Sunday, May 18, 2008

Part Two: Rust to Glory, Moped Maintenance Tips



[Slow Connection? Click to view the YouTube version.]


In part two of my moped series, I speak with Tim Pearson and Brett Walker about what you need to know if you pick up a vintage moped. Even if you buy a brand new bike, what you'll learn from Tim and Brett may apply to you after your bike's warranty runs out.

Don't expect Latte machines, reading lounges and shuttle service from your local dealer. You're going to end up doing your own maintenance, much of which you'll have to learn to do all by yourself. That's why mopeds are character building machines.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Part One: The Moped Aesthetic


[Slow Connection? Click to view the YouTube version.]


Mopeds were popular in the '70s because America was in the midst of a gas crisis. Thirty-something years later, they are coming into vogue again, but for different reasons.

Mopeds represent both independence and community. That may sound like a paradox, but it's not. A moped rider has to be self-reliant. You don’t take your vintage ride to a repair shop; you fix it yourself. Mopeds may not require a motorcycle endorsement, registation or insurance either. This empowers people who might not otherwise be able to drive, or ride.

Community? The resurgence in moped interest has been powered by social networking, by community, by the internet. In part one of this video podcast, I speak with Seth Bedwell of Seattle's Mosquito Fleet to learn more about this resurgence, and the moped aesthetic.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

A Conversation With Bill Palmer And Felecia Ford, From The Band "Hundred Year Flood."



Hundred Year Flood is a band that got its start in Austin Texas, and is now making Santa Fe New Mexico their home-base. Bill Palmer, Felecia Ford, Jim Palmer and Kendra Lauman are not only a band, they are a family.

Hundred Year Flood represents the new music business model, powered by the internet, powered by protools, powered by social networking. MySpace and FaceBook are allowing the band to reach places that would not have been possible with the traditional touring paradigm. And it allows them to be the gate keepers for their music, their creativity, and fruits of their of their labor.

Bill Palmer, has a keen eye for where the recording industry is headed. He is part of the recording revolution that is allowing small and medium sized recording studios to thrive. Bill is an engineer and producer for Frogville Records, and he has a relaxed approach to recording that emphasizes creativity.

Felecia Ford, besides being a vocal powerhouse in the band, is the community manager, if you will, maintaining relationships with the band’s many fans through their MySpace presence, and other social networking platforms. In this month's video podcast, I joined Bill and Felecia at Frogville Records Studio in Santa Fe to learn more about the band, and more about how they are leading the charge into a new world of music production and distribution.