The True Nature of Friendship

The dictionary defines a friend as a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard, a person who gives assistance, and a person who is on good terms with another. While this P-C definition is passable as a standard definition of friend the all encompassing definition of a friend is one who accepts you for who you are and what you do and wishes to be a part of your life regardless. I've gone through my share of issues in the face of this definition: people who don't understand, people who use with a purpose, people who just don't care.
The sad truth about friendship is that most of us don't know how to be a real friend. Everyone is so caught up in their own world they forget the plain and simple needs of friendship: caring for that common bond. For the last few months, I disappeared off of everyone's radar, I've run into people asking me where I've been for the last few months. From this, you may think me a hypocrite. However, caring for a common bond does not entail constant interaction with the person with whom you share that bond. You may think I was lazy and uncaring for not reaching out to my friends but at the same time they didn't reach out to me. This is the real problem of friendship to which we have to pay attention. Figure out what you want out of your friendship and ensure your friendship is working on a level playing field.

MTV Special on Breakdancing

So apparently, MTV wants to get in on the hip hop movement... again... they're doing a special on "the 5 Pillars of Hip Hop" and some New York heads are catchin' some shine with this interview. Shout out to D-Nice, Ra-Ra, Ru, and Connie Rock in this video

MTV Sucka Free Special

The Smartest Dumb People

My part-time job takes me to many exotic places, Butler Library, Seeley Mudd Bulding, and my personal favorite the School of International Politics building. I've never been surrounded by so many intellectuals in my entire life. However you must wonder how smart they must really be when they have problems LOGGING OUT OF A COMPUTER TERMINAL. How is it that the entire school is full of individuals who are supposedly the brightest in their fields, but can't deal with the simple problems of a computer. I thought natural selection was supposed to weed out the best and the brightest? I know most people are computer retarded but this goes beyond retardation. Here are a few examples.

Now the simple rules of the computer lab are that you have to log on and log off a computer with your username and password. I've gotten complaints that people can't print their things because they can't find their user name on a print quota, however Einstein kinda just sat a logged on computer. Now this is funny for two reasons: 1) you know you have to log on but you avoid that step anyways and 2) what moron leaves a computer logged on with their username? do you know how much crap I could do if I got onto that computer? My other all time favorite complaint is "the computer froze it's not working" so you walk to the computer move the mouse, click anything, and POOF, OMG THE COMPUTER IS WORKING...

On the non computer front, my job supplies hole punchers and staplers so that these fine individuals can have their printed materials all ready. We typically go through about a dozen of these a day for one reason, some moron walks up to the stapler or hole puncher with a 30 page thesis on ethics or global warming, and tries to stuff it in and staple it! WHAT THE F**K ARE YOU THINKING? If the damn thing doesn't go into the stapler or hole puncher, why the f**k would it actually work? There should be an immediate bell going off in your head saying, THIS S**T IS NOT GOING TO WORK!!

Now if you can't get your wireless working or you can't figure out some of the subtleties of Microsoft Office like notes and tabs and things, that's understandable however these people need to stop procreating for the sake of all mankind.

New Season for the Faithful

It may be only February but it's only 24 hours until the first spring training game of the Major League Baseball Season. Some call it a mundane sport where you spend more time sitting around than actually playing, others call it America's Past-time. To all the doubters I say f**k you, you're hypocrites, you probably watch football instead (Although if we're talking about soccer then I'll have to cede my point).
There is a certain aura and mystique about this game, especially for us faithful, that never seems to disappoint, even when the chips are down. I spent most of last season saying my farewells to the only baseball home I've ever known, and even after missing the playoffs the season never felt like a real disappointment. Yet, this season is different, I've never begun a season more conflicted in my entire life: the new baseball stadium, ARod on steroids, and the new free agent acquisitions. And while I want to just rant, my friend, the Connecticut Yankee: http://actyankee.blogspot.com, says it much better. But just quickly, baseball stadium costs too damn much... just like every other New York stadium, ARod needs to stop bullshitting and just fess up to whatever he really did, and it's good short-term planning but I'm worried long-term for our farm system. In all seriousness, I'm just looking forward to long summer days following the boys in blue.

Everyone's a little bit Racist!

We all have our pre-conceived notions about other races: Asians are good at video games and math, Black people are hoodlums who can dance really well, White people love Wayne Brady and schmooze on their yachts, and Latinos are great lovers and very sexual. It's not a matter of being racist, because all stereotypes have some grain of truth, but a division that propagates racism and stereotypes.

When you look at your group of friends are they primarily the same ethnicity or a different ethnicity? When I say group of friends, I mean the people who know you the best, the people you always hang out with on a friday night, not your acquaintances. I'm almost guaranteeing that for at least 50% of you are going to say same ethnicity. I'm not saying that being friends with them is wrong, it's completely understandable to befriend people with common interests and backgrounds as yourself. However, it's interesting to note that decades after Brown vs. Board of Education was supposed to end segregation and racial ignorance we're actually self-segregating.

Look around you, how many times do you see a group of mixed ethnicities, how many times do you see a mixed race couple? Perhaps it's racism, perhaps it's ignorance, perhaps it's personal preference. Personally, I think everyone is a little bit closed minded. There isn't any solution to this because it might not really be a problem to begin with, so all I can say is open your mind a little, and take in something different for a change.

YNot

YNot is a beat killing machine, appreciate the beauty of his dance, and if you don't... well you probably can't dance so you're already handicapped, it's okay

Freestyle Session 10

Gamblerz Crew at FSS10, the event just got sponsored by Gatorade so watch out!

Nostalgia

Most of us hold very fond memories of our childhood, there are the cartoons: Doug, Rocko's Modern Life, Global GUTS, Legends of the Hidden Temple (Note: Nickelodeon ruled... what happened????), the toys: GI Joe, Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kids, the outings: Yankees games with the family, Lakers games with the grandparents, but for us lucky few we made a life long friend: Nintendo. For the unlucky few, don't front, you knew someone with a nintendo who you befriended just so you could go over and play. For you nay-sayers there are a lot of rainy days you need something to do, forget reading, you're missing out... Because thankfully, someone has heard our cries: Street Fighter 4 is finally here.


I've spent a good portion of the last 12 hours mashing out hadoukens and dragon punches and I must say I've been having massive flashbacks. I highly suggest you go out and get the game yourself, otherwise do what you did back in the day, go mooch... and mooch you shall!

SPLAT!

I like these... they remind me of a bootleg high version of the puma oversprays but still nice none-the-less. They're Nike Dunk High Premium Splatter if anyone is interested, I would get them... but I'm kinda short on cash, and I'm not about to go rob someone

Stressbusting

Right about now, s**t is probably hitting the fan. Colleges are hitting the point where work has picked up and midterms are starting while employees are feeling the weight of the depression (yes, depression, not recession). But now is not the time to start complaining about the difficulties of life. It's always good to vent, but lately it's become a nationwide habit to the point where it's not just venting, it's just straight out whining. Before I continue, I'd like to say I completely sympathize with everyone seeing as I'm jobless and although I'm only taking 3 classes I feel like I'm burdened with more than I've ever had to deal with before. 

That being said, I'm say this with a sympathetic heart, SHUT THE F**K UP. Yes, life is hard: there's too much work, you have problems with your significant other, you can't dance, or you have problems getting it up. Although all you feel like doing is sitting around and bitching about your problems, with the exception for the potential erectile problem, continuously talking about it won't get it done. The irony in the situation is that the solution is very apparent, however we are in a continuous struggle with the solution. We are all afraid to deal with our issues, however we have to make the "hard" (and I say hard because it's purely a psychological convolution) choice to deal with the situation at hand. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." So make your luck, handle your business, stop avoiding life just because there are problems.

OMG....Shoes

If there's a Comic-Con there is definitely other conventions out there, maybe a little under the radar, but just as important. For me... seeing as I've purchased 2 pairs of sneakers in less than 2 weeks, I'm headed here

Go With the Flow

I've lived a very short life; I'm not very religious, and I only semi-believe in fate so when I tell you the following things I'm speaking from experience, not a belief. Kevin Smith, the writer/director of the movie Dogma, was completely correct when he was criticizing religion: Chris Rock as the 13th Disciple Rufus said, "I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier. Life should be malleable and progressive."

I'm an asshole, mostly because of the fact that I'm very honest and am prone to moments of rage rants. However as most will verify, I am actually very sweet at the core; I mean only well in the things I do and say and in the spirit of Kevin Smith's movie here are a few "ideas" on life that might make your day better.

"Treat others the way you want to be treated": yes the general theme of these ideas are really simple and "obvious" concepts, but how many times have you really followed this idea? Sure other people may treat you like dirt, but who cares? It really doesn't mean you have to be a dick at the end of the day. Of course, if they try to step, well... you have my blessing to throw down and f**k him up. Kindness creates a strange type of bond that shows through when you are most in need, and no I'm not saying take advantage of someone's kindness, don't be a moron.

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" and "things work out": So I've stolen this from the Rolling Stones hopefully I won't get sued but if that happens anyone know a good lawyer? We all dream, however most of the time our dreams don't come true. I'm not saying abandon those dreams, I'm merely saying become aware of the path your life decisions take you. If something doesn't work out, something else will pop up guaranteed. For example, in this current state, you may not find that great I-Banking job but is that the career path you really want? or is it something that's been spoon-fed to you by everyone around you? Take the opportunity to look around, find another path, as scary as it may be, perhaps it's just what you need to get your life going.

I'm not saying everyone should follow these ideas, it's just something to ponder over maybe see if it can help your current situation. I'll leave this post by saying: don't accept anything less than being happy.

OOOHHH!! Bruce's S**t!!

EDIT: I just fixed the link, some people can't watch WMV format so I linked it to Youtube instead, and added a photo of that night, fun stuff...

EDIT 2: HOLY CRAP I AM IN THE CREDITS... I am currently stunned from excitement

Some of you that read this already know I'm deep into the break-dance scene, well for those of you that knew me around early December, you probably got a chance to meet some of dopest bboys ever and believe it or not... they're Korean... oh yes... you know who I'm talking bout...

My dude, YS, had his Pop, Zesty, and Noodle of the Gamblerz Crew from Korea come stay at his place and they threw down. This was easily one 

of the most fun weekends I've ever spent sessioning, partying, and just going wild. But I'm gonna save that story for another time. 

The crew has just released a new trailer and it is SICK!! I have watched this at least a dozen times in the past 2 hours. So do yourself a favor and step away from America's Best Dance Crew and see some serious talent. 

Trailer

p.s. Although I dislike ADBC for the most part I still have mad respect for the crews on the show

Museum Of Sex

Before I start, f**k off I'm not a pervert... not in this sense anyways...

Believe it or not on the quiet corner of 27th and 5th lies the Museum of Sex. Now for all you horny bastards out there, if you really need to get your rocks off looking at all things sex this is your place. For the informed person, if you want a more informative and "cultured" look at the world of Sex this is your place.

I've been to the museum twice already and its really just an interesting place. There are three exhibits all are subject to change but they haven't in the two times I've been there. The first is an exhibit dedicated to the sexual escapades of animals. Although very informative, I was more interested in the paper-mache figures of animals having sex. We've got deer humping each other, monkeys making lesbian love, and dolphins having sex in water (think having sex in a pool while swimming... yeah try that next time you're in the pool, kinda crazy). I'm no artist, but you've gotta appreciate such attention to detail.

The second is an exhibit on... well they say "moving picture," but you and I know it as porn. Personally, while its nice learning about porn the best part of this exhibit is a video on "erotic massage," I think every couple should see that film... guarantee it'll help your relationship. And if you are in a relationship yes I am saying that your sex life is probably boring... don't worry it happens to the best of us.

The last exhibit is the history of anything and everything sex: sex education, erotic magazines, erotic post cards, BDSM, sex toys, etc. This exhibit actually freaked me out, mostly because the thought of people using the sex dolls is really creepy, but on the other hand it was really funny thinking the motorized sex toy could also double as a blender...

If you haven't been yet, its worth the trip. I mean I've been with both friend and girlfriend, it was fun on both counts. But just to note, you are not allowed to touch, lick, or mount any of the exhibits, they have that on signs there believe it or not

Third Wheel and Sushi Damo

I've been a big fan of Zagat and the Michelin Guide, but to be perfectly honest other than those two everything else is kind of lacking in real ratings. There's Google Ratings, Yelp, Menu Pages, but nothing that really gives an honest look at restaurants, just the 0-5 stars. This is where I come in, I figure why not fill in the blank.

So here's the format. I will be rating each restaurant on four scales each from 0-10: Decor/Atmosphere, Service, Food, and Affordability. What I mean by affordability is whether the meal was worth the money I paid, so if I paid 2.50 for a Gray's Papaya Hot Dog Combo, I'd rate if 2 hot dogs and a drink were worth 2.50 (just to tell you that's a 10). But anyways on to the story:

Friday I visited the 28th Street Flower Wholesaler with my friend, Mimic and his girlfriend. I've know Mimic since my second year at Columbia, he's one of the most reliable people I know but very goofy and not much of a liar. That being said, we were supposed to go purchase flowers for our respective girlfriends but his girlfriend decided to skip work that day and tag along. Luckily his girlfriend is very gullible and somehow believed his lie, however this made his surprise a bit difficult. Now since this isn't the subject of the post, I'll just say that the surprise worked out... kinda and we ended up spending the whole day with me being the third wheel. Around 4PM, we realized we hadn't eaten all day and since the two of them ABSOLUTELY LOVE sushi, they wanted to go to Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. However, if you've ever tried to find the place its damn near impossible because its actually in a Hotel, I hate trendy restaurants...

We ended up going to a restaurant half a block away called Sushi Damo on 58th Street between 8th and 9th. We tried to look up information about the place i.e. ratings or reviews and we couldn't find any because we were using my IPhone but mostly because I really didn't want to get sushi. It's really easy to be an asshole...

Upon first look, the restaurant follows the vein of most Columbus Avenue joints; glass pane windows allowing passers-by a look into the diners and their meal. The decor was simple with the traditional Japanese style architecture however without anything overbearing like a large golden dragon or Buddha. Mimic's girlfriend remarked it was a bit to simple at times but personally the only problem was that the restaurant was darkly lit, just like every trendy New York restaurant. Decor: 8/10

The service was impeccable. I've rarely seen more attentive or polite waiters in my entire life. The minute anyone's water glass was even close to empty, it was filled; the food came out perfectly one after another, not a minute spent waiting for the next part of the meal; and the waiter was alway checking on the progress or status of our meal. It could have not been a better serviced meal (no pun intended...) Service: 10/10

Being with two sushi fanatics, the restaurant had a lot of expectations to live up to. The sushi platter was your typical sushi platter with all the amenities, however the sushi itself was far from typical. Most Japanese restaurants try to cheat you out of sushi by providing more rice than actual sushi, Sushi Damo actually gave you more sushi than rice! (Now I understand the more cultured or wealthy individuals may have already experienced this; first off, bite me... and secondly, this is a blog from the perspective of a broke college student... so again piss off) For the non-sushi eaters (because I know there are a lot of you out there), Sushi Damo is chock full of variety. We ordered two traditional Japanese entrees: the Pork Katsu and the Shrimp Tempura Udon. First, they came out with your choice of the typical miso soup or salad with ginger sauce, both excellent in their own right.

The miso soup, although a tad bit salty, was a perfect amount of miso and seaweed in a small enough portion to prepare the diner for their meal. On the other hand, the sole place you can truly critique salad in my opinion is the dressing which in this case was a perfect amount, making the salad nice and tangy. The Pork Katsu was two breaded pork cutlets with both a mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce. The cutlet was remarkably fried just enough to be crispy but not burnt and was not fatty at all. Accompanied by the mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce, this was easily one of the best Pork Katsu I've ever eaten. While I did not order the Shrimp Tempura, the small taste I received was more than enough to make a solid impression. The shrimp had a nice tangy taste that complimented the fried tempura batter which was further complimented by the perfect udon broth. It was a nice surprise to see a Japanese restaurant that provided a perfect variety of both sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine. Food: 9.67/10

Now upon first entering the restaurant, I was under the impression that for three people our meal would be devastating to the health of my wallet. However, once the damage was done the meal only cost us $130 with a cocktail and tax and tip! Yes, $130 is a lot of money but you have to remember we're in Columbus Circle right across the street from the Time Warner Building, rent there is about $3500 for a 1.5 bedroom apartment (this is verified). Affordability: 8/10

In total this restaurant received a 35.67, which from this rating is one of the restaurant elite. Mind you I am not a sushi fanatic and am going purely on the word of my sushi obsessed friends, and I can only really speak on the traditional Japanese dishes. I would suggest this place as a nice date restaurant and casual group dining place, however if money is not much of a worry this is a great restaurant period.

Merry Un-Holiday

In the spirit of privacy, I've decided to give all my friends code names because the fact that I'm being open doesn't mean all my friends want to, plus its kind of fun giving them names based on their defining characteristics.

The past weekend being Valentine's Day, you gotta do all the prep, the fluff, and the mushy. Personally, its a bulls**t holiday made up by Hallmark, florists, and chocolatiers to make mad money on the fact that either single people want to get some/find someone or couples feel an overwhelming need to show their affection. My problem with this is that if you need a gimmick to get some, you've got more problems than just being single and if you need a holiday to show your affection to someone, you don't deserve that relationship or the person you're with.

My friend, The Black Mountie, best described the holiday as not V-day but B-day, the B standing for another word for a female dog. Hell even my girlfriend, however much she enjoys the holiday, thinks this holiday is an ode to commercialism. Thank you capitalism... This being said I did participate in the "holiday" because I love my girlfriend and she does have a soft spot for this holiday. Plus, I do these kind of romantic gestures anyways so it was pretty much like most other weekend, just magnified in mushiness.

There are a few things to note from this past weekend, however seeing as this is only the second post of the blog I'll start out slow.

You're always aware of how niched New York City is when you're walking around. There's the tourist spots: Times Square, Empire State Building, the cultural neighborhoods: Little Italy, Chinatown, Korea-town , the interest spots: Garment District, Meatpacking District, and others. For Valentine's Day, the place to be is 28 and 6th, the Florist's Haven. There, you will find the 28th Street Flower Wholesaler, a tightly run shop with flowers sold at a very reasonable prices, a rarity especially for Valentine's Day. Even on the day before Valentine's Day, they were willing and able to create an arrangement of roses and calla lilies for less than $100! Now there will be some of you that say the flowers are outrageously priced because you've seen the $9.99 for a dozen roses at the Korean Deli around the corner, but those are the dinky tiny dull roses; these are the full on grown folk dark red roses. For reference, I've seen a dozen of these kinds of roses priced at $40-50. So if you're looking to be grown and show that you've put some effort, this is the place to go for any occasion, otherwise support your local Korean Deli! and no that doesn't mean you're supporting the guys who rob them every week...

Imitation is the highest form of flattery

Some call it imitating, some call it biting, some call it posing, some call it being trendy...

I'm just bored...

either way this post goes out to everyone else with a blog who made it seem like a good idea to put my thoughts for everyone to read...