The Boys of Summer - Top 5 Baseball Movies

There is no other sport that reflects who we are more than baseball.  Baseball is as much a part of Americana as apple pie.  It is, after all, our national pastime.  My love for the game is unwavering, steadfast, pure.  Having played Div 1, Div 3 and semi-pro baseball, I know first hand the lure baseball can have over a boy.  As addictive as candy, what happens on the diamond - the crack of the bat, the grit of the dirt, the beauty of the curve ball, keeps us coming back for more.  And with each new season we are born again.  "God, I love baseball." - Roy Hobbs

 
Here are my Top 5 baseball movies:

5.  Bull Durham

The quintessential boys movie, with a little bit of romance for that girl passed out, drunk on your sofa. 


4. Major League

The Frat Brother's version of baseball.  An instant classic.  Charlie Sheen at his best.


3.  Mr. Baseball

A surprise choice and a lesser known baseball cult flic.  Tom Selleck makes playing baseball in Japan exciting, plain and simple.  Hilarious.


2. Field of Dreams

If you build it he will come, Moonlight Graham, cross country road trip, one last chance to be young again.  Every Father should watch this movie with his son.  A must. 


1. The Natural

The Holy Grail of baseball movies.  Robert Redford reminds us what is best about the game and the movie is done so well.  It's one of my favorite movies ever.  Roy Hobbs is every boy's hero.

               HERE'S TO ANOTHER SEASON IN THE SUN - THE BOYS OF SUMMER ARE BACK

Mikey Boy's Bucket List

It's a fair assumption that many of us have been cultivating our lil "bucket list" of things to do before we pack it all in.  Mine seems to be continuous, a never-ending list that only seems to grow - it never recedes.  Perhaps that's a good thing - as you live you discover other things you want to do, experience.  Still, I need to get cracking on this list - personally, it's a list that I find makes life magical...and whenever I feel I need more, something else to get me through, I revert back to the list and find I have done so little and that there is so much more to take in.  Life is just beginning...

 1.  Visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

2.  Visit the Pyramids, Egypt.

3.  Walk on the Great Wall, China. -  CHECK

4.  Running of the Bulls, Spain

5.  Visit Ibiza, Spain

6.  Visit Rio De Janeiro, Ipanema, Cococabana beaches

7.  Trek through Patagonia, Argentina

8.  Skydive - CHECK

9.  Bunjee Jump in New Zealand                                                          
                                                                               Don't be this guy - going through life locked in his
                                                                                                              own prison

10.  Drive topspeed on the Autobahn, Germany

11.  Threesome with 2 girls  ( will never happen :) )

12.  Walk through the Berlin Wall

13.  Go to the Oscars, California

14.  Playboy Mansion, California

15.  Get a Tattoo in Hawaii - CHECK

16.  Visit all U.S. Baseball Ballparks

17.  Visit Alaska - CHECK

18.  Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

19.  Full Moon Party, Thailand

20.  Burning Man Festival, Nevada

21.  Sensation, Global

22.  Attend World Cup

23.  Attend Olympics

24.  Celebrate New Years in Times Square, NYC

25.  Taj Mahal, India

26.  African Safari and Zanzibar

27.  See the Aurora Borealis, Finland

28.  Venture the Trans -  Siberian Railroad

29.  Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro

30.  Hug a Koala Bear, Australia

31.  Swim in the Ganges River, India

32.  Join the Mile High Club

33.  Learn a new language (fluently)

34.  Visit a Dutch Coffeeshop - CHECK

35.  Participate in the Gumball 3000

36.  Commercial Space Flight

37.  Learn to Tango

                                       World's Oldest Skydiver and fellow high school alum

The Best of the Best - Manly Men

Ever wonder what's it like to walk a higher path?  To be genetically superior?  To be a walking Adonis?  These are some of the men who live that life.  The best of the best.  The manly men.

                                                                              I AM

                                                                               TOO

                                                                            SEXY

                                                                             FOR

                                                                         MY BODY

http://whatworldnews.com/oh-my-god-man-with-the-biggest-muscle-in-the-world.html

Manly Men at Fashion Week Paris

                                     Stylin, but drop the man purse - Euros think it's mantastic.

   These men flaunt their masculinity by freely expressing their style.  No shame in looking good.
                                               Not during fashion week.  Never in Paris.

                       Check out who GQ sees are some of the best dressed men during Paris Fashion
                                                                                 Week. 
                              http://www.gq.com/style/street-style/201103/tommy-ton-paris#slide=1

The Stig - The Man Behind The Wheel

If you're into automobiles, the best of the best and all that jazz - Gumball 3000 style, then you know all about the Stig, the Man Behind the Wheel on the BBC's highly popular hit show, Top Gear. 

If you don't know and you are curious - hit up Top Gear's Website, or the Stig's facebook page, or hell, google the dude, you'll be surprised to find out who's behind the helmet - hint, a legend in his own right.  Go Speedracer.  Mutha F'ing Go.

 

This man has had his hands on the sexiest of bodies - hot wheels of steel.  Ain't gonna catch the midnight rider...

Tiësto in Atlantic City, 3/26. Uh. Oh.

                           Boardwalk Empire - Here he comes.  GA Tix still available.  VIP Sold Out.

From Russia With Love

One of the more ingenious ad campaigns I've seen in awhile.  So cool.  Good humor.  And I think he said - I AM EPIC WIN.  Whoa.

                        Sooo good I had to post another.  He spouts opulence.  Bow down.

Wyclef Jean Shot in the Hand in Haiti

Wyclef Jean, the popular hip-hop/reggae mogul was shot in the hand on the eve of the country's presidential runoff vote.  Published reports state Jean sustained a gun shot wound to the hand after 11:00 p.m. local time Saturday in the city of Delmas, just outside Port-au-Prince.  He was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released soon after.  No further statements as to motive or potential suspects.  

The shooting comes on the eve of presidential elections in Haiti. Jean is supporting fellow musician Michel Martelly.  Consequently, Jean made a bid for presidency but was ruled ineligible because he did not fulfill residency requirements, which call for a candidate to reside in Haiti for five consecutive years prior to running for office.

Inside Job - How One White Collar Crime Turned the World On Its Head

 

via IMDB -

From Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker, Charles Ferguson, comes INSIDE JOB, the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive research and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, INSIDE JOB traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relationships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia. Rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for some drug and sex-related material.

The Return of James Bond

It's high time a new installment of Ian Fleming's James Bond is released.  It seems an eternity has passed since Quantum of Solace. 

                                                           Four Tet - Quantum of Solace


Thankfully, after overcoming some recent financial set backs, 'Bond 23' will finally debut in November 2012.  Wow, that's still some time away.  What to do?  Listen to Four Tet's contribution to the Bond franchise and sip an elixir.  Why yes please, another martini, shaken not stirred.    

Ko Phi Phi - The Spring Break of Choice

It is no secret that Ko Phi Phi is one of the most exotic tropical destinations in the world.  Made famous by 'The Beach' a movie starring Leo DiCaprio, K.P.P. has become some what of a pilgrimage, a rite of passage by those who consider themselves groovy hippie globe trekkers.  And why not?  For most Westerners, simply getting there is a feat unto itself.  But make no mistake, it's a challenge worth taking - a trip worth making.

Still, with the bum rush of hippy jetsetters, (yes, they do exist) came significant improvements in transportation.  (Important to note that it is strongly advised one fly into Bangkok and catch a local flight to Phuket rather than drive or take a bus, from there it's a short boat ride)  As a result, the rich and beautiful of the college set are now side-stepping Cancun for the shores of Thailand.  Welcome to eco-Paradise.  Thai stick available upon request.   

                                                            Music by Unkle - Lonely Soul

John Varvatos - The Clothes That Make The Man...and Dave Matthews

The work of designer John Varvatos has always had a special kinship with music - especially rock and roll - this is, after all, the man who bought New York's legendary rock venue CBGB and converted it into his company's now-iconic downtown flagship.  With his meteoric rise to fame, along came the discerning clientele.  

In honor of Varvatos' 10 year anniversary, the label's fall 2010 ad campaign features 39 musicians - including luminaries such as Lenny Kravitz, Slash, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, and ZZ Top - in an homage to The Beatles' "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." 

But, besides all this buzz, one should really invest in his clothing line.  I myself have two hoodies that are so soft and refined you wouldn't believe the feel.  With cool crisp designs, a rugged attitude, a refined hip look, John Varvatos is kicking ass and taking names.  Women go crazy for a sharped dressed man.

                           10 yr Rock Out With Your Cock Out John Varvatos Hoedown.

By the way, an unknown musician by the name of Dave Matthews will be the face of his 2011 Spring Collection.

Sensation Chile Wicked Wonderland March 19, 2011

Chile - You're up. Please fasten your seat belts and make sure all belongings are stowed in the cabin above your head or tucked safely beneath your seat. Turbulence imminent.

Chile is heating up for Sensation Wicked Wonderland.  We are proud to announce the artists headlining your Chilean edition.



Mr. White 
Mr. White is Sensation’s white-faced resident who’s bringing a new sound to the Celebrate Life tour. With the introduction of Mr. White, Sensation is focused on bringing that pure party feeling. Mr. White is unrecognizable in a line-up of superstar DJ’s because his message is “Let’s just dance!” and that’s something that can be heard in his pumping and rhythmic sound. His sound goes back to the roots of house music, it is music purely to dance to. He uses less ‘poppy’ elements while keeping the dance floor steaming. The ideal kick-off to a night of celebration!

Erick E 
Erick E is without a doubt one of the founding fathers of the Dutch House sound. Apart from his energetic and highly danceable mixes, the main reasons for his popularity are his enthusiasm and charisma behind the decks. He really interacts and connects with his audience. Having rocked previous editions of Sensation, Erick is sure to deliver an unparalleled set filled with musical roalercoasters!

Fedde le Grand 
Having discretely passed from international chart topping success with the ubiquitous ‘Put Your Hands Up for Detroit’ back in 2006, to establishing position as one of the industry’s premier DJ’s, Fedde Le Grand continues to purvey his talent to worldwide dance floors. After a smashing performance at Sensation in Dusseldorf, Fedde is ready to blow the figurative roof of Estación Mapocho!




Sander van Doorn
A definite Sensation favourite and champion of genre-crossing productions; Sander van Doorn continues his domination of dance floors worldwide. He has produced sounds at a level most can only dream of. Drawing upon the best elements of various genres, he is able to create a potent mix that has fans coming back for more. After getting multiple Sensation crowds in a frenzy with that distinct and energetic 'SvD' sound, he is armed and ready to deliver the goods once again in Santiago.

Tocadisco 
Tocadisco has always been more than 'just a DJ'. With a slew of hits under his belt, an array of chart-topping remixes and unforgettable appearances at multiple Sensation’s, this DJ knows how to get the crowd moving. Get ready for upfront productions and genre-crossing mash-ups, all mixed and blended into that distinct Tocadisco sound!

Hosted by MC GEE
The one, the only...MC Gee! The voice that lifts spirits each and every Sensation is present in Chile!


Distant Fragment and Steve Mill - Utopia (Coskun Yorulmaz Edit)

I should think it's the ideal track this time of night.  Enjoy, it's a good one.  A really good one.

Style Of Eye - Sexx (Original Mix)

Here's an absolute bomb that should light a fire under your ass to get you up and moving for tonight.  Destined to be a favorite of Swedish House Mafia mega sets, this new track under Ingrosso's label is just that - Pure Sexx on Fire.

The Car of Choice Without Breaking the Bank - BMW 3 Series/M3

I am not a car man, I do not know my way under the hood.  I fully admit that.  Sorry ladies.  I know I just dropped a few notches on your list.  But hey, I tell it like it is, you'll get no bs from me - brutal honesty, in broad daylight.  But enough about me.  Let's talk about cars and how a guy can still mack it without jackin up our liabilities.  With the rise in gas prices, a genuine belief in "going green," and a new found awareness of just how "douche baggy" you look while driving your Hummer around town, you have ultimately decided to reconsider your taste in cars.  So, what kind of automobile fits exactly what you're looking for - style, performance, price, efficiency, durability and dare I say, sexiness?  Look no further, here's your answer.  So go out and get one.  Go green and get laid in it.  Mama corners like she's on rails...kind of.

 

What Miami, Florida and the Ultra Music Festival will do to a Musical Fiend.

Please do not watch this video if you are not going.  You might keel over from an unbearable sadness.

The Transition Into Mainstream - Tiësto and EDM

Like it or not, Tijs Michiel Verwest, better known as Tiësto, is the face of EDM.  That is not to say he is the best, most creative, most sought after DJ/Producer today, but it is what it is.  He is the man.  His staying power and global appeal is testament to hard work, dedication to the game, and an uncanny ability to be versatile, i.e. pragmatic.  Some would criticize his "chameleon like" style as sell out behavior.  I for one do not think this is so.  Don't blame the man for having a finger on the pulse of dance music.  Don't chastise him for running with it.  Break it down for me DJ.  

If one looks a little closer, one can certainly spot a parallel between Tiësto's evolution as an artist, and that of EDM (electronic dance music).  In the late 90's Trance music ruled the underground.  It was the sound.  Your asshole brother's "get down."  Nowadays we see the rise of Haus music and its infusion with Hip-Hop - David Guetta et al. refer to the genre as Electro-Hop.  Tiësto put his mack down on the genre and did so proper.  Make no mistake, "Feel It" a collaboration with Sean Kingston, Flo Rida, and Three Six Mafia, lit up the clubs from Bangkok to Montauk.  Mama drop it like it's hot.  

When analyzing the entire dance scene, EDM's transition from a heavily trance focused genre to a house-centric one is fascinating, and yet, pragmatic.  It is safe to assume that Trance music is still making considerable noise, e.g. Sander van Doorn is certainly doing his thing.  But much like Tiësto's career, EDM's rise to the mainstream is a direct result of a willingness and general interest in bending musical and cultural genres.  Enter the new breed.  Along with a reborn Tiësto 2.0, David Guetta, Afrojack, Benny Benassi, Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, and Swedish House Mafia have put one collective SMACK DOWN on the face of today's music.  And make no mistake, Tiësto's got his finger on the pulse of it all.  

Check out Tiësto's Club Life = Musical Freedom Dutch Weekly radio show @ http://musicalfreedom.nl/.  Better yet, check out Tiësto live as he embarks on his U.S. tour.  
http://www.tiesto.com/schedule

The Other Aoki.

 
 Devon Edwenna Aoki (born August 10, 1982) is an American model and actress.

Aoki was born in New York City, New York, and grew up in California and London, attending high school at The American School in London. Her Japanese father, Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, a former Olympic wrestler, was the founder and owner of the Benihana restaurant chain until his death on July 10, 2008. Her mother, Pamela Hilburger, is a jewelry designer and a painter of German and English heritage.^[1]
Aoki was discovered in New York at a Rancid concert she had gatecrashed.  She started modeling when she was 13, the same year Aoki was introduced by her godmother to Kate Moss, who would later take the young model under her wing. She was signed to Storm Model Management at age 14. In 1998, at the age of 16, Aoki replaced Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace.  Aoki lives on her own in Los Angeles. Her hobbies include writing poetry, playing the drums and tending to her two pet snakes. Her half-brother, Steve Aoki, is a Los Angeles DJ and the founder of Dim Mak Records.

Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke ft. Lil Jon - Turbulence

     It's all about being up in the air!  Come Fly With Me.  Mind the Turbulence.  AOKI!

Laidback Luke @ Lima, Washington DC Thursday Night 3/17/11

                            https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197829186900079&ref=ts

                                                             Till Tonight by Laidback Luke

How to Make the Perfect Mojito

Ingredients

Mojito

• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
• 3 leaves mint
• 2 ounces white rum
• club soda

Glass Type: old-fashioned glass

Instructions

In a smallish Collins glass, muddle lime juice with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon superfine sugar.* Add the few mint leaves, mushing them against the side of the glass. Fill glass 2/3 with cracked ice and pour in the rum.** Pitch in the squeezed-out lime shell and top off with club soda or seltzer. Serve with a stirring rod.
This one responds well to playing around, as long as you keep it within limits. There are some who like to replace the sugar with 2 teaspoons cane syrup; it's hard to find here, but you can make a pretty good substitute by bringing a cup of Demerara sugar ("Sugar in the Raw" works) to a gentle boil with 1/2 cup water; keep refrigerated. In either case, it adds a nice mellowness to the thing. Some -- cocktail historian and restaurant critic William Grimes, for one -- prefer their mojitos to be Draques, sin fizz. That's good, too. We like ours with the fizz, though, but also with a tablespoon of 151-proof Demerara rum floated on top. Another wrinkle has to do with the mint. The Cuban species, "yerba buena," is different from the standard U.S. spearmint; supposedly, the Cuban stuff is available. Worth keeping an eye out for.
* Depending on how sweet you like 'em; we like ours a bit tart.
** Bacardi is, of course, traditional; for a fuller, slightly rummier taste, try Brugal, from the Dominican Republic, or Angostura, from Trinidad.

Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Michael Woods Remix)

I can honestly say I had no affinity for this track when Lady Gaga released it a few months back or whenever.  Enter Michael Woods.  M.W. takes what Lady Gaga started and finishes it off, proper.  End of.   

The Lincoln Lawyer

In the gripping thriller 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' Matthew McConaughey stars as Michael "Mick" Haller, a slick, charismatic Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Having spent most of his career defending petty, gutter-variety criminals, Mick unexpectedly lands the case of a lifetime: defending a rich Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, what initially appears to be a straightforward case with a big money pay-off swiftly develops into a deadly match between two masters of manipulation and a crisis of conscience for Haller.

Tomomi Ukumori - With You ( Hernan Cattaneo and John Tonks eReMiks )

                                  Japan, we are with you.

The White Haus Goes Green

                                                        A Leprechaun pissed in the fountain.

Sharam in the Haus! Nice to see I won't be the only American from DC there! One DJ. One fan. DC EDM 4 LIFE

Line-Up Sensation Czech Republic '11 Celebrate Life

On Saturday May 28th, Sensation takes over Prague’s O2 Arena for the internationally acclaimed Celebrate Life tour. Sensation’s fifth Czech Republic edition is set to amaze with another impressive show. And you simply can’t go wrong with the line-up, which features some of this year’s most relevant names in dance music.



Mr. White
With the introduction of Mr. White, Sensation presents a new sound to the Celebrate Life tour. In this star-studded program, Mr. White’s message is simple and effective: “Let’s dance!” His sound goes back to the roots of house music; the ideal kick-off for a celebration of life.

AN21 & Max Vangeli
Swedish youngster AN21 has won last year’s prestigious IDMA award for best breakthrough dj and was tipped by the DJMag Top 100 DJ’s poll as one to watch. Max Vangeli is one of the hottest talents of the moment, his production roster featuring remixes for Steve Angello, the Gorillaz and Erick Morillo. This year will see the release of AN21’s and Max’ highly anticipated collaboration album People Of The Night.
Feast your ears on a compelling DJ set.

Sharam
Sharam has been pumping out a never ending stream of dance floor smashes – first as one half of Deep Dish, and as a solo artist since 2008. Sharam’s remix clientele includes Michael Jackson, Madonna and the Rolling Stones. He is the very first in dance music to have won two Grammy Awards. From performing in front of thousands at the infamous Burning Man event to headlining some of the most influential venues around the world, he appeals to underground purists and mainstream audiences alike. With his soulful sets, Sharam never fails to overwhelm.



Hardwell
Gradually becoming a leading figure for the younger dj-generation, Hardwell’s exciting and refreshing take on dance music has won over audiences worldwide. His collaboration with Tiësto for 076 has reached the number one position on Beatport. Behind the decks, Hardwell never fails to deliver – standing out with exceptional technical skills, variety of music, distinguished looks and personal touch. One thing is certain: this new kid on the block is here to stay.

Fedde le Grand
From the moment Fedde le Grand entered the international arena with the ubiquitous ‘Put Your Hands Up for Detroit’ in 2006, he has established himself as one of the world’s most respected house-dj’s. With a streak of chart busting productions and remixes and his ability to play crowds like no other, it’s easy to see why Le Grand is a worldwide favorite. Get ready for booming lows and crisp highs. Fedde’s ready to blow the roof off the O2 Arena.

Joris Voorn & 2000 And One
Joris Voorn & 2000 and One delivered one of the highlights at Celebrate Life’s Amsterdam premiere. Both have quickly won the hearts of Sensation visitors worldwide. Set after set, they wow the crowd with their signature blend of house music, sprinkled with funky, techy and groundbreaking grooves. Shift into gear for a bombastic performance from these Celebrate Life residents.

Hosted by MC GEE

The one, the only...MC Gee! The voice that lifts spirits each and every Sensation is present in Prague!

TICKETS
Tickets for Sensation Prague can be purchased at www.sazkaticket.cz.

Sensation
Saturday May 28th, 2011
O2 Arena, Prague
20.00 – 06.00 hours

Line up:
Mr. White
AN21 & Max Vangeli
Sharam (Deep Dish)
Hardwell
Fedde le Grand
Joris Voorn & 2000 And One
Hosted by MC Gee

How to Tie a Proper Knot - The Half Windsor

All you brutes who do not know how to tie a proper knot - you might be an idiot.  Heck, even those down home Nebraskan farmhands learned at an early age on a 'Church Sunday' morn.  But don't fret, we got you.  Let's let this douche bag take it from here.  Next week, how to undue a woman's garter belt...with your tongue.  Accessories sold separately.

New Adidas Commercial - seems like everybody's ALL IN. Like...whoa!

                                                          Katy Perry boobie lovers...all in.

Wake Up Darling by Le Garde

I cannot take credit for this one.  There's a beautiful little girl over in Lithuania who introduced this track to me.  Thx L.J.

Crouching Tiger Blood, Hidden Dragons, Napalm in the Morning - Charlie Sheen

"My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option Show is coming for you. Will there be surprises? Will there be guests? Will there be mayhem? Will you ask questions? Will you laugh? Will you scream? Will you know the truth? This IS where you will hear the REAL story from the Warlock."





Tickets go on sale Thursday: http://bit.ly/hiban7.

Time	Friday, April 8 · 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location	Radio City Music Hall 1260 6th Avenue New York, NY

Sensation Mgmt Latest News - Coming to the UK for the 1st time, O2 arena

via Sensation Mgmt

We are very excited to announce that we are partnering with guys at Smirnoff, the world-leading vodka brand and experts of extraordinary nightlife experiences, to bring Sensation, the world’s leading dance event to Great Britain for the very first time!

Get your white outfits ready because ‘Smirnoff presents Sensation’ promises to be an unforgettable experience.

London’s O2 arena will be transformed into our world-famous Ocean of ...White show, with one-of-a-kind stage performances, acrobats, state-of-the-art lightshows, lasers, fireworks, and of course - the world’s top DJ’s. You’ll also be able to enjoy Smirnoff cocktails, created by a team of professional mixologists.

Guests can look forward to spectacular fountains set on a giant dance floor, evaporating into millions of splashes, grand sea creatures will rise from the depths and over 10,000 people dressed in white promise to create the ultimate unifying experience.

Line up TBC, so watch this space and tell your mates that after 12 years of touring the world, Sensation is coming to London with Smirnoff!

Michael's Summer Vacation Getaways

It's that time of the year when the kid in you comes out.  When a tan makes everyone look and feel better.  How everything seems a bit brighter, exciting.  Where the perfect vacation spot can make all of Winter's doldrums a thing of the distant past.  Here's my list of Top Five destinations based on several factors: affordability, buzz, nightlife, cultural hot spots.  Did I say buzz?  Yes, travel to where everyone's raving about - travelers honor the code of good advice.  We all want to be the storyteller of magical places...

My Top Five Summer Destinations 

5.  London, England

Let's keep this one simple - with all the ghastly weather they endure for well over seven months out of the year, it's no wonder the Brits come alive under the sun.  With a royal wedding on the horizon - love is in the air.  With the Summer 2012 Olympic games - industry is booming and the Brits are drinking merrily, for a change.  Look, we all dig the scenery.  The history.  The castles n stuff.  But you'll dig England even more when you find the limeys across the pond in the best of moods, in the best of times.  Now is when to jump across.  Strawberry fields forever.


Check out the Glastonbury Festival June 22nd -June 26th
Coldplay makes their triumphant return http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/


4.  Prague, Czech Republic

Thanks to its prior Communist regime, Prague has become one of Europe's most well preserved historical cities.  With such incredible traditional architecture to explore in perfect weather, this alone warrants a spot on my list.  However, there is so much more when the lights go down - this side of London town.  Sporting some of the most beautiful women in the world, and a club scene to rival Miami any day of the week, the new breed of Prague manages to squeeze as much moderna, sexy, chic-ness into the mix as its elder denizens can stand.  All of a sudden, there is a buzz about what's behind the iron curtain.  This eastern bloc party is where it's at.  Heaven help us.

Check out Sensation: Celebrate Life May 28th, 2011.
http://www.sensation.com/czech-republic/en/home/



3.  Miami, Florida 

 Ring. Ring. Hello?  It's Miami on the line, she would like for you to come down and see the new her, the improved her.  Whether you like it or not, LeBron James has rejuvenated this once sleepy giant.  The buzz surrounding Miami these days is like never before.  The rise of EDM has propelled Miami to the forefront of mainstream entertainment and the city  sports some of the hottest clubs this side of Ibiza.  A can't miss, LIV at Fontainebleau.  Yes, Mimi is looking good, she's on the prowl once again and her sex is on fire.  Burn notice.




Check out the Ultra Music Festival...(next year, sold out, duh)  March 2012
http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/


2.  Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Known as the Paris of South America, there is little reason not to head to this wonderful city. After all, it's the birthplace of tango. (I will learn it, but only here) And yes, the women are incredible, the nightlife, never ending, wonderful beaches nearby. But men, listen up here! This culture loves the beef, beeef, and more beeeef. Ooh that steak looks yummy, so does the waitress, and that mom over there, and her, and her, and her, oh and her too. Get what I'm saying? Great food, great beauty, great culture, great city. Learn to tango down there. Come back a man.




1. Ibiza, Spain

This little gem is one of four - along with Formentera, Majorca and Minorca, they predominantly make up what is called the Balearic Islands.  But locals refer to Ibiza by another name - the White Island, or Isla Blanca.  Set the tone - hot summer night, sunset wavering on the ocean, the sounds of a Cafe
del Mar compilation playing at the actual Cafe del Mar (whoa!) beautiful people surrounding you, the world's biggest DJs waiting to perform for you at the most insane of clubs, wonderful restaurants that refuse to close, good vibes in the air.  Btw, all the best DJs come through here, and the best of the best hold residency in some of the most spectacular clubs in the world, e.g. Pacha, Space, Amnesia, Privilege, Eden.  Check your inhibitions at the door...and welcome to the party.
.

West Side Hottie - Lisa Kim Fleming

 Proof that the West Coast indeed has the hotter A/W pale ale (asian/whitey)  Get to know her. 

                                               http://www.lisakimfleming.com/

Hillary and Sarkozy Get Cozy

Because sometimes the love between two countries is too much to repress...ain't she adorable?

The Kintsugi Way

The Japanese use a method of repairing broken ceramic called "kintsugi," which leaves the cracks exposed but filled with a golden lacquer resin, thus honoring the entire life of the piece, breaks and all.

Dr. Kucho's new commercial for Bacardi - the ruski signs with Zenbi Recordings. Good Choice.

Talk about living the lifestyle of choice.

Diplo - Stylin Onstage

How does one manage to stay in style, in character, en vogue, whilst lugging around suitcases?  How can we streamline all this shit we carry along with us?  One EDM artist shares his secrets and preferences in tackling an ever present annoyance when traveling.  His suggestions just might surprise you and entice you to hit the road, once again.  I just can't wait to get on the road again...
http://www.gq.com/style/ten-essentials/201103/diplo-ten-essentials#slide=1

The Retreat of Choice Hot Picks - Maldives

Your ocean hut awaits my liege...

Film Score Production - The Next Step for the EDM producer/DJ.

With the rise of EDM, from the undergrounds of the London scene, the shores of Ibiza - to the bedrooms of lil teeny boobies down in Jayhawk country,  EDM producers and DJs stand on the cutting edge of mainstream.  The tip of the spear.  Too sexy for their bodies, no way they're disco dancing. (see below)

But for those hovering at the top, some artists are left asking themselves, "What the Fcuk Next?"  Daft Punk, the legendary EDM duo, challenged the field by producing one of the more experimental, infectious soundtracks to come out in a while. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter did their thing, to say the least.  Gotta love the French, super cool!  A score Harry Gregson-Williams would be proud of  (if you don't know of H.G.W. look him up)  

Of course, Moby put his mack down years back, contributing to Elliot Goldenthal 's brilliant score for the movie Heat. (Michael Mann's mega-blockbuster starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.)  Yes, go out and buy the soundtrack today or download it, it's whatever, just get some.

And Tiësto  and Deadmau5, two titans of the EDM world have gone on record showing sincere interest.  And why not?  How do you take it to the next level?  How do you keep them coming back for more while challenging yourself to do something new?  Here's your answer - produce a soundtrack, compose your masterpiece, the whole fcuking enchilada!  It's the year of the neo-classical/electronic artist.  Come and Rock Me Amadeus.     

Now, in my humble opinion, this new genre of EDM, if you will, may very well propel the entire industry into the global mainstream for better or for worse - I guess that's what happens when Hollywood gets a hold of you.  Another one bites the dust.

Regardless, it is the next level and only the most talented will come out of this shining.  This isn't the nine minute extended remix, this isn't the dub-step B-side track, this isn't some Armin Only type of compilation, it's the new frontier.  Beam me up, Scotty.


 I hear Tiësto rox out to this late at night. 

One of the Top Events of the Year - Sensation Innerspace

Because every once in a while we need to cut loose abroad.  No better place than Amsterdam.  Be. There.
July 2nd, 2011.

Welcome to the Layer Cake

We rise to the stratos until we are alone by design.  We look down and reflect upon paths taken, difficult to discern, but always in motion - constant.  Our minds, bodies, never idle.  The men who live on the edge.  The renaissance of life - industry and the arts, culture and the underground.  We rise through the ranks one by one and we do it in style.  Welcome all members to the layer cake...