Mad Diving Barons My buddy Matt and Tim are in a rad band. They are called Mad Diving Barons and I had a chance to see them perform live the other night. They rule. I really enjoy this cover of "The Wait" by The Band. One of the greatest musical groups ever. Their drummer, Levon Helm recently passed away so they did this in his honor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. You can purchase their latest album iTunes by clicking here.

A New Bicycle

This new Fuji Touring bicycle is what I decided to put my coins towards. They covered the cost of almost half. My buddy Tayt helped me pick it out, hooked me up with it, and even put it together in his shop. Rad guy. Top notch even. I've already enjoyed taking it out a bit. Can't wait for my first big ride. The weather is almost ready for it. I feel like a ten year old saving his coins for a bike; but I guess that's okay.

JEEP Mighty FC Concept

This is a pretty incredible concept vehicle. I like when design teams take something from the past and use it as the foundational inspiration for a new project. I'm not even a huge fan of JEEP but this is just plain neat. Click here for more info.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned to find out what this large Ketchup can of coins (some of which have been saved since my high school days) went towards on a new purchase. I'm pretty amped on it. Who needs coins anyways? Fountains and wells? You'll appreciate it, I promise.

Megafaun

I saw Megafaun play a couple weeks ago at Kilby Court. They were far more technical and delicate and precise with their music than I thought they would be. I guess I missed that listening to their album. I took a picture of their poster, not because I didn't like the band (it was tough for me to get a decent shot of them) but more so because I am really impressed with the logo and font they use. I've been a big fan of Aaron Draplin's work, so it makes sense I would really latch onto this design since he was the mastermind behind it. Here is a link to his website. They guy is straight forward and to the point. Plus he is extremely talented.

Plus this song is so rad. Enjoy it.

Masonic Temple

I had last friday off so I decided to take a friend up on an offer he threw out my way and take a tour of the Egyptian Revival inspired Masonic Temple built in 1927 that happens to be just around the corner from my house here in Salt Lake. I snapped this shot of the ceiling in the main auditorium. The entire building was quite majestic. It was an interesting tour too. Click here for some wiki info.

This Is My Home

Neat little video. Next time I'm in Manhattan I wouldn't mind stopping by this guy's place.

KEYHOLE

I had some friends who found an old chest in their attic a couple weeks back. They decided to have a guessing game between a bunch of friends to see who could guess what was inside of it. In the end nobody really got it because it was empty. It was still a neat old wooden chest that came across the atlantic in the 1950's. It looked a lot older but oh well. It was still kinda fun. This is a picture of the keyhole; my favorite part of the derelict piece of furniture.

St. Petersburg in Motion

Another Sharon Van Etten Post

I had a chance to see Sharon Van Etten play last week. My dear friend Brittany came with me so it was nice to have some quality time with her as well. Not to mention I ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in years so that was another bonus. The show was really pleasant. It sounded good. I think I found my favorite venue in Salt Lake. The State Room was really quite nice. They had old church pews set up in the back so you could just sit back and relax plus the sound guy knew what he was doing. The acoustics were spot on.

Makapu'u Lighthouse

This picture was taken all the way back in 2005. It is one of my all time favorite pics from out in Hawaii. This picture was made possible because of a spontaneous trip that originated with my buddy Chaz asking if I was done with classes and wanted to go on an adventure while I was leaving the library of BYU-Hawaii. I quickly replied yes and before I knew it I was in a busted up old SUV with several friends on our way to the lighthouse at Makapu'u. After we went into town and had Thai food which really tied things up nicely. This picture features Maggie Nilsson and myself messing around with the depth of field. Quite the optical illusion.

Camp 4 Collective

The editing and color grading on this little video are supremely done. The slow motion is fantastic too. I don't mountain bike but this makes me want to get into it. Even after that nasty fall at the end.

Foals-Spanish Sahara

My friends Stevie introduced me to this band, using this song. I'm glad she did because it rules. The build up is worth the wait. Listen to it twice.

Cool Buildings in SLC

Some impressive buildings in the downtown area. SLC.

Alcoholic Faith Mission

I just like this song. The video kinda gets edgy there for a second. Watch out. Great jam though.

A Cabin In A Loft

I came across these pictures a while back and hadn't put it up for some reason. Pretty neat concept. Read all about it from the website The Design Ark.

The Stars

The Stars as Viewed from the International Space Station. Pretty stellar. Credit goes to Eric Lawrence for pointing this out to me. Thanks buddy.

The Anniversary

This takes me right back to high school. The gal in this band dated and married the bassist of The Get Up Kids. I always thought that was interesting. Pretty catchy tune with a pretty silly video. I still like it though.

Salt Lake Blue

Snapped this while walkin' around some back ally ways.

Cloud Nothings

From what I understand the lead singer of this band is only about 21 and he has three albums under his belt. This last one calld, "Attack on Memory" is pretty good. Here are a couple of my favorites. These guys came through and played a killer set at Kilby Court a few days ago. It was enjoyable.

Haruka Nishimatsu

During my lunch break at work yesterday I read an article (click here to read it) about a guy who was just about to resign after over a decade at Goldman Sachs. He wrote his letter of resignation as to why he was leaving and decided to have it published in a The New York Times article. He indeed makes some good points. I don't think everyone at Goldman is having the same experience he is having but one thing is for sure: the investment banking world needs some change. His letter brings up some good talking points while at the same time made me a bit curious why he lasted as long as he did over there. I enjoyed reading this article as well because it brings up some good points as far as reforming the bankings system in general. I usually try and find opinions from several sides of a topic when I read the news, or at least try to understand an opposing view on something I feel is worth my time reading. I don't think Goldman Sachs is any more worse than Bank of America or most any banks out there, I'm not trying to single them out. I have friends that work or have worked in the past at Goldman Sachs and have heard various opinions about the company. In general I think there should be some intense scrutiny and reform inside and out of the banking system. I would feel better if there was more transparency because I think we can avoid another recession like the one we are in/recovering from right now if simple steps are taken and old habits are changed.

In closing, one of the biggest issues I have with not only the banking world but in the corporate world as well, is the intense rift between top executives and common employees. Not just a rift in wages, but a rift in culture, values, integrity and many other important characteristics. I'm not asking for everything to be equal. Not at all. I just think the example of Haruka Nishimatsu and Japanese Airlines is one to recognize and take note of. This little video clip will help make your day. Promise. Happy Aloha friday.

*video was found on Fitted Hawaii's website. Check out their gear.

Keeping things Urban.

Here are a couple more pics I snapped while walkin' around the city last weekend. Found this stencil of a deer on a busted up yellow dumpster. Neat. Not too far from that there was this old water tower on top of this derelict building. I think this little back ally is my favorite (so far from what I've seen, and I haven't even scratched the surface of downtown Salt Lake yet).

Birdy-1901

Birdy got some attention for another cover she did a little while back. This song is one of my favorites by Phoenix so naturally I figured I would enjoy hearing another rendition. I thought it was well done. The video is a bit dramatic but I think the director did a pretty good job of telling a story. Hope you enjoy.

Norway

This video is short and simple but it instils at least one main thing; the desire to get me to Norway quick. It has been on my list of places to go for some time. I need to see the fjords among many other things. I'll have to plan a time when my friend Ingunn heads home for a visit.

Sharon Van Etten-Leonard

I'm going to get my tickets to see her play at The State Room on March 27th. I like this video. makes me want to go out and take a drive.

Ava Maria

The other day I decided to take advantage of the slightly warmer weather and go out for a walk around the city. I am still getting my bearings around this new town and want to make it a habit to just get out and walk and explore. I came across this mural while out and about. There is some more information you can read up on along with a video right here. If you have a chance to walk around Salt Lake City be sure to trek on over by 150 South and 200 East and you'll be sure to see it.

Polica


I've been listening to Polica quite a bit lately. These two songs on their album "Give You The Ghost" are my favorite. They hail from Minnesota. Here is some more information.

Sunbeam Motorcycle

I would be pleased to own one of these classics. Found this here.

EGYPTIAN

I was first made aware of this duo by Jeff Frazier over at Definitive Media and I'm glad he recommended them to me. I think you'll be seeing a lot more from these two musicians. Keep your eyes peeled for more. Thanks again Jeff.

Here is a link to their fb page.

Triple Threat

Earthly Bodies

Listened to this song on the way home from work yesterday. It was quite therapeutic. Plus, as annoying as it is to have an entire youtube video up on the web log with only a picture, at least it has a hawk in it.

SPARKS- Short Film

I'm not gonna lie, I enjoyed this short film. It was directed by Jason Ho. I think it was the attention given to the lighting that really made this stand out to me. I know it's quite sappy but you have to admit the song is great and it was well done regardless.

Plus my fantasy lifestyle is to drop everything I have going on and work in a shop tinkering with old cars, motorcycles, and creating old looking lamps out of car parts. Don't make fun of me. Give me a grinder, some socket wrenches and a task to do and I'm in heaven.

My Father

My Father is a stud. Second to none.

Kimbra-Two Weeks/ Head Over Heels

This gal has gotten a lot of attention for a certain duet she did but I enjoy this song quite a bit more. Pretty much any variation of Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks" will get me pretty pumped.

Waterton Lake

Snapped these during the excursion I took up north with my brother Brad, Sister Michelle, and future brother in-law Jordan. It was cold but worth it. Next time I go up I'll use my semi-real camera instead of my iPhone.