It's just one of those things that everyone should do at least once in their life. The world's oldest consecutively held annually foot race across San Francisco has drawn in millions to be part of the spectacle. The anticipation is killing me as the third Sunday in May quickly approaches.
For the past couple of years my brothers and I have made it a point to be a part of the festivities. It seems like every year the group that makes the trip to Bay to Breakers has gotten a little bigger, a little crazier and a lot more fun. This year it looks like that trend will continue as our group grows by the day!
As a token of appreciation for reading this post I would like to invite you to join in on the party. I know it might be hard for that reader in Florida (thanks by the way)... but for those of you in California (Valley Village, Los Angeles, Fountain Valley, Alviso, and especially San Francisco) feel free to come to the corner of Fell St. and Stanyon on the morning of Sunday May 18th. We will be raging. Expect the 7 B's : Bands, Booze, Blueman Group, Babes, Byron and of course... Balloons... of the water variety.
When finals week rolls around every semester I get a little overwhelmed with work and find myself in a constant battle trying to stay motivated. I always end up trying to get my roommate hyped up on finals too. Last semester we really got into it. We jokingly wrote the most corny inspirational quotes we could think of on our Dry Erase board. Every day leading up to finals week we had a theme to mentally prepare ourselves. For example, Tuesday's theme was "Eyes on the Prize", Wednesday's theme was "Stay Hungry" and Sunday of course was "Show Time!"etc... The whole thing was hilarious... Completely over-the-top, cheesy and pretty silly.
The point I'm struggling to drive at tonight is that there is this saying we have in wrestling that says, "Misery loves company"... but I find it much easier to plow through the "have-to" ("Rookie of the Year" reference) by remembering that humor, silliness or just a positive attitude also demands company. No one ever said that misery is the only path to success.
I totally forgot feature a weekly blog in my last post. Well this week check out one of my "go-to" blogs, Grub Street. It's under the food tab on the home page for New York Magazine. The site has introduced me to great places to eat in the city and they usually post when there are open tables at the more exclusive restaurants.
Last night ... or technically yesterday morning, I mentioned a Daft Punk song on my "Top 10 Songs to Ring in Spring"... I mentioned it because I heard it at a party over the weekend and it was like the first time I heard it. It was stuck in my head all day yesterday and today I found myself listening to the song on my iPod at work. Maybe it's one of those songs you have to hear at a party to really appreciate.
I know I've featured a Daft Punk song recently (see Something About Us)... but this is the last time for a while.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this one, and if you don't then maybe this will give you a good reason to throw a party this weekend and kick spring off with some sweet jams.
At the risk of sounding like negligent parent I honestly have to say I've been swamped with work in the past couple of weeks so I haven't been able to blog so much. I apologize and will make it up to you.
Summer is approaching fast and the stress of finals, papers, locking down a (paying) summer job, and organizing my annual trip to Bay to Breakers is falling on me way too fast... much like the feeling you get when you play Tetris on level 10.
So I'm trying something new tonight. This may be a little weasley but surely a better alternative then seeing the same Curb Your Enthusiasm clip every time you visit. in a nutshell here are abbreviated versions of blogs I would have posted in the last couple of weeks if I had so much time. (Press play down below to que the old school "frantic" music)
Soooo...
-Uma Thurman's new movie "The Life Before Her Eyes" is prettaaay prettaaay good. Definitely recommend it. Be advised. I don't remember coming out of movie that mesmerized since Donnie Darko... Yea its like that.
-Lake Show Baby!! Woo Hoo! Need I say more. Nothing better than kicking off summer with the Lakers in the playoffs with a solid chance at taking back the champiionship.
-Pope was in town a week ago but unfortunately wasn't able to see him at Yankee Stadium or sneak into the UN to see the speech he delivered to the General Assembly. I did however see some excellent pictures. I'm not too worried about it since I'll most likely visit the Vatican in my time abroad next semester.
-For those of you reading this from NYU... (roomies, Dack Attack, Magill) All-Sports party is back in full effect. Looks like it's going to happen after all... Wrestling team holdin' it down keeping the party alive.
-Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour is receiving great reviews. A-Rey, my LA source checked the concert out last weekend and said it was "Craaaaazy"... Too bad the tickets are ridiculously expensive or sold out.
-I really want a road bike.
-Top 10 Songs to Ring in the Spring 2008
10. Jurassic Park Theme Song (I guess?) 9. Journey- Any Way You Want it 8. Janet Jackson- Someone To Call My Lover 7. The Beatles- Here Comes the Sun 6. Estelle- American Boy 5. Daft Punk- Digital Love 4. Justice- D.A.N.C.E 3. Tom Pety- Free Fallin 2. Bill Preston- Nothing From Nothing 1. Naughty by Nature- Feel Me Flow
In attempt to mix things up I won't post a "make up" Top Ten list for this week instead I chose to share a clip from one of my favorite shows on television, Curb Your Enthusiasm. If you haven't heard, this show is written and stars Larry David, the creator of a little show from the 90s called Seinfeld. I think of it as the "real-life" visualization and reenacting of events in David's life that have inspired the type of comic genius of Seinfeld.
I know it's hard getting into a new show. It feels like you're so behind that it's too late to appreciate it so you just forget about it. That's why I don't watch "Lost". Not to worry, that isn't an issue with "Curb". Much like its predecessor each episode is a completely random series of events.
This is one of the funniest musical montages I've ever seen! (check out John Legend's get up too.)
In a recent issue of Esquire I stumbled upon a section dedicated to sleep trivia. It was a collection of cool little facts about sleep, tips on how to get to sleep (i.e. when you toss and turn all night or if you're on a plane) and why we need it. The article came to my attention with perfect timing since I was on a plane where I rarely get decent sleep.
Within that special section I was given what is quite possibly the most valuable sleeping advice I have ever received. I was skeptical at first when I read about a guaranteed method of falling asleep so I had to see for myself. I have to say that after trying it myself on several occasions it has yet to fail me. I am confident this strategy will be as useful to you as it has been to me if executed properly. I encourage you to try this....
Before completing these seemingly arbitrary tasks you should note that a major reason it can be hard to fall asleep is because when we lay down and are left alone with our thoughts, we tend to think mostly about stressful issues. Even if your life in general may not necessarily be stressful you can still think of things, people or situations that evoke anxiety and make it difficult to doze off.
A great way to keep your mind off those type of thoughts is to do the following
1. Focus on a color- think of a color, any color and visualize it. concentrate (e.g. yellow)
2. Begin to list (in your mind) as many objects as you can that are that color. These can be anything at all. So for yellow I would think of Lakers jerseys, my pair of Iversons in 6th grade, the van in Little Miss Sunshine, The McDonalds arches etc.
3. Once you feel you have listed for a long time, then begin to think of categories and then name every thing in that category that is the color you have chosen. Ex. Food- yellow bell peppers, mangoes, mustard, butter. When you can't think of any more think of a new category like animals, articles of clothings, cars,
4. If you can make it this far (I never have) then you have to start thinking of phrases or names that contain the color you are thinking. Ex. Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Yellow Fever, etc.
The last stage is very difficult and I have on all occasions fallen asleep in the middle of stage 2. But I challenge you to try this trick and enjoy the benefit of never having trouble getting to bed.
I've been thinking of whether or not to take advantage of my acceptance to a program abroad... I'm not sure where though.. tons of factors going into this situation but in the process I finally found a new weekly gimmick! Do you ever think of just how many web-pages there are in existence? How every general thing I can think of is probably floating out there, maybe it was written years ago or maybe being created just as you think about it. The internet is the ultimate source of information. I enjoy stumbling across the most obscure web-sites and blogs. So from now on I'll feature a blog that I think is pretty cool or noteworthy.
This weeks blog is something I recently discovered but find amazing! It's definitely one of my new favorites. You can find this blog on the International Herald Tribune website under the "Culture" tab... (or by clicking HERE).... It's called Globespotters. It's a community of contributors around the globe who share their local insights to would-be travelers on topics like dinning, nightlife, special events, shopping and hotels.
Check it out if you are planning a trip in the near future. You can even post questions.
One thing that is always tough to do (at least for some of us) is to sit down and calculate expenses. Recently I have found myself staring down a huge list of both expenses and some very important decisions that will have lasting affects on my life. As these plans and big decisions become more concrete I'll share them with you all, but the point I am struggling to get at today is that things cost a lot!
Every thing we do costs something whether it be time, money or the infinite other opportunities we let pass up. Yes we've all heard this the first day of Econ. right? "No such thing as a free lunch" that is, unless you are with Dickie Shiriani : )
With that in mind I had an old friend over the other night who apparently has not taken full advantage of his own educational opportunities here at NYU. To put it bluntly this person is a poster child for neo-conservative America and his views on social issues mirror those of a Grand Wizard in the Ku Klux Klan. It's more sad than it is shocking when I think about it.
We had a little "debate" on issues that I haven't expressed about ever before on this blog. We talked about the "War" in Iraq (If that's what you want to call it) and it made me think... I remembered hearing how much the war costs a day and it turns out that it is estimated to cost US tax payers 341 MILLION DOLLARS A DAY!.... that is depending who you ask because some statisticians have incorporated the costs Americans have incurred as a result of the increase in the price of oil...
I'll stop here before I fill up my whole home page trying to express a frustration that statistically you most likely share with me. but before I go I will imagine the TOP 10 things I would do with the $508,000,000 million the US has spent on this war.
TOP 10
10. Pay off student loans
9. Hire a personal chef and a full cooking staff
8. Buy a building in Manhattan and get Bobby Flay to open a Thai restaurant downstairs
7. Pay Bravo to take "Millionaire Matchmaker" off the air
6. Loan money to the Dodgers so they could build a championship team
5. Build a network of energy efficient schools in developing countries
4. Sponsor the education of every child in Haiti for a 20 years... and throw in some Nike Frees for all them while I'm at it.
3. Customize a space shuttle with an elastic cord that would pull 100 tons of waste and make daily trips up to space so I could sling the waste toward the sun
2. Hire a marching band to follow me and play songs at my request. (e.g. The Imperial March, Final Countdown, The Gap Band, Stevie Wonder etc.)
1. Throw a party a party on a deserted island and have the theme be "Castaways from Gilligan's Island"
I love magic. I wish I had the time and patience to master the finesse and timing of slight-of-hand magic, but until then I'll be content watching my good friend Mike (aka Magic Mike) do his thing.
Check out his website at www.magicmichael.com!
Here is his promo video. Watch the stunned faces of the two guys at the end : )
Two weeks as ago a friend and I were stranded on the streets of the French Quarters without shelter and dwindling funds. Bourbon Street got old after the first night and after witnessing a sloshed spring breaker nearly fall to his death from a balcony the night before, we were ready for a tame night. We managed to kill a few hours on 2 cent slots at Harrah's casino, but eventually decided to make the trek up Dacateur Street for a late night snack.
We walked toward the world famous Cafe Du Monde without a clue if they were open. The streets were empty and if not for the faint drum and bass of Lil' Wayne blasting from clubs on Bourbon St. they were also quiet. I didn't know the streets well so I found myself peering around every corner trying to catch a glimpse of the large open air patio and green and white awning hoping that the lights would be on.
Moments later we were sitting inside the cafe (the patio was closed) ordering what would be my first* beignet ever. The menu was simple and the food was cheap... really cheap. I began to realize how this place became so popular. I noticed immediately however this place was nothing like I imagined. When I heard about the world famous cafe in the French Quarters renowned for their beignets I pictured a dim, cozy Victorian style building with balconies and cast iron corinthian style patio seats. At least that's what New Orleans looks like at Disneyland. Instead I was sitting in a cafe crammed with seats, the floors were sticky, the water warm and our waitress was sitting down having a midnight snack two table away from us. To cap off the whole experience she scoffed at our 2 dollar tip (for 2.00 beignets!) and at no point did her actions even slightly come close to customer service.
The beignets were excellent but I hate when famous places think they don't have to pay attention to details. They become complacent and feel like their product alone does service to the customers. You see this at Lucky Boys (Pasadena) and Buffalo Wild Wings (Brooklyn), don't even get me started on "street wear" and their so called "boutiques" (aka Supreme, Union, Wesc etc.) They just bring customer service down to a whole new low.
I realize that 30 minutes before closing isn't the best time to come into a place and expect excellent service, however it isn't hard to greet a customer with a smile or just greet them at all. Cafe Du Monde did boast some pretty delicious pastries but the service was borderline insulting.
*Truth be told, my first beignet was consumed earlier in the day from a friend who had just come from the Cafe.
If you are my age or older than you might find this next list amusing.
During my travels last week for spring break I frequented various different bars, clubs and lounges etc. in and around New Orleans, Los Angeles and New York. Being the observant blogger that I am, I took note of specific characteristics that I always notice when going into a place I won't enjoy.
Since I promised two lists this week I have made one multifaceted list.
The Top Ten Signs You Need to Leave a Bar/Club
AND
The Top Ten Signs You are at the Best High School Party Ever
10. Beers and cocktails are being served in plastic Solo cups
9. By cocktails they strictly mean either vodka and orange juice or vodka and cranberry
8. There is a lady selling flowers on the dance floor (I think this is an LA thing)
7. They played the "Superman" song twice
6. There are 18 year old girls riding a mechanical bull
5. They played the "Superman" song once
4. It is located in a strip mall (unless the strip mall has a 24 hour Taco Bell)
3. After you get passed the bouncer you are approached by a scrawny frat boy asking for a $10 dollar cover charge
2. There is an obnoxious emcee on stage screaming obnoxious things like "Wanna take it back to the 80s ladies?!" and belting the lyrics to every song.
1. The DJ is using his iTunes to play music
* Note: There are definitely exceptions to some of these rules. I have definitely been to fun places with plastic cups... and I even know of a cool place that happens to be in a strip mall. I also don't believe there is a place that possess all 10 of these characteristics and if it does exist then I'm glad I am not aware of it.
This is the song I hope to be partying to in a few months...
It's been a while since my last post.. quite possibly the longest time without a new post this year. I have been all over NOLA and LA over spring break and have plenty of new food reviews as well as some funny stories that I'll be sure to post about in the next month.. I missed a wednesday top ten list this week but I'll make up for it this week with two top ten lists or even better... A top 20 List!!!
As promised here is this week's Top Ten. In light of recent scandals involving Governor Spitzer and a 5"4' brunette named Kristen.. I wanted to feature a list of our "favorite" (aka those that are most comically offensive) R&B lyrics. You know the ones I'm talking about... "Feelin' on yo booty".... "Feel a lil' poke coming through"... etc... but then I realized Jodeci and Joe dominated half that list... So that category will have to be put on hold until I have the time to do some research...
As for right now it has just come to my attention that my blog is now being read in 14 different countries! So in honor of the international subscribers out there, here is a list of top ten countries I would like to visit among the 14 countries that have visited me.
10 to 1, last to first.
10. Canada- Sorry eh.
9. Colombia
8. Norway- way too cold.. and I wouldn't be able to handle all those hours of night,
This March, instead of joining in on all the traditional spring break festivities (a.k.a. navigating overcrowded multilevel clubs in Mexico that are overflowing with dudes and on a good day, peppered with girls that are way overdressed for a place with sand dance floors and who all think they're classy by double fisting plastic cups of moonshine and blue food coloring) I'll be in New Orleans developing a my commitment to action.
What do I mean by commitment to action? About a month ago I, and over a thousand other college students from around the globe proposed commitments that would address the most pressing global issues of today.These commitments address four focus areas (global health, energy & climate change, human rights, poverty alleviation). Around 500 of these students were selected to participate in the latest project of the Clinton Global Initiative, CGIU- a conference that will bring together students, university presidents and their commitments and help put them into action.
I won't disclose the full details of my commitment here since it is not a finished product and is at a point where it can go in one of two very different directions. However, what I will say is that my commitment is to energy and the climate crisis. I would like to collaborate with an existing organization to reach out to middle schools students and create a school wide program aimed at finding simple energy saving and environmentally friendly solutions in schools. I've got great ideas and will surely share them with my loyal readership as they slowly become a reality in the next few months.
I'm really excited to kick off spring break in New Orleans and be a part of a project that has already proven to be a huge success in engaging young people and shedding light on global issues that our generation must begin to act upon. As if the star studded guest list were not enough the great music, cajun food, Southern belles, mint juleps and "Hurricanes" can only make it better ... I can hear the trumpets blaring now.
This week I have some serious midterms so I'll get back to you on Wed. for a half-assed Top Ten list. And to that I will say, in the words of my favorite Cajun cartoon character, Leatherhead.... "I GUA-RAN-TEE!!"
I've been contemplating this all day and I decided to rank my top 10 teachers (K-12). Unlike Ratemyprofessor.com I ranked these instructors based on personality, raw teaching ability and the ex-factor... (as always)... corniness.
Since most people have no idea who these people are I have included a tag line that explains what earned them their spot among this special group.
Ascending from great to greatest:
1. Mrs. Steben (1st Grade)- Eucharistic minister who taught me how to tie my shoes
2. Mr. Nielsen (5th Grade)- The stereotypical "cool" teacher at every school.
3. Dr. Hatch (6th Grade Math) - Took me out of a traditional math courses
4. Mr. Luce (7th Grade History)- Main vocalist of the all-teacher cover band, Teacher's Pet.
5. Mrs. Porner (4th Grade)- Took me to Huntington Gardens 3 times.
6. Mr. Nitzani (7th Grade P.E.)- SPMS P.E. legend and inventor of 'Nitzani Ball'.
7. Ms. Fieblekorn (6th Grade P.E.)- She made me want to be an athlete.
8. Mrs. Bran (K)- All kindergarten teachers are nice, but not all of them can wear bell bottoms and sport an afro in '94!
9. Mrs. Fullinwider (Math 9th/10th)- Spent her weekends on a touring motorcycle. She was one of those teachers you hated for pushing you.
10. Mr. Ring (12th Bio)- I got a 'D' in his class and an 'A' in college level biology. He is a all around a great guy. Not to mention extremely corny.
I realize this list is completely useless and not entertaining for readers outside of the South Pasadena Unified School District loop... but my hope is that after reading this you think back to your Top Ten Teachers and the funny catch phrases and memories you've shared with them.
Lastly, to express my gratitude for these teachers here is a hit from my elementary school days. And yes, those are khaki shorts, plaid vests and ties.
At work, when you get bored of reading blogs or hunting down videos of fighting giraffes on Youtube you should check out "Over Heard In New York", a website where New Yorkers post things they over hear everyday in the city. The website is a hit. I love people watching, and I am guilty of eavesdropping on occasion... Just a few moments ago I overheard a girl standing on a corner explaining how horrible her date was and that she was desperately trying to fake sick.
One of my all time favorite things over heard was couple's conversation in Central Park playing Scrabble...
(Girl just wins)
Girl: Yay!... Wait,hey hon, does your butt hurt?
Guy: Haha no. Why?
Girl: Oh because that's where I just raped you!
Guy: God I love you.
The site is really addicting and gives you a glimpse of the thousands of the stupid, funny and terrifying things we say to each other everyday. At the very least you'll learn to watch what you say the next time your on the phone or think no one is listening.
This week's "Top Ten" is dedicated to words or phrases that make me cringe. Some of these are just subtle word choices that I for some odd reason always pick up, sound awkward or bother me. You hear them all the time. Others on the list include words or phrases that are overused or misused and end up sounding stupid or corny (but not corny in a good way).
Ascending in order from bearable to "I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear that"
1. "Next on the line"- (as oppose to "in line") I think this is a regional thing.
2. "Who of you" (ex. "It would be who of you to make sure you arrive on time.")
3. "Inebriated"- You were not that drunk after 1 and a half cranberry vodkas
4. "Berate"- This is directed to my teammates, but seriously... What happened to "bagging"?
5. "Blast Dookies"- (ex. "Dude, I gotta go blast some dookies.) I actually like this one.. I just wanted to share it : )
6. When girls or homo-normative males use "bitch", "slut" or "whore" as a term of endearment.
7. "Preggers"- That doesn't even make sense.
8. "Party Foul!"- That's just old... and come on it was an accident.
9. When people announce uncomfortable situations by saying "Awkward!"- That is just plain immature whether you are completely unaffected by the situation or if it actually makes you uneasy.
10. Ending correspondence in "Cheers" or "Best" (and you are not from London, Ireland or Australia)- Best what? And unfortunately I am not reading your Email at a bar.
Tonight a few friends and I decided to go to celebrity chef Mario Batali's Del Posto. The decor was stunning. Everything about the interior from the elegant marble staircase and grand piano to the mini ottomans set beside womens' chairs to hold their purses made this scene one of the best looking indoor spaces in the city. The menu showcased authentic, rich italian dishes with an excellent wine and rare beer selection to top it off.
Del Posto is definitely a date scene. This is a place to go for the experience, not if you're hungry. The servings were disappointingly small but offered a unique take on Italian and exemplified the detail and intricacies that characterize Batali's trademark style. The excellent service including compliments from the chef before and after dinner were another highlight of the night.
Go to Del Posto and see smell and taste for yourself what many acclaim as one of NYC's premier dining Establishments.
Happy tuesday.. hang in there only a couple of more days of this week to go. Here is a song to help you unwind after a shitty Tuesday at school or work or wherever you are.
Every year the equipment room at the gym issues all athletes new work out clothes (e.g. Powerliners, socks, towels, shorts, shoes, jump rope, shirts, etc.) and a personal laundry bag so that after you work out you can have your sweaty clothes washed. However, the equipment room that issues the gear and does the laundry has strict rules when it comes to the laundry bags. Come to think of it there are really only two things to remember. 1) don't forget to seal your bag 2) Never put personal belongings in your bag.- The following account is true although some names have been altered. -
It all began last December... It was finals week. I had two of the hardest finals of my life coming up and I was operating on little sleep. I left the gym that day in a hurry because I had to make it up to Harlem for an interview. It would be my last work out until I returned to NY after break. Now I don't remember this happening, but apparently when I sealed my bag I left a huge hole in the opening... I broke the first rule and I was going to pay.
In January I got back to the equipment room and requested my laundry bag. It was all in slow motion as "Baron" the equipment room guru came from behind the steel cage with an empty laundry bag. It was like he was playing a practical joke on me. "I know he doesn't think I turned in an empty laundry bag." I thought to myself. I opened up the bag only to find a lone shriveled sock. My gear was lost in the mystery that lurks behind the steal cage at Coles Sports Recreation Center, in a sea of random sports equipment that only a select few can navigate.
I was pissed so I decided to start working out in my own workout clothes, and washing them in my laundry bag. I blatantly broke the second rule in retaliation for my lost clothes. Little did I know that the equipment room Nazi, "Gulliver" and his loyal wench "Tina" had other plans...
I had a perfect plan. I would only put shirts in the laundry bag that looked like the issued shirts so my bag wouldn't stand out... and then when they least expect it I would get bold and sneak in a white shirt or maybe a blue shirt. So my plan worked well until about a week ago.
I got my bag back after the long weekend and to my surprise I was missing some clothes again (my shirts and a towel). Baron and I trade glances as I quickly grab the bag and retreat to the locker room to investigate what happened. There have beenrumors of the equipment room confiscating personal belongings in laundry bags but I never really believed them.
"They took my shirts!" I announced in the locker room and I couldn't even ask for them back without awkwardly admitting that I have been in violation of their strictest policy. Out of principle I would not admit my wrong-doing and let them keep the shirts.
In the waning days of the season the running gag in the wrestling room was "What the hell is Byron wearing today?".. I had no issued clothing left and resorted to sweatshirts, t-shirts from home and on one occasion, the top we use for competition.
Yesterday was the last workout of the year and I decided to admit defeat, bite the bullet and ask the equipment room for my shirts back. As I made my way into the equipment room a figure emerged from the steal cage behind the counter. It was Baron... and he was wearing my shirt!
