Emo not dead...Yet.

Although many say the Emo/Pop-Punk scene is dying, the House of Blues hosted a sold-out show last night featuring Hawthorne Heights, From First To Last, Secondhand Serenade, Brighten, and Powerspace. I think anyone there last night would have something to say about Pop-Punk's rumored death rattle; This music is not dead yet, and from the look of the crowd last night, it's still kicking your ass.

The show started out lukewarm with a band from Illinois. Powerspace opened with their rock looks and pop sound. They sounded clean, but the vocalist needed to iron out his performance a bit. He had a ton of flat notes, and it was a little jarring to sit through.

Thank God for Brighten. They absolutely shined, setting the tone for the rest of the night. They opened with the sickly-sweet tune "More Vacations." Sounding crisp like the brightest new linen, their lyrics and live presentation evoked feelings not unlike the purest of teen love anthems reminiscent of The Swiss Army Romance era of Dashboard Confessional. This is the kind of sweet sensitivity that I was hoping for last night. Brighten is what good Emo is supposed to sound like. When a band you've never heard makes your heart feel sick, you know it's working.

Secondhand Serenade was a tasty little treat in between Brighten and FFTL. John's crooning voice and heartfelt lyrics left me craving more after his short set. I know there are folks out there that blame him for sounding like a cheap version of early Dashboard, but I don't care. He rocked last night. What he does is genuine and from a real place, whether he chooses to express himself through the very narrow and overdone genre of "guy-with-a-guitar."

The next act was definitely a crowd favorite. From First To Last's metal attitude ripped the pit a new a-hole. Kids were churning like wicked butter during their entire set. They presented the audience with the perfect blend of Emo-angst and frustrated violence. Their sound was definitely different from everything else we had heard already that night, and it was a delicious twenty minutes for everyone.

By the time Hawthorne Heights took the stage, the crowd was more than warmed up. It was a little odd transitioning into their set since they are a much mellower brand of Pop-Punk than From First To Last. But once they got cooking, we were ready for what they had to dish out. Their sound was the tightest of all the bands. You could tell that they were the seasoned professionals of the night.

All in all, this is a great tour to see. All the bands believe in what they are selling, and it seems that the crowd was buying.

"Lip Gloss" Agenda for Teens a Sloppy Mess

Music Video:LIP GLOSS (CLEAN) (by Lil' Mama)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qs3PLop4Jo

The MTV generation has done it again. This time by allowing another mediocre artist to come onto the hip-hop teen scene with yet another song without a message. Oh, wait. There is a message: Lip Gloss is cool.

Li'l Mama is an up and coming hip-hop artist with nothing to say. The song "Lip Gloss" is banging hard in the bedrooms of teens all over America. This scares me. What does this mean? Why is this generation so distracted by such musical junk food? Would it hurt to have MCs that actually have something to say? It's not like there is a lack of material to raise awareness out there. Take your pick: teen violence, drug abuse, the sexualization of our children, slave labor, obesity, or even war (any war will do).

It seems that today's generation has their heads so deeply buried underground that it makes me wonder if they even care. And can we blame them? Look at the role models out there in the current scene. It seems that the pickings are slim. Hip-Hop music geared for teens only deals with limited topics, and none of them are worthwhile. Whether its being " up in 'da club," or your "milkshake" capable of bringing all the boys to the yard, no one is saying anything. The messages they do get are loud and clear: School is unimportant, looks are everything, sex is cool, and drugs are fun.

Where is the TuPac of this generation? The Public Enemy? In the 1990's hip-hop had a strong voice. You could hear the dissent in the lyrics. There are tons of messages that opposed underage sex and addressed the hard topics of government conspiracy and corporate corruption. Now all we hear are groups that encourage consumption and unhealthy lifestyles.

It is time for another Queen Latifah or another Nas. Enough with all this floss and gloss. All they do is smear the horizon, making for an unclear road ahead.

The "300" are Gonna Rock You

“300” is a close-to-history account of the battle of Thermopylae during the period when the Persian Empire was the largest and strongest in the world. It is a portrait of a society that based its culture around the glory of battle and the building up of strong children who would grow to be undeniably fearless warriors.
This warrior culture of Sparta was set in its ways. They valued their families and their reputation above the poisonous ideals of power and prestige-they just wanted to keep their land and way of life, never bowing down to another power or empire. Even the Spartan women seem to have authority; they know their place, and it is certainly not the kitchen.
The film itself is absolutely gorgeous. The cinematography is both beautiful and expansive. The filters that they use give the scenes this kind of eerie sepia tone, where the colors are at once vibrant and muted at the same time. The use of slow motion action also adds to the intense mood of the film-a mood which sucks you into the story and raises your adrenaline levels.

As far as their style of warfare was concerned, the Spartans had some of the most advanced techniques of their day. While the Persian Empire relied mostly on their technology to win battles, the Spartans relied on savvy military strategy and streamlined organization. “300” shows us that they were formidable against their enemies because they were skilled at keeping it simple while staying smart.

The audience really gets a clear idea of what Sparta was all about; the things they valued and they way they felt a community should be organized and run. After the show I heard several people remark that they have a renewed desire to read the actual history about this culture and the period that this film is set. That is something that is very difficult to accomplish in popular film, and it seems that this one has done just that.


Throughout the story, one can clearly see what kind of decadence the Persian Empire symbolized-a decadence that would ultimately be rejected by the Spartans and their king, Leonidas. Their people had no interest in overt materialism, deviant sexuality, and orgy-like excess. To the Spartans, the Persians lacked class and dignity as they seemed to be mired in a pungent lifestyle that focused only on pleasure and power, not family and country.
Even today we can see the effects of decadence living in Los Angeles, where we all find ourselves tempted to be part of the permeating culture of gluttony and vanity. All around us we see visions that mirror the scenes within the inner chambers of the Persian King, Xerxes. We see the same writhing sexual imagery in our MTV music videos and caught frozen on our city’s billboards. And I think the biggest thing to think about here is, is this kind of culture good for us?
Leonidas was the clear hero in this film-everyone in the audience fell in love with him and his ideals. So if he is the one we admire in the film, why do we turn our backs on that ideal once we leave the theatre and go back to our lives? Why will most of us continue to have aspirations that are alligned with the mighty Xerxes, who is only interested in pleasure and power? I think the message we need to take from this film is the old standby: “Not all that glitters is gold.” Leonidas and his 300 Spartans did not value such things. They looked to their families and their sense of reason to stand for things of value. And if we as a modern society feel it natural to make one like Leonidas a hero, we should not condemn ourselves as traitors against his cause.

Why I Love My Crockpot

Ahhhh, the simple pleasures of cooking. And it doesn't get much simpler than using my new favourite cooking tool-the Crockpot.

Yes, I said it, don't laugh. Ok, laugh.

But seriously, as Betty Crocker-ish as this sounds, this tool has really saved me lately.
Being as busy as I am these days, piling a bunch of yummy goodies into this contraption and then leaving it for hours while it does all the work, has been a huge blessing.

Call me lazy, but this thing rocks!
My favourite course to prepare is sticking an entire chicken in there with some yummy herb-rub and stuffing the inside of it with cubed eggplant. It has become a decadent new addition to my diet. And hey, who doesn't love playing with raw chicken guts?

Okay, maybe that's taking it a little too far, but trust me.
Your food will come out perfect and delicious.
You won't believe your taste buds!

Oh, and don't stress about whether or not you can handle the recipes. Each unit comes with a helpful cookbook stuffed full of great ideas and time-honored traditional meals that momma used to make.

Yum. Go get one.

What I Am Reading Now

Ever since the Spring semester began a few weeks ago, I have been a busy girl. I have decided to take an extra course this time around, so time has been tight for little Miss Vee.

Now, you may be wondering how I am handling all the extra work that goes along with taking extra units. You may even be imagining me drowning in books, hunkered down in the basement of the college library. Let me assure you that although I do love to hang in sequestered areas of the campus book-hole, I am handling the heavy workload gracefully. And to top it off, I am ace-ing all of my quizzes!

How am I accomplishing this? It's no secret-check it out:

I have been reading this great book titled, "How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less," by Cal Newport.

Let me say that this book has changed my life, not only as a college student, but as a person in the world that constantly strives to be more organized.
And if you are a student, this tool will prove to be invaluable.

If you are not a student, the tips and tricks that Cal Newport has to share with you will change the way you organize your time and your life.

So, wish me good luck as I plug away into the new semester!

I will keep you posted as I move through my readings and assignments...

Mambos

A few days ago, I enjoyed my first "Cuban sandwich."
Okay, to say that I enjoyed it was a bit of an understatement.
I revelled in it.

I have found another amazing spot for some good grinds: Mambos in Glendale.

Located in an out-of-the-way nook where Glendale meets Burbank, Mambos is serving up some pretty hot stuff. Their service staff is personable, friendly, and knowledgable about the menu-Ask them to offer up a suggestion and they will take care of you.

I had their delectable Cuban sandwich, a hot-pressed original loaded with roasted pork, ham, pickles, swiss cheese, and coated with mustard. It was phenomenal.

For desert, I sampled thier home-made flan, which was hands-down the best flan I have ever relished. I asked the owner how they made it creamy, not slimy; he told me that they make it in smaller batches, so that the texture of the ingredients remain dense, not loose.

If you have not been to this little gem of a place, you need to drop what you are doing now and make arrangements with your favourite pals to get yourselves down there-tonight. They are open from 11am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-9pm Friday, Noon-9pm Saturday, closed Sundays.

If you have already sampled their delicious menu, well, then you need to get youself down there anyway!

Forth & Towne

I cannot stop talking about this company.
I have already taken two of my best girlfriends to check out their hot new line!

Forth & Towne is not so much a retailer as it is a clothier and salon.

A newly-formed sister company to Gap INC., Forth & Towne is growing up-and fast! There are currently over 13 locations to serve the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara shopping palate.

Here's the thing: This company, this vision, this ideal has stolen my heart. They have completely re-invented the discerning woman's shopping experience! Not only do they have 4 unique lines of clothing within the line itself, but they have given the modern shopper a special new treat in the form of personal attention.
According to one of their amazingly friendly managers, they have hand-picked each staff member according to what she can bring to the company through her own sense of style, the passion she has toward dressing well, and helping others to do the same.

As soon as you walk through their door, you are greeted by an enthusiastic, and yet not in-your-face kind of gal, who has all kinds of creative ideas for dressing you up. Each gal knows their clothing line personally, and is able to walk you through what is the Forth & Towne line.

They have 4 signature styles to suit any facet of your personal taste, and they carry sizes 2-20. You can mix pieces from all 4 styles (Allegory, Vocabulary, Edition, and Prize) from their chic collection. These digs are awesomely sleek and undeniably classic-in a word, I describe the look as "intelli-chic."

The style itself is based loosely on the inspirational look of Jackie Onassis Kennedy, bringing back a sense of femininity and flair that I have only found rooting through my favourite vintage clothiers. They also have an entire collection of baubles and bags, along with beautifully crafted shoes, socks, and hosiery.

Forth & Towne encourages their clients to schedule a personalized shopping experience with one of their fashion-savvy associates, who will offer you a refreshing beverage, and then walk you through their collection, highlighting pieces that are at once flattering and suitable for your personal style and taste.

Their "salon" replaces those awfully sequestered fitting rooms that are always located in a dark corner of those other retailers. Each dressing room is decorated like a vanity area boudoir, and uniquely decorated to match the look and feel of their diverse collection. They are there every step of the way, changing out sizes for you-you don't have to lift a finger. It is truly a pampering experience.

If you are like me, you are most likely foaming at the mouth, and calling up your girls to arrange for your first Forth & Towne experience-as well you should be. Oh, and don't worry: you can afford to shop here. Even if your wallet is close-to-empty, the girls will help maximize your budget by helping you choose pieces from their chic sale area.

So, go on! Have at it!

Elephants and Heffalumps in LA

The debate is on...still.
Should they stay or should they go?

An article written by Perry Crowe in this week's Citybeat lays out the basics of this still-hot debate.

If you have been, before now, unaware that there was a debate about the elephants of the LA Zoo in Griffith Park, consider yourself "in the loop."

The local elephants 'round these parts have not been happy. They have developed various health problems and some have even died. The solution, some say, is to permanently remove the regal creatures from the LA Zoo and send them off to retire at PAWS (Performing Animal Welfare Society), a sanctuary that specializes in taking animals that have formerly been the object of entertainment in national circus tours and the like.
According to Crowe, "Animal rights activists have long advocated sending L.A.'s elephants to the PAWS sanctuary, complaining the L.A. Zoo's elephant exhibit is woefully inadequate, especially after the death of two of L.A.'s elephants in as many years."

So where do we, the average Zoo visitor stand in this debate?

Personally, the majestic elephant is, by far, my favourite exotic creature; many times I have been quoted to have a fantasy of having one as a companion-jokingly. I used to love going to visit the resident L.A. elephants, but that was years ago. Now when I go to the zoo, a spot I happen to visit when I need to clear my head during a busy semester, I cannot enjoy visiting these creatures because they fill my head with worry and concern.

Going to see the elephants now, is a painful excursion because you can clearly see how depressed and unhappy they are. Oh, and if you are one of those people who will accuse me of anthropomorphising,read this, and see how your views may change on the subject.

Nevertheless, the elephant exhibit is still under fire, and may never win the ownership of these delicate and lofty giants. Especially since, according to Crowe, even after they do all they can to "pimp out" the habitat for them at the zoo, it will not meet basic legal standards of decency.

If you want more information on this debate, check out the article in Citybeat here.

Alpha Dog-Film

Okay, I was not prepared for how good this movie was.
It was not only "good," but vicious and derailing all at once. I have not seen so much debauchery in a film about teens since "Kids." That was not meant to entice, but to warn.

Nick Cassavetes has taken familiar teen-angst themes and put them on fast-forward to the point of sending most of us reeling. This film has more sex, drugs, and violence in it than any movie I have seen in a few years, save your average Tarrantino or Scorsese picture.
The first two minutes of this movie alone spat out more F-bombs than I could deal with, but I pressed on. I am glad I did.

The acting was phenomenal thanks to veterans like Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis and promising newcomers like Justin Timberlake & Co. I was pleased to see familiar faces such as the endearing Six Feet Under cast member, Ben Foster, who has shown us his best work through this film. The cast is also peppered with grown-up kid actors from popular 80's/90's movies, i.e. Emile Hirsh, Shawn Hatosy, and a brief appearance by Lukas Haas.

To give a nod to Justin Timberlake's performance, he was more funny than fierce, but there is one scene in particular where his acting touches your heart. His was the most diversified character in the film, never ceasing to surprise the audience with his versatility as a fledgling actor. I look forward to seeing more from him.

As equally plot-driven as it was a study in character development, Alpha Dog had me in a state of suspense all the way through. The core of the film lies in the audience's witnessing of the corruption and ultimate destruction of innocence; it was, at times,a heart-breaking display.

All in all, my hope is that this film is only a warning to, not a reflection of the current generation of teens who find themselves immersed in an MTV-saturated culture and party-lifestyle. I do know that the film was based on a real story and investigation that took place in Los Angeles in the 1990's; the movie made that clear. Whether you choose to see this film or not, is your call, but be warned; it is not for the sensitive at heart.

Until June rocks The Roxy

They had me at "Hello."
With their melodic opening interlude, I was coaxed into what is the Until June embrace; warm, honest, and open.

You cannot help but be mesmerized by Josh's heartfelt crooning and keys, Dan's gentle plucking at the heart strings of his guitar, and Daniel's thumping beats which remind your heart to move through their hypnotic set- and once it is over, all you want is more.

You can see that the crowd digs it. Their nodding heads and tapping toes give the band instant validation. Their timeless and instantly classic sound appeals to anyone who has ever felt the intensity of life; it's joys, it's sorrows, and it's promise of renewal. Until June shows us what this sounds like, and our innards cannot help but remember.

Although this record deals mostly with themes like love, loss, and unsolicited solitude, you cannot help but feel purged while so entranced. Like Shakespearean tragedies that evoke sensations of fear and subsequent catharsis, Until June drips of the same saturation-and it is working for them.

They are currently preparing to launch a national tour; check their myspace for show info.

Global Warming??

Here in Los Angeles, we have it good.
"Cold" for us is normal spring or summer temperatures elsewhere.
But, this winter, we do have good reason for the complaint.

According to a report published by MSNBC, 51 people in 9 states have died from the cold. People are without power, and that has forced thousands of residents from their own homes in order to flood their local shelters. At the shelters, they "huddle under blankets and in front of space heaters."

I feel totally blessed, don't you?

Lucky for us here in California, the main loss that we have incurred is the destruction of over one billion dollars worth of citrus fruit.

I feel horrible for all the homeless folks out there on the streets.
I only recently lit the pilot light on the heater inside my place, and before I did that, it was biting cold. I cannot imagine being outdoors in the night when it has been so freezing.

Here are some ways that you can help someone in need:

• find an old blanket that you have but never use and keep it in your car; next time you see someone in need, offer it to them!


• if you spot someone hanging around your local freeway off ramp, stop in at the nearest gas station and buy them something hot and decaf-you don't know if they are sensitive to caffeine.


• pull out your old sweaters or sweatshirts that you never wear and keep them in your back seat for easy give-aways.


• if you have the means, purchase a Starbucks or McDonalds gift card in any denomination and hand it over to someone who needs it more than you may.

NOT your Grandpa's Rock

I love my dad; he raised me right. He made me listen to all kinds of music throughout my childhood, and instilled in me a love and respect of "older" music.

All the music we hear on the radio, purchase from the web, and see on MTV and VH1, is born out of other music. The current batch of artists that move us now, were all influenced by their predecessors.

In the case that you have not had the same exposure to rockin "Oldies" as I have, I am going to lend you a partial list of my personal favorites-stuff I know you'll dig:

Big Brother & the Holding Company: Janis before she went solo
Blind Faith: Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker-check out "Can't Find My Way Home"
The Byrds: David Crosby's early work
Creedence Clearwater Revival: check out "Up Around the Bend"-classic
Crosby, Stills, & Nash:Always a good record
Dave Clark Five: Awesomely thumping goodness-check out "Glad All Over " & "Catch Us If You Can"
Derek & The Dominos: More Clapton rock- check out "Bell Bottom Blues"

Donovan: Constant classic- check out "Season of the Witch"

How to Clean Your Shower Without Really Trying

Okay, I am in love with this fabulous cleaning product.

It's called Daily Shower by Method, and you can grab it cheap at Target (of course).

This product basically does the work of wiping down your shower each week(yeah, right) if you spray it down each time you shower! It really works!

And it smells amazing.

NO nasty bleach smell or overly-lemon zest scent.

Now, granted, you cannot be totally lazy with this stuff. You should be cleaning your shower with a strong anti-fungal, anti-scum cleanser that will remove all that nasty black gunk that can build up when you neglect your cleaning time.

But, if you do give your shower several spritzes of this yummy stuff each time you shower, you will see a vast difference after only a week or so!

Trust me...

I will never steer you wrong when it comes to cleaning products.

I don't dig cleaning either.

Sweet Openings

• Westfield Plaza-Topanga
  
  It's finally ready!! The "Topanga Plaza" of yesterday is now the hottest new mall in the valley!! Westfield Topanga far surpasses both The Westfield Promenade and Westfield Sherman Oaks.
  
  I spent my high school days cruising what was called "Topanga Plaza" in the 90's. And although I have moved to various California destinations since then, I always end up back home in the valley. Now, granted, I am aware that the grand opening of this gorgeous new shopping towne happened back in October 2006. I have found myself wandering through the Woodland Hills area from time to time over the last few years, watching the slow progress of the new construction. I also knew that they would be adding tons of new shops and even a Target (woohoo!), but I had no idea how amazing the new addition would look and feel! And the shops!
  
  Check it out:
  
  Not only do they still have "ye olde standards" that us "Valley kids" have grown to love and swear by over the years (Abercrombie & Fitch, J.CREW, The Gap, Macys, Nordstrom), but they have brought in all the newest and hottest brands that are sure to be the next generation of cool!
  
  Here are some of my personal favs~
  

New Snack Stops:

• Melty yummy Cookies: Toll-House Cookies


• Best Sundae-ever: Haagen-Dazs
  
  

Awesome New Shops:

• London Lass: Burberry London


• Rock the Digs: Metropark


• Beach Chic: Ruehl


• Hot Clubwear: BCBG Max Azria


• I Love Loafers: Geox


• Classy Chic: White House/Black Market


• LA Girl: Furla


• Euro Chic: Zara


• Red Carpet-Ready: Max Studio


• If I were a Rich Girl: A/X Armani Exchange


• Hot Denim Picks: Miss Sixty


• Rockin' Rustic: Lucky Brand Jeans


• A "Garcian" Favourite: The Buckle, INC.


• Topanga Customs: These guys will rock your own custom design

Vee's Personal Pick for her Signature Style:

• Forth & Towne: Intelli-Chic


• Target Optical: Rockin' Eyewear
  
• Sephora: Make-up Wonderland

Have you seen this Yet???

Pan's Labyrinth-Film

Well, have you?

This is an amazing film! Though you must be prepared for English subtitles (It's in Spanish), it is well worth your time and hard-earned money...

The story involves a young girl and her mother who leave their home to be with the mother's new husband, now that her previous husband has died in a war. But, there is faerie mischief afoot! The young girl, who happens to be obsessed with faeries and faerie tales, stumbles upon a real-live legend that seems to play out through the entire duration of the film, with her as the star! But is it real, or is she just living out a childish fantasy in the midst of her horrible situation?

The film is visually stunning and even spooky at times! It's an interesting mix between fantasy and reality that you don't want to miss!

I recommend seeing this at The Arclight in Hollywood (you can pick your own seats!), and try their amazing gourmet Chicken Sausage at the concession stand!!!

Vee's Signature Recipes Vol. I

Hot Dog Tacos



Okay, I know this sounds like the sort of thing one would eat while holed up in one's apartment-with little to no food...And it is.



But trust me. They are delicious!
Great when you are on a tight budget.

Here's what you will need to serve one:

• tortillas
  
• cooking oil-any will do
  
• a few (2-3) hot dogs-I prefer turkey dogs
  
• 3 slices of cheese-any cheddar variety or jack
  
• dried parsley
  
• garlic powder or garlic salt
  
• black pepper
  
• chili powder
  
• onion-chopped fresh or dried is fine
  
• taragon
  
• red pepper-crushed or ground

In a medium saucepan on medium heat, pour a few tablespoons of oil into the pan. Slice your hot dogs into 1/4 inch disks and toss them in the pan. Sprinkle a light amount of the garlic stuff evenly over the disks; do the same with the pepper, onion, and taragon.

Dump about 1/4 cup of the parsely right in and stir the mass until it is evenly coated.

Add 1 tsp each of the chili powder and ground red pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring often until golden brown all over.

*Don't dump the grease!!! You are going to need it to make your taco shells (none of those already made, crispy tacos shells you buy from the store; don't get too fancy).

Remove the cooked little lovelies from the pan, and set aside.

Pour 3 more tablespoons of oil into the hot pan, and lay your first tortilla flat in the sizzling oil. Using a fork, pierce the tortilla several times to keep it from developing "warts" (yuk), then flip the tortilla over, folding it in half. Cook 2-3 minutes, flip over, and cook for 2 minutes more. Do this for all of the tortillas.

Drain the grease from the taco shells by pressing them into a pile of folded paper towels.

Line the shells with one slice of cheese each, while the shells are still warm and draining in their cushy little towels. Fill taco shells with your hot dog disks and enjoy!

Don't forget to say "grace"!

Raw fish and conversation

So, tonight was my first attempt at showing up to one of those social groups you've been seeing pop up on the net lately.

You know what I'm referring to; sites like YahooGroups, Meetup.com, and MyspaceGroups. Like-minded people get together and discuss their political views, their favorite TV shows, and everything in between.

I went out to Pasadena to this wonderful little Japanese bistro, aptly named Japon Bistro on the world-famous Colorado Boulevard.

I was not sure what to expect upon my arrival, but the hostess greeted me immediately.

I dug that. I'm all about prompt customer service.

I let her know that I was there for the Artist Group, and she sat me right away at a lovely table set for 12. The venue itself is part restaurant, part sushi bar, with all the typical decor and ambience one would expect from a Japanese restaurant; all the Eastern flair was in full effect and the dimmer lights were set to a warm glow. It's quite a cozy little nook...

After I had introduced myself to the strangers seated before me, the organizer and another attendee, I took my seat and hung my tote on the back of my chair. We shared some common details with one another, just to break the ice a bit, and patiently waited for the others to trickle in, which they did shortly after my arrival. With a total of 7 brave souls at the table, it was intimate and friendly. And being that this was strictly an "Artists" group, you can imagine that we made for an eclectic bunch of folks.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the mood turned to "cozy" after a few trips around the table, each of us unfolding our personal background stories in turn. I must say, too, that the sushi was phenomenal. I ordered my staple sushi items, starting with the Hamachi (yellowtail tuna), Maguro (ahi tuna), and Unagi(fresh water eel). The fish was delicate, fresh, and very clean.

It should come as no surprise, then, when I say that I highly recommend checking out a few social groups for yourself!

You can choose from all kinds of interests and activities from Tennis to Tango, and most groups are free! Have at it, and tell your friends about your experience! You never know who you could meet, and what you could learn about them, and maybe even yourself...