Summer’s Hump Day, already?

This day came too fast. Each summer, if we’re on the ball, we get to July 15th and we call it the “hump day” of summer, and start racing towards that fall season. It’s always a milestone. But around these parts, summer didn’t really start up until a couple weeks back or something. Weird.

So today’s hump day, and it’s all downhill to September 1st. Or, when “shit starts cooling off.” We’ve never really been fans of summer, so, as far as we’re concerned, it can be Fall all year long, with a brutal winter. Maybe I should move to Barrow, Alaska, or some iceberg way up north? I’m a dick.

Here’s last summer’s Humpday graphic.

Here’s 2008’s.

Hell, check out 2007’s Google Maps-inspired deal listening list. Halfway between Spring and Fall. In “Death Heat” county. Must’ve been a hot summer. I’d just as soon forget.

Anyway, enjoy the summer days, people. It’s going fast. Too fast.

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INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHY: The work of Branislav Kropilak. How’s that for a name? Chew on that one for a bit.

Specifically, dig into his “Depots” collection. Really, really interesting for some reason. The kind of stuff you look at, but never really look at. Thank you, Branislav. Another lesson learned.

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THE THING SHOWED UP: Our new Panasonic GF1! And aside from the lackluster typography all over the thing, I am in awe! I’ll get used to the bony type. On the way down to the shop this morning, Las Vegas buddy Collin Martin and I hit up the Hollywood Camera Store. Very, very recommended people. This one’s a time machine. Old stuff mainly, of every sort. Just….perfect.

The old proprietor took incredible care of us, finding me an old leather strap for my new rig, telling of his adventures in the Philippines fighting in The Big One. “Now you know how old I am. Ha!” he says. Tales how the Germans broke through the blockade and were dumping off gear to the Japanese, the whole time, holding his prized Zeiss. The same camera that his shit-ass granddaughter has been lobbying him to sell off on eBay. Don’t do it, man!

Please go visit the guy. Shake his hand. Buy something. Let him show you his latest pile of black & white prints. “Film is coming back into style. Just look at that.” he says. We sure do hope so.

Once again, that’s the Hollywood Camera Store on Sandy and 40th.

“We been here 57 years.” said the old proprietor. Incredible. I floated out of there.

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KING OF THE BREEDS: California’s Cory Lorenzen comes in real long and smooth with this bit of news: “A waterfall of dachshunds.” I just hope all those hounds found a good home.

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ONE OF THE PROUDEST PRODUCTS IN OUR LINE: Our Field Notes pencils, looking real good on the Details site! We’re down with that. You need some of these. Miles and miles of markmaking in each pencil. Click here and stock up at fair prices.

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DON’T MISS OUT, AMERICA: Field Notes COLORS: “COUNTY FAIR†50 Editions! Here’s proof that these things are shipping to all corners of the nation: California checks in with us, and things are looking good!

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COLLIN’S PICKS ON THE PLAYER:

01. Nirvana - Bleach
02. Nirvana - Nevermind
03. Nirvana - In Utero