ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF “HEY DIBI” WHERE YOU ASK THE QUESTIONS AND DIBI TELLS IT LIKE IT IS. ENJOY.

Hi dibi, how are you doing? my question is did christian and nathan compete in the nssa or wsa? - billy rides waves

Dibi: Yes, they both were in the NSSA. Christian was kicked-out when he did a clothing ad for Stussy, and Nathan wanted to go to Metallica’s Monsters of Rock concert instead of the Nationals in Texas. So I guess it was shades of things to come.

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Nice job with “Hey Dibi” but my slight comment or suggestion is perhaps you can be a little more detailed in your answers? Love to read what you have to say but they’re such brief and quick answers! Please don’t see this as criticism! I look forward to “Hey Dibi” each and every time! - Tamara K.

Dibi: I’m used to talking and working with men and you have a sentence, perhaps, to get your point across. Women, of course, want something more in-depth; it’s difficult to try to satisfy both in this medium, but I’ll try.

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Is Christian really running for city council? Man that’s coming full circle! He’s got my vote! - JDawg

Dibi: He’s considering all possibilities at this time. He’s got my vote also.

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I love Greyson Fletcher! Is this really his brother’s site? Does Greyson have a girlfriend? Can you post up some regular photos of him not just sk8 ones? :) - Michelle92657

Dibi: This is his father’s site. No girlfriend at present, and we’ll be posting new shots frequently.

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Shit i dont know i didn’t really have a question i guess i just wanted to say hi and maybe see if you say hi back. So hi dibi. lol. - Paul Serrano

Dibi: Hey Dude, how’s it goin’?

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What happened to the D-Side interviews? You guys were busting them out all the time and now its kinda stopped. How goes it? - JM

Dibi: We’re waiting to have our site updated so we can post them directly and not go through YouTube.

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Hey Dibi, I was curious as to who Astrodeck draws as far as the international market and fan base goes? - Ed Pierson

Dibi: I don’t really understand what you’re asking, but we’ve been around so long and traveled the world that I think we have friends all over who share our love for surf, art, and pushing the envelope.

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What are the dates for when Christian will be in Tampa for the wrestling demos? I am looking forward to seeing him! I live in New Jersey but defintely won’t miss this if he will be in Florida! - Greg Pleibert

Dibi: I’m not sure of the dates right now as it has been put off a couple of times due to unforseen circumstances.

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Hey Dibi, those pics of Bruce and Archy and Nathan with Herbie at the Mentawais was sick. Herbie has a sick site. But I have a question and call me stupid but does Bruce ride for Astrodeck? Or is Wave Warriors a different company altogether? he had a sick Wave Warriors shirt on. So sick I want one! - Gable Oda

Dibi: Thanks, I think Herb does great photos also. Bruce was/is a huge fan of the Wave Warriors series and certainly is one himself. Herb had a few shirts made to give to some of the guys that he admires.

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Chrisian fletcher in politics? !!! What’ s next???!! !!! Is he going to be opera singer! ???? or join navy!  Anything is possible for crazy fletcher! he the man! - Mr. Black

Dibi: Opera singer sounds cool, I think he’s a bit old for the Navy though.

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Goodness you are very beautiful Dibi! Is that another Bruce Weber photo? - Janice Padilla

Dibi: Thank you. No, that photo you’re talking about was taken by Herb.

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DIBI I NEED HELP! I CANT STOP WATCHING TWEAK FREAKS ON MY VHS MACHINE ITS GONNA BREAK DOWN SOON WHY DONT YOU GUYS MAKE MOVIES LIKE THIS ANYMORE?????????? IM BURNING MY TAPE PLAYER AND I DONT WANT TO STOP WATCHING TWEAK FREAKS MORNING DAY AND NIGHT!! 24 FUKKKEN 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Lunacidal Tendencies

Dibi: Herb and I just don’t have the time right now to go to the beach like we used to, but we’re working on a couple of new film projects.

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Hello Dibi, enjoy reading your insights to all things and life in general. I’m a mom with two sons myself who are now 28 and 32 and boy, I tell ya, they’ve put me through the ringer! There were times when I just crumbled to the floor but I lived with the hope that they’d “come around” eventually and they have! Reading about you and your family has made me feel so “human” and though there are still struggles on a daily basis in my own life, I truly feel a maternal kinship with you. It’s so wonderful to see Christian interacting with his fans on Facebook. He seems so healthy and positive! And he’s also very funny and I never knew he had that side to him! His Barrack Obama photos are a crack-up! What’s your take on this whole social networking and message board forums such as the one you use on Christian’s site here? We sure didn’t have the internet when we were kids, did we, Dibi? Thank you for this! Many blessings to you and your family! - Joan R.

Dibi: Life as a Mom was certainly nothing that I ever could have imagined. Lots of heartache, loneliness, and tough times, but seems like the sun is finally starting to shine. We’re all working together and enjoying each others company, which I never thought would happen just a few years ago. How cool. CF does have an incredible sense of humor and I’m glad that he has a chance to share it…I think people are really disarmed by it, which I think is humourous in itself. Good luck with your family and thanks for the support.

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If Nathan was the firstborn son and Christian the second born son, do you think they would still be the same people they are today? - Getting Deep with Dibi

Dibi: Yes, they would still be themselves, but I’m sure there would be some different twist to their personalities due to the birth order.

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Hi Dibi. See any good movies lately? - Eric Lindley

Dibi: No, I’m sorry to say. I’ve been working, making art and reading.

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Did Christian grow up with any limits or restrictions like curfews, chores, etc. Or did he pretty much rock and roll and do whatever the hell he fucking felt like? - Kev-O

Dibi: My Dad gave us four lessons to live by: A Hoffman doesn’t lie, cheat, steal, or play ball in the house. I figured that pretty much takes care of it.

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Greyson Fletcher is pretty cool. I first heard of him from John from Cincinnati and had no idea he came from this surf royalty. Is he going to do more shows and maybe movies soon? If I give you guys my address is there a way you guys can get me a signed photo? Thanks! - Craig Dalton

Dibi: Greyson has no plans to do anything with Hollywood anytime soon. He’s surfing, skating, and having the time of his life. So sorry we don’t have photos available now, check in later.

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Ok is Christian really running for San Clemente mayor? Or are you pulling our legs? Inquiring minds want to know dammit! - Steven Bailer

Dibi: It’s City Councilman, and he’s keeping all options open.

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Why did Christian hate Richie Collins and Pat O’Connell does he still hate them? I heard about why hates Ian Carns tho! - Kuriosity Kat Killer

Dibi: I don’t remember, and I don’t think CF gives a shit anymore.

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Yo Mama Fletcher, what bugs you out? - Danny Weithmer

Dibi: Insincerity!

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Dibi your a chick so you can answer this but why dont you girls like hairy guys? It’s hard for me to always manscape and please you women! - Hairy Hank

Dibi: I could care less, and I don’t pretend to talk for other women.

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Hey Dibi, has the surf industry changed much or has it really never changed at all? What do you think about it? - Just Brandon

Dibi: Once it became an “industry” it really has changed at all.

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Hi Dibi, how is Nathan being? He always being my fave surfer. Is he filming self-made movie again ? This Colors Taste like Music is best!… Please let me know! - Esteban Guevera

Dibi: Nathan’s great, I saw him the other day when he came by to take Greyson surfing. I’m not sure what he’s doing film-wise right now, but I’m sure he’ll surprise us all.

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Is there any way to watch those vids without paying for them? I don’t have a credit card. - Poor SOB

Dibi: I don’t think so. It’s a new technology we’ve been working with and it seems pretty cool.

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Herbie and Christian have one. Why don’t you and Nathan? Websites that is. Come on Dibi! - Mike Garrity

Dibi: I enjoy working on theirs and feel there’s no need for me to have one also. Nathan likes his own space between himself and the rest of the world.

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Maybe you can help us. A pitcher of Redhook is on the line. My buddy says that Think Fast was a snowboarding company you guys branded. I say it was a company that was launched to form a new line for Nathan. Who’s in the right? Thanks Dibi! - Rick Jensen

Dibi: You’re right, we launched the line for Nathan who was really into snowboarding and MotoCross at the time.

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Does Christian have any old boards he’s willing to sell? Can you post it on Facebook if he is and what size boards he’s selling if he is! - SikBoy

Dibi: I’ll ask.

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Can you guys post up pics of Nathan from the 80s and 90s on the Astrodeck Facebook or the Astrodeck website? You guys do a good job with Christian’s site and all and I’m not dissing the Fletch man cause he rules! But it’d be pretty sweet to see some vintage Nathan stuff to. Judging from Christian’s Facebook comments I’m not the only one who wants to see some more Nathan to! So make it happen Dibi! :)   - Matt M.

Dibi: I’ll work on it.

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Makua Rothman rides for you guys but the guy’s a whining little puss. He has balls on riding those huge mackers but his overall style sucks. What do you guys see in him to have him as a team rider? - Kick Rocks Makua

Dibi: As you said he has balls!

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Hello Dibi. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your life in terms of success, happiness, experiences, etc.? - Nance

Dibi: It’s all over the place depending on the day. But, overall, I’m grateful for all the ups and downs, so I’ll give the experience a 10!

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I love this! I think HEY DIBI is so great! What a treat to read something from a professional surfer’s mom, and not just any professional surfer, but Christian Fletcher’s! Hehehe! Eat your heart out, Judy Slater! Thanks Dibi Fletcher! - FletcherFamFan

Dibi: Thanks, it fun being able to communicate with people. I think it helps get rid of the Addams Family sterotype.

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Ok Dibi. Confession time. When they were kids, did you make Christian and Nathan take music lessons or go to cathecism school, did they wear braces, get straight A’s, build jigsaw puzzles? Expose their nerd factor, I know there must be something! - Chris Johnston

Dibi: Guitar lessons, cello lessons, braces, reading, vision therapy, parochial school for a year…everything any parent who loves their kids would do.

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Do you know a number figure on how many tats Christian has exactly? And what is his favorite tat and where did he get it done? - Arnie P.

Dibi: Not a clue. He has cover ups, add-ons and everything else. I just asked him and he said the one on the back of his head, done by Craig Christy from RayGun Tattoo, and then redone by Natalia from Art Machine 66 who lives in Bali.

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That was a sick video of Christian bullriding. How long has he been riding? - Jon Wenton

Dibi: Not long, he had a lesson with one of the Leffew’s, so off he went.

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If Christian is gonna be city councilmen isn’t it only right that Herbie run for Prez? - Happy Red

Dibi: Now that would be great, something like Mr. Magoo!

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Dang youre purty Dibi. I can’t believe you have a son as old as Christian lol! - Nico S.

Dibi: Thank you, I can’t believe it either.

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Dibi do you know where I can get a copy of Chop Suey Club? Thank you. - Lauren McCoy

Dibi: No, I sure don’t, sorry.

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Is there a topic that is hands off to you and that you will not answer or acknowledge? - Quinn

Dibi: It hasn’t been asked yet so I don’t know.

Here’s another installment of “Hey Dibi”…the series where you ask my mom anything…and I do mean, ANYTHING, and she’ll give you the God’s honest truth of what she thinks. Don’t be afraid to bring up anything and don’t be afraid to hear what she has to say.  Mom never holds back!

Oh, and check out this photo. Pretty cool, huh? Bruce Weber took it at my grandparent’s house. It’s one of my favorites of me and my mom.

Hey Dibi,

Do you enjoy being a mother? Or better yet, do you enjoy being Christian’s mother?

- Mark Moises

Dibi: It’s been an amazing adventure; extreme highs and lows and everything in-between. What a LIFE!!!

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Hey Dibi,

Dibi, hello! What is it like running your own company, Astrodeck, with your husband? Do you get tired of working with each other?

- Evelyn Kinski

Dibi: I’ve never worked for anyone else, so I can’t compare it with other jobs. But I think we work well together. Some of it’s quite interesting, some of it sucks, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work in an environment where we can be creative and do some fun wacky things. Like, how many people get the chance to do something as bizarre as this? Like, who the hell cares what I think?!? Do I get tired of working with each other? That would be DUH!!! But after so many years of living and working together, I can’t imagine it any other way…and some of it’s pure comedy!!!

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Hey Dibi,

What virtue do you think is overrated and one you stand by fiercely?

- Patrick O’Malley

Dibi: All that hand-slapping “bro” bullshit…so phony…but get in trouble and most of those guys are gone like the wind. I’ve always tried to be a FRIEND and that means no matter what!!!

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Hey Dibi,

There is this gross, ugly, smelly Mexican that won’t stop coming by my house and calling me. I think he might have stolen my son’s iPhone. What to do? He thinks I’m into that.

- Lisa Humphreys

Dibi: Get a hand gun and a rottweiler. Like, really!!!

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Hey Dibi,

What really pisses you off?

- Senton Crowley

Dibi: There’s kind of a list, but, if I had to choose…maybe one thing related to business, I hate being treated like the little woman. That international customers want to only talk to Herbie, what a joke. You know, like most chicks, it’s the little stuff that blows my mind.

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Hey Dibi,

Congrats to you and Herbie! You guys are great! What’s the secret to your success?

- Henry Mous

Go to your corners! Most women want to talk about what’s brothering them but when I’m feeling great, all’s well. When I’m tried, just like everyone else, life’s a bitch. I go ride my bike, go to my own room, where ever to be alone and relax and rejuvenate and everything feels much better. It’s not Herb’s responsibility to make me feel good, it’s mine. I don’t know if it was personal info you wanted or business, but if I’m not clear you can always write and ask again.

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Hey Dibi,

Admit it, Dibi, you smoke the herb right? LOL, it’s cool, you can tell me.

- Hector Bartiza

Dibi: Oh, there are a few things in life that I like to leave to the imagination.

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Hey Dibi,

Did the Fletchers vote for Obama?

- Jeff Walden

Dibi; Hope and change…um!

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Hey Dibi,

What do you love about your sons? What do you love about Nathan and what do you love about Christian?

- Megan Rocha

Dibi: I learned a valuable lesson years ago from a very dear friend of mine about love. It’s not how you feel about them but about how they make you feel about yourself. That’s the gift. I adore them both and they’re so different but when they say “Hey Mom…” and they’re talkin’ to me, it’s GRAND…

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Hey Dibi,

Dibi were you a conventional mother or a hippie? I do not know much about you but for you to answer questions for CF’s site makes you pretty cool in my book. Love the answers you give too. Thanks for the laughs!

- David Paulsen

Dibi: Well, I guess I started out as a hippie. I ran away from home with Herb when I was sixteen. Life was great, the beach was perfect, the waves in front of the house were unreal. Then life started to kinda get in the way, you know, responsibility has a tendency to do that. WOW, kids. So it was time to grow up. Christian started goin’ off pretty early and someone had to be there to be counted on. Is that conventional? I don’t think much in my life would be looked at as conventional, and I don’t think I could have enjoyed Christian so much if I had delusions of being June Cleaver.

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Hey Dibi,

When is the angriest you’ve been with Christian?

- William Bweller

Dibi: Waiting in a hotel room in Tokyo for him to show up when we were scheduled to leave the country. Man, was I pissed! He strolled in with, like, one minute to spare and couldn’t understand why I was uptight. He had been out all night getting tattooed!

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Hey Dibi,

If Christian and Nathan were in a contest who are you cheering for?

- Dustin Hibbs

Dibi: Either. It’s not going to make a difference to me, and if it make a difference to them, that’s their stuff to work out.

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Hey Dibi,

Hey there. Where did the name Astrodeck come from? Any meaning behind it or just a name?

- Thomas Creager

Dibi: It was 1976, and everything was sleek and cool. We thought that “Astrodeck” was a great name for something that was the last part of a perfect-shaped surfboard - where your foot is planted for maximum torque in your turns. Christian used it to launch air, so it really ended up pretty okay.

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Hey Dibi,

The Fletcher’s make San Clemente. So what do you like about San clemente? It has been your home for years, yes?

- Rodrigo Parga

Dibi: I love running on the beach and riding my bike, and my family are all close-by, so it’s always home.

It’s probably a conservative assumption to say that you probably know a little somethin’ somethin’ about Herbie Fletcher.

Legendary surfer, superior waterman, raging jet skier, surf traction pad mogul, crafty shaper, Wave Warriors film magnate, husband to the fiercely creative and independent Dibi (Hoffman) Fletcher, father to flying alchemists Christian and Nathan Fletcher. Blah, blah, blah, the list goes on. And on and on. Seriously, if it involves innovation, water, and surf, it probably has Herbie’s scent on it. And it would take an extra two days to even slightly dwell on his past involvements with the wakeboarding world, the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, modeling with Versace, and his friendship with Julian Schnabel, Bruce Weber and Ingrid Sischy of Interview Magazine. Just to name a few of Herbie’s list of accomplishments and contacts, mind you. But, no. No, no, no. We’re not going to get into all of that.

Because whether you may have known a lot about all of this or only a little bit of some of this, what most of you probably didn’t acknowledge or realize is that Herbie Fletcher is also a talented and gifted artist. What started as a faint teenage hobby has grown into a gradual and passionate adult persuasion. (More about Herbie and Julian Schnabel and the Blind Girl Surf series artboards in another blog.)

Whether it’s on surfboards or on canvas - whatever type of medium and style - the ever-expressive Herbie splashes it. And let’s not kid ourselves, he always makes a big splash. So much so that now Herbie and his artwork will be featured at the Whitney Museum under the direction and presentation of Vito Schnabel (Julian’s son).

Brucennial 2010: Miseducation will have it’s gala opening on Thursday, February 25th. The event will premiere at 6 PM and is expected to last until 2 AM. Obviously, those New York art types know how to party until the wee hours of the morning. This first night is open to the public and will run until April 4th, 2010.

Herbie is one of a few select artists who will present his lauded pieces up for viewing and purchase. So if you’re in the New York area, take a go at it. And if you see Herbie, say “hi”. We hear it’s going to be snowing big-time while Herb’s in NY; we hope he puts on a little more than just a pair of Astrodeck sandals.

Below is the official press release. Have yourself a gander and then check it out in person.

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PRESS RELEASE FOR BRUCENNIAL 2010: MISEDUCATION

I think the Brucennial is like—in the life of the people—it’s like an anniversary in the life of people. The people, they need moments to celebrate themselves and that’s what a Brucennial is. The Brucennial happens every two years, or really, you know, whenever we feel like it, and it’s a moment of celebration of the history of the people—of the reason why the people exist, of the nature of the people. Again, it’s like a person. If not there would be a flux of time without an interruption and I think that as people, people are live entities and they need to have some moments where they recognize this liveliness of their existence.

- Francesco Bonami

SoHo: The Bruce High Quality Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of The BRUCENNIAL 2010: Miseducation on February 25th at 6pm.

Since its founding, the BRUCENNIAL has evolved into The Bruce High Quality Foundation’s signature public program, as well as the most important survey of contemporary art in the world ever. Following the triumphant successes of BRUCENNIAL08: Doing it Again (Bushwick) and BRUCENNIAL09: Smithumenta (Carol Gardens), BRUCENNIAL2010: Miseducation brings together 420 artists from 911 countries working in 666 discrete disciplines to reclaim education as part of an artist’s ongoing practice beyond the principals of any one institution or experience.

The BRUCENNIAL will be housed at 350 West Broadway. Additionally, BHQFU projects will be on view at RECESS at 41 Grand Street.

The BRUCENNIAL is presented by The Bruce High Quality Foundation in collaboration with Vito Schnabel. 350 West Broadway is provided courtesy of Aby Rosen.

Been going through a bunch of archival photos we’ve had. They’ve just been sitting here at Astrodeck headquarters. A lot of you have been asking for some updates on pics; old rare stuff, surf and skate photos, random things from when I used to be in a band, etc.

It’s interesting and funny. Weird, too. And I don’t mean that in a negative way. But why is it that most of us like looking at other people’s pics? We like to check ‘em out, crack-up, make fun of the terrible fashion styles and haircuts. Man, I have some gnarly pics of myself at 19 with a mohawk that’s like three-feet spiked up in the air. Haha, I even found some pics of a photo shoot I did with myself in a tuxedo. A. Fucking. Tuxedo.

I went through a box here and found pictures from my gromhood, too. Pretty cool. There’s a pic of when I won my first surf contest. I think I was five-years-old amongst a bunch of eight-year-olds.

Anyway, just rolling along here. Working on the site every day to make it look better and to feed your need.

Thanks for checking it out.