I want a kid like this someday!

Well, I guess I am gonna have to vote for Obama now. He makes better videos, and I like videos. That and the fact that he inspires a new generation of voters more than Clinton. Hope is what this nation needs regardless of where it comes from. Why not? It's not like experience really counts as much as Clinton says it does. The administration runs things anyway, and I don't think Obama would ruin things anymore than anyone else. So Obama, you have my vote.

I am writing this post to warn all my fellow t shirt designers about a scam that's going around. I recently received an email through my website http://www.ichabods.com from some guy in Minneapolis, MN who started telling me how great my t shirts are and that he wants to use them in his next film. Now, this is of course a great weakness for any designer as we all know. To be contacted out of the blue by the wardrobe dept of a blockbuster film is like winning the lottery to most independent designers, and sadly, the odds of this happening are about as great. Now, you may get a couple of emails (a day) from Nigerian nationals trying to trade money orders with you, or use a stolen credit card to purchase over $10,000 worth of merch, but rarely does Hollywood come calling unless you pay for it, know someone, or have REALLY REALLY good karma :)

I did not fall for this scam, but if I would have the address the guy gave me to send the t shirts to is:
Bill Farley (aka Will Skrivseth)
630 4th Ave. SE
Suite #9
Minneapolis, MN 55414

This guy is a total idiot! I am including copies of 2 emails that he sent me trying to convince me to send him free merch which I could use as a tax write off. Isn't that mail or tax fraud! If there is anyone in Minneapolis who can find this guy and send me a picture of him that would be great. I'd love to see what a real loser looks like. Unlike this guy, (who by his wish list must wear a size small) I am 6 ft 7 and got my nickname Ichabod for a reason. "Hey Bill, how'd you like to meet up sometime?"

I don't know how many other people have fallen for this scam, but the only other report I found about him was here http://http://plopculture.blogspot.com/2007/05/worlds-stupidest-con-man.html

It's from 2007 and he was trying to con one of Hollywood's well known PR guys who runs Plopculture. When I did a google search for Justin Chatwin and a movie called Dead End Streets I found that old story and realized this is total BS!

A lot of you might be at Magic this week so don't get caught off guard and think this is one more great lead for you, IT'S A SCAM!

The following are our email exchanges in order.

FEB 8 2008 5:36 pm
from the email address rapix.marketing@yahoo.com

Hello, my name is Bill Farley and I am writing in
regards to a product placement inquiry for Ichabods.
I am a wardrobe rep. for a film called Dead
End Streets. I am outfitting wardrobe for the film,
and wanted to see if Ichabods would be
interested in potential involvement. We can offer
compensation in several different forms of
promotion,besides available tax write offs. We offer
professional quality stills provided in a press kit.
You would be looking at all
merch on loan. We are looking at outfitting actor
Justin Chatwin (War Of the Worlds, The Invisible,
Weeds). You
would be looking at around 6-8 pieces. We are
attempting to find several creative outlets for
wardrobe and were hoping you would possibly be
interested. I can get a treatment/synopsis your
direction right away. If you could drop me a line that
would be great. -thanks

Bill Farley
Lionsgate/Rapix Marketing

MY RESPONSE to him

Hi Bill,

We'd be interested in working with you. Please tell me more about shooting
schedule, etc. and a bit about the character you are looking to outfit. We
can either do custom pieces to fit the feel of certain scenes or you can
make a list of what you need from our current stock on the website
Ichabods.com

I did a Google search for Rapix Marketing and did not find anything. Do
you have a myspace or website with info? Thanks

Chris

HIS RESPONSE:

Hello, Thanks for getting back to me. Here is a brief
treatment of the film. Dead End Streets is a dark and
gritty film, taking place in the upper midwest.
The Premise of the film is about a young adult who
ventures into the world of the drug underground. After
an accident, (actor Justin Chatwin) seeks closure in
the unresolved death of his Father. What he finds
leeds him into a crime drama like no other. A power
struggle of how to deal with a newly discovered
secret, and right and wrong. This gentlemen finds
himself head over heels in a world of crime,
gambling,with nowhere to turn. As for where in the
film Ichabods would be used, we where thinking in
around 17-19 scenes. The leading role (Justin Chatwin)
is a charismatic, cocky swagger.

Att: Bill Farley
630 4th Ave. SE
Suite #9
Minneapolis, MN 55414

I just wanted to give you guys a heads up. Seems there is a new con every week, but this actually affects our industry so spread the word. If there is no info on someone when you do a google search, then they aren't legit!

It's been awhile I know. I haven't really taken the time to post anything on here but it doesn't mean I don't have anything to say. I've been working on a lot of new designs lately, and Ichabods is branching out into the lifestyle market now with dishware, sheets, interior art, and tons of other cool items that you'll only be able to get here. We've also been doing a lot of graphic work in preparation for upcoming ad campaigns. If you happen to be an artist and want to network with us please drop me an email and we can talk. Check out our full page ad in this month's issue of BUST Magazine to see how we think. I'm interested in reaching out to people who think differently and appreciate the time that goes into thinking outside of the box. It's one thing to say it and use it as a tag line, but it's a whole other thing to actually put it into action. The roads less traveled make all the difference. Shoot me an email, let's get something going if you are an artist or have ideas that we could work together on. It's a small world, and you only get one go around so make it count.

(play video, start reading)
Do you remember when you were young? You shone like the sun.

I remember, I was there. When I was 19 I went to England for the first of many solo trips in search of treasure. I would meet friends there but ultimately the things I enjoyed doing the most were by myself with nothing but English mist in the air and Pink Floyd on the headphones. Each of us has a soundtrack of our lives, reminding us where we have been, where we'd like to go, and who we'd like to become if the stars were all aligned. Some are lucky enough to write their own story just as they'd dreamed it, others fail. In between lyes the journey.

I am so glad that I brought Pink Floyd with me for the first trip to England, it started my journey the right way. There is no better setting than riding on the train, through grey light and industrial towns, thatched villages, and time. My journeys were usually in search of antique bottle diggers out in the countryside, or 19th century photography dealers, museums with suits of armor, swords and cold bricks, 300 year old cemeteries, the greenest grass on earth and if you squint your eyes just right you can see Roman battles in the fields of palatial estates.

When I am home again, focused on the daily grind and staying true to myself, I just need play a little Floyd when the clouds roll in to take me away to the places I once knew and the treasures of my journey.

Here is a song just waiting to be ripped off by the GAP. In time, I'm sure. I found this video that some kids did using the song. Just think about ICHABODS.COM when you are listening to it:)

Listen to this great soothing music.

In the spirit of the weather getting cold and dark, here is an oldie but goodie, the legendary house blinking away to the Trans Siberian Orchestra. ENJOY!

When was the last time you felt this free? Have you ever? Do you want to? Yeah, me too. In the meantime, check out these t shirts

THANKS AGAIN CANADA!