Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Blast From the Past: Pioneer Chicken

Pioneer Chicken was a popular chain of fried chicken restaurants until the early 90's when Popeye's purchased the franchise. When I was young, we lived close to a Pioneer Chicken and it was the absolute best. It was by far the greasiest chicken anywhere and it was delicious! I loved it! I did a little research and found out that there is one location in Downtown LA on Olympic Blvd. I think a field trip may be in order!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Bill Withers

Do you want to know what good music sounds like? Then look no further. Bill Withers is the man.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Halo That Shines Dimly

Today was another sad day for Angel fans across the globe. In less than one year we've lost a respected coach, a pitcher on the brink of stardom, and now we've lost our voice. Rory Markas died today at the age of 54. Since 2002, Rory did the radio play-by-play for the Angels. I always thought Rory was one of the luckiest guys on the planet. His first year on the job, Rory was the radio voice during a magical season that culminated with a thrilling World Series championship.
Rory had a perfect voice for radio. As the AM frequency would crackle through my car speakers, I enjoyed listening to his call on those endless summer nights. Every Angel fan will never forget Rory's booming voice as he trumpeted after each Angel win, "Just Another Halo Victory!" I admired Rory's professionalism. He was a natural & in an area that has been blessed with the voices of Chick Hearn, Vin Scully, Dick Emberg, Don Drysdale, and Bob Miller, this is a tremendous loss for LA media. I will never forget Rory and he will be missed by this Angel fan. Tonight, in front of the stadium, the Big A is lit in honor of Rory. Though bright, it will be dimmer than normal and Angel victories will not be the same for a long time.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Adios 2009!

I don't like odd numbers. I prefer even ones. 2009 was very uneven.

Its New Year's Eve 2010 and I've waited until the waning moments of 2009 to put a bow on the year that would never end. Without question, 2009 was the most difficult year of my entire life. Just about anything that could have happened did. From my truck breaking down on the 55 freeway at 12:30 am, financial struggles at home, disappointment, heartache, a quarter life crisis, and even my dad falling ill the day after Thanksgiving (although, now he's healthy) the year was not boring by any stretch of the imagination.

The hits kept on coming and every month there was something new to overcome. I made my share of mistakes to be sure and I can honestly say that I have learned from them. With 100% humility, I can proclaim that I am different person than what I was exactly one year ago today. I am closer to my family and I have cast aside people who were poison to my soul and heart. 2009 never got off onto the right foot from day one. I remember this time last year like it was yesterday. I was confused, conflicted, and was not listening to God's voice clearly. I was not in a good place.

There were some high points and I would have to say that my trip to Belize was the highlight of the year. My first trip outside of the country, Belize allowed me to regather myself and to put my focus onto others instead of myself. We spent 10 days serving, forming lifelong bonds, and fellow shipping with some of the best people that I've ever met. I miss them all. That trip and the friends that I left behind will always have a special place in my heart and one day I hope to return to visit them again.

Another highlight of 2009, was my reconnection with my sister. Over the years for whatever reason, we grew distant but that is no more. She has been a tremendous blessing to me and has helped me deal with a lot.

2009 was no slouch with regards to concerts. I was finally able to see Doves in Anaheim and LA on consecutive nights. They are my favorite band and the reason why I love indie music. Other notable shows included Miike Snow, Mayer Hawthorne, JET, Switchfoot, and Jack Penate. I know I'm forgetting other bands that I've seen this year because the list is too long! This was also the year where I fell in love with House music. Thanks R.A.! It was a good year for music. Don't be surprised if you hear more of Mayer Hawthorne & Jack Penate in 2010. Look out!

The Angels...no comment. It was a great season and I am proud for all they accomplished and overcame but the season was still a failure. As it stands, 2010 looks like it will be a rough year.

In short, I grew up a lot in 2009. It wasn't easy and I don't expect that 2010 will be a bed of roses. By God's grace, I do feel that I've turned the corner and I have no intention of looking back. I hope everyone who reads this will have an unbelievable 2010!

Peace.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Chromeo - Night by Night

I don't know much about choreography but this video is dope. It reminds me of old MJ videos from days gone by. I love music videos that are able to integrate fashion, desire, and the elusiveness of love. Those common themes are the foundation for any successful music video.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Miike Snow - Silvia

If you've been around me this year then at one time or another you've heard me rave about my favorite band of 2009. From the very first note, the band Miike Snow captured my imagination. Often when I hear new bands and if I really like them, I will listen to their CD a hundred times and then move on without exception. This has not been the case with Miike Snow. Since May, I have been fixated and maybe a little obsessed with this Swedish electronic group. Every time I listen, its just like the first time. I cannot recall a CD ever having this affect on me.

A few days ago, they released their latest music video. "Silvia" is perhaps their strongest track on their self-titled release. It is edited for time but this song is drenched with a rawness leaving you feeling as if there is a pit in your stomach. Brillant!


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Classic Cartoons: Eek the Cat

I am going to start a feature of favorite cartoons from my childhood. I firmly believe that today's children are overstimulated by computer animation. There is something inherently special with hand drawn animation. Each line, border, color, and shadow was carefully drawn by someone and not done by a person clicking a mouse. There is an authenticity that computers could never create. Computer animated features do possess the ability to dazzle and stir emotions but I'm my opinion they lack soul.