud once but was quickly pulled out by the monster truck that Dale and Hannah were driving.
Once I was out, we drove a bit more and found the spot.
PERFECT.
We parked the cars by a bunch of small trees right on the edge of the sea, rocked up a big shade, pulled out the chairs, dug a fire pit, got the fire going (with no panic), and settled in for a nice long night.

Lauren prepared the master chef skills and grilled up some steaks, sausages, portobello mushrooms, and asparagus.

We ate like kings.
For campfire entertainment, we each took turns reading Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber".
The story was gripping and completely entertaining for all of us as the night got darker, the fire got warmer, and the tide started rolling in.
We took some time to shoot some long exposure shots and then turned in for the night.

With an inflatable mattress in the back of the Prado, Lauren and I struggled for some resemblance of comfort and jumped at every sound coming from the camp outside.
We got a good 5 hours sleep before the sun came up and cooked us in the car.
We got up, cooked a big breakfast over the fire, swam, relaxed, and just soaked in the sun.
By 3pm, we packed up and headed home.
Other than Lauren's sunburn and dog claw wound to the armpit and my speckled, burnt feet.... the whole trip was incident free and nothing but good times.
Another trip is an order soon.

Next time, marshmallows and Murakami.

Catchin Up Like A 3 Legged Horse

2011-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure what that title means but whatever.
I haven't written anything "real" in awhile so I thought some updates were in order.

A few weeks ago, I received the news that I had been accepted into the Werner Herzog Rogue Film School. I am super excited about it.
Its a 4 day workshop sorta jobby where Herzog teaches whatever he wants to teach I guess.
What makes it even more exciting is that my boy Benno made it in too.
So in 9 days we will be off to London to learn from one of the masters of documentary.
In honor of that news, enjoy this video where Herzog is shot during an interview. Classic stuff.

So that is update one.

Update 2, I guess would be the decision to go BACK to London less than a month later to see Portugal the Man.
When I got the email about their tour, I immediately looked for the closest, most feasible one to go to (considering NO ONE plays in the Middle East).
London was pretty close right?
3214.07 is pretty close I guess.
But the next night they were playing in Manchester so I figured....
Shit. 2 shows. 4 day trip. Maybe get to shoot some new video stuff with them.
Go for it.
So that was that. Booked flights. Bought show tickets. Booked hotels.
And as CP would say; "BANGARANG"
And in honor of that, here is one of the videos we shot with Portugal the Man in Brooklyn.

Update 3 (and the final update) would be current projects.
As we still wait for the right time to go back over to Egypt, I have picked up some nice side projects. I'm currently working on a wicked little documentary piece on a famous Qatar character. Teaming up with Tarek, Lana, Lauren, and Dale....the shoots have been amazing so far and things are shaping up to look real nice.
Everything is shot on either a 5D or an EX1.
We have another shoot scheduled for tomorrow. "Cruisin' Day".
And then one more in the coming weeks and it should be moving into the edit stage.
So look for that soon.

So that's all folks.
Now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

Oscar Winners - Not Me or Half of my Predictions

2011-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

So for posterity, I have decided to compare my Jan 25th Oscar Picks with the ACTUAL winners of the awards.

BEST ACTOR
Colin Firth in The King's Speech.
Called it. Still haven't seen it. Still don't really want to.

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale in The Fighter
Called it again. 2 for 2.
And yet again... still haven't seen it.

BEST ACTRESS
Natalie Portman in Black Swan
Called that shit too son! 3 for 3.
Saw the film. Really kinda grossed me out and pissed me off. Whatever. She still won and I still called it.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Melissa Leo in The Fighter
I called the wrong girl from The Fighter. Close. 3 for 4. Still 75%. Not bad for having not seen even half of these films.

ANIMATED FEATURE
Toy Story 3
Yup. Called that one. But why was it only up against 2 other films? Was there really only 3 animated features last year? 4 for 5.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Wally Pfister for Inception
I clearly said: "Tough one. Just hope its not Wally Pfister (although I completely respect him) for "Inception". Obviously the Academy wasn't listening. Win some, ya lose some. 4 for 6. Still not too shabby.

DIRECTING
Tom Hooper for The King's Speech
I believed the hype and chose David Fincher. Alas, David Fincher failed.
4 for 7. Starting to slip.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Inside Job
Didn't see it. Didn't call it. I lost all around on this one. But I did read a lot about the winner and really keen to catch it.
Doesn't change the fact that I got it wrong.
4 for 8. Officially slipped.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
In A Better World
Was really hoping Dogtooth would have taken it but on Hind Mezaina's advice, I voted correctly.
Score one with the help from a friend.
5 for 9. Starting the comeback.

BEST PICTURE
The King's Speech
Again, I believed the hype. The Social Network sucked. And I fell for everyone else's chitter chatter. I should have none better. At least Trent Reznor didn't walk away empty handed.
Ending the night with a dismal score of 5 out of 10. 50%. Disgraceful.

And that concludes another year of pointless movie awards.
Hope to see you next year for more pointless banter.
Good night and good luck.

New Edition

2011-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

No not that NEW EDITION!
THIS ONE. WITW ON TUMBLR.
No words. Just sights and sounds.
Its sort of a scrapbook of my mind and what I find interesting in the internet universe.

Glimpses of the Truth

2011-02-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Loads of new photos on my FLICKR

HISTORY IS MADE

2011-02-22T03:32:00.000-08:00

Today will be forever engraved in the history of "WHERE IN THE WORLD".
Today this blog saw its 10,000th view. (at least 10,000 since I put the counter up).
This really makes me wonder who looks at this? Where are they from? What led them here? What did they read? How many are stalkers?
No matter the answers, the number is at 10,000 and I want to say
THANK YOU
to everyone who reads this thing or just occasionally drops by to catch a glimpse.

WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO VOL 9

2011-02-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

The last two podcasts were very focused.
One of Norsk music followed by one of Arab hip hop.
So I figured this one should just be all over the place....
And it certainly is.
NEWYORK>LEEDS>NORTHCAROLINA>TEXAS>SWEDEN>OREGON>
GLASGOW>CALIFORNIA>BEIRUT>OHIO>GHANA
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!!!!

Richard Hell & the Voidoids First Gig!!!!

2011-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what Richard Hell & The Voidoids sounded like right from the jump?
Well now you can satisfy that curiosity.
Someone dug up the original recording of their first ever gig on November 19th, 1976 at CBGB's.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD
The man was right. He was "world class good from the beginning".
See these clips that we made together to hear it straight from his lips.

Still not convinced that you should help fund Lee Hardcastle's claymations??

2011-02-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

Then take a look at these:

And now that you ARE convinced......
CLICK HERE AND DONATE SOME DOUGH, YO!!!!

Local Natives Take Away Show in Paris

2011-02-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

Yet again, La Blogotheque make me ask myself "Why didnt I do this first?!?!"
Check out this beautiful performance of "Who Knows, Who Cares" by the Local Natives.
The video is shot in Paris’ stunning Palais Royal.

The Grammys - Who Cares?

2011-02-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Normally, I dont care at all.
But this year.... I did.
There were loads of actual good bands up for awards and surprisingly, a lot of them won!!!

RECORD OF THE YEAR: Arcade Fire
I called this the day the record came out. Its incredible. Every single track is amazing.

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR AND BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE: The Black Keys
The duo has polished their blues/fuzz/rock sound and dropped on of the best records of the year. I think it could have given Arcade Fire a run for their money for best all around.
Still.... what the hell is "Alternative" music?!?!?!

BEST HISTORICAL RECORD: The Beatles
I mean really.... who is better? But what exactly is this catergory? Ehh.... doesnt matter. Any reason to give the greatest band ever another award is a good reason.

BEST SOLO ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE: Paul McCartney for "Helter Skelter," a cut from his live album Good Evening New York City.

Other notable winners included Neil Young for Best Rock Song of the Year and Jeff Beck picking up 3 awards.
The thing I was most excited about was Bob Dylan's performance with The Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons.

Overall, a good year for good rock music.

WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO 8 - ARAB HIP HOP

2011-02-09T00:05:00.001-08:00

If you dont know.... Now you will.
There is a scene in hip hop that has exploded all over the globe (no pun intended)....
The Arab Hip Hop scene.
Hundreds of extremely talented emcees are churning out record after record, single after single, mixtape after mixtape.... yet somehow, they are still slept on in most areas.
Why? Well.... there are loads of different "western ideals" that may explain it but I am not here to speculate or perpetuate conspiracy.
I am here to share some music.

This version of Where in the World Radio is simply an introduction to this scene.
There are artists missing, there are tracks that coulda, shoulda, woulda made it on here....
but this is simply an introduction.
Its up to you to do the rest of the work and discover more.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!!!!!

And if you are one of those lazy music aficionados, here are a few hints where to find more amazing free music from some of the artists on this mix.
THE PHILISTINES
THE NARCICYST
Also, if you havent seen it, go out and cop "Slingshot Hip Hop". This documentary by good friend, Jackie Salloum, is incredible. You will watch it more than once.... I put my riyals on it.

And another new doc coming from some students in Doha; "Broken Records".

*Thanks to Khalid for the graphic

The Horror of Septoplasty

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

See for yourself.
But I have to warn you.... this video is raw. Really raw.
It is not for the light of heart or weak of stomach.
I also recommend you dont load it up to show your family while you eat dinner.
Morbid curiosity getting the best of you???
Go for it.

WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO 7 - NORSK

2011-02-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

As promised, a new Where in the World Radio is upon us.
This time its all Brit and all Norsk music for nearly 22minutes.
He had this to say when he sent it over:

Hello and Welcome to my half of Where In The World Radio Blog.
This episode will feature artists from Norway.
Some are good friends and some I had the pleasure to see live and some are good friends I had the pleasure to see live. (not too redundant i hope)
There's a good mix of styles and genres here so keep your ears peeled the whole time.
Enjoy!
-Britten Wade Daroslav Darrow

(artist) (song) (album) (released)
1. Kvelertak - Blodtørst - Kvelertak - 2010
2. Mads With - Lords & Ladies - EP 2011 - 2011
3. Marius Sol - Ballerina - Five Songs - 2010
4. Bushman's Revenge - Kill Your Jitterbugs Darlings - Jitterbug - 2010
5. Thelma and Clyde - Crossceck - Edge compilation - 2010
6. Øyvind Nypan - The Way Back Home - Elements - 2010

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!!!!

Fund Claymation. Not Terrorism.

2011-02-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I found this guy Lee Hardcastle on the interwebz.
He makes these kickass claymation videos that are really something special.
We opened a dialogue and I tried to get him out to Doha to do some workshop stuff but for one reason or another, it never panned out.
I got an email the other day saying that he is trying to raise money to create more "Done in 60 Seconds" film remakes.
Because I know how awesome his one of Evil Dead is....
it was a no-brainer for me to donate.
But if you havent seen it...... Watch it now.

And after you are done watching....
go HERE to donate some loot to this very talented guy so we can all enjoy more of these genius claymations in the near future.
Plus.... who wants another talented artist/filmmaker to have to suffer the life of a "day job"?!?!!

Voyage Into The Deep - Septoplasty

2011-02-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

In August of last year, Ben hit me with the forearm from hell while driving the lane for the game winning basket in a friendly game of hoops. Since then, I have battled with insurance companies and doctors in order to regain the ability to breathe and have a nose that doesnt make Owen Wilson's look perfect.
On January 29th, I finally got the green light to have the procedure.

I woke up early cracking jokes and making light of what was ahead of me.
Little did I know what it was really going to be like.

I arrived at the hospital at 7am and was expecting to head right in. That didnt happen.
They posted me up in a room in the children's ward. I was surrounded by Mickey Mouse curtains and pictures of teddy bears using typewriters. We switched on the tv to distract my mind and to my surprise, at 7am in the children's ward, they play horror films. I fell asleep waiting for the doctor.
When I woke up, they dressed me in a gown big enough for 3 of me, a wicked hair net, and I loaded on to the bed of doom.
After some jokes from the surgeon and a healthy dose of drugs, I was out cold.

When I woke up, I felt like someone took a sledgehammer to my face and lit a small campfire in my throat. The next 24 hours or so are kind of blurry but I do remember waking up in the middle of the night and feeling the worst pain I have ever felt. I also remember opening my eyes (or eye) and watching loads of footage of the protests in Egypt.
At around 10am on Thursday, the doctors came in to remove the packing from my nose. Now, when I say packing, what comes to mind is a little bit of gauze or something like that.
What was really being removed was about 8 inches long and 3 inches thick. I have no idea where or how that was in my face but the pain I felt while they removed it was totally impossible to describe.

After several more hours of waiting, dozing off, and suffering, I was finally released.
For the next four days, I would have gauze taped to my face, constant blood flowing out of my nose, an inability to breathe, a complete lack of appetite, no sense of smell or taste, bowel movements that would have Jed Clampet packing up the fam and heading for the "good life", and a sleep pattern that would allow me only 15 minutes of sleep on and off. I am fairly certain I have had over 10,000 dreams in the last few days featuring nearly every person I have ever met.
I am extremely lucky though. Lucky that I have not bruised at all (although I kinda wanted some black eyes..... never had them), they didnt shave my mustache (which has doubled as a blood catcher), and a support staff (of the McCarthy's) that has really taken great care of me.
On Monday I will have the splints taken out of my nose. They are basically crutches to keep my septum in place and also act as barricades against breathing. Can not wait to be rid of them.
Hopefully I will be breathing again soon.
Fingers (and nostrils) crossed.

*Complete video coverage to come

Is this Egypt? Oh. No. Its Doha.

2011-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

As the Asian Cup drew to a close, the most coveted ticket (closing night) was completely unattainable. Everyone in Doha knows what a major sporting event's opening and closing means....
Fireworks and spectacles far superior to the actual event that is taking place.
To the dismay of nearly 5000 people (WHO HAD TICKETS!!!), they were denied entry to the stadium.
Apparently, members of the royal family showed up and the security locked down all the gates BEFORE THE GAME EVEN STARTED.
People waving tickets were pushed back by riot police, bullied, and some even had their cameras destroyed.

This raises some major eyebrows toward Doha and its ability to hold a major sporting event.
An event like, say..... THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!
I am not taking a side on this but I do have to say.... tsk tsk.

One For Egypt

2011-01-29T13:16:00.001-08:00

The Current State - A Revolution in Progress

2011-01-29T12:26:00.001-08:00

The entire Arab world has been seeing lots of changes lately.
Yemen, Lebanon, Tunisia, and now, most notably; Egypt.

What started on Jan 25 as a grassroots, social media campaign, has no grown into full scale revolution. The streets all over Egypt have been a war zone since.
Because of our ties to Egypt (with Zabaleen), we have been monitoring the situation closely and as it unfolds.
Saturday saw the majority of the violence as stones were hurled, tear gas thrown, guns fired, trucks, cars, and buildings set ablaze. Over 100 people lost their lives attempting to bring down the Hosni Mubarak regime. A regime that has ruled over its people with a cruel and iron fist for 30 years.
Once viewed as a beaten down people who could never rise up to the power that held them down, the Egyptians are rising. And rising. And the empire is about to fall.

This morning, in a half hearted and useless speech, Mubarak fired his entire cabinet only to swear in a "new" VP and PM. Both of which were always considered to be his "right hand men".
And both are military men. Which may explain the complete disappearing act of the police and the new, more peaceful presence of the army on the streets.

As protesters continue to march and demonstrate the government is on the run. This wont end. Not even hired thugs and released criminals can stop the people from fighting the tyranny.
Because the internet, sms, cell phones, and landlines have all been shut down for the most of 2 days, we have been able to reach Mourad.
He told us (as of Thursday night), that he and his family are staying far away from it. They are watching and waiting from Manshayet Nasser.
When I spoke to him this morning, we got as far as we could with the language barrier and then he said this, in his broken english; "Hosni Mubarak crazy!"
This told me that he and his family are safe and in relatively high spirits.

If you have not been watching, I recommend checking out the LIVE STREAM FROM AL JAZEERA ENGLISH
Also, there are loads of amazing photographs hitting the web now. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST.

Stay tuned....
The Revolution will be televised.

Beg, Borrow, Steal

2011-01-26T01:21:00.001-08:00

Get these records. Now.
Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
Sonic Youth - Simon Werner a Disparu
RayBan Presents NEVER HIDE - EP2

Confessions of a Lover Man

2011-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

In 2006, while in film school, I was given the task of making a short documentary.
Without second thoughts, I selected one of the most interesting men I have ever met in my life; Junior Pike.
I dug up this little sequence that ended up being the beginning of the film. I cant find the rest so youll have to just do with some visuals of the man set to a James Brown tune.

My 2011 Oscar Picks

2011-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

As every website and blog will tell you today.... The Oscar nominations are out.
I reviewed them thoroughly and decided on my picks to win and also, the films I personally think should win in the categories I give a shit about.
If you give a shit..... here they are:

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Actual Winner: Colin Firth in "The Kings Speech"
My Winner: Javier Bardem in "Biutiful" because its the only film on this list that I really wanted to see and didnt. All the others are great and all but none is better than the last. So I am going with the wild card, my boy Bardem.

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Actual Winner: Christian Bale in "The Fighter"
My Winner: Christian Bale and I didnt even see "The Fighter" yet. Just hear say. And really.... I dont care either way

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE:
Actual Winner: Natalie Portman
My Winner: Natalie Portman. Because she is Natalie Portman. Nuff said.

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Actual Winner: Dont know..... guessing here.... Amy Adams in "The Fighter"
My Winner: Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit". Although I fell asleep during the film, she impressed me when I was awake. Plus, the little screen in the back of the NYC taxis said it was her first role or something. And then Matt Damon came on with a silly beard and said something. Not sure what. Might not have had anything to do with her. Whatever.

ANIMATED FEATURE
Actual Winner: "Toy Story 3D"
My Winner: "Toy Story 3D" even though it didnt need to be 3D at all. Plus its the only one I saw.

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Actual Winner: Tough one. Just hope its not Wally Pfister (although I completely respect him) for "Inception"
My Winner: Roger Deakins for "True Grit". Dude is a legend. The best in the business in my opinion. Give him his dues (again).

DIRECTING
Actual Winner: David Fincher for "Social Network"
My Winner: Not enough info. Gotta see 3 of these before I take that leap.

DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
Actual Winner: "Waste Land"
My Winner: "Restrepo" although I have been dying to see "Waste Land". "Restrepo" made me cry my eyes out. I loved it and I hated it. But no matter which way I was feeling during and after watching it; its amazing.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Actual Winner: Better not be "Outside the Law". I am going with "In A Better World" (although I didnt see it) because Hind Mezaina said so. haha
My Winner: "Dogtooth". Wow. Just wow.

BEST PICTURE
Actual Winner: "The Social Network" (which is a bummer.... but I think its the safest bet). As long as its not "Inception". Cause if it is ..... I will personally punch the whole Academy in the throat.
My Winner: To be honest.... I dont care. Not a single movie on the list blew me away. So there. Deal with it.

I hope this little selection of Oscar winners helped you in your office pool.
One thing I know for sure.....
I'll be reading the winners the next day because I'll be damned if I stay awake for that biznass.

DID YOU MISS THE MUSIC BOAT???

2011-01-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

Maybe you were sleeping Rip Van Winkle style.
Maybe you have been under a rock.
Maybe you are just mega lame.
Maybe you have no excuse at all.
Or maybe you just dont know.
If any of these reasons apply to you and you havent downloaded any of the WHERE IN THE WORLD RADIO podcasts....
here is your chance to do some bulk shopping like you're at Costco.
Except for this, you dont need a membership.
All you need is ears and good taste in music.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL 6 EPISODES IN ONE SHOT!!!!!!
*This link expires in 30 days so get it now sonnnnn

These bad boys have music from every artist that is anyone at this point.
Some you know. Some you dont.
But after listening to these..... you are sure to be hip to the biznass.

Included are tracks from:
Minus the Bear, Portugal the Man, The Narcicyst, James Brown, Buy Star Bombs, The High Wire Act, Sleepy Sun, The Black Lips, Ra Ra Riot, Local Natives, Ravens and Chimes, Yacht, Santigold, Beirut, Ghostface Killah, Sigur Ros, Tobacco, Big Boi, Badu, Francis and the Lights, Born Ruffians, Rat Dog, Karen Elson, Menomena, Arcade Fire, Scrambled Eggs, Omar Souleyman, Girls, NERD, Hello Pyscho, Foxy Shazam, and loads more.

And if you dont know.... Now you know.

Where in the World Radio Vol 7 coming soon.
Back to the basics with Ol' Dirty Dah-Row sharing the track selection.