Cigarette Diaries

Girls & Boys 8.14: LA Riots + DJ Berrie

2009-08-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Went to Girls & Boys last night, for the second consecutive Friday in a row. It was suppose to be a night of Flosstradamus, Designer Drugs and DJ Berrie, but I guess the later of the three DJ's coudln't make it, and LA Riots showed up.

The crowd was much better than last weekend, in terms of energy and the amount of people sorrounding the stage.

It feels good to walk up on stage with out a VIP bracelet and take photos with my highly overrated DSLR while dozens of people watch from below, begging for me to take their photo, trying to sneak on stage-only to get kicked off by a bouncer. A camera and the right attitude will get you far in life.

A friend of mine that happens to DJ said, "people always assume that being a DJ is glamorous". I'd say the same goes for a photographer. I enjoy myself @ Girls & Boys, but there's a fine line between doing a job and enjoying yourself. I can't remember the last time I went to a show as a fan, put down the camera and enjoyed myself to the fullest potential.

As usual Webster Hall filled with dudes.

Downstairs in the studio, I walked into this band that was playing. I apologize, because I didn't catch their name but they put on a very exciting performance.

I guess LA Riots replaced Flossradamus last minute, because I didn't expect to see him. For the longest time, I was under the empression that LA Riots was a DUO and not a single DJ.

For some reason people love to have their picture taken. I personally hate it, and avoid it at all costs. There's nothing worse than being the creepy guy in the background of a shot.

Cute girl @ the show that I kept seeing. The chill bouncer that let me on stage, also let her up at one point in the show, but she was shut down by the other bouncer with in minutes.

I learned that the bouncers rule Webster Hall and it's not in your best interest to be on bad terms with them.

A camera gets you a long way in life.

DJ Atrak making a quick appearance. Think he was just intown for the night and wanted to support FlasstraDONEmus (as he put it via twitter)? It's weird because myself and a lot of other people regard these "international" DJ's as celebrities, but when you're around them at a show or something, you realize their just like everyone else-maybe the same goes for "real" celebrities.

I only caught a little bit of Designer Drugs cause LA Riots played for soo long.

It was dude on the lefts birthday and I guess he knew the bouncer well enough to get on stage. You can always tell the people that should be on stage apart from the rest. They're always eager to be close to the DJ, get close to the crowd and ask photographers to take their photo. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I should be back next week. Getting used to the Friday night madness @ Webster Hall. Next week is DIOYY (DJ Set), should be a packed house. Hopefully less bros and more hoes.

FULL GALLERY

Email me, thepopularguru@yahoo.com

Follow me on TWITTER

X

Girls & Boys 8.8.09 PHOTOS

2009-08-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

A diverse crowd, made up of mostly guido men

Favorite act of the night, played some classics n really got the crowd into it.

These guys were from Europe or something, cause they so desperately wanted to get on stage they were throwing money to the bouncers, LMAO.

This dude was all over the place.

Lights

Dude holding the beer was crazy haha, he must have been rolling on some E because he was having a better time than everyone in the building combined. Nice guy though.

"You shoot for lastnightsparty.com right?" Nahhh, I'm not that cool.

This chick was absolutely gorgeous. The guru was there on a mission to take photos though...

Who dis?

Sinden

"Can you take our picture please" A camera will get you far in life.

Table before the destruction

"You gotta take a picture of this" And then bam, Dude in the green shirt desides to knock over all the drinks on the table behind the DJ, turns the table over and throws it to the ground in one swift motion. Luckily I was left unscathed, unlucky for me, I wasn't preprared to take some graphic photos of the occurance. Dude was obviously tossed right after...EPIC move though. Respect.

Sinden was playing some bangers but the crowd was DEAD.

This dude.

Email me, thepopularguru@yahoo.com -leave comments. cya next show!

Where Have You Been?

2009-08-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

I've been up and down, July was the longest month I've ever made it through with out physically harming myself or anyone else. It started off with so much potential, as all July's do. Middle of the summer, finally some "good weather", then all of a sudden Murphy's Law and Karma decide to double team my ass and put me on house arrest for a month.

I spent most of July thinking about how long bad luck could last. While constantly thinking of that, I managed to go out a few times.

MGMT

Club One

MGMT pt 4

Sinden + Viking + Return to Webster Hall

I'm working on consolodating my websites into one and trying my best to put out good content on a consistant basis so bare with my folks.

If I saw you at a show, and you thought I was cool, email me and I'll send you some photos, thepopularguru@yahoo.com

X

Cigarette Diaries

2009-07-02T21:41:00.001-07:00

MGMT, July 1st 2009

I don't write love letters anymore.

...I should not have left.

Not to take shitty photos and loose valuable goods. I was in the middle of darkness trying to load film. Mean while I'm dropping containers of film and god knows what else. I offer a jersey boys a swig of vodka and it disappeared. Should have just enjoyed the show.

More photos HERE.

X

At First You Don't Succeed...Try Again

2009-06-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

*Due to the circumstances there are a lack of photos. I apologize.

"I was on a guest list, I was suppose to get in easily"

Then and there I watched this over weight Spanish "bouncer" tear off the lamination on my ID and proceed to crush it with his hands, all while a crowd of people giggled to themselves. I put up a 5 minute fight prior, asking for it back in as many ways possible, none of which made the situation any better.

I've called the cops on bouncers before and I learned that NYC cops don't give a fuck about "trivial matters." I often wonder what cops do care about, maybe just their job.

"I hope you enjoy your fucking job"

"I love it"

Bouncers all have the same attitude as if their trained not to have any feeling or sympathy. Maybe if I was a girl with a nice rack he would have treated me differently, who knows.

"Get the fuck outta here, never come to this club again"

Been told that one before.

I walk backwards, slowly, as pissed as ever, cursing and shouting, probably making things worse for myself in the future.

But now...

I'm a fighter, I go till the 12th round and if I go down, I'm not going with out a dramatic finish.

What I soon realized after the initial incident, was that I had a second ID on me (I have multiple personalities) and there are two or three entrances into the club, so thought why not try a different ID at a different entrance. All I had to do was avoid the two bouncers that knew me.

I was standing in line a few people back from getting into the club, anxious as a house wife fearing I would be spotted and thrown to pavement.

"Everybody step to the right"

Steve Aoki and his entourage arrive in the same fashion that every other band enters Webster Hall, quickly and with great respect from managment. I spotted an oppurtunity when I noticed Mark The Cobrasnake, a famous nightlife photographer that I've followed for years.

In a panic, I state my name, extend my hand and say "Hey man, can you help me out, I'm having trouble getting in"

He looked at me like I was a wet puppy abandoned in the rain and said, "Yeah sure man, you're with us. Come on"

The very same bouncer that took my ID escorted Aoki, The Cobra Snake and a whole group of young frenchies, MYSELF included to the upstairs, backstage dressing room.

Aoki comes up to me in the middle of the room, looks me dead in the eyes relaxed and with a blank stare and says, "They ripped up your ID man, that sucks"

I regret not taking out my camera earlier for the only photo is a poor shot where you can see Mark to the left and a young model to the right. Everyone was in the room for about 2 minutes before Mark told Aoki they should bounce and everyone else followed. Ironically I didn't see Mark once after that, not on stage, not in the crowd.

Great thanks to Mark for helping me get in,

X

PS. Party photos and more absurdity @ my other blog.

Your Favorite Pink Floyd Song?

2009-06-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

*Please refer to the disclaimer

Gordon's the bartender in the back

To Gordon,

"This is going to sound like kind of weird, and don't take this the wrong way, but what's your favorite Pink Floyd song?"

The bartender, Gordon, meandered his way over while I was pretending to "clean up" the now vacant space, that housed the most insane party I've been to in awhile. The man who says, "what can I get you" the man that had been serving me drinks all night, great tasting vodka sodas and cans of PBR approached me, asking about Pink Floyd.

Such an odd question to ask someone. Such a difficult question to answer.

I thought for a few moments, lifting and twisting my head like people do when they're a bit clueless and don't know what to say.

"Brain Damage"

Brain Damage (Dark Side of The Moon) probably is my favorite song by Floyd but there are so many others that I love equally as much. Brain Damage was my introduction into Pink Floyd, the song that literally made me re-think what life could be. For awhile all of Dark Side of The Moon was my existence, I spent many lonely disassociated nights with a playlist filled with Floyd.

"Yeah Brain Damage into Eclipse...I'm glad you said that, that's a good choice"

Gordon went off into this deeply passionate monologue about how great Pink Floyd was. I really wish I could have filmed it, it was so deep, I can hardly recite it.

"There music is just so passionate, so full of life, it literally speaks to you"

I shook my head agreeably.

"One of the only albums you can listen to from start to finish and enjoy every single song...not just enjoy every song but have an experience listening to the album"

I'm also a big fan of Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Wish You Were here, obviously Money...shit there are so many songs, is it possible to have a favorite? It's mood music...if you're down and out, maybe you turn on Time, if you're missing your lover, maybe Wish You Were Here...and those are just the songs that everyone knows....delve into some of their other stuff, the obscure...Welcome to the Machine. Could go on for days.

In retrospect though, I might have to change my favorite song to the LIVE version of Shine on You Crazy Diamond, on the right day and mood, that song can literally bring tears to my face, it's that strong.

Such a great band, sometimes forgotten amongst all the other legendary rock groups, mistakenly misunderstood sometimes but if you like them, you love them.

"Why'd you ask me that man"

"I dont know" Gordon said looking dead into my mirrored glasses" "you seemed like an interesting person, someone that I could have a real conversation with, there's something about you"

"No shit man, here's my card, this conversation will be up there"

"Cigarette Diaries" Gordon said and fondled the card like everyone does when I hand them my flyer.

Calling me interesting is the greatest compliment a man could give me.

Maybe we'll have another real conversation if we ever cross paths again...how do you feel about the Velvet Undeground.

X

Casual Encounters 1 x 2

2009-06-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

*names are pseudonyms and the characters fictionalized.

First person I talked to the whole night was this tatted man named Nick. The night was still young so I was desperate for conversation and Nick happenend to be sitting at a table alone, judging by his appearance, I figured he had something interesting on his mind (pun intended)

We talked the shit for awhile.

"Where you from, what are you doing, here, do you know michelle, etc"

Nick was from Rhode Island, lived in Chelsea.

"Is this what you do for work" work referring to being a bouncer.

"Nahhh, not really, I do what's available, I'm an actor...what ever I gotta do to make money"

At the time I didn't think much of this comment, but I did mention it to someone else, and they thought it was strange that someone with a tattoo could get acting gigs.

"Must be the go to guy if they need a hard ass looking guy..."

But now in retrospect I'm thinking maybe he was a porn star. When he said "strong man" I thought he just meant bouncer. He said he just got finished with a body building competition so he didn't feel like boozing. Dudes legs are literally the width of my waste.

With out a moments notice Nick says, "I gotta change into my outfit" and straight takes off his shirt and pants right @ the table to leave himself only in a pair of underwear. Dude was more than comfortable with his sexuality, so I'm going to ad male stripper to his possible list of "hustles".

Nick didn't get in any fights, he walked around and took photos with girls, drank for free and got paid.

X

I met that night were a group of girls, and I do apologize that I don't have a picture of all three together (with out the strong man), I didn't intentionally intend for it to happen that way.

The night was moving slow so everyone that was there was confined to the small lounge in between the entrance and wall that housed a bar. A lot of people were outside, waiting to see if the event got bigger, which it definitely did.

"Can I offer any of you another drink" all three look in their cups to see mostly ice and little liquid.

"Ummm no, not right now I think..."

"I get my drinks for free"

There eyes lit up like two year olds on Christmas day.

"Ohhhh you do"

One of the percs of being a photographer I guess and thankfully the bartender was nice enough to hand me three vodka sodas all at once. I grabbed those drinks with two hands like a skilled waiter does with beverages at a restaurant.

We talked the shit for awhile. I learned that with glasses on I look considerably older than I am.

"How old are you"

"how old do you think I am"

"24-28"

I laughed, "21"

They explained that my maturity and character is what lead them to believe I was in my mid to late twenties.

"I'm 32 and you act older than me" one said jokingly.

My theory is I'm not old, I'm young, and I'm going to be 21 for as long as I can.

"You look/seem like a person that belonged in the 70's...like @ Studio 54". I'm not exactly sure how to take that, could surely mean a lot of different things, both positive and negative. Hopefully they just mean I was super cool and a bit out there.

Somehow we collectively came up with this idea to stage some photos, involving me and the brunette chick, who wore the same glasses as me, except hers were clear. Every girl that wears clear lens wayfarers turns into a sexy librarianesc woman, which is very attractive.

"You just got called out in public for cheating on your girlfriend"

"So you guys just ran into each other and you haven't seen one another for awhile"

"Two socialites getting photographed by the paparazzi from multiple angles at the sametime"

The ideas kept going, one of them was an actress, I think she looks a tad big like Mandy Moore, she was the one coming up with most of the ideas.

"How about you're mad @ one of your friends because she stole the guy you were interested in (me)" I was having so much fun with this game.

We had a few more drinks, on me of course, and then it was finally time to migrate to the 11 o'clock dance party. We all walked over and slowly slipped away from one another. I never saw them again, except the brunette, who I thought was quite gorgeous in that outfit and clear lens glasses, but I saw her talking to some dude the whole time and never approached her.

Story of my life,

X

I'm From France

2009-06-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Met this interesting French guy @ And Everyone Laughed. Late night. drinking PBR's, cops shut down the party, I'm tired, worn out, the sun is starting to rise.

I sit down and jump into conversation with Jean. We must have talked for an hour and for half of that time I thought he was from Germany.

"You speak French"

"Yes, I speak French"

His English was fine, but he had a strong accent so it was difficult to understand what he was saying.

"So when are you going back to Germany"

"I'm from France"

The booze must have been getting to me, why else wouldn't I be able to connect a distinct french accent with this man.

We spoke of Paris and how great the city was, studies and women. I offered him a cigarette because I knew he was a smoker (French), we smoked inside until someone told us we couldn't.

"Let me pay you for this cigarette"

I carry two packs of cigarettes @ all times during the night for a reason, a dollar in my pocket isn't going to turn me into a millionaire.

"Let me buy you a drink"

How could I let someone buy me a drink when I got my drinks for free?

We drank PBR's and had a few more smokes, Michelle came over and we took turns naming french electro DJs in a circle.

"Daft Punk, Kavinsky, Petite Pilous, etc"

French people are great. After talking for an hour or so, Jean said if I was ever in Paris to get in touch and I could stay at his place. He lived right in the center of Paris. I couldn't knock on my neighbors door and ask to stay at their place. And while we were both drunk, I know he was serious.

"I think I gotta head out man, we'll be in touch"

I stayed to help "clean up" and Jean left.

"Why did you talk to that guy for so long" asked the Michelle

"Because that's what it's all about cigarettes, good Conversation and interesting people"

Don't know if I'll ever see Jean again, but hell...

X

To Jim

2009-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

"You married"

Jim smirked and laughed quietly to himself and in a very short and shy tone said, "Nah, women think I'm crazy".

I think that line will forever stick with me as the truest way to tell someone why you're single. A lot of people talk the shit and make up stories about how they just got out a long term relationship, or they're not looking for a girl at the moment but Jim was honest about his situation.

"Care for a smoke"

"Sure"

Jim and I walk outside, I offer him a Camel light, he rips off the filter and smokes it like a lucky strike. While having a smoke, I learn that Jim has been riding motorcycles for awhile. He had a horrible accident driving 75mph on the highway, with just a shirt and some jeans. Somehow he lived with only a few minor scars.

"I was telling the EMT to take me home...I was out of the hospital in one day, broke the cast off my wrist and treated my wounds the old fashioned way, salt water and alcohol."

"A hospital is the most expensive hotel in the area, $1500 a night"

Jim spoke softly and took long pauses between sentences. He seemed a bit down and out, like he didn't belong @ this babyshower. He kept talking about how he was the worst guitar player in the room, which definitely wasn't true. Jim wasn't drinking that day but he's certainly the sort of guy that you would want to sit down with and have a couple pints of beer.

If we meet again,

X

To The Homeless Community

2009-06-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Looks like the homeless have really stepped up their hussle game. A lot of have quit the business of sitting on the street, holding cardboard signs in the direction of selfish New Yorkers, and now casually walk up to you and ask if you could spare some change. Homeless people are no longer the smelly, decrepit old man with no teeth, I've had long in depth conversations with people that claim they're something and at the end of the conversation they ask for something.

"Hey man, if you could spare any change, I'd really appreciate it...I need 4.50 to...." Blah, Blah, Blah.

"I only have a penny in my pocket"

"That's fine, what ever you have"

This happens to me all the time and more often that not, I don't have any change in my pockets. The last time it happened I was in the east village, and this homeless person comes up to me, starts talking about how cool my glasses are, and then of course asks for change, mean while I didn't have ANY money for myself. It's bothersome and a bit rude if you ask me to assume that people have money to give away.

I politely responded, "I don't have ANY money on me mann".

There have been days when I literally don't have a dollar to spend in the city and when I'm broke do I walk up to strangers and ask for money? Hell NO! During these tough and turbulent economic times, it's almost insulting to ask someone for money.

Now a few moths ago, I used to empty my pockets out to homeless people, I figured they all had it bad and I whole heartedly felt bad for them. Not necessarily because they had one leg and claimed to be a war vet but because well to do businessmen were walking right past them with out missing a step.

That's changed though. I'm going to be the selfish asshole and say that most "homeless" people don't need to be begging on the streets.

Well I guess now that Obama is President, he'll CHANGE that situation...smh

I AM TOO BROKE TO ❤ NYC

The/Pop/GURU

To clarify I'm all for helping homeless people, I just think that it's a job for the city to handle, not me.

Sex or Drugs For Life?

2009-04-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

"If you had to pick Sex or Drugs for the rest of your life what would you choose" it's one or the other and just because you pick Sex doesn't mean you're garunteed anything, same goes with drugs, it just means that you couldn't have the other...

We asked a gang of people and got some interesting replies, mostly "Sex dude".

This guy gave one of the most extravagantly interesting and slightly disturbing responses to the question. With out give away away too much of the the Documentary, the guy said "Sex".

__________

Intro to BK!

The night was pushed back an hour because Gobs The Zombie was having a little too much fun with the fake blood and visuals.

I think @ one point someone started to chant "SEX N DRUGS...SEX N DRUGS", haha, maybe it was me?

There was evidently no rush to start the set so we went up to the roof and Logan nearly fell asleep. Someone had the idea to take hydroxycut mixed with a few shots of vodka which apparently didn't sit well. Ironically a few days later the FDA told everyone to stop using that shit because it was dangerous. That's why I stick to the real drugs.

Like always I had a problem getting prime location for shooting. We decided ahead of time we wanted overhead shots, so the crowd could be seen but this one bouncer was just not letting it happen, as if we were @ Webster Hall or some shit (no disrespect to my man Sam Black).

I spoke with the right people, got on stage, The Zombie closed his set and introduced SXNDRGS.

SXNDRGS Open @ REFUGE from Popular Guru on Vimeo.

There was a nice crowd, again very diverse.

"Who brought the wild, crazy ghetto crowd?" SB

"Not us, we brought the chill SXNDRGS/Philly crowd"

People had fun, everyone except this chick that was sitting by the stage just doing nothing. I asked her if she wanted to dance or something and she responded by saying "I don't know how".

Refuge was sick, great venue, if you haven't been check out one of their parties, they're wild. Hope to see SXNDRGS back soon!

So what would it be, Sex or Drugs?

FULL ALBUM!

www.myspace.com/sxndrgs

The Popular Guru

Gobs The Zombie @ Refuge

2009-04-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

Gobs The Zombie is the name...most "interesting" set I've seen in awhile.

I walked in with SXNDRGS and obviously by passed cover charges and all that, considering I'm the official photographer, ya know.

I was feeling Gob The Zombie, he was playing some epic tunes and had this whole stage act that included a projection system broadcasting videos he produced himself (from other content), a couple girls dressed as some creepy I-don't-know-what's with blood running down their chins and plenty of strange gadgets.

"Hey, mind if I take your photo?"

"Go ahead"

"Hey by the way, why are you guys dressed like that?" I couldn't understand what they were saying because the music was so loud but I later relized they were part of the performance.

To be honest, Gob The Zombie went on a little long. As a matter of fact he pushed everything back an hour, which wasn't a big deal except SXNDRGS was anxiously awaiting to perform, plus we could have left the crib atleast half n hour earlier and had some more Vodka.

Gob's set was all over the place. He was playing bangers, then hip hop, then crazy hard core trance, it was wicked.

At one point he brought out all these fake bloody body parts and handed out small plastic bones.

It was all very over the top for me but I liked how he put his heart into it and really came up with some original ideas, good looks on carry that crowd over for SXNDRGS!

Check out Gobs The Zombie via his MYSPACE PAGE!

Keep in touch brosoff.

The Popular Guru

Graced with Presence

2009-04-26T12:53:00.001-07:00

So the other night I went to the hotel Grace for a birthday bash.

It was a strange location, not because it was run down or anything but because I didn't get the feeling it was an actual hotel. I suspected that only a few people stayed there, most likely tourists with no better sense than to stay @ a hotel in Times Square.

The crowd was very "diverse". The lounge was literally separated by race. Blacks/minorities in the VIP area, whites/others by the bar, most of them partial clothed because there was a pool.

Wegro

There was some integration though, this one white boy that convinced me to sneak a 2 liter bottle of Skyy Vodka into the hotel was all about crossing the line of segregation.

"Who the fuck sneaks a bottle into the VIP room?"

The scene was very uptight. Not much socializing. I only talked to a few people, no one seemed that interesting.

The pool reminded me of a roman bathing room. Every time I glanced over it seemed like it was 90% dudes in the pool, all white people.

I wasn't feeling the vibe, felt like a sweet sexteen or something lame like that, no disrespect to the honory. Not my kinda scene. People were literally walking around in bathing suits and towels wrapped around them like they were in Cabo.

Shouts to the birthday boy...

Enough said,

The Popular Guru

The Popular Guru

After the Block Party is the After Party

2009-04-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

**DISCLAIMER: I apologize in advance if this post offends anyone.

So the after party was the most interesting part of the day/night, nothing like what I expected.

Sometime between walking over to the after party and waiting, the guys from SXNDRGS and I decided to indulge in a couple vodka shots. Vodka hasn't treated me well in sometime, the last time I drank vodka I blacked out and fucked up my hand/face.

The past has never stopped me from embarking on the future though, so we all took about 4 vodka shots in like 15 minutes and since we were so damn tired from partying the whole day a caffeine pill (yes-caffeine pills exists and they're a joke).

"Do you give a fuck?"

"Nahh, I really don't"

There were a few bouncers outside of the house when we arrived, black dudes of course, not sure what their purpose was-don't remember them checking ID or anything of that sort.

DJ Beebs got right to work and began to play some tunes, an eclectic mix of top 40 songs mixed in with a few electro house bangers. I think I heard Rhinna playing @ one point though, which makes my ears bleed.

There was a refrigerator full of Pabst and a keg that was used as an anal butt plug for some dude.

So the music was playing people were getting fucked up but the house rules really sucked...no smoking in side, ladi da dadi da. I couldn't figure out who's house it was, but some girl kept coming up to Logan asking for 5 bucks for beer. She didn't ask me for shit and good thing because I literally had no money and would have never paid.

There was this girl that was dressed in a red tank top that seemed to be all over the place,grinding on guys, moving from one to the next, the kind of girl that would dance with a wall if it could move side to side.

I found out she had a boyfriend along the way, a real sketch ball who turned out to be a huge weirdo because he told me he had no problem if I got with his girl almost as if he was insisting. Dude kept putting his hand on my shoulder in a passive agressive manner which almost set me off.

"I don't care bro, go for it"

I smoked a blunt with the only other black person that was @ the party, Andrew. When he introduced himself to me he said, "My names Andrew I like to smoke weed and fuck with people" , I'm not sure about fucking with people but the man definitely enjoyed his ganja. A few of us smoked out the kitchen, which was apparently against the rules.

After the blunt I was beyond twisted. Downer fest for me. Malnutrititioned and dehydrated plus alcohol and weed equals comatose sleep. So I decided I better throw on the wayfarers before someone got worried about me.

I kept noticing the girl in red talking to my boy Troy. He had this look on his face that said he wasn't interested but she was right up in his face like she wanted a kiss or something.

I was game over sometime around 1 or 2am. Couldn't walk or talk straight, had no interest in doing anything but falling asleep. I was so desperate to get away from the party, I went outside around the corner and sat on the ground. Getting fucked up in a city you're not familiar with can be frightening. Luckily for me, my boy Logan had my back.

"You're gunna be alright" He kept saying but I knew damn well I was gunna fine.

I was driven home and layed to rest which concluded my night, the best part about the whole situation was the fact that Logan gave me 10 dollars because he thought I might take a cab, which gave me just enough money to get home the next day.

Not sure what ever one else did but supposedly everyone got pretttty trashed (Harry).

Not all the Vodka for me from now on.

The Popular Guru

Got this message from somebody:

If you're going to come to philly, you should learn to be a little more courteous. It was nice of Daniella to invite you. So don't be rude to her or her friends or we're not going to welcome you back.

You should be more mindful of what you write about on your little blog. If you're going to be judgmental, at least develop your prose style a little more.

It sounds like you've never rented a property before if you can't understand a few simple house rules. I hope this fact didn't conflict too much with your normal rockstar lifestyle.

Sorry you were too wasted to enjoy the party...

To Block Shock Crew

2009-04-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Daniella,

Thanks for putting me on as an official photographer. It's funny how we came together, considering I just happened to find your group on facebook and knew SXNDRGS. You did a good job keeping things in order and made the whole event reallllly fun, props for keeping it together.

To Troy,

You're a killer DJ man. Your energy is crazy, love your style. Crazy that you know Gabe n them, small world after all.

To Andrew,

The multi-talented man. Good luck with the documentary, let me know if you need help with editing or anything. Sweet camera by the way.

To Andrew H,

"My name is Andrew, I like to smoke weed and fuck with people" I remember that's the first thing that I heard you say, HAHA. I think we were the only two black people chillin the entire time at the Block Party. Good looks on the blunt during the after party, next time we link up we gotta spark up man.

To Ben,

Dude thanks for letting me crash @ your place and providing me with a comfortable bed to rest my tired bones-it was a comfortable sleep to say the least. Not sure what I would have done if I didn't have people looking after me. Sorry I bounced so early, don't know why I did actually, I'm just always on the move, can't stand to stay in one place too long.

I feel like we have this crazy crew of multi talented artists, musicians and DJs and if we all stick together we can make something out of all of this. Definitely need to have another Block Party in the summer. I'm thinking July, in the dead heat, turn it into a festival of some sort. I dig alternative bands and all that but I don't think they mixed well with the other music. Wouldn't mind just listening to bangers all day n nite. Guess you gotta break it up somehow though.

I'm planning on moving to Philly "eventually", which could take awhile but I have my sights set on the place.

To Everyone Else,

To all the names I forgot and people I met but don't remember, those that dig my photography and steez, cheers!

PS. If anyone wants prints of photos, hit me up thepopularguru@yahoo.com!

ALSO!

SXNDRGS from Popular Guru on Vimeo.

The Popular Guru

Thanks Janelle

2009-04-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

To Janelle Monae

The beautiful and talented Janelle Monae, who I was privileged enough to see perform live @ Toads Place a few nights ago, had this to say about my photos/website...

"I LOVE the pics! You are awesome! Great eye. Great site. Thank you so much for being there.;) Thank you for your support.Give up the cigs!xo

Janelle Monae / JanelleMonae"

I was shocked when I got THAT via direct message on Twitter.com

Apparently the card I gave to one of her band mates made it up through the grapevine and to Janelle herself!

It feels good to know that people are paying attention. I don't know about the "giving up the cigs" part (the site wouldn't be the same with out) but we'll see what happens.

Thanks Janelle!

The Popular Guru

To The Fans of Of Montreal

2009-04-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Of Montreal was an extravagant event to say the least. Toads Place was packed an hour before anyone was even on stage; getting to the front looked nearly impossible. I noticed a very diverse crowd; the teenagers that had school the next morning were rampant but then I also saw a 40 something year old milf browsing aswell as an older fellow standing beside me during the show.

Finding a good place to shoot was a difficult task. I couldn't see myself pushing my way front and center to the stage, although this being CT and not NYC it probably could have been done, so I settled for the corner of stage left to shoot Janelle Monae. The bouncers @ Toads are super cool because they understood that I was a photographer there to do a job, so they did everything they could to give me good position.

15 minutes before Of Montreal went on, I convinced one of the bouncers to let me into this area in between each of the barriers that separated the section of the venue where you could drink booze and the main section floor. I was the only one in that area, minus a bouncer who was so cool for letting me stay there-had it been a different bouncer I'm not sure I would have been allowed to stay there, but it certainly made me feel important.

It took awhile for the show to get going and people were growing anxious, but when this 6 foot something guy dressed in a blazer and wolf mask came on stage, that signified that the show was about to start.

3/4 of the way through the show my battery died so I had to use this trick to get a couple more shots. If you shake a battery for a minute or so, it gives it a little bit of juice to keep going, works well with AA batteries.

Towards the end of the set I look in my bag and realize I had my charger the entire time and was positioned right next to an open outlet.

Of Montreal is a very diverse band. They're a little flamboyant and out there but they still have that hard rock element to them. 21st century glam rock maybe? I don't know. The guitarist was wild, loved his outfit and he was ill.

They had people dressed up as different creatures roaming the stage like little hobits periodically through the show.

I met a bunch of people @ the show but forgot everyones name, if you're reading this, hit me up via thepopularguru@yahoo.com

Full album of photos coming soon!

That's all folks,

The Popular Guru

To Janelle Monae Fans

2009-04-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last night Janelle Monae opened up for Of Montreal @ the legendary Toads Place in New Haven, CT.

"That was the opener? I thought she was headlining" said a fan.

Janelle's performance was that good. Full of energy from start to finish. You might expect that someone performing in CT wouldn't give a good performance, but she ROCKED!

The crowd was definitely into it, I think a lot of people came out JUST to see her.

I was a bit skeptical at first when I saw that Janelle was the opener for Of Montreal, the two didn't really go together in my mind, but in retrospect, they do mesh quite nicely. She even came back on stage to sing a duet with Of Montreal!

When I was @ the bar over getting a drink, Janelle whipped out this huge square canvas and began painting some abstract piece that she eventually gave to some fans. She also discarded her jacket.

I was right up on stage right. I thought it would be bad ass if she took my Wayfarers and put them on for the performance...but she didn't.

Her band mates were super cool aswell, really friendly...I took a photo of the guitarist in the bathroom when he was fixing his DU. Dude on the left kinda reminds me of Merlin Bronques (for you hipsters). I coulda probably gone back stage to meet Janelle but had to get good position for Of Montreal.

Next time it will be Janelle headlining!

The Popular Guru

20 Seconds of Twin Sister

2009-04-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Twin Sister @ Lit Lounge 4.9.09

I went to shoot Twin Sister @ The Lit Lounge but got side tracked over Sake Bombs in the East Village. I caught 20-30 seconds of the show but still managed to enjoy the show and get some decent photos

To Twin Sister,

"I'm the photographer for Twin Sister, are they still playing" I asked the bouncer.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, go right ahead, just show them your ID"

I told the bouncer the same thing and was let in with out them even looking at my ID or asking for the cover charge (not sure they were still collecting).

Finally a good photo of Gabe

I was a bit overwhelmed by all the people and the excitement from Twin Sister's performance. I walked into their last song and the vibe was good. The guys from Twin Sis were really rocking out, giving the performance their all, Drea bobbing with a beer in hand and nice outfit, Bryan in his zone, and the rest of their guys doing their thing.

Bryan always giving it his all

I made my way to the left side fot venue because last time I shot predominately from the right so I wanted to get some different shots.

I had to fight my way to a decent position and immediately prepared myself for the quickest shoot I've ever accomplished.

I caught less than a minute of the performance but maybe that's all I needed. Working on the fly was interesting, haven't had to ever work like that but I'm sure I will have to in the future.

Biggest fan-guy was at last show, front row!

Twin Sister was forced off the stage, despite the crowd wanting more. That's the one down side to Lit, they have a tight schedule with no room for improvozaton. Such a constrast from Death By Audio, the venue where I first saw Twin Sis where you could essentially do what ever you wanted.

There was an open bar from 12:00-12:30 but it wasn't much of an open bar because they served limited drinks and insisted you pay $1.

I passed out some flyers to promote the band and my photography, talked with Drea for a minute and bounced early because the Lit Lounge was quickly turning into a dance club full of loosers.

By the way Eric, nice guitar you were playing that night!

I'm looking forward to the May 1st show in Port Chester. I'm hoping for a nice day so I can explore and shoot some footage. If you guys aren't doing anything, lets all get together and shoot some video(s).

A now classic shot

Looked like another great show from what I saw, nice to see everybody, sorry I was late and that we didn't hang out after.

Everybody check out Twin Sister via www.twinsistermusic.com -download the EP it's free and wonderful!

The Popular Guru

The Night of SXNDRUGS

2009-04-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

(Right to Left)
Berry, James, Logan, Harry

On the 9th of February I went into NYC to shoot Twin Sister @ The Lit Lounge in the East Village but got distracted when I met up with SXNDRGS for an impromptu Sake Bombin' session. Over the course of 4 rounds of bombin' Entourage came up.

To SXNDRGS,

"Well then who am I?"

"You're the token black guy"

I will not stand to be the "token black guy" of the crew. If anything I should be Vince. While I admit, I am no actor, not by trade atleast, I'm the most charasmatic, laid back and uniquely handsome member of the group. If you really pay attention to Entourage and study it like I have you'll realize Vince is hardly an actor, he's more of just...THE MAN.

So if I can't be Vince, who can I be?

The only other character I can associate myself with is E and only because he's a business minded individual. I do have a little bit of Arie deep down inside of me but that side of me only manifests itself when I forget to take my medicine.

SXNDRGS

So after watching the entire 4th season of Entourage in two days it became clear to me who I was. Billy Walsh, the director of Medellin and the most bad ass character on Entourage. Billy is based on the likeness of Quentin Tarantino, Vincent Gallo, Robert Rodriguez and one of the producers of Entourage. If and when I become a famous director, I will behave according to the manner in which Billy carries himself. The sporadic, unconventional nature of his life and the passion for art is what I'm all about, words can hardly describe the connection.

So I'll forget being Vince, you guys can fight for that spot. If you ask me, Harry most resembles Vince, James would be E...as for Turtle and Drama. I suppose Berry would have to be Drama and Logan Turtle but in all honesty they don't resemble either.

Sake Bombin was fun but I much rather drink for free, once I start spending it's hard for me to stop.

James + Logan

To Logan,

Don't dance/act like a girl at a night club in the East Village, it's New York, no one's gunna think you're funny, they'll just assume you're gay. I don't think that stripper was having nearly as much fun as you were.

To James,

You're a cool dude, I like how you figured out the bill on the top of your head and called the watress out for being Chineese although we were at a Japaneese Sushi bar.

To Berry,

The level headed guy you want to have a round for those rough nights.

To Harry,

The master mind behind the machine, thanks for letting me stay @ your place, sorry I had to bounce so early but I'm a free spirit, too free to be confined to the west side of 42nd street.

The Popular Guru

"From What I Can Obersve...It Was a Goodnight"

2009-03-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

First go to TwinSisterMusic.com put on a song from their LP or play their new demo called "Smoke" then listen then read!

"From what I can remember, it was a goodnight"

It's been almost a week now and that's all I can recall? Let's try this out....

I went to my friend Alberto's artshow early on in the night, around 6pm.

It was fun, I walked up and down stairs with a couple of drunk girls and in between mixing beer, wine and ='s I observed some great art (this night is all about observation)!

The art show was more of a party than an art show, they had this weird room filled with homemade treats that students made. I couldn't help but think there was something funny about all these treats but maybe it was just me (I did eat some Apple Pie that I thought was delicious at the time but was really just too sweet)

I couldn't stay long because I had to go shoot Twin Sister @ the Lit Lounge.

Thankfully the place was easy to find, I remember being extremely eager to get there for I feared that Twin Sister might be on already...so worried that when my friend bumped into her friend, I cut their conversation short in a rude manner by pointing at my watch to signal that it was time to go.

Lit Lounge was a nice venue, loved the red lighting (reds my favorite color) and also how it was shaped like a long, wide corridor (very narrow).

I saw Drea, the singer from Twin Sister except I didn't exactly recognize her because she looked quite different at the time but in retrospect I think she looked distinctly the same, just different hair obviously.

I drank some more beer and made the mistake of bringing alcohol outside which was dumb, I thought I was in London again and we were allowed to drink on the streets, but the bouncer didn't find that to be amusing and threatened to kick me out for good if I ever did that again.

Then I talked to a girl outside that might have lived in CT, but I remember she said she worked with animals and kids with mental illness(what's the politically correct term these days?) in conjunction with one another to help treat their disorders.

I had the urge to smoke a cig but had no rolling papers (I currently roll my own to cut costs) so I went across the street and of course they had the largest selection of rolling papers I've ever seen in my life and some guy says to his friend.

"These are the best rolling papers in the entire world mann" and he signals the cashier to grab him a pack and so I do the samething except I just open the display and take them myself.

The papers actually turned out to be the worst papers in the world because they were enormous and incredibly thin but they were probably smoking ganja, not shag.

Back to the show...

The show was great. Only thing was it seemed to go by really quickly though...I think they were rushed because they didn't play my favorite song, "Dry Hump".

Got some great shots, couple of decent videos and enjoyed watching the band play for the second time. Much more polished show, crowd seemed to dig them, whole place was packed and moving around.

Went home with Bryan, Eric and Drea. Or actually we went to someones apartment first and hung there for awhile, drank somemore beer.

Then we went to Bryan and Erics apartment, but before that got more beer...then I got hungry and bought Bryan an 8 dollar sandwitch (which was damn good).

Drank half a beer (Red Stripe) watched 5 minutes of a movie I don't recall the name of and passed out on a chair for a couple hours.

Then moved myself from the chair to Eric's room, where I slept for the night.

and I woke up in that room, to a beautiful spring day!

More photos HERE!

The End,

The Popular Guru

To Slim

2009-02-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

I was escorted around central Philly by a convicted murderer. I only got two shitty photos of the guy because he told me he didn't want his photo to be on the internet.

Slim

I got off the china bus after almost 2 hours on the road from NYC to Philly. Hungover when I arrived, from 4 Heinekins that I drank on the ride; a tall, older looking black guy offered to light my cigarette.

To Slim,

Unsure of where I was going I asked this man if he knew where Broad street was. So much can be said about a city based on how people give directions.

In the town I live in, in CT, people will go completely out of their way to give you step by step directions, complete with landmarks and friendly suggestions.

In NYC the truth is, people can never really give definite directions, often times they only have a slight idea of where you're headed and the best they can do is "point you in the right direction" which is generally in the opposite direction that you came. But I'm sure no one would EVER escort you to where you needed to be.

Philadelphia comes across as somewhat of a desperate city. This man, who introduced himself as Slim informed me that I need not take a taxi because I would probably get ripped off.

"As soon as they see you with that rollidex, you're done" referring to my blackberry.

"Come on, ill show you" and so he escorted me to exactly where I needed to be and on the way we talked and schooled me on how things worked in Philly. But of course, during these desperate times in this even more desperate city, everything has a price.
He told me 10 dollars was his "fee", and in my mildly drunk, ignorant and naive state, I happily paid the man. I actually dropped my wallet in the middle of the street and thankfully a lady picked it up and flagged me down because in retrospect, if it had been anyone else that picked it up, I would have been SHIT out of luck 15 minutes into my trip.

Slim

Wednesday afternoon I found my way back only to see Slim standing @ the bus stop in the same outfit he wore the day before as if he had no home and slept on the street.

Slim was no employee of the cab stand, more like a street entrepreneur, someone whom made money how ever he could.

I told Slim I needed a cheap ride home, and in the same way he escorted me to my location the first day he took me around the area to some Chineese guy that sold tickets.

"Come on, follow me"

A long the way we talked some more, and in between history lessons on why Cambodian women resembled Black women I found out that Slim was a convicted murderer. This isn't the first time I've met someone that's gotten into trouble, but rarely people ever just come out and own up to their crimes. People like to twist their story to make it sound like they were somehow wrongfully accused or something to that effect but not slim, he was explicit as could be he owned up to his crime in the most sincere way; he killed a man. Slim spent something like a decade in prison and then after stabbing someone in the joint was sentenced to an additional 3 years.

"They were gunna give me 5 but the judge had sympathy cause the guy that I stabbed was a rapist"

To be honest, I wasn't scared of Slim. I could sense that he was something of a changed man.

"Can I take a picture of you Slim?"

"Nah brotha, sorry, I don't want my picture taken"

"Hey man, I need some liquor, where's the nearest Chineese liquor store?"

"What you need?"

"A 40"

"Aww man, we just came from the 40 store, why didn't you tell me then"

There was one moment when I was bit nervous and thought Slim had an elaborate plan to rob me. He had ample opportunity to do so, and I had no shame in showing off my wealth and upbringing (walking around with a 600 dollar camera, diamond watch, plenty of cash) but even when we walked down a back alley Slim was nothing but genuinely kind to me carefully instructing me to take pictures of certain landmarks.

I parted ways with Slim @ the bus station and while he succesfully hustled 5 dollars out of me in exchange for helping me obtain a cheap 5 dollar ticket and showing me a place to buy a 40oz.

"When you coming back brotha"

"Soon maybe"

"Alright well, make sure you stop by and say what's up to brotha slim when you touch down"

"Will do"

Keep your head up man,

The Popular Guru

Sent Via Rollidex By AT&G

Inner Circle of Acquaintances

2009-02-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Last night I was invited to a loft party in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The crowd was interesting, because everyone knew one or two people there, some maybe a few more, but no one knew everyone, not even the hostess.

I'm starting to really enjoy these low key events that take place in BK. Why deal with the hassle of a large venue, the crowds, the wait, the anal staff-when instead, I can enjoy myself while spending less money?

You never know what to expect when you attend these events though-it's like you expect one thing and get another. Usually works out nicely though.

A couple people were performing that night. Marquese, a talented, young, singer/songwriter/guitarist/violinist and Luke (from The Kooks), sort of "headlined" the night while others joined in for a few songs here and there, it was more of a well organized "pass the guitar session" than anything else but made for an enjoyable night.

Overall the talent was AMAZING.

I was pretty taken back by the performance of Marques. Its not everyday you come across a brother in riding pants, that sings, plays the violin, guitar and does it all WELL.

As my friend put it, "and it's not corny either".

He was so on point through out the night, I can't say he missed one note, perfection in my eyes. Even though it was a small gathering of friends and acquaintances, he still had the vibrato of a poised performer taking a grander stage. He was kind of shy and reserved when he wasn't performing, softly informing everyone that there was a 10 minute intermission or that the night was almost over, but when he performed it was almost as if he spoke through music.

Luke from The Kooks was a really cool guy. Its weird because if you didn't recognize him and didn't witness him play guitar, you would have never known he was an international pop music star.

"Hey man, we haven't met yet...I'm Luke"

"Hey what's up man"

"Good to meet you mate"

There was no shame in Luke's performance, he played a few acoustic songs by himself, and played along with Marques for a few others. Luke's a fine guitar player and singer/songwriter.

My friend sang back up and killed it! I didn't know she was a singer until she went up on stage with Marques, definitely give her props for rising to the occasion.

The whole night was really inspiring. Kinda made me wanna just put myself out there and see what happens. I feel like so much of it has to do with having the balls to take risks.

Check out Marques Toliver's MYSPACE.

The Popular Guru

Sent Via Blackberry by AT&T

To Kyle Gilbride (more from Death by Audio)

2009-02-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

Kyle is a kid that looks like Rick Ross, except he's skinny, white, has a red beard and he doesn't rap, he actually plays acoustic guitar and he's a really talented song writer. I saw him perform along with Twin Sister, Data Dog and Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt @ Death by Audio, a DIY music venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn the other night.

To Kyle,

Hey man, photos didn't come out as well as I thought they would. The lighting in there was borderline none existent, just one of the beauties/downfalls of film.

Anyway...the performance.

So I left the venue for a minute to step out and get some fresh air, even thought it was freezing outside. When I left there weren't many people there, the lights were on no music was being played but what I returned to was dim lighting and a few dozen people sitting on the floor, quietly observing you play guitar.

No mic, no backing band, no percussion, no interesting strobe lights, just a kid with a guitar, playing for an intimate group of friends and strangers.

It was so quite I was hesitant to take any photos. My Pentax has a very LOUD shutter, so I only took photos after you were finished playing, didn't want to disturb your playing. Quietness can be a sign of deep interest so you might take that as a compliment.

Don't mean to be judgemental (isn't that essence of this blog...or blogging period? LOL) but I thought the innocence of your performance was really touching. Playing with no mic, softly singing, almost whispering into the ears of your observers, periodically looking down at your notebook between songs to observe your hand written set list, made for a tender moment.

Hope to see play again man, next time I'll get some better photos.

The Popular Guru

To Twin Sister

2009-02-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

The other night I made it down to Death By Audio, a DIY music venue in Williamsburg Brooklyn, Twin Sister and a few other bands/performers played before Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt.

To view the complete album from that night, go to THIS page. Or email me and I'll send higher res photos.

__________________________________________________________________

To Twin Sister,

READERS, listen to THIS and read...

You guys were definitely a "breath of fresh are" from all the other talent that night. I haven't seen a "rock band" perform since...Black Mountain in September of 08. How ironic, I hate to compare bands, especially bands that I like and respect but I also can't help but make the connection. Alternative, psychedelic rock band, with a female singer...come on.

I enjoy bands made up of all guys and one female.

Actually no, I enjoy female talent period. There's something attractive about seeing a woman up on stage, especially when she happens to be cute as it is. Women make good performers because women are naturally good at expressing emotion (I think), my marketing teacher told me that, as opposed to men of course which doesn't say much.

It's definitely bad ass to have one female in a band full of dudes.

I think the photos compliment the spontaneity and DIY astetic to the night? "Not exactly what I expected"-that summs it up nicely.

There's definitely something intriguing about being so close to musicians while they play. Even when you're front row at concert, in a small venue, with a medium sized crowd, you're still a good 3-5 feet below the performers and a few yards a way from any of them. Juxtapose that with Death by Audio, a closet compared to even the smallest venues that I've been to, one that really doesn't even have a stage which allows the audience and performers to be at eye level with one another and literally only a couple feet apart, makes for a better show IMO.

I suppose that's why "the stage" was invented, so performers don't have to look directly into the eyes of their audience members. I've never really been on stage, but I'm sure it'd be distracting, nerve racking even, to have to look directly into the eyes of your audience. I personally felt distracting, there were a couple times I locked eyes dead on with the chick that was singing, felt like I was disrupting the focus, made me kinda weak at the knees for a minute-like when you find yourself staring at a girl from across the room for too long, and she turns her head to see you drooling over her.

You guys were really great though, I enjoy a band that's psychedelic and a bit out there, but can still bring it home and rock out for a couple songs. My favorite tune happens to be "Dry Hump", oddly enough, LOL. I also enjoyed "I Want a House". I was talking to Brian and he said you guys were more of a "recording band", thought the performance was pretty stellar (never thought I'd find myself using that word) for a band that's more into "recording".

Book some more shows why don't ya!

Keep up what you're doing, next time you're in NYC, I'll definitely be in the crowd.

check out Twin Sisters myspace.

Best of luck,

The Popular Guru

PS. Sorry I took so many pictures of the keyboard player(no disrespect), I really didn't have much room to maneuver and the lighting was best where he was stationed. The bass player was sort of stuck in the background and Brian hidden behind equipment.

To My Mexican Lawyer Marc

2009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Me, Not Marc^

Marc is my Mexican lawyer. We met in early September under some unusual circumstances and have grown to become best friends. Marc isn't a lawyer in the literal sense, he's more of an advisor...think Fear and Loathing.

To Marc,

When are you going to call me dude? It's been weeks since we last spoke. You ignored my pleas when I was in dire need of some advice, you missed my birthday yesterday but I got your text at 6am this morning asking if I was awake. No man, sorry, I was sleeping at 6am, not awake and not answering text messages, but I think I texted you back @ 10am saying, "now I'm awake", maybe I forgot to. Who knows?

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot. You wouldn't know but my life has come to an complete HAULT. I don't go to school anymore, don't work, shit I don't do anything. I'm starting to feel like you in some ways, falling down that slippery path that leads...NO WHERE! Lucky for me I still have a few things that I can hold onto to keep my creative juices flowin. Last night my grandparents called me and I had no good news to tell them. Couldn't even make up something interesting to tell them. Samething happened when I saw my friends. I had nothing INTERESTING to talk about. No exciting stories, no experiences, NOTHING!

Also me, not Marc

_____________

The Recession

_____________

I'm officially broke. I checked my bank account, I have 1.75 to my name and a bag of change by my desk. I remember the last time I was broke, it was fun. I would go into the city with no money and still find away to go to concerts and get around town. Being broke is both liberating and frightening . You know when you go out to eat at a decent place and you only have 20 bucks in your pocket, so you wait for the tab to come and in your mind your deducting every expense to see if you have enough money. Well there are situations like that, that make being broke a bit awkward at times, but other than that, it's good to be FREE again.

I think sometimes freedom can be scary. That might be why you're so unsure of the future. Now that I actually have nothing to do, and everything is pretty much on the table with my parents as far as school, work and ambition, I feel....weird. It's almost like I have too much freedom.

No more 9-5. Well I never did have a 9-5. I don't think anyone has a 9-5's anymore, people just work when they have time. Yesterday it was my birthday and my Dad came home for an hour @ 7pm to eat cake and then he went back to his office to work. What kind of schedule is that? What happened to when my Dad used to go to work @ 7am and get back @ 7pm for dinner.

Shit, anyway man. I hope you're doing alright. The good thing is, I know you didn't kill yourself, or if you did, you killed yourself sometime after 6am this morning. Keep sending me those text messages early in the morning so I know you're alive man.

TTYL,

The Pop Guru

PS. I saw a documentary called Marijuana Inc on MSNBC or some shit. We should head to Cali.

2009...No More Bullshit!

2009-01-01T20:01:00.001-08:00

New Year, new money, new friends, new goals.

2009...no more bullshit.

Read more @ thepopguru.com!

Metro North Diaries: I Gave You My Ticket Pt. 1

2008-12-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

"Ticket Please"

"Hold on real quick man" I said as I put down my Blackberry Curve.

"Oh I already gave you my ticket, I was sitting a couple cars back"

"Did you?"

"Yes"

"I don't remember seeing you walk up or taking your ticket"

"Oh well I must have give it to someone else"

Truth was, the train I was on prior to getting off at Farfield, didn't stop @ Greens Farms and my father couldn't pick me up so I had to get off @ Fairfield, wait for the next train going to New York and get off two stops later @ Greens Farms. It's a round about way of getting home. But common for anyone that lives in Fairfield County.

A female conductor, that I had never seen before was bitching at me like I was a homeless bum blocking traffic into her store. Truth was, I had 100 dollars in my pocket, I could easily have afforded the 3 dollar and 25 cents or how ever much it was to get from Farfield to Greens Farms, but it was just that, I didn't WANT TO PAY for such a short ride.

So when I go on the train, I made an attempt to avoid the conductor, constantly moving up closer to the front hoping that I could get off the train before she ever reached me. Maybe 1 minute before the train pulls into Greens Farms the conductor approaches me.

"So what do you want me to do?"

"I want you to pay for a ticket"

"Well I'm just not going to do that, I explained to you, I already gave my ticket to another conductor"

"I would have taken your ticket, there's no one else on this train"

"Miss, I understand that, but I swear to you, I gave my ticket to a tall man with grey hair, are you calling me a liar? To be honest, you've embarrassed me enough, and this is my stop and I really don't have time to be making up these lies"

I said as I stepped off the train.

"Quit being a smart ass"

I winked at the conductor, reached in my pockets for a cigarette and turned the corner with a big smirk on my face.

Photographic of the Day 1.0

2008-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

So after a long week, and a long night of work, my "boss" instructs me to make a "delivery" and on the way back to the restaurant, pick up 4 big macs; two for himself, one for me, and one for the "chef". I make the delivery with no problems, pull into McDonald's parking lot, which was practically an ice rink after all the snow and freezing rain, get out of my car, almost slip, walk to the entrance of McDonalds and I see...

I thought it was a joke, so I laughed and walked to the second entrance, hanked the door a few times and realized this was no joke. Someone was seriously having a party in a McDonalds. I peer into the window and notice all of 3 people walking around with balloons and birthday hats.

"How innocent".

Photographic of the day might be a new series of posts, so if you have an interesting photo email it to me and I might post it- thepopularguru@yahoo.com

Pop.ul.ar.guru

Wordle: The Coolest Thing Since Twitter

2008-12-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.

This is the coolest thing since Twitter...in the blogging world that is. Step up your game bloggers. '09, the year of blogging. Mark my words. Here's the first official Wordle for CigaretteDiaries.com!

Notice any odd, cool, crazy, interesting words?

pop/ul/ar/GURU

I'm Thoroughly Digusted With...

2008-12-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

________________

Fuck Talking About the Recession

________________

"We Are Not The Same", 12/16/08

To My Readers,

"This is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days. They're back! There's no choice left. And I'm ready for war. " Marvin

I'm thoroughly disgusted with the direction that this blog/website has been headed towards over the past few weeks. You should all be asking me, "where the hell did you go"? What happened to the gnarly stories of you getting kicked out of concerts? Where are the love stories? Where are the cigarettes? The good conversations? The interesting people?

The stats are down. Readership has tapered off. The content sucks. Pictures are mediocre. But fuck talking about the recession...

The night of Girl Talk must have really fucked up my ego because I don't think I've had anything interesting to talk about since then.

I fell down a slippery slope, and hit my head hard. I can't remember what it felt like, or how it happened, but now I'm awake and it's time to get back to what I do best-what that is, I still do not know.

All I can say is,

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Sorry No More Photos

2008-12-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

"Polecia" From Fresh Out

To All That Read Read This,

Sorry devote fans and admirers, I will no longer being taking photos. In my opinion, photography is a word to describe the process of making a photographic image-I don't do that, I pay people to make my photographic images, they are the true photographers, so it would be inaccurate of me to present my work as purely photographs.

My new title
___________________________

Photographic Illustrator.

___________________________

FROM "IT'S JUST FUCKING WESTPORT, RIGHT?"....

"Maze O Flowers"

"The Secret Window"

"When the Boss is Away"

Sorry, I don't "take pictures" anymore. I make photographic illustrations.

Enjoy...

The/POP/ul/ar/GURU

Fire Works

2008-12-08T10:36:00.001-08:00

Sorry I haven't been updating. To be honest, I just haven't been as productive as I've been in the past. I've been working (as in earning money) lately in hopes that I can move to NYC in January. I figure so long as I'm earning more than I spend each week, I'll have enough start up cash until I can get my feet wet in the big apple.

So with that said, I haven't been taking as many photos or going to wild and crazy concerts, or meeting cool and interesting people.

Stay Tuned Though-I've always got something in my left pocket.

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Lucid Dreaming

2008-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

___________

Sleep Is The Cousin To Death

___________

Sleep really IS the cousin to death. I'm scared every night to go to sleep for sleep is the only time when I'm not in ANY control over what's happening around me. I'm always weary of falling a sleep in public places, like on the train because what would happen if a pretty girl walked by when I was sleeping and I just happened to be drooling or something odd/disgusting like that? Well, I guess nothing, because I would NEVER know!

I often wonder, what if a tree falls down in the middle of a huge forest, and there's no one around for hundreds of miles, did the tree make any noise when it fell?

Your first reaction?

"Of course it did"

"Well if no one heard it, how do you know it made noise?"

Your second reaction:

"Well scientifically speaking..."

"Fuck science, science is just mans way to explain complex ideas that we other wise wouldn't be able to understand, don't preach that bullshit your 9th grade physics teachers told you, I'm too out of this world to be constrained to just scientific ideas"

Your third reaction?

_____________

Lucid Dreaming

_____________

Lucid dreaming is pretty gnarly to say the least. A lucid dream is basically a vivid dream, when the dreamer is aware that he/she is dreaming. In more complex terms, it's a combination of having control over your subconscious and conscious at the same time leaving you with one hell of a mind fuck.

"Have you ever had that dream where you get into a fight and..." Marc my Attorney.

"And you can't punch hard!"

"YESSS!" Marc.

"Shit I thought I was the only one"

Powerlessness is a sign of lucid dreaming.

I've decided to keep a dream journal so I can better analyze my dreams. Just so you know, Lucid or Vivid dreams are a sign of ANXIETY and stress.

That's all,

the/pop/ul/ar/GURU

Deliverying Pizza To Skinheads Is...

2008-11-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

So I deliver pizzas part-time, just another one of my MANY skills and interests. Delivering Pizza's is fun and can be quite interesting at times, like the time I delivered a pizza to "family" of Skin Heads.

________________________

The Pizza Industry Is Thriving

________________________

Tips, 11/30/08, Connecticut

My Marketing 101 teacher told me that people satisfy their needs in a series of steps starting with basic needs (FOOD, shelter, clothing) and ending with the need to be "viewed positively" by others (or something to that effect). With that being said, contrary to popular belief, restaurants are still doing relatively well despite the current economic climate. Are people eating at the Four Seasons every night like they used to? Probably not, but I work at a small "family style" Italian Resaraunt and we seem to be doing alright!

Delivering Pizza's is the best part-time job I've ever had.

For the following reasons:

1) It's easy-Time seems to fly, probably because I spend most of shift in my car listening to music and smoking cigarettes.

2) You can make a decent amount of money- I only get paid $7/hour but in addition to tips, I generally walk out of there with more money than I would working anywhere else in town

3) You get to know your town-I'm a wizard at navigating!

4) You get to meet all the beautiful MILFs in town-This is the BEST part of the job. Women seem to like when I ring their door bells (pun intended)

5) You get to meet "interesting" people-Not just interesting people but I've been in some of the nicest houses, and some of the ugliest, strangest pieces of shit houses/trailers in a town that's considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in the US! The later being the more interesting...

____________________________

Skinheads Like Black People Too

____________________________

Hail Hitler, 11/12/08,

A few days after Thanksgiving I had a busy night delivering pizzas. I guess everyone finally finished off their left over turkey and mac n' cheese, and decided to go back to the Pizza and Penne Ala Vodka.

I've gotten to the point where delivering is actually enjoyable. At first when I started, I made a few mistakes and it was hard to find houses, but now that I have a regular clientel and know the roads "insert cliche phrase here", I thoroughly enjoy going to work.

Sunday Night...

So I was told to deliver a pizza and some other food to house in a neighboring town (Weston, CT). The directions were to follow Smith Field RD until I got to the end, where the road would turn into 22 Smith Field. The man who ordered the pizza noted that there were no lights on outside and that the delivery MAN should bring change because he only had a 100 dollar bill to offer. A bit odd, but the street sounded familiar so I thought it was "regular customer".

I get to the house and everything seems normal, the outside is a bit run down, no nice cars in the drive way, but it's on a nice street and all, so I get out of my car, grab the food, almost slip on the ground and bust my ass and so I think, "gee, I wonder what would have happened if I slipped-could I sue?"

I get to the door and I notice through the screen door that the house is filled with junk. I've been to a few creepy houses to deliver food before and they all seem to have the same characteristics in common: 1) Through out the house is this cheap brown wood covering everything, 2) they're all cluttered and 3) they all have creepy people living in them.

I go to the door and the man invites me in. The guy had a bald head, but enough hair in the back to tie the back of his hair in a pony tail. I got a strange vibe as soon as I walked into the house. Strange houses must give off bad vibes because the whole experience felt erely familiar.

To my left was a kid about my age, who I believe was the mans son. The kid was OBVIOUSLY drugged out, pupils no bigger than a sharp pencil point, he looked worn out, disassociated on new levels. He stared at me with his mouth hung open. It was so obvious to me that this kid was HIGH, and I'm not talking "I smoked a few bowls of reefer high" I'm talking FUCKED up! Did his father know?

"Nice Peacoat" the chubby kid said in a soft voice.

"Thanks"

I imagine the kid was on pain killers. Always remember, pupils get smaller when someones on downers and they get bigger when they're on uppers-that's always the tell tail sign.

He was a bit fidgety and had that fire in his eyes that was all too familiar.

I was spooked the fuck out.

To my right was a kid, maybe all of 15 years old wearing no shirt, pale like he hadn't seen sun in months, with a shaved head and stocky build.

I'm not fucking historian or expert but some common signs of Skinheads, or Neo Nazi's or just sketchy people that you should be careful of in general are:

1) A Leader-Usually there's one male figure that looks over all "the boys"

2) Shaved Head/Stocky Build- They're not called Skinheads for nothing

3) No Female Presence- No mothers or women around.

4) Drugs- Meth, Coke, Pills, Etc.

The guy hands over a crisp 100 dollar bill.

"How much would you like back?"

"Uhh, give me 65"

The man and "his son" watch over me in silence as I count out 65 dollars as fast as my little black hands could. Had he of said, "Pizza's free tonight boy!". I would have replied, "Oh is it? That sounds about right to me", with a big old smile on my face-I was scared out of my mind, spooked out is the best way to put it, all I wanted to do was get the fuck outta there, didn't care about my tip or getting the right amount of money for the food, just wanted to make it out of there alive.

"Thanks, have a good night"

"Okay then"

As I'm about to leave TWO other boys come out from a room to the right of the entrance way. They also have no shirts on and shaved heads. They all look related in someways, almost like there's a machine in the back room generating stocky, pale white skinheads.

Jesus Christ almighty, how many more were there? A whole fucking klan of these kids? They all just stared at me with blank expressions on their face, as if I was the first person (or maybe the first black person) they'd ever seen in their lives. The man acknowledges no ones, except me, as if there was no one else in the room. I try not to make eye contact for fear that I might get myself into trouble. As I turned around and headed for the door, I glance towards the back of the house and notice a giant confederate flag hanging above an old fire place as if it were there to replace a flap screen TV.

I politely close the door, and then hustle down the stairs as quickly as I could with out slipping on the damp pavement. My car is on, so I jump in, slam the door shut and throw my car into reverse. I tell myself over and over that I saw something very disturbing and that I will NEVER, NEVER in my life deliver another pizza to that house-no matter how badly I want the money.

I get back to the restaurant, visibly flustered, and as I walk in, "the waiter" lifts his head from cleaning a table and gives me a look that only encourages me to tell him what happened. So I tell my boss that I'm "Never in my life, going back to that house again" and I tell the waiter I think they were probably skin heads and he tells me about how one time the man asked him to pick up some "dip for him on the way to deliver the pizza", he described them as "country folk" and said the kids were "weird" and very calmly he shook his head and said"yeah-they're skinheads", but I couldn't tell if he was 100% serious because he loved to talk and it was hard to tell when he was joking or being truthful.

I made a rule that I will NO LONGER enter peoples houses, unless a nice inviting woman, with a nice big house and and even bigger pair of fake breasts answers the door.

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Happy Thanksgiving + Thank YOU Pop Guru!

2008-11-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

_________________________

Thank You Pop/ul/ar/GURU

_________________________

If my poor memory serves me correctly, you're suppose to give THANKS on Thanksgiving.
So instead of bullshitting you all with something about how I'd like to thank this person or that person for
this and that, I'm just going to thank myself. By myself, I mean my "alter ego", The Popular Guru.

The Popular Guru was born in January 2006. He was synthesized in a lab somewhere in southern CT by The Man Who Will Remain Nameless on This Blog.
"TMWWRNTB" was initially experimenting with a substance that we'll call HBR, when he accidently mixed "the wrong chemicals".

The Popular Guru is HIS larger than life personification of, his "buddy", his "alter ego", "his expectation of what life could offer."

So thank you Popular Guru, for being such a dashing young man. For being what I could never be. For being, that is,
MY heightened expectation of what life "coudld offer". Thank you for being a bad ass, at times when being an ass was unfavorable
and for sticking up for what you thought was right, even though you knew you were wrong (in the eyes of society).

"Remember that life IS NOT short, it's the longest thing you'll ever know and that you only get one opportunity to do anything in life, just one,
so live your life on your own terms, fuck the man who tells you other wise and read my damn blog" -The/Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Oh AND...

Instead of doing a blog about Thanksgiving, I'm just going to resurrect a few old posts that I feel I neeed REACT to.

The Popular Guru

Reaction to: Lindsay (The Night of MGMT)

2008-11-27T17:36:00.000-08:00

I don't really have any pictures from this night, certainly no photos of the girl referred to in this post. But I do have these super cool High Definition videos that I shot!

READ the post I'm referring to.
__________________________

A Reaction to my Honesty

__________________________

MGMT @ Webster Hall (10/30) from Popular Guru on Vimeo.

This is my reaction to an experience I'll refer to as the Lindsay Lohan encounter. It has nothing to do with the real
Lindsay Lohan so don't get excited.

In reference to my "love letter" to a girl named "Lindsay".

Rule # 3664 of Blogging: Never Kiss and Tell.

Back in the early stages of cigaretteDIAIES-sometime around Halloween, the Eve of Halloween to be exact, I broke "Rule # 3664 of Bloggin:
NEVER kiss and tell".

I was ignorant to the idea of putting peoples business on the internet. I had it in my head that somehow, someway, it would be "flattering"
to write a letter to this girl that I met @ an MGMT concert. I was naive of course and ever since I posted that "love letter", I've never
heard from The Girl again.

Now, let me just say, I never give up on anything. Instead I indefinitely suspend shit. All those arguments I got into with teachers during my days of schooling and to the fucking sinner that stole my I-Pod (Yes @ a Catholic school people steal), all the cops that busted me for juvenile acts of disobedience, anyone that ever wronged me or offended me-you're all my list for a serious verbal slaughtering, just wait until I get my chance.

The same goes for everything else-so with that said, I'm not COMPLETELY over ANYTHING!

Now, about the "love letter". I know I come off as desperate, maybe supperfcial or shallow in someways? But let me tell you, I'm a passionate guy, a guy that would give ANYBODY that cared the "time of day", so I'm sorry if I come off so "emotional". In my own defense, like everything in my life, that "love letter" was an over DRAMATIZATION!

And for the love of humanity and peace of mind, all I wanted to know about that girl was three things. Her last name, her age, and what she did for a living. That's pretty much it!

If I had to use a cliche phrase to desribe that night, I'd probably say something like, "that night was alll a blurrr man" (in my stoner voice). So just maybe, for all I know, the night of MGMT pt. 2 was just a fucking hallucination, suppose I never made it to the concert. It was dream like (a symptom of DPD); sneaking into a venue, meeting a girl, NEVER seeing OR hearing from her again!

"How did you get in?"

"I snuck in" I said with the biggest grin smeared across my face.

"Awww, WOW! That reminds me of when I was 16 and I used to sneak into shows-how old are you"

"No shit-I'm 20"

MGMT-Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (10/30) from Popular Guru on Vimeo.

So maybe I didn't go to MGMT. Maybe I was in my room, riding the wild wind as I like to put it and MGMT never did that cover of "Girl Just Wanna Have Fun", and they weren't dressed up as mariachis, and I didn't meet that girl, and she didn't give me her number. Maybe this girl was wealthy and she thinks I'm trying to use her for her money. Maybe she was in fact Lindsay Lohan and she doesn't have time to answer my calls. Maybe she's pregnant and she
just gave birth to her child. Maybe she has kids and she doesn't think I'd be a responsible father. Maybe she has a fake leg and she thinks I'm just trying to get a story for my blog about how I got with a hot one legged chick(I know someone that's gotten with a hot one legged chick sooo).

Maybe writing this blog will only make things worse, and I should stop.

So this is my reaction to my honesty:

"Honesty gets a man nowhere but, the truth"

But I do apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable.

Truthfully,

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Reaction To: The Terminal 5 Fiasco

2008-11-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

^Andre 3000 of Terminal 5 Security

READ the post I'm referring to.

______________________

The Terminal 5 Fiasco

______________________

"Don't apologize, that would be Puss" - Ms. Bonnet, Terminal 5 NYC, 11/18/08

Yeah well I guess I'm a "Puss" then because I wrote the management of Terminal 5 a lengthy, very passionate letter basically apologizing to the venue for trashing their "good name", specifically noting the "head of security". I didn't just say I was sorry instead I also tried to make it seem like I "learned something" from my experience, which is true. Unfortunately for me, I don't think they were too interested in my sorrow, or what I learned from the incident because and I haven't heard back from them. I even sent the email twice, just to make sure they got it. I HATE when people don't respond to emails, it's rude.

So what's next?

Well, since I tried the "legitament approach", it's time to try the old "Popular Guru approach" once more.

In a week or so, Vampire Weekend is performing @ Terminal 5, acouple nights actually. My plan is to revise my letter, print out a "few" copies, seal the copies in a nice envelope with names written on it: "Management", "Head of Security", etc. Then I'm going to go to Vampire Weekend.
I'm gunna talk to my scalper friend Sid aka Robert Thompson and ask him to spot me a ticket just to see if I can get into the venue, and I'll pay him back.

Assuming they've forgotten about me, or they don't notice me, I'll go into the show and enjoy myself as a respectful blogger on a mission. More than likely, they will notice me, but I'll be prepared-prepared with my camera (to document), my letters and a big ass smile on my face. When they tell me I can't go into the venue, I WILL NOT argue, instead I'll hand them my letter! And when they refuse the letter, I'll take out 20 envelopes and throw them in their face.

And if they disrespect my letters, I'll take out 20 more and throw them in their face. And when they threaten to call the cops, I'll say, for what?

And they'll tell me I'm trespassing, and then I'll slowly leave with the same smile on my face that I came with (but inside I'll be mad).

And I'll do this every single night I can until someone atleast reads my letter
and hopefully-responds to it!

Like I said, I DO NOT GIVE UP, I suspend shit indefinitely!

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Countdown To Being Sued

2008-11-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

________________________

The Countdown To Being Sued

________________________

Let me list all the things I could be sued for.

1. Defamation of Character
2. Slander
3. Fraud
4. Copyright Infringement

What else?

Getting sued is like the official stamp of approval for people like me. Most successful bloggers have been sued ATLEAST once. Why? Because copyright laws are purposefully written extremely vaguely, so they can be worked out on a "case by case" basis. The nature of blogging, atleast as it applies to me, falls somewhere in the grey area of legality. It's not exactly "legal" to take pictures of people with out their permission, especially if they're unfavorable, and you write even more unfavorable things about them on a forum open to the public, but then again it's not blatantly illegal either.

So with that said, how long before I get sued?

I give myself about a year, but believe it or not, I'm looking forward to that day when the court marshall knocks on my door and informs me that I'm being SUED!

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Is this the residence of The Popular Guru?"

That's if they can even find me in a year.

What do those people say when they come to your door?

"You're being sued, get a lawyer, a good one at that, and prepare to watch your bank account wither-best of luck, get ready for a year of pure hell"

The reason why I don't care if I get sued? I have NO money, NO property, NO worth. Is that a good thing in the court of civil law? The only thing being sued will do, is certify that what I'm doing is valuable to someone else, that's important!

"Mr. Popular Guru, you're being ordered to remove your all your content pertaining to this case IMMEDIATELY, you are also order to pay all damages and legal fees associated with this case, payable to the other party "

What I'm also looking forward to is suing other people!

Can't wait,

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Metro North Diaries: My Social Security Number Is...

2008-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

I was on Metro North with my father, going into NYC when some dumb lady talking on the phone gave out her
address and social security number. She was talking, extremely loud, and clearly, as if she
was having a conversation with the entire train.

This woman in red, so ignorant to Metro North Train ettiquet.
My Dad was visibly annoyed, not hiding his
frustration, he was fidgety and kept glancing over to shake his head at the lady.

"What an idiot" he said.

All you need to steal someones identity is their social security number, address and name-if that.
She gave out the first two, I think anyone with a personality could get her full name. What a "bimbo"
as my Mother would say.

"What did I do wrong?"

"You really shouldn't give out your social security number like that"

"I knowwww" she said with a smile.

"I'm just so trusting of people"

"You shouldn't be"

She was giggling, as if this was all one big joke to her.

"You're absolutely right" she said with a half smile.

So trusting? JESUS woman-Haven't you heard the ads? What's the statistic? Every 3 seconds someones identity is
stolen-congrats, you might have just become a statistic. Not to mention, I was on my computer the entire time.

I wrote the whole thing down as a matter of fact.

"My address:"

623 Stamford Ave
Stamford CT, 06901

"Social Security Number:"
068 07 7734

I can only wonder what other people were thinking. Times are tough, everyone probably got out their blackberrys
pens or paper and did the same thing I did.

"I didn't say the numbers in order"-sure you didn't, how crafty of you.

Imagine, the conductor comes on the loud speaker.

"WAIT GUYS! SHE DIDN'T SAY THE NUMBERS IN ORDER"

all at once the train would erupt with disappointment, "AWW MAN, SHE DIDN'T SAY THE NUMBERS IN ORDER!"

"068..." My Dad joked, HAHA.

"Keep going, keep going..."

"07"

My Dads pretty good with numbers, he had them correct HAHA!

The whole rest of the ride, the woman in red kept looking over as my Dad sent emails from his blackberry.
I think subconsciously she must have thought we were a bunch of con men, about to laugh our way to endless
supply of credit cards and bank accounts.

To make things even more uncomfotable, for her atleast, my Dad had the bright idea to say.

"Hey let's go on a cruise for X-Mas"

The Looker Pt. 2

2008-11-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

"Close But Not Too Close"

_____

Cold and Deserted

_____

"It's cold in the city, but how cold is it?"

"Iono, pretty fucking cold?"

"I'd say"

"Texter"

"It's fucking cold, and deserted. Where does everyone go on Sunday?"

"They don't go ANYWHERE, that's the point"
"Ohhh, gotcha, that makes sense now."

"Frap"
______

Lived in Starbucks
______

"Next guest please"

Guest? That's what they say in New York. They don't say, "next customer please" anymore, that's no longer appropriate. They say guest as if they invited you to come into their store. Like you got a special invitation that said, "You are cordially invited to Starbucks, located @ 4th Ave and Astor Place, please attend and RSVP before 11/25/08"

Starbucks is certainly a fascinating venue. The grocery store was once considered the "secret" place for men to go if they wanted to pick up women, that or the dog park-well guys, I've found the "new" grocery store.

To Be Continued...

The/Pop/ul/ar/GURU

It's just FUCKING Westport-Right?

2008-11-25T00:10:00.000-08:00

_________

Team of 12 Dwarfs

_________

I have a team of 12 dwarfs working for me to bring you everything you see on this blog. Take these photos for example-photos not pictures, a picture can be a painting, or a piece of shit smeared across a canvas, a photo can only be a photo.

It starts with ME of course. I take ALL of these photographs that you see before you. YES, even the pictures of myself, were taken by ME. Long arms will get you far in life.

Even if I don't take the photograph, if it's on MY camera, it's MY photo.

I'm going to introduce you to my team of Dwarfs one by one, starting with Joshua.

I have an assistant named Joshua. He's a tall skinny kid, with bad acne, but I would never tell him that because that would probably crush the little bit of self esteem he has left. Joshua works for me, for 15 cents an image, he developes my film and prints me a 4x6 image complete with a CD. Joshua also refills my camera with fresh film for me so I can start taking more photos as soon as I'm ready.

You can thank Joshua for the images you see before you, because surely they wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him.

Thanks Joshua,

____________

GQ Man of the Year

____________

"Where you goin' lookin' like GQ man of the year?" Homeless Woman, Park Ave, NYC (11/23/08)

"Nowhere"

"You look very nice tonight"

"Thank you"

But didn't you see? I lost GQ man of the year. That and peoples magazine sexiest man alive. I lost to that guy from Mad Men (supposidly the best show on Television, GQ) and then that Aussie from X-Men (Peoples Magazine). Two years in a row I got disqualified for being too dashing. They said no more dashing men can receive Man of the Year or Sexiest Man Alive. Oh well, there's always next year right?

If only all it took was good looks to make a poor man rich...I'd be RICH!

___________

It's only Fucking Westport

___________

Westport, CT. It's not as good as you think or as bad. It's just fucking Westport, right?

I take a lot of pictures of this place and people ask me.

"Hey, did you take that in London"

and I say, no, I took that down the street, or at my house and they'll be like, "Wow"

"When did you take that picture"

and I'll say,

"A couple days ago at Compo Beach"

"Watch Dog"

They're shocked that I could capture such beauty at a place like Compo but let me tell you something, there's beauty all around you, open your eyes. If you would just stop to pay attention you MIGHT see it. So they say...

"Wow, that's beautiful"

ande I'll say...

"Relax it's just fucking Westport, right?"

Truthfully,

The/Pop/ul/ar/GURU

3 Things You Notice PT. 1

2008-11-22T20:18:00.001-08:00

Tell me 3 things you notice about this picture...

My attorney, Marc:

1. it's in black and white

2. the ring

"what ring?"

"holy shit, that's a big ass ring!"

3. Dog in bag

YES!

My friend Sarah

1. "it's really small, but it looks like there's a dog in there"

2. "I notice that shes wearing a fur coat"

3. "I think shes wearing a ring?"

YES! It's huge.

-pop/ul/ar/GURU

The Looker

2008-11-21T13:12:00.001-08:00

The Looker, 11/20/08, Starbucks 54th & Broadway

_______________

Lived in Starbucks

_______________

"Women love Starbucks. High class, sophisticated women, getting their grande triple shot lattes with this and that mixed in with it. When a woman needs her coffee, she darts into Starbucks and of course she never has to think about what it is she wants, she orders the same thing every time." -The Popular Guru

My defition of a "good picture" is capturing the right moment and the right time. This is that moment. A helpless 30 something year old business man, sitting by himself, idle, drinking his grande apple spice something or other, he doesn't drink coffee. He sees a pretty young woman, with her friend standing in line. He finds her attractive, her friend too but doesn't have the courage or the know how to talk to either one of them. THIS IS NYC, the city where people fall in love three times a week-There's a pretty girl on every corner and a helpless guy staring at her on the opposite end of every sidewalk, and a creepy kid taking pictures of it all happening at once. This is NYC, the woman leaves with her friend, coffee in hand, and a big smile in her face, while the guy hopelessly tries to get her attention.

She leaves as she came, and he never sees her again.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The/pop/ul/ar/GURU

Natalie Portman

2008-11-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

_______

Model: Julia Knoth
Shot by The Popular Guru

______________

_____________

Natalie Portman
_____________

Over scones, croissants and a pot of hot coffee, my second visit with my mentor Joseph; Lini, Joseph’s wife, was looking @ my photos of NP.

“You know who she looks like?” Lini said out loud.

“Who”

“Oh what’s that actress’s name, the girl from Star Wars?”

“Natalie Portman”

“Oh yeah, you’re right, she does, doesn’t she? I didn’t even realize that.”

“Same facial structure…hair color…skin tone”

“Different bodies”

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but she looks yummy…can I say that?” Lini.

“No you can’t-cause she has heels”

“Lots of them, expensive ones too”

“Now that you mention it, I had a crush on Natalie Portman. Not the Natalie Portman from Star
Wars but the Natalie Portman with boyish hair from the short film before The Darjeeling Limited, Hotel Chevalier. Natalie was just a girl in Star Wars, she was a woman in The Darjeeling.”

I wonder if Julia would ever cut her hair like that. Natalie went bald @ one point. Hence that band named “Natalie Portman’s Bald Head”.

“I told you to be careful of girls with high heels like that” Joseph.

“It’s too late, I can’t help myself I think I have something of a fetish for girls in high heels, if that’s possible?”

“Oh yeah, it’s possible...it’s called being a man” Joseph.

More from the photo shoot coming soon...

pop/ul/ar/guru

Banned...Perma Banned

2008-11-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

pop/ul/ar/GURU

To Andre 3000, Terminal 5 Security and the NYPD

2008-11-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I saw Girl Talk perform at Terminal 5. I got thrown out (literally escorted from the stage to the sidewalk across the street of the venue by 4 security guards) maybe half way through the show.

"YOU ARE AN ASSHOLE"-New York City police officer, 11/16/08, Terminal 5

____

After I got thrown out, I-YES I...called the cops
To The NYPD Officers Last Night

"Thanks for ALLL the help" I said sarcastically under my breath as I walked away from the two white police officers sitting in their patrol car.

All at once both of the police officers crept up behind me, in the fashion that they do when they're about to take out their cuffs and read you your Maranda Rights. One police officer, who described his peer as his "partner", got with in two inches of my face. He was my height, a bit stocky and had a clean shaven head and face. He was visibly in raged by my comments and made sure to "act" as intimidating as possible.

"Am I getting arrested" I said in my head, over and over again.

Ugly ass "event staff"
"Now I know why you got thrown out...you got thrown out because YOU ARE AN ASSHOLE" The police officer laid into me pretty good. People watched from the smokers area as this 250 pound NYPD officer cursed me out with a 1 minute monologue on how much of an asshole I am. He might have called me some other things like "prick", "jerk", "jerk off" but I was too rattled to pay attention. In retrospect I really should have filmed the whole thing.

"Now get your fucking shit, and LEAVE the property, before you become my property". He yelled.

I couldn't say anything. One more smart comment and my ass would spend a night in jail so I was forced to swallow my pride and take shit from this guy.

The officer definitely had a point. I deserved to get thrown out. I was being a prick to Terminal 5 security because they wouldn't let me on stage. They had the right to ASK me to leave. They had the right to ESCORT me out if I didn't leave. They did not have the right to grab me, and throw me on the ground outside of their venue.

Thanks for the help guys,

Pop/ul/ar/GURU

Andre 3000 @ Terminal 5
To Terminal 5 Security and Andre Benjamin,

You guys really take your job wayyy too seriously. I certainly was not being aggressive about getting a stage. Don't you understand, it wasn't ME pushing, it was the dozens of people behind me fighting to beat me for my spot. I asked nicely, REPEATEDLY to get let on stage to take pictures. I was alone, I was kind, I was deserving, why couldn't you let me, one person, on stage? Because you care that much about your job? Well if you cared about your job, I mean REALLY cared, you wouldn't have let anyone on the stage and you certainly wouldn't have let all those girls pass by for giving you a smile.

How many blow jobs did you get that night for being such a tough security guard?

After being thrown out...still cooool.
And to Andre 3000 for ESCORTING me out of the venue. It took 4 people to kick me out, did you really need to put me in a head lock and throw me to the pavement? It was very ungentleman of you to plow down that girl at the bar with my fragil body. Somewhere in our constitution, we were given the right to FREE SPEECH. I had every right to riel up the crowd like that.

"On three, everybody PUSHHH"

"One....two....three....PUSHHHHH"

I think I also have the right to take YOUR picture at a public venue during a concert. Maybe if you weren't so concerned with me, you would have thought to smile. Why so uptight man, it's Girl Talk, lighten up.

Uptight "Event Staff"

I'll see you guys Tuesday.

pop/ular/GURU

Sent via Blackberry by AT&T

A Lesson on Spending in NYC

2008-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

_______________________

A Lesson on Spending in NYC
_______________________

"Always dress warm, you never know which night you'll have to sleep outside" Homeless man, NYC

Goin' Places?

Yesterday I spent almost 12 hours in NYC and only spent 20 dollars on a ticket to go see Girl Talk. I didn't deprive myself of water, food, shelter or transportation either. Here's how...

Not getting off to a good start, I woke up late and missed my appointment with Julia. No worries, I'm not going to stress over something that's no big deal. Julia and I rescheduled for Tuesday @ 2:30 which might work out better anyway.

I have money issues. I'm on my way into Manhattan only with 20 dollars. I spent all the money I made delivering pizza, something like a hundred and change in a few days, on top of that, I have nothing to show for it-nothing at all.

I only have three cigarettes and there's no chance of buying them in the city, cigarettes are 10 dollars in Manhattan.

Goin' Places? 02

I don't know how I'm gunna go to this concert with only 20 bucks to spend on a sold out ticket. I hope it doesn't rain either because its cold and I forgot my umbrella @ home.

To be broke and cold in new york city. Lifting red bulls from walgreens. Hoping turnstiles. Its all part of survival. I'm on the subway right now headed uptown to terminal 5 with the same 20 dollar bill I came with. That money is for my ticket, everything else in the city is free today.

The Furthur 2008
The key to getting away with petty crimes is to dress the part of someone with money. Don't dress like a thug, or homeless person, dress with the same class that you would if you HAD money. It's amazing what you can get with, with a peacoat and kind word. I always try to present myself as a well mannered person, even when I'm stealing from people right under their noses. No one expects the guy wearing the $250 peacoat to be stealing redbulls from the fridge, right?

West is the opposite direction of east, make sure you know that when you're walking in the city. Sounds like common sense, right? Not when its cold and you're slightly dissasociated and you're more worried about other things like how you're gunna get a ticket for 20 bucks to a sold out show and you're also thinking about being sick from all the cold weather.

Smiling Faces
No money for a cab obviously, had to walk alllll the way across town. From 3rd ave to 11th ave or something ridiculous like that; In the cold, with no hat, scarf or gloves. Then again after you've been in the cold for so long your body starts to get numb and cold actually feels normal.

I saw a homeless guy begging for money in shorts and a thin sweatshirt, with NO SHOES, or SOCKS on. How do you think he felt? Comfortable?

I finally made it to Terminal 5, something like 610 West 56th st. Someone told me THIS was a bad area? I see my favorite scalper named Sid. He remembered me! I asked him about his "son", he said he was coming home for Thanksgiving.

Then I found someone selling a ticket.

"Are you selling an extra ticket for Girl Talk?"

"Yeah"

"How much?"

"30"

"Hows twenty sound...I realllly wanna see the show and I have no more money, I came all the way from..."

"Sure man, I just wanna get rid of it anyway"

Courtney thanks for checking my coat and backpack for me, you're a sweet heart! I was in the city from 2pm to 1am and only spent 20 dollars, I'd say that's pretty damn good.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Pyschographics 11/13: A Lesson on Being Chilll (The Bucket List,Organic Lithium, My Life My Sins)

2008-11-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

My Life/My Sins 01_________

A bucket list
__________

When my Uncle retired, he made a list of all the stuff he wanted to do during his retirement. A couple days ago, I came to the realization that I dont want to wait until I retire to make my list of shit to do, I'm going to get started on that now, while I'm still in my youth.

I have a lot I want to accomplish in the next year or so. 2008 wasn't all it was hyped up to be. Then again, 2008 isn't over yet, and hell...look how far I've come since January. 2008 WAS suppose to be "The Year of the Popular Guru" but what the does that really mean anyway?

"Now is the time to make moves, take risks, and do all that shit and still have time to bounce back if it doesn't work." -Desmond: 11/13/08; Text Message

1.Move to NYC
2.Visit older brother in LA-spend a month on the left coast
3.Spend time overseas in London
4.Finish writing "Prettier on Myspace"
5.Start writing a short film about the kid that deletes his life
6.Finish my first ZINE/Picture book
7.Hook up with a professional skateboarding team
8.Produce a skateboard film
9.Release a line of stickers, post cards, t-shirts, etc
10.Finish my documentary- "No End in Sight"
11.See Justice perform
12.Crystal Castle Doc
13.Find that girl I met, but never knew
14.Rekindle old relationships with friends and family
15.Visit my best friends (Matt, Mark, ?, ?)
16.Go to BONAROO!
17.Go back to Fabric Live!
18.Drive across the USA
19.Live in Philly for awhile?

The first things I plan on tackling? Well, it's getting cold here, too cold for me, so I'm thinking about taking a semester off to live in California. It doesn't look I'll be able to get into any schools for Spring 2009, so that gives me about 8-10 months to work on a portfolio, NICE! The Left Coast will hopefully help me clear my mind and allow me to get deep in touch with my creative side.

Who knows what else I can get done in Cali. There's a great skateboarding scene over there. I have friends that I've never met in California. We shall see!

_____________

Organic Lithium
_____________

My Life//My Sins 02

A couple nights ago...

I dropped "something" out of my window; much to my demise, I quickly got dressed, throwing on my over sized Levi's(32x34, 510's) that I never wear, not putting on a t-shirt but covering myself with a double breasted pea coat from J Crew.

It was drizzling, and I forgot my cigarettes inside.

I searched for 15 minutes straight, with my cell phone as a light and my hands as shovels, periodically perching my head through the window to make sure that my mom wasn't watching over me, but I found nothing. I go back inside and my mother must have thought I was on drugs because she was stationed at the front door like a prison guard waiting for the prisoner to return to his cell.

"Is everything alright?" She asked

"Yes" I answered.

I dropped something out of my window and I can't find it, everything is NOT alright. I go back inside, find a flash light and then return back outside to search through damp leaves and mulch, my heart is still racing with worry.

My Life//My Sins 03

I searched for something like 15 minutes but eventually come to grips with the fact that I will not find what I dropped, and that it is gone. Not gone entirely, I'm sure it's somewhere beneath the ground, and if I ever have an hour of time to kill and the desire to find what it is I lost, I could probably dig it up, but it's cold and dark, and I really shouldn't be outside with no shirt on my back, so I think I better just forget about it and go to sleep.

I have that itchy feeling inside, that just as I give up, the object will present itself in the most obvious place, so I go back inside, check to make sure I didn't drop it on the ledge of the window, or in my room, but of course I didn't, I dropped it on the ground, it's somewhere in the mud.

My Life//My Sins 04

So?

Last night I learned how to fight anxiety, how to chill and be calm at any moment. What I lost can be replaced. And that's the end of that, no need to stress over it. Material objects generally are replaceable, it's objects/people/wisdom, things that cannot be replaced, that you have to worry about

The key to being chilll, is to first be ignorant. Purposefully, objectively ignorant. I don't think I have to be cliche and say that "Ignorance is bliss" but.

CONTEST! Name each object seen the pictures above. There are 33 things in total(I'm not 100% sure, but that's a close estimate). Post the list of things seen in the pictures above in the comments, first person to get it right gets a prize!

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Sent Via Blackberry By AT&T

Fresh Out 2.3 + Pyschographics 11/11

2008-11-12T07:53:00.001-08:00

Camera: 35mm
Date: 11/11
Location: Westport, CT

Hard Son
Blue Skies Pt.2
Black Hole Sun
Two Dimensional Horizons
God Pisses Sun on Pretty White Roses
Oracular Spectacular
Camera: Canon PowerShot
Date: 11/11
Location: Westport, CT/New York, New York

Plat Form
Dead Meat
Wait Your Turn
___________

Love Hurts:
___________

Being a Genius isn't as gratifying or self rewarding as you might think. It's not enough to just BE a genius, you have to constantly create and generate work that reminds people that you're a Genius. I think that most Genius' are bitter, only because they realize that life itself just isn't special enough to put a smile on your face.

People think beauty only comes from exotic places but they're wrong. Beauty is seen all around. If you isolate anything and capture it at the right time, you'll see beauty.

___________________

The Internet Killed Love
___________________

Somewhere in between the creation of Myspace and Facebook, the internet killed love. Back in the day, before the internet, lovers were forced to write letters. With the advant of technology comes the end of organic communication.

Let me list all of the ways you can contact me:

Mail, one of my 6 active email accounts, facebook, one of my two active myspace accounts, twitter, blogger, photbucket, flickr, technorati, linked in, wordpress, live journal, one of my two blogs, telephone, cell phone, internet phone, human messenger, pigeon messenger, telegraph, fax, one of my 3 active AIM screen names...I'm probably forgetting a couple.

Over twenty ways of communication, most of them instant, which method is best?

TO BE CONTINUED...

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Fresh//OUT 2.2 + 11/10 Psychographics

2008-11-10T12:12:00.001-08:00

Seat in the SunWill His Wings Still Fit Him
Pissing on the Beach
Heaven on Earth
Blue Skies

2 cigarettes and two coffees.

A lot of people ask me, "what do you have to worry about", as if my life is easy. I have to worry about a lot, like whether or not the sun is out. You know what it's like worrying about the positioning of the sun? Something so large and out of my hands and I'm worrying about it? Next time you're worrying about things that can easily be fixed just remember that I'm worrying about something that can't be controlled by man.
_____________

ABOUT A GIRL:
_____________
A lot of people have been asking me about Julia.

"What's up with that girl Julia?" Raphael

"I'm interested to know more about Julia" Remi

"You movin' in with Julia?" Nikko

"How did you meet Julia" Tashon

"She's pretty....and she looks nice...and I like her shoes" Sarah

"Be careful of girls that wear high heels like that" Joeseph

___________

GENIUS LOVES COMPANY:
___________

"Joseph says you're a genius" Mom

When someone calls you a genius, that's something special! I've been called a genius three times in my life. Once by someone I don't know that saw some of my videos. Another time by a psychiatrist. He didn't out right call me a genius, just hinted at it. The third time was by Joseph, and this time it really meant something.

Tomorrow: Meeting Crystal. Walking to Def Jam. Fresh Out 2.2! Psychographics 11/11! Pictures! Videos?

pop/ul/ar/GURU

To Joseph

2008-11-10T11:31:00.001-08:00

Today I met with a photographer that taught my mother how to take pictures, someone I've known for a long time, but haven't seen for many years.

"He has a lot of bad habits, he smokes like a chimney and keeps a drug problem just in case his life isn't interesting enough already"

Hey Joseph,

You are one cool individual, a true artist in my opinion. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to meet with me and go over my pictures. I find it remarkable that you were able to pick up on the small details of my creative mind. How could you tell I shot for feeling and emotion? You definitely got that right, I want people to cry when they see my work, heart felt emotion is what I shoot for. The fact that you brought up Terry Richardson-might have even compared me to him, was simply amazing. I definitely see a little Terry Richardson in myself. The rock star persona, simple yet edgy photos with a raw taste for imagery is my style.

"I'm severely dyslexic" Joseph.

That's a strong choice of words.

"I didn't know Joseph was Dyslexic" Me.

"Yes, severely" Mom.

I noticed you talked in long sentences and had a way of drifting from one point to the next only to get back to your original thought . We started off by talking about track? I think that's also how our conversation ended, the stuff about photography came somewhere in the middle.

You look like you do Yoga? I think when I arrived you were talking on the phone, but other than that, you never appeared to be uncomfortable, the whole "meeting" you had your legs perched on the chair, tied up yet so poised-how the hell do you even sit like that? I can't touch my toes, maybe I should pick up Yoga?

I'm going to take your advice and focus my attention on conveying ideas and feelings rather then just taking a lot of pictures. I'm also going to use my Canon digital a lot more for everyday shooting, I most definitely underestimated the power of that little thing.

Keep checking the blog for updates, I'll talk to you next week-definitely.

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Fresh Out Pt. 2+ 11/9 Physcographics

2008-11-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

The HoleSweet_Dreams
Sun_King
R Fall
Hard Son
Pissing On The Beach
Good Times
Fearless Yet Fearful

I have a lot of questions still wandering in my brain somewhere.

What's your full name? Do you have an American accent or French? Do you have all your extremities (hands, fingers, toes, legs, etc)? Did you order a Jack n Coke, or Coke n Rum for me? Did you see me smoke? Did you remember me from somewhere? Are you pregnant? Do you have kids? Are you married? Are you crazy or mentally unstable? Why not?

k

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Fresh Out (A Work in Progress)

2008-11-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

For the slide show, click HERE.

For HIGH Resolution photos, email.

Please leave comments!

-pop/ul/ar/GURU

To Julia (What if my work is my pleasure?)

2008-11-07T17:20:00.002-08:00

I’m looking to start taking photos of people and not just beautiful landscapes and nature. I met up with a model that lives and works in NYC today. Her name is Julia.

To Julia (What if my business is my pleasure)

I had a lot of fun today. Who would have thought two strangers could meet in the city and have so much in common. As I told you today, you’re really the first person that I’ve met in the city, that’s almost like me. Aside from the age, we both come from wealthy suburban towns, both aspire to be famous and are both getting our start in the same industry.

I think it’s pretty gnarly that you’re from Woodstock. I’m a big fan of the hippie movement and have spent much time reading up on the various counter cultures that made their names during that time. I think it’s amazing that you know the guy that promoted Wood Stock!

After looking at all those pictures, it seems like we had very similar upbringings. A lot of wild drunken nights? Kids being forced to stir up trouble just to have a little fun ? The drugs and the bad seeds? I’d say all of the above!

I think you’re right about trusting strangers in the city. You can never be TOO SURE about ANYONE. There are the people that are just crazy, and they let you know right off the bat that they have issues. Then there are those strange people that are sly and cunning, the ones that make you feel okay about things, just so you let off your guard. I can promise you though, I’m none of those things. Just a passionate kid looking to drain the world of all it has to offer, one drop at a time.
I look forward to our photo shoot next Sunday, you’re already beautiful, but I promise I’ll make you gorgeous ;)

Talk to you before then?

Pop/ul/ar/Guru

Sent Via Blackberry By AT&T

To Danny (Watch out for those Scientologist)

2008-11-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

To Danny

I followed my usual patter of walking to Def Jam, first exiting Grand Central, walking West along 42nd then taking a right uptown on Broadway through Times Square and going back west to 8th ave somewhere around 46th or 47th street. I purposely stick to the same route because I often see the same people over and over again.

One person I’ve seen before is a guy by the name of Danny. He’s one of the many people soliciting naïve tourists in Time Square. Danny preys on people like me, people that are too nice and kind hearted to give a respectful person the cold soldier.

I was walking my normal route when I saw Danny, positioned just as he was when I first saw him a few weeks ago. He dressed sort of strange, not sure if it was required by his "work", or if it was just his style, but he wore glasses, was clean shaven and had on a flashy sort of preppy get up.

It was raining and I held out my umbrella to get Danny’s attention.

“You remember me” Danny gave me that look to say, “uhhh, no”

“You wanted me to do your survey, but I didn’t have time”

“Oh yeah, oh yeah, what’s your name again?”

I told Danny my name, “what’s your name man?”

“Ferarri” we laughed.

A few weeks ago Danny tried to get me to take a personality survey.

“Would you like to take the survey now”

“I’m actually running late again, I have to meet a girl” I explained to Danny that I was a photographer and was meeting up with a perspective model for a photoshoot.

“I’d still like to take the survey though”

I made several key mistakes, the first was talking to Danny in the first place. My parents of course, always told me “not to talk to strangers” and for good reason, especially in NYC. The second mistake was telling Danny my name. Not my government, but the name that people refer to me by. My last mistake, giving the kid MY CELL #.

“Here’s a card man” Danny surreptitiously folds up a 4x6 post card looking thing and sticks it in my hand. He continues to talk while I glance at my watch to see that I’m running about 10 minutes late for my meeting.

“I gotta go man, I’m running late”

“Mr. Late, always running late…I’ll call you tomorrow, you gunna be around?”

“ I say yes, but mean no”

As I turn the corner, I take out the post card that Danny gave me. On one side is a strange advertisement for a “Modern Science” 15 minute short film. On the other is a map with a big DOT labeling “Church of Scientology of New York”. I was CONNED! There was no god damn survey. Danny was recruiting me to be a fucking Scientologist. I felt betrayed. I walk towards 8th ave and see the Church of Scientology building that Danny was recruiting for.

Hopefully he doesn’t call, but if I see him again, I’m going to play along with his little games.

pop/ul/ar/GURU

Sent Via Blackberry By AT&T

The Youth is Starting to Change (Obama Rally-Union Square)

2008-11-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the shitty cell phone pics, long story short, I had no other camera :(

Last night I hung out @ Union Square for a couple hours and witnessed an Obama rally.

"I told mom I had to be with MY generation" -Brother

So just as I was about to call it a night and head to Grand Central Terminal to catch a train back to CT, I see a row of about 25 people holding a flag that stretches from one end of the block to the other, they're chanting "Obama, Obama" with big smiles on their faces, while pumping their fists. I immediately take out my camera and follow them back to Union Square.

People take notice as the cheers and chants get greater. Others join TOGETHER to help stretch out the flag along the ground and then fluff it up to form a 15 foot dome just like we used to do back in Elementary school with those big ass tarps.

"Can we go in?"

I duck under the dirty American Flag and feel like I've just stumbled on a hippie commune. Brooklyn Hipsters, the ones responsible for this scene are dancing around in a circle while others take photos of the madness. Spirits are high, we all feel like Obama has already been elected President. I would find out later that the race was uncertain at the time.

"This is disgusting" Me.
"We dragged this flag all the way from Brooklyn to here" Brooklyn Hipster.
"It's disgusting but it could be worse" Benjamin.
"Could be worse, I guess" Me.

There was a drummer, beating away on the ground and moments later, the circle was formed. For about thirty solid minutes this guy beats on the drum while bystanders take turns jumping into the circle to dance. All the while people are chanting "Obama, Obama, Obama".

At this moment I felt like I was apart of something special, something that I have NEVER experienced in my life and might not EVER experience again. I felt the togetherness, the sense of unity, patriotism at it's pinnacle.

From what I hear this rally continued in Union Square until the wee hours of the morning.

Epic night!

Not my video but.....

pop/ular/GURU

Sent Via Blackberry by AT&T

More Videos:
http://blip.tv/file/1433379
http://blip.tv/file/1433191

To Benjamin (Union Square Skaters)

2008-11-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no pics. The fucking kid @ Walgreens cut my film. Moments were lost...

To Benjamin,

Hey man, thanks for the advice on how to get started taking pictures of skateboarders. You got me really pumped to peruse this interest of mine. Hopefully what you said about contacting amateur skate teams was true, can it be that simple though? I've always been interested in the whole skateboarding scene and Union Square is exactly why I'm so intrigued by this way of life. The poise and comradery shared between skaters is amazing. It's truly unlike any other sport. So casual yet so fuckin' intense. I saw you get frustrated many times over pulling that trick over e gap and for what? You were just skating on your own, for fun-but that's the attitude of a skater.

Watching you flip out on those two Mexican guys was fucking epic man, HAHA! I wish I had my camera.

"Move the fuck over, two feet, ablo understando move the fuck over!?!?" I really thought you were going to whack one of those dudes with your skateboard.

I'm probably going to The Square again Thursday, so I'm sure I'll see you again.

pop/ular/GURU

Lifting Polaroid Film & Instant Cameras

2008-11-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

To Self,

For the FULL album, click HERE.

'Polaroid 600' film is $20--$20 for 10 exposures. Polaroid film is expensive.

--

I bought a $10 35mm camera from Walgreens today. I bought it because they give you, "Free film for LIFE". All I have to do is pay for the processing.

@ Walgreens, an old lady told me I was an "angel", literally, an angel that god had sent down to her, all because I introduced her to the "free film for life" camera.

Oh boy, I'm an ANGEL!

pop/ular/GURU

Princess

2008-11-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

I took some pics of my sister in her Halloween costume the other day.

Pop/ular/GURU

Scalpers, Sober Night and The Ting Tings

2008-11-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

I saw the Ting Tings perform last night @ Webster Hall for the 3rd time in 4 or 5 months.

@ Webster Hall.

I'm quickly becoming a regular here. After going to 3 shows in two weeks, the scalpers are beginning to recognize me by face.
"You went to MGMT...and justice...you look familiar"

This one scalper that was selling tickets to MGMT /Justice Thursday night recognized me and offered me a ticket to the Tings Tings for 40 bucks. 40 bucks was reasonable but 20 dollars more then face value, plus I was sure I could get a ticket for 30 or less. He told me that he couldn't do 30 because he had a kid that he had to put through Syracuse Law School. Could be bullshit but either way I gave him n extra ten bucks just to secure his number for future events, plus one way or another, I knew the guy needed the money.

Going to a show completely sober was an interesting experience. Webster Hall just wasn't the same though. I have no crazy stories. There was no smoking during the show. I didn't meet any girls. Didn't talk to any interesting people (except a cool dude that lived in Korea for 3 years). Didn't even get good photos (thanks to my shitty camera). I was there on assignment, strictly to get FOOTAGE for my sites.

The show was a bit dull. The crowd wasn't dancing, nobody was passing around blunts. They had a dumb "rule" that you couldn't take flash photography at the show (which me and everyone else ignored). The highlight was actually seeing the opener Yoav put on an amazing show with nothing but an Acoustic Guitar. I think I would have enjoyed the night more if he headlined and Ting Tings opened.

There aren't many shows for the next couple months that I'm really excited about so I guess that gives me sometime to focus on other things.

For videos and more blogs about the show, visit- www.thepopguru.com

pop/ular/GURU

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Note to Self: Karma is a Bitch!

2008-11-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

Note to self. Karma is a bitch.

Today a friend of mine asked me to do him a favor. A simple favor, drive him a hundred feet, across the street to pick up his dry cleaning.

"Do you want to or not"

"Not really"

Karma is a bitch. A few hours later, I'm on my way into the city to meet up with a girl that I met @ a concert a couple days ago and see the Ting Tings perform. As I'm going to get in my car, I notice a puddle of liquid built up on the ground and trail of liquid running down my jeans.

What's this? Did I spill my coffee? NO!

I remembered that I had a Gatorade stashed in my bag, along with over 1000 dollars worth of camera equipment. When I open my bag, I see my precious equipment that doesn't even belong to me sitting in a pile of fruit punch Gatorade. Nearly 32 fluid ounces of the stuff.

Karma is a bitch. I immediately go to see my friend and apologize for not giving him a ride, HAHA.

To make matters worse, the chick I was suppose to meet up with in the city decided she "didn't feel like going out" :(. Sucks to be me.

Karma is a bitch.

pop/ular/GURU

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To Lindsay...

2008-10-31T11:24:00.002-07:00

MGMT-Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (10/30) from Popular Guru on Vimeo.

Lindsay,

The ferry tale first date? Haha. How cliche could the circumstances be.

"Hey don't I know you from somewhere?" Great pick up line, huh?

No, I really did think I knew you from somewhere. Did you ever see Vampire Weekend peform @ Central Park(click), during Summerstage? In retrospect I don't think you looked all that familiar, I guess that was just my way of saying, "Hey, you're beautiful"

MGMT seemed to be the perfect back drop to our romance. There were moments when I had to let the music play out in the back of my head, I was too fixated on either you or my camera. I was unaware of my sorroundings, blind to the hundreds of people around me, ignorant to any sense of morality. It was me, you and the music, that's it. I felt like everything else was irrelavent, and that MGMT was just performing for me and you, it was our little soundtrack to love.

I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Hope to see you again.

To be continued?

To Ian From Pratt

2008-10-31T11:24:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of thecobrasnake.com

Ian,

Crazy that we're both from the CT! I usually meet people that "have family in CT" but rarely meet a Connecticut native. I bet you're so stoked to be out of this state, it's great and all, but doesn't compare to NYC.

How's Pratt? I've met a bunch of kids that go to Pratt and they all seem to be the same. I know you wouldn't consider yourself to be a hipster but in my book you most certainly are, HAHA. Not a Manhattan hipster like me, but a Brooklyn Art Student Hipster. Everyone that goes to Pratt seems to have the same attitude, the same aura about them: chill, down to earth people, that seem almost alien outside of their natural habitat of Brooklyn, NY. It's weird how you live in the city, go to school in the city, but you're not even familiar with Webster Hall.

Anyway, enough psychoanalyzing. Hope you enjoyed Justice.

Hit me up if you ever read this.

EDIT: THE INTERNET IS FUCKING CREEPY! I found a picture of you on someone elses blog, looks like you were front row @ Justice? That's illl man!

To The Trippy Kids That Lost Their Tickets...

2008-10-31T11:23:00.001-07:00

To the trippy kids that lost their tickets,

What the hell kinda drugs were you two on? I saw one of you get denied entrance for being "too intoxicated"? You also said you lost your ticket for the show. I didn't have the heart to tell you but I saw someone pick up a ticket right outside of the venue. I was so pissed because it was on the ground right where I was standing! This little Asian guy got lucky. I thought about being like, "Hey, did you just pick that up off the ground...THAT's MY TICKET!" but I'm not that much of an asshole.

"You guys just wanna rush the door?" Classic.

The plan fucking worked, for me atleast! I doubt you got in (you the tall skinny one wearing a tshirt in 40 degree weather) but you'll be happy to know that you were the perfect decoy for me to sneak in unnoticed. I was so fucking amped when I slid by that person collecting tickets, what a fool proof fucking method! The bump and grind ill call that one. What a flawed system they have @ that Webster Hall, you can get into the venue with out having a ticket and then all you gotta do is get by the two people collecting tickets, SMH.

The show was great by the way.

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The Night of MGMT

2008-10-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

Last night I saw MGMT @ Webster Hall. The night began with me sneaking in the front door for free and ended with me walking out on Justice. My night was ALL about good/bad timing. Good timing to sneak in through the FRONT DOOR. Bad timing leaving Justice @ 12:30am? I met soo many people last night but forgot most peoples names, bare with me please.

It was a night of timing. A night of excitement. The eve of halloween and I find myself having a lucky one @ that

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"Is THAT the Fabled Good Camera?"

2008-10-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

"Is that the fabled, good camera?" Marc

Indeed it is. The Canon EOS something or other.

I've been shooting with it the past few days, it actually belongs to my Mom, who's a professional photographer, but she mostly shoots on film, so my brother and I take turns shooting digital with the Canon.

I took a bunch more nature shots but I'm not too psyched on how they came out. Not that they're not good shots, I just KNOW I can do better. I posted a few though.

pop/ular/GURU

Bad Case of Mondays

2008-10-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

Woke up. Alarm clock was out. Was suppose to get up around 10am to work for my Dad, slept in until about 11:30am, feel like shit. Need coffee and a cigarette.

Get outta bed, wipe your face, you look like shit. You sleep in until 11:30am on Monday and you look like shit.

If you're not going to make money today, make it a productive day some other way.

Grab camera and head to the beach, it's a nice day to take pictures.

Arrive @ beach, there are a few fishers, some people sitting on a bench, a lady speed walking and two dudes swimming. It's about 50 degrees, not too cold to swim, but you didn't go swimming during Summer, lets see your black ass get out there now.

Take some pictures, got the good camera finally, makes a difference right?

Light a cigarette. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, click, click, time to go home.

LR

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Sunday Psychographics!

2008-10-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

pop/ular/GURU

Crystal Castles Videos (Pt.3)

2008-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

I shot a bunch of videos on my cheap digital camera the other night @ the Crystal Castle shows. All videos were shot while I was being throw around, trying not too drop my glasses or camera.

I'll be posting these slowly but surely. Stay tuned...

Crystal Castles Webster Hall (10/23) Pictures (PT. 2)

2008-10-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Pictures and videos live from Crystal Castles @ Webster Hall (10/23).

The Night of Crystal Castles (Chpt. 2/ Pt. 1)

2008-10-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

"Just remember in 5 minutes that we were all friends" CC fan, Ashley.

To Ashley,

I think your name was Ashley.

We were standing next to each other in the middle of the madness @ the Crystal Castles show last night. You were tall, skinny and had pink streaks running through your hair. I offered you a hit from my green cigar but you politely declined.

I lost you five minutes into the show.

Hope you had fun,

pop/ular/GURU

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I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I bought my ticket for 40 dollars, from one of the many sketchy black skalpers positioned outside the venue. I had no idea I would loose my scarf, almost loose my glasses and would have to hold onto my cheap digital camera with dear life. I had no idea that Alice Glass was such a stage freak and that the reserved hipsters of Manhattan and Brooklyn could be so rowdy. I had no idea I was in for the best concert of my life.

It literally felt like there was a driving force positioned somewhere beneath my feet that forced me to move and collide with other concert goers. The force was initiated at the start of the concert and didn't subside until the close. From my perspective, it seemed like at the front of the stage was a mini trampoline of some sort that sent vibrations up the spine of my body and allowed me to leap higher than I would be able to on normal ground. Of course there is no mini trampoline beneath the dance floor at Webster Hall. The force I was experiencing was pure adrenaline, adrenaline being released from the INSANE crowd.

10/21 Psychographics (Shiny Toy Guns, CMJ Bloggin)

2008-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Wake up, make coffee, first cig of the day. I always start my day with a cup of coffee and a couple of cigs. 6 hours is a long time to go with out a smoke. I remember once hearing about a guy that smoked so much, he actually took smoke breaks while he was sleeping. Not literally while he was sleeping, but he would wake up periodically during the night to have a cigarette.

I have a busy day ahead of me. I gotta work for a little to make some cash. Then I was planning on going into the city to watch the cool kids perform @ the blender theater. Its the first day/night of the CMJ Music Marathon.

On the train, need a cigarette. This has been a long train ride, I made the mistake of taking a local train, won't be in the city until a quarter to 8.

I think I'm going to this club called Santos Party House. Its suppose to be a retro themed discotech that "literally houses a party". I'm not crazy about any artists/bands performing tonight so ill take a rain check on a show.

In the city and its cold. Getting off the subway and immediately lighting a cigarette. Its been over an hour since my last smoke.

Walked a few blocks, got on a subway and went back to the train stop I got off at 15 minutes ago. Walking back up Lafayette st. in the cold just to get back to where I was 10 minutes ago. Wasted money on the subway, look like an idiot, hope nobody recognizes me walking back.

I fear I might get lost, I'm all the way down by Canal st. and I realize I should have stayed on the 6 train for a few more stops.

Found Santos Party House, light up a cigarette and wait. Can't get this damn lighter to work, it's a Zippo, isn't this thing suppose to light in the wind?

"Do you have a lighter I can borrow?"

I'm freezing my nuts off, so cold. I've been standing outside for what seems like an eternity in nothing more than a flannel shirt. It is practically winter weather and I'm dressed like its a cool spring day. I definitely need to invest in a coat asap.

I'm in! This place is cool. Once again I'm brought back to Fabric Live in London, the decor and atmosphere of the club, even the multilevel layout is so reminiscent of the summer. I'm happy I waited outside for a ticket for so long, I'm beginning to warm up.

Flashing lights. Blood stained skeletons. Sparkling discoballs. Strobe lights. Fog. A sound system that will make your ears bleed.

Craving a cigarette.

Tonight was cold. I woke up with the intention to see the Cool Kids, a hip hop act but ultimately experienced a band I would have never came across-first night of CMJ music marathon a success.

Next up: The Night of Crystal Castles pt 2. CMJ Wednesday?

Pop/ular/guru

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10/20-Psychographics

2008-10-20T10:08:00.001-07:00

Smoking a cigarette outside, I slept in too late, now drinking a cup of coffee. I was meant to wake up at about 10am to get ready to go to work at 11am. I work for my Father three times a week. This has been going on, or off and on, for 8 months. I find it incredibly hard to get into the routine of working for my Father , obviously this has something to do with the fact that my Dad is the boss, and the only other person in the office. The location of the office probably doesn't aide my tardiness, I suppose if it was located in NYC I would be more inclined to wake up early to go into the city.

Because I didn't work today, I won't get paid until Friday. I'm low on funds, I spent all the money I made this weekend from deliverying pizzas on recreational items and all the other money I have on cigarettes, food and other necessities. I have a big spending week ahead of me, atleast two concerts in a few days; the CMJ Music Marathon is going on this week.

What Should I do?

I light another cigarette.

Forty Two dollars in my bank account, barely enough for one show. Ask the rents for some cash, pops for an advance check? My parents have already given me over six hundred and fifty dollars for the month of October, what do I have to show for it? Nothing.

9 messages from Dad on blackberry.

Jesus, the tired old businessman needs my help. I'm here smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee while the bread winner of our family struggles to get things done. He could use my help? Should I make a late appearance? 1pm, too late.

Well I figure if I don't work for my Father today, I should do something else that will turn this shitty day into a decent one. Shoot some footage at the beach? Ehhh. Work on my showcase that I need to make happen in the next 2 weeks? Sounds like a better option. Can I get a showcase done in 2 weeks?

Take last drag from cigarette and puts it out.

To Be Continued...

@ school right now trying to be productive. Took a break from typing up a study guide to smoke a cig. Even though its chilly out, I still think that early fall is the best time of year.

Its quite @ school.

Later

Back outside smoking cig. I finished my study guide for the sociology test on Wendesday. I'm proud of myself for getting that out of the way early rather than later. I think ill forfeit going into Def Jam tomorrow so I can work for a few, that way I can go into the city later to see a show or two.

Class @ 5pm, drinking coffe.

Later,

6:30pm caught the sun set. This seems to be the best time to take pictures because there's just enough sun and the sky looks redish.

Tomorrow, I'll take the good camera and start shooting earlier at around 6pm.

Done,

pop/ular/GURU
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The Night of Diplo

2008-10-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Webster Hall to see Diplo perform. Never heard his music before that night, but always saw his name around. I met a couple of interesting people and had a ball.

To Jacob and Mike,

Jacob, Mike What's up? How was the rest of the night. The concert was fucking dope! I really didn't expect for Diplo to be that insane. The energy was amazing, I felt like I was back in London at Fabric. Makes sense though considering Diplo got his start at that very club.

What can I say, I'm happy I decided to role with you and Mike. To be honest it came as a bit of a shock to me that you two were friends, seemed like best friends actually. That was the first time I found myself hanging out with an openly gay man. It was awkward at times but I try to be kind and respectful to everyone. When you went to get us drinks you left Mike and I alone. I tried to talk to the guy just like I would talk to anyone else but we really couldn't connect. He asked me, "If you were stranded on an Island and could only take two albums, what albums would they be?" I said anything by The Velvet Underground or Jimi Hendrix and he laughed and said he would take anything from "Broken Social Scene", that pretty much sums up our dynamic.

I was completely in the zone at the concert. There were moments when I felt like I was the only person in the club, just dancing and feeling the music on my own. Then I would get thrown into this mass of energy generated by the insane crowd. I constantly found myself drifting to the left with out my knowing. I saw this chick dancing on the stage that reminded me of this girl that works at Def Jam. Coincidentally they both happened to be wearing orange pants from American Apparel so I thought it was her. I approached the stage with the intent of talking to her but when I got closer I realized it wasn't her, would have been cool if it was.

How about the girls at the show, all so gorgeous. I met some chick from Denmark, of course it was her "last night in America". Why is it always someones last night when you meet them. Why can't it be the first night, so you can hit it off and hang out every night after the first.

Thanks for letting me role with you guys though, I'm not sure the night would have been the same if I didn't.

I got your number so I'll hit you up sometime soon.

Dear Alex

Alex and Lexis would make a good couple right? Diplo was fucking ILL! He really amazed me. Did you and your friend dance the night away?

You kind of reminded me of that girl in Dazed and Confused the quite one that the chick puts under her wing.

Dear Cute Brunette on Metro North

Hey I wonder what happened to that couple that we were sitting next to. When they got off at Stamford I saw the chick take a few swings at the guy, I wonder what he said? What a dumb ass.

I'm sorry I lied about my age. I would like to think I'm more mature than the average 18 year old.

It's kind of crazy that you went to Lauralton and Suffolk. Because I went to Fairfield Prep and almost went to Suffolk.

I hope I see you on the train again.

To be continued this Thursday,

pop/ular/GURU

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95 Kgs of AU

2008-10-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

I sat across from a shady business man on Metro North while on my into Manhattan.
To a Shady Business Man,

To the Shady Businessman on Metro North,

Sometimes riding the train can be boring, but other times it can be interesting, if you get lucky and have the pleasure of riding next to someone mysterious. The other day I sat next to a business man, a shady ass business man, dressed pretty casual for someone headed to New York City; he wore a Ralph Lauren shirt with no tie, blue jeans, small sunglasses and carried a leather brief case. I knew the guy was strange from the gate because he was talking on the phone. You’re not really suppose to use your cell phone on the train, not loudly at least, anyone that rides metro north on a regular basis knows that. There are unwritten laws on the train, call them social norms, and this guy was ignoring all of them.

I sat across from the guy, in my usual seat, facing the opposite direction that the train was traveling in, in a seat that allowed me to stretch out my legs, I was pissed off because not only was this guy talking loudly but he kept brushing up against my leg. Even though there was a seat right next to him, he insisted on sitting as close to me as possible. To my right was a twenty something looking hipster kid, to my left was an older woman that got on the train at South Norwalk, at the same stop some tall skinny fagotty looking black guy came on the train, he was wearing a scarf and carried a purple woman’s purse; he made me uncomfortable to say the least.

This man was talking “shady business”. Although he didn’t say anything that would lead me to believe that he was doing something illegal he appeared to be the type of person, that if given the chance probably would be doing something illegal. His business seemed to fall in the grey area; I could only wonder how he described his means of making a living. I could pictured him at a cocktail party telling anyone that listened that he was in “imports/exports”, anytime someone says they’re in imports/exports, that’s a red flag for drug kingpin or arms dealer. He said it himself, “my export license is going to be changed, and I’m going to have a manufacturer’s license as well”. He constantly said, “I’m on the train right now so I can’t talk about that”, “I’m on the train right now so I can’t say his name, let’s just call him JB”. This guy had some nerve using that type of vocabulary on pack train headed into NYC.

“I head up a few large corporations” he said. “I have ties in Sierra Leone, I own a small law firm that handles my legal business, and I use a security company out in Arizona that travels with me around the world”. Who was this character? Anytime I hear Sierra Leone I think of either Blood Diamond or Lord of War. A diamond smuggler, maybe an arms dealer, hopefully not a drug dealer, In retrospect maybe the whole time he was talking in “coded code” and he actually was some drug dealer-never mind, what kind of drug dealer would be stupid enough to talk business on a public train?

I heard him broker a deal. 95kgs of AU estimated at one M of profit. The M of profit is obviously a million dollars, but 95kgs of AU? Hold on a minute, I got it, AU is the symbol for GOLD! Chemistry class finally pays off! How didn’t I realize that earlier? Not so shady after all. With the price of gold just under one thousand dollars an ounce, I’d say this guy is doing pretty well for himself. To give you an idea of the kind of numbers he’s dealing with, 1 kilogram is equivalent to about 35 ounces so that means if he was buying/trading 95 kilograms of gold, he was buying about 3.3 MILLION dollars worth of gold! One M in profit is right. He said he had houses in Nevada, Florida, New Mexico and Northwest Africa so while we’re all worrying about the economy, the credit crisis and losing our homes, this guy is making bank off of the hottest commodity available right now.

As we approached Grand Central I thought about getting up and pretending to dial a number, possibly leading him onto think that I was involved in his line of work. I was dressed the part; Casual clothes, glasses, a decent looking diamond watch on my wrist. All that I would have to do is use the same code language he did. Knowing this fool he probably would have bought it too, it would be like we were communicating in our own language. From there I would bullshit my way into making myself seem legit; I’m pretty good at that. Then before you know it, I break the news to him that I’m just a kid going into the city to intern at a record label, but that I would be more than willing to be his assistant. From there I presume he would take me under his wing, teaching me everything he knows until one day I’m able to broker my own deal. Then I become rich, remain and unknown and live the life I’ve always dreamed.
Time to get off the train.

Pop/ular/GURU
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The night of Black Mountain (9/23 Bowery Ballroom)

2008-10-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

I went to a concert, the Black Mountain show @ the Bowery Ballroom, on September 23, 2008.

September 23, 2008
To Chuck, Don and James?

I had a great time chilling in the park, drinking a 40 and listening to that homeless guy talk about how he was a graffiti artist. I checked out his website, artorcrime.com? Turns out, it doesn’t exist! Great concept for a website though. What a depressing sight, I wanted to give that guy the benefit of the doubt, I wanted him to actually be all that he claimed. I wonder if he had any skills what so ever when it came to graffiti?

That concert was amazing man! They started off slow and progressively built the night up. I wish they didn’t rush through their set though, someone else commented on how they actually played some of their songs faster than they were on the album. Only other complaint is they didn’t play “stay free”, I love that song, I’ve seen other set lists from shows and they never seem to play that one. I think it might have to do with copyright politics, it was featured on the soundtrack to Spider Man 3, so they might not have the rights to the song.

You guys were a cool group of guys, thanks for letting me hang out with you all. It’s not every day you meet a few people and spend an entire night with them.

I gave chuck my number but he never called me. Did you guys ever have that party you were talking about.

We still gotta see “The Wall of Fame” LMAO.

To mes,

Hey man, I checked out your website but couldn’t find anything. It was artorcrime.com right? You had such a great idea wish it actually came to life. I doubt it, but if you ever see this and want to start that site, I’ll buy you the domain and set you up! Are you actually a graffiti artist or were you just making all that stuff about the parties and “The Wall of Fame” up? You seemed like a real down to earth guy, had a good head on your shoulders. Addiction is a bitch isn’t it? I don’t mean to judge you but you even said it yourself, several times/

Thanks for solving the American Spirit filter mystery. A lot of people think they burn longer because the company packs them “harder” but I think that’s bullshit. Your reasoning made much more sense. I’ll always give out cigarette free of charge for that very reason, it usually sparks up great conversation (pun intended).

I agree with you whole heartedly about the direction of style and influence for the youth. Skinny jeans and designer duds are making a come back, it’s 1988 all over again. Like I said, I work at a hip hop label and all the jeans seem to be getting tighter and tighter. I still stand out like a faggot in a bathroom but I wouldn’t like it any other way.

Good luck with your life man. Next time I’m at the Ballroom, I’ll stop by the park, just to see if you’re there.

To that tall light skinned African American girl inside show,

I’m sorry I acted like such an idiot at the show. I was the guy that commented about how tall you were and how I thought you had a British accent, even though you clearly didn’t. I felt real small that night, you had a good two inches on me. The show was rad right? You seemed like you enjoyed yourself. What was going on with your friend though? He kept saying loud and obnoxious shit, then he left. Did he go outside to throw up or something?
I never saw you after the show. To be honest I never really even saw your face. You looked like a beautiful girl though, looked like you could be a model.
I think I might have actually seen you the other day though, right outside of the ESPN zone in Times Square. You were talking on the phone and I stopped to stare at you for a minute while the light changed. I’m pretty sure it was you. Not sure how many other good looking, skinny African American girls with big hair there are in this city. By the time I turned the corner and headed uptown I realized it was you, so I turned around and tried to catch up to you, but you were already headed downtown. Missed connection? I even went so far as to post an ad in craigslist. You know that “missed connection” section of the site. No replies though.

We shall meet again.

To that cute short haired brunette outside of Bowery Ballroom,

Wow! You were probably one of the cutest girls I’ve ever laid my eyes on. You had short brown hair, not real short but like shoulder length. You were wearing dark grey leggings and a sweater. You were standing outside by yourself for about an hour, I didn’t say anything to you because I suspected you were waiting for your boyfriend. You smoked camel light cigarettes, I smoked American Spirits. I think my predictions might have been correct because I saw you hug this guy for about 20 seconds and you didn’t leave his side until I disappeared with my hipster friends. Call me prejudice but the guy looked gay, from a distance I got the feeling that you were using him because he kept talking to the bouncers and I think I over heard him say he was “friends with the band”. I caught you looking at me with your circle of friends, almost like you wanted to invite me to join your pack, shoulda asked.

I hope I see you all again,

The Pop/ular/GURU
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Chris From Dubai

2008-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I went to London, England with my brother for a week in August. One night we went to the infamous nightclub known as Fabric.

August 15, 2008
To Chris from Dubai,

Tonight I went to my first rave. I didn't realize I was @ a rave until after I left the club. I was @ Fabric, one of the most notorious night clubs in London. Weekends are different in London. Everyone works their asses off during the week so no one goes out during the week nights, but come Friday, everyone goes out late and stays out even later. Fabric didn’t even open it’s doors until 10pm and people didn’t start to show up until closer to midnight. All through the night though, dozens upon dozens of ravers entered the club, there was a constant influx of people.

The club is like a maze. Multiple levels and bars with a constant drone of thump, thump, thump, pause, thump, thump, thump. It’s impossible to escape the noise, not that you would ever want to. To give you an idea of how the club is layed out-you enter from the upper level. It feels almost like the club is tucked into some sort of cave. The stairwell that leads to the main dancefloor, called room 1 I believe, wraps around the wall as you enter into this dimly lit knook of a bar. Machines fill the enter club with synthetic smoke adding to the haze of the establishment. You can look over the main dance floor from the main bar, like god watching over his people, you feel the energy of the life underneath you.

Morals and emotion are nonexistent @ a rave. The theory behind the noise is that you’re having a good time, he's having a good time, were all having a good time. @ a rave, people don't communicate with words, they communicate with their bodies. There's no asking a girl if she wants to dance or offering to buy someone a drink @ the bar. Bodies gravitate towards one another. Body language, that's the official language of raves. I was in the middle of the dance floor, my domain for the night when a gorgeous young Italian girl went from boy to boy begging for a cigarette. You weren’t suppose to smoke on the dance floor, but after I gave this chick a cigarette, she proceeded to light up right on the dance floor, she couldn’t give two shits about what security had to say or who she was bothering with the fumes from her Winston light. I was mesmerized by the way she danced, held her cigarette in her mouth and managed to flirt with any guy that had the courage to do the same.

All morals are left @ the door when @ a rave. Beer bottles are left on the floor, body odor almost smells pleasant, men brush up against men in the most heterosexual way, all genders share the same bathrooms, condoms are on sale for 2 pounds, patrons go from person to person asking if they have pills and everyone smokes cigarettes. Atleast five people asked me for Ecstasy pills. I came to the conclusion that all the black residents of the club probably sold Ecstasy. A rave is the only kind of party of club where you’ll see people drinking bottles of water. After dancing, drinking and doing drugs for a few hours, your body naturally deserves some H2O.

I found it impossible to communicate verbally with anyone. Words just sounded like gibberish to me. The only words I could really pick up on were slang; a zoo is a joint, beanies are ecstasy pills, etc.

I met an interesting person outside on the smokers patio. His name was Chris and he moved from Dubai about 9 months ago. He had a real thick English accent and talked rhythmically. He was throwing all sorts of slang at me, somehow we got on the topic of drugs. Whenever I hear of Dubai, I automatically think about some of the horror stories I’ve heard about people getting busted for drugs or having sex on the beach, Dubai seems like a wonderful country, but they’re completely backwards when it comes to sex and drugs…do your research before you book the flight.

At around 4am my brother and I got tired and decided to head back to our rooms. It took us like an hour to get home though because the transportation system in London is fucked up. The “tube” (train) stops running after 12am, just about the time when some people are going out, and doesn’t start running until 5am. Being that cabs in London are so damn expensive, the only other ways to get home is to walk or take the night bus. Night buses are a pain in the ass. There’s some convoluted system involved with getting the right bus to take you home, a system that I didn’t even bother to learn. My brother, the navigator handled all transportation duties for the trip, thank god, because if it wasn’t for him I would have just stayed out all night.

I think people say that NYC is the city that never sleeps? From my experience, I’d say London is the city that never sleeps. The nightclub we were @ didn't close until 6am. Even on our way back home, the kabob eatery was filled with English lads still drinking beer and munching on these platters of food that looked disgusting but ironically tasty @ the same time. I wondered when the guys that worked at the Kabob places slept, they worked all day and on weekends, all night. When the hell did they socialize? Did they fucking socialize? I thought back to America, where everyone seems to complain about work, regardless of how much or how little they actually DO work.

As I walked back to my dorm room, an intoxicated figure offered to pay me for a cigarette. Pay me for a cigarette? Who was I to be compensated for a cigarette? I happily dug into my pockets and presented the man with a Marlboro light and lit his cigarette for him, “thanks mate”, people are so nice in London, as I walked to my room I saw him disappear behind a deserted pub, quite suspiciously.

So as I sit in my 10x10 dorm room @ Westminster college and the sun rises, the night clubs officially close, the shop openers prepare for another days work and 1000s of scenesters emerge from the depths of the nightclubs only to see daylight. In one big mass of adrenalin, they migrate to eateries, tube stops, bus stations and taxi cabs. Its Saturday morning, no one has a corporate office to go to, just another night in this cold city that never sleeps, a great night in this cold city that never sleeps.

To be continued hopefully.

Cheers mate,

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

My Friend From Afghanistan

2008-10-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Metra Night Club in London, England. I went outside for a smoke…

August 13, 2008
Unknown Friend from Afghanistan,

“Where are you from mate?” he said in slurred speech as he swayed from side to side, taking drags from his cigarette. “New York City” I replied proudly. I’m not actually from NYC, I’m from Connecticut, but considering people from The States don’t know shit about CT, I wouldn’t expect a foreigner from London to know shit about CT either.

“No…where are you from?” He kept repeating; I couldn’t answer the question. Where the hell was I from? I insisted that I was American, born and raised, same with my parents and grandparents and so on and so. Where did the lineage end? Well, my Mothers parent’s are actually from Haiti but I don’t identify myself as Haitian American or anything like that. I’ve never been to Haiti, don’t know shit about the country other than what I learned in French class. So what am I?

“Where are you from?” I asked to turn the question on him. “Afghanistan” he replied proudly. What? Now didn’t I just open up a can of worms. I remember reading somewhere that it was impolite to ask someone where they were from and I think it was for this specific reason. I can honestly say, I didn’t judge the man because he said he was from Afghanistan, not initially, I just felt bad for asking. Obviously if you tell someone you’re from Afghanistan, you’re welcoming an endless list of stereotypes and prejudice and if you ask someone that’s from Afghanistan where they’re from, you’re just an asshole.

This kid didn’t stop there. He went onto list all the people in his family that he lost, presumably from acts of violence. This many brothers, that many sister, uncles, aunts, grandparents, close to a dozen relatives he named.

I thought about my own life. The only person I’d lost was my grandfather, essentially from old age. I cried at my grandfathers funeral, we all did, but suddenly my grandfather being dead seemed insignificant. Atleast he lived a long life, I couldn’t even begin to imagine burying my brothers or sisters. It was hard to react to what he was saying, normally when someone says they lost a member of their family you reply by saying, “I’m sorry to hear that”. That cliché bullshit of a response didn’t seem appropriate in this situation, nothing did. I imagine I probably said something like, “wow”, or maybe nothing at all, but the guy wasn’t looking for anything from me, he was just fucked up.

“And I still love my country”

What!?!? I was mesmerized. His country had taken so much away from him, and yet, he had the balls to tell me he still loved his country.

That’s more than I could say about my country.

pop/ular/GURU

About CigaretteDiaries.com

2008-09-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

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