San Luis Obispo's Roller Blade King

Get Your Daily view of the odd and unusual in San Luis Obispo from the view of Mark’s Rollerblading experience. You have probably seen Mark around town and know him as the high speed roller blade guy. He has recently started a blog, Fruitbooting.com, where you can see highlights from his daily skating adventure.

The above clip is just one of the many posts that you will find there.  From crazy dog chases to insane views of all sides of  San Luis Obispo, it is a real view of the good, bad, and everything else that you can find on the streets of San Luis.

abby sunderland adrift

Abby Sunderland has been found alive.  Abby’s attempt to sail around the World has ended.  With her mast ripped from the hull of her small craft Abby is drifting in the Indian Ocean.  Australian search crews were able to make radio contact with her from a search plane.  She is in good spirits and awaiting rescue.  She had been out of contact with her family when her satellite phone system failed during the severe storm that broke the mast.

Foul weather is slowing her rescue, but she should be safe within the next 24-48 hours.  Her boat, “Wild Eyes” is upright but missing her rigging.

While the World debates the choice of her parents to allow her to undertake such a voyage, the simple fact is that few parents prepare their children for life as well as Abby’s parents prepared her for this voyage.  Her vessel had safety measures that were the best that money could buy.  She was located via the special rescue beacons that were redundantly installed.  The vessel itself had floatation chambers built into it to make it nearly unsinkable.  She was trained for countless hours at her father’s side.

You can follow Abby’s situation moment by moment at Abby Sunderland’s Blog.

Her other websites, Abby16.com and AbbySunderland.com can be found here and here.

epic beard man attacks

The Epic Beard Man became an overnight sensation.  The initial response from many who first viewed the video was that they saw an older man that was bieng harrassed by a “gang banger” and that the older guy then “kicked the gang banger’s @ss”.  If you have already seen the video you probably already have an opinion.  If you have not seen the video, watch and listen carefully.  Then read the transcript and watch again.  Then watch video from the videographer herself.

On Feb 16th, 2010 Iyanna Washington, a college student hailing from Oakland, CA (Youtube user iyannaw08) submitted the video recording “AC TRANSIT BUS FIGHT I AM A MOTHERFUCKER” to Youtube; a video she recorded of a african american individual and an older white man certainly having a quite hot discussion fueled by racial prejudice resulting within the literally violent confrontation.

Proper away, the on the net video clip has gathered over 400,000 displays and spawned a quantity of posts within the web where hundreds of various image macros have been created.

The old white individual has been given multiple pet names, including Epic Beard Man, and Old Zangief, in reference for the character by way of the Street Fighter video game franchise. It is also important to note the old man is wearing a T-shirt displaying the words “I AM A MOTHERF@CKER” signifying that this male might make a habit of seeking out confrontations on a regular basis.

Right after the black man’s nose is broken, he says “bring an ambulance” which may be misheard as both “bring M&M’s” and “bring Amber Lamps” due to a combination of his dialect and facial injury.

Why do People Watch Things Like This?

Conflict.  Every drama has conflict.  Every Blockbuster Movie has conflict.  Every video game has conflict.  We want the “good guy” to win.  But sometimes it becomes difficult to tell who the “good guy” is.  Is it the Vietnam Vet? Is he even a Vietnam Vet?  Is it the young man who refused to allow someone to make a racial slur in regards to “shoe shine boy”?  In the words of Rodney King, “…why can’t we all just get along?”
Different movies of conflicts and confrontations on city transit have become viral hits in the past, such as Bus Uncle, and Soulja Girl. But because this one involves racism, it motivated a outstanding magnitude of conversation inside a short magnitude of time.

San Luis Obispo County does not seem to have as much racial tension as many of the larger cities in this country.  Still the tension is there in this country where ever you go regardless of your skin color.  This video has caused a great deal of heated conversation regarding what actually occurred.

Watch the video and decide what you think happened.  THEN COME BACK AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT!  Then watch the video again and see if you still feel the same conclusion.  Your mind may change, it may not.  Post your comments and let us know how you feel.
You will have to login to Youtube to view the Video.

Transcript

When the video clips starts verbal conflict has already occurred.

Black man: …AC Transit
White man: Let’s get back to business. How much you charge me for a spit-shine?
Black man: what?
White man: How much you charge me for my Stacy Adams? I’m going to a funeral on Friday…You said you…
Black man: Did you get what I said just now?
White man: Yes
Black man: Why’d a brother gotta spit-shine your shoes?
White man: You offered!
Black man: I didn’t offer you shit.
White man: What’d you just say when you walked by me?
Black man: I said why, why a fuckin’ brother gotta spit-shine your shoes?
White man: You don’t have to!
Black man: Why a white man can’t spit-shine –
White man: [interrupting] – It could be a Chinaman! It don’t matter!
Black man: Look dude…
White man: I ain’t prejudice! What? You think I’m prejudice!
Black man: [pointing toward front of bus] Take your ass back up there and get the fuck out my face right now.
White man: Why you being so hostile, man?
Black man: ‘Cause. I’m pissed off.
White man: Well its better to be pissed off than pissed on.
Black man: Take your ass up there right now
White man: [standing to go to the front] You ain’t scarin’ this white boy. I’m 67 years old. You ain’t scarin’ me. You ain’t scarin’ me.
Black man: [now, also standing] I’m 50.
White man: You ain’t scared of me. You ain’t scarin’ me.
Black man: I’ll put my foot up your ass.
Older white man: No you won’t! No you won’t
White man: You won’t do nothin’ to me! [then something unintelligible]
Black man: Say it again! [then something unintelligible as woman who was filming talks over him]
Iyanna Washington: Say it again! Say it again, Pinky
Someone off camera whom many allege is Iyanna Washington: Beat his white ass! Whoop his ass!
Another passenger: Leave him alone!
Iyanna Washington: It ain’t worth it, blood, it ain’t worth it.
Black man: I’d put my foot up your ass.
White man: I see tough guys like you and I slap the shit out of them.
Black man: What?!
Another passenger: Stop it!
White man: Don’t fuck with me! He hit me! He fuckin’ hit me!
White man: He fuckin’ hit me first! He hit me in the face! [unintelligible] – self defense!
Iyanna: Open that shit! laughs
Iyanna: We can press charges, blood. I got in on videotape. He’s leakin’.
Black man: That motherfucker hit me. No no no no no.
Another passenger: Did he break your teeth?
Black man: No. Bring an ambulance.

The Epic Beard Man Part Two 2

Another day at the office for the EPIC BEARD MAN

This is supposedly the same gentleman at a baseball game.  This is uncomfirmed but the gentleman looks very similar:

The Story from the Videographer about Epic Beard Man

Gridlock Traffic in San Luis Obispo (photos by Ariel West - age 12)

Gridlock Traffic in San Luis Obispo (photos by Ariel West - age 12)

A local  garbage truck wrecked just north of San Luis Obispo early Thursday morning. The truck landed on its side and blocked multiple lanes of Highway 1   Two heavy duty wreckers were required to flip the truck back upright.

Heavy Duty Wreckers Right Garbage Truck

Traffic was slowed to a crawl for several hours in the North bound lanes.  Stop and go gridlock is an unusual event for San Luis Obispo County residents.  Much of the traffic were Cuesta College students.

CHP Officer a Blur Directing Traffic at California Men's Colony - San Luis Obispo (photos by Ariel West - age 12)

The CHP diverted traffic and CALTRANS provided accident warning signage.

San Luis Obiso Accident Ahead

Accident Scene at California Men's Colony - San Luis Obispo (photos by Ariel West - age 12)

Photos were provided courtesy of twelve year old Ariel West who was concerned that the delay might cause her math grade to drop due to the delay.

Surfer and Morro Rock in San Luis Obispo County

California Surfers Hit the Waves Near Morro Bay as storm waves calm and calmer breaks return.  Morro Rock, The  Gibralter of the Pacific, looms in the background as local surfers enjoyed the calmer seas that still provided plenty of break to get some good rides.

Cayucos lies just North of Morro Bay, California.  The breaks along the Central Coast provide some of the best surfing in the World in terms of challenging breaks and small crowds.  There is a price to pay for the lack of crowds.  The average water temerature looms around a chilling fifty-five degrees.  Booties, gloves, and a decent hood along with your winter suit and you can have the time of your life.  Locals are friendly and food and lodging are reasonable.

Surfers Enjoy California Break in San Luis Obispo County

Drivers Viewpoint of the Downtown San Luis Obispo Storm Damage

Southbound traffic on Higuera encountered a large tree that had split in half and dropped on Vieni Vai Trattoria, 690 Higuera Street, this morning.   San Luis Obispo City workers barricaded two lanes and trimmed remaining branches that threatened the traffic signal and The Natural Cafe.

A Large Tree Collapses on Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurant

Tree Crushes Vieni Vai in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Workmen Remove A Large Tree Collapses on Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurant

A Powerful Chipper Grinds Branches of the Tree That Collapsed on Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurant

An Ariel Lift Truck Operator Removes Dangerous Branches Remaining in the Tree That Collapsed on Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurant

San Luis Obispo City Workers Quickly Removed The Tree That Collapsed on Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurant

California Storm Waves Explode

Hard hitting storm fronts pummeled the California coastline. Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2010, saw a break in the storm. Giant waves continued to hammer the coastline, including the Cayucos pier shown here.

Cayucos California Pier Storm Waves

The Morro Bay breakwater was overcome by the huge waves. Spectators gathered on both sides of the famous Morro Rock to watch as the waves sprayed into the brief bit of sunshine. Nearly everyone had a digital camera and took advantage of the chance to get a shot of natures fury. The seagulls seemed oblivious to it all as this photographer captured the mountains of waves on the North side of the Morro Bay Breakwater.

Morro Bay California Breakwater Storm Waves

Morro Bay California Breakwater Storm Waves Breaking

California Storm Waves Breaking Danger

Alone surfer paddled out of the Morro Bay Harbor mouth, while most of the local surfers only joked with each other saying, “so, are you going to paddle out?” to which most only replied with a wry smile.

A Lone Surfer Challenges California's Big Storm Waves

One man on a surfboard becomes lost in the chaos of the waves of the harbor entrance to Morro Bay California. The harbor mouth has been known to swallow fishing vessels whole during such storms.

Meanwhile one fisherman seemed not to mind the crashing waves. This series shows the scale of the explosive California surf in the background as the foamy waves engulfed the breakwater.

A fisherman ignores california giant storm waves

California Surf Pounds Coastline

Seagulls gather around a photographer as he shoots the waves of Morro Bay. California storms generate giant waves for surfers to enjoy.

Giant Waves - California Surfer's Dream

Photograper, Seagull, and Giant Waves - California Surfer's Dream

The Parking lot at Morro Rock has an eerie moonscape look with the “lunar potholes”.

Giant Waves attracted a variety of onlookers

Lunarscape Look to Morro Rock Big Wave Viewpoint

The Wineman Hotel Neon Sign- Downtown San Luis Obispo

The Wineman Hotel nears Restoration Completion and there are now Rooms Available. The Wineman Residences, 849 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo is accepting applications for downtown apartments NOW!

If you have ever wanted to live right in downtown SLO now is your chance. There are applications available in the box shown in the photo here:

The Wineman Hotel Rental Sign Location - Downtown San Luis Obispo

The The Wineman Hotel Rental Sign in Downtown San Luis Obispo has a box with rental applications that you will have to fill out and submit if you are interested. The rent varies between $580 and $850 and is adjusted on a sliding scale based upon income. The security deposit is $500-$1000. The max number of occupants is two per apartment. There is a twenty-five dollar application fee.

The Wineman Hotel Rental Sign- Downtown San Luis Obispo

Downtown San Luis Obispo has an active nightlife and many fine restaurants. While the historical sign says hotel, this could be your new home if you are interested.

The Blue Moon Rising

The Blue Moon was caught rising over the Grace Church bell tower in downtown San Luis Obispo. The “blue moon” is the term for having a second full moon during the same calendar month.

The phrase “once in a blue moon” stuck for this New Years Celebration in downtown San Luis Obispo.  The soft moonlight made for comfortable walking among the taverns and nightclubs as the festivities continued despite slightly cold weather for San Luis.

The Blue Moon over San Luis Obispo Post Office

The Blue Moon hangs over the San Luis Obispo Post Office while the American Flag waves atop the Masonic Lodge.

Santa's House San Luis Obispo Mission

Santa’s House is Open in San Luis Obispo.  Bring your children to have a visit with Santa Claus and get some great pictures while you are there.  Santa’s House will be open every day until Christmas.

Santa’s House in located in downtown San Luis Obispo at the Mission.

According to the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce:

Date: 11/24/2006 TO 12/24/2006
Time: 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

Event Description:
Firs Bank’s Santa’s House opens in Mission Plaza through December 24th. Open Thursday-Suday. Hours vary. Kid’s Day is December 16th. For more information contact the Downtown Association.

Here is a Map to Find Santa’s House in San Luis Obispo:

View Larger Map

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slohs cheerleaders

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san luis obispo high school football team

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san luis obispo high school marching band

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san luis obispo high school homecoming parade

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san luis obispo high school homecoming parade

more videos from michael abram

Chuck Liddel - San Luis Obispo

Chuck Liddell, San Luis Obispo resident and Ultimate Fighting Championship icon, has been paired with professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya on “Dancing with the Stars.” The World Famous MMA (mixed martial arts) UFC (ultimate fighting championship) fighter is bringing new meaning to the old phrase, “I’m a lover not a fighter.” First you have to equate dancing with romance, which many people do.

Chuck Liddell has been a longtime fixture in San Luis Obispo. He has always been a humble man considering his World Championship Titles that he has earned in the UFC. He has also helped put San Luis Obispo on the map for much of the World that had no idea where SLO is.

In an almost shocking move Chuck Liddell recently decided to accept an offer to compete on “Dancing with the Stars.” While Mr. Liddell has spent his entire life as a professional athlete, the grace and fluidity required to dance with a professional dancer as a partner would be a challenge for even the greatest athlete. Like every highschool jock, Chuck Liddell seemed a little stiff at times and his expressions seemed to indicate that he wasn’t too crazy about the idea of dancing learned steps. Every movement that he has had to use in his professional fighting career has been completely impromptu. Still, much credit must be given to him simply for making it through such a complicated dance routine.

In the future Chuck Liddell might just surprise us all with what he does next. He is a champion and has already surprised the World a few times in his career. In the eyes of San Luis Obispo he is a champion no matter what he is doing!