Stopped by the booth for the Da Vinci Center a program for innovative learning with Noe and met some cool cats. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

I met up with Noe and explored the various booths at the event. After walking around for a bit we came across the booth for the Da Vinci Center. This is a really cool program that allows creative kids to learn in a distinct environment. Things like robotics, design, media, and the arts. They learn real world skills and work on some really great stuff. They even have access to a 3D printer! After that Noe went to volunteer at the San Joaquin Bicycle Coalition Booth and I went over to the Stockton Aesthetic Initiative’s booth to find Ryan and a bunch of his cronies working on some art.

The Stockton Aesthetic Initiative was painting. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

A bunch of the cats were painting and a few were writing poetry. I think this was all for some sort of tent they were building. They definitely had the best spot since the wind was loving my while I was there. You’d think there was no heat at all. Noe on the other hand was probably melting at the SJBC’s Booth set up in the hottest spot of the park.

Ryan from the Stockton Aesthetic Initiative and some girl with awesome blue hair were playing with string. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

Ryan was putting aluminum can stay-tabs onto a string for who knows what but he seemed on point. Probably because of that cute girl with the blue hair. She was definitely a standout, you could see her from across the park, no joke. Impossible to miss. A prime example of the great alternative community hidden in Stockton.

Homeboy was keeping the trash secure one tub at a time. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

Before I left I encountered a man I’ll call Agent Shades. He was keeping the trash secure. He seemed to be at every trash area in the park, the same guy, I swear. Some agent smith shit right there. The look on his face was that of a man who was not fucking around.

My aunt Mely was at Grandma’s along with some other lady. This shot really shows how much the Nikon 20mm can squeeze into a full frame. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 20 2.8D

The afternoon ended quite well. I went home and hit up my grandma’s pad with a few other family members for their usual carne asada. I don’t like going much but every so often I’ll attend. Got to play with the wide angle for a change. My aunt Mely was there so I got to talk fitness and nutrition which is always nice.

I slipped failed to make the jump onto the concrete blocks and almost caved my face in hahaha xD. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

I went out to the back to take a group photo with a few of my cousins and damn near caved my face in when I slipped and failed to make the jump onto the concrete blocks. Shit was funny as fuck. Had Atzin rolling and my heart pumpin’ haha xD.

Spent the afternoon at my grandmas by the fairgrounds. A carne asada is a great way to end the day. Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 85 1.4D

I always wanted to take a shot of me looking over the fence in the back yard. I do that a lot when I do go there. There’s nothing but field on the other side so I call it my daydream spot. I figured since I won’t be going again for a few months if ever again (I did that when she lived by Lincoln High) I’d get it then. Mission accomplished.

Good glass is something I hear a lot. What is good glass? To me good glass is a solid set of primes. Why? Because even though I’ve shot with various lenses including the Holy Trinity (both Nikon & Canon), I find that my best shots have always come from primes. Primes have the advantage of being compact, ridiculously light, and very sharp. I can carry all of these lenses with me using the Urban Photo Sling 150 and have it weigh next to nothing. No more heavy distractions. I use a Canon 5D Mark II for it’s video capabilities but prefer Nikon glass. To do this I use a simple Fotodiox Adapter, one for each lens along with Canon rear lens caps. I also enjoy using Nikon Mount Voigtländer, Rokinon, and Zeiss lenses.

Choosing The Right Lenses
Sometimes people say “you have a really nice camera” but the magic is in the mind and the glass is what helps it come to life. You don’t need the holy trinity to make some really great stuff. At the same time you can’t expect to get full body bokeh with a f/5.6 kit lens. Ditch the kit lens or if you can don’t buy it in the first place. Let’s keep it real here. No bullshit advice.  When you choose your lenses you want to shoot for f/2.8 or lower unless it’s a huge telephoto (300mm+) or a super wide you plan to use for landscapes in which case I’d say at least f/4 or lower. More importantly have patience and pay attention to reviews. I like primes because I shoot manually 95% of the time and make use of handheld light meters, aperture rings, precision as well as split image focusing screens, and focus manually. I love it. That’s just me. The only auto I ever use is autofocus and only if I really need it. Manual is the way to go and Nikon mount primes really let you “get in there”. Let me introduce you to Cosmo, Bruce, Isis, Charles, Slick, and the original, good old Iris.

Cosmo - The Visionary
20mm f/2.8
At times you may find yourself in awe of an incredible scene. The power in this sight is something you want to share with the world. The Visionary is there. This gaymo is a beast on a full frame camera and gives you a massive field of view with not too much distortion. Cosmo is for when you’re shooting in cramped spaces or seeing the “big picture”. It’s what epics are made of. I look forward to seeing your ultra-wide cinematic stills my friends.

Bruce - The Journalist
35mm f/2
If you ever want to go back in time. The Journalist can take you there. This lens reminds me of photojournalism in the 60′s. It’s not too wide and not too narrow. Often I find it to be just right and probably my favorite walk around next to Iris. Bruce doesn’t get in the way and provides plenty of light. I hope you love storytelling with a dose of coffee. Don’t forget your trenchcoat.

Isis - The Filthy Fifty
50mm f/1.4
This lens is filthy. It’s like a high price escort in Las Vegas. Promises a world of sensation but doesn’t live up to the hype. Sometimes you want to pay a lot more just to know what “it’s like” and you’ll find it’s softer bokeh with a drop of disappointment. Plus an insane amount of flaring which in my opinion is awesome if done right. Isis is nice but not very special other than somewhat softer bokeh. Her body is rockin’ that build quality but her sister Iris, The Nifty Fifty, is just as good or even better (sharper) in some cases.

Charles - The Cream Machine
85mm f/1.4
Much like it’s name it’s almost orgasmic in it’s ability to help bring stunning imagery to life. This elite level lens was a legend from day one. The Cream Machine has been around for years and still going strong. It’s one of the lenses most responsible for that “full body bokeh” people admire. The only drawback with Charles is he’s heavy as fuck and can be expensive. The 85mm f/1.8 version is pretty good too but the bokeh is just not in the same league. I’m not gonna bullshit you. They call it The Legend for a reason.

Slick – The Veteran
180mm f/2.8
This lanky son of a bitch is built like a tank and tack sharp. I love this lens for candid. It’s focal length is long enough for some serious distance yet it’s size is not that much bigger than Charles with the hood attached. The 180mm has a huge history. It’s based on the first lens ever designed for sports photography, the 180mm f/2 by Lens Maker Carl Zeiss for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This was back in the time when manual masters photographed Jesse Owens as he showed the Master Race the power of the Human Race. Nikon’s 180mm was introduced in 1970 as an answer to War Photographers needs during the Vietnam War. You get the idea. Slick is the sharpest lens I have ever owned.

Iris - The Nifty Fifty
50mm f/1.8
When you don’t have the money but you still have the eye. The original. I love this lens. When using it on full frame it produces images very similar to how your eyes perceived what you were looking at. Most of my best photographs were shot with this lens. It’s actually sharper than the 1.4 but it’s bokeh is not as soft or pleasing to the eye. Other than that this lens is lovely. Reminds me of my friend Gemini. Very thrifty. There’s this free feeling about Iris I just love. Yeah. Free.

On Good Glass
Good glass is just another way of saying you have glass you know how to use. You’ve learned it’s sweet spot. I shot all of these images with my Nexus 4. Sometimes I think we forget that an image is created in our minds. There is no substitute for natural talent. If someone sucks at photography you can give them a Nikon D4 and the holy trinity and they’ll still suck. You can send them to the best schools and they’ll create very good “technical” images but their images will still lack life. Vision cannot be learned, only honed. Don’t be afraid and strive to become a master of manual.

It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer. You need less imagination to be a painter because you can invent things. But in photography everything is so ordinary; it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary. – David Bailey

I’ve always been interested in cinematography. Even back when I first started shooting I wondered how the big films achieved those beautiful effects. I knew none of the “high end” video cameras I came across seemed to be able to capture the beauty or depth of field. Then came the 5D Mark II and it changed everything. Since then I’ve wanted one and finally, I have one. I even have some good glass. I look forward to making some really great stuff.

I remember hearing the phrase “Life is short, eat what you want.” It sounds great. The problem is that I also heard a doctor say, “many health issues arise from nutritional ignorance.” On one hand we have a man saying we should live life as much as we can while we’re still alive. On the other a man giving us a warning so we can prevent our premature death as well as chronic debilitating disease. I’m no doctor but I feel both have a good point.

Why would I write about obesity? The truth is it hits close to home. Most of my extended family is obese and they’ve never liked my commitment to health. In fact they try an knock me off the pedestal every time I make a mistake. Despite this, after all this time, most if not all are presently more obese and unhealthy than they’ve ever been. My efforts to convince them to adopt healthier choices have failed miserably. I didn’t realize how bad it had become until one my few health conscious cousins said something to me at a family gathering. “Everyone is hella big! It’s out of control.” She was right. It’s no longer just chubby. We’re talking borderline morbid here. At this rate 80% of my family will be in a wheelchair within 15 years or worse deceased. This worries me.

I’ve never been much of a family person and I don’t have much left. I’ve disconnected from most of my immediate and extended family since I believe there’s no reason to keep negative people in my life. Because of this the last thing I want is for the family I still have left to go down a self destructive path. You watch someone make excuses and you know how it ends long before it does. Then when it happens everyone tries to brush off the truth. The heart attack, the diabetes, the stroke, all acts of god. It was god’s choice for them to lose their life, not nutritional ignorance or worse negligence right? People cry. People move on. Then it happens all over again. The big difference is that this time the dominoes are lining up closely and in far greater numbers. I don’t like the idea of death. There’s no coming back from that. It makes me sad to think about losing someone because of complications related to obesity. My first thought is “it could have been prevented” and this is fact not wishful thinking.

I’ve tried in the past to champion health among my extended family but at this point I don’t voice my opinion much since it never ends well. A person’s lifestyle is always a touchy subject especially when it comes to health. Sometimes in life you just have to let it run it’s course even if it means accepting what’s coming. You can’t change anyone. The most you can do is offer some advice based on your own experiences. Even if it goes right out the other ear. When someone chooses to remain ignorant about their health then it becomes negligence and it is no longer your moral duty to do anything. It doesn’t make it any less painful though.

To find out why people would knowingly endanger their health we have to dig deeper. If I was a doctor and I told you if you continue your lifestyle you’re going to end up having a heart attack what would you do? It may be hard to believe but most of you wouldn’t change a god damn thing. You’d bullshit ’til you kick the bucket early. Now the question is why? Is that extra slice of pizza really worth dying for? Are two slices not enough? What we’re seeing is a change in America. It’s heading in a direction where it will become more common to be obese then not.

“69% of Americans are overweight or obese.”

It’s gone too far. If someone is obese and everyone around them is also obese it is much less likely to be seen as a problem. Just being around people who are obese makes you much more likely to become obese. Obesity is a disease and it is contagious. We can no longer ignore that.

The worst part is that it’s a disease that can be easily prevented. So how do we fight this epidemic? Honestly the only tools you need are a about an hour a day and the will to keep going. If you can practice some restraint with the fork then the physical part will be a cakewalk. If you’re diet (the kinds of food that a person habitually eats) consists mainly of chips, pizza, and soda you have to address that problem. Now I’m not saying these foods are bad. You can have a delicious juicy burger. Just not in ridiculously excess amounts. You may find it hard to believe that it’s harder to resist an oreo than do an extra push up but for most it is. There are countless obese individuals out there fighting this battle right now. Every day doing the best they can to change their lives and beat this disease. It’s always an honor to watch one of these individuals transform their life and in the process inspire countless others to take that first step. A touching film (for all you movie buffs) that captures the essence of this is Lbs which follows a man’s journey to beat obesity.

There are many possible solutions to this epidemic. One colleague of mine even suggested gamification (the use of game-thinking and game mechanics in non-game contexts in order to engage users) much like FitBit has done. I still believe the best answer has always been the same. What we need is not just to make healthier choices, we need a revolution in how we live. If you stop and take a look at what most people eat there’s no questioning this. You can’t force anyone to change. I believe everyone has the right to choose even if it means their death. What we can do is inspire. Through a combination of great marketing, inspirational advertising, and some solid partnerships with the worlds leading brands it can be done and it can be profitable.

Obesity is waging a war in America. Health conscious people are on the losing side.

I used to believe this city had hope, yet now the only hope I see is escape. I used to believe that there was more to this place than met the eye, but reality has set in. The Tone, what a fucking joke. As my time in this city comes to an end I’ve come to realize the truth. This place is nothing more than a failed city on a crash course towards mayhem, it always has been. The college was once a haven but the filth has crept into it’s halls as well. What this city needs is a merciless purge of the cancer that grows inside it, but that purge will never come. Some things just aren’t worth saving and this city is one of them.

I wake up every morning only to catch that Stockton stench, that smell of ghetto scum. It’s thick and exhausting. It’s negative culture, it’s negative people, hell, it’s god damn air. It’s made me a negative person once again. Even the college has fallen victim to the city, the counselors preach failure more than anything else. It’s hard to hold on to hope when the people who are supposed to help you move forward feel more like they’re trying to prevent you from moving at all. It’s all bullshit and it’s taken its toll. You can only keep the anger at bay for so long and at some point you can let it consume you or choose to embrace it. I guess you could say this city has broken me. Despite how resilient I thought I was, it’s changed me.

Many of the words spoken to me echo in my head. The negativity and the constant need to see me fail. I look around and see only people trying to hold me back in everything that I do. I’m sure I’m not the only person here that feels that way. Even chance seems to be against me in this city since I rarely catch a break. One day you’ll wake up and realize you’re alone. Nothing led up to it, but merely a realization that you’ve always been alone. Trust becomes just another word and you grow colder. Everyone will fail you and the moment you realize that you grow stronger, more resilient, and start to take on the world alone. The good news is I’ve reached a pinnacle, a point where soon nothing these degenerates say or do will matter.

I know what it is that I want to do and I know what I need to do to do it. The goal has always been to live a better life and that goal resides in a place that has always been close to home. That place is Silicon Valley. A place so full of creativity and vision, you could say it’s the world of tomorrow today. Where the people who reside there are worth something and ghetto scum is damn near forbidden to enter. It’s the only thing that keeps me going. The knowledge that not much time is left before I can transfer and leave this place forever. It keeps what little hope I’ve managed to protect from these people alive. I’ve got to thank design as well, it’s helped me find peace in the darkest of times. It’s allowed me to keep dreaming.

I look in the mirror and see someone different than who I once was. I ask myself how can someone change so much in such a short amount of time. From borderline socialist to full blown capitalist. From a zealous humanitarian to someone so cold and uncaring. Despite this, I feel as if this is how it’s supposed to be, almost like destiny. As if all the pieces of a puzzle I’ve been trying to solve for years are falling gently into place. It’s hard to fight something that feels so right. Not everyone is meant to be a hero, some of us are meant to be otherwise. In the real world the hero fails. In the real world it is the malevolent that succeeds and so intelligently masks itself as righteous, my future profession their weapon of choice. Regardless of who I once was, one thing is certain.

I was always meant to be the Villain.

Mornings are often beautiful. They can provide an escape from the everyday stresses of life. The temperature is cool, the ambient light just enough, and the sounds of peace surround you. Sometimes I’ll even play some classical music to enhance the beautiful experience. It’s magical. I find that I get the most work done around those hours. My creativity boosts throughout the night through to the morning and plummets during the day. I guess you could say the morning is the pinnacle moment. Sometimes you need a little boost to reach that pinnacle, that’s where a good cup of coffee comes in.

All you really need to start off the day is an idea, a connection, and nice cup of coffee. I remember how much I used to be against coffee, these days it’s almost daily. Like Mike Ditka said, “Coffee is the lifeblood that fuels the dreams of champions.” It’s good stuff. I’d say my favorite cup of Coffee is surpsingly Denny’s Coffee. It’s simple and get’s the job done and I guess it’s grown on me. It’s helped me get through countless all nighters and the taste is something familiar and comforting, plus it just works.

God I love Coffee.

The End.

I’ve been using Google Voice for a long time but it was only a few months ago that I really started getting the most out of the service. It comes packed with so many great features, it’s hard to believe it’s remained free this long. The benefit of having one number to ring all your phones, personalized greetings for different people, and even the ability to block unwanted callers. If you want a crash course on how Google Voice can help you, check out their video introductions. Over time people have developed greats ways to to streamline Google Voice across devices. I’ve managed to set up Google Voice across my Mac, iPad, and iPhone, the holy trinity of devices.

On the Mac.

Bringing Google Voice to the Mac. This is where a very handy app called Growl Voice comes in. It’s a fully featured menubar app that allows you to send and receive SMS, listen to voicemails, and although you can’t actually make a call you can initiate one. It’s available on the App Store for for 4.99. Another great way to take advantage of Google Voice on the Mac is by creating a Google Voice app using Fluid. This will allow you to work with Google Voice from a standalone application and you can even use it to make calls through Gmail. Combine that with a pair of awesome Jaybird SB2′s and you have a very comfortable calling experience. Trust me, I do it all the time ;-].

On the iPad.

iMessage is great but it’s limited only to people with and iOS device. Google Voice isn’t. The first thing you need to do is jailbreak your iPad. Currently you can jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 using Absinthe. The process is ridiculously easy (literally plug and play) so you should have little trouble installing Cydia. Next you need to install iFile from Cydia which will allow you to access many of the system files on your device. Upon launching iFile you’re going to tap on the upper left until you reach the root directory. Then follow the path below:

System/Library/CoreServices/Springboard.app/J1AP.plist

Now tap and open the plist file in text viewer. You’ll see a list of functions in alphabetical order using the format below. Add the function to the list and make sure the list stays in alphabetical order. This will enable the SMS function in the messages app. Respring.

<key>sms</key>
<true/>

After this respring and SMS should be enabled on your ipad. The next step is to install the official Google Voice App from the App Store. Once it’s downloaded sign in (this is crucial). Next you want to install the SMS GV Extension and BiteSMS from Cydia. After you’ve done this enter you’re Google Voice information in the SMS GV Extension options which can be found in the settings app. Make sure to go into the receive options and turn on “Official GV App”. Now open BiteSMS, go into it’s settings, and in “more stuff” you have the option of changing the icon to match the regular messages app if you wish to do so. Now just make sure you have an internet connection and you can message to your hearts content ^_^.

On the iPhone.

This iPhone is where Google Voice really shines. Being able to fully integrate the service into the iPhone has been a long sought feature and with a few steps you can now do so. First you need to jailbreak your iPhone. As I mentioned earlier you can jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 using Absinthe. Next you need to install the official Google Voice App from the app store. Again, just like the iPad, once it’s downloaded you need to sign in (this is crucial). Now proceed to install both the SMS GV Extension, Phone GV Extension, and BiteSMS from Cydia. Enter your Google Voice information in the options for both the GV extensions. Make sure to go into the receive options for the SMS Extension and turn on “Official GV App”. Now open BiteSMS, go into it’s settings, and in “more stuff” you have the option of changing the icon to match the regular messages app if you wish to do so. Respring. Enjoy :-].

Powering Google Voice

Having a great service to supplement with Google Voice is crucial. I was with At&t for two years and they were great but close to 120 dollars a month got old fast. I started shopping around for a better service and found quite a few providers that could substitute but lacked full functionality. Then I heard about a no-contract prepaid service called Straight Talk. They’re a Mobile Virtual Network operator (MVNO) that piggybacks on AT&T and T-Mobile networks for GSM support. This means that even if your iPhone isn’t factory unlocked you can still use the service. They even make it easy to switch by offering Micro Sims compatible with At&t iPhones. The best part is Straight Talk features an unlimited plan for 45 dollars a month and since it’s a reload service you can pay up front for up to a year at a time! I was skeptical at first but after using it I highly recommend it as an alternative to other providers. If you choose to go with Straight Talk you will need to jailbreak your iPhone and install TetherMe or any other extension from Cydia that enables you to edit the APN settings and modify you’re APN Settings as follows:

Cellular Data
APN – att.mvno

Visual Voicemail
APN – att.mvno

MMS
APN – att.mvno
MMS Proxy – proxy.mvno.tracfone.com

Finally, to fully integrate Google Voice you’ll want to replace your regular voicemail with Google Voicemail. This way when someone calls your regular number they’re still sent to your Google Voicemail, you’re personalized greetings will function as if they were calling your GV Number, and best of all, unwanted callers you’ve blocked still get that sweet sweet message. Do all this and you’ll have a streamlined experience with Google Voice across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Resources

Google Voice
JailbreakNation
Absinthe
iFile
Google Voice App
Phone GV Extension
SMS GV Extension
BiteSMS
TetherMe
Growl Voice
Fluid
Straight Talk

Disclaimer: If you unlock, modify, or jailbreak your iOS device, you’re doing so at your own risk.

Think. It’s something I do often. To sit for hours and contemplate things has been big for me. I was always the type to ask many questions. Every time I came across something new it set off a chain reaction that resulted in a constant pursuit of knowledge. Over the years it’s gotten me in a lot of trouble. Despite this I’ve never stopped. I feel that thinking outside the box is important even if it puts you in difficult situations. I guess what I’m trying to say is all that effort you put into gaining knowledge matters. You’ve been blessed with a certain amount of intelligence and it’s up to you to make the most of it. In my pursuit I’ve found some things that I try to ingrain into my work. Without these I feel whatever I’m creating is meaningless.

Send a Message. I’ve always found great solace in books. They have an uncanny ability to send a message. They’re also and incredible tool for the attainment of knowledge. When people ask me how they can improve their craft I often tell them to pick up a good book. I do not believe books make you more intelligent but more so allow you to maximize the potential of the intelligence you have been given. I often find myself trying to mimic books when creating images. What I mean is trying to tell a story and pass along and underlying message. In fact the image of this post tries to do just that. Every little detail means something and together it creates a message. It’s important that your work sends a message. This gives it purpose and that message is a powerful thing.

Design Beautifully. Anyone who knows me can see that I’m a huge fan of great design, more specifically minimalist design. I’ve always felt that companies like Apple set the bar when it comes to this. Not only are their creations very good at what they do but they’re beautiful as well. Often when you design for aesthetics you lose a lot of functionality but Apple tends to do the opposite of this. Not only are their products more beautiful but more functional, reliable, and sturdier than the majority out there. The amount of detail and effort you put into your work reflects tremendously on you as an individual. Why make it good when it can be great? That can be the difference between whether someone scans your work or takes the time to try and understand it. People remember beautiful things. You do want to be remembered right?

Touch People. One of the most powerful things you can do is touch someone in a way that elicits sympathy and tenderness. Music has always been the sweet spot for me. Close your eyes, slap on some over-ear headphones, and listen to M-Seven’s “Oneness“. The experience can be felt throughout the body. No matter what it is there’s a sound that flows with it. Every time you go to the cinema you see the power of sound in action. Without it present to set the mood everything would be bland. If there’s one thing that has helped me get through tough times it’s a damn good song. It’s important to touch people. By doing so you go beyond the base level of influence and bring them one step closer to understanding your work at the fundamental level.

Experience. It is an area often overlooked and demonized. What’s the point to life if you have no experiences? We pull heavily from our experiences when we set out to do something. One should not be afraid of new ones. They can take you to a new level of consciousness, realization, and understanding. There is a huge difference between knowing something and “knowing” something. This is kin to knowing it would hurt to lose a friend and watching your best friend die. The downside is that you can never go back to the dull reality you existed in prior but why would you want to?  The only advice I can give you is that it does indeed open your mind to the universe. Strive to send a message, design beautifully, and most importantly, touch people.

The Message.

Cute little fella isn’t he? It’s crazy how the little things can have such an impact on us. Like the flickering T8 that hangs above me or the fan spinning slowly as I work through the night. The world is huge and packs so many possibilities. Despite this, many forget there’s much more to life than the usual bullshit. Of course almost everyone “knows this” but few actually listen. People become so enveloped in day to day dramas that they forget about really matters. They lose focus.

I’m guilty of this as well. I’ve lost sight of what really matters to me. I’ve always said that my work is the most important thing, that nothing comes before it, but these past few months are a showcase of how I’ve failed to dedicated myself to it. Instead I’ve been wasting my time listening to what idiots have to say. I’ve been dedicating too much energy to projects that don’t benefit me in any way, not to mention exhausting all my resources in the process. It’s time to get back to work.

I hear people complain a lot. What interests me is not their complaints, but their actions which equal to none. It’s so easy to complain and blame others for your own incompetence, so why not stop for a moment and listen. Listen to the wind. Listen to the rain. They hold so many answers in the form of epiphanies. If you would only listen. A moment of realization is all you need. The little things help us remember. Maybe they’re there for moments like these, where we forget what we’re about. I know what I want. The building blocks are in front of me. All that’s left is for me to get back to work. Do you really feel like you have to deal with bullshit? The truth is you don’t, but you choose to. Freedom is right around the corner. It always has been. The rest is up to you.

by Janeth Lora

¿¿Porqué has abandonado a tu mujer?? You say you’ve spent such a long time searching for genuinity, and yet when it stares you in the face, you look away. You’ve wasted hours at clubs, observing the deterioration of our contemporaries. Have you not yet noticed their cracks and torn hemlines?? The need for outside attention festering in their souls only to be reflected at the end of the night in their appearance: caked on foundation, unglued eyelashes, smeared lipstick, and eyeliner running. This prosthetic beauty fades faster than any care to admit. What are you really searching for?? Is it a domesticated beauty: capable of maintaing a home you have no intent of living in?? Maybe a good girl: not a drop of alcohol permitted on her rosie lips. What of the scholastic vixen: able to hold her own during an intellectual conversation. This rare mixture of thirty-percent blush of innocence, forty-percent swig of poised pride, and finished off with thirty-percent unparalled intellect, it’s a mixture much to specific to occur in the natural world. This beauty too, is an illusion.

I’ve listened to The Weeknd’s “Coming Down” and allow my mind to wander down the path formed by his intoxicating words into a euphoric state of ease..I can’t help but wonder if you too are searching more for an insignificant other than a significant companion. So much lust not quite hidden behing a veil of genuine attraction cannot be contained by just one person. A hopeless romantic almost always finds the exit to a relationship before he even finishes walking through the enterance. How could any one woman ever satisfy that indiscriminant thirst you have for the elusive One. The One who is beautiful in every way you have ever imagined. The One who fully understands that the best she can ever be is second-best. Romantics search not for love, but for the ideal. Will you recognize it when you finally meet your match?? Not your ideal; not the android built to your specifications, power button optional, but your match. The one able to capture your attention for an extended amount of time, even if it is while you’re behind the camera. Or will you simply experience her and send her on her way, only to find yourself longing for her still twenty years later??

Men search for many things in women. But the important question at hand is: what do YOU search for in a woman??..Are you capable and willing to belong to just one. In this thought, it is not your woman who is elusive, it’s you.

They’ve long been a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. Representing an individuals willingness to overcome and achieve what is their destiny. According to Chinese legend, long ago thousands of Koi swam up the Yellow River on Hunan. Along this great journey many gave in and decided to let the streams guide them but a few pressed on. At some point they reached a great waterfall that cascaded down from a legendary mountain. Upon seeing the waterfall the Koi became disillusioned & surrendered themselves to fate. Yet among the many, there was one persistent Koi who wouldn’t give in. His resilience was impeccable and for over a hundred years he pressed on until one day, in one spectacular leap, he made it up the falls. The gods were so impressed with the courage and determination of this Koi that they transformed him into a powerful dragon. From then on the falls came to be known as the Dragon’s Gate and any Koi who managed to make it up too became a Dragon.

Stockton is considered one of the most miserable cities in the U.S. yet every day I see people continue their struggle undeterred. Just like Koi they are trying to swim upstream and beat the odds. They choose to fight the system rather than surrender to it. Among these many are a few who will succeed. They will be masters of their own destiny. They will be legendary.

Me and my little cousin Bombis chillin’ in the front yard.

If there’s one cat who can annoy me to no end, it’s my little cousin Bombis. Why is his name Bombis? I have no idea and neither does he, but that’s his name. Once you meet him you’ll never forget him. He’ll greet you with a “friendly” slap on the chest followed by a WWE stance. This kid’s a real life Calvin. I remember one day we caught him digging a huge hole in the middle of the backyard. His explanation? I quote, “I was digging for buried treasure”. Priceless. I can’t forget the time he dressed up as Hugh Hefner either. He walked around the house the entire day with his chin up and a smug look on his face like a boss. I was crackin’ up for hours. On a deeper level the value of having such a cool kid around can’t be measured. I guess you could say one of the best parts of having him around is that no matter how sh**ty my day is, I’m sure to come home to a few good laughs. Did I mention this kid has heart?

¿A dónde han ido las mujeres? Where have the women gone? It seems I have more trouble than ever finding one. Where do you search to find a genuinely honest woman these days? I know for a fact it’s not at the club & I chuckle when I think about the women that live the night. It’s almost like watching a rerun of some washed out television show. All in a desperate & futile attempt for attention. I admit I am a philanderer & it has it’s perks but those type of women lose their appeal rather quickly, at least to me. Where are the ladies who still know how to cook & clean? How about those rare ones that don’t even drink? We can’t forget the educated ones either. What a combination huh? The self respect of the proud along with the humility & sensitivity of the innocent, topped off with a unique intelligence. That’s beautiful.

Sometimes I sit around listening to Benny Ibarra’s “Inspiración” & wonder when I’ll meet a woman that makes me feel that way. Such passion packed with so much fire is something a hopeless romantic like myself dreams about. Another song that really helps you soar is Axel Fernando’s “Amo” which show’s how that simple word can pack so much meaning. I remember talking to an old friend about love. I pointed at my head & said, “When a woman is beautiful here,” then I touched my chest & said, “& right here. You know you’ve got something amazing.” If you see a woman & she glows; & she’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Talk to her because if you don’t you’ll wonder for the rest of your life who she was. Never live a life of lost opportunity.

What does a man look for in a woman? I feel that the answer is simpler than what many people envision. A man looks for a woman with character & vigor. He searches for sincerity, compassion, & fidelity. It’s important that she boast a strong maternal instinct & that she is a kind, comprehending person; that she have great inner strength & a mind that fascinates you. It’s also important that she laugh because no one likes a grouch. Perhaps it’s misogynistic to raise one woman above the rest but the truth is a real man doesn’t look for just any woman. So much effort is placed in finding the beautiful thing known as a woman that many forget how to see one. You really have to open your eyes & your heart. Even though she may not shine like a polished diamond, the beauty that comes from within her is enough to blind you, engulf you, and make you feel like a man.

Growing up I was never the kid who had the newest Nike shoes or the JanSport backpack. When all the kids had iPods, I was rocking an old cd player. Living on a dime was something I had grown used too & never thought anything of it. Of course with this came teasing from the other kids who chuckled at the fact I was one of the few who wore “hand me downs”. It was almost as if they just couldn’t comprehend that not all of us were wealthy. It bothered me for a long time because it’s hard to be poor & go to school in the suburbs; you’re never going to truly fit in.

I suppose that’s why I became so close to technology. When my father bought the family our first computer I became fascinated. From the moment I sat down, the door to the world’s greatest library had been opened, the Internet. It was a place that could keep me informed on just about anything. With time I became more & more adept at utilizing such brilliant machines & it didn’t matter that I didn’t have the best one out there, my abilities made up for the limitations. I learned how to optimize & customize everything I could so that it would run as efficiently as possible. I did all this in an effort to make the most of what I had.

Looking at where I am today I think back at how it wouldn’t be possible for me to be so efficient without having those limitations imposed on me. By putting so much effort into maximizing the tools I did have I grew to appreciate the higher quality tools I picked up along the way. You could hand me a laptop 7 years old & chances are I could make it zippy again. Today I rock a MacBook Pro rigged with an Intel i7, 8gb of ram, & dual HDD/SSD drives. One could say it’s my dream machine. The point here is that having the best tools doesn’t mean you know how to appreciate them. When you learn to make the most of what you have, you tend to value & utilize things better. I think that’s one important lesson in life.

Someone asked me what I would do if they tried to take photography away from me. It really got me thinking & immediately I became overwhelmed with emotion. The truth is it’s all I really have. There was a time in my life when I was trapped in a very dark place. The lowest of the low really, yet they say it’s easier to see the light once you’ve been in the deepest of darkness. Photography helped me see that light & showed me how to do something good with it. It gave me hope, it gave me courage, it gave me strength, things I didn’t know I had. I can credit this little black box with having saved my life, with having helped me turn everything around. I’m not perfect, I still have my demons, but who doesn’t? It’s not just my passion, it’s not just something I do, it’s something I live & breathe. It’s what keeps me going. For me imagery is life. That’s why I always say that. It really is that simple.

The black oxide Leatherman Surge Multi-tool.

The Tool

When it comes to the one thing a man should always carry you can never go wrong with a Leatherman. Its status is legendary, its history one of persistent struggle, & its value immeasurable. It’s the one tool that never leaves my side. Millions of people across the globe have seen the usefulness of the multi-tool. Stories of how its gone so far as to save lives are abundant. I myself have come to see it as a symbol of trust because I’ve put it to the test & it’s persevered. Everything from working on my car to building campfires, heck I’ve even used it as a hammer. Weather you choose the Surge or a Wave, two exceptional models among the many tools Leatherman offers, you can trust it to get the job done.

The Add-ons

One of the great things about the Leatherman tools are the accessories like the Bit Kit & Bit Extender. The extender increases the length of the bit driver for those hard to reach places while the bit kit maximizes the versatility of the bit driver by adding 21 new bits & is double sided so that number is actually above 40.

Many of you Tron fans have probably heard the news. Early Tuesday the Tron Legacy OST by Daft Punk, one of the most anticipated soundtracks of 2010 leaked onto the net & not just a few tracks, but the full album. People across the net are already buzzing about the insane quality of the twenty-two track score & trust me it’s amazing.

After listening to the album all the way through, more than once, I’m left astonished at just how beautiful & right the music is for the film. Daft Punk really pulled it off. Once you hear “The Grid” there’s no going back. The music, a mix of orchestral & electronica, immerses you in the world of Tron, a world someone like me dreams about. If you’re a fan of Tron, this album is a must have. Both the regular & deluxe editions are set to be released on December 7th. In the meantime, welcome to the grid.

Alternate Album Covers

Avast Free 5

With more than 100 million users worldwide Avast 5 is probably the strongest free anti-virus available. Its low on system resources, has a very friendly graphical user interface (GUI), & comes with a multitude of features. The boot scan option (32bit operating systems only) allows you to scan before the operating system has even started making it a useful tool for removing persistent viruses. Upon installation make sure to register your free copy so the 1 year license is activated.

Get it free | Avast Antivirus

Malwarebytes’

One of the most effective programs I have ever encountered when it comes to cleaning up a system that has become highly infected. Malwarebytes is a respected high performance anti-malware application that removes even the most advanced types of malware & has the tendency to pick up infections other applications miss. It is often the first scan I run due to its superb detection & removal rates. This utility sporting heuristic scanning technology utterly destroys malware & is quickly becoming a favorite among tech consultants & network administrators.

Get it free | Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware

Web of Trust

A key element in protecting your system is prevention. WOT a browser add-on that investigates web sites you’re visiting for a multitude of threats such as phishing, browser exploits, viruses, or spyware is key to preventing infection. Using circular color coded indicators keen to a traffic light WOT warns users whether a page is safe & integrates seamlessly with search engine results. Rest assured with reputation data for over 25 million websites worldwide you’ll be adequately informed.

Get the add-on free | Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox | Internet Explorer.

The individual is covered in a plastic garbage bag to symbolize plasticity & also doubles by portraying what’s beneath as trash, while the entire face is covered to showcase how they suffocate in their own elitism.

Plato & Aristotle define a tyrant as, “one who rules without law, looks to his own advantage rather than that of his subjects, and uses extreme and cruel tactics — against his own people as well as others”. Yet one could apply this to people we meet regularly. It is not uncommon for someone to encounter an individual who abuses their power in an effort to bring a person down. They use everything from blackmail, intimidation, even going as far as to target those you associate with & will not stop. They spread rumors & misinformation to cause conflict in the feeble minded who are willing to listen. More importantly they take pleasure in destroying lives.

To me they are known as the Plastic. I have never understood why, if there is a god, would he let such individuals come into being, some say balance, but I do not agree. They possess all the traits good people despise from dishonesty to an uncontrollable elitism that they boast without merit. Along with a materialism that is beyond comprehension they bring with them everything that is wrong with humanity today, from the greed they seem to live off of, to the incessant need to be cruel to others. They are the epitome of a coward & the quintessential disease of society. Like a cancer they spread infecting & destroying everything in their path in an effort for control.

Please excuse my harsh words but these people truly are the scum of the earth. Yet on the front line against them are good people willing to stand up for the little guy. They lead the fight to better the world for its preservation & its people. He who is willing to confront enemy number one is a hero to me. I praise these individuals because they are the future hope of humanity, but we’ll leave that story for another post. Fuck the Plastic.

Tony Ketchum does his famous "fish face" for the camera.

What can I say about my good friend Tony Loco? He was the class clown & one of the people you just looked forward to seeing every day. It’s as if he jumped right out of a cartoon how funny he was. From his use of the word “Extreme!” for emphasis during sports, to his insane dance moves. Tony was the man. I guess you could describe him best as the really big kid, mullet & all. It was hard not to have a good time when he was around. He would always have his PSP Speakers on blast ready to bring some “theme music” to the table. Or how for whatever reason he was ready to “get down” & would utter “You wanna go! You wanna go! Lets do this you fu**in’ pansy!” followed by his “fighting stance combination”. You also can’t forget his antics, I remember in class one day out of nowhere he hops on top of his desk & says “Forget this I don’t wanna work! Revolution!”, I was laughing so hard & in fact joined the “rebellion”. He’s just one of those people who will liven up a dull day. Nowadays he’s on his way to becoming a Master Chef & trust me, this boy can cook. Now who wants a juicy hamburger?

I love this city greatly & to some it may be strange but the knowledge I have gained here knows no price.

Growing up, Stockton was like my home away from home. Just about every weekend was spent here, summers I would be here months at a time. Sierra Vista & the entire Southeast were a sharp contrast to the suburbia that is Marin. It was like stepping into a different world where everything was real out on the pavement. The homelessness, the drugs, and the violence; it all hit me like a brick wall. Despite these things I have much love for this city, being that it taught me a lot about life. Many of the beliefs I hold today can find their roots in things I experienced here.

I remember how one of my best cousins Daniel would take me for a cruise through the neighborhood & educate me on the problems a people faced, on why one should avoid it all & stay focused on the “come up”. As we passed by, the local gangs threw their sets up high, yet at the same time, we could count the candle vigils laid out for those that died. I remember when he got shot in the head, by a bullet that wasn’t even meant for him. I spent that night in a lot of pain because, in my mind he was dead. Luckily the bullet missed the vital point by a few millimeters & he made it.

During high school, I stopped coming out here due to hard times in my life, but I pulled through stronger than ever. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be; back in that lovely Mudville a year & counting. Stockton opened my eyes to the reality of the problems a people face. It hammered out of me any hint of racism & taught me to see colorblind. More importantly, it established a firm foundation in my loyalty to the people. Always for the people.

Reynaldo Avalos poses for a portrait.

My cousin Rey aka Niño came to the U.S. years ago in search of a better life. He once said “This is a place where dreams come true carnal, where we can make it.” He opened my eyes as to why people come here in mass. He taught me what it means to be down for one another, to have courage, & have heart. The tattoo’s that cover his body are a blueprint to his life story from where he’s from to the struggles he’s faced. Out of the vast family I have he was one of the few who kept it real & was there for me during hard times. If I was ever in trouble he was always down to ride. But beneath this willingness to fight for the ones he loved was another side to his character. A peaceful side against unprovoked violence. He told me “Never start shit, you have to respect people & avoid that as much as you can. There comes a time when you have to fight, but let them bring the fight to you.” He laid down grass roots for me when he told me “Never forget where you came from carnal, or the people that helped you along the way.” & this I will never forget. His impact on my life is immeasurable & that is why he lay on my Wall Of Heroes.

Oscar Barajas leans against a wall that has been tagged with 707 his home area code.

It’s been a long time since I seen my old homeboy Oscar aka ese Fatman, the one who gave me my first story. Growing up I never had any real friends, regardless of what I did I was always too something. Fatman was one of the few who accepted me not givin’ a fuck. I’ll never forget that.  From getting caught up bustin’ shots in Hamilton to cruisin’ till the morn’ all week long. It was a trip. You could always catch Oscar tumbado & Loc’d out, gettin’ them creases prefect. He was cool off all that gang shit but like me was feelin’ that Chicano Pride. He taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life, that no matter what happens, when it comes down to it. A carnal is for life. Wherever you at carnal, I got much love for you, hope your letting the good times roll.

Walking endlessly throughout the night has helped me greatly when it comes to clearing my mind.

My mind is in chaos most of the time; like a whirlwind of thoughts that cannot be stopped, idea after idea comes down like nails piercing the delicate tissue that is my brain. They lodge deep inside, without hesitation & hammer into me motivation. The will to succeed is relentless as is the need to triumph over those who doubted me. The thought repeats itself over & over & over; it cannot be stopped. I still wonder if I will ever fit in amongst humanity, for I live every day on the borderline of insanity, but they say that’s the closest you can get to true unconventional genius; the genius that stands out, the one that isn’t based on your IQ. Yet this trait of absolute over-focus that opens my eyes to things not seen by ordinary minds is but a burden for those who wish to unwind.  My antidote to this blessing known simply as “OCD” is to walk. To walk the night without limitation, even if there is no clear destination. As I stride towards what is known as nowhere, my mind seems to abide; pushing its motors of thought to their maximum potential & in that overdrive, I find what I seek. A simple moment in which I can have peace of mind.

Imagery is at the core of my being, it's the one thing that keeps me going no matter what.

One could say my love for imagery comes from my father who once poured his life, heart, & soul into painting. He exposed me to the beauty & grace of imagery, but most importantly how it can overcome one with emotion. Imagery has this power, something so strong it can alter your reality even if for an instant. It’s like when you have a camera in your hands & for a moment time stands still, then you not only see but you feel the moment, you raise it to eye level with a vigorous hold & through that viewfinder you find your canvas, you compose to perfection which is imperfection, then out of nowhere, your finger on the shutter, you find your paintbrush, at that moment you press down and begin to paint with light. The outcome is a beautiful image not only because it looks good, but because it is a moment that has been forever preserved & once you realize this, you begin to shoot not only with your eyes but with your heart as well.