August 2005 LXOM: monkey

[DMAG]

written by: monkey

Is the voting over? That was so close. I'm glad there were no hanging chads or the finish would probably be the subject of debate for the entire month. Seriously, I would like thank everyone who voted for me to receive this recognition. I am honored. I would like to offer a big congrats to the other nominees, every one on the list deserves this award, especially Northern Rider who is now sitting in the pole position for next month race...

My real name is Dan. I am 28 and live in Apple Valley,MN (a southern suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul) with my beautiful wife of 9 months, Tori. She doesn't quite understand my infatuation with cars or this forum, but she knows they both make me happy so she leaves it alone. I grew up near Madison, WI the middle child of three boys and the only male in the house who did not pursue a career as an auto mechanic. I liked to draw so I went to college to study art. It was here I discovered Industrial Design...sketching and creating products on paper that work "in theory", then handing them to an engineer to make them work in the real world. Currently, I design displays, environments, casework, and security devices for Best Buy retail stores and the other brands they own. Before I was married I also worked part time selling diamonds at the Mall of America....it kept me busy since my fiance lived 5 hours away and I was saving the extra cash for my dream car....which wasn't a magnum.

All through college I wanted a BMW 330CI convertible. I'm not sure I remember why, I just did. One night last year, shortly after riding along on a test drive of a black magnum SXT with a friend looking for a family car, I was surfing BMWs on autotrader.com when I had an epiphany. I realized the car I buy would have to be my daily driver year round and probably be around when we start having kids...I should be looking for a "family"car. I had been a GM fan since I got my license, but their styling lately has had much to be desired. I came back to the magnums...and then found this site. I did some photochops for my own benefit to try to visualize what this car could be. I had to have one. I began to post the 'chops for feedback here as well as attempting other members' requests out of curiosity as to what the car would look like with their ideas applied. It is almost a year later and I am still trying help people visualize their mods before making costly errors in judgement. My car is by far not the most modded car on the forum. In fact people who do not know these cars don't realize it is any different than the ones on the dealer lot. I have tweaked a lot of llittle things here and there. But overall I feel the DC designers did a tremedous job on the car and that shouldn't be messed with just to be "different".

Now I have to be honest with everyone. I would like to say I provide photochops because I'm just a really nice guy. Truth is, I get as much from it as I hope you do. I really only know some of the basics of Photoshop. To become fluent in the software one must play and practice with it. This forum provides me with practice problems to solve on a regular basis that my job couldn't. For this, I thank you. I practically learn something new with each chop.

This forum is awesome. I have never known such a freindly group of "strangers". When I was traveling to LA for work I put out a post saying I wanted to hear some non-stock exhaust. 10 minutes after getting to my hotel , Redinorange and Cucamonga Red were parked out front taking time out of their day to rev their motors and let me listen. That is so cool. The ideas, learnings, sharings, and freindships formed on this site are incredible. I am so honored being chosen LXOM by guys and gals I respect so much.....

Thank You!!! :-D









"hey! whats with all the Monkeys"...
I must make mention of my obvious infatuation with monkeys. I dont know where it started, but I find monkeys hilarious. My studio, home, and workspace all display monkey pariphinalia. the most common piece is the "barrel of monkeys" monkey that aspendog quilted into my armrest...you cant see it in the wedding photo, but there is a "barrel of monkeys", monkey in the flower on my lapel.....i know its weird, but I'm kooky like that..

[DMAG]

Congrats monkey!

[redinorange]

An excellent choice for LXOM. Nice write up, nice ride, nice family. Certainly has been a pleasure to get to know you and I look forward to seeing you again when you get out this way. Congratulations...

[grinner]

many congrats, monkey. We always love your talent and wit.

[MySRT]

Congrats Monkey.

[Apache]

Congrats on your selection.

[Rev.Hammer]

The honor of voting for you was all ours!! Congratulations to a truly excellent individual!

[Northern Rider]

Congrats, Monkey.

It's always a treat to read your posts and gaze upon your great artwork.

[HemiPete]

Congrats Monkey !

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

Congrats Dan. A well deserved recognition for a great guy. I always enjoy your posts and artwork. - Walt

[67alecto]

Way to go - your write-up equals your 'chops!

[Dupie24]

Congrats! Thanks for all the help with peoples designs

[Maggs]

Congrats!!!

[thewagon]

Congrats on the LXOM! I'm new here, but enjoy reading your posts and your insight on things. Great writeup and congrats on the marriage too

Andrew

[HighHorseman]

Congrats monkey on your win and also to all of the nominees to the August LXOM contest. Without members like all of you, this forum wouldn't the great place that it is. Keep it up!

Joshua, HHP