Bruce Lee on Guitar

Bruce Lee DJ

A few years ago I saw this image of Bruce Lee at a turntable.  Being a, shall we say, 'someone who has a slight interest in anything Bruce Lee related', I knew this was photoshopped.  Here is the original image.

Original, non-DJ, image

The 'original' image was known as "Bruce Be Blazin".  In recent years, this images has been photoshopped with Bruce Lee smoking a joint, hence 'blazin', along with other variations.

Bruce Lee Gung Fu Scratch

The most popular shopped image is the Disc Jockey themed one.  There are a few versions of the DJ Bruce.  One was made into a shirt by designer Peter Lee.

Bruce Lee Gung Fu Scratch shirt

I happened to receive a shirt, known as Bruce Lee Gung Fu Scratch, like this from my cousin.  You can get them at Bow & Arrow '78, or at Official Bruce Lee Store.  Yeah, I noticed that the image of Bruce Lee is flipped.

Around the same time, I got another Bruce Lee shirt from another cousin (other cousin's brother). As you can see, I am pretty easy to shop for.  Just get me anything Bruce Lee related.

The shirt is by BAIT and you can order yours and other Bruce Lee items, here.

Bruce Lee shirt by BAIT

To my surprise, I did not recall seeing this image of Bruce Lee, before.  Obviously, the image is from Enter the Dragon, I wanted to find this unique image.  I searched for this 'Bruce Lee rage' image (on and off) for months.  Why the obsession?

I had an idea...a moment if you will...you could say that I had a #BruceLeeMoment.

Inspired by the DJ image, I wanted to take this 'new' image of Bruce and make it look like he was jamming on a guitar.  Look at it. It looks like the poster for the Air Guitar World Championships.

Months later, I stumbled on the original image.  To my surprised the BAIT shirt image was also flipped.  Is there something about flipping Bruce Lee's image when printed on a shirt?

Bruce Lee rage

This works out fine, as I think Bruce Lee would play the guitar right handed as Brandon Lee did as Eric Draven in The Crow.  Anyway, let the photoshopping begin.

Brandon Lee as Eric Draven

Unfortunately, this is a low-res image of Bruce Lee, but it is the only image that I have been able to find.  Long story short, I looked for some images of guitars and this is the result:

Bruce on Guitar

So, if you see this image of 'Bruce shredding a guitar' out there (like on a shirt), you now know the origin of it.

...and of course, I have to put DJ Bruce back there, too.  Maybe I can find other images of Bruce Lee on and photoshop him playing the drums, keyboards, singing...I could have a Bruce Lee band!

Jam session

Design Concepts for Bremont

It is no secret that I love Bremont watches.  I recently acquired my second Bremont, no doubt a third one will come along.

The other day, some watch design ideas popped into my head.  Bremont began in 2002, so 2017 will be the Fifteenth Anniversary of the brand.  What better way to celebrate than with some new, possibly Limited Edition, designs.

I did some photoshop mock-ups to see if it can work.  I have watermarked my images in case someone 'borrows' them and others may mistaken them for real concepts.  I have no affiliation with Bremont...but, Bremont is free to use these as 'inspiration' for their range of watches.

Here are three quick concepts:

Tachymetre concept

Tachymetre

I also have other watches in my collection, one happens to be an Omega Speedmaster.  One of the features I like about the Speedmaster (and other watches) is the Tachymetre on the bezel.  

Bremont has the Chronograph function on many of their watches since the beginning.  But none have had a Tachymetre.  Honestly, I think very few people use this function, but I like the look of it.  

I used the ALT1-ZT as a base and added the inner rotating bezel of the ALT1-WT.  Colours were changed to add a little flare.  Then, I added the Tachymetre (stolen from a Speedmaster) to the bezel. 

Propeller second hand

Propeller Second Hand

The Bremont logo has a propeller under the word mark.  The propeller is also seen on the crown of most of the Bremont collection.  If you have seen any of their videos, the into shows the propeller rotating to reveal the Bremont logo.

So, I took the propeller and made it the second hand.  One problem...well, two problems.  First, it spans the across the entire dial.  My solution to this is to add markings to one tip similar to markings on real propellers.

The second issue, looking at the propeller orientation, they are turning anti-clockwise.  As you know watches and clocks turn clockwise (unless you have a Goofy watch).  I simply flipped the propeller to allow for clockwise rotation.

In the concept above, I took a SOLO and applied the propeller second hand to it.

And yes, I did try to make the hour and minute hands as propellers, but it simply does not work.  There are two major problems.  The first, the hands are different lengths and off-balanced propeller wings just do not work.  The other issue is, the hands are only opposite of each other eleven times around the face.  Example:  12:32, 2:43, 4:54...etc.

Propeller second hand at 9H

Propeller Second Hand on 9H Subdial

One of the coolest things Bremont has done was to use the small second hand, at the subdials, as a propeller.  This can be seen on some of their Limited Edition pieces such as the EP120 and P-51, using each aircraft's respected propeller design as a second hand.  These pieces also have their propeller designs integrated into rotor, which can be seen through the display caseback.  This treatment can also be seen on some exclusive military edition pieces.

I thought that would be interesting to see with the Bremont logo propeller.  Here I took their latest Limited Edition, the DH-88, and modified the second hand at the 9H position.

That is it for now.  Perhaps more ideas in the future.  It would be pretty neat if Bremont took inspiration from some of my ideas and implemented them into their line.

Nick and Giles, something to think about for your Fifteenth Anniversary.

Update (15 Nov 16):  I shared my concepts with the Alt1tude forum and some suggested a moon phase watch.  Slow day at work...here you go.

Moon Phase Concept

I used another SOLO as a base and 'acquired' the moon phase additions from a Jaeger-LeCoultre.  I moved the Day and Month indicator to the 'traditional' 10H and 2H positions.  The date ring just fit perfectly in the inner bezel.

Putting the moon phase subdial at 6H meant I had to adjust the "Automatic Chronometer" to fit inside.  The "London", normally on the inner bezel or under the 6H marker.  I had to modify the 6H marker so the subdial would fit,  since there was already text in the subdial, I moved "London" to 'bridge' the gap between the day and month indicators, just under the Bremont logo.

How To Get That Fuel Flap Look

DeLorean fuel flap

It has been said that "only the best DeLoreans have fuel flap hoods."  Okay, I said that...and my DeLorean is by far from being the best.  It is pretty well known that I am a fan of the fuel flap.  It was part of the original design, but eventually removed for a variety of reasons including cost and spite.

So, you have one of those regular hoods but you want that fuel flap look.  Sure, you can do it for real and cut into your hood.  This has been done, but as you can guess, it is a lot of work...and you get one shot at it.  If you want a cheap version, I can help.

You will need to get some graphic tape that is about 3/8 inch (about 10mm) wide.  These can be found in most art supply stores. Make sure the finish on it is matte, and not gloss.  You will also need a ruler or measuring tape.

Things you will need

Since I have a fuel flap, I will demonstrate on the other side of the hood.  I am also using a thinner tape, but you get the idea.

Hood measurements

I took these hood measurements a few years ago at the request of a forum member.  These will come in handy in laying out the fuel flap outline.  Or, if you want to make your own hood.

From the outside edge, measure 11.75 inches in and run your tape parallel down. Remember, I am doing this on the opposite side, and I am too lazy to mirror my images before posting.

First edge

Use your grain lines to help guide you, they should be parallel.  I did this quick and dirty, but it might be a good idea with mark with a pencil before laying the tape down.

First turn

It is important to pull the tape taut when laying it down.  The tricky parts are the corners.  Again, you want tension on the tape as you curve it around.  If you have an iPhone, use that as the radius of your corners.  Make sure your line is perpendicular, this line should be 7.125 from the top.

Second turn

The second turn is 5 inches from the first corner.  Just follow your grain lines and you are done.  The inside edge should be 6.675 in length.

Ha!  I have two fuel flaps.

An alternate way, if you have access to a vinyl cutter, is to make this shape and have it cut.  Again, use a matte finish vinyl.  The width of the line should be about 3/8 inch wide.  Use the measurements I have provided to make your vinyl decal, just leave extra to wrap the ends around the top edges.

Wow, looks great.  You now have a fuel flap hood, you have joined the elite of DeLorean owners.

I hope by now, you know I am joking...except for the part about fuel flaps being the on the best of DeLoreans.  Taping a flap line on your hood only looks good from far away and in low-res pictures.  Although, the stickers will add a few horsepower to your car.

Next time, I will show how to make your regular car doors look like they are gull-winged doors...you will need 1/4 inch tape and a ruler.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2016

The Cubs win the World Series, breaking a 108 year old curse.  One curse that is still unbroken is the curse of the telemarketer.  I wonder if there were any telemarketers in 1908.

3 November 2016
  323-347-6202  Los Angeles, CA - I was waiting for this call.  Usually, it takes a few days into the new month before I get a call from a telemarketer.  Well, wait no more.  Perhaps they will slow down a little once the election is over.  We will see.  Until then, fuck you!

4 November 2016
  650-727-1364 San Mateo, CA - This is not the first time I got texts from this number.  My first encounter was earlier this year in February.  Then again, in a month later.

650-727-1364

The internet thing says this is a legitimate business, but Lori really needs to get her shit together and provide them with the correct number to text.  Fuck you, Lori!

9 November 2016
  216-254-2717  Cleveland, OH - New number, nothing shows up on a search.  I am still filing this under a telemarketer call.  I guess I could have picked up to be sure, fuck that...and fuck you!

11 November 2016
  866-654-6394 - What the fuck is this, 866 is one of those 'toll free' numbers.  So obvious that this a telemarketer number, fuck you!

  650-727-1364 - San Mateo, CA - Another text from DoorDash.  I even wrote back and tried to tell them they had a wrong number.

650-727-1364

Their automated system will not respond, so looks like will be getting these in the future.  I might try using the support area of their site, but you have to send them feedback via email.  Well, you know what that means...they will have my email address, and I will be receiving junk mail from them.  Fuck you!

15 November 2016
  9wd82zam@srnkm.com - What the shit is this?  Yep, another texting scam.  I think the telemarketers are pissed that I am not picking up their calls, so they are texting me instead.

#BlackFridaysMatter

Oh look, a "Report Junk" button.  If only I could report junk on Door Dash and fucking Lori.  Not sure what good it would do if it was reported.  Here is what will happen, all communication from 9wd82zam@srnkm.com will be blocked...but what if they are smart enough to create an account under 9wd82zam1@srnkm.com?  I will tell you what.  Fuck you, that is what.

17 November 2016
  802-661-0076  Barre, VT - Been a while since I had a call from Vermont, four and ha half years for those keeping track, February of 2012.  They called, and immediately ended the call.  I like that they hang up before I get a chance to answer...not like I was going to answer.  Fuck you!

20 November 2016
  number withheld  FaceTimeVideo -  So this call came in and disconnected before I picked up the phone to check who was calling.  Note that I did not post the number and here is the reason why.  I looked up the number and it came up as a 'safe' number.

The number was also registered to someone who shares a name with someone from my past.  You know, one of those Facebook friends that you never talk to.  Well, this person never had, and should not have my number, as I got this number long after the last time we communicated outside of Facebook.

The caller's number was from an out of state area code.  I am not sure if this friend has lived in this other state long enough to get a local number.  I know the current whereabouts of this friend (thanks, Facebook) and as far as I know they have always resided with in the same area.

Maybe I should contact this person and see if they tried to call me.  For now, I will not post the number...so a search would not lead one here.  I mean, that is how you found this place, right?  You searched one of these numbers and now you are reading this.  But, that number may appear in a photo below, just in case.

I will let this one slide as spooky coincidence.

22 November 2016
  714-340-4513  Yorba Linda, CA - Ah,now this one has been confirmed by others as a telemarketer and not a stalker from the past.  Fuck you!

  310-849-9619  United States - At first, I thought this was a legit number. I even did a search for it, and nothing turned up.  But, then I realized that the call originated from "United States".  Oh, we know what that means.  Fuck you!

  310-849-3380  United States - Well, if the first number does not work...try another one.  Third call today, second from the same relative area (based on area code and prefix).  Fuck you, too!

Calls for 22 November 2016 and other recent calls.

26 November 2016
   ey2gefzaqe5avvqo@zb6py.bid - Yep, another fucking text spam from someone that created their account by having their cat walk on their keyboard.

Scam Oulets

Yeah, looks as legit as your fake ass email address.   Seriously, what have I been doing, whod have I been calling/texting that leads these cocksuckers to think that I am interested in UGG boots and Michael Kors accessories.

I clicked on Report Junk, as I did before, and nothing will happen.  The last 'cat walk account' text I got was for Black Friday.   This is for Cyber Monday.  I fully expect to get one next month for some sort of Christmas clearance for some fucking UGG boots.  Fuck you!