mural: rest in peace

For those who've crossed the dark
waters before us.

notice the skulls pervading the mural.
maybe it represents the finality of death.

Rest in Peace Mural - Cloverdale
and Venice (Mid-City)

angels like to graffiti, too. maybe
in heaven, they only have high-
quality graffiti.

powerlessness breeds anti-establishment
behavior. notice police helicopter above.
rap has its roots in the inner city; without
poverty, it might not have emerged as a
new media.

whenever i walk to the supermarket, i pass
by this mural. a lot of the original art
seems to have been defaced.

The Mural

mural completed '08. owner of body shop
commissioned friend to paint it for him
(as a favor)...

...'cause 'he loves the lakers.'
location: redondo blvd. (between venice
and pico), mid-city, los angeles

big-game james: a prodigy in the post.

in junior high, a friend told me i wore a james
worthy shirt the day after he retired; i don't
remember doing that, though.

earvin j.: today's teenagers didn't have
the opportunity to witness this once-in-a-
millenium-type player. now he promotes gambling
at san manuel.

statue of liberty finger roll.

legends honored: abdul-jabbar (just finished
making a documentary: on the shoulders of giants).

jerry west (said his six finals losses to Boston
left "lifelong" scar).

jameson w. '88 finals mvp over vinnie johnson's pistons.

mr. 24. the killer. i don't know if i can ever
root for bryant the way i did for peeler. never-
theless, i must admit: he's an otherworldy player.

Los Angeles Mission

working the line.

from left: julius (program). kenn (lexus). 
pompous fool (proofreader). blaine (accountant).

dinnertime. served mon. throught sat.

beans and tacos.

from left: donald (usually wears glasses).
eddie (likes wearing jordans). 

new orleans man. told me about tibetan gospel. 
evidence is inconclusive whether "the man" ever made
a trip to the far east.(mobile phone picture.)

more volunteers. tall man (behind me) is a civil
engineer. the kid likes to pickup hitch hikers.

chowtime.

Resistance Training (No Weights)

inclined push-up

Flat-ground push-up

L.A. Live Legends

mr. clutch.

 all-nba first team ten times.

 holds record for most points averaged in playoff series:

46.3 per game vs. baltimore. 1965

nba executive of year: 1995, 2004

 nba all defensive first team: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

 a quiet day at l.a. live.

 career high: 11 points; redondo beach league; 2005.

 basketball's most charismatic floor general memorialized 

for all-time.

the great one. 

 chicano legend. '92 olympic gold medalist.

first boxer in history to win world titles in six different 

weight divisions.

Waterfall: Eaton Canyon

on left, good samaritan helped lift kid across stream.

m. bell: i just bought these shoes.

man in gray shirt nicotine-free nine months.

army man willis: hurry up, slow poke.

one of many stream crossings.

strong currents.

the journey continues.

m. bell: not again.

willis l.: this is cupcake compared to iraq.

final destination.

and then there were six.

army man, nude pencilist spotted again. suspected 

criminal activity taking place. 

non-smoking jae: it's just water.
m. bell: i really didn't sign up for this.

rocks. water.

going back home.

jim: i really overpacked for this trip.

log crossing.

early on, the hikers were trying to keep their feet dry. 

eventually, all six wet their shoes and socks.

willis l.: dang it, mike. get a move on.

more stream. eaton canyon seems to be a popular 

trail for people of all types, including children.

had my black nikes for three years. non-smoking jae 

takes picture of new-found love.

m. bell: this isn't so bad.