Local trails ala cx from Andy Wardman on Vimeo.

I saw this video today, and it reminded me of childhood dreams of getting on your bike and going anywhere you want. Cyclocross, like rally racing on a bike. I want in dammit!

Go see this and other cycling goodness at Josh Caffrey’s blog The Rider. His new cross bike is tough. So rally. Anyone got $2,000?

Root beer. A favorite of mine for ages. For many years, I thought that the world of root beer was made up of A&W, Barqs, and sometimes Dad’s, but the world of root beer (and soda in general) is far greater than you could ever imagine. Enter Rocket Fizz, a soda and candy lover’s dream.

I stumbled on this place a few weeks ago and had to go in for a look. It’s incredible. Filled with tin signs, tons of candy (they have a huge salt water taffy selection), and of course, soda. The place is filled with an enormous assortment of soda’s from all around the world (Mexican Coke and bottled Dr. Pepper. GOLD!). But there was one specific part of the store that got my immediate attention, the root beer wall. I still haven’t gotten an exact count, but the place has root beer for days.

I asked if there were any favorites and was promptly handed a small carrier and given four root beers I had never heard of. After trying one of these I decided I would in time try them all and give a small review. Now, I start my Saturday mornings with my morning coffee followed by a trip to the soda shop for four new root beers. The fridge looks gnarly right now. Bottles in every compartment. I’ll be putting those reviews up soon, but in the meanwhile let me just say that there is some amazing micro-brewed goodness out there. Some really amazing stuff.

What comes after the root beer? Sarsaparilla, root beer with a bit more bite, and then…cola.

If you’re in Old Town Pasadena anytime soon, check out Rocket Fizz and ask for Mark. The place is definitely worth a visit.

ROCKET FIZZ
111 West Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449- 7632

If you haven’t checked it out, go check out the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Avatar creator. I was hired earlier this year to do all the component illustrations (eyes, clothes, ears, mouths, etc.) It was a ridiculous undertaking but it turned out pretty cool.

CLICK HERE to check it out

I received something very special today. Daewon gave me one of his decks with a very special message on it. Definitely made my day. Would have never imagined I’d get to meet and skate with my favorite skateboarder of all time. To receive something like this from him is very special. This deck is proudly hanging on my wall. Amazing skateboarder and all-around awesome human. Thanks Dae!

Big demo this past Saturday at IG Boardshop in Westlake Village. T-Puds, MJ, Biebel, Jeron, Mike Mo, Daniel Castillo, Jimmy Cao, and Daniel Espinoza were there to represent. I got in the big red RV and headed down to get some photos. Shots from the demo below…

The first concert of the “DVS Local Concert Series” was tonight at the El Rey. Fol Chen opened for the Liars, both bands putting on one hell of a show. Click below for some pics (© 2010 Daniel Hernandez).

Looking forward to the next show in the series at the El Rey: The Bronx.

Took a trip down to Gallery 1988 tonight to see the Brandt Peters & Kathy Olivas show “Living Between Worlds”. I’ve been a big fan of each of their works for a while now, but only recently learned that the two were married. They were both at the show and i was lucky enough to get to talk with them for a bit. They collaborate pretty heavily so hearing what they had to say about the process was pretty cool. Just before leaving I couldn’t help but take home something for the wall. I got myself a print and one of Brandt’s little skull masks. Can’t wait to pick it up when the show ends. Check out the pics from the show.

Attended the “Zombies in Love” show tonight at Nucleus. Love that place. There was a zombie walk that took place on the way to the opening. Quite a few people showed up dressed as their favorite undead. The artwork downstairs was pretty interesting, but what really got my attention was the work upstairs in the studio. The sculpture work of Jordu Schell. This guy’s work is so realistic, it’s disturbing. You have to click through to check these out they are amazing!!

The artwork downstairs was pretty good. There where these resin/plaster frames with eyes, and hair that really stole the show for me. It was like someone skinned a freak and shoved into a frame.

Of special note was the model upstairs. For the show, they had a “zombie” model doing a few poses. She looked interesting to say the least.