DJ's and drummers can be friends. Promise.

First and foremost, thanks for everyone's kind words and prayers. Please keep tabs on my little bro's journey at his blog. We can't fight cancer alone.

I've been on a bit of a mixtape kick as of late. The newest one keeps me from sleeping. All I can do is groove. Thus, I must share it with ya'll. I'd be a bad friend if I didn't.

The mixtape, "Fix Your Face," is a bomb jam session from Blink 182's tattooed drummer savant, Travis Barker, and under-rated DJ and Nicole Richie's heartthrob, DJ Am. All I have to say is, Damn. See for yourself. Download it for FREE here.

DJ AM aka Adam Goldstein and Travis Barker
2008 MTV Video Music Awards - Press room
Los Angeles, California - 07.09.08
Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN

Much respect. Pz.

How else should one spend a Friday night in Richmond

This past friday marked a milestone for me.

Along with my cohorts from Kelly O'Keefe's Cultural Exploration class, we ventured 20 minutes south from the familiar confines of rugged downtown Richmond. After barreling through the toll booth gauntlet of the Powhite Expressway, we made our way to a amplly-lit clearing in the woods, middle of no where, VA.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the smells of tread-marks, sweat and global warming that only a Friday night in the South can deliver. Unlike the rare venture or two to the drag races and demolition derbies of my high school days, this was different. This was the Southside Speed way.

I expected the same blandness that comes with drag races or demo derbies, but was pleasantly surprised. I actually had fun. I know, sounds crazy. But this equivalent of minor league NASCAR earned my respect. I was taken back by how talented the drivers were. And how much fun the crowd was while watching their friends, family or compatriots master 15 second laps along with 29 other cars on a track that was made for six.

All in all, you can't really go wrong with a few brews and a few good friends watching the tamer version of those oh so fun COPS the TV show high-speed chases, can you?

Where did Kris go?

That’s a great question. And a long, complicated answer. But I’m gonna try my best to sum it up as short as possible.

1) Went to intern at DDB Chicago this summer. Had a great time. Met a lot of great people, people I can’t thank enough for everything. A special thanks to Jaime Zazove, Nick West Maciag, Nikki Konkac, Kate Tarnowski, Nate De Leon, Emily Shepard, Lisa Koening, Jane Ackerson, my girlfriend Sarah and all the Brandcenter crew who were up in Chicago this summer.

2) 3 days before the end of the internship, we found out the worst possible news—that my little brother, Darren, a cancer survivor, had a relapse. That his cancer was back.

3) Moved back to Richmond to finish my second year of the VCU Brandcenter. A twist is that Sarah got in as a first year art director. It’s going to be fun watching her grow in the program.

4) My little brother, on top of his current condition, caught pneumonia.

5) Now, found out last night that his right lung collapsed.

Now you’re caught up.


All I can do is ask for your prayers for my lil’ bro. And please keep in touch with him on his blog as he journeys through this second bout with cancer.

God bless, ya’ll.

This is for my Auntie

I’ve ignored my blog most of this summer.
Not from a lack of wanting to.
But from a lack of time.
I’ve been busy immersing myself in Chicago
With love.

I’ve spent time with old friends.
And with new friends.
And my girlfriend,
whom has lived 1100 miles away for the last 9 months of school.

I’ve immersed myself in my internship at DDB.
I’ve been working late nights,
Pre-sunrise early mornings
And loved every second.
Heck, even got a decent amount of work produced.
Although, I’m hoping for more.
Call me greedy.

And to be honest,
I’ve been busy enjoying all that.
And not writing on my blog.
Mostly on purpose.

But around 4am this morning
I found out that none of the above really matters all that much.
Who cares if I love Chicago,
Or my internship?
Who cares about art exhibits,
Cool concerts
Or deep dish pizza?
Who cares about the late nights?
Summer festivals
Or hot dogs without ketchup on ‘em?
Who cares about any of that?
I sure as hell didn’t around 4am.

B/c at 4am,
I found out that my Aunt Mae died from complications.
A huge part of my life,
A huge part of who I’ve always been
And always will be
Is no longer with us.

That love/hate relationship I have with the Brandcenter
I’ve recently found holds true for advertising in general.
That is, sometimes you’re too busy to experience the world
And conversely, sometimes you’re too busy to let your world affect.
Too busy to be anything but numb.

But tonight I refuse to let this be the case.

Tonight, I’m gonna take some time.
Tonight, I’m gonna reflect.
Tonight, I’m gonna pay my respects to a lady
who always cared about unconditionally.
A lady that never judged.
Always smiled.
Always sacrificed everything she had.
And always loved.
She deserves that.

Here’s to my Aunt Mae.
I’ll love you forever lady.
And thank you for everything.

Yay for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I start my internship at DDB Chicago. I'm super excited about it. Almost as excited as this guy.



More detail to come about Chicago tomorrow night.

Here goes nuthin'

Today, I leave the happy confines of my parent's place
just south of the Berkshires.
No more home-cooked meals
or morning runs with pops.
No more relaxing.
Time to do the work again.
Time unsheathe my weapon of choice,
my pen.
Time to shine.
Today, I leave for Chicago.
And I'm looking forward to it.

CHARLES SCHULTZ PHILOSOPHY

I read about this on some blog somewhere and thought it was interesting.
It kind of keeps things in perspective. Ya know, just life in general.

Just read straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

(Charles Schultz)

--Happy Creating