Read all about it - A year at the wheel JOURNAL

Kentucky Nearly Swallowed Us

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2008-01-17T14:09:55-06:00

We have been sidetracked in Kentucky for more than a week. It was unexpected but delightful, and I can only hope every state we encounter will be as grand - though I doubt it is possible.

It began with a phone call to one Edwin Kagin, I'd read an article about how his atheist organization was right nearby the Creation Museum. I was sold, so a few calls later we were on our way to Union, KY. Edwin and his wife Helen were two of the most interesting and amazing people we had ever met!
What was supposed to be a couple hour interview turned into a three or four day adventure, and by the time we left they were like family.
The Creation Museum was fascinating, though we may not agree with all that they said the museum was incredible - designed by an amusement park designer, and it did raise some interesting questions.

From Union we headed to Lexington where we stayed with Marceline and Mark who we met on Craigslist. They live in the historic Jessamine county and there we could have spent weeks filming the history and the people, very interesting stuff coming up.

We made it to Corbin just a few days ago to the Colonel Sanders museum which was very interesting and our guide Junior gave us a fantastic tour!

So much to do, so much footage to edit, where will we ever find the time!!!

yeow...

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2008-01-10T12:34:19-06:00

Is this trip a trip.
We've definitely bit off more than we can chew as far as updating the site everyday.

Mainly because we're spending the days getting to know the folks we're staying with... we're getting so much video it's impossible to show it all here, so expect some sorta DVD when we finnish this journey.

Below, please enjoy some photos and PLEASE subscribe to the THREE subscriptions we offer - Radio, T.V. and the written word.

In Little Rock, Ar. we spoke with the author of The Devil's Knot - a book detailing the West Memphis Three case. It seems it has also wrongly accused Mark Byers of the murders. Lot's of controversy surrounding the case - we went to Little Rock supporters and left feeling the WM3 case had more to do with fame and fortune rather than liberty and justice.

We stayed whit family over x-mas - it was great and DuQuoin, Il. ain't that bad either.

Sabina, Oh - Santa and Bail for Jail go hand in hand.

Sabina, OH. is also the home to Eugene - a Dead fella they kept on display for 33 years before burial.
Amy has baked cookies at each house we've stayed at.. her cookies make smiles and that's really what livin is about, right?

Happy New Year 2008 has Risen

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2008-01-03T14:09:09-06:00

Happy New Year!

It's been a busy few days, but we are now taking a little break in small town Ohio with an old friend and his family. More on that coming soon.

Louisville was a blast! After my housekeeper gig, I worked a gun show for the fellas at fastholster.com, they have this ingenius little invention, it is a magnetic strip that mounts anywhere in your home, business, or car -- you screw it in and your firearm can hang from it. This way it is out of sight - Mount it under a cabinet, behind your headboard, or high up in a closet, it is the ultimate home defense accessory. Did I mention it will never scratch your weapon?
After hawking the fast holster we got to visit the one, the only, the great Jeff Gaither, and we were allowed into his super secret studio to see where the magic happens. Jeff has been a fixture in the underground - and above ground too - art world for decades now. He's done work for The Accused, Guns & Roses, and Thge Misfits. Once you see his work, it is unmistakeable. Look for some great audio and video coming up from our visit.
We also toured Louisvilles most incredibale cemetary - Cave Hill Cemetary, it dates from before the civil war, and is the current home of fried chicken hero Colonel Sanders. We had some of the best coffee on earth at Highland Coffee - That Hair Raiser sure did the trick! And, we ate something called a Kentucky Hot Brown thanks to our beautiful hostess Kristina. Thank you!!!
We also had some pizza, okay we had a lot of pizza. Apparently, Louisville is a pizza town, so we had our own, very un-scientific pizza tasting, and the CLEAR WINNER was Clifton's on Frankfurt Ave. If you need pizza, and you are passing through Louisville that is THE spot for it! Look for a Clifton's video coming soon.
Overall, Louisville was a really great time and a great town. They are certainly on our list of maybes for a future homebase!

Also, I should mention, things have been such a whirlwind, we have not had the chance to even write about all the fun and excitment we have thus far encountered, there are videos as far back as Chicago that we just did not have the time to edit yet, and that is a shame. We are working hard to catch up on all this stuff, but between driving, and earning money, and trying to keep up with emails and editing, and podcasts and photos, and sharing 1 computer, we have had a tough time.

Thanks to everyone who has hosted us, who has fed us, and who have donated money. We thank you with our whole hearts for your help and support!

More to come....
Amy

Keep Louisville Weird - An Understatement!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-29T02:26:19-06:00

Keep Louisville Weird - An Understatement

Wow! This journal has really been neglected lately. Not sure where to begin with what has been going on...

This is going to sound really wacky, but tonight I answered a Craigslist ad to clean the house of a nudist. First, traveling with no money is not easy. Second, since we are traveling with no money, odd jobs are a must.

Anyway, the nudist turned out to be a hell of a nice guy, and I got some of my "no home to clean" withdrawals out of my system. I am so used to keeping a house, it has been difficult to forsake that on the road, I know it sounds crazy.

Cleaning the home of a guy who is hanging out in the buff watching TV was no big deal & really turned out be a lot of fun. Pleasant conversation, lots of brand new cleansing products, a snazzy Swifer mop - Oh Yeah!

So I guess chalk another one up for Craigslist because now we have the gas money to get to our next stop!

For the last two nights we have been staying at the home of a friend who works as an escort. Apparently in Louisville it is totally legal and licensed, but at the same time Louisville escorts do not offer "Happy Endings", only strip shows and/or massages. We were treated to many wondrous tales of oddity and perversion. When they say "Keep Louisville Weird" they ain't kidding - Take it from me!

Tonight is a Kinkos night, Shane is editing all night and we will take turns napping in the truck (Did I mention it's 35 degrees outside?). We are behind with video and audio stacking up. It's not the best situation, but we are doing the best we can to make this work.

Sweet Dreams!
Amy

Fun Photos From The Last Week

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-22T05:59:22-06:00

Pics from the week.

Tim's FANTASTIC deer chili!

Here's those cupcakes CLOSE UP!!!

Painting of an Indian Woman in Fredericktown MO on left, on the right our good friend Heart Warrior Chosa - I think we have a match!

Cookie Dreams and The Grandma Hammer

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-19T14:24:09-06:00

Since it is THAT time of the year, we headed to DuQuion, Illinois to visit Shane's 80 year old grandmother, his uncle, and the youngest cousin in the family who is three and a half years old. The few days we spent with them were filled with great stories of family history and cookies baked into the night.

It is great to spend one on one time with Shane's Grandmother Lois, whom I have only ever met at large family gatherings and rushed circumstances. This is the first time we ever really got to have a conversation, and the first time since he was a kid that Shane visits the area. We both leave with a new understanding of family history and a new admiration for Grandma.

We then headed to Marion, Illinois to visit Shane's younger cousin Amy and her husband Tim. They are a young, hardworking couple that gives new hope for the future. Tim treats us to his famous deer chili and Amy and I bake cupcakes from a King Arthur's Flour mix, and make the homemade frosting recipe on the box:

1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
2/3 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Bring cream to a boil, pour over chips in bowl, let sit for 5 minutes and stir. Leaving it as is makes a great glaze, but we chose to let ours cool and then whip it for about 10 minutes for fluffy and light whipped cream frosting. It was delicious!

Needless to say, we were stuffed with chili, cupcakes and sweet tea before drifting off in the spare bedroom. This was a wonderful few days truly full of Christmas Spirit -- in the TRUEST sense of the word - Warmth from family, good food, and fond memories. Yeash! I am beginning to believe my paranoia that Uncle Donald REALLY WAS injecting us with Christmas Spirit while we were sleeping!

Now we are en route to Little Rock, where we will attend a the West Memphis 3 march.

Reviews, interviews and Dec 19th WEST MEMPHIS THREE RALLY

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-14T16:15:25-06:00

Wanted to post a quick update including links to write-ups and interviews, some pics and our future plans... keep on scrolling down the page for the links to press and some Missouri pics.

As we hang in the St. Louis area our plan is to head to Louisville, Ky.
We're gonna make a lil detour and hear to Little Rock Ar. for the West Memphis Three Rally @ the Arkansas State Capitol on 12/19/07

If you're able, please come down and show your support!

Time of the event: 12:00 Noon

Governor's Office Address:
State Capitol Building (on the front steps)
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201

A cool write up from a fella we visited here:
http://www.terryblackvacations.com/A_Year_At_The_Wheel.html

Download an audio interview we did before we hit the road here:
http://www.zackdaggy.com/?p=44

A great article written about us and our trip here:
http://www.pollystaffle.com/specialfeatures/ayearatthewheel.shtml

Ever put you car up on blocks in your back yard, well, it's fun and part of a culture folks want to wipe away - I think it shows personality not to mention, if you own your home and pay taxes on that house you should be left alone.

Benton, Il boasts the noose from the last hanging in Illinois - it's also the home of one of the greatest actors of our time - the great John Malkovich

Hooray for Sara and the gals behind St. Louis' Rock N Roll craft show!

WE SURVIVED A DISASTER

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-11T11:13:42-06:00

We were en route to Louisville two days ago when the ice storm hit St. Louis, so rather than risk driving off the road to our doom, or at least the end of the road for us, we broke down and got a room at Motel 6. It was a hard decision, since we are really tight on cash, but we felt we had to be safe rather than sorry.

Pretty, but deadly - Ice Storm 2007

I have driven through some extreme weather, but a sheet of ice is hard to combat - snow, rain, wind - no problem, ice skating on the other hand has never been my thing.

I woke up this morning to warmer temps outside, just the rain and fog that all of the St. Louis area has been engulfed in since we got here. I realized as I walked Cheyenne through the parking lot that this is the first time Shane and I have slept in an actual bed since June when we left our apartment in California!

Today we head East to visit some relaitves of Shane's and then heading South East to milder weather.

December 9, 2007 5:45 am Kinkos somewhere in St. Louis

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-09T20:30:17-06:00

The trip is finally starting to feel less disjointed, more cohesive. We are low on cash - really low, but we are optimistic. Me and Myrtle The Turtle in a bucket are hanging inside Kinkos, Shane and Cheyenne the pooch are outside sleeping in the truck, it is about 36 degrees outside.

Last night we went to see THE WORLD POLICE at The Way Out Club. It was a great show as the masked men and their masked dancer performed originals and covers that included Twisted Sister and the theme from Team America. The lead singer Sensei is an old friend and a hell of a guy. He invited us to stay at THE WORLD POLICE studio in Belleville, IL, oddly enough, it was one of the best night's sleep I have had in more than a month. I slept on a little couch, in my clothes, but I have to say I felt great in the morning!

Sensei is one of those great, smart creative people that seem to have no understanding how great, smart, creative and important they are. As a front-man he is phenomenal, as a person he is one of a kind! I once saw a video of him jump off the roof of a house and land in a barbed wire lined ring - landing ON the barbed wire where unfazed he began wrestling with another fella.

Ironically, aside from occasional emails I have only really met Sensei one time in person -- three years ago, yet I consider him a dear friend, and it did not feel like three years had gone by.

Our journey has been weird like that, even since the beginning. We stayed with Shane's brother Trevor for about a week while in Chicago, and it did not seem at all like it had been more than two years since we'd seen him.

We visited the great artist Tim Smith and his wife Kerry, both of whom we'd only met one time, but that too was like visiting a dear old friend rather than an acquaintance. I wonder why that is, does it have something to do with sharing a roof? Or is it the nature of our trip. I am not sure, but I like it.

Today we met Terry Black from Super Smokers -- The best BBQ shack in the known world, and after a few hours of filming and talking it felt like we'd made a new friend, and it was almost sad to part ways. I find it very strange how strangers can become friends and acquaintances like family in such a short time.

All during my adult life, and especially during our marriage, we have opened our home to dozens of people for short and long stays, and I must admit, I recall most of them quite fondly and with a strong sense of kinship. Two that stick out in my mind forever are The Know Nothing Circus, in which we accommodated 12 people and 4 dogs for over a week, and whose ringmaster Eric Cash will always be high on my list of friends and Shan Siva who flew from London to Chicago every weekend one Summer because he said "We had air conditioning". I will never forget our endless quests for root beer even though it has been over 5 years since I saw him last.

I suppose I am just over-tired and feeling sentimental, but it is true and it warms my heart to think of all the people who have opened their homes to us over the last six months.

Fredricktown, Missouri

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-12-07T09:26:22-06:00

As we head out of Fredricktown, Mo. I thought I'd post a quick update...

1. News came in that an interview we did about a month before our Nov 4th kick-off is up and ready to download and listen to...
Our episode of The Shameless Plugcast is up at www.mothpodproductions.com! The direct link is HERE!

Below please find a couple of quick pics taken in Fredricktown - all photos will be available for high resolution download next week thru spitfire - all print quality and ready to frame - stay tuned for details if interested.

SIN DESTROYS hangs in Unique Ink - and was taken by world renowned artist Tim Smith - Unique Ink is run by Tim and his family and is one of the jewles of the midwest art scene!

Local historian Carol Magnus took us on a tour of Fredricktown, Mo - a for sure stop if you're passing thru Missouri.

The last week has been a strange one.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-29T11:35:57-06:00

The last week has been a strange one.

We are running behind by about a week, so we have decided stay in Chicago and try to raise some funds. We were really thrown for a loop with the whole Adam Curry debacle. I can't begin to express how sad I really am about it, not so much because I was putting faith in Adam Curry, but because it seemed that he beleived in our idea, which did mean a lot. And, it has put so much added stress on Shane and I we are having some relationship issues, (That's a diplomatic way to say we are arguing a bit). We are feeling a lot more uncertainty about our plans and our route, and even though it was Curry who crapped out on us, I still feel like it makes us look bad. For more on the whole Adam Curry thing we have set up http://www.adamcurrylies.com, go there for more, because we are pretty much sick of talking about him here.

We have had a real run of bad luck for the last year and I was feeling like 2007 might end on a high note because of our deal with Podshow, but now it appears that things will be the same life or death struggle they have been for the whole last year, which may be exciting at 25, but is less so into ones thirties.

We spent Thanksgiving at Shane's mother's house -- after being unceremoniously booted from my mother's house just days before. That is a whole story in itself, we were having a great time hanging out with them, but after being away for a couple years and all of the strangeness that went on while I was gone, there were apparently some unresolved issues with my sister and I. I am worried about her safety and well being, that is all I can really say about it.

Getting no sleep and having no place to call home is starting to wear on us, we are trying to live on as little money as possible, the whole thing is starting to get crazy - we have no income right now, our lives are in limbo, and depending on the kindness of others is a much harder burden to bear than one can imagine. - Amy

CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK TO HELP KEEP US ON THE ROAD:
http://www.pledgie.com/campaigns/422

If you think the revolution won't be televised, you're sadly mistaken.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-25T10:53:02-06:00

At the ripe old age of 21 I took a gig helping put together "The Underground Comix Hall of Fame". I met a fella named Bob Rudnick. "Righteous Rudnick" was a "White Panther", and explained to me how they, the White Panthers grew outta the Black Panthers... this was the first time I had ever heard of the "Black Panthers".

As time went on, I meet other "Hippies" from the day, Bob introduced me to a photographer who the Black Panthers were cool with, I guess they let him inside Fred Hampton's apt after the state approved assassination, all involved felt it was important to document the murders.

They made a point to show me those pictures, I wasn't sure why at the time, I do know this was an important moment in my life... a moment I'd never forget.

For my part of the year long road trip we've set out on, I wanted to capture as many stories of persecuted thought. Folks whose thoughts put them in peril.

To start, I somehow I had to get something about the Fred Hampton story on tape. I did try to get in-touch with his son with no luck there, I decided to go to the scene of the assassination, luckily I ran into Fred Hampton's original neighbor Joe Murphy. (Go to the T.V & RADIO section of our site to see and hear that interview.)

After speaking with Mr. Murphy, I now feel even more dedicated to grabbing the kind of American history that probably won't end up in the history books. If it does, it'll be re-written, bleached out and made safe for the masses.

Podcasting, new-media, citizen journalism, blogging, vlog... no matter how you slice it or what you call it , it is so fucking important to get the oral history on tape - the revolution will be waged with mics, video cameras and art.

If you think the revolution won't be televised, you're sadly mistaken. The T.V., video camera and microphone have become the tools for modern revolution, so much so restrictions similar to the gun laws are being proposed. Look to new laws prohibiting the use of video cameras in NY for a hint.

If you think your second amendment will help fight governmental tyranny, it won't... not unless you and your comrades are holding tanks, missiles, and other modern military weaponry.

On the other hand, if enough folks spoke up and encouraged others to do the same, maybe we could form a true union by the people, for the people... and if we did, if we all stopped working for a couple of days, essentially going on strike, I'm willing to bet we'd get most of our basic human rights back and more importantly we'd get the respect from the "man" we somehow lost.

Now pick up you camera, grab your recording devise and speak the fuck up... document the real history of your culture/zip-code - say something that counts, something more than re-hashed entertainment news and cheap impersonations of your favorite media propagandist. - Shane

"You can kill a revolutionary but you can never kill the revolution." - Fred Hampton

week two eye candy...

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-19T08:31:40-06:00

Today is the 15 day mark - still in Chicago-land area, no more schedule and ready to head to Atlanta-!!

Joe Murphy is a wise fellow, and was Fred Hampton's neighbor. He was home and heard the Murder of the revolutionary thinker and Black Panther - murdered by the Chicago Police and the FBI.

Lewis Black - he's not only a comedian, he's a revolutionary thinker.

Author Jean Shepherd's house- The man behind the film A Christmas Story and one of the greatest communicators ever! This IS the real house from the story A Christmas Story... look for the video UP this week.

Amy and her Mom - we visited while in Munster, In. - make sure to find the War Memorial Or Horror Movie? With the great Mary Joan!

War Memorial -- What Is It Good For?

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-16T00:43:06-06:00

On Wednesday Shane and I went to the Munster, Indiana Veteran's Memorial with my mother Mary Joan. None of us had ever been to see it before and since earlier this week celebrated Veteran's Day it seemed like a fitting stop.

The gi-normous winding park includes displays for WW1, WW2, The Korean War, Vietnam, and the Gulf war (apparently wars before 1900 just don't count). It is much more like the set of a horror movie than a memorial for our living and deceased servicement. Realistic bronzed bodies lay blown to pieces, rubble, and frescos of death are prominently featured in a multi-million dollar display.

My Mother was pretty upset about the memorial, and her anger due to the extravagance of the memorial in contrast to the dismal state of America's Veteran's hospitals and the care and support of our soldiers. Just a few days ago the Chicago Tribune reported that 26% of all homeless people are veterans, and that those who have fought in our current war are becoming homeless at a faster rate than any other war.

Shane and I both have colds, Shane's is really bad, so we have spent that last few days blowing our noses more than anything, I think the stress and strife of that last few weeks has finally taken it's toll.

It has been great to spend some time with my family, I have barely seen my mother, sister and nieces in the last few years. In my absence my nieces have become young women. This morning I drove my eldest niece to the train to go to school -- She started college in the city about a month ago. Tonight we baked cookies and ate falafels. My youngest niece made Shane some tea to soothe his throat, and Cheyenne seems to be getting along really well with their two dogs.

It may not be home, but there is no place like it.

- Amy Bugbee

On the 8th Day....

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-11T18:36:48-06:00

Sunday, November 11, 2007

On the 8th Day..

It is 8 days since we began our journey, A Year At The Wheel.

Our time in Chicago is growing short and there is still so much we have to see. The days have been a blurry race. Shane and I are both glad we began the trip in Chicago - A city we know very well. We are working out the kinks, and being in a familiar place makes it easier.

We still need to figure out the vehicle. It appears we will not be driving Adam Curry's "Trinity", we were hoping to replace it with another bio diesel vehicle, but so far we have been unable to.

Right now it looks as though our petroleum guzzling Chevy Blazer will be our mode of transportation, the interior is about the same size as "Trinity" would have been, so both are a tight fit. I would love to find a small RV, and better yet if it is or can be converted to bio diesel. I've been looking on Craigslist for something, but time is short, and I really didn't expect to have to deal with this now. It's frustrating.

On Thursday, we went to Waukegan to see Lewis Black (http://www.standuprecords.com), it was was way better than I expected it to be. I like Lewis Black, but I have always considered him more of a humorist than a comedian. I stand corrected, because I was busting some heavy belly laughs! His political thoughts were surprisingly agreeable for me, and though a lot of what he was saying was damn depressing when you really think about it, it was damn funny having someone to commiserate with. Best yet, I could see some of the stauncher crowd getting worked up.

Friday was Shane's birthday, it was pretty low key, we worked on the last bits of prepartion - loading storage, shipping mail, yada, yada, yada, and we spent some time with Shane's youngest brother Trevor. Hear some of the audio highlights on the Radio Show.

Saturday, was a whirlwind -- 18th Annual Humanities Festival (http://www.chfestival.org), Toothpick boat builder Wayne Kusy (http://www.waynekusy.com), a quick stop to The Globe Tavern, an English style pub on Irving Park Road, for a live broadcast of The Brit & Yankee (http://www.thebritandyankee.com), and then to Shane's grandmother's 80th birthday party.

Until Next Time,
Amy Bugbee

first 72 hrs VIPs

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-07T02:54:29-06:00

Convicted Cartoonist Mike Diana slurpin' slurpies with Amy in motel room the Chicago Rippers did some of their dirty work.

We go way back with Mike Diana... it was great to see him again.

Mike was in town to show his support for the West Memphis Three - WM3.org

Mike Diana and Mom - hanging out, drawing pictures.

This young lady won the Martin Atkins art - it was an auction and she paid a total of $40.

So, I love the shirt... what are you gonna do?

Sid Yiddish with a piece of Steven Leyba's art.

Book Signing at Quimbys - Steven Leyba, Gigi Deluxe, Mike Diana and Me.

Wayne Kusey - world famous toothpick ship builder and the person who drug me out of the gutter over 20 years ago. He pushed me to get off my ass, get involved and get creative.

Leigh Hanlon( chicagoscope.com/ ), Phil Clark ( thebritandyankee.com/ ) and Amy... Fish, Chips and Beer... mmmmm

I am feeling like I just entered Bizarro World..... and this is only Day 1.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-05T04:21:47-06:00

Monday, November 5th 2007, 4:03am

I am getting ready for sleep in my in-laws basement. I can't say I am getting ready for bed because I am sleeping on a basement floor, it's a nice basement though, don't get me wrong.

We just got back from the West Memphis 3 benefit, it was well, a disaster. Both Mike Diana and Steven Leyba flew in for the event, one from either coast. They are two of the most important artists in the last 20 years, but there was absolutely no publicity for them. In fact, there was no press for the event at all!

We knew about a week ago we were in trouble, but canceling would have been wrong. Sometimes one has to let things ride. There are no guarantees in life, especially with events. I sent out hundreds of press releases out, and the show included four local bands, the SUPER SECRET SIDESHOW drove up from Indianapolis, and the venue THE EMPTY BOTTLE is one of the cities favorite spots for live shows, yet only about 20 people paid to get in.

This is the first time EVER that I could not get at least some press for the event. The wife of one of the guys in one of the bands is a Roller Derby Girl, she was trying to get her team to get behind the WEST MEMPHIS 3, but they told her it was too controversial. I contacted the editor of the Chicago Reader, she said they would "pass" on this-- they have never passed on anything in the past! I sent the information to a Metal Website, the fella was happy to post post it up, then emailed me about an hour later to say he'd gotten a record number of complaints, saying the WEST MEMPHIS 3 are in prison, so they MUST be guilty.

On October 29th The NEW YORK TIMES reported DNA test results had finally come in on the WEST MEMPHIS 3 case and the three young men, who have been imprisoned since 1994 were NOT at the crime scene, but DNA evidence did show that one of the murdered boys father's and another person were there. One would believe such good news would result in immediate vindication, but instead authorities are quoted as saying it could take "months or years" to resolve. How can that be?

This breaking news made no impact in their case, the media coverage - which aside from the New York Times included only local Memphis media and Canadian news, or on our event. How can that not be national news when the recent Jena 6 case made such HUGE headlines, and this is a far worse injustice? It must be because these are white trash kids who listened to Heavy Metal, read books on the occult and drew violent artwork, and it is not the practice of poor whites to unite or stand up for each other in the least.

I have to ask -- Hey America, is this this thing on? Check, check, check. I know no American or human being for that matter would allow this kind of injustice to stand -- would you?

Oh and to add insult to injury, Adam Curry who called on October 26th and said he was taking care of buisness, and we would have everything by November 1st, never showed up. It is now November 5th and nothing has shown up yet.

I am feeling like I just entered Bizarro World..... and this is only Day 1.

Shout out to MIke Diana, Steven Leyba, The Super Secret Sideshow, The Columbines, Sid Yiddish, MB Conn, Begin By Gathering Supplies, The Empty Bottle, Sinstress Maya, and all who came to our event.

Thanks to the Viking Youth Power Hour for being the only media strong enough to promote the show.

Exciting News About The West Memphis 3 -- Perfect Benefit TIming!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-11-02T16:09:42-05:00

Recently, while America was all up in arms about the injustice in Louisiana known as The Jena 6, and myspace promoted "Rock For Darfur", I struggled to convince any bands at all to participate in a benefit for The West Memphis 3.

Ironically, just days before our Benefit on November 4th, new DNA evidence was presented Monday, October 29, 2007. It offers EVEN MORE irrefutable evidence, proving the innocence of three young men who have spent their entire adulthood behind bars. Will this case continue to be ignored by the justice system?

Here's the article--
Defense Offers New Evidence in a Murder Case That Shocked Arkansas:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/30satanic.html?ref=us

If you are not familiar with the case, The West Memphis 3 are Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley, and Damien Echols, three teenagers convicted for a grisly triple murder of 3 young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas back in 1994. There was no physical evidence in the case, they were convicted based on their interest in Heavy Metal and occult books-- young outcasts in a small town, they were singled out and made guilty with ease!

The case was the subject of the HBO documentary 'Paradise Lost'. The film's startling revelations forced a retrial -- presided on by the same judge -- the verdict was upheld. That re-conviction led to a sequel about the obvious injustice still being carried out. Many people have come forward to demand justice for the West Memphis 3, but the the case has been relatively ignored.

Why are they so afraid to say the "satanic" kids didn't do it?

The fear of Atheists, Pagans, Humanists, and all points in between continues to fester. Misdirected intolerance based upon spiritual or philosophical differences is still tolerated in the modern world. It proves man little more than a barbarian into the Twenty First Century, the same one capable of Witch Hunts and Inquisitions.
- Amy Bugbee

• If you are in the Chicago Area, join us November 4th, 2007 at The Empty Bottle
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO RSVP

• More on the West Memphis 3: http://www.wm3.org

I wanted to add a little plug for us... yep, for us.
As we're set to hit the road, we could use any and all help we can get.

Check out some of the help options HERE
( http://www.ayearatthewheel.com/page7/page3/index.html )

We're also selling some stuff on eBay, check it out here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZfancy1847

OUR first SPONSOR

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-10-11T15:03:42-05:00

Chicago Podcaster Leigh Hanlon is donating his Edirol R-09 Digital Recorder and for that, we thank him as it is much needed.

We have had a handful of sponsorships offers, but ZERO actual help. Leigh is the FIRST!

Anyone wishing to keep our program on the road, help is ALWAYS needed.

Cash is king as far as needs go, and a couple of bucks from each listener would definitely help, but it's not everything and it doesn't always take cash.

If you really want to help, with or without the cash donation... Help spread the word by telling your friends and family. And please make sure to subscribe to ALL of our subscription feeds.

Leigh's very witty Podcast is
CHICAGO SCOPE @ http://chicagoscope.com/

Go. Listen. Subscribe.
I know we have.

Interested in helping out? We have options on this old site like our Amazon wish list - buy a day - donations thru paypal or just Email: 365@ayearathewheel.com for more info on helping us keep PROJECT A YEAR ON THE ROAD - ON THE ROAD!

Chicago Area Podcasters Network RULEZ!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-10-04T01:57:09-05:00

Amy and myself had a GREAT time at The Chicago Area Podcasters Network Meet Up. It was as informative as 6 mo. of solo, on-line research.

The picture below of me, interviewing Mary Ann was taken by Leigh from the Chicago Scope Cast. A fella with a hell of an out look on podcasting and his podcast is way fun.

Tom, the organizer for the event, has mentioned he'd like to help us come up with a list of equipment we'll need for our year long trip. Equipment compact and durable enough to hit the road with and still sound/look good. I'll keep you posted.

We'll be making the next Chicago Area Podcasters Network Meetup (November 6th ) part of the 10 days we'll spend in Chicago for our trip - stop by and say hi!

A huge thanx to all at the meet up - especially - Tom & Leigh

Click below to see what I'm talking about... great message board even if you're non-Chicago.

Click here to check out
The Chicago Area Podcasters Network!

NOV 4TH KICK OFF - CHICAGO

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-10-02T00:36:01-05:00

HEAVY METAL IS NOT A CRIME!
Election Year Road Trip Kicks off With Benefit for West Memphis 3

Chicago, Il. - The 365-day citizen journalist juggernaut PROJECT A YEAR AT THE WHEEL kicks off on November 4th in CHICAGO with a benefit for THE WEST MEMPHIS 3. One of America's darkest injustices, THE WEST MEMPHIS 3 case has been the subject of two HBO documentaries, and is a sad reminder that tolerance is in short supply in much of America.

THE WEST MEMPHIS 3 Benefit, held at the famed EMPTY BOTTLE, will feature live bands, performance art, and side show acts. An art show and auction featuring some of the underground's greatest artists will also raise money for the WEST MEMPHIS 3 DEFENSE FUND. Pigface founder and industrial music demigod, MARTIN ATKINS will be reading from his new book and spinning records. "Podfather" ADAM CURRY the former "Headbangers Ball" MTV VJ, will be in town to personally deliver his BIODIESEL car for use on A YEAR AT THE WHEEL.

A YEAR AT THE WHEEL will spend ten days in Chicago exploring the city before gonzo journalists SHANE and AMY BUGBEE head out to their next stop, their trip finishes up in Washington DC on Election Day 2008, broadcasting their results on daily videos, podcasts, and blogs at http://www.ayearatthewheel.com. A YEAR AT THE WHEEL will continue to raise money for THE WEST MEMPHIS 3 throughout their travels.

The couple feel linked to THE WEST MEMPHIS 3 since they themselves were victims of a witch hunt in a small Minnesota town they lived in for two years - That ordeal is part of the impetus for their upcoming journey. The Bugbee's will be seeking a new place to call home, even wondering if there is a place in America for the secular or the iconoclastic.

THE WEST MEMPHIS 3 are three young men from Arkansas who have spent more than a decade in prison for the murder of three young boys in their rural town. With no actual evidence, they were convicted based on their clothes, the music they listened to, books they read, and artwork they drew. Recently, DNA tests show they were not at the crime scene - Yet still they sit in prison.

• WEST MEMPHIS 3 Benefit
• Sunday, November 4th, 2007
• EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western, Chicago IL (773) 276-3600
• $10 & includes a raffle ticket
• See the art starting at 6pm/Bands start at 8pm

2 R.S.V.P. CLICK HERE... space is limited - so act today!

More info:
A YEAR AT THE WHEEL http://www.ayearatthewheel.com
WEST MEMPHIS 3 http://www.wm3.org
EMPTY BOTTLE http://www.emptybottle.com
MARTIN ATKINS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Atkins
ADAM CURRY http://www.curry.com

Now it's 37 days away from our departure...

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-09-28T14:31:56-05:00

Time is getting short.

Even with careful planning and preparation, there are so many things that have been left to the last 30 days. We will be exhausted by the time we actually get behind the wheel and drive. I am not complaining, don't get me wrong, I am so excited I can barely sleep, and my mind is constantly racing with people, and maps and lists. There is a lot to see and do.

Shane has built a rig to help eliminate camera shake, it is pretty cool and only took PVC pipe, glue, and bike tape to make. It looks pro and appears to work quite well -- Let us know what you think in the next few weeks.

We are making short introduction videos to ourselves, Shane has already been working on his. He has interviewed his mom a bit and is looking up some old friends. I can see digging up his past affecting him, well that and the fact we are staying with his mom, stepfather, and sister. It is having good and bad effects.

Of course it has been nice visiting them, they have been very supportive of our various crazy projects over the years. Shane rambled off a list of times his step-father Mike has helped him build stuff or move, or just been there for him. I'd have to say he has been Shane's most positive male influence.

We have been sleeping on their basement floor as we prepare for the trip, well we were on the floor, then we were on a twin size inflatable mattress, but that now seems to be mysteriously deflating at night , so I guess we are back to sleeping on the floor -- The spiders like the company I'm sure! Certainly, it could not be our weight deflating the air mattress, Shane is blaming the turtle (I really don't get his theory on that one). Admittedly though, I have been doing a lot of baking which everyone here has mixed emotions about -- Tastes good -- Too filling.

Working on my intro video is hard to even think about. I have not even been to visit my family yet -- I haven't seen my hometown in years. They are far on the South Side, and we are staying way Northwest of Chicago. All the work for this trip has kept me pretty much chained to the computer here. Delving into my past, my childhood and such, isn't a place I really like to go. I don't mean that like I was locked in a closet or anything, much of my childhood seems really perfect and Norman Rockwell-esque TO ME, but over the years just telling a few seemingly innocent stories from my childhood raises eyebrows and has even caused a bit of choking. So we will see how it goes....

I guess that's all for today, I had a whole thing I wrote about that kid getting tasered in Florida, but one of our claims for this trip is "UNBIASED" --- that is so much harder than I would have ever expected.

Over & Out,
Amy Bugbee

Postcards, posters and plugers...

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-09-25T13:21:59-05:00

We're printing some postcards, below you'll find the front and back of a postcard that we'll be sending out before we hit the road.

The image above is the back of a postcard we printed. If you'd like one before we hit the road - email Amy( amy@ayearatthewheel.com )

XTRAZ, OUT-TAKES & NEVER WERZ.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-09-24T04:31:58-05:00

Set up a cool section on revver.com. It's where we'll dump the odd, the extra and the totally raw video footage that don't make the A YEAR AT THE WHEEL cut.

Go to our odd365 section on revver.com to get a look at test videos and the stuff that was shot as we toyed with the idea of hitting the road for the entire election year. I look at these test videos like a pencil sketch before the painting.

Please let me know what you think - shane

DIRECT LINK TO OUR REVVER PROFILE: http://one.revver.com/account/show/odd365

It's the 60 Day Countdown!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-09-05T20:28:56-05:00

We are now at the 60 day mark.

That is, 60 days until we embark on this exciting and daunting journey.

We have been working on this trip full time for several months now, and we have a lot more work to go. Our seeds have been sown, and now the seedlings are turning to crops, crops we will reap throughout the next year.

It feels like we are getting out there just in time. The headlines in the news has gone from bad to worse, foreclosures are up, bridges are falling down, and our war costs are climbing ever higher. It also seems like many of our politicians are falling apart at the seams.

We are willing to bet, Our Nation is going to have a lot to say when they are given a voice.

Now is the time to get involved, this rip is happening. Let us know if you want to talk, tell us if you know some spots we need to see, and if you want to offer your support we are coming up with some easy and cheap ways to do that.

We greatly appreciate all of the help and the excitement we have gotten so far from you and people like you.

Look for updates coming more and faster, and be sure to subscribe so you can keep up on all that is happening. - Amy

MEDIA KIT 4 PDF DOWNLOAD

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-09-05T20:04:31-05:00

Amy put together on hell of a media kit, it's so great I thought I'd post up small jpgs of it.

If you're interested, click ANY of the jpegs or THIS LINK to down load the PDF version of the A YEAR AT THE WHEEL MEDIA KIT.

Click HERE to download our PDF media kit.

FREEDOM FRIES ON MY MIND.....

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-22T00:48:51-05:00

FREEDOM FRIES ON MY MIND.....

This trip came out of an ideal, albeit an idealistic ideal, that we could change the world. Silly perhaps, but throughout history stands taken by one or just a few have changed the course of the world. History also shows sometimes those few stand takers are also slaughtered, but what are you gonna do.

We are two people with a dog, a turtle, a borrowed bio-diesel car, and nothing left to lose. That said, I recall some years back having an epiphany while driving, we were having hard times at the time, and I was driving along when an old Janis Joplin song came on the radio and she uttered the words that changed my life forever - words I had heard a million times throughout my life, words of a song that never seemed to mean much before, but on this day they stopped me dead in my tracks-- "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose".

The weight of that statement suddenly became crystal clear, and I understood, and I have understood that statement even more keenly over the years. Still I question it, or perhaps I question the depths of the statement even more.

Is freedom, true freedom, only attainable at times of true hopelessness - the times when strong men crack?

Is freedom something that can only come when one releases ownership of all that they own?

I used to have a friend in High School who seemed so free, she did whatever, whenever, and she only carried a small bag of clothes along for the ride. My mother called her a "waif" and regarded her with disdain. She had no issue staying with people, borrowing stuff, and she always appeared quite fine with her hobo lifestyle, I always admired her for it.

I, on the other hand, was a worrier, I was practical. I was always trying to hold on to things that I did not have. I am not saying my friend did not have her share of hardships, but she always appeared aloof and carefree, and in deep enjoyment of each moment.

2007 has been a zinger of a year for me, for all of us really. We moved from Minnesota in March, leaving most of our belongings behind - and I don't mean dvds and clothes, I mean archives and our own books. We headed West to Los Angeles for opportunities, but those opportunities never really materialized like we planned, so we packed it up again and left from there.

This time it was our dog Cheyenne and our turtle Myrtle who made the biggest sacrifices - The dog's cushion and the turtle's tank were left behind for lack of space, our load got smaller again. I guess I can say we all got alot "free-er".

We traveled North to see if the SF Bay area would become our new home, but on the way there Shane and I began talking about what we really wanted, and what we really wanted was to do something different, something that we could really reach people with. We wanted to travel, we wanted to see how other people were feeling, because the folks in LA seemed pretty damn desperate, and the ones in Minnesota seemed awfully rigid.

San Francisco was great, but by the time we arrived we already knew that there was something else we had to do. We would travel for a year and create a document for the times we were living in and a "litmus test" for the future -- Hense, A YEAR AT THE WHEEL was born.

We turned and headed East to Chicago, our hometown, to visit with family and prepare for A YEAR AT THE WHEEL. Come what may this year, we are now as free as we can be! - Amy

The Route

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-19T02:16:04-05:00

We have a preliminary map of our route. My goal was to avoid the mountains in the winter or any place that could be troublesome in certain months (yes, I am practical to the max), so we will leave from Chicago in November heading Southeast toward Florida, and then West.

Shane's goals on the other hand are Mardi Gras and SXSW in Austin, he wants to go to the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota and Chiller Theatre in October. Somehow we have managed to make us both happy with this route.

Stuff we're using... as in equipment.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-17T07:33:07-05:00

Here's what we're using for the audio/video presently on A YEAR AT THE WHEEL. I'm getting rid of the SONY in favor of a canon... the canon cameras seems to work better with the MAC.

Another Sony issue is the Hard Disk Drive. I'm thinking it might be best to archive our footage on DV tape.

ANY suggestions as far as compact equipment would be appreciated.

Sony HDR-SR1
Gun Zoom Mic
Sunpak 37mm wide angle lens
Marantz PDM670

not pictured is the Canon ZR500 that Amy uses... great camera for the price.

As we replace our mics/mixing board/computer we'll post a complete list of equipment once we hit the road.

90 Days To The Starting Line

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-13T07:44:55-05:00

We are now less than 90 days out from the departure
date of our trip, so the busy part of planning is
over. Now comes the insane, crazy, non-stop, sleep
deprived, bone crushing days before we leave. This is
"Crunch Time", time for building the trip from the
foundations we have laid. There's a lot to consider
and a lot of details to figure.

From now on this website will updating regularly until
we leave, and daily while on the road, so always
refresh your browser for the newest version. You can
also subscribe to the RSS feeds to have new stuff
delivered right to your computer. It's easy to do--
like magic really!

We will be putting up maps and links of our route
soon. We'll be adding some new features, and we always
welcome to new ideas so please drop us an email if you
have a suggestion, 365@ayearatthewheel.com. If we are
missing something let us know.

Doug Stanhope, Mushrooms, Death Valley and a road trip is born.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-07T00:55:22-05:00

What does Doug Stanhope's Death Valley get together have to do with our year long road trip... let's just say a little mushrooms in the desert go along way. Tune into the Aug. 7th podcast for death valley details and enjoy Amy's pictures of the trip.

http://www.dougstanhope.com/

http://www.standuprecords.com/

Nov. 4th we start in CHICAGO!!!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-08-02T11:16:48-05:00

Hey - Hey!

Looks like we've come to an agreement with Adam Curry, so A YEAR AT THE WHEEL starts in Chicago on November 4th 2007!!!

On Nov 4th, Me and Amy will be hosting a FREE THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE benefit, more on that as it comes together.

On Nov 5th, THE A YEAR AT THE WHEEL/FREE TRINITY PROJECT will hold a press conference in Chicago. Adam Curry will be present.

Free food and drink for all members of the media... podcasters and new media THIS MEANS YOU! Contact us at: 365@ayearatthewheel.com for more info. - Shane

I was SIMPSONIZED For REAL!

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-07-26T04:04:30-05:00

Oh sure, all you supposed Simpson fans can get "Simpsonized" online, but I was REALLY Simpsonized about 5 years ago...

My wonderful husband Shane had one of the actual illustrators - John Berado - draw me with my beautiful, incredible, best friend Roxanne the pitbull.

It was a gift to memorialize Roxanne after she passed away in 2001.

John Berado said he could draw us but no actual Simpsons characters, Shane said no problem and asked for us to be in Hell, that I be dressed in a SS uniform, and told him that Roxanne's nickname was the "Lick Monster".

When show creators saw the illustration and heard the motivation for it, they insisted he draw characters into the picture and said he should use us in background crowd scenes. Of course, I think I see us all the time. - Amy

What's the point?

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-07-21T00:39:37-05:00

Greetings all...

I'm about to embark on a year long road-trip with my wife Amy. It's more than your typical road-trip. I look at it as a project that will be a collaboration of sorts, a collaboration between us and folks like yourself, folks who get involved.

What's the point? Our objective? Why?

Well, the idea started to take shape when we were shunned and eventually made to leave the small town we moved to because Amy's father got sick... why you ask? Let's just say we think outside the box.

As we hit the road to find a new place to call home, we found that everywhere we turned we were met with hard working folks who could not make ends meet... folks who would work 2-3 jobs but still could barley survive.

These were not uneducated, non-motivated folk... on the contrary... it was respected world renowned artists, skilled tradesmen - movers and shakers of all walks of life - the one thread that bound them all was they had become the working class poor.

I had more questions than I could handle, and with no answers in sight, the A YEAR AT THE WHEEL project was born.

Is there really a class/religious war raging across the US?

We will go to the zip-codes and ugly folk who never seem to make the news... juxtaposing that with the extreme wealth this great land of ours is known for. We hope to find out just how wide the gap is getting.

Is there such a thing as basic human rights, and if so, what are they?

I'm also looking to document the erosion of our rights, simple rights any human should expect, regardless of the country, yet we seem to hand 'em over without a fight time and time again.

But what I want and the form this document takes are two separate things.

Get involved. If you want to mouth off on camera, have a place we should see, a person we should hear, a place to stay or just want to say hey... please go to http://www.ayearatthewheel.com for contact info, rss subscription feeds, and banner ads to show some on-line support.

This is a project that depends on the people, not the media to spread the word... so please pass our A YEAR AT THE WHEEL DOT COM website around - thanx - shane

http://www.ayearatthewheel.com

SMOG JOB

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-07-13T05:33:16-05:00

Berkeley, Ca. - full of rewarding work and decent pay.
I mean... she's not starving is she?

xo/shane

Hi, I am Amy, and this is my overlook.

365@ayearatthewheel.com — 2007-07-05T04:15:57-05:00

I love overlooks, I am a total sucker for overlooks. I am also a sucker for kids and animals - and believe me, they know it!
I like to write and take photos, and I really enjoy being a good homemaker. It's been un-popular to be a domesticated woman, especially in my circles, but I have never been one to go with the flow. Instead, I put out a book called 'Hellraiser Homemaker', for myself and women like me, and I have to say, it has been pretty well received. I am now working on a cookbook by the same name.
You can get the book here: http://www.lulu.com/amy_bugbee

Here are some pictures of my favorite things:
This is Cheyenne and Myrtle the turtle chillin' at the Motel 6 - They are a pet friendly motel, ya know!
Here's some of my cookie booty from last Christmas, I made 14 varieties! ...Yes, I was cookie crazy!
Here are some flowers I took a picture of in Berkeley, CA. I love flowers!

This is just a glimpse of what you are going to see see when you click on my overlook....

Oh yeah, and here's a picture of an overlook too, just so there is no false advertising...
Sunrise in Wyoming, 6/07