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On the Hot Seat
with Brent May

{Intro by Murph, the Seasoned Rookie}

I met Brent May at one of Ranger Rick's infamous Fab Fests in Nashville, Indiana. Since then I have had the honor and pleasure of learning the true meaning and spirit behind such philosophy as, "hit it with your purse," and "reach into your sack of stupid."

Brent can usually be found accompanied by a crowd of zooki fanatics often referred to as the Bedford Boys Flying Circus.

Over the past several months, Brentley has been expressing interest in joining the ranks of the Izook Staff -- an idea which after much consideration, several cocktails, and countless arm wrestling tournaments with Terrina, we finally decided to give him a space to call his own.

There have been some questions sent my way regarding the future of the Seasoned Rookie -- specifically, was I stepping down and was Brent taking over? The answer is a resounding, "absolutely not." If anything I hope to see us writing some team articles in the future, possibly some Martha-Stewartesque postings, who knows what we have in store. What I do know for sure is that Brent comes to us with Experience, Knowledge, and most importantly, an Imagination and sense of humor.

Brent's idea is to write a brief expose' on various Zookers, sometimes staff, and sometimes newcomers. Somehow I've been chosen as his guinea pig -- let's see how it goes!

Brent: "Let's start with your full name?"
Reply: "K.C. Murphy, but my friends call me Murph"
Brent: "Where were you born Murph?"
Reply: "In Chicago, IL"

Brent: "And how old are you?"
Reply: "I am 31"

Brent: "Where do you currently live?"
Reply: "In Peoria, IL between the two zoos -- Glen Oak Zoo and the East Bluff neighborhood."
Brent: "OK, Where do you work?"
Reply: "Depends on which day it is. During the week, I am the supervisor of the photo retouching department for an international stock photography corporation. As a "fun job" on weekends, I'm part of a small crew at Brewsters Comedy Club (www.brewstersonline.com) (shameless plug...lol) where I've been known to make appearances on stage as well as behind the bar"

Brent: "How long have you been into the sport of off-roading?"
Reply: "My first time on the trails was my 21st birthday, My friend Jason took me out with hs FJ40 club up in Chicago. Then in 1999, I bought a little blue Samurai and I've been insane ever since then."
Brent: "Who or what first got you really interested in the sport?"
Reply: "A group of guys I call "the older gentlemen." When I first got my Suzuki, I figured it was just a "jeep substitute" because I couldn't afford the Wrangler Sahara I had my heart set on -- but I just wanted it for looks since I loved convertibles. I was a member of one of the mailing lists at the time and one of the guys invited me to go to some place called Attica..."

Brent: "Are you involved in any off-road club's, and if so what is the name of your club?"
Reply: "There is an informal gathering of Zuki Orphans who don't have a club nearby, we call ourselves "Scotty's Lil' Bastards" in honor of our good friend Scott Whitmore, but as for an official club no. I seem to have taken honorary status in The Bedford Boy's Flying Circus however, which is truly an honor, as well as the Beanco Crowd which also is a blast."
Brent: "What is the year, make, and model of your current off-road 4x4?"
Reply: "It's a 1988.5 Sami JX"

Brent: "And how long have you had the little JX?"
Reply: "I'm pretty sure that I got it in September of 1999"

Brent: "Why did you choose this particular 4x4?"
Reply: "Well, like I said before, I couldn't afford the Jeep I wanted at the time, and this was the closest thing to it that I could afford."

Brent: "What's one modification you've done to your rig "by yourself" that you are the most proud of."
Reply: "When I painted it yellow. I totally disassemble the body, so I really got to know the in's and out's of my rig. Although I'm really excited about my yet un-named future modification as well."

Brent: "What was one of the scariest moment you've ever had off-roading?"
Reply: "Hmm....Probably the first time I ever let my parent's drive off road in my Samurai. I don't think I was truly scared, but watching them relearn 40+ years of driving really worried me. Also, the moment that happened with Mom Murph at the ZookiMelt pre-run last year was a little scary. I've also had some moments when I've wondered if I was pushing the limits a little too far, but I've never really been "scared" off road, just a little worried."

Brent: "OK, What was one of the funniest?"
Reply: "Oh man. One of the things I enjoy the most about being on the trails is that true personalities tend to come out in droves -- especially with first time passengers. I think the constant wit and banter keeps a good mood set. But as for the absolute funniest... You've got me hard pressed there. Although last year's ZookiMelt night run when myself and a couple of other's pulled together and found some lost off roader's that had strayed off the trails and out into the dunes with only 2wd was pretty fun. The teamwork that night was great!"

Brent: "What have you learned from the sport that you can apply to your everyday life?"
Reply: "Not to give up so easily -- and there is always a way around everything if you give it a little time and thought. I've notice this helps a lot in my daily driving -- my street driving seems to be a lot smoother and deliberate and thought out instead of slamming the car in drive and pointing it towards my destination."

Brent: "If you could give one piece of advice to any future off road enthusiasts, what would it be?"
Reply: "Support your vendors -- and don't take things too seriously. I feel that this hobby (or sport) should be fun and about the people and not so much the vehicle. Nothing is more frustrating than being judged by the badge on your grille, but then again that says a lot about the mentality of those doing the judging. I honestly feel that a majority of our sport (or hobby) is done off the trails -- the wrenching, planning, repairing, and the dreaming -- that is the most important part -- Many people have air tools and socket sets out the whazoo -- and can repair broken parts like a champ -- but I honestly feel a strong imagination is key to improving our trucks. I cite my Zuk-n-a-half as exhibit A."

Brent: "Ok, time to switch gears a little here. What was the name of the last book you read?" 
Reply: "I'm currently reading an old book called "Confessions of a Hoaxster" by Alan Abel, a scam artist from the 60's who would pull pranks on a national level involving publicity teams, TV appearances and the like. I admire the fact that he could have used his talents to scam money from people or cause all sorts of problems yet kept it as a hobby and made harmless fun."

Brent: "Sounds interesting. What was the last movie that you watched?"
Reply: "The last movie, also an oldie... "Being There" with Peter Sellers. It was filmed in the early 80's and is a well written satire on society and how many people are so wrapped up in themselves that they only see what they want to see. Sellers plays Chauncey Gardener who is recently sent out into the world in his 40's after never having any adult interaction -- all he has learned is from watching television and tending to a garden. If you can find it, strongly recommended."

Brent: "What is your favorite style of music?"
Reply: "I love the blues -- anything with a good back beat and a mean sax is good for me. I'll listen to just about anything, however I don't care for (and don't understand) the "gangsta" rap and that angry screaming metal death music either. Anyone who has been within earshot of my trail tunes knows I can be eclectic in my choices."

Brent: "When your not off-roading, or working, how do you like to spend your time?"
Reply: "Well, as I said before I've been working at the comedy club... I've also been doing a lot of renovation in my house, repairing the old double-sash windows and repainting, stripping the woodwork, that sort of thing. I think I waste too much time pissing around on the internet though, but that comes with the colder months."

Brent: "If I gave you a plane ticket to visit any where in the world, where would you go?"
Reply: "Peoria, IL. I'd want a round-trip ticket though (laughing)."

Brent: "Well then, name someplace that you have visited, that you would love to visit again." 
Reply: "I'd have to say that I haven't traveled much, but a few years ago I did find myself in London and really enjoyed it there. I think if I had the opportunity to go there again under the same circumstances, I'd return -- however I would like to see other parts of the world as well. I don't have any destinations in mind however."

Brent: "Well Murph, it's been fun talking to you, and you are officially off the hot seat!"

07/24/10 08:20:34

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