Pretty much sums up this month, it's been a great one, don't expect to be updating again until December. But we should have some great things out the gate. I'll be busy at the compound mixing up all kinds of insanity!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Chris & Chris Janz
A huge Madman welcome to the Chris who has done more for Annapolis Skateboarding than anyone else I can think of, Chris Janz! The man behind the iconic Annapolis shop Solid State, who brought demo's and contest to the area for over a decade from his time at Wavedancer up until the last Black Label Demo at Atonement. He was even kind enough to give me a job when I was fresh out of college, work and a place to live. If you're lucky you can still get Chris to grip your board on random weekends at Pit Crew.
Ron Paul on the Economy
Debt and Taxes
Working Americans like lower taxes. So do I. Lower taxes benefit all of us, creating jobs and allowing us to make more decisions for ourselves about our lives.
Whether a tax cut reduces a single mother’s payroll taxes by $40 a month or allows a business owner to save thousands in capital gains taxes and hire more employees, that tax cut is a good thing. Lower taxes allow more spending, saving, and investing which helps the economy — that means all of us.
Real conservatives have always supported low taxes and low spending.
But today, too many politicians and lobbyists are spending America into ruin. We are nine trillion dollars in debt as a nation. Our mounting government debt endangers the financial future of our children and grandchildren. If we don’t cut spending now, higher taxes and economic disaster will be in their future — and yours.
In addition, the Federal Reserve, our central bank, fosters runaway debt by increasing the money supply — making each dollar in your pocket worth less. The Fed is a private bank run by unelected officials who are not required to be open or accountable to “we the people.”
Worse, our economy and our very independence as a nation is increasingly in the hands of foreign governments such as China and Saudi Arabia, because their central banks also finance our runaway spending.
We cannot continue to allow private banks, wasteful agencies, lobbyists, corporations on welfare, and governments collecting foreign aid to dictate the size of our ballooning budget. We need a new method to prioritize our spending. It’s called the Constitution of the United States.
Working Americans like lower taxes. So do I. Lower taxes benefit all of us, creating jobs and allowing us to make more decisions for ourselves about our lives.
Whether a tax cut reduces a single mother’s payroll taxes by $40 a month or allows a business owner to save thousands in capital gains taxes and hire more employees, that tax cut is a good thing. Lower taxes allow more spending, saving, and investing which helps the economy — that means all of us.
Real conservatives have always supported low taxes and low spending.
But today, too many politicians and lobbyists are spending America into ruin. We are nine trillion dollars in debt as a nation. Our mounting government debt endangers the financial future of our children and grandchildren. If we don’t cut spending now, higher taxes and economic disaster will be in their future — and yours.
In addition, the Federal Reserve, our central bank, fosters runaway debt by increasing the money supply — making each dollar in your pocket worth less. The Fed is a private bank run by unelected officials who are not required to be open or accountable to “we the people.”
Worse, our economy and our very independence as a nation is increasingly in the hands of foreign governments such as China and Saudi Arabia, because their central banks also finance our runaway spending.
We cannot continue to allow private banks, wasteful agencies, lobbyists, corporations on welfare, and governments collecting foreign aid to dictate the size of our ballooning budget. We need a new method to prioritize our spending. It’s called the Constitution of the United States.
Buy Seven fold in Annapolis!
East of Maui in the Festival Center at Riva Road, has just loaded up on the new Seven fold T's and decks. Shop sponsor of our own Chris Teta and supporters of Seven Fold from day one.
Chris & Chris Alton
I have so many good friends named Chris that I decided to do a little feature on some of my favorite Chris' here on the Madman. I thought I would start off with the Chris I've probably known the longest, Chris Alton. We grew up in the same 'hood as little kids, and now we both live back there again as adults. Whether it's Motorcross, Boardercross, or a Right Cross to knock your ass out, Chris delivers and on time. The man knows how to hook up a Christmas display, just as good as a blizzard kicker ramp or a backyard bonfire. Like I always say, I never met a Chris I didn't like.
Buy Seven fold in Frederick!
Just stocked up the finest shop in Maryland's Second largest city! Go up and play where's Seven foldo on the largest deck wall in the state! You need to take a trip out there just for all of the historic decks and art from all arenas of skateboarding. And then go hit up Hill Street skatepark, word is the lights stay on until 9 PM during the week!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
I want to ride my bicycle...
Went for an amazing bike ride today. Chilled out around College Creek, checked out the Sons of the Revolution Monument and the Firefighters Memorial. Got a postcard shot of the Capital with the MD flag bricks. Pretty good for shots from the cel phone... Listen to Queen's Bicycle Race on the music player down there, that's what inspired this post!
Random old Photos
Like I said down there, I was cleaning out the office this week, and I found some burried treasures. Like these two color photo stickers of Jake and Scott. How about those Black and White shots of Jake when he was a child, check out the snow, nice headband buddy! I always loved the aesthetic of B/W photography, I hope digital doesn't ruin it... How about those polaroids of the Element Rep partying hard! I'm glad that guy parties for us now!
Bill Richardson's Energy Plan
***note to loyal madman fans Gov. Richardson was Energy Secretary in the Clinton Administration, so he kind of has some credentials... like better than being owner of the Texas Rangers and a bunch of failed oil companies (I'm just saying, that's all)...
AN ENERGY REVOLUTION: Act Boldly, Act Now
We must "Act Boldly and Act Now" in order to make America a Clean Energy Nation like I made New Mexico a Clean Energy State.
Consider this a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry, and the public. I am calling for a New American Revolution -- an energy and climate revolution.
Cut Oil Demand: 50% by 2020
That means reducing oil imports from around 65% to 10-15%. We can do this in part by getting the 100 mile per gallon (mpg) car into the marketplace. We must work to double the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, or CAFE, to 50 mpg by 2020. And we will set a life-cycle low-carbon fuel standard that reduces the carbon impact of our liquid fuels by 30% by 2020.
New Efficiencies, Energy Sources in Electrical Sector: 50% by 2040
I am calling for a national renewable portfolio standard of 30% by 2020 that will rise to 50% by 2040. This is aggressive, but necessary as we start using more electricity for automobiles. I will push for an energy productivity law requiring a 20% improvement in energy productivity by 2020. We could save customers $21 billion a year by 2020.
Dramatically Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 90% by 2050
20% by 2020, 80% by 2040 -- ten years faster than scientists say is necessary because we must lead the world, and we can't afford the possibility of backsliding and inaction. We will start with a market-based cap and trade system for greenhouse gas emissions to create incentives for the electric and industrial sectors to make significant reductions in their carbon emissions. Economists say the world can protect itself from drastic climate change at a cost of 1-3% of our economic activity. We can afford to protect the climate. Given the risks of catastrophic climate change, we can't afford not to do it.
Lead By Example, Restore America as the World's Leader
We must return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory world-wide limits on global warming pollution. We will work closely with fast-growing nations. I will cooperate with the European Union, the World Bank, and other allies to help finance the incremental cost of "doing it right." I will create a North American Energy Council with Mexico and Canada, which supply about 20% of our oil, and make sure our relations with these neighbors are firm and friendly. As we reduce our demand for foreign oil, we should work with the Persian Gulf nations, and our partners at the UN, to create a multilateral system for protecting the Persian Gulf so that within ten years, the U.S. presence there could be sharply and safely reduced.
Get It All Done Without Breaking the Bank
We will raise some revenue, from the sales of carbon permits, for example. Further, I will get out the "green scissors" to cut back on wrongly-placed tax subsidies. Over time, this program will yield huge productivity increases in our economy, as well as significant budget savings and revenues. We will create more than ten times as much value in the American economy by reducing our oil imports as we spend to make this program happen.
Invite the Oil Companies to Become Energy Companies
I know people love to hate the oil companies. They have been raking in huge profits. But I want to invite them to become energy companies, and invest in our thriving new energy economy. They are invited to the table, but they aren't going to run the table the way they have for the last six years.
The Bottom Line
Americans need energy to get to work, we need heat and electricity in our homes, schools and workplaces. We are hurt by unpredictable energy price cycles, and by our nation's energy policy failures. The way out of the cycle is to create competition, to support energy productivity, new technologies and alternative fuels. And everyone -- every American -- must make an effort to make us energy independent and combat global warming. Our national security and our planet depend on it. It's about creating a new energy economy here in the United States, and doing it quickly, with broad, bold strokes. It's the way to a bright, strong, prosperous future for the United States -- and for the world. I called for an energy revolution -- and now, today.
We must "Act Boldly and Act Now" in order to make America a Clean Energy Nation like I made New Mexico a Clean Energy State.
Consider this a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry, and the public. I am calling for a New American Revolution -- an energy and climate revolution.
Cut Oil Demand: 50% by 2020
That means reducing oil imports from around 65% to 10-15%. We can do this in part by getting the 100 mile per gallon (mpg) car into the marketplace. We must work to double the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, or CAFE, to 50 mpg by 2020. And we will set a life-cycle low-carbon fuel standard that reduces the carbon impact of our liquid fuels by 30% by 2020.
New Efficiencies, Energy Sources in Electrical Sector: 50% by 2040
I am calling for a national renewable portfolio standard of 30% by 2020 that will rise to 50% by 2040. This is aggressive, but necessary as we start using more electricity for automobiles. I will push for an energy productivity law requiring a 20% improvement in energy productivity by 2020. We could save customers $21 billion a year by 2020.
Dramatically Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 90% by 2050
20% by 2020, 80% by 2040 -- ten years faster than scientists say is necessary because we must lead the world, and we can't afford the possibility of backsliding and inaction. We will start with a market-based cap and trade system for greenhouse gas emissions to create incentives for the electric and industrial sectors to make significant reductions in their carbon emissions. Economists say the world can protect itself from drastic climate change at a cost of 1-3% of our economic activity. We can afford to protect the climate. Given the risks of catastrophic climate change, we can't afford not to do it.
Lead By Example, Restore America as the World's Leader
We must return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory world-wide limits on global warming pollution. We will work closely with fast-growing nations. I will cooperate with the European Union, the World Bank, and other allies to help finance the incremental cost of "doing it right." I will create a North American Energy Council with Mexico and Canada, which supply about 20% of our oil, and make sure our relations with these neighbors are firm and friendly. As we reduce our demand for foreign oil, we should work with the Persian Gulf nations, and our partners at the UN, to create a multilateral system for protecting the Persian Gulf so that within ten years, the U.S. presence there could be sharply and safely reduced.
Get It All Done Without Breaking the Bank
We will raise some revenue, from the sales of carbon permits, for example. Further, I will get out the "green scissors" to cut back on wrongly-placed tax subsidies. Over time, this program will yield huge productivity increases in our economy, as well as significant budget savings and revenues. We will create more than ten times as much value in the American economy by reducing our oil imports as we spend to make this program happen.
Invite the Oil Companies to Become Energy Companies
I know people love to hate the oil companies. They have been raking in huge profits. But I want to invite them to become energy companies, and invest in our thriving new energy economy. They are invited to the table, but they aren't going to run the table the way they have for the last six years.
The Bottom Line
Americans need energy to get to work, we need heat and electricity in our homes, schools and workplaces. We are hurt by unpredictable energy price cycles, and by our nation's energy policy failures. The way out of the cycle is to create competition, to support energy productivity, new technologies and alternative fuels. And everyone -- every American -- must make an effort to make us energy independent and combat global warming. Our national security and our planet depend on it. It's about creating a new energy economy here in the United States, and doing it quickly, with broad, bold strokes. It's the way to a bright, strong, prosperous future for the United States -- and for the world. I called for an energy revolution -- and now, today.
Old Sticker
I was cleaning up the office the other day and found one the first stickers we made to promote our website.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Ten Years Ago Today...
Before Seven fold, there was C.O.M.A. Ten years ago I put out this gem for a class I was in at Towson University. I think the art still stands up, I'm so stoked to be able to bring this to you on it's tenth birthday!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Give Thanks
Thanksgiving 07 couldn't have been better, I got spend it with the coolest lady on the planet! I carved up the Tofurkey and my dog got more real turkey than any other day in his life. I'm so thankful for my friends, family, and especially you fans of the Mad Man!
Ron Paul on Health Care
Health Freedom
Americans are justifiably concerned over the government’s escalating intervention into their freedom to choose what they eat and how they take care of their health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in order to comply with standards dictated by supra-national organizations such as the UN‘s World Food Code (CODEX), NAFTA, and CAFTA, has been assuming greater control over nutrients, vitamins and natural health care providers to restrict your right to choose the manner in which you manage your health and nutritional needs.
I have been the national leader in preserving Health Freedom.
I have introduced the Health Freedom Protection Act, HR 2117, to ensure Americans can receive truthful health information about supplements and natural remedies.
I support the Access to Medical Treatment Act, H.R. 2717, which expands the ability of Americans to use alternative medicine and new treatments.
I oppose legislation that increases the FDA‘s legal powers. FDA has consistently failed to protect the public from dangerous drugs, genetically modified foods, dangerous pesticides and other chemicals in the food supply. Meanwhile they waste public funds attacking safe, healthy foods and dietary supplements
I also opposed the Homeland Security Bill, H.R. 5005, which, in section 304, authorizes the forced vaccination of American citizens against small pox. The government should never have the power to require immunizations or vaccinations.
Americans are justifiably concerned over the government’s escalating intervention into their freedom to choose what they eat and how they take care of their health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in order to comply with standards dictated by supra-national organizations such as the UN‘s World Food Code (CODEX), NAFTA, and CAFTA, has been assuming greater control over nutrients, vitamins and natural health care providers to restrict your right to choose the manner in which you manage your health and nutritional needs.
I have been the national leader in preserving Health Freedom.
I have introduced the Health Freedom Protection Act, HR 2117, to ensure Americans can receive truthful health information about supplements and natural remedies.
I support the Access to Medical Treatment Act, H.R. 2717, which expands the ability of Americans to use alternative medicine and new treatments.
I oppose legislation that increases the FDA‘s legal powers. FDA has consistently failed to protect the public from dangerous drugs, genetically modified foods, dangerous pesticides and other chemicals in the food supply. Meanwhile they waste public funds attacking safe, healthy foods and dietary supplements
I also opposed the Homeland Security Bill, H.R. 5005, which, in section 304, authorizes the forced vaccination of American citizens against small pox. The government should never have the power to require immunizations or vaccinations.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Throwback Thursdays!
Billy blessed us with a small assortment of Seven fold Throwback T's, Dodger and Crown logo back just for Christmas in super limited quantities, is your local shop cool enough to carry them?
Bill
What a night, after I got back home and was settling into bed, I get a call from our legendary behind the grip tape super sales rep, the one and only Billy Rosser! I bolted over the the frat house in West Annapolis, and ran into Seven fold Alum Zach Lyons and his brother and too many of the PMA crew to list or remember.
French
After the contest, I headed up to meet with Alex (bosco) to pick up the art for a new Seven fold deck series. It's going to blow minds when they drop in 2008! Check out Alex and his boys in the Rich Mahogany promo on finer skate sites in internerdland.
SOC, SOB, SOF (Seven of Fold) Turkey Jam!
Last night was such a great night for skateboarding! State of Confussion held a mini ramp Turkey Jam with Skatepark of Baltimore and yours truly holding it down for Seven of Fold. Albatros rocked out, you guys need to get that album out. Select alum Sean Loeschke ripped the ramp in practice and decided to give everyone else a chance and ripped up the mega phone putting in a performance that would have made Tim O'Conor proud. Which left the feild open for Tom Geilfuss to dominate the ramp making it easy work for us Judges. The rest of the pack was really close, but Little Danny proved to be the best Skateshop owner around and came in a solid Second place with long fast grinds and massive airs! Joey Fitzpatrick rounded out the top 3 with solid tech lines. Big shout out to all the skaters who came out and Beau and all the staff at SOC for making it the best stop so far on the Renegade Series!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Buy Seven fold in North Baltimore!
The new 3 Ride Shop at Belvedere Square just got their fix on Seven fold stix! Drop in the sick new location at York Rd. and Northern Parkway.
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