'Stache Swag

Just had to share it with the world.

It only lasted one day...but what a glorious day!

In honor of opening day on Thursday, here are a few glorious 'staches finding their homes on some lucky San Francisco Giants.

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Nice try Timmy.

Finished...The Wire

I have never had any desire to see Baltimore.  Besides a stingy defense, good crabs, and the birthplace of a guy named Carmelo, I never thought much of the city to be honest.  Now I dream of cruising through the Eastside streets, touring city hall, and throwing provocative objects into the bay.  In short, Baltimore is now in my top 5 "must visit" vacation destinations.

This is all due to a quaint little show called The Wire.  Ashley and I spent the better part of a year watching all five seasons, and a few days ago, we finished...

I felt that I must create a post in honor of a show that spent many hours entertaining our little family.  Being someone who is not much for crime dramas, I was initially hesitant about this series.  However it only took a few episodes, and I was hooked.  The writers did an excellent job of looking into relevant social issues that take place within the inner city, all while using the back drop of the relationship and struggle between the police and those involved in the drug trade.  Writer and creator David Simon stated the show is "really about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals. Whether one is a cop, a longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge or a lawyer, all are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution they are committed to."

Season 1: The Drug Trade

Season 2: International Shipping/Trafficking
Season 3: City Government and Corruption
Season 4: The School System
Season 5: Print News Media


What makes this show go for me though is the characters.  The development of these characters, most of which last the entire five seasons, is remarkable.  I didn't think I could root for a gay stick-up artist, an unfaithful politician, drug lord, or countless murderers...but I did.  To conclude the post, I will feature our favorite characters from The Wire.  Enjoy! P.S. The clips are not real kid friendly.

Omar...Indeed
stick-up kid, robin hood, best character ever created.

Avon Barksdale & Stringer Bell
the original kingpins.

Prop Joe...Good Package
deal maker, hustler, co-op

Bubbles aka Bubs...Whitey Sale
heroin addict, informant

Bunk and Jimmy...Jiiimmmmyyyy!
murder po-lice

Lester Freamon...The Wire
model furniture maker, runs the wire

Michael...Young Life Kid
ashley loves him, misled youth

I could go on and on, but these are just a few.

fARTsy Friday: Danil Polevoy photography

Another Friday, another artist.  Here is a sampling from a photographer I have been interested in lately.  Danil Polevoy, born in Ukraine, and currently working out of Israel has been putting out some sweet photos lately.  Check out his website here, for samples of all his work.  Today I am focusing on the lighter side of his work, which consists of some clever photoshop skills on classic photographs.

Celiacs Do It Gluten Free!

The cycle is complete, and I am pleased to offer the first look at our first Gluten-Free beer!  Keeping with the style of the brew, and our scientifically determined name for Ashley's affliction, we present Witty Glutard.

A Belgian style Wit beer, the Glutard is now bottled and should be drinkable in a week or two.  We tried a bottle the other night, and the taste is actually pretty good (this coming from someone who thinks most Gluten-Free attempts sorely miss the boat).  While it is still flat, cloudy, and has a peculiar smell, we have high hopes for this clever little brew.

Needless to say, some of us are real excited about this one!  Cheers

fARTsy Friday: JR "The Wrinkles of the City"

Although a day behind, I am pleased to introduce our first weekly post, fARTsy Friday! (That's what bloggers do right?, come up with catchy daily post phrases...)  Anyways, our first edition will feature the work of French artist JR.

Currently working in Los Angeles, these photos are the beginnings of his "Wrinkles in the City" exhibition, which will eventually consist of about 20 separate pieces throughout the city focusing on Angeleno citizens.  Enjoy, and click here for a video of his 2010 "Wrinkles in the City" Shanghai video, which used recognition of women as its main inspiration.

On a side note, another notorious street artist Banksy has been doing some work in L.A. as well.  Check it out.