the lives of others

FILM REVIEW:

Nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2006, the German film The Life of Others has quickly become one of my favorites. Placed in East Berlin, year 1984, a simple surveillance operation turns into a tale of triumph and defeat. A prominent, and rebellious, writer is stuck in the socialist Germany with a deep desire to tell the world what he sees. He is not the only one watching. Just above his flat, a member of the council is assigned to spy and blackmail the writer.

Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch), a popular German writer, tries to get his controversial work published in the West. He is completely unaware that all his plans and actions are being monitored by a special cases officer Capt. Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe).


Once the officer hears the work of the author his motive begins to change. The art truly speaks to him and he begins to see the flaws in his government. The officer feels a change in his life as he watches the change of others, the lives of others. He in fact, helps the writer by not exposing the secrets. The ending catches you by surprise and being a film with quick subtitles, the movie keeps you on your toes.

Watch the trailer HERE...

wide eyed

the whip. thanks Neek

moarr hats

Mad props to Matthew. Be the first to get your short run, Limited Edition las vegas cap.Made 100% in the USA by Pace Sportswear.
These caps feature a Lightweight Cotton Twill construction,
4 Panel Dome with Traditional Flip Up Visor, KoolFit® Elastic
Sweatband and are Sized: One Size Fits All.
Pre-Order - $17 (includes shipping)
get yours here

era 4

got one of these coming in the mail. stoked.
might take a while, since Dustin is on his way to his new home in Philly.

San Francisco and crash

okay...well...i finally bought an external hard-drive for my laptop, freed up some space, and uploaded the pictures from my San Francisco adventure. A lot has happened since I returned from Sf. see post below. but I think it's appropriate to post something about the trip. It was the best time i had ever had in the city. The weather, the food, the buildings, the people, and the friends were all top notch. I honestly can't wait to go back: next time with our bikes.

Brett and I tore up the town. rage hard and sleep harder.



...as if there wasn't enough to talk about, I go and run my bike and face into a car windshield. the windshield lost. It was bound to happen and luckily I walked away with only a few scars, ER trip, and a ticket for not having brakes on my bike. This was the only picture taken from the event, but it says it all. Keep your head up!

Eric from El Salvador

I love when friends can tell when something is bothering you, or something is out of sorts, or your shadow has become half full, or you are trying to hide something from everyone: but no matter how hard you try to hide it...they know. No mask is ever good enough.

Friends that allow you to make mistakes are essential. Sure, they can force their own life experience down your throat, but the ones that provide enough support and wisdom to help you carry on is something great. I think it takes great patience and heart. I love friends like these. I have a few. I love them unconditionally.

i first met Eric last summer outside of American Apparel. Bicycles were our common ground, of course. And when he came into town to ride and hang out, he fit in perfectly. Everyone knows him as if he were a permanent fixture to the Vegas cycling community. Check out Eric's blog HERE!

More later...it's 4am.

who needs tire clearance??

Bryan Novelo did some damage to his Bridgestone this weekend. Dana Point, CA has some funky hills. Luckily, no one has hurt and his whip is back in fine riding condition!

ja-pancakes

ohh it's been a good one. The weather pulled a 180 over the past week and I don't want it to ever end. I'm finally getting back into the swing of normal life. baby steps. slow process of progress is in acceptance of what you can not control.

it's going to be a good summer.
..and as if I really needed an excuse to go to Japan, I found a valid one.
I should not think about it too much and just buy a plane ticket; so I have to go. You got time, not until October but get your game face on.

...and I should start saving up money now!

who's in?

sekidobashi bicycle flea market...

boys of summer

Last night, it hit me. It's over; the weather is against me now. Time to hibernate during the day and play at night. The summer is ours when the sun goes down. I've got a lot of plans to keep my mind occupied this time of the year. Traveling has always helped clear my mind. LA. SF. NY.

tangents

I cant stop listening to Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters.
I've been in better conditions.
My iPod gets more use than my heart.
I moved out of my house and have been living out of my bag
San Francisco in June!


I went to the Huntridge Theatre with my Dad a few weeks back.
No one knows what will come of it yet, but my Dad and Luke are on the case...

Myspace Blog...HERE

LA Velodrome

Last week, I got certified to ride and race on the ADT Velodrome. It was a great time with a lot of wonderful friends.

in case you missed it

ahh...I finally have internet again! It feels like so much has been going on, and so little has been updated. I like to set little mile markers in my life, a little tidbit and tangent to remind me of a place, time, event, person, etc...it was a bittersweet separation. So here's what's going on....in case you missed it.

in music...Demonoid.com is back up! I nearly jumped out of my seat when I got an e-mail from the gate-keeper. As if I haven't been spending every second listening to and finding new music.
...and No, I don't have any invitations.

Audrey got me this for our anniversary. Officially the happiest boy ever.


on the come up...
-LA Velodrome this weekend
-Radiohead in 106 days
-new house
-fall semester at the university
-summer.

we made the cover of CityLife

it's great when something you are truly passionate about gets the recognition it deserves. Andrew did a great job highlighting all the glorious things about the cycling community in Vegas. I didn't know we drank so much and smoked so many hand-rolled cigarettes. And we made the cover...how 'bout that.

Read the entire article HERE

love love love

I wasn't looking for it. It came out of left field. It was simple and the puzzle pieces fit. I see a bigger picture. I didn't expect to fall as hard as I did. I didn't expect to be as head-over-heels as I am. I'm glad i did. I found it. I found her. I found love.

can you keep up with me?

This is pretty great.
Have a blog/forum? Re-POST.

Take the test HERE!