Jesse James might be known for his bad bikes and monster machines, but when he set his sights on the world land speed record for hydrogen powered vehicles, he didn’t take no for an answer.
After reworking the body on the Dees Milodon Engineering Davis B Streamliner and packing in a 572-cubic-inch Chevy big block, Jesse took it to the salt flats and set a new record speed of 199.7 mph. (Just shy of his goal of 200 mph.)
When asked about the project and why he didn’t just build a car from scratch, Jesse said (in a very Jesse way) “I think it’s way cooler to take an old hunk of shit that many considered useless and make it haul ass. It has built-in soul and history. Plus, it’s recycling.”
Other details include a Liberty airshifted 5-speed transmission, Winters quick-change differential, and three tanks to hold hydrogen at an impressive 5,000 PSI. In all, it makes more than 780 horsepower and 900 foot-pounds of torque.
“I’m not so blinded by the things I build that I can’t see change is needed,” he said. “I’m in love with anything with wheels and a big engine. I hope my son will be able to love the same things. They’ll just be running on a different kind of gas.”
I watched two fantastic (and fantastically different) documentaries this weekend, so I’ve decided to make this post a hybrid review of both.
First, there was The Bridge, a morbid (and controversial) yet fascinating look at those that decide to end their lives by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge.
For a year, director Eric Steel aimed his cameras at the majestic and iconic bridge, capturing nearly two-dozen suicides and an equally high number of prevented or failed attempts. Switching between long, beautiful shots of the bridge and close, almost biographical shots of those teetering on the edge of life, it juxtaposes the two sides of the bridge perfectly, and you find yourself engulfed by a landmark with a personality all its own.
The Bridge also features interviews with the friends, family, and loved ones of each jumper, and attempts to explain the story and the history of those featured. You slowly begin to understand a little bit of what each person was going through, and you can see their affect on those around them.
And then they jump.
If the thought of watching someone end his or her life in front of an unknown eye disturbs you, then this film is definitely not for you; but if you’re interested in trying to understand what someone goes through at the lowest of lows, then I can’t think of a better way to do it.
Second, there was King of King: A Fistful of Quarters, a humorous and touching look at those that have decided to dedicate a part of their lives to becoming the best in the world at their classic video game of choice.
The two “stars” are the perfect poster children for a hobby that only a select few find excitement in. Steve Wiebe, the family man who sits in his garage and games away while his family stands by and supports his quest, goes against Billy Mitchell, the long haired hot sauce salesman who has held the title for over twenty years, yet struggles to live up to the crown that he has placed upon his own head.
Though a film about video game records doesn’t exactly sound like an attention grabber, this film manages to capture the heart and soul of each gamer through interviews and over the shoulders in a way that draws you in and makes you a part of the action. You feel for the two men and their quest (along with the handful of supporting characters), and you begin to understand how these games can become a symbol of something more than just the record.
A sketchbook is like a sneak peak into an artist’s soul. Filled with whatever comes to mind, they can take days to complete, and contain some of the rawest and rarest pieces of an artist’s career.
Buy My Sketchbook wants to sell you a piece of that action to raise money for the Art Buy The Inch art gallery, and is auctioning off various sketchbooks to do so.
To enter, just browse through the various pages, and if you like what you see, place a bid. The highest bid after a book is completed wins, and you’ll be the proud new owner of something that usually doesn’t get sold until after death.
Gerald Fraller has seen better days. Gerald Fraller is a little down on life right now. Gerald Fraller is looking to turn his life around. Gerald Fraller is selling his soul. That’s right, his soul. This isn’t just some run of the mill eBay soul sale though. Buying Gerald’s soul means buying a contractual agreement that covers many parts of Gerald’s life, and lucrative parts at that. What kind of value does Gerald’s soul have? Well, I guess that all depends on the results of Gerald’s life, but here’s a run down of what’s included (in the words of Gerald):
A clause, which entitles the buyer to a percentage of my taxable income for the rest of my life with a guaranteed minimum of $500.00 per year.
A clause, which entitles the buyer to the right to chose the first name of all of my children. The name has to be gender specific and cannot contain profanity or derogatory words.
A clause, which entitles the buyer to a percentage of profit ownership of any intellectual works that I create. The buyer will have no control over the direction of the works or how I manage or sell the works. They are just entitled to a % of the profit in addition to clause 1.
A clause, which will require me to provide a report on each year of my life after the sale to the buyer on an annual basis.
A clause, which leaves a percentage of my estate to the buyer in a legal and binding will.
A clause, which stipulates that I must write a book, after the sale of my soul is finalized. I will have up to 2 years to complete the book after the contract is signed.
A clause, which will require that I perform a set amount of community service each year.
A clause, which requires that I donate blood a minimum of twice per year.
A clause, which requires that I include organ donation in my will.
A clause, which requires that I will plant a minimum of two trees per year.
A clause, which provides the owner of my soul the option to pick the date of my wedding.
A clause, which requires that I send the owner of my soul a birthday card and present every year on my birthday.
A clause, which allows the owner of my soul to decide one new years resolution for me.
A clause, which provides the owner of my soul the option to plan my wedding.
A clause, which provides the owner of my soul the option to decide a message to be inscribed upon my tombstone.
A waiver of recourse. I will sign away my right to dispute this contract in any way. The contract will be final and binding.
A complete release of all liability to the buyer for any actions that I take during my possession of the soul.
Penalties for failure to meet the clauses in the contract.
A buy back clause. There will be a clause that allows me the option to buy back my soul for the price of $1,000,000.00.
A clause, which allows for the owner, if said owner is not satisfied with the performance of my soul, to resell my soul at a price determined by the owner. The owner is entitled to 100% of the profit from the resale of my soul. However, any sale or transfer of my soul must receive my final approval.
So what are we talking in terms of dollars? Well, you’re contractually guaranteed $20,000, but if Gerald’s life goes as planned (his plan), your stake in his soul could be worth more than $100,000 over the course of his life. That’s not even counting the profits from intellectual works, the 80 pints of blood, the 80 trees, the 1600 hours of charity/public service, and the joys that come with knowing you own someone’s soul. Plus, part of the proceeds go to a good cause, so donate now for a chance to win Gerald’s soul, you never know when you might need an extra.
First, there was The Bridge, a morbid (and controversial) yet fascinating look at those that decide to end their lives by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Second, there was 
