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• RANDOM INSPIRATIONS

  May 5th 09, 15:48

  REST IN POWER ERNIE BARNES…..

  

  

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• FRANCESCO CLEMENTE:THE HISTORY OF THE HEART IN THREE RAINBOWS

  May 3rd 09, 23:54

  I checked out my old friend Francesco Celemente’s opening on Saturday. It was a interesting show for Deitch unlike most of what they have been showing of late. Francesco is one of the first people I knew who made a serious living from being a fine artists and is a nice cat he always seemed amused at me and my friends antics and always invited us to his functions and what not. He is a part of NYC in a participatory way which I dig. I also am a big fan of his work is emotive, beautiful and personal. There is no conveyor belt prefabricated baloney going on in his work. His work is honest and focused. This show was no exception.

  

  

  For more pics and commentary check my site out:

  http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/

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• LOGAN HICKS:BROKEN CROW

  May 2nd 09, 15:36

  Popped in to my friend Logan Hicks show in Bk the other night. The show was great,Logans a thinker and I highly recomend you check it out. Here’s some pics of the show

  

  The Work:

  

  

  

  The show was really cool,very soulful and a great example of why NYC is a great place to see art! For more peep my site

  
  

  http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/

  
  

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• UNKUT INTERVIEW

  April 29th 09, 11:41

  I been rapping to Robbie about doing a interview on Unkut.com which we finally got to. Robbie is a serious hip hop head from Australia and i dig the site so I did this a few weeks ago. Theres more to come check the site its dope.

  

  I have never been able to make a link work on this site. Maybe I’ll get lucky this time!

  http://www.unkut.com/2009/04/dante-ross-the-unkut-interview-part-1-the-tommy-boy-era/

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• LA MY 2ND HOME!

  April 28th 09, 10:02

  Seems like I’m always in LA these days messing with my brethren Nick Diamond and my OG crew out west. LA is a great place for me these days spending almost as much time there as I do here. My dads out west in SF, a lot of my close friends live there and for me a Life long NYer I have to admit the weathers amazing. My hustle goes a long way in the city of Angels and right now there’s lot of energy out west. Here’s some highlights of my visit last week.
  For More on my west coast swing peep my site:http: //www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/

  This is the abridged version right here!

  
  

  Venice beach…Love it, it’s the most NY part of So Cal….Lots of history here both personally and culturally!

  

  Here is the Pit. This is where Christian Hosoi, Block,Fingers Murray, Eric Dresson,Scott Oster and the boys would rip shit up its been filled in with sand and is no longer functional

  

  And this is my friend Murphy opening a gate…….about 200 feet away from the pit…..The soon to be opened Venice beach Skate park…200 feet from where some of the greatest innovators in skate boarding history put it down……Holy DogTown!

  

  

  Ok now that I’ve shown you some Venice beach stuff lets take it back across town to Hollyweird where I checked in with the HVYW8’s gallery and peeped Para’s show…He’s dope here’s some images

  
  

  Good show thanks for the shirts guys your always doing something fresh! I also popped in on my peoples at The Berrics wanted to peep the operation since Reda had me on the site for a hot second.

  

  This is me and Salman Agah the man who furthered switch stance skating more than any other skater in the history of skating……He’s a legend in the game recognize!

  

  The Berrics is killer got some things in the works with the bros over there stay tuned! After I cruised by the LAPD’s favorite dining spot……
  And in case you didnt know Streetwhere lives….on Melrose…Holy collabo!
  

  And speaking of StreetWhere? here’s my man Mega from Black Scale and Rob good brand good dudes what up Mega!
  

  Popped in to check on my brother Don Everlast….He told me the tragic news about Shawn Mortenson passing….No matter how much that hurt it was a testament to Everlast and my friendship and another defining moment for us….we ended up eating and commiserating…Shawn had a picture of young Everlast and Breal with Perry Farrell on his site…..

  

  I went out to Afex Adam 12’s aka Adam Bravin from She Wants Revenge’s club that only plays classic hiphop and r and b from the 80’s and 90’s…best club in LA and guess who showed up? Maseo from De La Soul my man for 21 years! Go Mase!

  

  Speaking of De LA I had the pleasure of watching them rehearse for there upcoming Australian tour…It was dope seeing them practice with a live band…..Rhythm Rock all stars held it down for sure

  
  I love me some De La Soul and I’m glad to still be friends with my dudes all these years later……Honestly I still believe the Native Tongue moment in rap music was it’s most evolved and creative moment period….Call me OG but rappers don’t rap so good these days and De la they are poets to me…Nufff said I’m trying not to be a bitter OG rap fan these days!

  On a more serious note my and the whole worlds friend Shawn Mortenson passed while I was in LA. I had to be back in NYC for work the day of the wake and memorial which really bummed me out. I found comfort in this little note inside this book, I had forgotten about it dam near and re reading it made me feel better about Shawn’s passing and not being able to be there in the flesh…My spirit was there intact and reading this was yet another gift from my friend. Thanks Shawn I love you!

  

  

  With that somber note I’m out for a few gotta boogie and look forward to my Chicago and SF posts coming up next….LA my 2nd home for better or for worse it’s where I been laying my head a whole lot these days…..but where ever I lay myself  down to sleep I am always NY and NY will always be part of me!

  Enjoy

  Dante Ross

  Back on my blog grind for real!

  NYC

  SHAWN MORTENSON REST IN POWER MY BROTHER WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU DEEPLY!

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• SHAWN MORTENSON:REST IN POWER MY BROTHER

  April 17th 09, 16:37

  

  As a youth I was always fascinated by the idea of Los Angeles. It represented Dogtown, Hollywood nights, hardcore punk rock, chicano culture and emerging gangster rap. It was a place that held a deep mystery for me and somewheres I always wanted to explore. You could say it was destined to be my 2nd home.
  One of my first tour guides in my initial forays shortly after graduating High School into the culture or sub cultures of Los Angeles was Shawn Mortenson. In 1987 I met Shawn with my friend and travel companion Eric Haze. I was enamored with him ever since. Shawn was a special person, an amazing artist and a friend for more than 20 years.
  Shawn was an activist, a thinker and a amazing photographer. Shawn departed the earth yesterday after many years of health issues. What was so amazing about Shawn was his ability to touch so many peoples lives with his wit,humor, compassion and his over all unique and powerful energy. His being translated across many cultures from high fashion to gangster rap seamlessly. Culturally he spoke many many languages something I always marvelled at.

  In a city full of character’s Shawn will always be one of the most colorful of all my friends in Los Angeles and synonymous with the heart of this city. Along with iconic people like Everlast, Chrisitan Hosoi, DJ Muggs, Esteban Oriole,Mr.Cartoon, Steve Olson and Cesario” Block” Montoya he will always be one of the shining stars within the culture of Los Angeles. He was also a courageous and valiant person full of honor and respect. I am beyond proud to have considered him a friend.

  Today the light of the city of angels and my own heart are that much dimmer as we mourn and celebrate the life of this amazing man.

  Shawn we all love you and when this moment of grief has passed and the tears have stopped flowing we will never stop celebrating you and your amazing life. Every time I come to LA I will always think of you and how you held us down all those years ago. Shawn was simply loved by all.
  Rest in power my brother

  Dante Ross

  Los Angeles

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• April 5th 09, 23:21

  Popped in to Phil Frost’s show at Levine Gallery this past Friday. Dug the work and liked the idea of repetition that Phil explores with all his work, the subtle difference in each and every piece and the attention to detail all done by hand. I dug the show and the concept of the exact price point for pieces that are the exact same in size making the work affordable and uniform. Good stuff but enough of me here’s some pics:

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  For More Images check my site@http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/

  All in all a nice show for Mr. Frost. If I had one compliant unlike his previous showings there were no really large scale pieces in show which i would have dug seeing since there always amazing when I have seen them in the past.

  Another great show for Jonathan Levine gallery and Phil Frost

  Enjoy

  Dante Ross NYC

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• NEW BOOGIE PICS

  March 31st 09, 13:35

  These are a deperature of sorts for my man Boogie. He rarely shots in color so enjoy this rare treat!

  

  FOR MORE BOOGIE PICS CHECK MY SITE:http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/2009/03/31/new-boogie-pics/

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• BOOGIE: LIVE FROM BROOKLYN

  March 21st 09, 1:02

  If you follow my site at all or know me personally you know how much I dig my man Boogie as a person and a artist. In a sea of talented photographers his work always stands out, always cuts through the muck….There’s a honesty and rawness I rarely see in photography anymore. Maybe it’s cause he shoots film not digital, maybe it’s because he has a gift and maybe it’s because he’s Boogie. Regardless I’m psyched when ever he sends me some pics. Had these for a while been meaning to post em so enough of me here’s some Boogie:

  

  For more Boogie check my site

  http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/2009/03/21/boogiemy-favorite-photographer/

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• YOSHIMITO NARA@MARIANNE BOESKY

  March 19th 09, 14:48

  Been a big fan or Nara’s work for a while now. He predates Murikami as one of Japans leading export in the art world. He’s an amazing artist very playful and childlike I especially dig his sculptures there always really clever and interesting. My pics don’t really do the show justice do yourself a favor and go see it while you still can.

  For more pics check out my site

  :http://www.danteross.com/blogs/dante/2009/03/19/house-of-pain-live-in-boston-holy-st-pattys-day/

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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• JUSTICE FAKING JACKS?

  February 9th 09, 13:45

  Peep game dudes not doing shit with those faders on that mpd little did that poser realize he forgot to plug in the rca cables so he could really get his fronting on…..Glad they pay these guys 20 k plus a set……I peeped game once they were playing a set out of Abelton and just throwing effects and cheerleading…..cornball city ……Hope I didn’t shatter some hipsters illusion that these guys were ill DJs or something

  

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• WEST COASTIN PART 1

  January 29th 09, 21:23

  Headed out west on some business including some Pro Kedsing, a little ASRing and some Terry Kennedy brain storming amongst checkin in with old friends,checking out art and enjoying the weather…..Here’s some shots for ya

  Retna off Melrose

  

  I stopped in at Stussy for a little meeting…….

  

  Popped in to Supreme to see Javier Nunez my man from back east….He just got a part on a HBO show good stuff

  

  Had a nice meeting with this guy Dov Charney….He owns a little company called American Apparel you might have heard of them

  

  Hit up ASR for a day or so it was Nick Diamonds birthday me and Nick we went hard….Not much sleep down there…Here’s me and Miss Lawn aka Miss Hellz Bellz to you! note my man Goofy the Fish in the background

  

  Caught up with my boy GasLamp Killer…..He’s the fresh!

  

  I went to this dudes house and studio…That’s Aly Osha Moore design wizard and homie for 25 years….He use to follow me and Jeremy Henderson around back in the way back…..This is my dude forever every time I hit Diego I gotta see the dude!

  

  He unearthed these for me…Crazy OG pair of Keds…dope for research!

  

  And had this dope ass painting on the wall! Wish I knew who did it and had a better shot of it its ill!

  

  This was right across from Aly’s studio

  

  Saw this at the HardRock….The Ramones wore Keds Champions not Chucks here’s proof!

  

  Pac Div got busy at Nick Diamonds BornDay jump off…I like these kids!

  

  The Information squad aka The Informats

  

  ASR shits harsh on a dude sometimes….Hundreds skate team catching the carpet…..

  

  I made it back to LA alive even after a TJ visit….Went to the New Image’s Gallery’s 15 year anniversary…shit was dope….Saw some good work and some old friends This is my Judith Supine one of my favorites and someone I have championed for a long time

  

  And here is Judith maybe kind of sorta…..

  

  Which one was Judith I wonder? I’m not going to go to deep on the art post right now it’s gonna get it’s own comprehnsive post in a few days trust me but here’s another dope piece…Nasty Neckface the dirt bag Dali and my man…..He also did a ill Harley but I’ll post that later

  

  The Bike Neck did…It’s my friend Brayden Schafranskeys…..He’s a ill skater and the homie!

  

  This is Brayden with another OG homie of mine the legendary Scott Oster one of the most stylish skaters of all time and a Venice original…..Scott’s a sick DJay as well and a great dude!

  

  Ah shit it’s Terry Kennedy and Brooklyn Dom…..2 amazing people….working on a cool project about Terry he’s a great dude!

  

  

  And with that wish me luck…….I’ll hit up part deux in the next few days….Good weather,good people and good things make D Ross a happy man on the west coast right about now….Man I don’t wanna go home for realz……

  More to come

  Dante Ross

  NYC whereever I lay my head!

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• Oscar Grant

  January 13th 09, 6:33

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• OSCAR GRANT:TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE

  January 12th 09, 10:23

  Said it before I’ll say it again…..Shit like this happens all the time mutherf’rs just got caught this time……Police in the bay have a long history of jacking young black men particularly on Bart for some odd reason…For a politically progressive place to stand for this baloney is madness….This will not be going away anytime soon……Classic American racism at it’s finest…..Cat’s are rioting in the streets of Oakland right now……This makes Rodney King look like a day at the beach…..Wonder why we call em pigs?

  “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
  MLK

  Those words seem more important now than ever……I’m telling you it’s gonna get hot in the bay if they don’t handle this one correctly nuff said.
  Oscar Grant
  

  From The SF Chronicle:

  BART shooting victim recalled with joy, tears
  Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
  Thursday, January 8, 2009

  (01-07) 16:42 PST HAYWARD — After his daughter was born four years ago, Oscar Grant kept on driving around with two huge pink flags on his car that proclaimed, “It’s a girl,” until the material disintegrated.
  He acted like an older brother to his sister, even though he was six years younger than her.
  And he was such a dedicated fisherman that during a church trip, he dressed up in full angler’s gear, complete with jacket, hat and 15-foot deep-sea fishing pole.

  Those were some of the remembrances shared Wednesday as more than 800 friends, relatives and community members turned out at a memorial service for Grant, 22, of Hayward who was unarmed when he was shot and killed early New Year’s Day by a BART police officer at the Fruitvale Station in Oakland.

  The service was alternately somber and spirited. Many people wept as they went up to Grant’s open casket, adorned with flowers inside Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward, which he attended since he was a child.
  One woman wailed and was escorted outside. Later, the Rev. Ronald Coleman, buoyed by rousing gospel music, proclaimed, “Little Oscar was saved!”

  Those who eulogized Grant did not address the shooting, which was captured on video by at least two BART riders and has stirred outrage among those who believe the incident was tantamount to an execution. At virtually the moment the service was getting under way, the lawyer and union representative for the officer who shot Grant, Johannes Mehserle, were submitting his resignation to BART officials.

  Instead of voicing anger about his death, those closest to Grant spoke of his belief in God, his love of sports and his desire to someday marry Sophina Mesa, the mother of his daughter, Tatiana.

  “To me, Oscar was a gift of life, the very apple of God’s eye,” said his aunt, Donna Smith, adding that Grant regarded her as “his second momma.”

  Some of the recollections were light-hearted. Eugene Carter, a church deacon, recalled a fishing trip in Tracy in which Grant carried a bucket. Carter wondered what was inside and came face to face with a “big old turtle” that Grant had caught.
  Asked what he was going to do with it, Grant broke into a big grin and proclaimed, “I’m going to go home and eat it!”

  Carter also recounted the time Grant tried to paint his house. “From now on, if I want my house painted, I’ll call a professional,” he said, drawing laughter.
  But Grant was also a serious man, speakers said, who always looked people in the eye and meant what he said.

  Lita Gomez, Mesa’s sister, said “I want to challenge every young man here today: Let’s keep Oscar’s memory going. Make changes in your life, the changes that he was making in becoming a better man.” Her comments were greeted with applause.
  Grant’s sister, Chantay Moore, 28, of Hayward, said her younger brother was protective of her, to the point of insisting that she change if she wasn’t dressed modestly when she went out.

  “We know Oscar is in heaven,” Moore said. “We know he is in a better place. Anyone who knows Oscar knows he had your back to the end.”

  Some wept as pictures of Grant with Mesa and their daughter were shown on a big screen. Laughter rippled through the crowd when they saw photographs of Grant fishing and playing the drums when he was little.
  Leslie Littleton, deputy chief of staff to Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, read a statement in which the mayor expressed his condolences.

  “Our entire community grieves at the loss of Oscar Grant III,” Dellums wrote. “I am profoundly saddened by the turn of events that resulted in the loss of a young man’s life which has left a family and a community in mourning. Our hearts and deepest wishes for peace go out to the families and loved ones of all the parties involved in this tragic event.”

  This wont be going away it’s the worst shit i may have ever seen a Police officer do to another human being….Shit makes me mad to be the same color as that murdering cop….Shit’s gonna get tight in the bay if justice don’t get served…..what year is this….Anyways you slice this it was a execution…..

  Just found this online like I predicted it’s gonna get hot in the Bay….No Justice No Peace

  RIOTING IN OAKLAND | Police anger pours onto city streets as outrage over BART shooting violently erupts January 8, 2009
  Posted by californiabeat in BART Police Shooting, East Bay.
  

  Police officers in riot gear stand in front of a burning car on 13th Street in downtown Oakland Wednesday night as frustration over the shooting death of Oscar Grant by a BART Police officer violently spilled into the streets. (Photo courtesy: SF Chronicle/ SFGate.com)

  By Tim Jue / Beat Staff Writer

  A day of peaceful protests and somber remembrances for the man shot to death by a BART Police officer New Year’s Day was decimated by nightfall Wednesday when a rioting faction of demonstrators torched cars, sent objects flying through storefront windows and created fearful havoc on the streets of Downtown Oakland as public anger over the controversial killing of Oscar Grant, 22, turned violent.

  The evening’s dangerous turn of events transpired when a group of 100 or so protesters broke from a peaceful rally at the Fruitvale BART station and began marching down International Blvd. towards Downtown Oakland. Traffic was interrupted, but there were no malicious acts of vandalism or violence being reported as the group marched.

  Then television images showed a dumpster fire and a crowd ransacking an Oakland Police cruiser outside the former BART headquarters and Lake Merritt BART station at 8th Street and Madison Streets. A splinter group broke out the vehicle’s windows and severely dented the sides of the police car.

  This splinter group, comprised of 50 or so people, marched down 8th Street overturning newspaper racks and throwing garbage cans into the roadway. Then they split up when they reached Broadway Street — some moved towards the Oakland Police headquarters, others tore through the Old Oakland District. Others, more peaceful in nature, staged a demonstration and sit-in at 14th and Broadway streets in front of Oakland City Hall.

  More Complete and Continuous BART Shooting Coverage:

  Breaking News Updates: BART shooting protesters start dumpster fire, vandalize Oakland police car (Jan. 7)
  Oakland Councilwoman calls Grant shooting an “execution” | Drumbeat for criminal charges against BART cop intensifies (Jan. 7)
  BART cop who shot, killed unarmed rider resigns (Jan. 7)
  “He never texted back” | Family prepares for police shooting victim’s funeral as outrage goes national (Jan. 7)
  $25 Million claim filed against BART as officer identified and new shooting video is made public (Jan. 6)
  Criticism mounts as home videos show BART cop shooting, killing unarmed rider (Jan. 4)
  OUR OPINION: PEOPLE ARE ANGRY: Damning home video and cover-up allegations keeps BART on the hot seat for shooting rider (Jan. 5)
  Protesters re-enacted the killing of Grant. Some laid in the middle of the roadway, stomach to the pavement and hands behind their backs, much like how the deceased man appeared in numerous grainy cell phone camera videos that have surfaced showing the incident. Those videos, shown around the world, have generated widespread outrage of his killing by Johannes Mehserle, 27, who abruptly resigned from the BART Police Department Wednesday, allowing him to evade questions from investigators who were eager to speak with the former officer.

  The deafening silence has fueled anger and mistrust of law enforcement, some protesters said.

  At the small riot in Downtown Oakland Wednesday night, Oakland Police and reinforcements from other agencies, including BART Police, donned riot gear and deployed tear gas numerous times and a number of locations in hopes of dispersing the crowd. During a 10:30 p.m. press conference with reporters, Oakland Police said that 14 protesters had been arrested.

  As of press time, more rioters were being arrested by police at 20th and Broadway streets, near the 19th Street BART station around 11:00 p.m.

  Other rioters, determined to create trouble, went down 13th and 14th Streets in Downtown Oakland. Several cars were set on fire. Windshields were smashed, and the storefronts of local businesses were destroyed by the individuals.

  The chaotic scene played out at the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant across from the Oakland Public Main Library when rioters broke out glass and set a vehicle ablaze nearby.

  A television news photographer sustained minor injuries when someone tried to steal his news camera and subsequently assaulted him and destroyed his news gathering equipment when the effort failed.

  Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums showed up to one of the main gatherings near City Hall and pleaded with protesters for patience and calm. He told reporters Wednesday night that he has asked the Oakland Police Department to launch their own, separate investigation into the BART Police shooting.

  Today will mark one week since Grant’s shooting death at the Fruitvale station platform. The whirlwind of events, the release of the home videos, a firestorm of public outcry, and now violence and mischief has attracted worldwide attention and has received mostly critical reactions of the transit agency and the police officer who shot Grant to death while he laid on his stomach, unarmed and appearing to cooperate with authorities.

  BART’s Board of Directors — the elected body which oversees the organization — are expected to get an earful from protesters who have vowed to crowd the meeting halls during a 9:00 a.m. meeting Thursday at transit district headquarters in Downtown Oakland. Many have become angered by the fact that Mehserle was allowed to go uninterviewed by investigators for days after the shooting incident. His resignation Wednesday and state laws that protect peace officers may allow him to avoid any questioning that could potentially leave critical questions — specifically why he shot and killed Grant — unanswered.

  For many who have seen the video and still have questions about the justifiability of the shooting incident, it’s a disconcerting prospect.

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• JOHN JEAN:KINDLING@Johnathon Levine Gallery NYC

  January 11th 09, 14:10

  Checked out the James Jean show Friday at Levine gallery. I knew Jeans comic book work but had never seen his fine art before. I was more than impressed with his vibrant work. I used some of the Levine gallery pics for the images I didn’t get the best shots of. I really dug the show the pieces were vibrant ,big in scope and multi layered. This was his first fine art show in New York City. I found his work well rounded,pretty intricate and he possess obvious hand skills. I wasnt familiar with his fine art work at all and didn’t know what to expect though I knew he possessed illustrative skills I was impressed with his presentation and the overall scale of the show and of course the work. It was nice to see a show with out any preconceived notions for a change. I copped a print thats gonna look really nice on my walls…..The original sold for about 45k …..Good stuff I suggest you go and see it if you get the chance it runs through Feb 7th at Johnathan Levine Gallery 529 w 20th 9th flr.

  Enough words here’s images:

  

  

  

  I copped the print of that one it’s called Toymaker…..It’s sick… I doubled up on the images cause I dug it so much! First ones my shot 2nd ones from the gallery

  

  

  

  

  

  The artist James Jean

  

  Nice show and a tremendous debut for James Jean in NYC……I always dug his comic work and now I’m a certified fan of his paintings…….Go see the show I think you’ll dig it!

  For more of the show check out my site lot’s more pics and stuff

  More images on my website.

  
  

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