Lucy Pearl Video

Here is a rare video off one of the best R&B collaborations of all time. Enjoy this track.

Mercadito

I make it a habit to read the daily specials written on the chalkboards in front of restaurants. On several occasions I've come across some of the best deals in the city (i.e. unlimited Coors Light and Bon Chon chicken wings during Happy Hour). However, this last week on Ave B I stumbled upon what might have been the five most glorious words to grace the front of any restaurant...

"ALL YOU CAN EAT TACOS"

For $21 you can get any of the 8 different tacos at Mercadito Cantina. Located on Ave B between 11th and 12th St the cantina has a modern and minimalist interior mostly consisting of varnished wood paneling. Tacos here are of a different world. As a native Angelino, I hold my tacos to the standard of those street tacos on which I grew up, but these are simply put, something else. Other than the standard double corn tortilla foundation the filling of Mercadito tacos are of the highest quality and sauces/salsa.

For your convenience, and since no reasonable person would pass up this opportunity. I've ranked my favorite tacos

1. Pescado - topped with pickled onions and fried to perfection

2. Carnitas - Smokey chipotle sauce

3. Shrimp - battered and served with a cool jalepeno slaw

Mac Essentials

If you're like me, then you hate not being able to get music from your iPod back onto your computer (a.k.a. not being able to rip Steely Dan's Greatest Hits off your friends 80 GB iPod Classic).

Here's your answer. Senuti 1.1 if you're internet savvy then you won't have a problem finding a free download somewhere online. Otherwise the program will run you about 18 bucks. But with that cash you could have bought the Steely Dan CD 9 times.

Summer Jams: 2000

When you think of Ginuwine you immediately think of songs like "Pony", "So Anxious" or possibly "In Those Jeans". Only a real fan could recall this catchy track straight off the Romeo Must Die OST! Here's one that's sure to bring you back to the Y2K.

Enjoy

A Tribute to Billy

A few weeks ago at the Snapple Big Apple BBQ in Madison Square Park I had the privilege of meeting Billy Mays. His perfectly groomed, jet black facial hair and enthusiasm radiated an energy felt by the fans that swarmed him. He was a funny guy from what I could tell. Easy-going with a humble understanding of the novelty he was to late-night informercial audiences. He was a man I knew right away worked hard. He told my friend "Anything is possible. I started at the age of 40."

His optimism and enthusiasm for life and the dozens of products he endorses will always be remembered.

Top 10 MJ Songs

These are my favorites

10. Stop! The Love You Save - A feel good track

9. Man in the Mirror - A song that challenges us to reconsider our place in this world

8. Scream - Sibling bonding. The memorable intro incorporates white noise and static. Elaborate choreography in the video. Watch for the precursor to Janet's "wardrobe malfunction. Sexy.

7. Never Can Say Goodbye - Little Michael sings his heart out... tear-jerker : (

6. Black or White - Ah yes. Rapping Macualay Culken. Serenading girls of all colors. The video also features interesting Native American dancing as well as Tyra Banks' head morphing into a fat guy with dreadlocks. 

5. Rock With You - Classic MJ

4. You Are Not Alone - Wow. Lisa Marie makes this video worth watching despite the creepy outie bellybutton.

3. It's Great to Be Here (Kenny Dope Remix) - This is a song about gratitude and being happy where you are. In many ways this song reflects how I feel about MJ. Just thankful.

2. I Want You Back - A Perfect Pop Song. Instant dance party. Sure to bring smiles to any situation

1. Remember the Time - Of the many sounds of MJ this was my favorite, a little more funky and smooth sound that makes for unparalleled pop-locking dance choreography in the video. It's a song that was released in my childhood and the song that made me first realize MJs timeless sound. 

The Passing of an Icon

Michael Jackson's life was dedicated to entertainment. As a world-class performer, singer songwriter, actor and philanthropist Jackson's fame, iconic fashion statements and dance moves have left a lasting impression on popular culture and the music world. Words simply cannot express the tremendous grief that has overcome his fans around the world with the news of his death last week.

As I walked the streets of Hollywood last thursday night, a surreal silence in the air overcame the usually populated strip. I observed groups of friends huddled around tables at bars, sitting tamely deep in thought with an occasional glance up at the TV as familiar arial shots of the hospital and the crowds that gathered dominated the local news. His music blared from every bar and every passing car.


There is not a single person I know in this world who has not been personally affected by Michael Jackson. The reality of that statement is a testament to Jackson's genius. Not many people on this planet are endowed with the talent to bring joy to people through their art (try playing "I Want You Back" at a party and you'll see what I mean). His work and contribution to humanity has at the very least made us dance, laugh and brought joy to us in ways that no other artist or entertainer of our generation can compare. For this, his legacy will continue and his music will transcend future generations.

Otaku in Osaka

I do incredibly embarrasing things. Whenever I forget a person's name, drool in mid-sentence, or (most recently) leave awkward voice messages and feel like I've just done something I'll cringe about years down the line, I watch funny videos on YouTube.


This is a much needed a feel-good clip. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that at least in Japan my nerdiness is a social norm.

Bay 2 Breakers 2009

This video is a little late but check it out anyway!

Rule #43

"Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, A, B, Start"-- There are some cool secret you have to be nerdy  enough to know. 

Rule #42

Learn how to cook for yourself  once in a while. It's cheap and healthy. And you know what they say about a man who knows his way around the kitchen, right?

Los Angeles Lakers 2009 NBA Champions

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have closed the series in Orlando, FL. The Game 5 victory over the Orlando Magic (99-86) secured the 15th franchise championship for the Lakers. This is Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher's fourth championship run with the Lakers. Bryant was awarded Finals MVP honors in his first NBA Finals victory without Shaquille O'Neil.

Congratulations to the Lakers and the Laker fans around the world! I'm taking the long way home! See you at the parade!

TV/TV

You heard it first here! This rising indie/pop/rock band will be hitting the national spotlight in the next few months as they play the Warped Tour this summer. TV/TV is the real thing, the complete package-- great performers, talented musicians and song writers as well as all-around good guys. After a short practice run of their new tunes last night at Lit Lounge they were seen making their rounds thanking their loyal fans/friends. The band will be immortalized in video game history as their track will be featured on EA Sport's NHL '09. Listen out for them or check their tracks out online.


CALL IT LOVE




GOOD COP, BAD COP
*listen for the shout out to Tompkins Square Park!

Another Hit from SuperNews..

This is awesome. Right on point.

1 More Game!

I miss this feeling. After last year, LA needs this more than ever. Let's go Lake Show. Let's bring the 'ship back home!

Mika - Relax, Take It Easy

This little Euro Dance hit goes out to "80s Horror Girl"... you know who you are! Haha! Instant hand-clapper.


Enjoy

Top Ten Signs It's Summer (and you need a job)

I remember the summers in elementary school. I stayed up late to watch Conan, woke up at noon, had raspberry popsicles all day, watched MTV all day, taught myself to make quesadillas and grilled cheese and rollerbladed everywhere. Not much has changed since then.

Here are the Top 10 signs summer has arrived and you need to get a job. Now, I'm not one to judge. I have only been able to observe these signs because I, myself, have too much time on my hands.

So here they are:

1. You get more than 8 hours of sleep

2. You talk to the TV like they can hear you (during newscasts, movies, etc)

3. Unavoidable naps after lunch

4. Multiple showers a day

5. You look up every concert in town for the next month

6. Your alarm is your friends text that they've sent from work during their mid-morning break

7. Leaving the apartment for lunch is more about getting fresh air then hunger

8. You average 1.5 status updates on Facebook per day

9. You memorize every line to "She's All That" (1999)

10. You can name 3 Billy May's endorsed products

Rule #41

Bob Costas is a Sports Journalist, everyone else is just a commentator.

Bing!

Microsoft has launched a search engine that combats the over-saturation of the internet by magically producing more refined searches. Admittedly, the site has proven effective in the few searches I've conducting on it. Even with a user-friendly interface and advanced search technology, in terms of competition with Google, it's as effective as shooting a pebble at a bullet train. But good try Microsoft.

Gruppo Lunch Specials on Ave B

Have you ever experienced a series of events or situations that are so coincidental and bizarre they place you under a spell of utter disbelief?

Today I woke up and immediately decided I wanted a pizza with artichoke on it. I was craving a quality pizza, not your average slice. I still don't know why. Although I live a short walk away from Artichoke on 14th St. I was completely against waiting in line there. It's too creamy for my tastes and in my opinion, grossly overrated. As if no one has had good artichoke dip with toasted bread before? But that's a story for another post.

I remembered walking by a dimly lit pizza place on Ave. B the evening before, so I decided to head in that direction. I finally found the pizza place. They are currently running lunch specials and happy hour deals that are hard to beat.

- 2 slices and a pint of beer for $5
- A sandwich and salad for $9
- A 16" pie and a pitcher of Yeungling for $18

These are quality pizzas with premium ingredients. Thin crust pies are less filling than the typical slice but these were absolutely delicious. (and I hesitate to use superlatives for anything!) Tangy freshly made marinara over a thin, yet soft, crust and topped with globs of fresh mozzarella. I took the deal for 2 slices (a pepperoni and spinach/artichoke).

As I sat at the bar scarfing down lunch I realized I didn't even know the name of hidden gem I had just discovered. I grabbed a nearby menu that read, "Gruppo". The name immediately rang a bell and then I suddenly remembered that a friend had suggested this restaurant to me almost two years ago. I realized it had been years since I spoke to her. I ordered another round of slices. I wondered if I should let her know I finally stumbled upon the pizza place. (When you're grabbing lunch at the bar solo you have ample time to fiddle with your Blackberry and contemplate these things). I decided against it and told the kind man behind the bar I would be back tomorrow.

Interesting enough, out of the blue, an hour later I got a message on Facebook from the same person who suggested the pizza joint from earlier in the day. Weeird huh? *Cue Twilight Zone music!

That being said... Seriously check out Gruppo Pizza on Avenue B between 11th and 12th. Great Pizza and generous recession specials.