Economic Decisions relating to Opportunity Cost of Time Consumption

I will update this blog as soon as I free up some time that is being occupied right now by studying for finals which I dislike. Just a little over a week and this whole finals business will be over for good (no finals next semester). Definitely expecting some big posts this winter break, including my trip to the motherland - Hong Kong.

Punishment of Aggressive Pressure Changes

Thats what I call "SUPER EFFING COLD". Punishing! Wish it stayed warm like it was for the previous 2 weeks.

Reminiscence of Past Congregations

Happy Late Thanksgiving everybody. Got to spend a few days back home in California. Besides the odd-black friday weather, everything has been great. It was definitely rewarding to spend some time back home, get away from the city and relax. However I think I would have been able to enjoy it more had my ankle been less busted; should probably get it checked up soon.

On another note, been using my new ThinkPad that I look to replace my Macbook Pro as my day to day use computer. Its great so far with Windows 7, the other very cool thing I got is the Zune HD. Not really a Black Friday deal on it, but so far it is absolutely cool, and way better than the iPod.

'Till I return to the city.

Climate Conditions Leading to Endorphin Release

All the more reason to be excited to go home for Thanksgiving:


Woo hoo!!!

Snaps from Green Street's performance at Gallery Bar

Here are two pics from the event that the people of BeatCakes organized. Green Street rocked Gallery Bar on Thursday 11/19. Video of the performance coming soon, but keep tabs on Green Street's blog to see when the next time the guys are performing in New York again.



Green Street newest album "Chess Moves" its available free for download. Show these guys some support, and spread the word if you like their music.

Battle Studies First Impressions

Just received the leak for the album "Battle Studies", the fourth album release by John Mayer. He tweeted the okay to listen, and I have pre-ordered my copy so I am within my bounds to write.

I was trying to find words to describe this album, and I will have to steal a page from the Rove interview he did in Melbourne a week or so ago, calling it a "confessional". The lyrics for each song definitely play to that theme, and the beats as well as the guitar and songs rarely go to the extremes that Mayer is more than capable of doing. This album is definitely a departure from Continuum, for better or for worse I'm not entirely sure.

Most of the songs have a very slow beat that emulate the feeling you get driving down a California highway during the sunset as you contemplate your future. Songs talk about loneliness, commitment, and personal vindication echo loud in this album.

While the album lacks the big punching hits that were interlaced in Continuum such as "Belief", "Gravity", and "I'm Gonna Find Another You", Mayer tries to bring back some of the old love by doing a cover of Cream's "Crossroads". First heard when he played it live with Clapton in New York about a year or so ago, it is a cover that I feel tones down the pure raw energy and ridiculousness that Cream's original had entitled it to be. It almost seems that Mayer could have definitely let loose on that song but restrained.

While the lack of big guitar jamming hits may turn off some to refer Continuum as Mayer's best release, Mayer's songwriting has definitely taken a new step. Songs that used to be talking about running through high school hallways has evolved to a grown adult dealing with issues in himself that others deal with as well. No matter what celebrity status he gains, the emotions in the lyrics as well as songs can relate to any adult today.

I'd have to say his collaboration with Taylor Swift, "Half of my Heart" is a great song with substance, and an addicting guitar chord with a splash of a nice riff. Much like his previous collaboration with Alicia Keys, Mayer knows how to work both voices into a song. "War of my Life" is another track to note in the album.

In conclusion, Battle Studies is definitely a different direction for Mayer's music. Continuum may have set the benchmark, but Mayer might not have been able to replicate that greatness no matter how much magic potion he had. This one is more personal, more emotional, and much like the album title says its a study and interrogation of his inner self and its shortcomings.

Altogether, 7/10 ranking. Compared to the other albums I'd rank them like this:

Continuum: 9/10
Heavier Things: 6/10
Room for Squares: 5/10

The world needs more of these guys

Just came across this DJ called Nujabes. Straight from Japan, this guy is straight up dope. real nice beats.

Serious Adrenaline Boost

Ever feel tired? Need a pick me up? Need to finish up this paper or run those flight of stairs? Forget coffee listen to this track:

Heat it Up when its Cold Outside

My boys at Green Street Records just release out a new rough draft track that they've been working on. Check the song out:



the boys are spitting fire right now, with their success just getting bigger and bigger. Watch out for these guys, and if they roll through your town come through and show them support.

You can check out Green Street's page here

Quick Update

I find that I have no time to do this. World is being rocked with school, interviews, and any othe random events going on. Interviews are interviews, school is school, and now its getting cold outside.

Sharks aren't playing that well right now, inconsistency is killing us. Going to the Sharks vs Rangers game on Tuesday, contemplating not wearing my Sharks jersey. But I should show my pride, no matter what the scoreboard is.

Went to a Chromeo concert last night with my friend Steph Lo. Never really heard about these guys until a week ago, and these guys bring back the groovy-synth beats of the 80s. Really cool music, was definitely jamming to these guys when I was studying in the library.

Check em out:

Excitement is Overwhelming

Can't wait for the new hockey season to begin. And I'm actually quite happy with how my team drafted this year, going to be a breakout year for Danny Heatley.


Probably have to click on it to view.

Serious bouts of Soul Searching

It is this time, with the drops of rain falling from the sky onto the streets late at night on the empty streets in the depths of the late night morning that I can unwind and reflect on what has been occurring the last few weeks.

Serious changes have occurred beyond the rejection from AMEX. I've been moving on, but in that time some choices have been made by myself and I am still looking back on it whether they are the right choices are not. Bridges were burned, ties severed, all to make a point in which I am not entirely sure anymore was worth making. But at the end of the day I made the choice, and I have to stick to it and take whatever consequences and outcomes that arise from it.

Given a passion that I have, whether its making a point or an interest, I do it 100%. I become overly stubborn, unable to open up the tunnel vision to see whats around. It leads into bouts of douchebaggery, asshole-ness, and down right horrifying gratifications. But it is something that is part of me that I can not change and will not change. Passion is what drives me, its what motivates me to succeed, motivates me to push the boundaries and push myself to a new level. But that passion at times can be misguided, and lead to negative consequences.

The direction I have chosen in the last few days I can not see as regrettable. I must move on. I have done much damage that pains me even now. It is uncharacteristic of me to every extent. But it is what it is, and life will go through its natural cycles and come in full circle.

For those who have been affected, I can not take back the wreck I have caused. I accept whatever outcome may come. My passion had taken over, and it has led to an irrational, brash, and distasteful but it is something that is a part of me and I must live with. Hindsight is 20/20 and it pains me to realize what personal harm I have done, but no words from me can mend the bridges I have burned. And with that I will try to move on, and wish you the best in moving on as well.

The Balance Between

Got the call from American Express yesterday. Didn't get the offer. Was absolutely floored when they told me, and for a second was like Derek Zoolander where he walks up and accepts the award even though Hansel actually won it. I thought somehow throughout the entire call they were turn and actually give me an offer. But as I sat on it for a few hours and after talking to my Dad (props to family, love your family, and they come through for you) I realize that this non offer could be great in return.

I have no regrets after all this. I had a fantastic summer and busted my chops and did everything I possibly could, and I wouldn't have changed any actions I did. The team I worked for really had no say in my hiring, it was up to HR so I can't hold any grudges against them. I loved working for them, and plan on seeing them in the future.

My dad reminded me that life is all about ups and downs, its never a one way street. I remember him telling me "its better than you didn't get an offer, then life would be too easy for you". And you know what, he was right. Easy street would be fun, but this is a way for me to shapen up, to toughen, to bounce back. People are not defined by the good times, but what they do during the bad times. Thats what separates the true leaders.

So I'm going to take that in stride and apply for jobs again with some great working experience under my belt. I thank AMEX for really allowing me to discover what I want to do with my career, what specialty of marketing I really want to do.

On another note, I worked right next to WTC everyday, my window faced ground zero. I live 2 minutes from the twin towers and the memorial. Even though I haven't lived here all my life, I feel just as close to this city as any New Yorker. Don't use this event's name in vain, give it the proper respect it deserves, and never forget.

Revertion to Academic Mentalities

Can't believe classes start again tomorrow, this summer has gone by so quickly. Not just the summer, but this past year. A year ago I was going through London orientation as well as the first week of classes. I miss those days where I would go out and party recklessly, and then during the day really absorb everything about London and Europe.

I really have been poor in updating this blog because I really have been all over the place and busy this past summer. The internship was such a fantastic experience. Working with American Express was rewarding and the people were fantastic. If you ever get a chance to cross paths with that company I would really recommend you to do so.

I hear back from them this week and I am really quite nervous. I think I left with the best impression that I could leave for that company and the rest now is really out of my hands. Lets just hope the dice roll my way.

Problem is now how do I get back into school mode? I have almost forgotten how to do that. Going to classes, not having projects, no meetings, no powerpoint decks to present. Kind of a weird feeling. Not to mention the fact that I have 8AM classes all week, not going to be a fun time.

I've moved to a new pace, down in Battery Park. I really like the digs - its nice, quiet, peaceful. Far from campus, but sometimes I like it that way, away from all the hustle and bustle.

Here are a few snapshots of what was such a fast 4 months:








More to come, but about to have a drink.

Green Street coming at you from every side

Check out the new cover art I just made for the upcoming single for Green Street. You can check out their stuff here.

Keepin' it Fresh

Yo I know its been reckless since the last post. When I get down do it I will update it this later, but for now my boys at the Green Street Gang just released some new ish. Real fresh - check out Ren's beat.



Get their album by clicking on the picture below:

Video Recollection

Just in case you missed it....

On Top of the World

If you guys missed out, Green Street performed in NYC at Webster Hall on Tuesday night, rocking the crowd for a rocking 45 minute set. Footage of the concert, along with Green Street TV Ep 3 coming soon. Here's a photo of what you missed, or if you went, a reminder of how rocking it was.








For past episodes of Green Street TV go to TC&W Productions' youtube channel. And check out their myspace and their blog at www.greenstreetrecords.blogspot.com

Rekindling the Incineration

If my plug didn't convince you to download the new Green Street album, check out this old video that was released a couple months ago.




GSTV ep 3 coming out soon, stay tuned.

The Boys are Back in Town

Not sure if you heard the news, but the US shocked the #1 national team in the World, Spain, with a 2-0 win in the semi's in the Confederations Cup. The Confederations Cup is a makeshift cup that was established a couple decades or so back, bringing in the winners of various FIFA tournaments (Euro, Gold, World Cup, etc) to one big winners tournament. As the Confederations Cup unfolded this summer, the US had a very unconvincing group stages campaign. I thought they weren't going to make it past the group, let alone past Spain, who had been playing phenomenal as of late.

All that changed today. I have to be honest, I gave the US little chance of beating the Spaniards today. I thought the difference in skill, creativity, and the Spanish's ability to hold possession would be too much for the US to control. But the US finally stepped up and played their style that brings them success. From what I heard in the commentary and watching the highlights, the boys gave it their all. They might not be as skilled as the Spanish (actually they aren't by a huge margin, see: Torres vs Dempsey, Puyol vs Bocanegra, Xavi vs. Donovan), but they relied on what gives them success: teamwork, hardwork, and solid defense.

Will this spark interest into soccer? No. Will this trend of pulling off upsets (1950 vs England, 2002 vs Portugal and Mexico) lead to a more consistent winning results vs top teams? Most likely not. But we can definitely enjoy the night. Not sure if we can pull the same effort against Brazil, but it shows the potential of the US team. We may not be the most skilled, but these guys work their tail off, and they never give up. This is the true definition of a team, who will give their hearts and bodies and throw everything on the pitch for the success of the team. Guys who will take that boot to the knee for their teammates. Guys who live and die by the whistle.

Its a shame that Bradley won't be able to play in the next game, but we can only sit back and see how far the US can go from here.

Re-Evaluating Life's Priorities

Before I begin, here is my plug for my boys from Green Street Records. Download their new album, "Chess Moves", now for free. I've been listening to their new stuff for the last day or so and its definitely an album to listen to, real nice blend of hip hop and jazz. You can check out their blog by clicking on the picture below.

Anyway, with that aside lets get to other things.



Just said goodbye to my friend James who will be traveling to Korea tomorrow night and eventually going to Kazakhstan for a 6 week missionary trip. I was there to help him out with a little philanthropy before his travels. I wished him the best before I left, and made sure that he knew that I respected what he did.

In a time when the finding a job is tough, struggling to make ends meet is even harder, James quit his job to do this mission trip. Moreover, the guy cleared his checking account to support his own trip, which is a volunteer trip. For him to give up the stable money payment and do something that he has a passion for may be considered stupid especially a time like this, but I totally respect the man. I respect him for giving up everything to pursue something he feels strongly for, whether its by god, conscience, or any other motivation. To take a risk like this should be revered, when 90% of us would never even consider doing what he is doing.

So as James leaves on his flight, I wish you the best of luck in what lies ahead for you. I know my donation for you is not much, but I hope you can get at least through the first 4 weeks with food before you have to get creative. I support you in what you do, and though I may not be religious, I'm glad that you've found something that drives you so strongly, something that I can confidently say the majority of the people in this world haven't found. Be safe, come back with stories, and may you spread your word.

From one brah to another:

Safe trip my man!

Day to Step Back and Recognize

Hope all of you got the time to take some time today to say what up to your dad. Give them a ring and let them know you appreciate everything they do for you. Got a chance to call my dad today, always nice to talk with the guy. For sure the most intelligent, resourceful, creative, driven, and inspiring person I know, along with being one of the funniest people I know.

If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been able to get the money from work to afford getting these:


Got a pair of those bad boys this past weekend from Best Buy. The sound quality coming out of these things is absolutely unreal. I just wear it now and listen to music regardless of if anyone is in the house or not. Its like a dance club in your head, no lie. Noise cancelling too so I don't hear anything outside, not even thunder.

Man... how quickly do I realize that as quick as you get that cheeze you blow it, so gotta get back on that grind soon.

Buena Suerte Carlito

This is a post just to wish you a good farewell, Carlos Tevez. You were a fantastic player for the Red Devils and scored some of the most important goals in the last two campaigns to secure Man United's success in winning trophies. Its a shame that we didn't show you as much respect as you deserved. Your work and dedication to fighting until the end was appreciated by every single United fan, and your work ethic is hard to match. Though you will be sorely missed, I hope that the next team that you find can give you the respect and appreciation that you rightfully deserve. Its a shame that we had to get some bloke with a horrible slick back comb and useless drive and energy, but you will always be a Devil in every Red Fan's eyes.


Cheers and good luck.

Curious Tidbit for the National Past Time

So here's a very interesting tidbit for you all:




WATCH OUT FOR MY BOYS.

"Running down the wing, here United Sing, 'au revoir Ronaldo'"

I haven't been able to put any posts down in a while, main reason due to work. In a nutshell, work is busy at times, its loose at times, but the people are always very nice. I like what I'm doing and I'm excited to see where my project takes me. But anyway, onto more important issues.

Along with the rest of the world, I have witnessed the horrific, conniving, classes Ramon Calderon step down and Florentino Perez take over. Once I saw that happen, and the discussions he had along with his ambitions to sign all the best players in the world, I knew that United's hold on Ronaldo would be slipping. Once Kaka signed for £56 Million (roughly 80-90 million USD), I knew that Ronaldo would be next.

And I wake up this morning with dismay to see the numbers posted up by Los Blancos in order to grab Ronaldo. £80 million pounds for the former Ballon D'or winner, 40 goal scorer. It looks like The Galaticos is returning to the days of Zizou. And while Ronaldo's skillset will definitely be missed in the next season, there is plenty of positives to look at with this transaction.

1. For one thing, Ronaldo near the end of the season was a cancer to the team. Much like Terrell Owens to all the teams he played for, Ronaldo was becoming less of the team player and more of the attention whore that his off-field antics warrant. I thought his fit he threw at the Manchester Derby was because he wanted to stay on and prove to the gaffer that he could play, a fighting spirit. But his attitude after that was just trash, and much like to Beckham's end at Old Trafford - if you mess with the gaffer, you're out. Its better to have him out than stay.

2. Lets not forget that Ronaldo didn't leave on a Bosman Transfer. Thats when he leaves for free, when the contract is over and the player freely moves between teams. £80 million pounds, in the words of Lupe is a lot of "cheese". With that money we can definitely reinvest in the team and recruit some fantastic players that can more than compensate for Ronaldo's absence. Lets consider the players that United could spend that money on.

- Carlos Tevez: he is the first player that we need to absolutely sign and get in a long-term contract. I was never happy with the signing of Berbatov, he just doesn't fit in with our quick, free-flowing attack. He's too slow, his tempo slows the entire rhythm of the team down, and he's not tough in the air and given his role as a target man he's useless. Tevez is a workhorse, and fits so well together with Rooney, who will now be the go to number 10 (and considering his performances for England I am so excited to see him play). He may not have scored as many goals as Ronaldo, but he has scored so many important goals for United at the most crucial times (goal against Liverpool at Anfield in the 07-08 season) he is the new Soklsjaer. I know he's frustrated, but we must show him the respect that he deserves and sign this fan favorite. Spending the required £25 out of our £80million will be crucial if Fergie wants to win the League for the fourth year in a row.

So that leaves us with £55 Million left to spend. Lets go with the most likely signing for Fergie if he should sign Tevez to a long term deal.

- Antonio Valencia: the winger from Wigan will be a solid replacement in the right side. He definitely can't replace the offensive attack of Ronaldo in one go, but he could definitely provide more cover on the right side in defence and back tracking. The guy has good potential, and though he may not have the goal-output he poses a dangerous threat on the right side and can deliver those killer balls through to Rooney or Tevez to run onto and finish. With his valuation at around £17 million, Steve Bruce would be more than willing to at least give his prized winger to his old manager. But now he's at Sunderland, so they will probably bump up his valuation. Lets assume that because everybody knows about Man United's purse, he gets sold for £20 million.







That leaves us with £35 million to spend. Now here's where we can get creative. That amount of cash is enough to buy the top players around the world. Lets take a look at the two we should focus on.

- Franc Ribery: We know this guy can play. After being discovered in in Berlin while playing for France in the World Cup, he has tore it up in the Bundesliga for Munchen. He is that attacking midfielder that we need, who can realy control the tempo of the game and change it entirely with one strike. He would be a great player, a better team player, and a better passer than Ronaldo. However, rumor has it that he's in talks with Madrid (Perez definitely is spending more this summer), and his valuation set by Munchen is £63 million (apparently set by a bid that United launched for him a few weeks back). Doesn't look possible that we can afford him.

Lets then take a look at how else we could spend the £35 million.

- Karim Benzema: If we could sign this guy, it would be a blockbuster trade for United. The striker has so much upside its just unreal how he is still in Ligue 1. In the games that I saw where he played against United in the Champions League last year, the guy has so much strength with the ball that he even held off Vidic. And the strike that he scored with against United at home in the first leg was a superb and sublime shot, being able to slot that shot with such a little window between Vidic and Ferdinand showed the potential of this great player. This guy is still young, only 21, he should be the priority in new signings once we lock down the other guys. It is true that he is a striker, but he is more than capable in playing on the wing, or we can switch our formation to a 4-3-3, even though we haven't had much success with it in the past.






So with these players, say we are able to sign Tevez, Valencia, and Benzema. I was thinking about this all day, and look at the potential line up that we could throw at opponents during the season.


Now look at that. Brown can still be a solid defensive right back, not as attacking as Rafael, but once that player develops he will be the next Gary Neville for the team. I really liked the way Fletcher has turned into his own this season. He's become a great defensive midfielder and it was unfortunate he wasn't able to play for the Champions League final last season in Rome. He can pair up with Carrick quite well. Benzema can play well with both feet and can be that winger, or slide up and be that third attack in front with Tevez and Rooney, who will be running circles around the competition. If Berbatov plays, he can probably fill in Tevez's role, but like I said before, I really don't see how his style fits into United's attack. Valencia can be that great passer on the right delivering great through balls or taking players on down the line.

That lineup is still very, very competitive without Ronaldo. We won't have those 40 yard screamers or those crazy set kicks (think goal against Portsmouth last year at home), but this team can play better together and attack together, and will score goals.



Lastly, for Madrid, they've spent so much money (and will spend another 37 million for David Villa) for attack they have forgotten about their defense. Sergio Ramos is not a defensive player, he is a attacking wing back. Pepe is not the type of center back that can anchor a defense like Cannavaro could. They need help in the back and in the midfield, and with the spending they are doing right now all teams know that they can get inflated prices for their players. A player like Xabi Alonso could cost up to £25 million thanks to Real's inflated prices.


Last note, the last time a big player for United was sent to Madrid - David Beckham - United picked up a young 17 year old from Sporting Lisbon who would later take the Red Devils to their third European cup. Now that Ronaldo's taking off to play for Madrid, there is also another young 17 year old that started appearing on the United First team this past season, including scoring that crucial 3-2 game winner against Aston Villa. His name is Fredrico Macheda.


over and out.

Humbling Gratitude

To everybody who wished me a good day I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish I had more time to add posts but I'm getting really busy now with this work thing and just enjoying the outdoors since its finally nice out. But thank you, thank you, thank you. Really lucky to have made so many great connections and friends these past 3 years in New York City and to be able to keep connections back home.

Succuming to the Web 2.0 Cult Invention of Instantaneous Updates of Current Surroundings

So.... the full extent of summer has resulted in me completely immersing myself in all of Web 2.0 and its horrible offerings. Noticing that my Facebook status updates have become more and more like Twitters... I have decided to proceed with the next logical step. Quite... quite embarassing. I hope I don't... make this a daily habitual thing.



The link to my Twitter

Update on The Summer

Well, school has finally ended, and I have had time to move out of Union Square into the Financial District, where I'll be living and working this summer. I am really grateful to have been able to find a place that is really close to where I work, along with having one of the most breathtaking views in a room, just as good as the view of the City that I had in London. Thank you kate again for lending the room.

Well unfortunately this year academically has just been very underperforming. To be honest, my expectations of upperclassmen classes were just interesting. I thought that as I got rid of the GE's I would be able to take more classes that interested me, but that never came. I still have to get through the burden of the classes that make a "well-rounded" person. Sometimes I really hate being a liberal arts student, I wish I went to more of a specialized school, but hey one year left what can you do. The only saving grace I have is that I will hopefully be able to take a Studio Art Minor next year. My only wish is now to do damage control on the grades and make sure nothing too drastic happens.

Gotta love summer, the weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining. The same old same old of drab classes and little motivation to even stimulate your mind is over. I am jumping into something new, and I'm excited, nervous, and anxious all wrapped in one ball. Until then, just sit back for the next week and relax. Get back into shape, get rid of the love handles, and enjoy the view out of my window, while saying goodbye to all the friends going home for the summer, or in case of the summer, for good.

Never Forgetting Where you Originated, and how you developed those idiosyncratic tendencies.

Finals are halfway through, just wanted to take a moment to stop everything and wish a very very warm Mother's Day to my mum. She g-checked me when I was being reckless, encouraged me when I was doing well, was there when I was buggered out, and is still the best soup-maker I have ever seen. I thank you for being there for me even when I was a punk for those years between middle school and high school, and I will try everything to make it up for you for being a fantastic mom.

For everyone else out there, take some time off and call your mom, she'll greatly appreciate it.



Pez did a great song to sum it up:

Setting off to Finish What They Started

So A-Live and the rest of the OnTrak and Malado family are off to UMass Amherst this weekend to perform for UMass' Spring Concert 2009. They'll be opening for Lupe Fiasco and rocking people of their feet with their music. If you missed my previous post, A-Live won the Battle of the Bands competition a few weeks back and gets this opportunity to be the opening act for the concert. If all goes well A-Live will be approached by Lu and he'll go "So A-Live looks like you are able Cool It like me". Best of luck to them. Here's how they got there, in the form of Green Street TV: Episode 2 "The Road the Lupe"







If you like their performances, and like the song "Cloud 9", help the guys out by doing them a favor. They are entered in a competition to get signed by an independent record label, and the winner is decided by internet participation. Please go to Song Joust, type in "University of Massachusetts" under the search query and click on the track "Cloud Nine" when it pops up. The more votes, the better the chance of getting signed. Spread the word!

'till then, its off until finals are over.

Utilization of Natural Light Sources

So it was a fantastic weekend, with the weather great and the sun shining. It was a shame that most of my Sunday was sent catching up on work, but the reason was because Saturday I spent my day at East River Park basking in the sun and partaking in some olympic festivities. Not the ones you're familiar with, like shotput, 100M dash, triple jump. But more of pushups with someone sitting on you, sit ups while doing chubby bunnies, the lot. The only regret is only getting a quarter shade tanner, but like working out, tanning is a journey not a destination. Just have more areas to work on. So after the festivities I was able to watch some of my friends play basketball. I should have taken pictures looking back on it, because the theme is the same everytime:

1. Group of my friends ask if they can play next game
2. The other people say yes, and look at them with a puzzled look because all of my friends don't look like they can ball.
3. They realize that Derik Kumagai just broke their ankles three times while doing a 360 reverse layup after pickpocketing them in the defensive end.
4. They realize that this 6 foot 3 160 pound Yao Ming fake wannabe thats scrawny as a stick just swatted your shot, twice, in a row.
5. They realize that this short puny Indian kid named A-Live is draining shots in front of them.
6. They get angry because they realize that they're down 5 buckets to a group of rag tag bamas.
7. Game over, our side wins.

Got to love city ball. Next time I'll get some pictures of those games up, but these will do:










'twas a good weekend. Green Street TV Episode 2 coming soon, just finishing up a few things.

Relishing the Emergence of Natural Lightsources

Outlook for this coming weekend and continuation into the next few days:


Go outside, its going to be nice this weekend. Weekend pictures will be up soon, along with Green Street TV Episode 2: The Road to Amherst


California boy is too excited to go outside - later.

The Underperformance of Life

So in the morning after the Sharks blew it once again (touchy subject), and are booking a one way ticket to Chokesville, the rain has decided to pour once again into the stressed out lives of NYU students. In the weeks before the final people are stressing, weather decides to be crummy and dump on us again. How great. Along with my umbrella getting obliterated by the 25mph winds, I decide to do curious thing and check the weather back home. Horrible, horrible decision. Lets compare shall we:


New York ^

Saratoga, CA ^


Mmm, as the common person would say "FML". But not entirely F, just a little sucky. At least my registration went through with no dramas; don't know how I'm going to be surviving doine 8AMs all week but.... we'll figure it out as we get there.

If its sunny outside and you are reading this instead of going outside, I yell in envy at you.

Overpowerment of Extracurriculars leading to Infatuation with becoming Photosynthetic

So its Sharks hockey season so I am very excited to see my Los Tiburones compete for the cup yet again. I'm going against all the naysayers that we're chokers, I know we're down 1-0 in the series right now but we will come back, we have to. There is no reason why we can get past those stupid dirty Ducks from the South of California, which I like to call the OCrap.

Among other things, yesterday was Relay for Life. Great event, great spirit amongst the mates, and we came out with two awards. Third for team spirit which I find highly suspect, since there was no other team like us come 2AM. Second was the second place finish in the Olympic Events. Had we had things bounce our way, we could have easily made it to the top, but what a great comeback from my boy D-Rock to hold it down on the last leg and catch up in the final leg.

Great finish, and the weather is finally turning out, was able to go out and get a little sun in Battery Park. Not a bad deal. So as you can see these extracurriculars have taken over most of my time. The nice weather has really compelled me to go outside much more, just for the sake of absorbing more sunlight. Walking around the island instead of taking the Subway, the lot. It's been great. This coming weekend will be another great day of sports fest. Pictures will be up soon, along with Green Street TV Episode 2.


Go outside, enjoy the sun.

"I'm not a Businessman, I'm a business man"

Well, the boys of OnTrak along with my boy A-Live from Green Street Records performed in the Battle of the Bands competition in UMass-Amherst. How confident (and potentially sacrilegious) it was for us to buy the celebratory pieces before even performing, but thats how confident the boys where. After a little bit of drama in the beginning sound checks trying to figure out what song to play, the boys were ready and rocked the crowd. After three rounds of competition, initially starting with over 60 applicants, OnTrack finishes on top, winning the coveted opening slot for the Spring Concert for UMass-Amherst on May 3rd, 2009. The lineup includes Girl Talk and the man himself, LUPE FIASCO.

One of the few rappers that I truly respect and admire, this is a great opportunity for the boys. Not only do they get to open for him, but they have the likely opportunity of performing with him on stage together. Not a bad gig. Here are some early preliminary pictures. The video will be up soon.

Me and A-Live

The Real Life Entourage: Mr Dev, Chilly, and A-Live
Getting famous

Green Street and OnTrak, taking over.


Once I have time to edit, will throw up the video. Until then, check our A-live's blog:

greenstreetrecords.blogspot.com

Mister Dev's blog:

misterdev.blogspot.com

Chilly's blog:

chillyray.blogspot.com