America vs. Africa

Years ago, after a few steps into the building, I knew I was back in the United States again. It only took one or two steps into the airport for me to notice the new -- no, the old environment I was in again. This all happened when I returned home from Mali in Northwestern Africa. It is the oposite scene there. Not as technologically advanced, but that's irrelevant. The best difference is the people. They are so incredibly nice and happy (unlike the average American't). I can rest my case with this story.

So, Mali is what, where? No, it's nothing like America. The first morning there, I was given a sword! That morning, my parents and I are eating breakfast in this little courtyard at the hotel. A local comes up to our table, and inquires if we would like to buy any guns? Old school guns, dating back to the beginning of the last century, well, the begining of that century because it was December 29th, 1999. But that's not what I wanted. I had already thought about how it would be great to get an African sword there. But how? I can't. I won't.

Then WOW!!! Hell yeah, I got one! It was, no -- it is who knows how old, it's about a meter long and has a little curve in its blade, and comes in a nice red sheath.

We were even given another great gift. My sister introduced us to a little fanily she was friends with who gave us, for no real reason, a pair of chickens. I have never eaten a tastier chickem in my life, and don't think I will again. At least until I return.

For obvious reasons, I can easily say, well, type, that they are the best at sharing their wealth.

People Go Digital.... Not Postal!

We've had Industrial and Golden. Now we are entering a new one. The Digital Age. Almost everything you want to happen is just one button away.

So the Digital Age Begins... Can and or will it ever end? Well, we might be done with the old school styles so... I became aware of where we are when I realized that film is now a thing of the past in the photo world. That is what makes me ask, How much longer will paper last? The computer provides everything we need; soon it will probably be giving us clean water too.

The main way computers influence me is thorugh the photographs I make. The first benefit that I think of, not having to get the film developed. "The wait is the hardest part" is the song I am singing after I give my roll of film to the store to get it developed. Now, I just go home, turn on the computer, and... The other great thing is Photoshop. You, can do almost anything with your work with this program. Without the computer I couldn't have a photo of my friend skating on Mt. Everest.

THIS IS WHAT MADE ME WHO I AM

"Not terribly far back in the day"



This is my answer when asked when I started skateboarding. I was about eight, when my parents and I went to the local sports store. Skating was more popular in the mid '80s so boards were easier to find. I didn't know anything about boards and what made one better then the other. So the graphics on the board are what sold me on the Santa Cruz "Slasher." I was a kid so I was too easily impressed by gross graphics like a nasty monster riding a knife-like skateboard. Fortunatly the graphics did not stop my parents from buying it for me. Since it was my favorite color, I had them put blue grip tape on the slasher board. The blue grip tape covering the board is what helps me stay on the board.

Later, in middle school, Jimmy Greer, a friend of mine invited me over to his house downtown one afternoon after school, and told me to bring my board. It had been years since I was last on it, but I did it anyway. That might have been, NO, it was the greatest thing I've ever done. Riding again, made me a real skater. Skating is, well it can be, more of a lifestyle than a sport. If I hadn't started skating, I would not have the friends I've had for the last fifteen years.

I also wouldn't be a photographer. During the early 90s, I was reading Thrasher, a magazine for skateboarders. I saw that they had a contest going where you could send in photos of you and your friends skating, and if your photos were selected, then a professional skate team would spend an afternoon in your hometown skating with you.

And so one day, I'm lying around on the couch when the phone rings. "Hello?".... "Hey Aaron, this is Thrasher magazine, guess what???? YOU WON!!!!" In addition to skating with this professional team, I also had two photographs published by the magazine.

Aaron the MAGNIFICENT!!!

Hello, thank you for visiting my page. I have a pair of interesting facts:
we should always get dressed with the most important rule in mind: FUNCTION before FASHION & FOOD is always a little BETTER when its FREE.

I also have a few bad jokes to tell you, but don't say I didn't warn you.

What did the fish say when it swam into the concrete wall?
"DAM(N?)"

What's red and green and goes about 100 rpm?
A toad in a blender

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Hutch
Hutch who?
Bless You

Serious ?:
Am I the KING OF Bad Jokes?