It should be more like the "the Crawl of Justice". I recently was chosen by the University of Wisconsin Police Department to be judged as to whether I am a criminal. I ran afoul of the law, during the course of an otherwise stellar Thursday night, and now have to go through the system of handling this minor non-violent incident in the hopes that I can keep my criminal record "clean".
The best apporpriation of our justice system in America today is the word, system. It is an outrageous bore for most involved that consists of 90% waiting, 5% anticipation and 5% of either jubilation or despair. I, for one, hate the waiting game.
Crimes vary in an astounding degree and punishment. I showed up for a court appearance last week. The time I was scheduled to appear was ten o'clock. I strolled in a few minutes early and scanned the people around me. I saw no less than eight men dressed in colorful clothing that one might refer to as "thugs". The rest of the mix consisted of teenage girls (people still shoplift from ShopKo?), homeless degenerates, two bikers with long silver manes and a young guy wearing khakis and an oxford sweater that just happend to be me. I think this, along with jail, was one of the few situations in which I felt a terrible sense of not belonging to the herd in any way, shape or form. But the law shows no discrimination when it comes to handling your case. Just a bit slower than the guy who was arrested before you.
I overheard quite a selection of infractions to the State of Wisconsin's legal code and came to the conclusion that a lot of crimes sound like no big deal but carry heavy penalties. A particularly grotesque elderly couple, wearing matching Packer jackets that looked as if they were rummaged from the dumpster behind A8 China, were charged with the joint theft of a gentleman's coat from a Wal-Mart. They are facing a fine of no more than $5000 and up to 14 months in a correctional facility.
Finally, after nearly two hours, my full name is called and I handle my exchange with judge as quickly and respectfully as I can. So when can I expect to be back in at the courthouse? They said they'd let me know in 4-6 weeks. Getting bad news is rough enough but when someone is intent on "surprising" you with bad news I get nauseous. But what can I do? In the face of the law, I can't front.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Famous Website Re-Design
The countdown reached zero hour and Famous has launched their new website. Overall, I dig the new layout. More flash is incorporated in browsing products. The new design coincides with the new spring line-up of Famous Stars and Straps gear. The website is more reminiscent of a European boutique's website (i.e. Lacoste) with products floating around to the whim of your mouse path, except with its staindard noir-ish layout.
The new gear is fresh to def. In recent years, the t-shirts, by far the staple of the company, have varied in their respective levels of popularity. This year, however, EVERY shirt looks like a must have. The new hoodies (just in time for warm weather right?) are absolutely sick. The styles are funky and classy at the same time and make you want to strut down the street with your hood up.
For the female independent, Famous has expanded their line to multiple needs. Famous also caters to children and as always, offers a multitude of accessories.
The re-design, I believe, is catapulting Famous into a special sphere of retailer. With limited edition drops available to anyone lucky enough to snatch it up, involves the customer and makes them feel cool in their clothes. Also, at the same time the new retail store in downtown L.A., The Fast Life, as well as Travis Barker's growing popularity give the brand mass appeal to celebrities who would also feel special if Travis gave them a limited design of a soon-to-be-released t-shirt design. And, of course, no advertising as part of a business model has never worked so well without an already proven commodity/brand/family. Travis' personal wardrobe is the most valued advertising enterprise for the company.
So please, check out the new Famous site and if you have a favorite brand of clothing with it's own website, let me know about it. There are a couple bugs in the design, as some of the sliding menus overlap a bit and require some dexterity if you want to go to a certain page; i'm sure they'll be fixed because of course: Famous don't front.
The new gear is fresh to def. In recent years, the t-shirts, by far the staple of the company, have varied in their respective levels of popularity. This year, however, EVERY shirt looks like a must have. The new hoodies (just in time for warm weather right?) are absolutely sick. The styles are funky and classy at the same time and make you want to strut down the street with your hood up.
For the female independent, Famous has expanded their line to multiple needs. Famous also caters to children and as always, offers a multitude of accessories.
The re-design, I believe, is catapulting Famous into a special sphere of retailer. With limited edition drops available to anyone lucky enough to snatch it up, involves the customer and makes them feel cool in their clothes. Also, at the same time the new retail store in downtown L.A., The Fast Life, as well as Travis Barker's growing popularity give the brand mass appeal to celebrities who would also feel special if Travis gave them a limited design of a soon-to-be-released t-shirt design. And, of course, no advertising as part of a business model has never worked so well without an already proven commodity/brand/family. Travis' personal wardrobe is the most valued advertising enterprise for the company.
So please, check out the new Famous site and if you have a favorite brand of clothing with it's own website, let me know about it. There are a couple bugs in the design, as some of the sliding menus overlap a bit and require some dexterity if you want to go to a certain page; i'm sure they'll be fixed because of course: Famous don't front.
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