I'm On A Happy Spree

I don't even know if that's a real thing.

"Floating" 3/26/08"

Because I make everyone do a jumping picture =).

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So today's been a little unbelievable. Nothing too out of the ordinary at first, with church and all. And then I find myself booking two more debuts for the year and an engagement session. Awesome. Just more sessions to look forward to. I'm excited.

In relation to the photography thing, I just bought myself a new flash bracket for 10 bucks and a flash sync cord for 20 bucks on eBay. Not bad. Especially when you consider the fact that flash brackets can run at least 80 bucks for a reliable one, and up to 300 bucks for the top of the line. Then there's the flash sync cord, which goes for about 60 bucks. So at the very least, I've managed to save myself at least 110 bucks, by going used and not new. Amazing. Thank you God for eBay. Now I can use the money I've saved towards bigger and better things, like new lenses or bodies.

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You know what's a really annoying trend? Hypebeasts. Don't worry if you've never heard the term, but I can practically assure you you've seen them stalking your local mall hangout spot. They can be easily spotted sporting at least two of the following:

• A flat bill cap (also known as a 50 cap), usually worn high in back and tilted to the side
  
• Aviator glasses, or some other variety of oversized sunglasses ("stunna shades")
• a pair of Nike Dunks, or Ponys, or Vans, usually with the tongue sticking out
• a bandana, possibly covering the nose and mouth, but more likely wrapped around the neck in a scarf like fashion
• a t-shirt, usually in the brighter varieties of orange, purple, yellow, pink, or red, with some ridiculously random graphic.

Also, it should be mentioned that all of the above are most likely found in extremely bright colors, for easier spotting.

For a slightly more visual example, and some elaboration on the hypebeast, check out this link.

Now, a lot of the hypebeast style is said to have roots in old 80's fashion styles, particularly during hip-hops infancy. Yeah, that's cool and all, since as we all know, history has a tendency to repeat itself. Problem is, there was only one thing that sucked about living in the 80's. Guess what it was? That's right, the fashion. Folks, the 80's spawned the broad shoulder dress pads, leg warmers, the sideways pony tail, the oversized emblem necklace, the inside-out style, the midriff FOR MEN, oh geez, I could go on. the point is, the 80's was already a bastard decade in fashion and design. Why bastardize even further?

AND!!! To add insult to injury..... the majority of the people that wear it NOW, weren't even born in the 80's, more like early 90's and up. So really, everyone who's into the style now just thinks its cool because they didn't have to go through it the first time.

Anyways, why do hypebeasts annoy me? Well, for the most part, its because the majority of them are under 21, probably don't have jobs, and have their parents pay for their clothes. Now normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but when you're buying shoes that go for 200, a t-shirt well over 50, a bandana easily going for 60, and a hat that could possibly cost 80, then its time to call Houston.

And why are these things so expensive? No reason at all. And what's worse, is that they come in the most outrageous colors, making sure you'll be noticed. In fact, thats really what the whole movement is about; trying to get noticed. It's a very sad truth. Kids giving into the hype (get it?) that all they have to do is buy the most expensive and "rare" types of clothing out there to get noticed by others who have the same "passion". Is it really a passion? Ha. Only when you've got the money, kids. I'm sure without your parents to support you, you wouldn't have half the clothing you've come to collect.

So for the kids.... here's a list of things you REALLY need to get:

• More self-esteem, to realize you don't have to blow so much money on clothing just to "look good"
• A better sense of style. I've seen people go into thrift stores armed with less than 50 bucks, and come out with some of the most awesome looks ever. Stylish AND frugal?! Now that's the girl for me.
• More common sense. One day you're gonna realize just how much money you wasted on clothes, that could've been better spent on real things, like charitable donations and the like. Now, we're all guilty of this one to some degree, but you guys are just horrible.
• A loosened grip on material possessions. The sad thing is, if your house were to burn down, you'd probably be more willing to try and save your precious Nike Dunk collection than your dog. Just remember, when you die, you can't take it with you. That's 100 percent fact.

I'm really hoping that like most fads, this one will go away soon. People like hypebeasts are just add to the reason why the world says the US is spoiled =(.

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Well, that was a bit of a rant back there. Sorry about that. Anyways, here's a hilarious Youtube vid for tonight. It's amazing how corny tv shows were back when I was growing up. The best part about it is, I never even realize it until I have a chance to go back and watch them again. Here's a clip from one of those ABC Saturday Afternoon Specials I used to watch. It even starred that guy from Mr. Belvedere. Now let me tell ya, if gangs were like this in real life, I'd feel a lot safer living here in So Cal, haha: