You're Made That Way

I like the idea of small, intimate studio audiences kind of like they used to have on shows like MTV Unplugged.

Here's a performance that predates the short-lived MTV show. The Doobie Brothers were some of the most soulful R&B artists of their time. I wish the audio quality for this vid was slightly better but I think their hair. the outfits and the antiquated synths add to the groovy effect of the song.

Enjoy!

Congratulations D-Mac!

Doug "D-Mac" Mckain, author of the The Douglas Daily and photoshop extraordinaire in a truly "Rudy-esque" underdog story will be attending the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) next fall. Props to the soon-to-be oldest undergrad in LA.


Hate it or love it, the underdogs on top.

Phoenix @ DAR Constitution Hall (DC)

Come check out my favorite band Phoenix on April 26th at the DAR Constitution Hall! Enjoy this acoustic version of a classic. Onetimetoomany

Rogue States

Picture courtesy of some random Flickr account (sorry)

Since the governor of Virginia declared the month of April "Confederacy Month" I have silently protested by refusing to go to VA for the Month of April. A year ago this would mean nothing, and I would likely have no problem doing this but since discovering Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington I am faced with a perplexing moral dilemma. Rather than give into my burger cravings and patronize a business that pays taxes that in some way helps Virginia and its ridiculous governor, I opted for some local fare.

A burger place on Conneticuit Ave. recently opened up which ironically (not in the tired hipster way) is called Rogue States. At the restaurant standard of $7 per burger not including premium toppings this place is pretty steep for a walk-up burger joint. I ordered the basic "Rogue States" burger with cheddar cheese and grilled onions. Rouge States skillyfully forms each of their patties folded with a unique flavor profile of spices and herbs (i.e., jerk, habenero, curry or basil patties). Burgers are smoked over wood chips and grilled to medium or rare.

As unique as the place seems it is difficult to overlook how Ray's in Arlington has influenced this burger joint such as the table-ready condiments, picnic style tables and even the usage of soft airy brioche buns.

My burger was cooked medium and the patty cooked down to a smaller size than I would have liked to see for a $7 burger. The bun overpowered the patty and although the signature burger is infused with cilantro, I tasted nothing extraordinary about the meat itself.

I would give this place another try, perhaps for the jerk or curry blended patties but from what I can discern from my first trip it's nothing to write home about.

A Song For No One

It's that time of year again! The Lakers are on what looks to be a very promising playoff run. The sun is out and the weather is warm. And as I prepare for yet another big move back West from the DC to SF, here is some sweet driving music that'll surely be in heavy circulation on my iPod as I make it up the coast for my annual pilgramage to San Francisco on the third Sunday in May.

Enjoy!