The Flat Head 3001 World Tour

Flatheads go to China

2008-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

so last week, my boss told me that i was going to china, so i got my visa and plane ticket 2 days before i left.

i flew from SF -> Beijing -> Xining (Qinghai province). Qinghai's economy is amongst the smallest in all of China, contributing about 0.3% to the entire country

then we drove to the countryside:

getting closer to our destination:

getting closer.........

you might have noticed that several of the people in these pictures are wearing those special hats. that is because majority of the people in this area are Muslim.

goth muslim ninja woman

Almost at our destination.......

so you're probably wondering why i went to the countryside of rural china .....

they are the reason:

the organization i work with builds elementary schools for less-fortunate areas of china where the government doesnt give them enough funds to build or repair schools. i was out there to check out different locations where we could potentially build new schools for them, and also to participate in the opening ceremony of two of the schools that have already been finished (i'll post those pics soon).

you may have noticed the cheeks of these many of the kids are darkened... thats because this location was 2100+ meters above sea level, in hills where the sun is strong and air is dry. Look at their faces... how could you not want to help them!

the next morning, i wandered around Xining city briefly before getting ready to go to another airport

got myself a morning snack, xiao long bao, little steamed pork bun/dumpling things... i got 6 of them for about 50 cents total

after lunch, i was on the road again, this time a 4 hour drive to Lanzhou airport. in the van, listening to one of my life's biggest inspirations on my ipod:

at Lanzhou airport, next stop Dunhuang (Gansu province):

arrived in the tiny airport in Dunhuang (our plane was the only plane/flight there) in Gansu province, late in the night

Dunhuang is located in the northwestern China situated on the Silk Road where it was a key point of transit for over a thousand of years, resulting in melting pot of culture, religion, and knowledge.

one of the most well known places in Dunhuang is the Mogao Grottoes ("Thousand Buddha caves), there used to be at least one thousand caves but currently there are about 500 caves, each with Buddhist statues and murals, that were made over one thousand years ago.

the symbol landmark of dunhuang, flying goddess playing the pipa behind her head

i hadnt eaten a dinner that night so i looked for a nearby night market

stocked up on a few fruits

went here for a bowl of noodles

got a big bowl of knife carved noodles 刀削麵 for like 75 cents. they take a big chunk of dough and slice off strips of thick noodles, really good for its chewiness.

went back to my hotel room, photographed the jeans

photographed the view from my room

and got some rest for the next day...

our next stop is a small town called Yang Guan 阳关 where we funded an elementary school there to have new a campus, classrooms, dorms, and cafeteria built. today was the opening ceremony and the first time the kids get to use the classrooms. we had to be there by 9am for the opening ceremony, that meant we had to wake up hella early, because to get there we would have to drive across a section of the Gobi desert.

we got there a little late, and the kids were already waiting for us!

after the ceremony (firecrackers, speeches, cut the ribbon, hanging new sign, etc), we browsed the new campus to check everything out.

checking out the new classrooms

look how happy they are! our philosophy is... grades isnt the most important, the most important thing for the kids is to have an interest to learn, to genuinely want to go to school. when new classrooms are built, it gives them more motivation to want to spend time there.

pedo bear approved.

she kept following me...

after leaving the new school, we drove back across the Gobi desert and stopped by a "ancient city", where many movies were filmed

we stopped by a grape farm for lunch, we ate at the farmer's house, where we were served over 30 dishes.

after lunch we checked out a few other school locations where we could potentially rebuild/repair. on the way i saw many cotton fields:

for dinner, we went to another "farmer's house"
folks playing mah jong in the yard:

this place was cool because there was a band that played chinese opera-like music with the chinese classical instuments (erhu, pipa, guqin, drums, cymbals..)

STUNNAZ

celebrated the opening ceremony over 30 dishes and several bottles of wine... and then had to go to the airport to fly back to Lanzhou . we reached lanzhou around midnight...

the next day we drove out into the mountains to see other potential hope school sites.

we drove for hours in these mountains (dirt roads), we were pretty high up and the whole time i kept thinking "Who the hell lives up here?"

we reached the school:

the classrooms were crumbled or in very bad condition (dangerous for kids), walls were on the brink of falling over, holes in roofs, etc. So the kids were having class in their tents, with no lights....

the sound of my camera made the kids fill the room with laughter

we decided we're going to help this school.

next stop... Shanghai

Flew into Shanghai in the morning, where i stayed for a day and a half before flying back to San Francisco. The weather was perfect so for these two days i literally walked around all of over the city for the entire day/night (in the Flatheads!)

Shanghai's most recognizable landmark:

Pearl Tower in Pudong

beautiful tree lined streets of the French Concession area

Stop by Wujiang Road to grab some snacks

one of my favorites:

Xiao Yang's Xian Jian Bao

went to Xin Tian Di during the daytime to see whats new

then continued walking towards the Bund..

the bustling pedestrian area that is Nanjing East Road

day turns into night

In the evening, i met up with an old buddy of mine who i used to room with when i was studying abroad here 4 yeras ago. we met up at Xin Tian Di, one of the more expensive areas of Shanghai.

looking at this menu, you wouldnt think this was China. a big reason why this area is expensive is because many restaurants here caters to foreigners.

we had dinner at Ding Tai Feng, a taiwanese restaurant that serves excellent xiao long bao.

wallpaper there cracked me up, there was paintings of every chinese celebrity eating xiao long baos... if they really did come eat here they would sign there names next to their drawings.

after dinner, my buddy convinced me to see at least one club before i had to leave town

that concludes my time in Shanghai and trip to China. hope you enjoyed the flathead's tour of China

the Flatheads smell like alcohol, tobacco, sweat, and dirt right now, so i'm going to wash them this weekend... will post pics of jeans when they are dry!

9/17/08

2008-10-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

sunday, put the flatheads on and went to the San Francisco Zoo

peacocks walk around by themselves all over the zoo.

after i left the insect room, i scared the kids away on the rope web

took this pic of downtown while driving over to the mission

headed over to Valencia, my favorite place in SF =)

ate at Aslam's Rasoi

yesterday, went to santana row to have a bday dinner at maggiano's italian restaurant with my gf and homie

inside maggiano:

jean shotz:

8/28

2008-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night i went out for dinner with ppl from work to an Italian restaurant in downtown San Jose called Il Fornaio. i didnt bring my camera but i found this pic off the internet:

there was 13 of us there and we had a private dining room behind the kitchen. the food was great, i would name all the things i ate but it would be worthless without pics... sorry no pics!

yesterday (wednesday) after work i grabbed a quick dinner at this taqueria near my house, called La Costa.

the taqueria is entirely outdoors, you order from a window and eat on a table on the patio or under the veranda

the tacos:

and of course, the jeans:

2008-08-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

8-24-08 Sunday

here's a fit pic i took in the morning before i went to help out my aunt with her high school reunion BBQ party

the BBQ was cool, about 30 people were there and it was about 10 miles into the mountains east of Milpitas,

some pics of the surrounding hills:

the grill:

our friends

there's 4 garages there, this was what was inside these garages:

tbird. click for pic of interior (all original parts and leathers, except carpet)

click for pic of interior:

convertible:

hard top

sammy:

the funnest ride IMO, the dune buggy:

went out for a off road ride on it (in the flatheads, of couse):

ghost ride the whip

the hills we were mashing on:

that thing goes damn fast, pretty fun busting jumps on the hills, except i hit my head on one of the bars because i wasnt wearing my seatbelt hahaha

that concludes this weekends' flathead tour!

2008-08-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

8-22-08 Friday

I dropped by my house during my lunch break yesterday and saw that the flatheads were dry from the wash, so i snapped some quick pics of how they're lookin after 11 wearers. definitely some interesting fading going on in the top block. also, did anyone use some sort of conditioner on the leather patch? its hella softer than the patches on my other jeans

the crotch also looks like its about to blow out

and heres the skull belt. was this belt originally tan?? its pretty dark now..

i wore them to lunch and for the rest of my work day. i went to the japantown in san jose to get some lunch at a little restaurant called Gombei.

a church in san jose japantown i passed on the way to the restaurant

Gombei, where i had lunch:

i ordered the broiled salmon and fried chicken

2008-08-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

8-21-08 i picked up the flatheads from MRIP tonight, we met at a taqueria in San Jose.. i suggested it because i wanted him to try the tacos there because of his taco venture but when we were ordering i remembered he was vegetarian so he dint even get to try them :(

when i got home, i tried them on, and then threw them in a cold bath with Dr Bronners peppermint soap and gave them a good washing.

the water eventually turned brownish yellow. but now they smell pepperminty fresh.

2008-08-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

07-20-2008 by MRIP

"GOT THEM
lM PRETTY DRUNK RITE NOW
THX P2G2 AZUMANGA DAIOH N SHIT
WEARING THEM RITE NOW
WILL POST PIX SOONO

no vomit stains
been watching the wire since i woke up
going out tonight to the arcade
ill try and take some pics

shitty cam pics from last night
had some friends over, drank and played wii

supreme shirt
tight ass flat heads"

2008-08-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

06-20-2008 by PG2G

"Here's a small fit pic, excuse the lighting

"

2008-08-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

6-11-08 by PG2G

"Just took a quick pic of it

Belt color has changed significantly since it was new.

And holy crap these jeans are tight :P Its kinda funny though, I get the feeling that they've been too small for a bunch of you guys because I can see how the stitches on the outseam are showing."

2008-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

06-07-2008 by PG2G

Pics as they showed up, notebook and belt not in the shots. Will get those later.

Fit pic... pretty damn tight in the thigh :P

Gonna put them in for a soak and then get things started tomorrow.

2008-04-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

FINAL EPISODE IN WHICH ORDO SAYS GOODBYE TO THE TOUR
These are the final pictures that I am going to post for the Flat Head tour, that is unless people care to see the pictures of the pages that I did in the notebook. At any rate, lets get right to it.

Friday evening we went to Moma to pose with some arts. You can see my Balzac.

Duchamp!

Ordo likes waterlillies.

Then we went to Nintendo World.

Ducky was feeling his hangover.

As you all know, friday means sushi day. We had already demolished a large portion of the raw fishes by this point.

Always yoyoing.

The next day we arose and went to meet more people from the internets.

Shake Shack bay bay. They give you a vibrator to let you know when your grease is ready.

The Double (bi-pass) Shack Stack.

Beef on the beef.

Cindy Ro

The Sushijerk

OMC

Destructoshake

More yoyoing.

Went to a Japanese bookstore to kop them Lavinz.

Just Ducky.

The final shot. Ducky and I recreate a great moment in Sufu history.

It has been a lot of fun Sufu. Thank you and good night.

2008-04-05T08:18:00.003-07:00

Working the stairmaster fadez.

2008-04-05T08:18:00.001-07:00

NYC TRIP
OK time to start catching up a bit. There are shots from Sid's show but I believe he is going to post them so I pick up the day after with a Supergai trip to Katz's deli for some meats.

We all ordered meaty sandwiches.

And proceeded to consume them.

One by one.

Afterwards Worm entertained us by attempting skateboard tricks. He was not so successful.

We went around the corner to visit the Absolute Music Machine thingy which was not easily photographed. Many gais spent much time there. The machine would create music based on a series of notes the input by the user. Some guy from MIT made it - it was crazy.

Spoooooky.

Sid and I went to check on his show. Flat Head denim summit.

We took a cab.

Later on we did more stuff which will be posted soon.

2008-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

EPISODE IN WHICH ORDO MEETS PEOPLES FROM THE INTERNETS
Today I awoke and wandered the streets of New York with Mentos (Sidney's friend - not the freshmaker). We kept coming across this spinning cubey-thing so we decided to take a picture.

Later that day we found some people from the future and went to a large park that seemed to be centrally located.

We took pictures to mark the occasion.

Many pictures really.

A large Dutchman from the internets sat on an even larger Danish guy.

I almost fell off while working some mad thigh fadez.

Ducky met a special friend.

I managed to get a shot of Kiya without a yoyo.

We used public transportation a fair amount.

On our travels through the underworld we came upon "Anal Street" and childishly thought to take a picture

(no homo)

I had my picture taken by a Dutchman on a subway, with people around and everything.

END NEW YORK DAY ONE

2008-04-05T08:16:00.004-07:00

EPISODE ??? IN WHICH ORDO POSTS THE LAST EVO SHOTS OF HIS REIGN
Well, I am parting with the denims tomorrow, but Mr Lo graciously agreed to take some last EVO pix for posterity. We have taken many images in the last few days and I will post them once I return to my home lair. Times have been crazy - good times had by all. I am very very tired.

Remaining pictures to come soon.

2008-04-05T08:16:00.003-07:00

EPISODE ??? IN WHICH ORDO DOES IN FACT SHOW UP IN NEW YORK AT A FAMOUS LOCATION AND JUMPS AROUND WITH A BUNCH OF PEOPLES FROM THE INTERNETS
Ok so I did go to Sid's show. There have been many pictures taken but I haven't had access to a computer until now. Here is one shot as a teaser. We are heading out again but I will see if I can do up some shots soon.

Persons who may or may not appear in this picture, in no particular order:
Sidney Lo, Cotton Duck, OMC, Icarus, ddongho, 2000db, Mass, mlproject, Thorns, Kiya, Corned Beef, ordo, possibly others.

2008-04-05T08:16:00.001-07:00

EPISODE ??? IN WHICH ORDO GOES IN TRANSIT
Today I paid a short visit to the Vancouver International Airport. They have been spending quite a bit of time to get it up to snuff for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics.

They have been filling it with art of the native peoples of British Columbia.

One of our most famous artists is Bill Reid. His "Spirit of Haida Gwaii" is one of the centre pieces of the airport, as well as being used on the Canadian $20 bill.

I got on an airplane.

And relaxed a bit with my little pop-up flat panel screen. God bless the bulkhead.

Where could Ordo be going? (other then insane by referring to himself in the third person once again). Tune in tomorrow, or maybe the next day, to find out the thrilling conclusion.

2008-04-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

EPISODE ??? IN WHICH ORDO PUBLISHES TOUR OUT TAKES OF QUESTIONABLE QUALITY
To begin with, I would like to apologize for the lack of posts on the last few days. The last week has been absolutely crazy and I have not had the available time to put into the Tour. I can promise some interesting events this week, though, along with some special guest appearances, so don't give up hope.

In lieu of new shots, I thought it might be fun to post some of the material from the cutting room floor, the detritus collecting over the last month that wasn't quite good enough to make it into the thread.

Here are a couple of shots while walking to school one morning.

The return of the bird. This one was somehow a little too phallic for me.

So was this one somehow.

This was the flipside of one of the Ass Wars shots, and so lacking any discernible ass, was axed.

It is important to make any adjustments to your wardrobe prior to having your picture taken.

Who doesn't love a good ball room. These shots were a little to gay for me.

(no homo)

Gassy Ordo meets Gassy Jack. Part Two.

Steamin.

Those damn geese again.

Trying to turn on the water for the waterpark.

Ordo is a swinger.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

2008-04-05T08:14:00.001-07:00

EPISODE ??? IN WHICH ORDO GETS HIS PYRAMID POLISHED
Work work work - but did take a moment to shine the old triangle up a bit.

2008-04-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

SUSHI DAY!
Since friday is a holiday, sushi day got bumped to thursday this week. Was very busy at work but had just enough time to pop out for a quick one at Oysi Oysi (Fine Japanese Restaurant).

Ate foods - basic stuff.

Green tea is good for you.

That's all I got for today - every other minute was spent working.

2008-04-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

COAL HARBOUR
Had lunch today at Cardero's in Coal Harbour - a nice West Coast restaurant. I overlooks the Coal Harbour Marina in Vancouver's inner harbour. While standing by the pole, the woman and man (pictured just in front of me) walked by and made some joke about me having my picture taken. A little while later they were walking back along the seawall and saw me having more shots done. The woman joked that I must be famous or something. I told her that I was known all over the world. She laughed at me.

I was so busy posing and such that I forgot to take pictures of the food.

View from the deck at Cardero's. Those trees in the middle are Stanley Park. Behind and to the right stands Grouse Mountain, newly dusted with fresh snow. It is too bad that it isn't a sunny day because this view would have been quite good.

Who can resist a good pole?

(no homo)

This is where I was sitting when the woman saw me the second time.

Who can resist a good piece of waterfall art with a naked guy at the top? It made me glad to be wearing pants.

Beside Coal Harbour is another art installation, which we call the lipsticks. I am sure it has some deeper meaning beyond just being some sticky-uppy hard things.

(no homo)

THE END

2008-04-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

A PAUSE FOR THE SAKE OF DOCUMENTATION
Took a few moments to take some documentary shots of the denims today. The shots were done out of the sunlight (which oddly enough had come out today) in as flat a light as I could manage.

We begin with that most favoured area, the crotch. Who doesn't enjoy a good crotch shot? I know I do. You can see the spot where the hole is wearing through, as mentioned earlier in the thread.

We continue down from the crotch to the knee.

The names of those who have gone before.

Right back pocket.

The notebook.

My Wild Swans wallet which has been living in the left back pocket.

The belt.

THE END

2008-04-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Decided to dye the denims green for fun. It is nice to have your jeans bleed something other than indigo for a change.

2008-04-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

GRANVILLE ISLAND PART TWO
The Aquabus was moored next to the dragon boats, and like the dragon boats, I was tempted to abscond with one. In the end only took a picture. These little guys motor around False Creek taking people from Granville Island to downtown.

Beside the houseboats is my alma mater, the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. I studied art and stuff there. Artists like to wear skinny pants.

Under the bridge.

The Public Market is one of the focal points of the Island. There are many treats inside!

Speaking of treats, I decided to stop by Olde World Fudge for some hand made chocolates to assuage Missus Ordo, who was not thrilled that I went off taking pictures again.

Salmon!

Met with my sister's corned beef hookup, Mike the Corned Beef Guy. He let me hold a big chunk of beef.

Had a lovely cuppa Masala Chai.

When I was a young art student, I would skip out at morning break and come down to the market to buy these donuts when they were still hot from the deep fryer. Tasty!

Fair warning for those ferrying food about. If you think that the Canadian Geese are the stupidest birds on Granville Island you would be wrong. It's the seagulls.

Outside the Market you can see the Burrard Street Bridge to the West.

The flowers are coming out.

Worked on some swing fades.

Hap pose in a scoop of some sort.

THE END

2008-04-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

GRANVILLE ISLAND PART ONE
Sorry my server was down today but it is back up and I am ready to post the first batch of images from our sojourn to Granville Island. No Canadian Geese were harmed during the filming of this tour.

Granville Island was a former industrial area which has been renewed in one of the most successful urban redevelopment plans in North America. Rusty tin-sided factories now sit alongside a Public Market, an Art School (my alma mater), shops, various artisans, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, a microbrewery, marinas, houseboats...you name it.

The first issue is where to park - signage by local artist Joe Average.

Stood majestically atop a grassy pyramid. It is an actual pyramid, though it was difficult to get a shot that showed this more clearly due to the roadway and parked vehicles.

There is a waterpark used at times when the water isn't falling from the skies. I am tall enough to use the yellow slide.

Yes!

Also standing atop the grassy pyramid were some Canadian Geese.

They also like to swim on the scenic ponds dotted about the area. Made an attempt to lure them with the promise of food, without having any actual food on hand. They regarded me with some level of distain, as they tend to, and would not come any closer. Word must have gotten around about me. They aren't quite as dumb as they look.

Climbed up a hill at the other end of the island for a brief moment of patriotism.

Wandered around checking out the various artisans when we came upon a sake-maker. Sampled!

There is a community of houseboats on the north side of the island. Stopped to check their mail.

Houseboats.

Briefly considered taking one of the dragon boats for a ride but decided against it.

A boy and his buoy. Working on the mad ass fades.

THE END PART ONE - stay tuned for more (we took around 100 pictures )

2008-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

GRANVILLE ISLAND TEASER
Too tired to post today but went to Granville Island and took pictures. Will process and post over the weekend. Stay tuned.

2008-03-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

XXX DENIM PORN XXX
I didn't have a chance to take any new shots today but I realized that I had snapped some other update shots myself while walking in the sun the other day. This was before the wash. I haven't processed these other than resizing. Enjoy.

2008-03-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

TODAY WE VISIT THE LONSDALE QUAY PUBLIC MARKET
After work today I stopped at the Lonsdale Quay. According to it website it is "one of Vancouver's most popular destinations. Located on the shore of North Vancouver with a fabulous view of Vancouver's skyline and harbour; this multi-level complex is home for over 90 shops & services. Lonsdale Quay Market boasts a fabulous fresh Market, beautiful boutique shops, international cuisine to eat-in or take -out, a play area for kids and specialty kid's only shops, a first class Hotel and always an exciting atmosphere." Apparently. It has a lovely fountain.

You can sit on the edge of the fountain and take pictures. It won't even bother anyone. You can post the pictures on the internets.

They have binocular thingies to see downtown. Here comes the seabus!

They have tugboats.

And mosaic-y benches.

Inside there are shops and things.

And entertainment for the kids. The way my hoodie is bagging out makes it look like I am ready to have one myself.

I had to kick a bunch of them out so I could lay down in the ballroom. Enjoy the bacteria!

Tried in vain to make a snow angel on the giant mosaic on the floor but there was no snow. It wasn't even really that dirty for that matter. Epic fail.

THE END. All questions and comments welcome.

2008-03-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

Here we have a famous rolling Vancouver monument. I am not even sure what to call it, other then "that crazy volkswagen". It is often seen parked at the Starbucks at Robson and Thurlow downtown - the site of the ass shots last week. Correct me if I am wrong, Beatle, but they don't make them like this in the old country. It even comes with a working water fountain on the hood.

THE END

2008-03-11T16:04:00.002-07:00

EPISODE (LOST TRACK) IN WHICH THE DENIMZ GET THEIR COMEUPPANCE
Today the 3001s get washed. Those who pay close attention will have made note of the subtle foreshadowing in the previous post. I have followed the guru's advice and have in fact washed the jeans as directed.

But before we get there, a few last minute update shots. After work I had a visit with my friendly neighborhood chiropractor. Being early, as I am wont to be, I decided to pull out the point-and-shoot and snap a few last minute evo pictures. Unfortunately I didn't realize that they were a bit blurry, due to the failing grey light of the rainy day, and my aversion to using flash for these sorts of shots. I have made sure not to use any of my usual photo processing tricks in an effort to give you a better idea of the actual colour. At any rate, I apologize in advance for the quality.

Right-side pocket

Left hem

Right hem

Right leg

Ass revisited

Once inside, my chiropractor agreed to take a shot of me laying on the table (for posterity). He didn't even seem to think it was a strange request.

Went home and it was time to hit the suds.

Washed in warm water, normal cycle with a bit of detergent.

Out of the washer and time to hang dry.

I will endeavour to take better evo shots once these are ready to go.

THE END

2008-03-11T16:04:00.001-07:00

I recently interviewed famed Flat Head wearer, and former Sufu rep number one, Sindy Ro. Here is a brief transcript of the conversation:

ordo: do u think i should wait until the end to wash?
sindy: no
sindy: you won't get any color and you should wear it after washing so it loosens the indigo
sindy: you wash it and ship it off indigo just stays in there
sindy: best to wash first then wear
ordo: are you sure???
sindy: TAP SOME BONG

I believe my mandate is clear.

2008-03-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

I am having difficulties with remembering the day so I am just going to post without it. Had so much fun on the small board I thought I would size up.

2008-03-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

DAY SEVENTEEN
Not much time for touring today, but did fit in a bit or ripping and/or shredding as the case may be.

That's all I got for today.

2008-03-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

DAY SIXTEEN
Paid a little visit to historic Gastown. First I stood in front of the Europe Hotel, a flatiron-ish sort of building which was the first fireproof hotel in western Canada.

I then walked across the street and visited the man for whom this area of town is named - Gassy Jack. I kid you not. Capt. John 'Gassy Jack' Deighton was a former riverboat pilot turned saloonkeeper who, in 1867, was the first settler on this site from which Vancouver was to evolve. Apparently, in Victorian times the term 'to gas' referred to talking a lot, something which Captain Deighton had become famous for. Thankfully they didn't refer to him as being full of crap, otherwise the area could have had a very different name.

Following our little visit there was a brief standoff with a fellow outside the Western Boot Headquarters which, thankfully, did not lead to any major casualties.

Next I ventured into Blood Alley where the Gaolers Mews is located. This site dates to the 1850s, which is quite old as far as Vancouver is concerned. Bloody brawls within the former resulted in incarceration in a small unlocked cabin in the latter. Gastown's first constable, Jonathan Miller, ankle-chained the prisoners who were then guarded by John Clough, a one-armed drunkard.

Intrigued by the sign, decided to pop into the Shebeen Whiskey House for a quick pint of whiskey.

Took a brief walk around while waiting for the Steam Clock to go off.

The tour culminated with a noontime visit to the famous Steam Clock. Not too thrilling but steam does in fact come out of it and it was only about five minutes slow. There was a sizable group gathered to watch me pose for Superfuture.

THE END

2008-03-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

DAY FOURTEEN: PART DEUX
As I left you, we were in the chalet sitting by the fire and doing WAYWTs in the middle of perfect strangers. I don't think that I have ever had so many pictures taken of myself in such a short period of time. Denim makes one do strange things.

Outside the chalet is the skating area, with Zamboni. If you didn't grow up wanting to play hockey as a young boy in Canada, then at least you wanted to drive the Zamboni.

Decided to go for a bit of a spin on the sleigh pulled by the Piston Bully. Not a very Canadian name I think. The astute observer will note more of the those freaking statues buried in the snow.

Now to the delicacy to which I alluded yesterday - Beaver Tails! Since 1978. That is older than most of the people around Superfuture. Very similar to other fried dough treats popular around the world, but these are like the actual tail of a beaver, so they are obviously much better.

Felt woozy from the sugar rush.

Hopped up on grease and sugar, I conspired to steal a local transport.

Risked life and limb for photo-op as annoyed skiers flew by on either side if me.

My transport awaits.

Did a quick panarama just before heading down.

END PART DEUX

2008-03-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

DAY FOURTEEN
Many pictures were taken today, so many so that I have decided to split today's post into two parts - one today and one for tomorrow. I am just too beat to process all of the images tonight.

Before I begin I wanted to apologise to the members of the DD+1 group. My pathetic attempts at goading them with a bit of trash talking were done in a spirit of fun and not meant in any way to cast aspersions upon them or their denims. Further, I shall henceforth refrain from escalation of the Battle of the Butts - all the Photoshoppery in the world is not going to win me that one anyway.

Now to business. Today after work, I headed north across the now familiar Lion's Gate Bridge to visit Grouse Mountain - one of our three local ski hills and a popular Vancouver attraction.

The Skyride arrived to whisk me away to the mountain top.

The ride up offers views across the North Shore to Vancouver and beyond. Unfortunately the sun was in a position that made picture taking a challenge. In this picture one can see the Cleveland Dam and Reservoir, a main source of drinking water for the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

Here one can see the downtown core, the harbour, the Lion's Gate Bridge and above it, stretching off to the right, the area that is the home to the University of British Columbia, as well as Wreck Beach, the local nudist beach and home to the annual 5K Buns Run.

Nearing the top, one can see out across the Georgia Straight to Vancouver Island, or Diamondsland, as it has come to be known. It is home to local celebrities Timber and Diamonds.

At the top, one cannot help but be struck by the shear amount of carved statues, standing semi-buried in the snow. They are everywhere. A local aboriginal artist carved them with a chainsaw apparently. While he chose the standard bears, eagles and beavers to carve, he also inexplicably created a tribute to Bryant "Big Country" Reeves, a figure of scorn in Vancouver during his brief career with the equally brief Vancouver Grizzlies NBA franchise.

On second thought, it can't be him, it isn't fat enough.

Slightly more popular is the gentleman who played in goal for Paul Bunyan's hockey team.

After all the frivolity, I needed to take a brief respite in the chalet.

Stayed tuned for Part Deux, in which you will see me abscond a snow vehicle, climb up things, introduce a Canadian delicacy and stand in front and on top of even more things.

2008-03-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

DAY THIRTEEN
Decided to drop this whole nonsense with referring to myself in the third person - I understand that it is a sign of psychosis. At any rate, I have been working all day and am, in fact, still at work. Lacking a photographer or indeed a tripod, and in an effort to not miss a day, I decided to take a few hand held shots myself. On the positive side, no ass shots.

Took a brief break and reclined on the couch.

That is all for today.

2008-03-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

DAY TWELVE
As previously mentioned, today was yet another rainy Vancouver day, which, incidentally is my favourite kind of day. Not so good for taking photographs mind you. In an effort to compensate for the rain, I felt that it might help the entertainment value of these posts to begin to refer to myself in the third person. Henceforth, I shall only refer to myself as the Ordo. You may also do so.

Today the Ordo felt hunger and thus sought sustenance. The Ordo enjoys supping on the fine burgers of the White Spot, a classic restaurant of the British Columbia region, home of the "World Famous Triple-O Burger".

If the White Spot wishes to sponsor the Ordo to a lifetime of Triple-O burgers, they may feel free to contact the Ordo's people.

Hunger having been satiated, the Ordo remembered the challenge laid down by Ms. TG to an Ass-Off. Well let me tell you, the Ordo knows how to work an Ass-Off. First the Ordo walked one way down Robson street, his ass behind him.

Then the Ordo walked back, his ass still behind him.

The Ordo knows that in order to maintain a firm bottom, one must exercise. Stairs can prove very useful in this pursuit. Note: the Ordo had to hike up the Ordo's jacket in order to more fully display the Ord-erierre in this shot. The keen observer will also note that the Flat Head 3001's have very clean unadorned back pockets, unlike the gaudy painted pockets on some denim.

In a final salvo for the day's Ass Battle, the Ordo crossed the main shopping street in Vancouver, Robson Street, stopped in the middle, hiked up the jacket once again, stuck out his left buttock and pointed the left Ordo index finger at the aforementioned buttock, much to the amusement of the people in the SUV waiting at the light (and seen reflected in the store window).

The Ordo awaits Ms. TG's response.

THE END

2008-03-02T17:17:00.001-08:00

DAY ELEVEN
Today I went to my sister's place to view the progress made on their reno project. They just had their entire wall torn out leading onto their deck to open up the panoramic view of the Vancouver harbour. They can see from the Second Narrows bridge (on the left) all the way around to the North Shore mountains (around to the right).

We paused to view some denim as well. There has been quite some interest in my involvement in this little tour, and no small sense of bemusement amongst friends and family members alike.

Token ass(ish) shot to compete with Teeg.

I crawled up a ladder to the roof just to get an action shot.

THE END

2008-03-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

DAY TEN
Saturdays are always extremely busy days, with violin lessons, dance classes and auditions to get the little ones to, it is difficult to work some gratuitous denim shots in.

At any rate, as our esteemed denim mod is wont to point out, the Flat Head 3001s have a zipper fly, and not, in fact, a button one. They are the only denim pants that I own that have a zipper fly - actually that is not true - I do have one pair that I never wear that have a zipper. At any rate, a zipper can essentially be in one of two places - in the top position or in the bottom one. There are of course other intermediate states between these two extremes, but for all intents and purposes, your fly can be either up or down.

I bring this up because unaccustomed as I am to wearing a zip fly, it does not often occur to me to check its position. It is only much later, say after completion of a photo session, that one may notice such a thing. All that to say, my fly was down the entire time I was out taking these pictures, and for who knows how long before.

It is of particular interest in the first image, as I stand mirroring the stance of the "Welcoming Figure", placed by the Squamish Nation band on the shores of Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver. It stands with open arms to all who pass, inviting to "share the wealth of the land, the seas, the air"...and of course, the pants.

This shot is looking East towards the Lion's Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver.

This one is looking West towards Ambleside Beach and West Vancouver.

Ambleside Beach

I bid adieu with one more shot with open arms, open pants, and a rainbow?!? - you can almost hear the angelic choir sing.

THE END

2008-02-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

FLAT HEAD DAY NINE
Sorry guys - sick at home today. It was pouring rain so not too enthused about going outside. Checked messages on Sufu and after one too many PMs from Khoiphan decided to take matters into my own hands.

2008-02-28T22:25:00.001-08:00

DAY EIGHT
Oddly enough, the sun returned today. I decided to take some pictures over by the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Took a shot in front of the Olympic Countdown clock. Nice to see that the protesters haven't defaced it today.

Sat on another lion.

Checked to see how much change was in the fountain.

When the sun comes out people like to sit here, especially if they don't have jobs.

The front doors of the Art Gallery.

Some low budget Lowrey steez.

Gave people the bird.

2008-02-27T21:16:00.001-08:00

DAY SEVEN
It is harder than I thought to do posts everyday. At any rate, went on a brief hike, largely to be able to take some crappy pictures.

Low angle butt shot

Low angle crotch shot

Non butt or crotch shot

Went to the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge as it was getting dark.

Got home and took the dog for a walk.

2008-02-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

DAY SIX
Rare Midday update. The rains have returned to the coast. Walked little Ordette to early choir practice at school.

Drove to work.

NHL trade deadline day - practically a national holiday in Canada. Still waiting for the Canucks to do something significant.

2008-02-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

DAY FIVE
Went for a short stroll down to the seawall in Coal Harbour. Visited the local church.

Hung around.

Continued on and saw the new trade and convention centre being built. To the left are the Harbour Air docks where the seaplanes land.

Sat and looked at the harbour and mountains.

Played with more art.

2008-02-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 24, 2008: DAY FOUR
Home with the flu today but managed to drag my ass out in the afternoon just for the sake of the tour. Went to one of Vancouver's most recognizable landmarks, Lion's Gate Bridge. Took a few pictures. Went home. Had computer problems. Finally posted.

BLOG BONUS
Lion's Gate Bridge links the downtown core with the North Shore (which is comprised of North and West Vancouver). The term "Lions' Gate" reflects the Lions, a pair of mountain peaks which overlook Vancouver to the North.

The causeway to the Bridge runs through Stanley Park. In December of 2006, Vancouver was hit with a wind storm which devastated the Park. The Park lost over 1000 trees, some of which were estimated at over 200 years old. Regardless, the Park remains one of Vancouver's most visited destinations - in fact, I will visit it at some point this month to take the Tour on a tour.

2008-02-23T23:18:00.001-08:00

On way home ran into minor local monster. Took care of it easily.

END DAY THREE

2008-02-23T23:16:00.001-08:00

Continued constitutional through the woods. Took picture with tree.

2008-02-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

After class we went for a short stroll and came upon strange pyramid-like structure. Felt oddly compelled to stand on it.

2008-02-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday means violin lessons with my daughter. While walking she snapped a shot. Note stainless steel water bottle - no Bisphenol A for me.

SPECIAL BLOG BONUS:
Musings recorded in the notebook.

Sitting in daughter's Suzuki Method violin class with the flu - so much pain. Nice to be wearing pants. Need medication. Children playing violin and illness do not mix. Nobody in this class has any idea that I am wearing Japanese denim that is slowly working it's way around the planet. In fact, most people would find the whole thing a little on the strange side. I have stopped speaking with normal people about denim - it just isn't worth it.

2008-02-22T19:28:00.001-08:00

Went outside again.

END DAY TWO

2008-02-22T19:27:00.001-08:00

Friday means sushi day.

2008-02-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

Went outside. (briefly)

2008-02-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 22, 2008: Part Deux

Reverted to normal human size.

Did some work.

2008-02-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

DAY 2

Went out early this morning in deperate attempt at replicating the Beatle jump. Met with dismal failure.

2008-02-22T19:14:00.001-08:00

The Reign of the Ordo: Part the First

Today the cube arrived.

I was so excited that I put on the jeans and went out to kick some ass.

More to follow in the coming days.

Goodbye Flatheads

2007-11-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

We hardly knew ye.

Well, it appears I completely forgot about our friend the blog when I updated on Superfuture-here it is.

I had high hopes for these before they left. Ran a quick message by Analyst (another member of our forum who lives in Bangkok) to see where we could perhaps get some good photo opportunities before I sent them away to Cotton Duck. Naturally, both of our thoughts gravitated towards-

Soi Cowboy, the red-light district tucked away off of Sukhumvit Road downtown. We had thought that perhaps "accosted by ladyboys" or "drank with go-go dancers" would have been a nice touch on the list of Flathead 3001 accomplishments...unfortunately, I never ended up in the city at night, and my weekend was shot so I was stuck out in the edge of the city for the last ten-odd days. I did go into the city for one day to get dental surgery, but found very little that was picture-worthy. I did briefly stop to give some tourists 'culture lessons' while they were discussing something inane over why this tree:

Was planted in the middle of the sidewalk. This is probably because they built the sidewalk around the tree a long time ago. It's home to spirits. Given that it's by the side of the road, probably the spirits of people who died in vehicle accidents, if I remember correctly. Either way, you can't cut it down.

The top of Central World. Downtown Bangkok. Not sure why I took this picture, either. By this point I was light-headed on painkillers from the dentist, so the rest of the day was a bust. So that left the rest of the Bangkok tour here:

The township style place I live in. It's a nice enough spot, but as mentioned, really in the middle of nowhere. It's mostly middle to upper-middle class Thais who live here, which is why at first it was a bit startling to turn around and see:

The 'neighbors' place. These houses made of metal sheeting seem to spring up overnight, usually next to construction sites where the workers live. They're literally everywhere in Thailand. I wouldn't be surprised if these are from when they were building the township I live in. Sometimes I'll jog over here and have a drink with the mototaxi drivers. I have no idea how those guys manage to consistently do their job-they always seem wasted. So, my remaining time was left to:

Bike around the township taking pictures. Note the broken-glass 'barbed wire'. Since there's no real businesses or restaurants aside from the clubhouse in front of the township, to kill time I went to visit my neighbor who runs a restaurant of sorts out of her driveway, and drank in the rain.

To be fair, there are plenty of nice, large-ish houses here too, but the further back you get, the more run down it tends towards in places. Until you hit a huge field of vacant lots. Bad for most things, decent for photo ops.

Then, time was running short so I got a hold of Cotton Duck and got things ready to send him the jeans. They didn't seem to smell that bad, but I'd been wearing them for a month in Thailand, so it would have been pretty nasty to send them as-is. I threw them in the water with a dash of soap, and was faintly surprised.

Not the best picture, but I guess they were pretty filthy. So, I rinsed them out a few times and left them to dry-oddly, this denim seems to dry really quickly. Then I threw everything together and headed out the next morning to take pictures and ship the jeans....but I forgot the damn camera. So at any rate, they're on their way to the Netherlands as we speak. It was a fun time, wore the jeans to two countries, multiple cities, countless drinks, and one dentist visit. Wish I'd been able to get out a little bit more with some extra pictures, but either way I'm glad I got a chance to do this. So, next one up is one of SuperFuture's finest, Cotton Duck! Hope they get to him soon, and you can put up some wear pictures to see how they've progressed fading. I've figured the erstwhile Flathead 3001 Video should get it's final touches once everyone's participated, and I can flush it out with extra pictures. And now.....AMSTERDAM.

A Slow Week

2007-11-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

It's been incredibly uneventful here in Thailand since I got back. The little that happened was when I came back from Laos last week.

Immediately upon getting out of the airport, I was whisked away to a restaurant near RCA run by a famous Thai singer.

This hunk o' man was apparently slim and all the rage in the '80s in Thailand. Like, top of the charts and whatnot. Turns out he's a nice guy and still has quite a voice, and the food there was delicious. Still, it was a little odd to see the usual buttoned-up 40s-ish Thai crowd pounding drinks and singing along.

The next day or so, we went out to eat again at a place near my house. It's quite literally a shack on the edge of a rice field, but the food there is delicious. Easily one of my favorite spots in the city.

Stir fried seafood with fresh pepper.

Yam salad (lemongrass, lime juice and chiles, basically) with fresh shrimp

Possibly my favorite Thai dish: Pan fried soft shell crab with black pepper.

That being done, it was a boring five or six days until I headed out to MBK shopping center, one of Bangkok's meccas for fake and legitimate goods to see what was new.

I was briefly tempted by a food cart, but all they had to offer was grilled hot dogs and unripe mango. Conversely, two of my least favorite Thai dishes.

Mahboonkrong, seven floors of replica and authentic....almost everything, and notably Tanner Lee & Na, our one good Japanese denim shop.

But all I found was the Bape. Crap

The center stairwell at MBK. The bottom floor there always has some half-assed sale going on, but it always sucks. This week? Ugly men's suits and huge blankets.

Jeans update: Day 15 in Thailand

2007-11-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Jeans update:

It's only been about half the Thailand Tour so far, but I was still a little surprised inspecting these. I know Kiya said the 3001 denim fades fast, but still....

The 'knee combs' are starting to fade in pretty noticeably, and there's some light 'train tracks' fading in fast as well.

The roping is beginning to look nice as well. I slipped a zippo in the coin pocket a la Ryu, and it's already a really defined fade.

The combs are setting in nicely, and should be starting to get very distinct by the time I send them off to Cotton Duck. I carry a small metal case for cigarettes, loose change, or whatever in my back left pocket-as you can see, it's already left a distinct imprint. Overall, I think these are setting in really nicely! Luckily Justiz2 and I are about the same height and weight. Ideally when the jeans tour Amsterdam the creases will be hitting the same spots.

To Vientiane, Lao & Back

2007-11-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, got back from my visa run to Laos!

Wasn't much to report before then-dropped off my relative at the new airport, Suvarnabhumi. It's not quite high season yet since so the place is relatively empty.

Few days after that, it was time to skip the country myself. The new airport is shiny, but the old one, Don Mueang, has this aged '70s jet-set disco feel to it. There were some local celebrities wandering around from the god-awful American Idol-esque Academy Fantasia show, but I neglected to get my picture taken with them.

A stiff drink in the terminal, and then it was about an hour north to Udon Thani airport, and another hour to the border at Nongkhai by bus. Then....waiting in line to check out of the country.

A Thai friend of mine picked me up at the duty-free shops, and we drove up to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It's a pretty dull ride, mostly farmland until you hit the city. I DO find water buffalo oddly hilarious for some reason so.....

Then, into the city proper to relax and take a break until we headed out to the disco. Between my trip and the celebratory Beer Laos I'd drank upon arrival, I barely lasted a few hours before heading back. The next night went a little better, with mandatory Azn Group Photo to boot (who can pick the fey Lao gay dude out of the group?).

So, after more Beer Lao and a trip to the Thai consulate, all I had to do was kill time. I appreciate the fact that drinking heavily in Vientiane is practically a patriotic act. They're very uh...supportive of their brewery in the city. So, I took a visit to the Chinese Market (empty, sucked), the Morning Market (not so bad, fake Rolexes and Thai Levis 'Repros'), a random beer stall on the river, and a local wat (Temple).

The Graveyard section of the Wat. Always kind of creepy.

Buddha w/seven headed Naga.

There really wasn't a lot else to see. Vientiane isn't necessarily that small a city, but it's spread out and most of the interesting and/or accessible landmarks and areas are close together. I checked them out and investigated the outskirts of the city, but there wasn't much to report.

The Vientiane version of the L'arc du Triomphe, as taken from the back of a speeding Tuk-tuk. For reference, the one constant I've found between Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, is that the taxi drivers will do their best to try and fuck you over.

The Mekong River. Not pictured: Some waitresses flying kites, and a few fisherman wading across the border. Vientiane is pretty laid back during the day. Small houses, local businesses, and faintly curious locals mark the areas outside of the landmarks, restaurants, and hotels. The Thai and Laotian languges are similar enough I didn't have much problems communicating. Once my friend had gone back to Bangkok, I rented a room for two days in the heart of the tourist district:

Compared to Sukhumvit in Bangkok or well....anywhere, this is pretty mellow. Guest houses, tailors, and a few spa/massage places. Since I had met up with two Lao people who worked in the area (aforementioned Gay dude and a girl who lived out on the outskirts of Vientiane-stayed at her house one night and was woken up vaguely hung over by the sounds of roosters and cavorting goats-good times!), I demanded we go to a local disco for whatever passed for a Halloween party.

I'm not sure anyone has any idea what the hell Halloween is for, but there was the typical mix of drunken backpackers, Laotian club kids, and a few working girls on the prowl. It was a good time, and this particular place, the disco at Don Jon hotel, stays open two hours past curfew, until 2 am! Scandalous!

So, I woke up early, said goodbye to my Lao friends, and headed back, stopping briefly to get drunk on the border at the Duty-Free while I could still buy Beer Lao.

After I got back to Bangkok, I met an aging Thai rock star and enjoyed some food, but I'll put up that stuff later. Plus some updates for the jeans.

Flathead BKK: Mall Trip

2007-10-25T03:38:00.000-07:00

I took the jeans out to a mall nearby-normally not too interesting, but this one has basically been restructured into a big indoor market instead of a bunch of boring chain stores. It's not anywhere near as interesting as Siam Square or MBK, but it has it's charms:

The Upstairs-mostly old lady clothes, traditional garments, and teak furniture:

What does your average Bangkok kid beast over? Bootleg Ed Hardy merchandise, I guess.

In the basement: The food stalls. Dozens of kinds of pork!

And produce and whatnot:

And flowers for offering at the temples:

That's it for now-More pics later on.

Oh yeah...

2007-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

I also got bored and attempted to make the following, but found that it was taking too long to polish up the animations and music. So I went with the pictures instead of postponing the Tour any further. But here for my fellow Flathead 3001 World Tourers and guests, enjoy this unfinished piece:

Introduction to the Flathead 3001 World Tour, Thailand Leg. (YouTube link)

Welcome to BKK

2007-10-24T01:30:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a little over 48 hours, so I might as well get this started!

In the mail:
So I took them out to check the progress.

Front Pic:
Rear Pic:
And some detail shots....

Patch is starting to wear in nicely... The thigh hole doesn't look any worse, either.

A closeup of the zipper-is 'Universal' one of those deadstock brands? And a good sense of how hairy the Flathead 3001 Denim is.

Some shots of the belt-darkened a lot, and picked up a fair amout of indigo on it, too. I gotta say, it's pretty damn nice.

Anyhow, that's it for this post. Cheers, Superfuture! This mediocre Thai beer is for you.

And they're off to Bangkok

2007-10-21T02:22:00.000-07:00

18/10/07
I can’t put post-soaking pictures of the jeans. It’s been raining the whole day and it wouldn’t do the jeans justice if I can’t get proper pictures of it. Not much indigo loss though. I'm sure Largo will put up the pictures soon.

Well, that’s my shift done and over with. The Flathead were very tight around the thighs to begin with – these were the marks left the first time I wore them out:

They’ve gradually stretched, I think by about an inch throughout the month. I guess I could’ve been ‘rougher’ with them and put more wear in, but I figured it’s better to treat it a sorta tourist and show the sights. I’m sure the guys after this will do a better job at trashing the jeans

Everything has been packed (18/10/2007)

By now, they should be on their way to Bangkok. Will gladly be part of another Sufu project after this. I’ll miss the Flathead but I’m glad I can go back to my Sorahiko

Hope I’ll make it to the project-end party in Self Edge next year…

Soaking...

2007-10-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

17/10/2007: They are currently being soaked in warm water with a little bit of detergent

Evolution pics: Week 4 Malaysia Leg

2007-10-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

17/10/07
Evolution pics - 1 day before they're off to Bangkok.

It's a bit cloudy today so the lighting in some of the pictures are awful. It's obvious that the colour of the jeans in those pictures are wrong but at least you can have a general idea what the wear is like

Tried taking pictures on the porch to see if it's better. Not really...

I've really put some combs in there because they've been so tight. If I had a few more weeks I think the contrast will be more pronounced

Most significant wear for me is here at the sides of the knee...

The wallet wear is not too bad considering it's only over a month...

This is from indoor football last week. My knee would normally be bloody after every game session

Petronas Twin Towers

2007-10-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

This visit was done on 10/10/07. Took some time to sort out the pictures.

I wouldn’t be much of a tourist guide if the FH3K1 comes to KL and I don’t bring it up the Petronas Twin Towers…

Porter Rucksack x Supreme tee x Skull Jeans belt x FH3K1 x NB Purple Devil.
Hypebeast mode... ACTIVATE!

The skybride tour is very popular among the tourists. Tickets are free but limited. A few months ago I had to bring some Japanese colleagues up. I came to line up at 830 am and there was already a line of about 100+ people waiting for the ticket counter to open. Since I only needed 1 ticket this time around, managed to get the help of a friend to procure it.

Here’s the waiting gallery, with some display on the history and technology behind the Towers.

Lightning strike demonstration. Pretty darn cool. I wonder what was the voltage generated by the Van de Graaf generator...

Took a high-speed lift up and here’s the skybridge connecting the 2 towers

And here's the view. How the building itself...

And the park surrounding the towers...

The whole tour took about 15 minutes. So just imagine how many times in a day the poor tour guides have to go through their script.

Ramadan Food Bazaar Part 3

2007-10-19T05:08:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures especially dedicated to Cotton Duck – more pictures from various Ramadan food bazaars…

Not sure if there are any Malaysian restaurants over in Amsterdam but I know there are plenty of Thai and Indonesian ones. While not exactly the same, there are similarities…

Huge woks of various noodles

Side dishes to be eaten with rice

Fried items...

Desserts and cakes

A HUGE pot of Briyani rice

Sugarcane being freshly pressed to get the juice

Chunks of marinated beef... These are awesome...

More desserts but of the more traditional variety.

Likewise...

Songket

2007-10-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

12/10/07
Managed to take some time off from the gathering at my grandparents to take these set of pictures

Kelantan is well known for it’s handicraft e,g, silver and gold ware, wood carvings, batiks and such. There is a well known bazaar in the middle of Kota Bharu (Kelantan’s state capital) that’s as a one-stop centre to get materials for a bargain. It’s a popular destination for local and foreign tourists…

There are a lot of batiks around but what I really want to show are these:

These are called Songket (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songket ; http://www.bibahsongket.com.my/ ; http://www.ppak.kelantan.edu.my/cult...et/songket.htm )

I could not take detailed pictures of the ones at the shop, so here’s one from a personal collection:

This is the back. The middle portion is called the spine and is the most intricate part

The front is just a repetition of the pattern at the sides of the spine. Here's a close up of it

A closer view of the spine

And how the threads are like

This is the bottom edge of the piece

Songket is traditionally hand-woven on wooden looms which I think are not too different from the looms used in Japan to make our beloved denims. I wanted to go and visit the place where these are made to snap a few pictures but simply didn’t have the time to. Not even sure where those places are to be honest but it’ll be fun to hunt it down

Price depends on the material used as well as the complexity of the design. They can start from as low as USD30 and the highest I have personally seen and handled is USD5000. I’m sure they go higher than that…

Banding Lake, Belum Valley

2007-10-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

16.10.07

Was away for a family gathering at my grandparents over the last few days. They live a good 8 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, at a state called Kelantan in the east coast of West Malaysia thats bordering with Thailand. The drive up wasn't too eventful but decided to take the scenic route back. Passed by this beautiful lake in the middle of the hills and jungles at a place called Belum Valley: http://www.malaysiasite.nl/belumeng.htm

KL Performing Arts Centre

2007-10-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite places in town is this old train maintenance/repair yard called Sentul West. This huge plot of land was bought over by a developer a few years ago and a corner of it was converted into a park. There are still traces of what it was before though…

An old abandoned factory

Abandoned building

Some of the other buildings have been converted into sales/developer offices.

There’s a nice Japanese restaurant located besides the man-made lake

Gardens around

And right behind the restaurant is a Koi breeding centre...

With some of the biggest Kois I have ever seen. They are all for sale. The nicest one there was this one that was solid gold all around, going for about USD6000.

But the best part of this park is the KL Performance Arts Centre (http://www.klpac.com/)

I’d come here every Saturday for gamelan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamelan) practices. These are how gamelan instruments look like. All hand-made to order from Bali if I'm not mistaken.

Rehearsals are going to restart again in about a month’s time after a few weeks break. So just making sure I haven’t forgotten everything (I have....)

And of course, this time around to take pictures too…

Artsy shot...

Indoor Football Session

2007-10-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

10/10/2007: Indoor football session. We had a mixed group this time around. Didn't intend to play in the jeans but forgot to bring my shorts, Good thing I had the camera with me.

Cineleisure

2007-10-16T20:57:00.001-07:00

06/10/2007): On the way to the cinema to catch Ratatouille I think....

Don't think I can pull-off a Sufu pose all that well...

Evolution pics: Week 2++ Malaysia Leg

2007-10-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

06/10/07
I think I have to agree with Cameland, these jeans are not very easy to break into. Maybe I haven't been very rough in wearing them but wear signs are hard to put in. Lots of indigo though, as you can see from the pictures with the newly acquired notebook.

Sky Bar, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

2007-10-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

05/10/07: Had a quiet night up at Skybar, a rooftop bar/club of a hotel (Trader's Hotel) in town.

Pretty swanky place

With the girlfriend (she's responsible for some of the pics I have been posting)

First time I've been to the place - food was pretty good, the drinks weren't, venue was way too warm....

but it's got...

....one helluva....

...view....

Life is good sometimes...

KL Tower is just around the corner

Ramadan Food Bazaar Part 2

2007-10-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

30/09/07: Now this is at a different bazaar, different day.

Excuse the ratty sandals

This bazaar is much smaller than the one before but it has 1 particular specialty.
Here's the line of people lining up for it.

Keep in mind these pictures were taken at about 4.15 pm. So not only was it raining, people were queing for about 1 hour to get the damn thing, it was also about 3 hours before the time to break fast and they could actually eat

Anyhow, to show what they were queing for

Yep, spring rolls.

Have to admit that they are nice. Personally, I don't think it's worth the effort but that's Malaysians for you - we take our food very seriously. Rumour has it that one of the former King of Malaysia specifically asked for this during his meals which gave the nickname 'Popiah Agong' (King's Spring Roll) for it

If you notice in the last 3 pictures above, there's another line at the back. That was for this - a dish called lontong. Now these to me are worth the wait. I actually queued there after taking the pictures.

Ramadan Food Bazaar

2007-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

1/10/07
Now for some more touristy/locally-flavoured update. I've been meaning to put this up for a while now.

It's the middle of the Ramadan month now and the special thing for only this month is there are 'Food Bazaars' at certain spots around town. Plenty of people come to the bazaar, not just Malays/Muslims who buys food to break fast with but also Chinese/Indians as well because there they can find all sorts of local dishes at one place. At other times, they actually have to make an effort to hunt these dishes down.

Anyhow, this is one that is quite close to my place. It's one of the biggest around, with about 200 food stalls. I took pictures of those which I thought were the most interesting but if there's a demand, I can always pop over to get more pictures...

Picture taken at home

The crowd, this was at about 430 pm so the after-work crowd is not out in full-force yet

Ayam Golek or Rotating Chicken. Basically whole chickens which have been marinated with some herbs and spices cooked slowly over charcoal fire

Similar concept, different marinates and cuts.

Rice is a must for Malaysians. I have friends who would go through a lot of trouble just to look for a restaurant that serves any kind of rice dish whenever they travel overseas. Here you can see the various side-dishes to have with it. Typically it's 1 serving of meat (chicken, beef etc), vege and sometimes fish

Various drinks to break fast with.

Thirst quenching fruits like watermelons here are always popular...

Grilled fish. The stall sells different fishes that has been marinated and grilled together with their special sauce. The best in my opinion is the stingray. There's always a queue here...

Ever popular coconut drink

And a favourite - freshly pressed sugar cane juice

2007-10-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

03/10/07

Surfing at Starbucks....

Man... it hasn't been easy getting some wear in at the front...

Solewhat opening party

2007-10-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

29/09/07

Opening party of a new streetwear shop at one of the shopping complex here. Friend owns the place, so should be fun for future purchases...:-)

Some snacks were provided...

.... but some proper dinner was still needed....

....and desserts too....

Yum yum

More pictures of the launch party are available here: http://streething.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11436&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=450

Click the pictures

2007-10-08T01:08:00.000-07:00

Pictures are clickable BTW. It'll get you bigger ones.

Evolution pics: Week 1++ Malaysia Leg

2007-10-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

29/09/07: Evolution pics - Week 1

Front

Back

Combs

Whiskers forming

At the sides of the knee

Wallet fades

The booklet that I bought for us to put some articles to paste in so we can show where the jeans have been. So far I've got newspaper clippings, stickers, business cards and a beermat in them. I'm a bit lazy to write, but we could use it as a diary as well....

Some indigo has rubbed onto the cover. Would be interesting to see how the notebook evolves throughout the journey as well...

Maison Club

2007-10-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

28/09/07: Went clubbing. Well, not really... more like people-watching actually...:-)

Quick bite before

Walking to the club

The crowd. Wasn't much of it to be honest...

Didgeridoo in the middle of a Jungle gig. Amazing. This is dedicated to Cameland...:-)

Some late-night, hawker food supper...

Laundry Bar

2007-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

27/09/07: Went to catch some local indie-music.

Arrived nice and early to get some good seats

Pre-gig drinks

Damn... These jeans are tight

More people started coming in. Looks like it's going to be a good night out..

Woo hoo!!1!!

Then my digicam battery died.....

Sigh

Starbucks bumming

2007-10-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

22.09.07
Catching up on some reading and hanging out at Borders

In the carpark...

Fit pics

2007-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

Fit pics

And of course, the obligatory crotch shot

Here's the belt pouch

Closeup of the stamp

And here's a closer picture of where the indigo has rubbed into the inside of the belt

That's all I've got for now. Still working on stretching these out at home. Should have more interesting stuffs to show after the weekend.

As far as pictures, what I think I'll do is to try take as many as I can of places I'll be at with the jeans. Sort of like a tourist thing. The jeans/I might not be in all the pictures since most probably I'll be the one taking them I guess that's the best way to do this World Tour thing, so we can show sights unique to each different places.

FH3K1

2007-09-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

And.. Tada!!

Some General Pictures

Front View

Back View

Here you can see what Cameland describes as his ass-sweat...:-)

And more detailed ones

Crotch

Combs

And leather patch

Here you can see the tiny hole forming on the inside thigh. Still nothing to be worried about

And here's the front of the belt

The inside

I'll take more detailed pictures of it soon. It's pretty cool to see how the indigo has rubbed onto the leather

It says: By an alchemist.

The belt came in a white pouch. I'll post pics of that soon.

A list that Dominic (Cameland) started in the inside pocket. Do you guys want me to fill in the first 2 names?

Anyhow, these are the things that I will have with me most of the time, handphone, car keys and wallet. Actually most of the time I will carry the phone and car keys in hand.

I am looking for small notebook to put in the back left pocket, so that we could use it to put in any ticket stubs, celeb autographs etc. You guys are ok with that? Or should I get a bigger notebook, one that is not carried in the pocket but just sent along with the jeans?

Sorry if this post seems kinda clunky. I'm still figuring out the posting format of this blog...

Touchdown in Malaysia

2007-09-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

All right. The box containing the jeans arrived from Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday (18th September 2007)

Flat Heads Down Under - Cameland

2007-08-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

The jeans got to me a little late it seems, when I got them there was like 0 creases and 0 fading basically. But upon further inspection I found that there was some serious crotch fade. Most likely from all the biking its been subjected to.

Heres my sufu post!

Well this is just some random pictures I took yesterday, I was going to do a whole day in the life thing, so I took that bus stop picture, but totally forgot about it as the day went by. Later on I went to my old high school with my friends for a skate but then played some basketball instead. Sorry for the phone cam pics..

The wallets you see are a KC's and an RM, initially I tried using the RM but it was just way too big for the FH pockets and it might not be good if I made a hole in the pocket either. So I've switched to this unstained KC's wallet. Its relatively new so it should be nice to see how it turns out in months time.

Thats all for now folks. See ya tomorrow.

2007-06-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

captain soaked the se card with the flatheads and this is how it came out, when i recieved them today, just thought you guys would like to see this. soraanaam out

#3

2007-06-11T22:18:00.001-07:00

captain5640 said...

So, I gave these a soak with me in them in the tub to see if they would loosen up at all. I went for a ride in them while they were wet, but could feel them getting tighter as they dried. So, unfortunately, I'm going to have to send these on early. I'm not going to be able to give them the proper wear, so I will send them to someone who can. After the ride I gave them a warm soak for one hour. They didn't lose much color, but there was definitely some shrinkage.

The new measurements are.

Thigh: 11 3/4"
Knee: 8"
Opening:7 7/8"
Rise: 10"
Waist: 16" across back
Inseam: 34"

Soraanaam up next?

#2

2007-06-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

captain5640 said...

Looks like I'm starting these off. The denim is super stiff right now and really, really, tight on my thighs. My thighs are quite large due to playing football for six years straight and squattting heavily for those six years. I'm guessing my body type is different than most who will be participating in this. I'm hoping to take a long bike ride tonight to get them to stretch out some, but it's raining really hard right now so that may have to be delayed.
measurements:: Waist: 33.5"
Inseam: 37"; Thigh: 11 7/8"
Knee: 8 1/2"
Opening: 8 1/2"

#1

2007-06-04T08:45:00.001-07:00

The Flathead 3001 world tour participants/schedule:

1. June - captain5640 (UT, visting Spain/Italy/France)
2. July - Soraanaam (LA, visting China)
3. August - Cameland (Melbourne)
4. September - Justiz2 (Malaysia)
5. October - Largo (Thailand)
6. November - Cotton Duck (Amsterdam)
7. December - ProfMonnitoff (Vienna)
8. January - twistedtrees (Chicago)
9. February - adsurgo (NJ, visiting Japan)
10. March - ordo (Vancouver)
11. April - PG2G (LA, maybe visiting Japan)
12. May - Mrip (San Jose)
13. June - fallen angels (SF)