Beat LA?

I consider myself a sports fan. I casually watch sports without religiously following any one team or sport except for the Lakers. But admittedly, on average I only watch about 70% of regular season Laker games, allowing myself to miss weekend night games and some of the unexciting match-ups (e.g., Pacers, Grizzlies, Bobcats). Sure, come late-May every Laker fan is "die hard", but that's expected. But I digress...

I believe it was during the 2008 NBA Finals when I first heard the chant. Or it might have started earlier. A part of me wants to say it started during the Finals Series against the Pistons a few years back, but I may be mistaken for the equally irritating "DE-TROIT BASKETBALLL!"chant. Most recently this infamous chant has been adopted by Phillies fans against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Regardless of its origin, it always seems to get under my skin. In unison, a steady roar fills the arena and shakes the very foundation of the playing field or the basketball court. "Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.!"

Every time I think of fans cheering this I envision a shabbily dressed "bro", with his backwards cap, gripping his Bud Light and pumping his fist into the air. He's fueled by the sexual frustration that he has built up all year long dividing his time between Sports Center and Facebook stalking his no-longer-attainable random hook-ups from high school. He grew up in a sleepy northeast or midwest town half an hour outside of Philly, Boston, Chicago or Detroit and used to dream about moving to sunny LA. He won't admit it, but he shed a tear on the last episode of the OC. and never misses an episode of Entourage. He secretly still hopes that one day he'll actually be able to make the big move West he has always dreamed about. But for now, he'll have to make due as he climbs the corporate ladder at Bank of America (which oddly enough he treats like the Boiler Room and where he works as a teller Monday through Friday, sporting a gelled up fauxhawk and obnoxiously bright shirt and tie combinations).

It's in the mid 80s in LA in mid October and he's in a winter coat, walking to the bar to watch his team play the Dodgers or the Lakers. Now his buzz from Happy Hour is wearing off and the only emotion that pierces through the insecurity that plauges his everyday life is pure rage. It's so unfair. His team is losing, despite being heavily favored in this match-up, it's so sunny in LA it could be noon in July and the dude who his girlfriend left him for last month bares a striking resemblance to Luke Walton. It's hard to believe the game is being aired live when he peers out the window to see street lights glistening off the wet asphalt.

At this point he doesn't even care who wins. The only thing he wants to see is LA lose. "Beat LA! Beat LA! Beat LA!"

As much as it irks me to hear fans screaming this with conviction, a part of me loves it.

Rule #45

No matter how you try to deny you believe it. . . YOU ARE NOT A CYCLIST FROM THE 80s!

Life is Better

Kids Love Marshmallows

Ukraine's Got Talent....

Kseniya Simonova has taken the internet by storm with her moving performance on Ukraine's Got Talent. In this video her art speaks for itself as she gracefully strokes and guides sand to project powerful images set in Kiev during World War II.

My rambling voice messages usually include incoherent mumbling and end with passive aggressive cursing. I really need to work on that.

Meanwhile, here's a refreshing reminder that with honesty (and without the Maker's Mark) a sincere voice message doesn't necessarily make you a creep.

Take a listen to ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt tell the truth.

Rule #44

When you have to ask "Listen to this and tell me if you think it's creepy", 90% it usually is. Trust me.

Blue Print 3

Just when you thought he was fading to black the unoffical "Mayor of New York" has done it again. The album lives up to its name-- worthy of bearing the name of its two predecessors, proving once more that Brookln's Bad Boy is the only hip hop artist out there talented enough to outdo himself.

Take a listen.

Phoenix - On Fire

Ahhh yea-- Here's another hit from Phoenix off their debut album "United" (2000). If you're going to be in LA you still might be able to catch some tickets to their show at the Greek Theatre in September. It's sure to be a great way to cap off a great summer.

Recession-Proof Shades

Stop crying about the fourth pair of tortoise shell wayfarers you lost and check these cheap alternatives out. These classic 80s shades were made popular by machine-gun-toting thugs on Magnum PI and/or that creepy neighbor you had with the NRA bumper sticker and inconspicuous mustache.

Face it. You don't need polarized sunglasses (unless you moonlight as a pro bass fisherman) and besides... It's about time we all start buying sunglasses we can afford to lose. At $20 a pair, these are hard to beat. Check em' out!

BLUEBLOCKERS

Office Video Viral of the Week

Within the first two minutes of this video, your initial thoughts might be "Why?... Why would they ever choose to do this at their wedding? Chris Brown... Really?" But in deciding whether you like it or not, you hopefully (like me), are able to discern something much more admirable in this than what initially may strike you as cheesy or unoriginal. Yes, there is in fact something strangely romantic about this video. Not because it's cheesy or in some ways a rip-off of something we've seen before in "Love Actually", but because you realize what good friends it must take to agree to fully commit to this. While the choreography progressively gets worse you begin to notice that what these people lack in rhythm and grace is compensated by the genuine kindness in their effort.

After all is said and done, only true love can change your mind about Chris Brown.

Back in Business: Staying Hungry in the District

For the past four years I've been blogging from LA and then from New York City. Since my recent move to the nation's capitol, I've continued to pursue my passion for food, drink and most importantly the overall dining experience. This insatiable hunger and curiosity has already lead me to some of DC's unique culinary trademarks (i.e. jumbo slices).

Although the lulls of a post-graduate/9-to-5 lifestyle will surely take away from the adventures I once could afford, I am certain that this city, so steeped in history and culture will keep me hungry for more.

As I gradually discover the delectable gems that DC has to offer I fully intend on keeping the Big Apple in my rearview, following along with the raucous and dynamic restaurant scene to which I owe my sincere appreciation for food.

DC posts soon to follow.

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.