Weather:
Last week it was 40. Got out to Wilson on the weekend. Got a sweat going. Today it turned eskimoish and I’m shivering. It looks to get worse before it gets better.

Last week was the last show at EXP Gallery. As things usually go, the rent went up and as far as I know galleries showing little know artists don’t make money. I could be wrong but I think just those galleries that sell paintings for 12 grand make money. I don’t really know all about those. Here’s a few pictures from the opening. They’re dark cause it was a video installation show but still something to capture the end of an era.

Eric and Kate.

Lou.

Lou did a great job developing a space where nontraditional artists and idiots like me could put our stuff up. Some of my best memories live there. So thanks again from everyone. I’ll miss it. I’m not sure where Lou’ll go next. I’ve been trying to get him to move up north but the last I heard there was a cheaper storefront and Lou had a bit of mischief in his eye when he talked about it so who knows, maybe EXP isn’t buried just relocated.

As one thing comes to end, another falls from the sky. Jimmy’s new site, possibly updated.

Finally this week we have a bit of footage from DC Chris, a talented photographer, occasional dirt smoker, pool shark, youngster educator, east coaster, wilson local and skateboard pilot with the best smith grinds I’ve ever seen. I love this clip. He calls it throwaway but I’m saying kids should watch and learn some etiquette.

I don’t understand how the CTA situation is still in doomsday mode. Governor Ryan never had problems like this and he’s going to prison.

Politics.

Bah.

Weather:
Globally warmed. Last week it was well below zero and then the temperature climbed. Today it’s in the 60′s. I wish it would stay like this but that’s unrealistic. I’m enjoying it while it lasts, that’s for certain.

I am suffering from the Nyquil symptom list. I have a coughing, sneezing, noseblowing, aching, head swelling, can’t sleep, winter sickness. I could blow my nose constantly all day and it still wouldn’t be empty. It feels like the sickness is on its way out so hopefully I should be a hundred percent by the end of the week.

This weekend is the Midwest Skatefest at Krush. Soma put this together and there’s a Character demo so if you got the time and the money make your way out and roll around.

Oh and happy new year and holidays and so on. Smoking has been outlawed in bars, the CTA is still in budget doomsday mode and it’s leap year so that means 29 days in February. That pretty much covers it.

The Party Downers played last Saturday and unfortunately I was sick. If this is the first your hearing of it then you missed it as well.

Ricky Cozzolino just returned from adventuring in Germany. He sent over this amazing painting a while back but I’ve been holding on to it until after the holidays. Top-notch stuff!

Chris Smith also sent over a painting he’s been working on. I should have pages and galleries up for both of these gentleman as well as Mark Gildersleeve and Nicholas Peterson soon.

Also there’s a new polaroid somewhere in the gallery so feel free to view that at your leisure.

Finally, here is some footage from a Cream City trip a few weeks back. I’ve switched from youtube to vimeo because the quality is a bit better. So going forward all video’s will live there.
Fun times. Good crew. Skateboard piloting. Enjoy.

I’ve got a few good ideas for the site for 2008: more tricktips, monthly edits, new shirts, and new stickers. The redesign should be finished eventually as well. When? Well, add two months onto any expectations you have, I do this for free and for fun.

As for the food zine, keep holding your horses.