Those who...

Those who know, don't say (or can't)
Those who say, don't know.
- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

On vacation, trying to input final grades but my online grade book is giving me problems. Hopefully it will be resolved by the end of the day.

Been laying low online, at least in blogotitlan, because I don't have much to say. I guess my brain has shut down, probably like my student's once that last paper is submitted and it is in the hands of fate. Of course there is always a lot to talk about and share, but nothing seems to compel me to sit here and write.

Compel. I like that word in context ; )

The good kind of context. Like I'm compelled to write right now about how I don't have anything to write. Maybe it's to shake the brain cells and get them to write about something good?

Oh here is a good one, I was taken to what I think is the best Thai restaurant I've ever been to, and I've had a lot of Thai, Daisy Mint in Pasadena. From there I went on a nice walk through Cal Tech and found out that Jackson Katz was going to be there the following Tuesday. That meant another meal at Daisy Mint and another walk onto Cal Tech. Cal Tech is so beautiful. I love that place. I want to bring Katz to CSUN next semester as well as organize a panel on Latinos in the new era of media.

Ah Malcolm X's b-day is today. Who doesn't love Malcolm X?


Yes the parties are always there for me. Last Sunday Marques Wyatt rocked his DEEP like only he can. Tonight is Richard's B-day party at Ecco, which will like always be huge (Will I Am DJing?); Saturday Raul Campos and Tony Largo welcome Tony Powell to Flow; Doc Martin is doing the Doc Martin thing which is always tops w/ Luke Solomon; Sunday of a Memorial Day weekend in LA is always special and this time we got The Heist (the biggest 18+ party) teaming up with Solmatic Records (21+ party pros) for a big shingdig at the legendary Florentine Gardens AND right next door DEEP has the Shelter's Timmy Regisford in the main room and Paul T. and Harvey in the side room. Haven't heard Paul and Harvey in a minute and let me tell you those vatos got records that will make you go 'dannnnng that is good stuff.' And of course the random party or bar b que that pops up is always welcomed and appreciated. ooops I forgot about the pool side parties that are lining up too!

So I guess when I don't have anything to write about I can always write about what my friends are doing and invite you. See you on the dancefloor...

undaground...

Thursday night I hit "The Heist" at Florentine Gardens. I hadn't been there in about 13 years, since the days of "The Dome." It was trip to be there and see Kenny McKenzie, the owner and some of the bouncers from back then still at the door. I got there with Swedish Egil and Outer around 11:25 pm. We were meeting up with Paul Oakenfold, whom Egil has been working with on remixing classics from Oakey's collection. This night we were all there to hear David Delano drop his remix of "Don't Want To Hold You" by Bad Apples during his set. Joseph Wham (aka JC Dakota/Joseph Christopher) was there also checking out this huge night put together by Hyphe Crunk (Mark Rodriguez), DJ Score, Eric Neutron and The Spys. Later in the evening Richard Vission rolled in with LMFAO and DJ Syphe.

This is the hot spot to be. There are usually 1,100 peeps in the place on a Thursday night. Its been a while that the 18 & over scene has been into house music or techno, with these numbers and consistency, outside of the rave scene. Talking to peeps, Steve Aoki had a lot to do with this new generation feeling the vibe, and you can see it in the fashions, mix styles and attitudes in the heads that fill The Heist. Pure energy is what is there. Its quite refreshing after all these years of 21&over clubbing where peeps are busy buying drinks or smoking instead of dancing their tight jean asses off.

Friday night I did the Midnight Ridazz DISCORDIAN RIDE, as usual spokes and beats on the streets of LA fun.

Saturday night I went to Robotech in a warehouse in So. Central and caught a back to back set by DJ Dan and Ron D. Core on vinyl spinning classic techno. WOW. The numbers were a little low.
I'm guessing peeps are saving their money for all the huge upcoming Halloween parties like Monster Massive, or they all lost money on the stock market LOL.

Either way things are looking very healthy in the underground. But that always happens in times of economic downturns, loss of jobs and insecurity of the future. Escapism rules. It makes many more be creative, other peeps make babies, and some do a lot more drugs. Be cool foo'

The Best BEAN Burritos

It is late, it has been a long day, the only thing that would be good for me at this time of the night/morning is a great bean burrito. A bean burrito is not that bad for you, unless of course they have lard, but then again we might be immune to that. Positive mindset, remember. Best of all most bean burritos are very inexpensive and don't really count as a full meal. They are more like a great snack. The following are some of my favorites, I won't say where they are at exactly because I don't want a big long line ahead of me when I get there. But if you really need to know I will tell you personally.

#1
AL & BEA's
Classic. Simple. Beans and cheese with either Red or Green Chile. The beans are thick, not paste like but they stick to the tortilla. I like to ask for the Bean and cheese with potatos and rice. That is making more like a meal but hey they make 'em by special request. At this spot potatos mean french fries! How Chicano is that! French fries in a burrito with beans and cheese, dang! Then add in the rice ay ay ay.

#2
J&S (open 24 hrs)
This is another classic spot with old school flavor in spades. This is just simply beans and cheese. The frijole consistency here is about the same as Al & Bea's, but be careful these might spill out of their tortilla a little easier. Their salsas and hot sauces are very good, thick and flavorful. Mouthwatering just to sniff them. This spot also has the ubber Chicano Chile Relleno Burrito and a kick ass breakfast burrito they sell at anytime.

#3
Poquito Mas (various locations)
These are bigger and cost a lil mas but they are grilled and very tasty. Want to be a little bad? Add the carnitas for a couple of bucks more. These burritos need to be handled with cari~o or they might make a mess. Maybe the workers think that since a lot of gringos eat here, and you know they use forks on their burritos, they might not roll them as good if they were serving a Chicano/a population whose cool level is measured by whether or not a burrito falls apart in their hands while eating.

#4 King Taco

(various locations)
Yes, ofcourse, why would anyone go to King Taco for just a bean burrito? Well, maybe it's lent? It is coming up right? Maybe you went vegetarian? Maybe you can't afford the rotisserie chicken or a meat burrito (which are overpriced IMO)? Whatever, these are very good simply because they use the ever loved King Taco Green sauce. Be real trucha with these burritos they will fall apart. The workers are so used to making them with meat and rice that the beans they use are very runny and will break out of their tortilla making you look stoooopid in front of all the Raza in the casa.

#5
T.V. Cafe (24 hrs)
If you have ever been out with me long enough, you know the drill. The #31, the Famous T.V. Cafe Vegetarian Burrito. I know it is not a bean burrito, but it is damn good burrito that is made damn good because of damn good beans. You owe it to yourself to try this burrito out. The mix of the beans with their sour cream, guacamole and great hot sauce, oh my. I need to control myself from gettin in the ride and getting one. This is very filling and can be considered a meal in itself. Usually they maintain their body because all the stuff that goes into it sticks together.

Ah, I feel better. I feel satisfied without the fear of being gassy. I guess writing about food is kinda like cooking it. After you are done you aren't hungry anymore.

Got any burritos I should try? Por favor let me in on your secrets...