The Velvet Rocket
Online Magazine
The Velvet Rocket focuses on independent journalism and travel, but also endeavors to blend in the bizarre, the beautiful and the interesting for good measure. Long-suffering readers will discover that The Velvet Rocket is about the personal sometimes as well, as its editor seems unable to refrain from talking about himself on occasion…
Your Editor
I embrace anything that can be construed as an adventure. I want to hike the John Muir Trail and visit Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar. I try to find humor in even the worst situations. I prefer cold weather to hot weather. I love watching displays of excess. I used to work for an investment bank in the City. I’m a sucker for camo. I can be inconsistent, but I’m not a flake. I want to get a picture in a Patagonia catalog. I’d like to have a beer with Peter Thiel, Edward Luttwak and C.J. Chivers. I try not to take myself too seriously, but I do not always succeed. I have tried every flavor at Il Chiosco delle Grattachecche di Ostia. I love speed (the Ferrari kind, not the chemical kind). I can knowledgeably discuss topics ranging from wavelength division multiplexing to coup attempts by mercenaries in resource-rich African countries to chainsaws to Napoleon’s campaign across Europe. I’m a damn good shot. I like classic French literature. I can fly an airplane or ride a motorcycle. I enjoy comedy shows. I was voted “Most likely to win the Indy 500″ by my graduating class in high school. I travel a lot, but I always want to travel more. I believe in an ambitious space program, conservation and maintaining a high savings rate. It’s almost impossible to embarrass me, so don’t bother trying.
Loving the new look, Bro :D
Hey , great to see the blog!
I enjoyed the history and pictures and politicalness of it all, quite impressive and ambitious. -Sky
I love the new look. :)
Dig your site man! Keep living it up.
hi,
just thought i’d leave a comment,
from a reader far away in New Zealand,
but nice blog bro (Y)
Love the blog… stumbled across it on a Google search. Thanks for sharing your travels.
Just finished your Sudan entries! I found this blog while researching about ancient Nubia.
Awesome photos, wonderful observations! Thanks for them.
I’m definately going to look around some more.
Keep up the good work!
Greetings from Germany
Looks like you’re embracing quite the adventure in your photo. I’m now listing The Velvet Rocket as my favorite blog.
Dearest Justin & Elenora -
Just this last week end went on a tour of the old mining sites and cemetaries out of La Porte. Googled the author, Jann E. Garvis, and your photos of Port Wine came up. WOW – we were just there on Saturday, 8/21 – and while scolling down, I spy a profile of a very tall young man, and said to myself, HMMM he looks like Brandon. Kept scrolling, and low and behold IT WAS BRANDON!
Nice to recognize a few faces. Take care – both of you.
Lorraine
Justin, I think you are completely awesome and I would totally have your children if you were not already taken.
Enjoyed your Afghanistan blog. I am currently in Kunduz on the PRT, but have been in many of the places in Northern Afghanistan. I wish more people can see the country the way you did. I have met some interesting people out here and find them to be very friendly and welcoming even though I wear a uniform. Afghan people are simple in regards to a lot of things, and I have found it easy to gain their respect. It is too bad this place has seen so much war. I think this country would be an interesting place for Westerners to visit.
This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
nice blog ;)
Hi there! I’m passing through to let you know that i’ve selected you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can find out about why I selected you and what you need to do in my link below.
http://nocturnefirefay.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/1973/
Congratulations!
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!