Tuesday, December 30, 2008

In our player...


Directed by Peter Bogdanavich, Runnin' Down a Dream is one of the best music docs I have ever seen. Everyone from George Harrison to Dave Grohl line up to give praise to one of Americas best songwriters. A must see...

Monday, December 29, 2008

When I was young...

When I was young and bitter, discounting art came unfortunately easy for me. In the ignorance of youth I would make ridiculous statements like "I could paint that", or "I could write that song". Then I saw Jackson Pollack. I no longer think those thoughts.... enjoy

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Timeless...

Design is king...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays...

From the master himself....

Monday, December 22, 2008

Oh Johnny...


Just stumbled across Johnny Marrs' personal website, and I must say, he has some amazing guitars. If your a Smiths fan, or like Modest Mouse, check out what the master is working with right HERE....

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Divide...Inside...


Today we meet Lucie Kara, the girl that runs the show...

1) Name, title at Divide?
Lucie Kara, assistant to Milo Ventimiglia and Russ Cundiff

2)How long have you been with us?
I've been with these crazy kids since October'07

3)How did you get started with Divide?
After selling my soul to the dev...err Lynda Obst for a year and playing
assistant to a perv..err agent at ICM, I decided I wanted to try my hand at
production. Divide's anonymous job posting for an assistant enticed me. What
was supposed to be a temporary 1-month position ended up lasting over a year
until the present.Apparently, and I know Russ and Milo will agree, I was
just too loveable to let go.

4)Favorite Divide memory from your time here?
My favorite memory is when Russ broke it down to me about Milo's
celebritydom, mainly how he is nowhere near the level of us laypeople and
therefore shouldn't be treated as such. (i.e. it is absolutely NOT OK for
Milo to use the rough, generic brand of toilet paper that us mortals use).

5) Where do you see Divide in 5 years, 10 years?
In 10 years I see Divide Divided into many smaller companies
representing specific niches, while the head honcho works from home (leaving
only once a day to retrieve baconators).

6) What landed you the job here at Divide?
After a series of grueling (and I mean grueling) interviews I landed the
gig. I was driving out from Orange County at the time and they would have me
back literally every other day just to be sure I was the one...at the end of
the day, totally worth it :-) They told me I got the job because of some
well written script notes, but I'm pretty sure it was because like Russ, I
was obsessed with The Hills. My first week on the job I was receiving
incessant phone calls from a "Susan Klixbull" who I later learned was second
in line for the position. I did not return her calls.

7) What is the craziest thing you have had to do at work?
Though its hard to narrow down between sweeping cobwebs off the roof, and
almost getting shanked by MS-13, I'd have to say making a scrapbook-collage
of pictures for Russ' grandmother Lillian's 90th birthday takes the cake.

8) What do you want to be when you grown up
When I'm all growed up, I really want to make it in this business, like
Divide's former assistant.

Colonel Mustard in the library....


I need this for the holidays. These stash books are made from old unwanted books, hollowed out nice and clean, but with that used look that you probably want in a product like this. Great for hiding anything and everything. Available in size medium or Large. Click HERE to check them out...

Sometimes...

Sometimes what was going on then seems much better than whats going on now. Ive recently revisited the Thin Lizzy catalog, and I'm amazed how much they have influenced modern music. They need more credit...

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Favorite L.A spots...


Ive really enjoyed growing up in Los Angeles, and driving around in the down pore lately has really made me think about how much i love all the city has to offer. Heres a few things I've been enjoying lately.

1)Leos Taco Truck. Parked most nights from 8pm to 3am on Eagle Rock Blvd, these dollar tacos make me weep with joy. Thanks Leo, your carne asada is amazing.
2)Norms Rare Guitars. This Encino guitar store loaned Spinal Tap all of there guitars for use in the movie, and even though I cant afford a thing in there, it doesn't hurt to look.
3) Sergeant Supply. From vintage Buck knives to old army manuals, I could browse this Burbank landmark for hours.
Whats your favorite spot in your hometown?...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

While it lasts.....


Hey everyone, from now until Friday, any DSC shirt purchased will include a copy of REST signed by Milo Ventimiglia. Go to the DSC website(click here) to order. We will stop shipping after Friday, December 19th. Have a great holiday... 

Monday, December 15, 2008

Snap....


Some of us around the office are a little jealous of Milos Leica camera. By some of us, I mean me. His has over 10 megapixels of imaging power, a 2.5” LCD screen, a shutter speed dial, and focus and aperture dials right on the lens.Im known for taking some of the worst pictures of any one I know, but I'm pretty sure this would help...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Divide...Inside...


1)Name, title at Divide? Nate, head of all things blog related, merch related, and rock and roll oriented materials. 2)How long have you've been with us? Many moons... 3)How did you get started with Divide?Ive known Russ and Milo for years, and since they cant get rid of me, they put me to work. 4)Favorite Divide memory from your time here?Looking at Milos guitar collection. 5) Where do you see Divide in 5 years, 10 years? World domination, drafting tables 6)How did you meet Milo and Russ? I met Milo and Russ at a bar.I think I was underage, which seems really inappropriate now that I think about it...But they have been great friends for a loooong time...

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Hungry...


Most people I run in to think there is not much history here in Los Angeles, but they obviously don't eat at Phillipes. A downtown institution for 100 years, they make the claim of being the originator of the french dip. And yes, coffee is still 9 cents...

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

On the shelf...


One of the best gifts I have ever been given, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Jeff Sotos' Storm Clouds. A ground breaking artist that stays current yet maintains classical sensibilities, Soto is a Divide favorite...

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

In our player...

Based on the novella "The Body" by Stephen King, this is one of the best coming of age films ever shot. Starring Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, and Kiefer Sutherland, this is one of our favorite films of all time....thanks Russ. Here is part one of ten, from Youtube...

Xmas time is here....


Hey everyone, we are now ready to launch our DIVIDE holiday package. This will include a Milo Ventimiglia signed copy of the REST comic, as well as the Divide Social Club shirt of your choosing. The package will be 35 dollars plus shipping, available through Paypal. More details to follow, so stay tuned...

Icon...


Bud Ekins (May 11, 1930 – October 6, 2007) was one of the foremost stuntmen of his generation. Born in Hollywood, California, he is known to most as the actor who jumped the fence in The Great Escape, and who drove the Ford Mustang 390 GT in Bullitt. Friend to Steve Mcqueen and originator of motorcycle based stunts in early films, he will be missed...

Monday, December 8, 2008

Santa, please dont forget me....


Made of recycled toys (action figures), each bonded together and coated in high gloss lacquer - making every piece one of a kind. Made to order, takes about six weeks to complete. Made by Ryan McElhinney. Makes all my adolescent xmas wishes come true...

Friday, December 5, 2008

Divide...Inside


Name and title at Divide?

Milo Ventimiglia. I think I’m president and secretary. Maybe just CEO. Don’t really know, but I’m half responsible I know that.

How long have you been with us?

In the beginning Russ and Milo created Divide……

How did you get started with Divide?


Russ and I went to an attorney’s office filled out a bunch of paperwork, went to a bank and filled out more paperwork then we stared at one another.

Your favorite Divide memory?

Torturing Dino. (Are you happy I mentioned you buddy when Russ didn’t?)

Where do you see Divide in 5 years?

I will be in Tunisia and Russ will become a shut in. The company will continue to grow with the kinds of people we like working with on the kinds of projects we like working on.

Where do you see Divide in 10 years?

I’d love to expand and design drafting tables.

Tell us about your education.
High school graduate, college drop out. Been asked to speak to masters programs at the following colleges: UCLA, BERKLEY, COLUMBIA, NYU, and ASU.

What made you want to produce? Being around talented untapped people. Wanting to create opportunities for others once I’m in the door. I don’t like this answer but it’s true.

How did the comic opportunity come about?
Passion

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Whats in the bag.....


In Milos bag...1) Rhodia plain paper notepad 2)Two scripts, one we are filming and one we want to film 3)Black Leica C-Lux 2 4) One ethernet cable, one blackberry to USB cable(bet you didnt know Im the IT guy) 5) 3 opened Xmas cards. One from my agent, one from American Express and one from my mechanic 6)Two New York Times newspapers 7)Round Oliver Peoples glasses 8) 2008 Moleskine datebook(Russ thinks I'm archaic) 9) Moleskine notebook 10)a DWELL magazine, a Patagonia catalogue and a bunch of pages from a GQ magazine 11) The computer im typing on....

More good stuff....


This is the best olive oil we have ever tasted. Dry Creek, started and operated by our friend Tim Bucher and his family, has one goal; the discovery of new and unusual olive varieties that will produce amazing fruit and excellent oils. We suggest the olio nuovo(if you can get your hands on it), or the Three Orchards blend. 

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Sneak Peek...



Here is the sneak peak at the cover art for REST #2. Drawn by Phil Jimenez, one of the most amazing talents in comics today. Check out his groundbreaking artwork on The Amazing Spider-Man.we are blessed to work with artists of this caliber....

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

On the road...

Probably the most amazing car commercial ever made. From a production standpoint, the logistics alone are unbelievable, the camera work flawless, and the cars gorgeous. Enjoy...

On the shelf...


An author i always come back to, Paul Austers Book of Illusions is my favorite book of the past year. "After his wife and sons are killed in an airplane crash, David Zimmer becomes an alcoholic recluse, fond of emptying his bottle of sleeping pills into his palm, contemplating his next move. But one night, while watching a television documentary, Zimmer's attention is caught by the silent-film comedian Hector Mann, who had disappeared without a trace in 1929 and who was considered long-dead. Soon, Zimmer begins work on a book about Mann's newly discovered films (copies of which had been sent, anonymously, to film archives around the world). The spirit of Hector Mann keeps David Zimmer alive for a year. When a letter arrives from someone claiming to be Hector Mann's wife, announcing that Mann had read Zimmer's book and would like to meet him, it is as if fate has tossed Zimmer from one hand to the other: from grief and loss to desire and confusion." An absolute must read...

Monday, December 1, 2008

In our player...

A story about family, greed, religion and oil based on and inspired by the novel OIL! by Upton Sinclair. This is one of the best films of last year, featuring one of cinemas most complex villains, Daniel Plainview. This is our favorite scene based on Senator Albert Falls 1920 speech to congress trying to explain the complicated process of oil drainage during the Teapot Dome scandal.... the milkshake scene....

Friday, November 28, 2008

Divide...Inside


Name and title at Divide?

Russ Cundiff
Co-Owner? On some paperwork I’m listed as President.
We just kind of make it up as we go along.

How long have you been with us?

You mean how long have I been with myself? 14yrs.

How did you get started with Divide?

I was at Milo’s house and he gave me this cool tracksuit. We were talking for a while about frustrations we had within our industry and then Milo asked me if I wanted to start a production company and simply replied, “yes.”

Your favorite Divide memory?

I have a few of them, showing up to set and having my food waiting for me. M-R telling me people are scared of me…that was pretty funny. Standing outside of Screen Gems with David Shaye 7 months ago. I have a few more, but they will remain private.


Where do you see Divide in 5 years?

Hopefully doing what we are doing now. Milo will be in Tunisia, I will be more of a shut in, my vacations will become more and more remote. We will find more projects and material that we are passionate about.


Where do you see Divide in 10 years?

I hope we make content for 7 yr olds.

I see divide expanding, but still having that mom and pop sentiment.

I was just out in the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii with Tammy and we were talking about what the future beholds… I made a comment “hopefully I will be doing the same thing.” She responded, “What the hell else can you do?” I thought it was funny, I always tell people I read comic books and talk about movies all day, I think/hope I will be doing the same thing in 10 years. Either that or we will start over.

Milo’s answer to this question will be “Drafting Tables.”

Tell us about your education.

I attended the following schools:

Neil Elementary Burnsville, MN
Greenbrook Elementary Danville, CA
Normandale Hills Elementary Bloomington, MN
Oak Grove Middle School Bloomington, MN
Olson Jr. High Bloomington, MN
St. Thomas Aquinas St. Paul, MN
Thomas Jefferson Sr. High Bloomington, MN
Montana State University Bozeman, MT
Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH
Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL
University of South Florida Tampa, FL

I should have just interned at CAA or WMA. It’s about education, but its also about drive and just going out and doing what you want to do, Anyone can be a critic or make a comment very few can go out and “do.”

Advice: Just read a lot, remember what you read and shut up and listen to people. You will run a business one day.

What made you want to produce?

I saw Empire Strikes Back at the Southtown Theater. It changed the way I looked at everything. I was 6. At that point I had been thinking about what I wanted to be and I found out that if I “produced content” then I could wear all sorts of hats. I really thought like that when I was 6.

My mom would rent me crazy movies when I was young. JAWS, RAMBO, TERMINATOR, OLD BRUCE LEE MOVIES and the VACATION films… she really helped me look at different movies. When I saw the Godfather I was hooked. I watched all 3 movies and then read the book, and then I re-watched them again and thought, “How did they make that?” “What would I have done different” “Why is there an orange in every 5 scenes?”

How did the comic opportunity come about?

Milo was really passionate about REST, We were a small company so we found an opportunity and we took it. It’s a great way to create material. Milo and I have this way we work, we work together, but it’s more like handing it off to one another…it’s like we take turns grabbing the rungs in a latter. The details are really boring, but we just wanted to make comics so when people ask what do you guys do?, we could say, “We make comic books.”

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Whats in your bag...


So last week we looked at what Russ was hauling around with him, now its my turn. I have a Nixon Laptop bag that a friend at Nixon generously gave me, and in it is:
-13" macbook
-Vintage aviator sunglasses
-Comme des Garcons wallet, fearfully lacking cash
-Ipod nano
-Bose noise canceling headphones
-Stack of blank checks(useless)
-Nixon Magnacon watch

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Good Things...

Heres our boy Milo at the IAVA dinner.


Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sometimes....

Sometimes the truth is staring you right in the face. The only band that matters..

Wow...


Even to a non-drinker, this is pretty impressive. An amazing whisky that is extremely limited edition, and one that will hopefully wind up under my tree come christmas time... This superb whisky has been bottled by hand, straight from the cask at cask strength 52% ABV, with no chilling, filtering, dilution or colouring. It is then corked and sealed with hot wax. The Last Drop is sold in a presentation case, which contains a 50ml miniature, also wax sealed, and a cork stopper for resealing once the bottle is opened.

Only 1347 bottles available - $2,000.00 per bottle

Reconnecting...


Digging through the old cd pile in my house, I came across Ten Silver Drops by Secret Machines. Do yourself a favor and check out this band, you wont regret it...

Friday, November 21, 2008

Divide...Inside






Name and title at Divide?


Dino DeMilio
Director of Development

How long have you been with us?

Since 2003

How did you get started with Divide?

Russ and Milo told me they were starting something big. Only 3 total people were informed of their new venture at the time. I am honored to have been one of those 3 people.

Your favorite Divide memory?

The Divide Christmas party 2007, I jokingly asked Brett the Tangu Santa Monica waiter for something not available on the menu. Not only was the item not on the menu it would be considered illegal in 98% of the world. Brett made sure I got my item requested by the end of the meal. It was a complete surprise.

I will never disclose the actual item. I plead the fifth.

Where do you see Divide in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself within reaching distance of Russ and Tammy. Since my job at Divide is ‘in name only’, I will dedicate the remaining time watching a Bulldog named Marley and awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. Michelle will be next to me for the entire wild ride. I will be answering questions and introducing new foods to her like bread and green beans. I will have room set aside for Milo. Counting down till he moves in with me in the back house.

Where do you see Divide in 10 years?

In the next 10 years, I will be in Russ and Tammy’s guesthouse. I intend to teach sports and life to Russ and Tammy’s child or children. I will be taking long walks with Marley the Bulldog and answering questions that arise from Michelle on a daily basis.

I will also welcome the arrival of Milo on my couch. I can’t wait to have him around 24/7. I will also teach sports and life to him. I always say, “those that cant do – teach.”

Tell us about your other work

I have spent the last decade in radio. I have had a glorious 10 year run with the Tom Leykis Show as the associate producer. I have learned radio from a 30 year master. You can’t attend a school to learn radio like this. I am prepared for the rapid changes that my industry is facing.

How did you meet Milo and Russ?

I was at a college bar, Maloney’s in Westwood CA. A very drunken girl grabbed my package. I was stunned but not offended. I never expected to see or hear of her again.

Mutual friends invited me to Renee’s in Santa Monica the next night. Upon arrival I found out the very same drunken girl grabbed Milo (whom I never met until this point) earlier at Renee’s. She confused Milo with Dino on the second night. We all had a very long and extended laugh. Russ was with Milo and I was introduced to him as well.

I knew the dark side of our mutual friends. I could tell after 45 minutes that Milo and Russ were NOT cut from the same cloth as the mutual friends we shared. I secretly warned Russ with a text that they should not attend late night shenanigans with our mutual friends. Turns out I was correct. Our mutual friends were involved in shady practices. Milo and Russ split early when they knew something wasn’t right.

To this day, they remain my only true friends in Los Angeles. One fateful night at Renee’s and the rest is still being written…

Thursday, November 20, 2008

THE TRUTH...

Dear Santa...


The Bamford Watch Department. These British geniuses have started a Rolex customization service! You are free to pick the finish, numbers, dial, and add text to the face and the back casing. Future Rolex styles to be available in the custom program include the GMT, Explorer II, Yacht-Master, Daytona, and Milgauss. Priced at about 11,000$. I really hope i was good this year...

LIke music to my ears ...


Great idea from Russ. Every once in awhile we will post what our current playlists are. You might just be surprised at what we listen to...
1)Valessa-Glossary
2)Gasoline Soaked Heart-Glossary
3)Constructive Summer-The Hold Steady
4)Sequestered In Memphis -The Hold Steady
5)33rd of July-Paul Westerberg
6)Violet Furs-The Whigs
7)Friday Night (Is Killing Me)-Bash and Pop
8)Is There A Ghost-Band Of Horses
9)Once in a Lifetime-Talking Heads
10)Murder in the City-Avett Brothers
11)Lord,Save me from myself-Jon Foreman
12)Rich Girl-Hall&Oates

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Breathtaking...


Disclaimer:PJ is a close friend of mine. If you are in Southern California, please do yourself a favor and check out PJ Fidlers new exhibition at La Luz de Jesus gallery. I have quite a few originals of his, and they have been a real source of joy for me over the years. This guy is enormously talented, and his work shows real genius. Check it...

4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sweet lord!!!!! Ive found it!!!


Living in Los Angeles my entire life, I'm no stranger to good mens stores. What is unfamiliar however, is a GREAT mens store. I just visited Confederacy. Amazing. The clothing is amazing, the shop looks terrific, and the location is perfect. Good work boys.4661 Hollywood Blvd

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The pen is mightier than...


Lately I've been endlessly writing in my new Behance Action Book. As a longtime fan of Moleskine notebooks and paper products, this new Action Book is really doing it for me. The cover is rubberized paper and the interior provides all i need for writing, taking notes, and sketching out the new DSC shirts that are on there way soon. Just thought you should know...

In our player...


Just got turned on to an amazing movie. Ive had the flu since Sunday, and have watched this 3 times. From IMDB; "An average man is kidnapped and imprisoned in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. He then is released, equipped with money, a cellphone and expensive clothes. As he strives to explain his imprisonment and get his revenge, he soon finds out that not only his kidnapper has still plans for him, but that those plans will serve as the even worse finale to 15 years of imprisonment." Its absolutely stunning. The plot is amazing, it is touching and disturbing in all the right places. This is a must see...

Still Hungry...


A regular DSC meet up place near our homes in Los Angeles is the 101 Cafe, located in the Best Western on Franklin Ave. Im usually here on Thusday nights for the fried chicken, but vegans and meat-eaters alike will love this place. Amazing juke box with evrything from Black Flag to Johnny Cash. See you on Thursday...

Hungry...


Since my fridge is empty, all I have to satisfy me is the memory of one of my favorite restaurants in the world, Freemans in New York. Located at the end of an alley on the lower east side, this place is an amazing little secret in the big apple. Delicious food, strong drinks and taxidermy on the wall. This place gets my vote for DSC east coast meet up spot.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Updates....

Hey everyone, theres some exciting new stuff happening soon with the DSC, including two new T-shirt designs, a holiday gift pack, and weekly interviews with DSC founders and members. Stay tuned!!!

Punk Rock Heaven

Friday, November 14, 2008

ICON

Travels...



Just got an update from traveling Milo. He is currently in NYC checking out some amazing stores and sent me this link to MUJI. Its an amazing design oriented Japanese housewares store, dealing in towels, pencil holders,etc... Awesome minimal style, check them out at www.muji.com

In our player...


In the DVD player right now is The Great Escape. Starring the King of Cool himself, Steve Mcqueen. Filmed in 1963 and also starring Charles Bronson and Richard Attenborough, It tell the story of 250 men escaping from a German prison camp during WWII. Absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time, the script is amazing, acting is impeccable. Please do your self a favor and buy this..Whats in your DVD player?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Whats in your bag?


My friend Nate had an amazing idea, he said that helmet bags (the bags that
helicopter pilots use) are awesome bags that you can bring to work, meetings
etc. Not only are they functional, they have a cool military style to them. (Thanks
Nate)

Lucky for me Milo picked me up one and I have been using it ever since. I
just dumped out all the stuff in my bag and here is an itemized list.

-copy of BACK TO BROOKLYN by Garth Ennis
-the first 2 episodes of Mark Millar's "Old Man Logan"
-Architectural Digest "Hollywood at home" (design is everywhere)
-DiVide digital content Media book
-script RIVER ROAD by Andrew Niccol
-script the Karma Coalition by Shawn Christensen
-Berserker #0 Draft by our boy Rick Loverd (top secret)
-movie: SPLINTER Dir: Toby Wilkins
-graphic novel THE INVISIBLES
-Kill your boyfriend by Grant Morrison
-Hack/Slash FIRST CUT
-Hollywood Reporter Next Gen issue
-Hack/Slash #8, #9 and #11 (I have no idea where #10 went)
-Entertainment Weekly... Note to self: issues are too thin, need to cancel
my subscription
-Food and Wine December 2008
-Bon Appetit December 2008
-The Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

What's in your bag? Let us know, coolest bag of stuff gets a prize...

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New Dsc Product (coming soon)


Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions for new DSC products. We have had a few meetings and have come up with some great stuff that will go into production soon. Also, we will be making a DSC product bundle that includes a signed copy of REST, paired with a tee. Stay tuned...

Mike Choi


Written by artist Mike Choi (Uncanny X-men, X-Force) This is
Mikes opinion on comics, sports and the world in general.
Check out some of Mike's Art online. There are plenty
of amazing artists in comics today, but Mikes a true original
We are huge fans, and you should be also. Check him out at:


http://mikechoirants.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 10, 2008

Spotlight


American Optical. It was in 1958 that the Flight Goggle 58, now known as the Original Pilot Sunglass was produced for the US military to provide pilots with maximum protection against harmful UVA and UVB radiation, optical performance and comfort. For the price, you cant get any better.Great aviator style, American made, can't miss.

REST

Make sure to check out Rest. REST tells the story of John Barret, a white-collar New Yorker whose life changes when he becomes addicted to a drug that prevents him from falling asleep.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Welcome


Hey everyone, welcome to the new DSC blog. We want this to be a place where we contribute anything that is going on in our lives; from where we go and what we see, to what products and experiences are exciting us. Everyone is welcome, so feel free to contact us with ideas, and remember, this is for life.