Lance Mountain and The Fountain of Youth

We took it out to the Oregon coast yesterday morning to check out the second to last stop of Independent Truck Co's "30th Anniversary" US tour at Lincoln City. On hand, were plenty of kids, up and coming rippers and skate legends. I skated a bit and shot a couple of photos. This one below was my favorite of the day. Lance Mountain, back on Indy after a truck sponsor detour for a couple of years, blasting out of the mammoth-sized snakerun bowl...so proper, so classic. At 44 years of age Lance delivered the goods and left many of us in the crowd inspired and stoked. Stoked to be skateboarders.

Lance Mountain blasts a head high backside air.

The Ten Year Old Puppy

I can't believe that Juneau has been in my life for ten years now and has recently reached his "golden years". Sure, his face has been grey since the age of two due to his high-strung character and incessant playfulness, but over the more recent years that signature grey has marched onward down his legs, chest and paws. Nonetheless, the little guy remains tenacious as a puppy and lives his life to the fullest. His strong personality, charm and "ready to play at a moment's notice" attitude brings me joy each day. Dogs rule...especially this ten year old friend of mine that goes by the name of Juneau.

Look for a compilation of assorted video clips with him in the coming week.


Juneau at ten weeks old.




The Junes and I share a Kodak moment together in 1998.




Nap time.


Nothing tastes as good as peanut butter in the Kong.


Halloween 1999




King of the castle.




My favorite portrait of Juneau. October 1999





Nap time again.


Flanked by his own electronic awesomeness.



Undeterred by size.



Tahoe trip - March 2004.



Kickin' it with Charlie - June 2005



Dog day at the ballpark.



Sailor boy!



J-man loves his brew...






and camping too!


The Scrooge at Christmas.


Grandma's sentry.




Riding shotgun.


Checking out the neighborhood


Under the covers you'll find him.




Ready for the jamboree.

Bush hater.

Combing the Vegas Boneyard

This past week we paid a quick two-day visit to Sin City for some business and pleasure. Las Vegas never ceases to amaze with its rapid growth and sea of sprawling buildings and casinos along the desert floor. One morning before the heat index began to climb, we took it upon ourselves to visit the The Boneyard operated by the Neon Museum with select guided tours. This lesser known area north of the strip is the resting place of Vegas' numerous renowned and most important signs from Casinos from the past and present. Most of them have been rescued from demolition and remain displayed unrestored and faded on the dirt of the Boneyard.

Beginning in the fall of 2009, The Neon Museum will open the Boneyard for regular hours to the public at its new location with the restoration of the original La Concha Motel as its welcome center. Surely the up close and personal vibe of the guided tours will be lost. Have a look below at some of these giant artifacts that enticed and illuminated the streets of Vegas in years past.




The La Concha Motel's original neon sign sits and waits to be resurrected.


The tour of the Boneyard begins through these chained gates. Our small, yet large group moves on in.




The Ceasars casino of today has evolved well beyond this marquee.




Donna keeps up with the tour theme.


Liberace's signature marquee has surely seen better times.


Got any spare bulbs partner?


Binion's Horseshoe is one of the famous signs that will be restored.


Our guide Justin informs our group of the lore of the original letters of the Stardust casino.


Although it will cost close to a half million dollars, the signs of the Silver Slipper will be restored.


The Golden Nugget sign has seen better days.


Megawatts.


I stand beside the retired skull of Treasure Island pointing to Vegas' ongoing problem.


The oldest sign of the collection was built in the 20s. Donna and I clutch amongst the monoliths of metal and glass.


Inside of this fence sits a bunch of rusted signs and artifacts from Las Vegas' past and its rather short heritage.