hot song

I'll have a big entry tomorrow

peace&love

Correr = to run

Running a race is the best parallel for describing testing situations 

I'm a runner. When i go to the gym i run. When i have time i  try to get at least three miles in a day. Nothing clears my mind or makes me feel better than just getting on the treadmill, zoning out and running.  

The closest thing i can compare the way i feel as I've pushed through, to the near end of this semester is running. At first it was fine but as you get in mid run you start to become more self aware. You start to feel everything, your feel every breath, you start to question yourself and you're tempted to slow down the pace. But then you get to this point. That point where you reach this inner threshold. Its the point when your inner strength kicks in.  The Second wind

I'm at the cusp of the second wind because as I near the final day, of an unprecedented litany, of testing I can feel the endorphins kicking in. I feel that burst that will help me push to the end. 

 A beautiful, wise and all together wonderful person told me earlier today [in response to one of my moments of weakness] that " once you push in the last leg of the race, your sigh of relief will not only be from completion but from victory as well"

-No way I couldn't have said it any better-

Peace and love

Julian

Leer = to read

Ok so school is a very major part of my life. I try my damnedest to not let it be the only thing i have though. So to maintain my sanity I've been reading for recreational perposes [ an unheard of feat in medschool]. At one point last year i was reduced to solely reading editorials in GQ.  I really enjoy my rec reading because I've come upon some some pretty amazing stuff. I think that the best fiction I've read this year was from Junot Diaz. 

He is an amazing writer.  I the first I heard of him was short story he wrote for GQ, Summer Love, Overheated. That small piece was so good by that night i had already purchased his first book.  His first book is his short story collection Drown. I almost couldn't put the book down. I  forget if i wrote about the book early on the blog but if i didn't, i sure cant let the year end without singing his praises. As a whole the book is amazing but each individual story  could easily stand alone. His second book [and Pulitzer winner] is The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, this book was well worth the hype it got. I would recommend it for any and everyone.  Diaz is an amazingly talented Dominican American writer. His books generally speak through Afro-Latino male protagonists. He has a lyrical quality to his writing that flows even better with its interspersed spanish. The characters are so real and at times i felt a longing for my own boyhood and that inexplicable feeling i get when i think about Panama. The homeland I barely know.

Besides the Diaz books I read, I also decided to pic up My American Journey the autobiography of Colin Powell. I came out in the 90's, so its very pre-Iraq/ pre 9-11.  He is hands down one of my biggest heroes and inspirations. What I admire about the most is that He is such a principle driven man. Everyone knows "right" and "wrong", but sometimes when you are in gray areas or your called to make the tough decisions all you have are your principles, instincts and morals. No body is perfect and his story is so inspirational because he showed me that i can make a difference. He embodies the American dream, immigrant parents,with a working class background, a hard worker with nothin but aspiration and dreams. He was no academic maven,what he is, is a Man who does his best, learns from every experience and never blames the "could should wouldas" on others; he always made sure to learn something from the inspirational people over him while still maintaining a steady ear to the people under him.

The year 2008 is quickly coming to an end. I never would've imagined that it would've turned out like this. I hope that the next one is filled with many more great books

Style

Im not some fashiony dude that follows all the trends and fads out there. Im just a guy who likes cool stuff and enjoys wearing it. My own personal style has evolved over the years, naturally, but as i mature, i see my taste gravitating towards classic looks and leaner silhouettes [being out of shape i got to wear stuff that fits well lol]. So a few designers that really got cool stuff and i wanted to share.

-Band of outsiders-
I really like their stuff. It looks fun and kinda young but not

 kiddy.I dont want to look like a high schooler. I like the cardigans and button ups. The suits are really cool too.

 Classic

 things like oxfords and university stripped ties never go out of style.

 Im a little on the fence with bow ties, cause some circles really OVER DO THEM. If i wore  bow ties, they'd be understated like these and not big and flashy

- nom de guerre -
They have military inspired looks that i think are pretty tight. This is a something i

 really like. Its manly, its timely and if not overdone looks all together bad ass. Safari shirts are awesome. They can be dressed up or down. You can wear them in the summer or friggin ice cold mid atlantic winter. I like the solid ties but i like mine a little slimmer. I put that nom de guerre plaid shirt to cover a point that i really think is key. PLAID IS RAD lol. Naw seriously, it has a good look and is def. a cold weather must have. Thick cotton plaid shirts go a long way on a cold day.

PERSONAL STYLE NOTE: some people think it looks weird and others think its a nerdy thing to do. I just think it looks well put together. I think that buttoning up a shirt without a tie is the way to go. Sometimes you just dont need a tie or you dont wanna look sloppy. You can show off your suit/shirt with a fully buttoned dress shirt sans tie. I also think that the buttoned shirt frames your face and if your not ugly thats a good thing lol.  I've seen it on run ways and stuff    but its not common.  All in all its a better look than the mundane top button undone. Anytime undone is an adjective for your attire you shouldnt wear it to church or nice occasions. I dont top button everything dont get me wrong. Im just a fan of the look. Thats my piece and im stickin to it

Old school Study Music

Listening to old school music and gettin it in. More to come after my test

Old School Cats New Stuff
Q-tip & Raphael Saadiq


The Police: greatest hits album


Alton Ellis [old school reggae]


The spinners [gotta love that guitar]

Breakin'

I been on such a long break from blogging....

I need to do better and eventually I'll get there. Here are some videos. I'll post more later

Heartless from kwest on Vimeo.

A little love

Noah and The Whale, a band I found out about on La blogotheque. They're a British band that has some pretty earnest songs about love, love lost and other typical youthful fare. Their first release is called Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down. The instrumentation is great and the CD is very easy to listen to. I've already fallen in love with more than half the songs and I've owned the CD for all of 2 hours. But then again, whats not to love with the ukuleles, string heavy and simple vocal harmonies abound.

enjoy 

songs im feelin

Been a while...

Yeah, its been a while. But on a recent episode of House i saw Michelle Trachtenberg, and it had me thinking about a show i loved as a kid. The Adventures of Pete and Pete, it was such a good show. It makes me feel kinda nostalgic from my boyhood and takes me too a simpler time. The music is kinda cool too

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1370307846151600208&hl=en
copy and paste the link

Peace

WHAT A FUCKIN NIGHT

1st: I friggin miss the season opener of SNL
2nd: I get my damn car towed and i'm out 150 dollars

F'in A man

You know what time it is

Its time for the Hot list.

-Music-

El Guincho is dope

-TV-

SNL is back, definitely one of my top favorite shows on TV. I love it cause its live, I love it cause it comedy, and I love cause when its good, its magical. 

- Fashion-

Ok two fashion things that have been on my mind. First, im lookin for a great everyday fall/winter boot. I dont want nothin fancy and i dont want no stinkin timberlands lol. Its hard when your feet are big, cause i would cop the new chukka Sperrys. But i been eyeing these... If all else fails im gettin vans chukkas. 

The second fashionable thing on my mind are two hats a Fitted and a Porkpie. The porkpie is more dressy and the best part about it is its not a fedora. And the fitted is a flannel fitted over at Vans.

-Trend-

Carpe Diem

I think, KNOW that my life has changed a lot this year. And i attribute it to a more carpe diem attitude. I've tried to stay pretty close to this but sometimes I find myself over thinking stuff again. But now I'm pretty resolved to seize the day without becoming reckless and bull headed.

peace&love

Julian

The greatest story ever told

At the risk of looking like a real dork. I have to admit that George Lucas is a true genius. This dude wrote all the star wars movies decades ago and by some whim of clairvoyance or cosmic Force; almost spot on predicted the major players in the 2008 presidential race. The parallels are pretty amazing when you look at it.

Senator McCain is this national hero, he rose to power in the senate, and now hes positioning himself through strategic political moves to seize control of the empire. I'm not even mentioning the fact that his face looks just like the dark lord. His snide remarks and "Maverick" behavior perfectly mirror the actions of Darth Sidious. Hes even out to destroy and discredit our New Hope.

I find it insulting that the same hard leaning right wing pundits who can denigrate everything Obama and vilify the slightest Hillarian move; can twist and turn blatantly underhanded and divisively conniving political moves and Hail them as "Just, Patriotic, Christian and American". It feels like we are in a fight up an uphill battle against a well oiled machine

I could expound further, but alas, school is beckoning me. However i do have one more thought. Its pretty obvious that America is yearning for change, and both candidates are offering change but one thing we mustn't forget it that not all change is a good thing. Mussolini was change, Trujillo was change, Hitler was change, BUSH was change. Not all change is good change. When looking for agents of change we need to be wary. [especially when they themselves keep changing to pander votes.]

Stop... Think about it

I wish i had more time to comment on these recent political events that have unfolded. I just find it odd that since the very beginning of the primary season all ofthe Obama's detractors [read McCain and crew] have said that he isn't ready for the job, he's inexperienced, and he has no real public record. How can McCain say that and then turn around choose a younger, more inexperienced woman who's gonvonor of one of the least populous states of the union [barely more populated than Wyoming and Vermont]?

I guess he really need experience in key points of interest that will pander to very specific special interest groups. When you look at it like that, Palin kinda IS the best choice. She's been white all of her life, She has 44 years of experience as a woman, she's a life long member of the NRA, and from what i hear shes also a Mega bitch [the last one i cant back up lol]. Dang, What am i so mad about? Sarah Palin is obviously the best choice.

good day

Mi Alma

I love Latin music. Not all Latin music, I like the old school Afro-Latino influenced music from the 60's and 70's. Artists like La Lupe, Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, The Lebron Brothers. To be real, I like to listen to all types of soulful music, be it american, carribean or latin. Its hard to explain, but listening to this music takes me to the most familiar place I've never been. People always tell me that I have an old soul; I agree, I just think its wearing a panama montuno and rockin to Bob Marley


Peace&love
Julian
----------------
Now playing: Los Exagerados - Panama Esta Bueno Y...Ma
via FoxyTunes

Pimpin'

Ok so i have been hella off task since my butt dodged a bullet on that last test. So i was thinkin and junk and i think i know what ima name my first kid [dont ask me WHY i was thinkin bout that ish cause i dont know]. But yeah, my first boy is def gonna be named Jove. Its not too popular a name, it sounds cool, and my name is a derivative of Jove too. So anyways, when i wiki'ed it, this picture of Jupiter/Jove [zeus to all you greeks] sealed the deal. This is is pretty sick

later

5 HOT things

Its been a while. But i need a study break so I'll let yall know the 5 cosas i think are pretty caliente right now.

-Music-
I bought that new Janelle Monae the other day. She is pretty creative [kinda weird too] but i like her. I love Jazz standards and she really won me over by covering SMILE Her voice is pure and sweet. check it



-Books-
I was reading this GQ article, in last months issue. This article was about this dudes failed relationship the story wasnt any thing overly special, but the authors voice was so real. I could feel this dude and so i looked him up, and he recently won a pulizer and has a new book coming out in september. Junot Diaz is his name, he's a dominican american and hes a sick author.
The book is The Brief Life of Oscar Wao

-Fashion-
Not much is inspiring me in the sartorial realm, but for some reason i've been in this dark mood. Black T's, Grey T's and Navy. I dont know, maybe its cause im on my grown up steez and some street wear is getting to damn bright lol. But one thing i def will be copping is a Fitted leather coat for fall.


-Trend-
PAYBACK
I finally got the damn saxaphone bum back. He was talkin all that shit to one of my friends the other day. I had to let that hoe know the deal and shut him the F up

-Shoes-
Im definitely in the market for some new shoes. Im tryin to figure out if i want these Creative recreations or the Hyperdunks. They are totally different shoes but equally as hard.

NEW SHIT

The streets is comin out with a new album. He seems to have calmed down. I really like the new direction he's taking. I will probly cop the new disc when it drops
enjoy

A reckoning

caught a very impromtu Gnarls Barkley live show the other night. Cee-lo is amazing, he ripped every single song with everything he had. I have a new found respect for the band. I must admit that at first i thought the new album was a little sketchy, because i compared it to the incomparable St. Elsewhere, but between my continued listening,their choices of singles and attending the live show and, i can totally see where they are comin from and i can really just dig The Odd couple for what they are.

A force of Nature

Amazing

Gnarls doin a radiohead cover

Absentee

It feels like i've been gone for ages... But im back and officially done with my first year. No more summer school, no more worry or doubt. Its offical, i am back in action and continuing my medical education.

In countless ways this year has been the best and worst year of my life. I've come very far from the boy that i was when i packed up everything a year ago, July 11th 2007, and moved to DC. The lessons I've learned are so invaluable. The stuff i been through can't be found in books. This is real life stuff that in theory we all think we can handle; but believe you me, goin through it is on a whole other level. All i can really say is that the old adage of "if knew then what i know now" holds so true.

On academics, on relationships [platonic, familial and amorous], and issues in my own head; this year has tested and pushed me to limits, the likes of which i've never seen. The beauty of this year has left me awe struck. Bonds made and relationships established have made lasting impressions, the triumphs and joys of this year were the things dreams were made of. And through all of the celebration, I've dealt with loss and disappointment; let downs and breaking points. I almost wish i penned [or typed lol] them all down on the blog. But i think it was best that i took the time to work on myself.

Im not trying to romanticize this year or my experience, because i know things can always be worse. But what i am saying is that when we are faced with problems we can and should never lose faith and we should never give up and never take anything lying down. I know that after making it through this, the longest and hardest year of my life to date, there is NO DOUBT that was meant for this.

Peace&Love
Julian

The Black Keys

this stuff got some old school soul too it. Danger mouse produced The black keys new album Attack and Release, out April 1st. I was checkin out some of the tracks and im pretty impressed. This blues-rock album may just be my album of the summer

breakin'

its been hella long since ive posted. Later this week i promise ima do much better

peace&love
julian

Conversations

Friday night i was lookin for the discovery health channel and i stumbled upon MSNBC. They had this live thing at Crampton auditorium up on the hill at Howard. Brian Williams was the moderator and he had a revolving panel of prominent people and forward thinkers and they just had a pretty candid talk about race and the state of black and brown people in the US. It was so riveting and timely. I was definitely impressed with a lot of the things i heard.

I did wonder why they would put such an amazing program at 11:00 on a friday night though, but beyond that it was a great event. I missed the documentary that they showed prior to the live portion, it was called "Meeting Davin Wilson". I saw clips on the net earlier, but its about a black mans journey into his family history and how he actully found the relatives of the family who owned his family three generations ago. He found a son of that family, and they both happend to be named David Wilson.

I only saw a trailor but it was crazy [to say the least]; black david didn't know where to begin. He asked friends and family what to thing and how he should go about it. And at one point he asked a 97 year old church lady about reparations and how she felt, she said "Honey, dont owe you nothin more than respect" it so profound and succint in its honesty and truth.

Thats all they really owe us. Respect. I look at all the things happening in the world today and i see the infathomable amount of money that the US government spends a month in iraq and wonder if just one month of the iraq war budget was used in the disinfranchized urban centers around this country what good could be done. Im all for helping the poor and oppressed abroad, in fact thats what I intend to devote my life too, but first we have to take care of the people in our back yard. There are little black and brown kids that look just like me who are more likely to go to jail than to graduate from high school.

This discrimination and equality thing is not over, not until these disparities are quelled and everyone has equal accessablity to this American Dream

New old SHOES

Snagged these batches after a rough test day
more later

Comedy

yo, human giant is killin just about anything else on tv. I youtubed a couple clips this morning and was laughin my behind off. Here are some of my favorites

O YEAH

Its about that time and i got a lot of things on my mind.
First off, im happy that my cardio test wasnt a total bomb, and that spring is comin up. In the midst of my pulmonology section if still found the time to obsese about some really hot things.

-Music-
I found this great vampire weekend tract from a Radiohead tribute CD for their killer album "ok computer". I like the song so much i copped the original CD, its pretty friggin awesome, better than in rainbows. But besides all the alt stuff, i been plagued by that dang song "touch my body" for a month. I hate girly pop/r&b but it is good, and the remix with the dream makes it definitely HOT.

-Food-
I love plaintains. I know it sound greedy as hell, but i love em. They are the potatoes of Central America, you can have em starchy or sweet. So i guess i'm showin my ethnic side but dang im bout to fry some up now lol

-Fashion-
I like straw fedoras, im tryin to cop one before spring, i just gotta decide between a stussy one and this other hat i saw from brixton ltd.


-Movie-
Ok, i haven't seen a movie since... o yeah i did see Horton. Never mind, i dont know why but i wanna see that super hero movie. Maybe its just cause i like Tracey Morgan, either way it should be funny.

- Social Trend-
Lookin out. Its nothing new, but doing good deeds for people really is great. When you do a selfless deed it makes you feel as good [if not better] than the person you do it for. I got some stuff comin up next week and i hope it all works out. Lookin out for folk is definitely something that needs to catch on.

hasta luego
Julian

cool james dean quote:
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.”

like this ish

vampire weekend covering radio head
cant complain with that

Vampire Weekend – Exit Music (For A Film)

NPR

I love listening to NPR. I listen to them more than I listen to regular radio. Last week, in the midst of the Obama-Pastor Wright drama, there was a great discussion on with a journalist, a historian, a reverend and my favorite politico out there, Donna Brazile. They talked about the pastors comments, they talked about the "race speech", racial differences in America and just had a very good discussion.

Even tonite, on my way home from school, there was a discussion on the media and how John McCain is portrayed. They had journalists and callers who had great opinions from various perspectives. All poignant and thought provoking.

The main thing about NPR that i like so much, is the fact that they have no agendas, everything is non partisan. They talk about world issues, local issues, culture, art, music, the environment. I guess I'm just over CNN and all these media outlets trying to tell people what and how to think. There is so much more happening in the world and the country that is just ignored. Well, we just started pulmonology so i gotta get to bed.

peace&love
Julian

Hot outkast ish

heard it in the car the other day... sick

LATE

its late as heck... I wanted to write a big entry about Barack Obama's "race speech" but life, and the smoker, and this dang cardio test got in the way. So I'm not gonna say much, except that it was a great and very timely and apropos speech. He talked about race from a perspective that cannot be attained from a degree or a book. Senator Obama has a background that is truly an American story. He sees clearly from both sides of the racial divide that has, over the years gone from out right segregation and hate and morphed into a slew of P.C. and not so P.C. blurbs and social truths.

Barack Obama is one of the most forward thinkers of our time. Despite the outcome of this election people will be reading about Barack Obama, Movies will be made and I will be telling my children about this man.

ok im finally going to bed

Real Quick...

Ima be in the library for another hour, but i just wanted to talk about this french blog i found [blogotheque.net]. I've seen the videos all over the place but i looked through their archive and was very pleased. I found some great artists. I'm also realizing that though i do love big arrangements; stripped down songs that are down to the basics are much better than the studio versions. [maybe its the minimalist in me]

Andrew Bird is a genius and i dont care what you say about Jason Mraz, dude got talent
I have a lot to say about the Obama speech, but thats gonna have to wait till i have some real down time.

later

#45.2 - Andrew Bird - Weather Systems
by lablogotheque

Split - Jason Mraz - Live High
by lablogotheque

Busy

I made it through neuro. Now all this other ish goin on I don't think I've ever been so behind/busy/stressed/anxious. I was telling someone earlier that this whole medical school thing is the most bittersweet experience of my life. Its like the best and worst time of my life all in one. I'm finally getting my grown man on, its like i can feel the old me that i used to know being replaced. On the flip side I'm so unsure about a lot of things; At this point i have so much to look forward too in my future [ i just gotta make sure i don't F anything up]. I got those major life altering decisions and loans and stuff to deal with that i sometimes feel I'm not capable of dealing with.

I honestly wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world. This is the good life

peace&love

Julian

5 More for ya kid

I got 5 more things that i cant stop thankin bout.

-Music-
I got the new Spin a couple days ago, the one with the band you may or may not of heard of, Vampire weekend. Well anyway, they had had a story on the new music styles comin outta Chicago. They had Kid Sister, Flosstradamus and The Cool Kids. I'm really feelin their stuff, its hip hop, kinda tecno, a little indie and a whole lotta Party.


-Food-
I got some gobstoppers the other day, took me back to the good ol' days. They are smaller than i remember...

-Movie-
We can only pray that this aint another suckfest like the last one.


The Incredible Hulk Trailer
by Unchained-Azrael


-cross advertisement-
Supreme + Kermit= Dope



-Social Trend-
Reconnecting. Im trying to do some reconnecting with some people I've lost touch with/haven't seen in a while. I know my life is crazy and busy and hectic and all that junk; but sometimes you gotta make that effort. I gotta call some family this weekend to just say hello and make sure they know i love em.

Im done
Peace&love

Julian

Funny that this played right on the dot

12:51
the strokes are the truth

buenas

Pointing out the sun

Geraldine Ferraro... Shes not saying anything new. She's talking from a privileged upper class white elitist point of view. Mrs. Ferraro said some questionable things about Senator Obama and his race. I'm not perturbed as much that she would say it, I'm more upset that in doing so she tried to devalue and denigrate senator Obama's character, personality and merit and reduce him to just a lucky person who is riding on some fad.

With Mrs. Ferraro fails to realize that absolutely NO ONE in this world would be in the position they are if it weren't for their sex and/or race, shes basically pointing out the sun. What she has done is commit a classic miss step that privileged people have done for years. They try to talk candidly about race, they try to act as if they can level with people and talk about "real things". What Mrs. Ferraro and others who've made similar comments fail to realize is that race/gender/nationality are things that we have no control over. We cant pick and choose who we are, what gender we are, or where we are born; but all of these things are integral parts of who we are. They fail to realize that many people of other races and socio-economic groups face facts and realities of life that they only read about or see on the 6 o'clock news.

In her derisive comments and her attempt to abate senator obama; she cheapened her own accomplishments, she reduced Senator Clintons merit and she outed herself as a closeted bigot. She acts as if his being a black man is a political plus. When in all actuality, if senator obama was white the only focus and media attention would be on his issues and campaigning. Every other primary wouldn't focus so strongly on his command of the "black vote" and people wouldn't talk about how clean he looks or how well he speaks. No one would be in the same position they are in politically, socially or financially if they were anything or anyone other than themselves. And for her to say that people are only attacking her because she's white is such a half truth. We are attacking her because shes foolish, indignant and WHITE.

The things that makes white privilege a privilege is that those with it don't even know they have it. Its just an unspoken fact of life for them. Its in their subconscious. She can sit around an spew all her ignorance and claim that people are being racists to her; This lady couldn't even BEGIN to realize what racism in America is [ I'm actually offended that she's pulling the race card]. The fact of the matter is that she will NEVER know how it feels to be a black man [or any minority for that matter] she will never know anything else besides her lily white upper class elitist way of life, to say that his race is the only thing that got Senator Obama this far utterly absurd. The fact that he made it this far,as a black man, speaks even more as testament of his abilities, persistence and character.

But hey who am I to judge? If this is what she wants to be remembered for than by all means lady, go ahead.

Who's gonna save my soul

new gnarls barkley track

What a mash up

this is great

Great

Arcade Fire givin a Free Obama Support concert

greatness

peace&love

SNL

last nights SNL with Vampire weekend was great.
I love Amy Poehler.

[its probably only funny it you watch project runway]

Before Bed

Oh yeah, before i knock out. I wanted to put yall on game about the new stussy spring 08 its tight and here are two of the shirts i copped... so far



good nite

Decisiones

That life altering shit. You know, the stuff that can send you any way and will most definitely affect the course of your life. Well i got some of those things in my mind and im still tryin to make sense of it all. I wont get too deep into it but yeah.

its real late
peace&love
Julian

sick

foune her on myspace a while ago. And saw her new video on the kanye blog.

Santogold

5 hot Things

Its been a helluva long time since i posted my 5 cosas, but i was in a holding pattern [neuro to be exact]. So im done with neuro and trying to saturate my brain with cardio. Anyway, here are my 5 hot things, they are extra caliente cause they are long over due.

-Music-
I like finding new artists and junk, but sometimes its good to go back and rediscover established artists. You know the dudes you know and like but dont know [or own] that much of their stuff. Well i copped a Blackstar cd with mos def and talib [its great by the way] and i also bought an itunes essential mix of the Strokes [equally as gnarley]. So thats that, Re-aquainting yourself to established artists is dope.

-Fashion-
It was hot this week in DC. So i was thinkin about spring, i think that tank tops are gonna be pretty hot this year. Retro lookin shirts are gonna be whats up... I guess i gotta dust of the guns lol


-Tour-
Glow in the dark tour is like 2 months away. But im ready, im so f'in ready lol

-Art-
Yeah, im months away from gettin inked up. Its official. Ima take the plunge. After i finish my summer school trek ima get it. No Hay Duda

-Vid-

So say I

Making it through this year has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. Im not all the way in the clear for the year but by mid summer i should hopefully be ready for all my obligations and just ready to move on. I've learned a lot over these past few months, I oddly have 2 and a half months left [in class] but i dont feel nowhere near done. Neuroanatomy was excruciating, i barely updated this blog, i got sick, i barely slept and i felt the anxiety problems rearing their ugly face. Hopefully when we get out grades everything will be A-Ok and i can fully commit to this last unit.

It feels good to be doing pretty well in school, i need to move further away from my borderline activities but beyond that i still feel pretty good about the rest of the year and everything. I dont really have anything new or witty to say as of yet, just sayin whats good with me. I'll post some cool stuff later tonite.

peace & love
Julian

tight DJ's

DJ crew outta Chicago

Flosstradamus

yeah...

its been for ever

thats what neuro will do to that ass lol

heres a great bob tune

The science of sleep

Dang,i never knew sleep was such a luxury. I been pretty bad with my updates on the blog, but thats cause my life is still in a mess [when will it ever end]. Hopefully the long weekend will grant me some good rest, and a little peace of mind. Im on another old school hip hop kick so keep posted for some more videos.

spread love yall

Julian

oldies but goodies

?

Why does every damn black history month have someone humming in the background and a lot of shadows?

shit
[yeah im in a batchy mood lol]

So Damn Dope

my 5 hot things

Its been a while, this year/semester/unit has been crazy and i dont see any signs of it letting up anytime soon. But onto better things
-Music-

Besides the MEGA announcement of the year that is the Glow in the Dark tour, and the release of the new [and pretty infectious vampire weekend CD] i was pretty enthused to hear a new Gnarls Barkley track. Its hot and its called Run. Check it out for your self [cause i dont know how to post music...yet]

-Icon-
I dont know why, but i been listening and lookin up good ol Janis Joplin recently. She is pretty dope, her voice is unique and i love the got feeling in her music. Her cover of Summer time is great.

-Tech-
this fish tank is SICK.


-Trend-
Ok, i had a time in my life where i could not find a dress shoe that i really liked. Then i found my Bruno Maglis now i see a style that i kinda liked, but really am feeling right about not. Check it, those shoes are pretty sick. And everyone knows i will rock some skinny jeans


-Time-
Yo, its Februray. The superbowl is sunday, my birthday is on monday, and tuesday is super tuesday. Its black history month, Valentines day is comin and probly a bunch of other junk that i cant remember. What a great month

Peace&love yall

Julian

I am SO ready for this dude

Love is all we need

hot vids before bed

Rock the Vote

I was speaking with a friend and remembering the last presidential election. It was my sophomore year in college and we were so amped. We followed every development in the race to the white house. We had John Kerry bumper stickers, we joined the democratic party at the mall and even tried going to some random democratic meeting in support of Kerry. I remember cheering as John Kerry beat Bush in every single debate; and feeling reassured by the fact that no one ever got elected if they lost the debates.

...Then the election came. and before the end of the day John Kerry had withdrawn and was on CNN congratulating Dub ya.
I'm not being pessimistic or trying to rehash the wounds of that horrible time in history; its just funny to see how fast time is fleeting. I can vividly remember how depressed i was sitting there in that dorm room dreading life in a world with "4 more years" of Bush.

Well his time is quickly coming to an end and now he has a pretty good idea his what kind of legacy he will have. He knows that his presidency will be tainted with a horrible economy a highly unpopular war and a word that will haunt him for the rest of his life: Katrina . Bush is going down, and though many people call him evil and say so many things about his character i don't think the man is evil at all. I thing that he is just indifferent. He's indifferent to the sufferings of the poor, the ethnic, the hurting, the young, the old the weak [basically the whole world outside of his lily white New England born, Texan breed all American circle]

Helen Keller said it best when she said "science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all -- the apathy of human beings."

I dont believe that human beings are born either innately good or evil, but we all have a propensity for apathy which is far worse than the evil that some may harbor.

The Situation at hand

I never knew that you could have questions answered that you've never asked. I just heard Cornel West speak. The man is magnificent, to say the least. He's inspiring and he exudes intelligence that is so far removed from the guise of pretense that you cant help but be moved. I've been pondering many things about what it is to be a black man in these United States, what makes us as a people different form the other dark faces of the world. I was so moved yesterday. I realize that in my quest for completion on this existential journey i realized that its not just the sacrifice of study and time, and putting off fun. I realized that this thing, my journey, is So much bigger than I am.

I as a black man, born of a man, the son of slaves and an immigrant mother of a land of paradise and penance. The fire i have within is fueled by the hopes and aspirations of people who sacrificed life and limb to make a better life for me. Their sacrifice was for me; a person some of them never laid eyes on. I am the American dream; a living walking dream personified. I know that i must press on, despite my feelings of doubt and moments of weakness. Its so much bigger than me, because my I know my calling and purpose. This vocation was not a choice it was an ordination.

So I press on because there is no success without hardship

peace&love

Julian

dope vids

Luchando

I'm in the fight of my life. I'm fighting against some tough odds but I'm still encouraged, and i know that WHEN i make it through this year and get to the other side of the hump it will all be for the Lords glory.

Now time for one of my favorite Martin Luther King Quotes

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. "

The thing about Dr. King is that everyone seems to canonize him. Dr Kings message was much more than just a dream. He was a real man who put his life and limb on the line fight against injustice and fighting for a cause that he believed so strongly in. I yearn for that this just cause of fighting against the ills of the world [I want to totally remove self from the equation] and give all I can. Its a daily struggle and i cant let hubris lead me down a path of destruction.

peace&love
Julian

What really grinds my gears...

Sushi

that's what grinds my gears. I hate that shit. For years people have been singing its praising ,all in my ear, so i tried some before and didn't really like it. They said "get the one with he sea weed inside" or "try the California roll" or "bla bla blah". I F'in hate it. Its gross, its uncooked, it smells and F'in Wasabi? [C'mon, how is that good? It tastes like chilled, ass flake pate']

well anyway that's all. I'll post a little something more up beat later tonite

peace&love
Julian

The Fire Hot Five

Its a test weekend so besides neuroanatomy, here are the top 5 things running through my cerebrum [in no particular order]

-Time -

The good ole' days. That encompasses a lot of different chapters in my life.

Undergrad was fun, High school was ok, my childhood was pretty whimsical i guess. Basically anytime other than the present is pretty appealing right about now.

-Whip-

Did i just say whip? that's kinda lame. But what ever, The car that is goin through my mind right now, other than Vita, is the 2008 BMW650i [black on black convertible thank you].

damn

-Something Sartorial-

This shirt is tight. Kinda plain but im over flashy

-Chick-

I mean lady...lol, Keri Hilson. I first heard her when i got shock value [before it got jacked] and i liked her voice. But after seeing the video... im a Fan. I did some investigating and she's done a lot in the industry. She's pretty tight, so is the video.

-Modality-

Minimalism, i dont know why, but im starting to cut some things. Im limiting my electronic fixation [no ipod, and cell phone use is at an all time low]. Im losing the desire for the latest of anything. I feel like im leaning toward a more organic, books and vegetables peace and love kinda life. I know what i like and if i dont need something, consider it recycled lol

See ya Tuesday [after this monster test]

peace&love

Julian

Goin back...

My first couple post on the blog [way back when] were funny clips. So in the spirit of lookin back, Here are too funny ass clips of people doing what i love the most.

peace&love

Julian

Takin it back

I have very recently been on this whole black empowerment thing. I've been reading up about a lot of black history during my spare time and just engrossing myself with the struggle. I sometimes feel that i don't appreciate where we have come from as much, but when i see movies like the Great Debaters that so eloquently show the story of bBlack America i am altogether returned to focus.

The mere fact that i can be sitting here struggling in Medschol is a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before me. I recently heard a young cousin of mine say that , and i quote,"If I could i would NEVER read a book again, I hate reading". Mighty strong words. Sure ,reading may not be every ones cup of tea, but DAMN. When your ancestors DIED trying to learn to read and right your tellin me you are THAT content in your own ignorance that you pine for the day that you never have to read again?

Anyway, it feels good to be on this Black America grind. For a while i spent a lot of time getting in touch with my other family roots. I read anything i can get about Panama, Afro-Latinos and Hispanics [I'm even trying to teach myself more Spanish]. But recently i felt that i neglected the American side because i live here. The truth is ,i have A LOT to learn about both sides of my family history. So yeah, im extra hype about black history month and yes I am reading The Souls of Black Folk , and i really am saving up for another Panamanian excursion.

I love this history and i love myself. I mean really thought, How many Black Hispanic Georgia Boys do you know? Shoot i only know 1. [well, besides my brothers lol]

peace love& empowerment
Julian

Afro pop fusion

I think i may have found a new genre to delve into.
Afro pop, i love agile guitars and the drums. This group is Vampire Weekend, they are afro pop inspired. Funny how i got turned on to afro pop from some white ivy leage kids. Go fig

Man up

When faced with almost insurmountable odds, the measure of a man is how he faces the task. There comes a point when all words and intent mean nothing; now is the time to DO IT.

peace&love
Julian

Falling

Perpetual failure is the worst feeling fathomable. This feeling of drowning is equatable to struggling in a sea of ineptitude and fighting to stay afloat by clinging all types of false hopes and quick fixes. Every new set back stinging your soul with the brackish water of self loathing. Its like drowning on dry ground; yet this drowning doesn't kill the body. This drowning victim is your soul. Its a fate far worse than falling down a tritely ever endless abyss, for with this demise you know how you'll meet your maker; you see your end from the very beginning, this demise is worse than death.

I wish i could wax philosophically or blindly say that everything is gonna be alright; but the realist in me says that to make it, things must change. To over come, self as I know it must be lain down. Life as i know it must cease; because this life is wrought with failure and continuing down this path will only lead me to destruction. In such perilous times its hard to maintain the faith; especially when said faith has been shaken to its fragile and blithely cultivated core.

so i press on, bid. I do so not because of some effervescent hope that burns deep with in, I do it simply because i must...

[is this the spark cost the of greatness that i so longingly search for, does it take this much back breaking anguish to unlock the potential within? I'm plagued with countless questions and yet i have an exponentially increasing deficit of answers]

Julian

Great Vid

I wish i could claim this find for myself but i found it on the kanye blog.


peace&love
Ju

New Years REVOLUTION

2008... wow

So i've been thinking about this year and how it has so much potential. I have this great opportunity to try to better myself.As a Christmas present to myself, I picked a biography of Stokely Carmichael. I think that reading about the lives and times of revolutionary men will help me in my quest for greatness [yeah, i dream bit YOU should too]. Everyone has a time in their life where they reach a crossroad, a "eureka" moment; that changes the course of their life forever. I like to read about visionary people because there is something about these men and women that sets them apart from regular people. Maybe its a fire burning inside or a passion that empowers them to become something more than "average".

Im goin to bed
peace&love
Julian