some things i've seen.

Deepakalypse

2010-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

I really like the music of this band Deepakalypse. Its folksy, and kind of. I believe I heard once that they record all of their music with one microphone.
http://www.myspace.com/deepakalypse

Souplove Press

2010-02-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

SoupLove just got its first official review! Heidi Swanson was nice enough to write about the book, on her blog 101cookbooks. She tested one of the recipes and had a lot of nice things to say about the book. Check out the posting:
www.101cookbooks.com

Souplove- New Locations and on the Internet!

2010-02-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to illustrate a soup recipe book, for chef Rebecca Stevens. The book is called SoupLove, and has 12 simple, seasonal soup recipes. Rebecca is a great chef, and her recipes are amazing, and many are perfect for the novice soup maker! Pick up a copy at any of the following locations:

In San Francisco:
Cafe Gratitude
The Curiosity Shoppe
The Gardener
The General Store

In Berkeley:
Cafe Gratitude
The BioFuel Oasis
The Ecology Center
The Gardener
Local 123
Rick and Ann's Restaurant

In Oakland:
Atomic Garden
Heart Ware- 510.655.9806
Issues

In Mountain View:
The Milk Pail

Online:
etsy.com/shop/beckyfresh

Outerlands

2010-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

I went to a place called Outerlands for lunch yesterday in the Sunset neighborhood of sf. The food was GOOD, and im pretty sure organic, and the space itself was awesome. Almost the entire interior of the building is covered with salvaged wood, and even some drift wood found on Ocean Beach, just a few blocks away. eat at Outerlands.
http://outerlandssf.com/

picture taken from Yelp.com

Blog

2010-01-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

If you like the surfing, or even if you dont yet, you'll probably like this blog. It belongs to Dane Reynolds. Hes a surfer, and hes good. I usually like the music he sets his videos to. Theres also some cool artsy designy stuff going on... not sure who's responsible, but its cool from time to time.
www.marinelayerproductions.com

thought

2010-01-25T15:27:00.001-08:00

I realized that one reason I like summer is bc I have more time to decide what I want to do with my day. In the winter, by the time I get my act together and start to think about the possibilities of the day to come, its already getting dark, and I usually just decide to call it a day.

Teeluxe

2010-01-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

"Teeluxe supports independent publishing". This basically means that they sell zines, books, dvds, shirts, etc that just about anybody can put together and sell for however much they want. You find some really unique stuff on there, especially the zines. I just ordered a bunch, and am waiting for them to come in the mail from Australia. It seems like most of the stuff they sell is surf inspired, but not all of it.

square sunglasses

2009-08-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

saw this guy on the street the other day and asked if i could take a picture of his sunglasses. he was cool about the whole thing, and turns out his mom actually bought them for him. must have a pretty cool mom.

Bonny Doon/Santa Cruz Fires

2009-08-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

I drove through the area where the fires were today (just north of Santa Cruz), and took a few pictures of some things i saw... to see more pictures, check out my facebook album:
Bonny Doon Burning

Cool skate video

2009-06-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Watch this skate video by Quicksilver. Its not necessarily the skating itself that is amazing, but the way the video is made (I have no idea how they did it) that will blow your mind...
http://skate.quiksilver.com/thespot/index.aspx?EDID=NQAPGG-WHKF-YBACL-Z90S-9M3Z-v1
(WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO, IT GETS COOLER AND COOLER)

my portfolio

2009-05-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a portfolio of all my art and design work, and here is what ive got so far.
www.nabilsamadani.com

New Fish Discovered

2009-02-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is a really cool video taken by an underwater robot, of the barrel-eye fish. It has a transparent head!

Office Depot

2009-02-14T01:25:00.001-08:00

I was running an errand at Office Depot in Los Gatos the other day, and came across an old Chevy, a big white wolf-dog in the back and a mountain man behind the wheel. The whole scene could have been straight out of 1970. They were about to pull out, so I ran up to them as they were backing up and asked if I could take a picture. He was nice enough to go along with my request, and enthusiastically responded "Well then you have to get one of me and the dog in it too." I ended up chatting with John for a while, and learned about how he likes to roll up to the kids with their "big shiny new trucks" and tell them about how in 40 years their car wont be in half as good of shape as his is. Nice guy. Thanks John.

The Present

2009-02-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for the new movie by Thomas Campbell, The Present. Just watching the trailer makes me want to go surf. Check it out:

Tons of premiers coming up in March. Check out the website for times and more info:
http://www.trimyourlifeaway.com/home/present/index.html

Ford Econoline

2009-02-02T23:35:00.001-08:00

About a month ago, my brother and I took a road trip through California. One of my favorite things I saw was this old car on the side of the road that had a "FOR SALE" sign posted on it. I had actually passed it once before, a couple weeks earlier when I was on my way to LA, and it caught my eye. But it was a passing glance.

This time I made sure to stop and check it out. We pulled over along hwy 101 to take a closer look. Everything on the car was perfect. It had gotten a new paint job recently, and everything about it was very well kept and well taken care of.

The doors were unlocked, so we climbed in. The interior was awesome, nothing but the shift, a little ash tray and the steering wheel, and it was a 3 gear (didn't even know that existed). Here are the pictures of my dream car, the Ford Econoline:

Tortilla Press

2009-01-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

I recently bought a tortilla press from the Mexican market in Berkeley, along with some Maseca corn tortilla mix (basically dried ground corn).

Making tortillas is a super simple process. Im talkin, at 1pm I think of having tortillas for lunch, and 1:20 pm, Im having tortillas for lunch.
They're the most basic, simple food, and you can eat them whenever. I really recommend getting one for yourself. Its not one of those tools that sounds cool to own, but you never end up using, like a waffle maker.
The stack below is from last weekend when i made these for brunch for my family.

Subservient Chicken

2009-01-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

This chicken will do just about anything you ask it to (except when you ask it to do something inappropriate, then he walks up to the screen and wags his finger). This is Burger King's new approach at advertising something they're doing with chicken. It will promise at least a few minutes of amusement, maybe a laugh or two.

http://www.subservientchicken.com/

One Question

2009-01-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

I found this on a friend of a friends blog (swissmiss.typepad.com), and really liked it:
Fifty People, One Question: New York from Crush + Lovely on Vimeo.

Also, watch more videos like this by the same creators at:
http://vimeo.com/2164626

Free Rug Mania

2009-01-23T09:56:00.001-08:00

Last night I posted an ad on Craigslist for a rug I was giving away for free. Its a decent rug. 8x10, woven with a leather trim, from Pottery Barn. It does have a huge worn out area in the middle, something I thought would make it quite undesirable.

Just a few days earlier I posted the same rug for $15. I got a few responses, but no one followed through. In the end I really just wanted to get rid of it, so I posted it for free.

My final count, right before I took down the ad, was 51 responses!

I got all sorts of people saying all sorts of things: "I have the matching runner!" or "I really need a rug to protect my feet from the cold barewood floor" or "I NEED A RUG!" It really made me sad to know that I would have to turn down so many hopeful candidates.

I guess there must be a high demand for rugs? Maybe there is a rug shortage?

In the end I gave it to some guy named Dale. I'm pretty sure he and his girlfriend will give it a good home.

Inauguration Speech.

2009-01-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

In his inauguration speech today, Barack Obama said the word "we" 45 times, and said the word "I" only 3 times.

ReadyMade Closes

2009-01-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

For the past year and a half, Ive had the chance to be a part of an amazing company. Irreverent and semi-dysfunctional, ReadyMade was not for everybody, but for those who found something in it, it was everything you wanted a magazine to be. As a devoted fan from issue #2, I knew this was MY magazine. Lucky for me, I was able to contribute to a brand I really believed in.

Today, our corporate offices took over the magazine. The magazine will live on in some form, but dont read it, it won't ever be what it was. ReadyMade was created by a group of people who were the fan base and understood the brand. After today, this model will no longer exist.

Unfortunately, the shutting down of our office was done in a very cold corporate manner.

To ReadyMade's corporate parent company: there was much room for dignity and respect in the way in which things were carried out.

Don't ever doubt the heartlessness of corporations.

To Shana and Grace: An ugly outcome doesn't discredit all the good.

To the one who stayed on: dont be your job.

To my RM fam: id rather say it in person.

It's a Dog's Life.

2008-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

This lady wins all kinds of awards for transforming her dog into different things. They call it creative grooming. I don't want to say too much, because I can do no justice to what she has to offer on her site:
http://www.pinkcoyote.net/creativegrooming.html

One Got Fat.

2008-11-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

This is BY FAR one of my favorite video clips on the internet. It's a bicycle safety video from the 70's. The characters are a little off-putting at first, but once you get past that, the style of the video, the music and especially the narrator's voice will make you love it.
Watch the whole video, its a longer one, but the title will make a lot of sense if you watch it until the very end.

I Like Turtles.

2008-11-14T23:52:00.001-08:00

It's videos like this that really make me so thankful that someone invented youtube.

Commute Entertainment.

2008-11-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

I passed this truck on my way to work the other day. It's a hose company, and their mascot (who is a hose) is named Jose. Get it? Hose... Jose.

Not Dismissed.

2008-11-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

This site lets you see what people miss, and tell people what you miss. Simple and awesome.

http://notdismissed.com/

Five Days on Paradise

2008-10-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool video by my friend Mike. It was made in Las Vegas, looking out the window of the Sahara.

Five Days On Paradise - video short from Mike Senese on Vimeo.

Fight Sequence.

2008-10-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Featuring: cousin Shaadee and my brother Faizi, from a few years ago. I guess its not so much a fight as it is Shaadee taking Faizi out with her high kick.

Bad Memories.

2008-10-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

I always think about how old memories, no matter what you actually think about them as they are happening, always present themselves as these nostalgic moments that you'd pay anything to relive. I wonder if you made a conscious effort to remember good memories as good, and bad memories as bad, that you'd have a more accurate vision of your past? Or maybe it's inevitable, your mind turns everything into good memories as time goes by, and you have no choice but to remember everything in your life so far as the best times ever??
I read this article written by Dane Reynolds in the most recent issue of SURFING mag where he talks about the trickery of looking back:
"This is great!! Virs and I haven't done a surf trip since I was 16. My thoughts drift to those long lonely roads of Baja, where I drove our borrowed car as fast and straight as I could, as he gulped beer and chose the music. We got halfway down the peninsula, only to realize we didn't have any supplies and the waves were flat. Funny how time can turn trips like that into fond memories." Then referring to a trip he is on while writing this article: "We're all weary now... I think about the Baja trip again. Time transformed an awful trip into good memories. What will I remember of this trip as time passes?"

Man & Feline Reunite.

2008-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Brought to us by Samira Samadani.

This is not a paper cup.

2008-09-28T20:59:00.001-07:00

This is a ceramic cup thats made to look like a paper coffee cup (the lid is made from silicone). It's built like a thermos, keeping hot drinks hot, and cold drinks cold. And, its environmentally friendly. Check it out at: http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_I%20Am%20Not%20A%20Paper%20Cup_10451_10001_48661_-1_11515_11516_null_shop__

Man decorates basement with $10 worth of Sharpies

2008-09-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

A kentucky man illustrated all 4+ walls of his basement with $10 worth of Sharpies. Check out this site, it has a 360 view of the room, pretty crazy:
http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/532854.html

CA Coastal Clean Up Day! Sat Sept. 20th.

2008-09-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

This Saturday (9/20, 9am- Noon) is CA Coastal Clean Up Day! The following website has a list of organized beach clean ups that you can search for by city... some fish will thank you for it:

http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd2.html

Bellagio Fountain

2008-09-14T21:50:00.001-07:00

I know they seem super cheesy, but Im not ashamed to say that I loved the Bellagio fountains.

September 11, 2008

2008-09-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

On my way to work this morning, I passed under this group of enthusiastic individuals taking part in some kind of rally/protest/promotion on a footbridge right before my exit. It was early and overcast, and I couldn't really read their signs from the unwashed windshield of my car. But, by the time I was much closer, I could see that they were protesting the current president, and trying to raise awareness about what information, they were claiming, the government is trying to keep from us.
Interestingly enough, it wasn't until that moment when I saw these protesters, at around 9:15 this morning, that I realized it was the 7 year anniversary of 9/11. I was initially disappointed in myself for forgetting such an important date, but then shifted my attention to this group of people who not only remembered, but made a point of "getting out there" and reminding others about it. Im not neccesarily supporting, specifically, what they were saying, but rather trying to support the fact that they believe in something enough to voice their opinion and try and inspire others to think more critically about something that we all dismiss as "a tragic event".

Holding the Sun (2)

2008-08-12T11:54:00.001-07:00

Someone's Flickr Pics.

2008-08-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

I came across these pictures in some google image search i was doing for something (can't remember what). Im not really sure who took them, but I like their eye for taking pictures, and the polaroid'esque style they created them in. I especially like the one of the blue vans.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misscrazified/

Crayon Video.

2008-07-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember this video from Sesame Street? It was always one of my favorites, and there is still something so satisfying about watching it. I love the part where they scrape the excess crayon from the tray. Pay special attention to the girls face when she first holds up the crayon, and also the psychedelic music.

Holding the Sun.

2008-07-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Naked For Nirvana.

2008-07-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

An interesting story I heard on NPR today. The once naked infant that adorned the cover of Nirvana's "Nevermind" is now 17 years old, and telling his story. While 'his story' isn't particularyly relevant to pop culture, Spencer Elden is telling a story that is worth a listen. It is pretty fascinating to hear the perspective of someone who was so much a part of pop culture, but had no idea at the time. When he was just one year old, Spencer could hypothetically see a 9 foot by 9 foot billboard of himself stretched across the walls of Tower Records. Now, living a typical 17 year old's life, Spencer's story offers an interesting perspective into how pop culture has changed over the past couple decades. To read, or listen, to the entire segment, follow the link below:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92833535

Jay Adams (2)

2008-07-22T13:48:00.001-07:00

Jay Adams 'surf' skating.

Pictures from a Dirty Window.

2008-07-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Some of my fondest times have been spent driving along the 101. It makes for future naustalgic memories, quick decisions trying to remember exactly what exit to take to get to that Mexican restaurant, and hastefuly taken snapshots of the ocean while trying to avoid hitting the side railing. Below is one of many such photos taken from behind my dirty car window somewhere around Pismo Beach.

Mandatory Hawaiian Solar Energy.

2008-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hawaii has become the first state in the US to require solar water heaters in new homes. Starting in 2010 city governments will not issue building permits to homes without solar water heaters. Currently, Hawaii relies on fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90 percent of its energy coming from foreign countries. Not only will this shift in energy supply curb Hawaii's reliance on fossil fuels, but it will hopefuly also inspire other states to take similar steps towards creating systematic changes in energy consumption. Interestingly enough, the bill was signed into law by a republican governor! Anythings possible.

Magic Eye.

2008-07-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Something just reminded of the magic of the magic eye. Sure they're a little cheesy, and Id likely never put one up in my house, but there really is something magical about them. Whatever your 'viewpoint' of the magic eye, im sure you'll enjoy below:

Photographs by Kasra Eliasieh.

2008-06-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

My good friend Kasra Eliasieh recently took a trip to India and Japan, and photographed his journey along the way. Please take a look at his amazing photographs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kasraeliasieh.
The result is a collection of very professional and inspiring works.

Funs Enough Reason for Me.

2008-06-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Mike LaFavore recently quit his very high ranking position as Meredith Corporation's editorial director. When asked why he was leaving, he responded: "I’m not having as much fun as I’d liked. Editorial director of a company is a tough job... The magazines are in good shape, and I want to get back to doing more editorial work. I just thought it was time.”
Its refreshing to see that even people in high ranking positions know their limits, and are able to consider their own happiness when choosing a career path. I admire his ability to make this decision.

Around NY.

2008-06-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Digital Water.

2008-06-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Water Magazine has a digital version available for free online. Save paper and money.

http://www.surfline.com/water-magazine/digital/index.cfm?vol=26

PRESTIDIGITATION.

2008-06-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Im not sure what the word means, but its a great blog. A glimpse into the mind of May Allen, its an inspired collection of unique finding, and some of her own creations. A few of my favorite posts include "Craft" and "2002 Pilgrimage Sketches" (especially the ones drawn in the rain).

http://prestidigital.blogspot.com/

My Childhood.

2008-06-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

My sister (Samira) and I realized the other day that eating taco truck tacos in the back of my dad's Oldsmobile was one of our earliest memories. I wonder what this says about our upbringing, and our current state as adults? I can vividly recall a carne asada soft taco from when i was four, but not a whole lot more from that time in my life.

Dane Reynolds.

2008-06-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

This was made by one of my favorite surfers, Dane Reynolds. It looks like its a photograph of a collage made during a trip in France, probably during a competition. I really like the black and white photos (look closely, some are really great pictures) and the nonchalant way the whole thing was put together.

Renegade.

2008-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Going to be the place to be for crafters... no, for everyone! June 14 &15. Brooklyn, NY.
Ill be there with ReadyMade Magazine.

http://www.renegadecraft.com/brooklyn/index.html

Kern's.

2008-05-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

I just remembered Kern's is the best juice ever.

One Mans Teenage Time Capsule.

2008-05-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

I think i was doing a google search for Manresa beach once, and somehow came across this guys website "Pictures of My Past..." with pictures from his teenage years growing up in the bay area in the late 70s early 80s. Its always kind of haunting/nostalgic to see old pictures, especially old pictures in places youve grown up in. This is a virtual time capsule of this guys early life. Some of my favorite categories are "My 16th birthday" and "Hi-4H Beach Party".
http://crocolyle.atthefaire.com/losgatosearly.htm

All plants considered.

2008-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

This site has every plant genus and species listed, with several pictures and illustrations for each.
http://www.swsbm.com/homepage/GenusIndex.html

South Willard.

2008-05-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.southwillard.com/

Tiny Meat.

2008-05-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

I came across Tiny Meat at Maker Fair in San Mateo this past weekend. They make wallets and passport cases out of pictures that have essentially been sandwiched between two layers of clear vinyl. Very durable and unique. I bought the wallet pictured above.
Check out their Etsy store:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=29119

Melanie the King.

2008-05-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Melanie King is one of my favorite local artists. A great aesthetic, and a great belief in the principles behind her artwork.

http://mel.midori.googlepages.com/

Postal Co.

2008-05-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

http://postalco.net/

Ikea Rug.

2008-05-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

On sale $6.99

sharks.

2008-05-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

Sharks... watch out, theyre in the water. In the past month or so, within 4 days of each other, two shark attacks have taken the lives of a swimmer and a surfer along the pacific (one in solana beach and the other not much farther down in baja). The first attack in solana beach was the first deadly shark attack in southern california in more then 15 years, and the second was the first shark attack in that region in 30 years. The close proximity of these two events makes you wonder if they were more than just a coincidence, or if the two events were triggered by something greater... in the meantime, sharks will kill you, stay out of the water.

Ingenuity engine... Japan.

2008-03-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe this sounded like a good idea at the time? Poor girl.

RVCA

2008-02-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Cool company. RVCA is one of those lone brands to keep its underground feel, and still appeal to the masses. They do a pretty great job at not distinguishing themselves with any demographic. Not only do they make some great cloths, but they also support a network of artists and people who are doing all around cool things.

http://www.rvcaclothing.com/

Also, if you're in the San Fran area, i would say to check out their physical store: VASF. Its pretty great. (http://www.rvcaclothing.com/vasf/blog/).

Jay Adams

2008-02-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

Thomas Campbell

2008-02-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

This guy is doing some fun stuff... worth taking a closer look.

http://www.thomascampbell-art.com/

Thought this was cool...

2008-02-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

Rain Wilson was at NEBY 2008, Baha'i Conference. I wasn't there, but these pictures are courtesy of my friend Golnaz Namdar...

ReadyMade

2008-02-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

A magazine I really believe in, and have believed in since day one. I am lucky enough to work for them, and while I might be biased, they really are a bomb mag...

http://www.readymademag.com/

Green Tee Clothing Co

2008-02-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite companies at POOL was Green Tee Clothing Co. A green minded business, with sweet t-shirt designs, and a really nice group of people. Apparently some of their designs were bought by Macy's during the show, so you might be able to find their stuff pretty soon at a Macy's near you.
http://www.greentee.net/

POOL

2008-02-19T19:38:00.001-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of attending POOL Trade Show (http://www.pooltradeshow.com/) in Las Vegas. I was there as an exhibitor, with ReadyMade Magazine. It was really neat to see all the cool things people are doing. I met a lot of interesting people, doing a lot of interesting things. It was inspiring to see the kids from organik (theorganik.com) who created a t-shirt line from their garage in Hawaii, and the guys from IMONNI (imonni.com) who were somehow able to create of seamless mix of Japanese street fashion with Long Beach'ian cholo wear. There were so many cool folks, cool products and cool ideas at POOL, ill keep posting as i remember what i saw.

Another Try

2008-02-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since ive last blogged, but its time to get back at it, I know the people are dying to hear what I have to say. Actually, I don't have a whole lot to say, but every now and again there'll be something I want to share with my friends, so Im hoping this will be the appropriate place to do so.