ok, so updates have been non existent. It’s a LONG story, a story sure to be reviled in the 470 page book we’re working on. Let’s just say all the stuff we put into storage when we hit the road was auctioned off and sold at a swap meet/flea market- we’re presently in L.A. trying to get some of that back.
To pre-order the book and help us stay on the road - CLICK HERE - To see what we’ve been up to, scroll down for a ton of pictures and links.
In New Mexico, we met with Dennis Banks of A.I.M. and The Longest Walk part 1 and 2. We support Dennis and crew as they take the middle of the U.S. as we circle the outside.
Artist, activist, musician, film maker, poet, writer, all around swell guy - Albuquerque resident Steven Leyba. Oh and I almost forgot - he’s started his own religion The Coyotel Church.
Albuquerque is also home to one of the worlds greatest photographers ever - Joel Peter Witkin
Timothy Wyllie is one of the founders of The Process Church and presently works researching Dolphins, ET’s and Angels.
We met Rhi, Rick and family thru Craigs List Dot Org - Craigslist.org is how we find a good percentage of work, supporters, and places to lay our head… thank Rhi & Rick for the hospitality and one of a kind stories!
And what trip to New Mexico would be complete with out chatting with PEDRO from the world famous Pedro’s Salsa
We stayed in New Mexico a week longer than expected. We worked at the Surprise Valley Ranch, it was fun and fulfilling. That is, until I (Shane) was shorted on my check… not shorted - totally ripped off. Lesson - the economy is worse than we thought - beware. (again - we’ll explain more in the book - PRE ORDER HERE)
Heading towards Las Vegas NEVADA we spent a day in Las Vegas NEW MEXICO - the town where RED DAWN & No Country for Old Men was filmed… above is the drive in featured in the film RED DAWN.
More RED DAWN - This mural was painted for the film and to this day is maintained by the city of Las Vegas NEW MEXICO.
Chaco Canyon is said by some to be the America equivalent to the Egyptian Pyramids… impressive, but I couldn’t help fell a bit intrusive.
We then hit Las Vegas NEVADA - can you see the difference?
We hung out with Ryen McPherson, one of our favorite filmmakers and the kid who sparked my (Shane) need to film. See more at: http://www.stabtheprincess.com/
And what would Vegas be without Surf Band - The Swank Bastards and topless hoola hoop artist, philosopher and all around trouble maker Szandora LaVey.
Then there’s prime rib with Christian Minister ‘The Pussycat Preacher‘ Holy Hottie Heather Veitch. What a great gal!
Ahhhhh…. Vegas.
Even with little to no money your a good time and the best spot to people watch.
As we approached Las Vegas, New Mexico our hearts filled with excitement… after all this is the town where the movie RED DAWN took place… one of our favorite movies, so we couldn’t wait to see the sites.
Upon arrival we find out the star of RED DAWN, Patrick Swayze, has a ranch outside of town and we got to thinking - why not do a funny video, the search for Patrick Swayze, where we’d eventually work up the nerve to knock on his door… that is, until we found out he’s sick… like really sick.
Here’s where it gets strange.
I told someone and they told someone else… the next thing I know, I’m being offered big $$$ for a picture or any dirt I can dig up on Mr. Swayze. Of course, from tabloid style media.
Now, dedicating a year of your life, living outta your truck and working from town to town to self produce a documentary isn’t easy and cash is always needed so the offer was considered — for all of 10 seconds.
Our project and what it represents is far greater than any coin.
We are NEW MEDIA - CITIZEN JOURNALISM and what old media has forgotten - we will remind them - the human element is as important as the story. Remove that from your report and what do you have? Heart-less facts with no emotion, no bite… and that might be good to run ads for sugar-free, vanilla ice cream in-between, but it’s not the press that our constitution protects, it’s nowhere near journalism - it’s maybe a dirty and deformed cousin - but the media does have a responsibility to use it’s influence in a human way.
So… the video we post here today is what we see as the exact opposite of old media. It’s how we feel as we work at a ranch in the Santa Sangre Mountains, just outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and we hear really near to where Mr. Swayze calls home - we hope it adds in a positive way to his recovery.
You can see the get well video we put together at the following links:
Beware - his words ain’t easy to shake.
Here’s a link to the John Lennon song - John Sinclair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgr9YDDdcQE
Our continuing ‘ASK AMERICA’ question - What is the best & worst thing about America is answered here from a variety of people, places and things.
Our first day of Mardi Gras was spent in Diamondhead, Mississippi in the day and New Orleans at night - great time was had at both - diferent kind of great times as you’ll see.
Here’s part two of The REAL Katrina Ground Zero… Bay St. Louis/Waveland Mississippi.
Belle ad Jilly take us on a tour of what most Mississippi folks consider the REAL ground zero, as far as the Katrina calamity goes. As you’ll see, the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area is gone.. blown away and totally devastated. This is part 1 of 2 parts.
As we pull into Diamondhead, Ms. we spot 4,400 crosses - what a sight.
Leaving Austin wasn’t easy but we made it out alive… lost a ton of really great footage so we spent a night in Roswell, NM taking more detailed notes and lamenting the loss.
On a bright note, we took a trip to Lubbock Texas Birthplace of ME and a guy named Buddy Holly. It was the first time I had been there since a child. We found not only the trailer park where I was born, but the actual trailer I lived in. The strangest thing about it - I felt a bond with the dirt… like it was an old friend. Amy says it makes sense because I was a youngen low to the ground, and I probably played in the dirt all the time.
Home sweet home… Lubbock Texas and the trailer park where it all started for Mr. Shane
A couch to crash on… Lubbock Tx
More Lubbock, Tx.
Waco Texas - What was once the Branch Davidian has been erased and replaced with this.
The fella we stayed with in Austin - they call him ‘Evil Charles’ but he’s far from it… what a great guy.
The ins and outs of Evil Charles home for weary travelers.
Amy and Milan, the Dutch traveler who was also staying with Evil Charles.
When we passed thru Dallas, we met with Gary from PODCAST PICKLE… Cheyenne likes him, and his website - http://www.podcastpickle.com/
