Episode 17: BAD MEN

Hold on, first up we gotta get this out of the way...

This is why you can't believe anything on the internet. You don't just get accused of something like this. You either did it or you didn't...

...From the Archives!

RANDOM DOODLES FROM 2000
I had to skip around with these due to all the nudity (trying to keep this as clean as possible considering who's writing this). One can't help but laugh when seeing things they did a quarter of a century ago. It's like sitting around with a group of old friends and they remind you of some of the cringe things you did in public that are now hilarious. Listen, I don't need other people for that, fam. My brain does that on a regular basis. What I can't get over (or even remember) is why I used the markers and pencils I did. Probably because I didn't know any better, but also probably due to the fact that the "technology" wasn't where it is now. Feast your eyes on those wonky characters, y'all.

There's always something suppressing something in this universe...

From Scientific American:

An artist’s rendition of a precessing jet erupting from the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy VV 340A, based on combined optical, infrared and radio observations. W. M. Keck Observatory / Adam Makarenko

"For decades, astronomers have known that supermassive black holes lurk at the hearts of essentially all large galaxies, occasionally feasting on infalling material and burping out powerful jets. But what’s been less clear is how, exactly, this activity shapes their surrounding galaxies.

Now researchers have found a crucial piece of this galactic puzzle by observing a supermassive black hole shooting out a wobbling jet in the galaxy VV 340A, some 450 million light-years from Earth. The jet acts as a cosmic scale snowplow, pushing away gas that would otherwise fuel the creation of new stars. The result was announced at this year’s winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix, Ariz."

>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<
This is very much an igorant thing to type on a keyboard, but while reading that article I couldn't help but keep thinking "black holes have tentacles" and "the Flying Spaghetti Monster is real". It's nonsense like that rattling around in my head which keeps people like me from being employed in scientific disciplines, no doubt.

It may just be that I'm getting old, but I could've sworn this flick had already been released...

GALE: YELLOW BRICK ROAD TRAILER
I really do believe I've seen this trailer at least over a year ago, but whatever.

The story of The Wizard of OZ already kinda scared me as a kid. Maybe not so much the story in general, but more so the characters (The wicked witch, flying monkeys, the projection of the man behind the curtain, etc). I found it all to be very ominous and offputting (I had no idea what those words meant back then). However, now that there is a sequel being released and it's horror, I may be justified in my youthful terror. I think this is going to be a good one!

Another sad loss for the film and creative industry...

T.K. CARTER PASSES AWAY AT 69 From DEADLINE:

TK Carter attends the Chiller Theatre Expo on Oct. 27, 2018 in Parsippany, New Jersey. Bobby Bank/Getty Images

The actor was found dead on Friday in his Duarte, California home after calling 9-1-1 at 5:42pm, TMZ reported. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but foul play is not expected.

Born Dec. 18, 1956 in New York City, Carter grew up outside of Los Angeles, where he began performing as a standup comedian at age 12, going on to perform at the Comedy Store and other notable venues.

T.K. Carter did A LOT of work to entertain us over the span of his life. I mostly remember him from Good Times and 227, but he also had a role in one of my all time favorite horror movies The Thing. A funny and witty entertainer who was prolific and talented, no doubt.

More horror! More horror!...

LILY'S RITUAL TRAILER
I personally wouldn't trust anyone who has a necklace with a razor blade pendant attached to it, but that's just me. This also gives some insight as to what really goes on during those "girls trips" your wife or girlfriend be takin'. If she isn't cheating on you she's doing some weird stuff, no doubt. I'm kidding (kinda), but this one looks disturbing. It's a reminder that no one should be dabbling in any kind of occult activities in their off time. Ever. Definitely another one on the list!

Y'all already know, so this one needs no introduction...

HEREDITARY TRAILER
From A24:

"When Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, passes away, her daughter's family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. The more they discover, the more they find themselves trying to outrun the sinister fate they seem to have inherited. Making his feature debut, writer-director Ari Aster unleashes a nightmare vision of a domestic breakdown that exhibits the craft and precision of a nascent auteur, transforming a familial tragedy into something ominous and deeply disquieting, and pushing the horror movie into chilling new terrain with its shattering portrait of heritage gone to hell."

>>> WATCH THE FULL MOVIE HERE <<<
Now, here's the thing: I'm not an expert at critiquing anything, let alone film, so this is just my opinion. However, I do believe this movie is a double entendre for both the actual storyline and inherited family mental illness. What gives me this idea is the element of none of the characters being in any type of control of the situation, even though they may feel that they are. It's "hereditary" that they've been put there and fighting their way out of it is hopeless and a bit hubristic, but they don't know that.

Many don't like this film and found it boring. Sometimes that's how people respond to art; especially if their viewing creative work to feel something rather than think about something. So, I get it. No one goes to a nightclub to hear music that's brooding or ominous - unless they're gothic I guess. All that aside, Toni Colette and Milly Shapiro are next level in their performances (not to mention the rest of the cast), so if you don't feel anything watching this you probably need more fiber in your diet. I kid, but seriously...watch this if you haven't already.

Clearly I haven't been keeping up with podcasts because I missed this...

SAMURAI MUSIC PODCAST 065: PRESHA MIX

>>> LISTEN HERE <<< From SoundCloud:

Recorded live at OHM Berlin - 16.10.2025

A new chapter. Stripped-back pressure, deeper space, 170 slowed into focus.

Music from Aerae, Archypness, Brendon Moeller, Feral, Hoji, Ilayruni, Marco Shuttle, Mike Parker, Ness, Pianeti Sintetici, Reeko, Sciama, Solma, The Untouchables, Vardae

Subscribe to the Samurai Music Official Podcast on Apple Music - found.ee/samcast

What I love most about Presha's mixes (as much as the rest of the Samurai / HORO camp) is that each one has a different way of transporting you to a separate realm. Sometimes this realm is full of the esoteric and harrowing, sometimes it's just straight futuristic and ominous. One thing's for sure, these rides are always creative fuel for me. Click that link to see what I'm talking about...

2026 is turning out so far to be a year that's still up in the air for me, not gonna lie. However, we've only just begun so let's keep it movin.

Stay up!

KRUST - BAD INTENTIONS
#toycrusher #taulwatersuniverse #mechdirective #art #artblog #jacksonville #jacksonvilleflorida #jax #jaxart #jaxartist #duvalcounty #duuuval #horror #jacksonvilleart #jaxartblog #scientificamerican #blackholes #theuniverse #cosmicevents #galeyellowbrickroad #thewizardofoz #lilysritual #hereditary #samuraimusicpodcast #presha #djkrust #fullcycle #drumandbass

EPISODE 15: Brain Hacking

Hope everyone had a great Christmas, happy New Year, and gained some weight over these past few weeks. It's an American tradition to put on some pounds this time of year, you know...

This photograph is one of the rare sightings of yours truly - alongside the mighty OXEGEN - live on Channel 4 Morning News about...well I honestly don't remember the exact time frame. I want to say this was around the end of 2008 or 2009 in the winter to promote an art show we were a part of sponsered by ECKO Unlimited and hosted by Chris White. There's also an interview floating around on the internet somewhere of me making a fool of myself and opening my mouth live on morning television. I don't have time to dig for it, but it honestly isn't worth watching...

...from The Archives!

BRAIN HACKING - 2000
Looking back on a lot of these sketches, it seems like I was just using random types of markers that I'd find on the sidewalk or under couch cushions. (I wasn't, btw) I can admit that these types of characters were executed before I had any type of art education other than what I'd learned on the street or from other artists that I had been influenced by up to this point. It was like a creative Wild West between my brain and my hand. Living on the edge, man. Crazy days.

This is something I've been saying (and getting into a few debates and arguments about over the course of my adult life) for a while now...

From Big Think:

IN THE WEST, YOGA IS EXERCISE. IN THE EAST IT IS SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER

Annelisa Leinbach / Big Think; Wikimedia Commons

"While yoga has become a trendy lifestyle and wellness practice in North America, its roots are ancient, spiritual, and profound. Originally developed in Hinduism, yoga provides a path to achieve a higher state of consciousness and to unite with the divine."

>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<
I don't know, I don't really like to get to spiritual or metaphysical these days because why would you? I will confess, though, I'm guilty of using yoga to calm my nerves so I don't curse people out. So, I'm probably part of the problem...

Full disclosure: this next interview is not for the easily offended, but is hands down one of the wildest yet inspirational interviews I've seen yet...

ANDREW HUBERMAN INTERVIEWS DAVID CHOE ON ADDICTION, PAIN, AND CREATIVITY

"David Choe is a world-renowned artist, writer, podcaster and TV host. He tells how as a child, he was made to believe he was destined for greatness but also that he was a complete disgrace, leading him to channel his energy—including deep shame—into art that brought him global recognition. He shares about his addictions that put him on a decades-long cycle of extreme highs and lows and that forced him to eventually acknowledge and heal the childhood trauma he was battling inside. David shows up with raw, authentic presence to show us how we can transmute pain and shame into our best creative work and, more importantly, how complete vulnerability, especially about our hardest experiences, is the ultimate tool for forgiveness and self-acceptance. He also tells us the actual story about early Facebook, Pee-wee Herman and Santa Claus."

If you know David Choe's story, then you know if anyone is qualified to confidently speak about these subjects to someone like Andrew Huberman it's him. I've been a fan of his since The Whale, but I can remember a time when he had his own podcast and was going wild on Instagram. Even though that's his recent history and only the surface level of who he is, Choe is someone who's lived life as a true authtentic creative. Obviously he's also a "Do Not Try This At Home" warning to young creatives who aren't built for his type of life.

Is this true?...

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THE FIGURE THAT FORMS WHEN A LIFE IS ACTIVATED

For the first time, MIT scientists managed to observe what happens at the exact instant a human life begins. We’re not talking about minutes later, or hours: we’re talking about the precise second in which the egg is fertilized.

What they saw was unexpected. Right after fertilization, biochemical waves travel across the egg as if someone had pressed an invisible switch. It’s not a chaotic reaction: it’s an organized activation signal, a true biological “second zero” that sets everything that comes afterward into motion.

What’s unsettling is that these waves are not distributed at random. They follow rhythmic patterns and proportions that the researchers compare to shapes that repeat throughout nature: spirals, orderly growth, sequences similar to Fibonacci, the same ones that appear in galaxies, seashells, and plants.

From SciTech Daily:

Researchers have taken a pivotal step toward understanding how living cells could have originated from nonliving matter.

At some point in Earth’s history, nonliving, inorganic substances gave rise to the first forms of life. This transition from lifeless matter to living organisms remains one of science’s most profound and unresolved questions. Today, researchers are engineering synthetic cells that behave like real biological cells in an effort to uncover insights into how life might have originally emerged on our planet.

>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<
Whenever I come across any new scientific theories or discoveries I start with a few questions. "What does the general population do with this information? Is it something we can impliment in our daily thought and lives to improve things? Is it a step in unlocking mysteries yet unsolved? Should the rest of us really care? etc." This may sound ignorant (probably through sheer definition of the word), but I kind of place this type of information in the "does it really matter?" bin.

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL - BACTERIA

Lemme show ya somethin'...

Look, I fully realize this is a decades ago trend, but I've never been one to jump on trends so here we are. It took me years just to go from MySpace to FaceBook - stop judging me. Oddly enough, this video kind of demonstrates my tedious and machine like tendency for linear, Euclidean order. That's a highfalutin way of saying I'm a little odd. Anyway...

There aren't too many good feelings that are better than a solid modern day adaptation of a great book you read decades ago...

THE LONG WALK TRAILER
The Stephen King Universe has made a resurgence in the last few years thanks to the IT series plus a slew of other films and I'm most definitely here for it. What I've noticed is that there's been a significant uptick in talk about the King World due to the premier of the IT: Welcome to Derry TV series; I'm undoubtedly guilty of devling back into a bunch of the older films just to see how well things connect.

However, The Long Walk is one of those stories by King that stick with you over the course of your life. I remember reading this decades ago while I was on a field op in Camp Lejuene and being horrified but immersed by and in the story itself. The characters are sharp on screen and are often times entertaining, regardless of the dire dystopian situation they find themselves in. If you're a fan of the Stephen King Universe, this one is highly recommended.

GET. EX. CITED!...

WE BURY THE DEAD TRAILER
I try not to hype up new releases because it can easily turn out to be disappointing once the feature actually hits the screen, but I'm a sucker for zombie flicks; even the bad ones. There's something about the genre that keeps me interested. I should probably talk to someone about that. However, this one looks promising as this is the first time I've seen Daisy Ridley outside of a Star Wars role. (I fully realize she's done other films besides, but bear with me.) What makes We Bury The Dead different is the filmmakers idea as it relates to the temperament of the zombies. It gives them leeway to still be somewhat human...until they're not anymore. I'm ready for it.

Anyone who knows me can tell you that my taste in music is eclectic and odd; sometimes bordering disturbing. Yet on the lighter side of that spectrum you can catch me bumping these awesome human beings...

STEREOLAB - PLASTIC MILE
From Mojo:

“We have to organise how society is run in radically different ways, based on radically different values…”

>>> READ THE INTERVIEW HERE <<<
I'd read that interview; they're an interesting group of individuals. I first got tuned in to them around 1995 by one of my homies from high school and was instantly enthralled with their original sound. There have been quite a few clones that have popped up in subsequent years after their debut in 1990, but at the time the mantra was "no one sounds like Stereolab". On top of that they're very prolific and consistent in their quality of releases. I only own about 7 of their albums, but I can't say I've ever heard a bad one.

I don't like ending this episode on a dreary note, but this has been some of the saddest news I've seen all year...

From NBC News:

JAMES RANSONE PASSES AWAY AT 46

James Ransone in Westwood, Calif., in 2019.Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images file

"Actor James Ransone died Friday apparently by suicide, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. He was 46.

Ransone, a native of Maryland, was best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in the TV series "The Wire" and for his role as Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror movie "It: Chapter Two."

He acted on shows such as "Generation Kill" and "Bosch," with his final TV appearance in a Season 2 episode of "Poker Face" that aired in June, according to The Movie Database."

>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<
My condolences to James' family, friends, and colleagues. He absolutely killed the roles he played in Sinister and IT, and had a distinct type of humor to his demeanor that anyone could admire.

This hits very close to home (as I'm sure it does with quite a few of us). One of my childhood friends took his own life a couple of decades ago by getting extremely inebriated and driving head on into a semi truck. I remember the last time I spoke to him he kept telling me how weak of a man he felt he was. He grew up next door to me in Atlantic Arms in Mayport, had five sisters that were younger than him, an absent father and mother who was a drug addict. His life was rough, but he was one of the kindest people you could meet and was one of my best friends.

Another friend that I was stationed with at Camp Lejuene also took his own life by undisclosed measures. He was heavy into Black Metal, loved to fight and would stick up for anyone who was on his side, but still one of the kindest and most intelligent people I've met.

I say this to say that it is imperative that people look out for one another. Know that anyone you encounter could be struggling with life in ways you couldn't conceive or imagine and still be smiling and laughing with you, going to work, and taking care of their families.

The world at large is no joke, believe me...

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

BIOSTASIS - BRAIN HACK
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Weird Life

SKETCHBOOK SESSION
Most of these character sketches will probably be used for references for synthography images. Or they'll be Frankensteined into other illustrations "for parts". That's the beauty of digital art. The sources can come from all over.

Good news!

The mighty Synthography Magazine has released their second issue (one of my images is featured below), and I have to say the lineup is ridiculously sick! Too many artists to link here, but you can check out their Instagram for the full list. You can also order the hard copy here: SYNTHOGRAPHY MAG

Why does anyone drink these?

I took one sip and almost spit it in some random lady's face. This tastes like someone took goat hooves, pulverized them, marinated them in wasabi and gasoline, put caffiene in it, then dropped it in a can. I almost took it home to put in my lawnmower to save money on gas.

Y'all are in trouble now!

From Interesting Engineering:

World’s first’ graffiti-removing drone debuts in Washington

"The new drone can be used to remove graffiti in hard-to-reach places like high-level walls and bridges."

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that it will pioneer a new breed of graffiti-removing drones. Modified from existing water-spraying drones, the new ones can cover graffiti in hard-to-reach places.

The new drone is part of WSDOT’s larger battle to fight graffiti. To this end, the state passed a $1 million bill in March of this year for this purpose.

There are two parts to the program. The first part aims to upgrade traffic cameras for easier identification of people who spray graffiti along the roads.

READ THE REST HERE

Washington, you nasty! This is actually hilarious. If you haven't stopped the graff "problem" in whatever city you run by now, in 2024, what makes you think throwing more money and technology at it will be a "solution"? Also, I think they're underestimating the average graffiti writers' intelligence.

This is like a young, sheltered persons Fight Club:

YOUTH IN REVOLT CLICK HERE TO WATCH
Michael Cera kind of puts me in mind of a younger generation Bill Murray. He's comical by his facial expressions and by saying very little. The only other person I can think of that really pulls that off is Lesley Neilson, but Cera is a little sharper. Surprisingly, this film uses the "downtrodden underdog who stands up for himself by means of split personality" trope and puts the philosophy into smaller bites. I honestly think it's all out hilarious.

I don't exactly want to link anything to Forbes from here, so I will illustrate this next segment in Instagram screen shots:

They should've just stopped at the first one, but nooooo. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Matrix films but let's be real: No one was calling for sequels. If it weren't for the action sequences, I honestly don't think the majority of people would have watched any of them. While the film(s) are heavily laced with philosophical, religious, and scientific tropes, that doesn't really sell movies touted as action flicks. Guns, crazy flips, and women in tight patent leather will, though. Just not Plato's Allegory of the Cave.

If anyone has an extra regular sleep schedule lying around, please send me one! Until next time!

MADLIB feat. GUILTY SIMPSON - LOOKING FOR TROUBLE
#toycrusher #taulwatersuniverse #mechdirective #art #artblog #jacksonville #jacksonvilleflorida #jax #jaxart #jaxartist #duvalcounty #duuuval #synthographymagazine #interestingengineering #wsdot #youthinrevolt #michaelcera #thematrix #madlib #guiltysimpson #madlibmedicineshow

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