boykani spotted this one, and it's so bad ass I just couldn't resist

code.google.com, which is typically used to house open source software for geeks like me, has teamed up with Radiohead to do something untypical (which is somewhat typical for both parties) and has released "House of Cards" up on http://code.google.com/radiohead. The technology behind the video is insane and the distribution mechanism for getting it out to the masses has not attempted by an artist before. Ah Radiohead, changing the game yet again.

From the press release:

No cameras or lights were used. Instead two technologies were used to capture 3D images: Geometric Informatics and Velodyne LIDAR. Geometric Informatics scanning systems produce structured light to capture 3D images at close proximity, while a Velodyne Lidar system that uses multiple lasers is used to capture large environments such as landscapes. In this video, 64 lasers rotating and shooting in a 360 degree radius 900 times per minute produced all the exterior scenes.

I don't know what most of that means, but I do love me some FRICKEN LASERS!! Any of you fools out there still non-belivers?

On a recent dive we actually got a bunch of good photos from a cheap digi-cam in an underwater housing. Of course I fried the thing on the next take, but at least there are these (and no Photoshop majik involved!!)...

The droids at stickerrobot.com done did release a couple of pretty cool stickers as of late. The first one is in support of favorite10.com, which is hands down my most frequently returned to website right now (if you want to know why, then contact me and I'll fill youse in), and the 2nd for our boy Obama. If the Obama design looks familiar, then you nose Shepard Fairley. If not, then you must OBEY. Quality stuff all around, and we can only...

A building just came down at the corner of Howard and Hawthorne Streets, across from the world famous(ly bad) strip club, The Gold Club, and in its wake was exposed this old skool advert. Something tells me that it's not going to be around much longer, so I'll enjoy it while it is. Wonder how old it is and what's the story behind it...

Labels: photos, san_francisco

I recently joined the ranks of 95% of the Mission dwelling hipsters, and got myself a fixed gear bike. I said I'd never do it, but the amount of time I spend city riding these days, plus the fact that Swobo, a bike clothing company that I've much loved during both their 1st and 2nd incarnations, introduced an insane line of city bikes were major factors in leading me down the path to stripped down no brake bliss.

I've been intrigued by track bikes since me and a bunch of my BMX buddies went and saw the bike messenger film, Quicksilver, for my 14th birthday. But, because I've always treated my bikes as take me on-road, off-road, down stairs, off drops, over jumps and pretty much anywhere else vehicles, I never really thought much about getting one lest I beat it unusable (which I quickly did with my one road bike when I tried to bunny hop it over an 8" curb at speed).

Anyways, one of the bikes that Swobo released was their fixed gear Sanchez model. It's got a really cool lookin' Galvanized frame with white rims, chain & handlebars and a seat that's outfitted with a bottle opener. A friggin' bottle opener. Tizight.

The more I thought about getting it, the more I was like, "well, a fixie should be a custom thing and if I do it right it will really mean buying everything separate and putting it all together"... and then So! brought me to my senses. She said, "yo!, your time is very limited these days, so if you want it, then just get it and be done with it." I'm so glad I listened to her. I finally picked my Sanchez up a few weeks ago, and the thing is a blast!! A few sketchy moments on the first couple of rides, but I'm finally getting the hang of it. It's seriously been a long time since I've been really challenged by my bike, and I am stizoked to be this excited about riding again. Let's just hope I can figure out how to stop the thing...

Labels: bike, drink

When Matt & Sarah were out in SF for X-Mas with the rest of the fam, we took some time to go on a couple of EPIC Bay Area rides.

The first one, down somewhere near UC Santa Cruz, was shown to us by Bob and Friends. Probably one of the most fun rides I've ever been on in my life. It was 18 miles of climbing fireroads and bombing completely insane Redwood-tinged single track. I have no idea where we were, and would never be able to find my way around in that network of trails if I were to go back by myself. Bob & Co. were a killer bunch of peeps to ride with, though, so I'll just have to have them show me around again some time.

The second ride, the 30 mile Home -> GG Park -> Presidio -> GG Bridge -> Marin Headlands (Bobcat & Miwok) loop, was one that I know all too well. It's a blast of a ride as well, but given that it's a City to fireroad grinder and back, it's completely different than riding in Santa Cruz.

We had a killer time on both rides, and I was stoked to finally be able to show M&S what mountain biking in the Bay Area's all about. Too bad we just scraped the surface... good thing they'll be back one day for some more!!

Labels: bike, photos, san_francisco