Be Cool

May 20th, 2010

Contributed by recording artist Ryan Star

If I am at all deserving of the word “cool” it would all be because of my big sister, Lauren.  It started the day I was born–when asked by my parents, she clearly said that I should be named Star.  Thankfully, my wiser guardians decided to save me from the elementary school beatings and settled with her on it being my middle name. She has always lead the way for me.

Lauren was an actress growing up and watching her perform when I was a child really showed me the beauty and power of getting on a stage and suspending reality for those watching.  It was at this early age that I started putting on shows for my family and found that my middle name was something I would try and properly grow into.  When I turned my small-time, living room acting performances into a passion for music instead, it was Lauren who inspired me to play the Saxophone instead of the(more popular kid instrument) trumpet.  She clearly pointed out (since she was then on the cheerleading squad in high school) that saxophone players were much better kissers.  I wasn’t even quite sure what that meant at the time, but it made enough sense that I set out to be the next Kenny G.  To this day, I still play the saxophone and you can hear it in my music  occasionally.

After that, the big day was when she put Pearl Jam into my hands for the first time.  She was acting in Los Angeles and sent the album back east for me–and my life changed forever.  The very next day, I formed my band Stage (which she managed in the beginning) to pursue my life as a rock musician.
From then on, she was the one who showed me the ropes on how to sneak backstage at concerts and meet the bands.  It was then that this life of mine really began.

The most potent memory I have of my sister affecting me was the first day she took me out to drive.  I learned such a valuable lesson that day.  You have to know that I was (and probably still am) a little petrified of spiders.  Lauren took me out for my first driving lesson and as we were finally getting some speed she calmly (a tone that was rare for her) said,  “Ryan, pull over to the shoulder when you can- very carefully-because there is a spider crawling on you.”  I know it seems small and silly but it was her calmness and confidence–that we would be ok–that I will always remember.

To this day, I have taken that feeling with me.  I can even hear it in my music in songs like “Breathe,” where it gently says that we will be ok–let’s get through this together.

As a side note, it is very funny how spiders have always followed me around in cars.  During my first make out session, in the back of my parents jeep, there was a giant one on the window.  We indecently ran out of the car screaming, left the car and walked home.

It was my sister that helped me write my English papers, showed me Anne Rice vampire novels, the doors, david bowie and all the things that would make a kid “cool,” but it was the calm way about her when teaching me how to drive that has forever shaped the way I handle life.  One moment at a time.

Let me hear your first make-out story or first time driving story below.

License to Drive

May 14th, 2010

Contributed by recording artist Ryan Star

Part of my trouble with authority and the power of which most people take advantage stems from a driver’s exam. It wasn’t my own, but growing up knowing the story of my father and his.

The second he got in the car, the instructor and the man with the almighty powerful pen and clipboard had it in for him.  It was a different time and prejudices were more alive and well.  Halfway through the test my dad knew that it wasn’t happening and saw the instructor write “fail” on his pad.  My dad, realizing it was over, simply pulled over and kicked the man out of his car and made him walk back the 2 miles to the DMV. The original bad ass in my life. Knowing this story always gave me the strength to not get pushed around as a kid, just because someone seemed to be in a bigger position of power.

When I was in high school, my girlfriend failed her first driving test due to some technicality, so I decided to tail her on her 2nd attempt with a video camera to document it all. As she was in the final and hardest circus trick (the dreaded parallel park), she ran over some snow on the ground and the instructor said she hit the curb.  Knowing she didn’t, she asked the refusing adult to get out and look, but was denied. My life as a PI was off to a great start as this tape became very useful about ten minutes later—we schooled this power trippin’ driving school mongrel with the reality and she passed.

Seems like there can be so much learned from this test about the real world.  You give someone a doughnut, clipboard, tie, pen and a certificate that says they can judge someone with their own eyes–
and all hell can break loose.  Let’s pass these kids that are running over snow, or putting their turn signal on too late. These are the people that will learn to be good drivers. It’s the ones that have been driving for too many years we have to worry about anyway.  My 91 year old grandpa decided to steal the keys last week and drive to 7-11 for a coffee. He hasn’t been tested in probably 50 years.

One more thing: There should be different degrees of testing out there. For example, if you have the great ability to multi-task, you should be able to get a multi-tasking license. On your road test you should be on the phone or combing your hair or whatever it is you think you can do while operating the vehicle and take the test that way, in search of a higher degree.  I actually saw a dude next to me in a moving car popping a zit and then wiping his rearview mirror when he was done. If you don’t need a license for that, I don’t know why they exist in the first place.

Make this blog interactive. Let me know what crazy stuff you have seen people doing in a car below here in the comments.

Share your driving test story and let me know if you needed me to tail your exam as well.

be safe.

So You Think You’re Ready to Enter a Car Show?

May 12th, 2010

Today’s special guest post is courtesy of Black Magic Fan and Avid Car Enthusiast, Gary “Gooch” Honaker.

It’s fun to attend car shows and view the works of art that can actually be driven. People always say that most of the crowd at car shows dreams about owning one of these creative, and often historical, beauties themselves.

Speaking to the owners of these vehicles gives one a rare insight into the time, attention to detail and labor of love that goes into this passion of the heart. As an owner of a classic car, I’m always more than happy to oblige – and today is no exception.

Maybe you’re wondering “what would it take to enter one of my vehicles into an event?” My answer would go something like this:

There are several things to consider and many decisions to be made prior to participating.

For instance:

  1. Which/what type of vehicle to enter.
  2. What type of show are you entering? e.g. parking lot show or national event.
  3. Are you entering a show-n-shine or a judged event?
  4. What class to enter?
  5. If there is racing involved, are you going to enter?
  6. What products to use and how to use them?

These are important questions to ask yourself because the answers will determine what type and what level of detailing is necessary to participate.

Determining the type of car you will enter is based upon your current inventory. If you only have one vehicle and it is your daily driver and is in good condition e.g. decent paint and interior, then you have a good starting baseline.

Next, you need to choose the types of interior and exterior cleaners and detailers you’ll use.

Now, let’s educate you.

Think of this as a recipe for success. Here is a list of “ingredients” you will need:

  1. A non-abrasive and mild car detergent like Black Magic Wet Shine Car Wash.
  2. Clay bar (if needed)
  3. Micro-fiber towels (Spend money for good ones).
  4. Wax
  5. Engine shine
  6. Leather care
  7. Interior protectant wipes
  8. Wheel and tire cleaner
  9. Wheel buffer (Black Magic Bullet)
  10. Tire and wheel wet detailer
  11. Detailing brushes

All of these products are produced by Black Magic (with exception of the micro-fiber towels) and may be obtained at most automotive supply stores or family dept. stores such as Walmart.

The following are the steps I take to prep my classic Corvette for a show:

Cleaning

Engine

Start with an engine degreaser that will not harm electronics. When choosing a product, it’s important to know whether your engine bay be sprayed with water. For example, Corvette LT1 engines cannot be sprayed with water due to the opti-spark. It will ruin it and require replacement, which is not cheap. Read your owners manual. If it cannot be sprayed, wiping with a cleaner will suffice.

Exterior

NEVER, and I mean NEVER, clean the exterior by running your vehicle through an automatic car wash system and NEVER use high pressure spraying systems at drive-in car washes. I realize that this is quick and easy, but both will strip clear coat and protective layers from your paint and will not completely remove debris.

  1. Hand wash the exterior. Do this in the morning or early evening because heat will bake soap and water onto the paint.  Use a cloth car wash mitten, not a sponge. Sponges trap dirt/debris and will score the paint (ever notice the swirl marks?).
  2. Clean wheels and tires using a spray on wheel and tire cleaner or car detergent.  If you decide not to use a spray on wheel and tire cleaner you can hand clean them.  You can use a sponge for this as wheels are more durable than paint. Use a scrub brush to clean the tires.
  3. Dry paint using micro-fiber towels.
  4. Dry wheels using a regular towel.
  5. Wash micro-fiber towels and regular towels separately because they are used for different applications.  Regular towels are used in the engine bay and on the wheels so they pick up more abrasives due to the nature of the environment they are used in.  You do not want those abrasives embedded into your micro-fiber towels

Interior

  1. Vacuum and remove all trash, excess items and fast food remnants. I’m sure you’re not going to eat it later.
  2. Use a damp micro-fiber towel to wipe dash, steering wheel and all other panels.

Detailing

If you can, move your vehicle into the garage or shaded area.  Note: Do not park underneath trees due to sap residue.

Engine

  1. Dry engine bay with a towel.
  2. Use an engine detailer such as Black Magic 2-in-1 Engine Shine

Exterior

  1. If you feel “bumps” in the paint using the back side of your hand, then you will need to clay bar your paint and then rewash. NOTE: Use the back side of your hand when touching paint. The oils from your finger tips can degredate your protective coating. Plus, it will leave oily marks.
  2. Apply liquid wax and remove. I use a polishing orbital buffer. Use micro-fiber towels if removing by hand.
  3. You can use an exterior molding protectant to provide a nice shine that will look like new. I use a UV type protectant.
  4. Polish wheels with a Black Magic Bullet and BM Titanium wheel polish.
  5. Apply tire detailer. You will need to determine if you like a wet look or a matte look. Black Magic makes both. I usually apply it and then wipe it to remove excess and splaying when I drive.

Interior

  1. Dust with detailing brushes to get to the hard to reach spaces such as air vents. I use Black Magic Detailing Brush pack because it comes with different size brushes.
  2. Clean windows with a foam type cleaner.
  3. Wipe interior panels with either a spray or wipe based protectant. You will need to decide if you like it shiny or natural looking. Black Magic provides both. I use a natural look.
  4. Clean any leather including steering wheel. It will not only clean, but will provide a layer of protection from harsh sun and UV rays.

Day Of Show

Ensure that you pack a detailing bag that includes micro-fiber towels, detailing spray, tire and wheel detailer and interior detailing wipes or spray.

Once you get to the show and enter, you will need to perform a minor level of detailing to remove dust, minor road debris and bugs.

Perform a quick detailing and relax. Go view the other vehicles and chat with the owners. Trust me; asking a car guy to talk about his car is about as hard as breathing. God help anyone that chats with me about my car. I’ll hold them hostage for days.

Do These Methods Work?

You be the judge!

This is my 25 year old original 1984 Corvette with 100,000 miles. It is fully documented and has won three national events and is considered a “Bow-Tie” survivor by GM.

The Hitchiker’s Guide

May 11th, 2010

Contributed by recording artist Ryan Star

“This will all take place and I will introduce myself to strangers”

Band-Stage
Song-Article 21

I grew up like everyone else–thinking hitchhiking equals certain death (or the rare beginning to an adult film).

I was told “never talk to strangers,” which I probably should have obeyed considering I was almost abducted 3x before I was 12. I never quite stopped talking to them. In fact, I am pretty outgoing–I think I just got too big to be considered prey.

Back to hitchhiking. It’s a shame a few bad apples have ruined what possibly could have been one of the most enjoyable pastimes and an incredible way to travel.

Imagine a world where you could hop in an old buick the way you would get on the “F” train here in nyc–but instead of catching the B,D in midtown, you’re getting into a Ferrari in Ohio–making your way out west.

If this were the case, touring would have a whole new meaning, as I would embark on the hitchhiking tour across the states. But no, like everything utopic, we have to fear this idea like it’s halloween candy with needles in it. Funny thing is, when I was a kid, my dad picked up a hitchhiker and she happened to be a great, appreciative woman. Then a few years ago, walking to the beach with a date, a man in a Porsche suv picked us up and it turned out he was the owner of the owners of the record company I wound up signing with.

I’m not encouraging people to be careless and to take strangers into their cars, ’cause unfortunately, the reality of danger is in fact there. I’m just simply imagining what an incredible world this would be if we could step into someone’s world for a few miles–hear their music, learn their stories and feel their vibe, as we get from one place to another. With so many people around, we tend to close ourselves into groups and remain territorial instead of inviting. All I am saying is that if you were alone on Mars for 3 years and then finally saw another human, you would be best friends instantly with an unbreakable bond. Why here must we assume everyone else is an enemy until proven friend?

Let’s open our eyes and our hearts a little more and do a little more soul hitchhiking–even if it means just smiling as we pass on the street.

Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Star is currently climbing the charts with his hit single “Breathe”. For news and tour dates check out www.rstar.net.

Jersey Girl

May 5th, 2010

Contributed by recording artist Ryan Star

Every time I drive through your awesome music loving state, I have issues. I know it’s not just me–but you can’t make a left turn anywhere and it really gets me crazy as I’m late to a gig and can see the venue on the other side of the street but can’t seem to get there.

Last time I drove through, I was playing an acoustic gig so I simply drove myself in my brother’s sweet Audi. I was going through a toll and got caught in one of those moments where the merge was not happening smoothly. We were in a place where one of us was gonna have to back off a bit.

I let the girl go, but still she gave me this look of hate and mouthed the f bomb to me so I simply gave her the most old school sign language that everyone knows.

She was not having this at all. I blew her top off. We got through the toll and she sped ahead of me and I was thinking: that’s it, big deal, whoa you can go fast, whatever, but then–she started to slow down and started throwing physical items outside of her car.

Literally–kid’s toys, soda cans and I think a happy meal box were being propelled at my car at 60 mph.

I tried passing her but she was like nascar trained or something. This beautiful young girl was in a war with me–and 7-11 was her Halliburton.

I knew I couldn’t win, I didn’t even know what winning was. I actually did the responsible thing and called 911 to report some insanity on the garden state parkway.

Yes, I did instigate–but who wouldn’t? This would have never happened back in horse and buggy days. Here we are in our metal armor and we treat people differently. If someone cut you on the lunch line you might have a problem, but would an all out brawl start? Here, we feel distant and we aren’t thinking of the person behind the wheel as one of us. It’s a strange detachment being so protected in our cars.

I heard recently it was the cop car that separated police from the people. Back in the day, they were your neighborhood cops. You knew them, they knew you–but then once they were in their patrol cars, it all changed. People, let’s lower our windows and remember just ’cause we are going 70 these days, we still have time to say “hi” (and if throwing your garbage at me is how you do that, then so be it).

love u jersey girl,

Ryan

Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Star is currently climbing the charts with his hit single “Breathe”. For news and tour dates check out www.rstar.net.

The Beautiful Road

April 29th, 2010

Contributed by recording artist Ryan Star

Late the other night, I had to do a much easier drive than usual, but we had a 3 hour trek from Dallas to Houston. It’s amazing what 3 hours can do–how much can change. Granted, since then, we traveled 14 hours to Atlanta where I write this.

It’s one thing to get out of a plane in another climate and timezone, but when traveling on the road to experience the same thing, it is quite a unique feeling because you slowly watch it all change. Like the colors of a rainbow slowly turning, you don’t always realize when it happens–but it does. Don’t get me wrong, America has truly homogenized and has brushed its corporate paint all over mostly every exit I have ever gotten off, but occasionally you do get a surprise taste of maybe what it was once like in simpler times.

You know those scary gas stations in the middle of nowhere that those massacre movies start at? I have been there. I actually once went into a bathroom in one of these establishments where there were old dusty dolls laying in an old abandoned bath tub–seriously creepy stuff. On the other side, there is the Tom’s BBQ in Memphis where you walk into a shack and Tom himself pampers you with the greatest southern food you can imagine, like you were cousins entering his home for a holiday dinner.

These experiences really explain to you where you are. More than the geography or the weather, it is the “tastes of people” that tell you all you need to know about where you are. As beautiful as it is to look out the window at the Earth’s glow, it is when you step outside where you can see the true beauty. Good or bad, it’s the differentness that makes it all so special.

Here is the playlist that was the soundtrack of the evening. I was dj’ing on the ipod and made the trip a musical journey. Try it out next time you have 3 hours to ride.

  • Live – rattlesnake
  • Bjork -ive seen it all
  • Nin piggy
  • National -mr november
  • Craig armstrong/evan dando – wake up in ny
  • Rem- try not to breathe
  • Radiohead – just
  • Jay z – what we talkin’ about
  • Paramore -looking up
  • Broken bells- the high road
  • Ben lee- cigarettes will kill you
  • Ben harper – Please bleed
  • Jimmy eat world – lucky denver mint
  • Brand new- the quiet things that no one evr knows
  • For squirrels- mighty K.C.
  • Gambit – got all the time in the world
  • Band of horses- no ones gonna love you
  • Elton john – my fathers gun
  • Ani difranco – dilate
  • Analogue transit – great jones
  • The forecast -these lights
  • The mighty mighty bosstones – the impression that I get
  • Manchester orchestra – shake it out
  • Prince – when doves cry
  • Lion of ido – the things I’d do to you
  • Silversun pickups – there’s no secrets this year
  • The pierces-sticks and stones
  • Queen – the show must go on

Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Star is currently climbing the charts with his hit single “Breathe”. For news and tour dates check out www.rstar.net.

Live – rattlesnake
Bjork -ive seen it all
Nin piggy
National -mr november
Craig armstrong/evan dando – wake up in ny
Rem- try not to breathe
Radiohead – just
Jay z – what we talkin’ about
Paramore -looking up
Broken bells- the high road
Ben lee- cigarettes will kill you
Ben harper – Please bleed
Jimmy eat world – lucky denver mint
Brand new- the quiet things that no one evr knows
For squirrels- mighty K.C.
Gambit – got all the time in the world
Band of horses- no ones gonna love you
Elton john – my fathers gun
Ani difranco – dilate
Analogue transit – great jones
The forecast -these lights
The mighty mighty bosstones – the impression that I get
Manchester orchestra – shake it out
Prince – when doves cry
Lion of ido – the things I’d do to you
Silversun pickups – there’s no secrets this year
The pierces-sticks and stones
Queen – the show must go on

Recording artist Ryan Star talks cars…

April 23rd, 2010

“I’ll wait for you in the back of your car. Let’s find out who you really are.”

Ryan Star

Lyrics from my song Back of your Car say a lot about the romanticism of our relationship with cars.

When I was feeling mischievous and tough, I wrote these words living in a world that was about to end. Where would you be at the demise? Praying in a church, living out our heightened spiritual realities as we transform to another world, or getting more intimate in the back of your car, knowing that all we really are at the end of the day are animals.

This dichotomy is in all of us.

I have always felt like I have 2 lives. One being the one in which we all grow up–family, school, love, bills, tv etc. Then there is what I would call my secret life where I travel and am often alone–where my mind gets to live wherever it wants, not really being cought up with the other lives day to day.

Sometimes I write with the road in my head. I spend so much time on American highways driving across this incredible land, seeing everything out of the passenger window of a Van as I tour. I see so much space and land and freedom. I write in my song 11:59, “this could be the best time of our lives, put the windows down and drive.”

It refers to both of those lives. The suburban kid I grew up as, on any street in any town, knowing there is a whole other life out there.

That is what cars have always been to me. Freedom. If you are 15 and think that when you finally get your license you will be able to do what you want, you are not mistaken. It’s wonderfully all true. Or if you are 55, bored and want to spread your wings, all you have to do is hop on your horse and go.

See you on the road.

Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Star is currently climbing the charts with his hit single “Breathe”.  For news and tour dates check out www.rstar.net.

5 Thing We Can Thank “Pimp My Ride” For

April 23rd, 2010


When MTV is not busy not playing music, it’s wasting our time with terrible television and reality shows about first menstrual cycles. There was a time, though, when a piece of television greatness graced our eyes every week. It was called “Pimp My Ride.”

Xzibit. Crappy Cars. Idiots. Funny Repairmen. Awesome Cars. This is what America is all about. With that said, let’s talk about the five ways that Pimp My Ride changed the way we live forever.

1. Made “Pimping” An Acceptable Verb
“Pimp” used to mean something. Only those smooth talkers with dead animals on their backs and a healthy disregard for women were called “pimps.” But thanks to MTV, everyone was a pimp. If you got a lil kiss under the bleachers you were a pimp. Your uncle was a pimp. Your math teacher was a pimp. Not only was everyone a pimp, but, once “Pimp My Ride” hit the scene, it suddenly became cool to “pimp” things. Now, in the literal sense, “pimping” something should mean giving it a team of prostitutes. But what’s a house going to do with a gang of jezebels? Instead, Xzibit began “pimping” rides with new televisions, sound systems and man slaves. This meant that if you got a new phone case, you were pimping your phone. If you got your woman a boob job, you were pimping your lady. And if you wiped your ass after you number two’d, you were pimping your ass. It may have gotten out of hand.

2. Made Mechanical Crews Famous
For the first four seasons, West Coast Customs was the garage of choice. The loveable mechanics would spend a good chunk of the show…umm…pimping. They’d explain their technical approach with witty repartee. Soon, they became stars of the show. While I’m the type of rich kid that just tips the help a buck and makes sure not to give eye contact, the rest of American fell in love with these guys. Now, other whole shows are being built around these crews. Most notable is Sandra Bullock’s dominatrix’s show, “Monster Garage.” For a while, mechanical crews usurped rich, white suburban kids as America’s sweethearts.


3. Pride Over Sh*tty Cars

If you’re familiar with “Pimp My Ride,” you’ll remember that the first five minutes were dedicated to a montage on how crappy the pimpee’s car is. Cars would be missing doors. People would have to kick their hoods to start a 92’ Civic. It seemed like every episode got increasingly ridiculous almost to the point that the crappy car features were worn like badges of honor. Then, your friends wanted to show you how out-of-shape their rides are.

“Hey, hop in the car! You have to get out and do a tuck-and-roll because the care doesn’t stop! Check it out.”

“I only have one tire! Ha!”

“Last week, I found a baby under the hood! Wild huh?”


4. Mobile Recording Studios

On one episode of “Pimp My Ride,” a wanna-be rapper (who I’m sure went on to a stellar career) needed his ride pimped. As a special treat, the West Coast Customs guys put a recording studio in the kid’s trunk. It seemed like all of a sudden, cars commercials were promoting their new audio recording systems. Now, every sad sack rapper and singer can record himself covering Miley Cyrus songs in his Dodge Ram, hopefully on his way off of a cliff.

5. The “Yo Dawg” Memes
I don’t know who started these. But my guess is his name is Jesus.



7 Steps to the Ultimate Shine – Step 7: Interior

June 8th, 2009

Step 7: Interior

Alright, now that you’ve done everything you can to make your car shine on the outside, it’s time to spend a little time inside. Starting with the obvious, time to pick up all the fast food wrappers and de-trash the interior. Then vacuum the carpets and upholstery to see if there are any spots that need to be taken care of.

Most cars today have a mix of surfaces in the interior like vinyl, leather and plastic so make sure you use products designed for the right surface. For vinyls, spray the protectant cleaner directly onto an applicator pad and apply to the surface. Then wipe dry with a soft, clean towel. As with your tires, you can choose the look you want for your dash as well. There’s the traditional glossy look available in most protectants on the market. Or, you can get more of a matte look with some products, such as Black Magic® Dust Guard Protectant. This product is great because it gives your dash a cleaner, polished look and it keeps it looking like new longer because the anti-static formula actually protects against dust accumulation.

Leather on the other hand takes a little more effort.  Use a cleaner specifically designed for leather according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s clean, use a leather conditioner. As with waxing, clean in small sections and finish the job completely before moving to the conditioner. Once you’ve moved to the conditioner step, to get the most benefit let the conditioner soak in to help restore suppleness, gloss and texture. Use circular, overlapping motions to apply the product, or if you prefer, just pour a little conditioner in your hand and use your hand as the applicator.

Helpful Hint: To ease leather care, consider 2-in-1 products such as Black Magic® 2-in-1 Leather Cleaner & Conditioner.

7 Steps to the Ultimate Shine – Step 6: Polish Wheels

May 13th, 2009

Step 6: Polish Wheels

After you have thoroughly cleaned your wheels and applied tire dressing, you want to polish and protect your wheels to finish off the look. This step also helps preserve and protect your wheels from road contaminants and brake dust and makes future cleanings easier.

Use a wax pad or micro fiber towel to apply the polish to your wheels. Be sure to apply the polish evenly. As with other products, less is more. Use light to medium pressure to work the polish into the wheel and if you want to, here’s your chance to get back to that circular motion we’ve been warning against. Just make sure you work the polish into all the nooks and crannies of the wheel.

After the polish dries, you’re ready to remove it. You can use a buffing tool with a clean cloth that’s attached to your cordless drill or simply remove it by hand with a micro fiber cloth.