Jet Set

Been doing some traveling for the job this week. Hopefully these photos convey the same sense of weariness that I feel as a result.

Peace.

"Live Today. Tomorrow Will Cost More."

The title of this post was the once famous slogan from the now defunct Pan American World Airways. Cultural icon of the 20th Century.

Pan Am existed at a time when air travel was new and cool, it was ok to hit on the "stewardessessessess", and it didn't take five hours to get through security. Because, well, there was no security.

When I was younger my family took our semi-annual trips from Houston to London on Pan Am. We flew steerage on the Jumbo Jet and back then it was okay to smoke and get sauced on flights. It looks glamorous in old movies right? Yeah, well, when you're stuck on a nine hour flight and everyone is smoking the entire trip it pretty much just sucks. Especially when you're squinting through the haze on the one screen to watch Corey Haim in Lucas.

Pan Am Clipper - 747 Jumbo Jet.

Anyway, the airline company may be dead but the brand continues to live on through a variety of goods; primarily these kickass bags:

Marc Jacobs approved.

I purchased mine (below) a few years ago and can testify to the fact that it makes a perfect carry-all for flights, weekend trips, whatever. I get stopped all of the time in airports by people asking me where I purchased it from. Plus, it looks dope.

SoBe

The Clevelander

The Ocean Five

The Avalon

Buick 1

Buick 2

The 11th Street Diner

Metropole - The Jersey Shore Season 2 Cast House

DARKPOW! vs. Sagat

Yesterday I drove down to the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia for the WKA North American Combat Sports Championship. As a fighter trained in the art of Muay Thai, it was my roommate's first foray into the world of mixed martial arts tournament competition.

After four months of intense training and a weight drop of 30 lbs the mighty DARKPOW! was set to take center stage. But no amount of fight readiness could have prepared him for his competitor. As he entered the ring a look of bafflement crossed his face when recognition set in.

Sagat? Really?!



According to his wiki:

Sagat (サガット?, based on Thai สกัด) made his first appearance in the original Street Fighter as the final boss of the game and is characterized as a Muay Thai master who is well-known throughout his country for his incredible speed and power. After the player defeats the eight initial opponents, their character Ryu (or Ken on Player 2's side) is taken to Thailand to face the final two opponents: Adon, Sagat's apprentice, and Sagat himself. After being defeated, he tells the player that he or she is the "strongest Street Fighter in the world".

How far his star has fallen. He was once one of the feared final bosses, but now is forced to work his way up to the Street Fighter Championship the old fashioned way. Unfortunately for DARKPOW!, Sagat hasn't looked this in shape since Street Figher Alpha 3. Even Dhalsim's Yoga Flame would have been useless against this revitalized warrior.

The fight started with a flurry of jabs and kicks (obviously a button masher was in control) as DARKPOW! and Sagat worked to fill up their power meters. Near the end of the 1st round Sagat unleashed a wicked Tiger Shot followed by a ruthless Tiger Knee Crush. Both fighters retreated to their corners, and as the bell to round 2 sounded DARKPOW! returned with great vigor.
Round 1 to Sagat.

Late in the 2nd, after a series of failed clench attempts, DARKPOW! unleashed his secret weapon...the dreaded DARKCROTCHKICK! The mighty Sagat fell. Hard. And remained stunned for several minutes (at this point the player must have pushed pause to grab some chips and soda). When play resumed an angry Sagat swept DARKPOW!'s leg and delivered an illegal Ground Tiger Shot.
Round 2 to DARKPOW!

Entering round 3 both fighters returned to center with fury. After chugging a liter of Captain Splash, DARKPOW! threw a chain of SCOTT CHOCOLATE COMBOS. Sagat then followed with a frenzy of Tiger Uppercuts, Tiger Knee Crushes, and one brutal Tiger Genocide. As the final bell sounded it remained unclear which fighter would prevail.
Round 3 Undecided.

Despite a true test of will by the Mighty DARKPOW! the judges sided in favor of Sagat. Ryu issued an abrupt "no comment" after the match.



Who needs fight video when you have this:

British & European Classic Motorcycle Day

Yesterday I braved the weather and took a drive up to Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland for the British & European Classic Motorcycle Day.

The folks that put on this great show couldn't have planned for a better location. Driving down heavily wooded back-country lanes, dodging oncoming lorries, and through a slight stretch of the imagination, one is transported easily across the pond. The rainy patch we've experienced here in the Washington Metro Region further enhanced the British-ness of the event as the show's concourse was a muddy mess...and to view the great bikes on display it was necessary to slog through the grime. But the payoff was so worth it.

Be sure to link to my web album on Picasa and enjoy the videos below.















Picasa Web Album:

Pop On, Pop Off: A Tribute to the British Double Decker Bus

England swings like a pendulum do

Bobbies on bicycles, two by two

Westminster Abbey the tower of Big Ben

The rosy red cheeks of the little children

-Roger Miller: England Swing

Timelessness, resolve, class, and grit - all can be used to describe London's iconic double decker buses. For over 50 years these workhorses have transported British denizens from the hustle of Piccadilly Circus to the shadows of Parliament, and beyond.

The AEC Routemaster set the benchmark that others copied. This diesel chugging, no-nonsense, load-bearing machine galvanized the transportation industry. It was officially retired in 2005, but several variants still remain in operation on select heritage routes. Often copied but never rivaled, they continue to stand as a symbol of the working class in these hardscrabble, pull yourself up by your bootstrap times.

AEC Routemaster

Heritage Routemaster on work detail in London. December 2009.

1964 AEC Routemaster all gussied up with lace and ready for a fine Oxford wedding. December 2009.

Genteel and Steel. 1964 Routemaster and 1955 Bentley R Type on Wedding Duty in Oxford. December 2009.

Bristol Lodekka Double Decker

1965 Bristol Lodekka on Wedding Duty in Oxford. December 2009.

Double Deckers In The Movies

The Omen (1976, Gregory Peck, Lee Remick). A London AEC Routemaster is seen briefly in traffic on route 159. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Mai Zetterling exits the bus. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Peter Sellers' character takes a ride. Found here.

Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Peter Sellers' character riding a Routemaster. Found here.

On the Town (1949, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra). Double decker can be seen in background. Found here.

On the Town (1949, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra). Double decker can be seen in background. Found here.