News 25, Jon Crisos, Alejandro Valencio and a Very Special Chimney

Thank God Jym Davis found this.

Wow.



"Where's the presents at?? Santa Claus never comes down the chimney without presents!!"

I think the most interesting thing about this video is that giant pile of bricks in Connie Dewpese's home. When you first hear her screaming, you have to wonder... was she screaming because her boyfriend was physically lodged into a brick chimney, or was she screaming because a group of firemen had to smash through her living room fireplace with sledge hammers?

Also, I'm very impressed with Valencio's tolerance for pain. Not only does this guy manage to survive getting his body jammed into a ash-covered brick chimney and leaves the hospital the next day with no injuries, but he also takes multiple hits from a over-sized plastic trash can and two glass bottles to the face without even flinching. This guy doesn't mess around.

Bonus Track: Can you imaging sitting in a Cracker Barrel somewhere watching Connie Dewpese order the Uncle Hershell's breakfast? 10 bucks says that woman would seriously get frustrated when they didn't cook her eggs right.

Really, really frustrated.

-M

The Beach Bums

When my sister Amanda and I pulled up at the Isle of Palms outside Charleston, South Carolina, it was the first time I tilted my head back and breathed in that distinctive ocean air in more than four years.

I could hear those waves crashing in on all that wet sand, and even from the hotel balcony I was amazed at the beauty of seemingly infinite sparkling water. (I always imagine that there's literally some guy and his sister over in Spain looking out and thinking the same thing at the same time.)

Besides the staggeringly awesome breeze, the lovable salty air and the hilarious old people with metal detectors, my favorite part of the vacation was getting to hang out and spend time with my sister.

It's strange to think about how we grew up together... jammed tightly inside that little house back in New Market, finding it impossible to not cross paths and consistently find ways to wreck each other's lives. We grew up in such close quarters, and now we find ourselves slammed into adulthood, and the times we get to spend together are few and far between.

This trip was really important to me. It marked the first time, literally, since we were children that we could really sit down with each other and figure out what's going on in each of our respected McClane heads. We really got to swap some very interesting, personal and important stories through wonderful conversation, free continental breakfasts, delicious dinners, ice-cold adult beverages and open beach skies. I feel like I know my sister more than I've known her in years, and it all made we wonder... why haven't we ever taken a trip like this before?

Tomorrow is my sister's birthday, and I plan on letting her know what a treasure it is to have her in my life as not just a highly supportive sister... but also the best friend I've had through my whole life. Happy birthday, Amanda Jean... I love you very much.

So now I figured I'd show you guys some of the cool pictures I had the opportunity to take on our big 'ole adventure down South. Hope you enjoy, and let me know what you think!

The Term "Deranged Sociopath"

I forgot this even existed, and once I saw it... it's still hard to believe it even exists. But oh yes. It does.



Sometimes I wish Kane Hodder was my dad.

-M

Awesome. Town. Awesometown.

Somebody had to post this. It might as well be me.

______________________________________________



Happy to help.

-M

Lazy Horse: The Best in Town

I can't help but post this. Woah.

-M

_______________________________

The End of an Era

This morning, the Production Manager, Editor, two Graphic Designers and myself formally resigned our positions at the magazine I used to work for. Five people walked out the door at the same time.

I could never speak for the other employees who left, they all had their own agendas, goals and reasons, and I wish them all the best. For myself, it was strictly a matter of a difference in morals and ethics with the owner. His management style and future plans simply didn't line up with my philosophies and long-term career goals. He had his way; I had my way, and as it turned out, the two just could no longer work together.

The owner has his own opinions and his own set of morals, ethics and goals. He certainly has that right, and he must run his business and manage his employees according to those standards. I've come to terms with his thinking, and it just simply didn't line up with my own set of principles. (The last thing I'm doing is saying one of us was right and one of us was wrong.) It's just an extremely simple case of having a difference of opinion and outlook on life. Nothing more. I can completely accept that, and it's my sincere hope that he can as well.

This message certainly goes out to anyone I've worked with, and all the people who's lives have intersected with mine: thank you. The lessons I've learned from you and the wonderful times we've shared together will always be respected and appreciated. From the advertising clients to all my peers and coworkers, I wish you the absolute best in all you do. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you, laugh with you and find success with you.

Good luck in your endeavors, good luck in your business, and keep doing the wonderful jobs you are doing.

While I simply can't get on the same page with the owner's moral and ethical code—and I hope I never have to cross paths with him again for any reason—it's my ultimate hope that his heart is surely in the right place, and he will never let Knoxville down. He's the publisher and owner of a city magazine. I pray that he can rise up and give our community something very special.

I sincerely hope. Knoxville deserves it.

Goodbye CityView, and good luck.

I'm off to find new things.

-McClane

Blood Razor 2

Everybody has their dream job. While for some it may be running a small fishing lure store in Montana, others might want to tear down buildings and volunteer for some creepy government experiment that would accidentally turn you into a 10-foot-tall rampaging green monster bent on mass destruction and worldwide mayhem.

For me, I'd absolutely love to design movie posters. I've always been fascinated with them, from their font usage to the crazy imagery. If anybody reads this blog who happens to be a movie-poster mogul, please hit me up. I'm available. Seriously.

Anyway, so here's a handy poster I just designed for my friend Rob O'keefe. He was recently photographed while having a very man-like moment of greatness, and it was up to me to put Rob on a movie poster. It happened.

Be sure to click on the image to see it in full-size glorious clarity.

Have a great day and enjoy!

-McClane



Based on this photo: