Douglas Tompkins: A Wild Legacy

I've always known of Douglas Tompkins (founder of The North Face). But it wasn't until his death late last year in a kayaking accident that I really learned about his extraordinary life. This film is a good look into his incredible effect on our planet (Chile and Argentina in particular), not to mention an interesting glimpse at the birth of The North Face, Patagonia, and the outdoor business as we know it. 

Gold

I loved Gold, from Chet Faker, the first time I heard it. Never saw the video until today.

For the record, I grew up on a roller skating rink. (FYI: Never Been Any Reason by Head East, alongside Don't Stop Til You Get Enough by Michael, those were my freaking jams.)

So the skating might be part of the reason I love this video so much. Or who knows. But yeah, this thing right here. This thing right here!!!

Doing it all wrong

I love the way Richie Jackson skates. Ditto for the way Scott Stevens snowboards. Which is to say: I love the wrong way. The not worrying about being cool way. The let's just make stuff up and have some fun way.

You don't need to be a skateboarder to appreciate this one, I swear. Check it out and then how about let's see what we can do incorrectly today!

The Inverted Bike Shop

This is an entirely different spin on a bike shop. (Get it? Spin? Because bike shop!)

It's actually an entirely different spin on business too. Or at least an example of looking at how things "are supposed to be done/have always been done" and going the opposite direction. 

I'm not a super bike geek (my geekdom these days leans toward tents and packs and Citra-hopped ales). But these guys have me rethinking things a bit.

Cabin porn

At this point, I have to think that everyone who's interested in the outdoors/solitude/escape is familiar with the site (and book) Cabin Porn. But in case you're not, or in case you're just looking for a way to joyfully kill 11 or 12 hours, here you go. Most days I find Cabin Porn better than porn porn.

I was going to include an photo of a representative cabin but, of course, it was impossible to choose a favorite. So just click the damn logo and enjoy!


Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten

This very well could be the best thing all damn year. 

It's Elizabeth Cotten performing her song Freight Train. She passed away in 1987 at the age of 94. I'm guessing this was recorded around 1984 or so. Here is another version that she recorded in the mid 60s or thereabouts.

Her entire story is fascinating and well worth checking out.


Want a nickname like "The King?" Do this.

I never quite "got" Elvis until I saw his 1968 comeback special. I was in college at the time (I wasn't in college in 1968, I was in college when I saw a rerun of the special on TV).

Just like that, I understood what all the fuss was about.

I stumbled across this clip a few days ago. "That's Alright Mama" was the first song he ever recorded. He kills it.

Making a monster

Last week I posted Brandon Semenuk's single-shot unReal segment. If you haven't seen it, scroll down or hit this linkThen take a look at the Making Of video below. Obviously his ride is incredible. But the shot itself is the real stunner here. I sometimes prefer not knowing how things were done. But in this case, holy moly.

Flow is good

This is what happens when you let things flow. And when you're also like the best in the world at what you do. Chances are you're not the best in the world at anything that you do. (Sorry, that's just math. I'm crappy too! At most things!) But no matter what, flow is good. That's my point. Flow is good.

For a look at how this video was done, check this right here.