Quote of the Week

An army of asses led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by an ass.
-George Washington

Merry Christmas!

I'd like to wish everyone, everywhere a very Merry Christmas! I can't believe Christmas is already here. This year's a bit different, another year without my grandfather, and a year of not being with my aunts, uncles, cousins and other family. I definitely miss not opening the presents at midnight with all of them. But it's all good, we should be all together tomorrow. Anyway, it's one more week and it's gonna be the start of another year! Merry Christmas!

Busy December

It certainly has been a busy, hectic month for me. Just work, work and more work. I'm in the middle of working seven days in a row. I've been pooped but it's all good, it's keeping me busy. Anyway, I should have a few more posts by the end of the month and then off to a new start in 2010! Can't believe another year has passed!

Annual Helping Hands

On Saturday, I accompanied my mom at the annual Helping Hands event where we worked with Applied Materials, who my mom used to work for before she got laid off, and Second Harvest Food Bank to help pack food boxes for those who need it. We've done this for about 5 years or so and always love to do so. It is a great chance to help people. I also get to see how other people work and how they work with others. Some are great to work with and others not so much.
My experience at this one was a bit different, usually I was the one packing the cans of food into the boxes, but this year I stepped away from that, and I guess one reason was because of those who I was working around. Anyway, I volunteered to shrink wrap the pallets of boxes that came to the back area. I did get a good high from going 'round and 'round the pallets. It was certainly a great time and look forward to it next year.

What Is...Cool?

The cool. What is the epitome of cool? What makes the cool so cool? The cool have that swag. They all have that swing to their strut. They all have that sense of cool, that aura about them. The cool are trendsetters. What they think, what they say, and what they do are beyond their times. The cool care about the right things but don't sweat the small stuff. And they make you want to do the same, but you soon find out that it's not that easy. The cool are the shit. They know it but they won't tell anybody. They don't strive to be the coolest, they just are.

The cool can adapt. They can adapt to the times, the styles, the surroundings. They can make the times, the styles the surroundings their own. The cool can make your jaw drop and gasp. They can make you think and have you say, hmmm. They can make you want what they have and make you want to be them.


The cool come in so many types. From creatives to nerds to rock stars. The cool are all different yet they all have that same, oh you know, they all have the cool.

The Rise of Brandon Jennings

(AP photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

I always had a problem with those players that came right out of high school. I had a problem with Kevin Garnett. I had a problem with Kobe Bryant (until he became a Laker). I had a problem with LeBron James. I had a problem with them until I could see if they had a good head on their shoulders though interviews and such. I remember seeing a feature on Dwight Howard and thinking, Ok, I think this guy could have it, he seems really down-to-earth. These guys were certainly the exception but I still have a problem with those players that came out of high school and didn't live up to their hype. Players like Sebastian Telfair and O.J. Mayo had so much hype even before their senior year of high school. People were saying they were the next big thing but they haven't even come close to it, yet.

So here comes Brandon Jennings, who had the gall to *gasp* not go to college and head over to Europe to play pro ball. I have to admit, when I first heard about it, I didn't like that idea at all. For those of you that don't know, in 2006, the NBA created a rule that said players must now be at least 19 years of age and go to college for at least one year. Most have called it the "one-and-done rule" where players go to college for one year and then leave for the NBA. But Brandon went around the system and skipped college and decided to go and play basketball in Italy. Could an 18-year-old American kid survive in a foreign place full of people he didn't know, a language that he didn't speak with seasoned professionals that were much older than him? He did struggle a bit over in Italy but he did say that it was a great learning experience for him.

In this year's draft, there was much concern if Brandon's stock would fall because of his move across the sea. In June, Brandon was drafted at the number ten spot by the Milwaukee Bucks. There has been talk recently, especially after his 55-point game against the Golden State Warriors, which was 3 days after he dropped 32 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets, that the teams that drafted before the Bucks might have made a mistake for not drafting Brandon. He's been having a very good season and is in the early running for Rookie of the Year honors. It is too early to say but he is on his way to having a great career for himself.

Black Friday Madness

I don't normally go out on Black Fridays to shop, and this year was no different, however, I was in the middle of the crazy crowds and long lines. But instead of shopping, I was on the other side and working the Black Fridays at a retail store. I was at work at 5am and it was nuts out there. It wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be but it was still crazy. I started at 5 and was at the register nonstop until 2 o'clock with of course just one break and a lunch somewhere in between. I was supposed to stop at 1 but I was asked to work an extra half hour and that turned into a full hour. It wasn't that bad but it sure was endless, people kept coming. Anyway, I was pooped and had to go home and rest.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd like to send my happy thanksgiving wishes to all of you out there! This is definitely a time to give thanks for all that we have in our lives. I am truly thankful for my family and friends and all the things that I have and the things that I am able to do. We should definitely be thankful more often than we do but at least there is a day that we can sit down and remember to be thankful.

That Sounds Familiar

So the first week of basketball practice ends and I find myself hearing familiar words. Words that I first heard many years ago when I was about the age of these kids that I'm coaching now. I hear things like, Put on your sweater, you're gonna get sick, or Don't do anything stupid! Hmm, where have I heard these things before? Oh, that's right, from my old coaches and my parents! Today, I caught myself saying, Do you have a sweater? Put it on before you get sick! I'm starting to sound like a parent. No kids yet but I know I'm getting a lot of practice now!

First Practice

So, it's that season again. Grade school basketball time! It was our first practice today, the 6th grade boys came out and got a taste of running and getting in shape for basketball season. My friend Jeff, who I coached when he was in 6th grade and sister was in my grade school class (and had my first crush on, but that's another story) and I are the coaches this year. We had 21 kids come out to join the team. That's a lot of kids for the team but we can't cut anybody though we will try to weed out the kids that don't really want to be there. We most likely will have to have two teams for the season. Everything should turn out fine as long as they listen, work hard and have a positive attitude. I've been coaching basketball for about 12 or so years and it's been lots and lots of fun! I enjoy teaching them and seeing them get better on the court. It's gonna be more than a handful this year but it should be interesting. I'll keep you all updated!

Role Models

In these times, "role models" are all over the place. From high profile politicians to high paid athletes to 'oh-my-gawd-are-they-really-getting-famous' D-List reality stars, we find them in our lives on a daily basis. They're on our TVs, magazines, internet, phones. They're everywhere!
I'm sure some of you remember that famous Nike commercial with Charles Barkley, where he says that he isn't a role model. In a sense, he was right. He shouldn't be a role model to kids, their parents should be. That's what I thought when I first saw that commercial at a young age.
But I just heard an interview with Andre Agassi on The Dan Patrick Show this morning and it made me think of the role model and who we look up to, not only as a kid but also today. Andre has made headlines recently because of his new book Open, where he reveals that he used crystal meth when he was a tennis player. In the interview, Andre said that role models shouldn't only teach you what you should do but also teach you what you shouldn't do. That totally hit home for me.
It reminded me of my eulogy for my grandfather. In it, I said, He taught me to be the man that I want to be / And the man that I didn't want to be. My grandfather was a great man but he sure was old-school. He was a gentle and personable man, but he was also hard-headed and had a temper. There is good and bad in everyone, but it is our responsiblity to take in their good and learn from their bad. That's how we should look up to our role models.
Looking up to those that we admire, we can't only look at what makes them great, but also what makes them normal.

30 for 30 - Len Bias

I've been watching this new series on ESPN called 30 for 30, it's a series of one-hour documentaries by 30 different directors of 30 different sports stories over the past 30 years celebrating ESPN's 30th anniversary. They recently had the tragic story of Len Bias.

Len Bias was a 22-year-old, All-American basketball player from the University of Maryland. In 1986, he was drafted by the world champion Boston Celtics. A day later, he had died from a cocaine overdose. One day he was on top of the world, his dreams had come true, and the next day, he was gone. A sad, sad story.

I was a little kid when this happened but I had heard of Len Bias and his death. I was a huge basketball fan as well as a L.A. Laker fan. This was the first time I heard of the actual story and what went on. Like anybody would think, my first thought was, oh man, how could you mess up such a great thing like that?

His death had a huge impact, not only on basketball and the NBA, but also on the fight on drugs in the 1980s and beyond. Len Bias was considered one of the best basketball players on the college level. I saw his jump shot in this documentary and was in awe. He had incredible shooting form. He could have been the rival that Michael Jordan needed in the 1990s. Things could have definitely been different if Len Bias had played a game for the Boston Celtics. Surely, we will never know.

Like always, the death of Len Bias teaches us to never take things for granted and live life to the fullest.

Little Rant of the Week

I don't really like to go on rants but this bugged me the other day. I was chillin' by myself at the mall doing a bit of shopping and a bit of networking as well. Anyway, I was walking and as I do, I like to people watch. There was this girl walking towards me. She was a little cute and was on her phone texting. We were walking towards each other and about to do that dance that you do when two people are walking at each other on the same line. But when you do that you usually look up and smile and say excuse me or something like that. But there was none of that, no look up, no smile, no excuse me, what's up with that? Is your texting more important than giving me a little smile? A little excuse me?

To me, its not that big of a deal but it did get me thinking that some etiquette stays and some goes but as time goes on new etiquette comes. We do have to keep up with the times but as we do, we can't forget about the simple things, like being polite and kind to one another. Okay, that's all! Rant over!

Post 100

Realizing that my next post would be the big 100, I looked back at my first post. I looked at the date. It's not only my 100th post but it's been just over a whole year since that first post of That Humble Swagger. It has been one year, one week and one day. I just looked back at that first post and thought to myself, hmm, that was pretty good. And it has been pretty good, I have been enjoying myself with this blogging thing and hope to grow more with it and all my new adventures in the future. I started this really not knowing what I was gonna do with it (I'm still not too sure yet), I stopped writing for a few months but I truly wanted to come back and be commited to writing and to this blog of mine. It definitely is my baby and don't ever want to abandon it. Sometimes I do get frustrated that I don't write as often as I should, but I know it will come around. New ideas and new adventures will come and I'll find time in my busy days, weeks, and months to write and share with you all.

This is just the first 100 and I'm sure that there will be many more to come. Thanks to all those who have and to those who soon will check out this little blog.

My Adventure at...Rasputin Music

I am totally loving this new job with Cornerstone/Fader Magazine. I'm starting to get into the groove. Last week, I went into my local music shop (these are getting rare nowadays, but I might get into the that later), Rasputin Music to put up posters to promote the upcoming Rakim album, The Seventh Seal, coming out November 17th. It was awesome to just walk in and tell them what I'm doing and them helping me out. Big shout outs to Quintina, Candice and the rest of the great Rasputin staff for being awesome and letting me do my thing. I'll definitely be going back for the rest of my upcoming projects. I had always been a customer but it's cool having them as a contact. I knew this job was gonna be fun but it seems like it's gonna get better. I will head out to more places this week! Keep posted!

Quote of the Week

A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them. -Hardy Amies

A Night with Mos and Rakim

Last night I got a call from one of my project managers from NY and he asked me to work the Mos Def/Rakim show up in San Francisco. What was I gonna say? A night of putting up posters (for the new Rakim album, The Seventh Seal, coming out November 17th), a free concert and a great fun night in the city...hell yes, i said! It was my first event for my first project. I got to work with FARM rep vet Joel and partied with him and his friends. After putting up a few posters throughout the venue we got to chill inside before all the people came in. It was at a great venue in San Francisco called Ruby Skye.

The show started with a new MC from Mos' camp, Hussein. He was okay, whoever writes his stuff is great. He looked like he was a rookie up on stage. He messed up a few times but his delivery was pretty good. Next up was Rakim and he did put on a show. I'd say that he was the MVP for the night. He mostly did his old stuff and everyone loved it! Mos Def closed it off and he was okay. He mostly did his new stuff from The Ecstatic album (which I will pick up very soon). The beats were great but I think everyone wanted him to do some of his old stuff. I totally wanted to hear Ms. Fat Booty! Anyway, people started to leave early so we went out front and started to hand out free Rakim posters for everyone! It was a great show and a great crowd! I had lots and lots of fun and look forward to more great shows!

Questions. [Style Edition]

What is your own personal style? How did you get your own style? Does style come from you or does it come from your environment? Or does both go hand in hand? Does your own personal swag that you were born with dictate your style or does it come from the surroundings that you grew up in?

What dictates your style? What makes your style your style? In an environment where everyone has to be the same, how does your sytle make you stand out? Is your individual style important to you? Is individual style even important? As you and the times change, how does your style change with it?

Each and every one of us has our own distinct style. Just by going out and sitting down to people-watch, you can definitely see all types of style. It's all about going out with confidence and showing the world your own style.

Fashion Look of the Week

Getting back to my shoe game, the Nike Air Pegasus '89 itself is back. It is among the new Nike's 09 releases for the holiday season. It looks so good!

from hypebeast.com via Citysole

Image of the Week

In honor of the news that Polaroid cameras are coming back (thanks to the inspiration from The Impossible Project), I thought I'd share a Polaroid that I found of my grandfather and I, when I was a kid.

What I've Learned...

is that you can't ever be afraid to do all that you wish. Don't be scared to put yourself and you're ideas out there. When you start to write or draw or create or whatever you do, you don't have an audience. You're just writing or drawing or creating for yourself. But as you continue to do whatever you do, you get yourself out there and you suddenly find an audience. There will be that group of people that will feel what you are trying to say. They understand what you're trying to express in your creations. They have that sense, that style, that thing that you all have in common. So don't have second thoughts about your ideas.

20 Years Later

It was 20 years ago, October 17, 1989. The 7.0 Loma Prieta earthquake shook the ground throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I was just 8 years old and I definitely remember where I was when the earthquake happened. My parents and I just got home from work and school and just as we were entering the garage, it started shaking. We got out of our truck, the ground was still shaking. Ten to fifteen seconds was a long time. It certainly was scary, especially when the aftershocks came. Luckily, we were all right and just a few things fell over. But then turning on the TV and seeing all that devestation from the Bay Bridge and elsewhere, we knew it was really bad.


As we look around now, there has been a lot of measures taken to make sure that our buildings and bridges are secure during earthquakes. You never really know when the next big one is coming but you just have to make sure that you're prepared. We just had a little 3.3 earthquake a few days ago, just a little shake. It happens all the time, some we feel and most we don't.


My prayers go out to those affected by the quake 20 years ago, the victims of the recent earthquakes in Samoa and Indonesia and all those in between.

Quote of the Week

"Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals." –Henry Ford

Happy 99th Birthday, John Wooden!

I wanted to post a happy 99th birthday to one of the greatest basketball coaches ever, John Wooden. He is a great, inspirational man who has influenced many not only on the basketball court but more importantly off of it. I read his book Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court often. If you don't have it, I recommend you pick it up! With his Pyramid of Success and all his sayings like, Failure to prepare is to prepare for failure I have learned so much. I love the story where at the beginning of each and every season, Coach Wooden would sit down with his players and show them how exactly to put on their socks so that they wouldn't get any blisters. By the time they were at UCLA for a few seasons, the players would get tired of that but they learned later that they had to do things right and take care of the little details. I coach basketball to grade school kids and one of the things I tell them is if you do things right, more than likely, things will turn out okay. Coach John Wooden is definitely a great inspiration!

My dad sent me this email and I thought I would share it with you all:

On his 99th birthday, 99 things about John Wooden
In honor of John Wooden's 99th birthday, here are 99 things you may, or may not, know about the legendary former UCLA basketball coach:

1. He was born in Martinsville, Ind., on Oct. 14, 1910.

2. Wooden led Martinsville High to the Indiana state title in 1927 and runner-up finishes in 1926 and 1928.

3. As a boy, one of his role models was Fuzzy Vandivier of the Franklin Wonder Five, a basketball team that dominated Indiana high school basketball from 1919 to 1922.

4. He was a three-time high school all-state selection.

5. Wooden met his future wife, Nell Riley, at a carnival in July 1926.

6. They married in a small ceremony in Indianapolis in August 1932. Afterward, they attended a Mills Brothers concert to celebrate.

7. Wooden and Nell were married 53 years before Nell's death in 1985.

8. After high school, Wooden enrolled at Purdue, where he won varsity letters in basketball and baseball his freshman year and earned All-American honors as a guard on the basketball team in 1930-32.

9. He was a three-time consensus All-American.

10. Wooden was captain of Purdue's basketball teams in 1931 and 1932 and led the Boilermakers to two Big Ten titles and the 1932 national championship.

11. While playing basketball at Purdue, Wooden was nicknamed "the Indiana Rubber Man" for his dives on the hardcourt.

12. Wooden is noted for his philosophical quotes about life and sportsmanship, such as: "Failure is not fatal but failure to change might be."

13. After college, he spent several years playing professionally with the Indiana Kautskys (later the Indianapolis Jets), Whiting Ciesar All-Americans and Hammond Ciesar All-Americans while teaching and coaching in high school.

14. During one 46-game stretch, he made 134 consecutive free throws.

15. His first coaching job was at Dayton High in Kentucky.

16. In his first year, the team went 6-11, his only losing record as a coach.

17. Wooden went on to coach basketball, baseball and tennis at South Bend Central High in Indiana and taught English for nine years. His 11-year high school coaching record was 218-42.

18. World War II interrupted his coaching career and he was a lieutenant in the Navy from 1943 to 1946.

19. Following his discharge in 1946, he went to Indiana Teachers College (now Indiana State University) as athletic director, basketball and baseball coach for two seasons before moving to UCLA.
20. At Indiana State, Wooden also coached baseball, served as athletic director, taught and completed his master's degree in education.

21. Another quote from Wooden: "Learn as if you were to live forever; live as if you were to die tomorrow."

22. In 1947, Wooden's basketball team won the Indiana Collegiate Conference title and received an invitation to the NAIB tournament in Kansas City. Wooden refused the invitation, citing the NAIB's policy banning African American players. A member of the Sycamores' team was Clarence Walker, an African American from East Chicago, Ind.

23. In 1948, the NAIB changed its policy and Wooden led Indiana State to another conference title.

24. That same year, Wooden guided his team to the NAIB final, losing to Louisville -- the only loss by a Wooden team in a college championship game.

25. Wooden was inducted into the Indiana State Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 3, 1984.

26. His top salary while coach at UCLA was $35,000.

27. Wooden turned down an offer to coach the Lakers from owner Jack Kent Cooke that may have been 10 times what UCLA was paying him.

28. The record Wooden is the most proud of? His Bruins teams won 19 conference championships.

29. Wooden's name was inscribed on Purdue's academic honor roll and he was awarded the 1932 Big Ten Conference medal for outstanding merit and proficiency in scholarship and athletics.

30. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player (class of 1961) and as a coach (1973). He was the first person ever enshrined in both categories, later joined by Bill Sharman and Lenny Wilkens.

31. Another quote from Wooden: "The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team."

32. At UCLA, Wooden became known as the "Wizard of Westwood," though he disliked the nickname.

33. He gained lasting fame with UCLA by winning 664 games in 27 seasons and 10 NCAA titles during his last 12 seasons.

34. Wooden's UCLA teams won seven consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1973.

35. His UCLA teams had a record winning streak of 88 games and four 30-0 seasons.

36. His Bruins also won 38 straight NCAA tournament games and a record 98 straight home games at Pauley Pavilion.

37. In 1967, he was named the Henry Iba Award USBWA college basketball coach of the year.

38. In 1972, he was honored as Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year.

39. Wooden coached his final game at Pauley Pavilion on March 1, 1975, a 93-59 victory over Stanford.
40. Four weeks later, he surprisingly announced his retirement after a 75-74 NCAA semifinal victory over Louisville and before his 10th national championship game victory over Kentucky.

41. Another quote from Wooden: "Young people need models, not critics."

42. UCLA was Wooden's second choice for a coaching position in 1948. He had also been pursued by Minnesota, and it was his and his wife's desire to remain in the Midwest.

43. Inclement weather in Minnesota prevented Wooden from receiving the scheduled phone offer from the Golden Gophers. Thinking they had lost interest, Wooden accepted UCLA's offer instead.

44. Minnesota contacted Wooden right after he accepted the position at UCLA, but he declined because he had given his word to the Bruins.

45. His alma mater, Purdue, wanted Wooden to return to campus in 1947 and serve as coach Mel Taube's assistant until Taube's contract expired. Wooden declined, citing his loyalty to Taube, as it effectively would have made Taube a lame-duck coach.

46. At UCLA, Wooden had four undefeated teams. No other coach has more than one.

47. He also had seven teams that went undefeated in conference play.

48. He won five titles without Lew Alcindor or Bill Walton.

49. He coached 15 seasons at UCLA before winning his first NCAA championship.

50. His winning percentage in college and high school was .813.

51. Another quote from Wooden: "Talent is God given; be humble. Fame is man given; be thankful. Conceit is self given; be careful."

52. Wooden won his first national title in 1964.

53. In 1965, the Bruins became one of the few teams to win two NCAA championships in a row.

54. In the 1965 final, Gail Goodrich scored 42 points for UCLA as the Bruins defeated Michigan and Cazzie Russell.

55. The 1965-66 season was a down year for Wooden. His team failed to win the NCAA title, the last time that happened until 1974.

56. The 1966-67 season marked the beginning of the Lew Alcindor era and UCLA easily defeated Dayton in the final.

57. Wooden's Bruins had a 47-game winning streak before a 71-69 loss to Houston and All-American center Elvin Hayes on Jan. 20, 1968, in front of what was then the largest basketball crowd in NCAA history, 52,693.

58. That game was called "the Game of the Century." The same teams met again in an NCAA semifinal, where the Bruins routed the Cougars, 101-69.

59. UCLA defeated North Carolina in the 1968 final to become the only team to win consecutive titles twice.
60. Wooden has called that team as good as any he coached.

61. Another quote from Wooden: "Ability is a poor man's wealth."

62. In 1969, UCLA became the only men's basketball program to win three consecutive NCAA titles.

63. In the final, Wooden faced Purdue, his alma mater, and won easily, 92-72.

64. With that 1969 championship, Wooden became the first coach to win five NCAA titles.

65. In 1970, Wooden won his fourth consecutive NCAA title despite the loss of Alcindor to the pros.

66. In the final, 6-foot-8 Sidney Wicks outplayed 7-footer Artis Gilmore of Jacksonville for another easy victory.

67. In 1971, Wooden won his fifth NCAA championship in a row; the Bruins defeated Villanova in the final.

68. The Bill Walton era began in the 1971-72 season, and the Bruins won a sixth consecutive championship with a victory over Florida State.

69. Walton starred, making 21 of 22 shots, as Wooden won his seventh consecutive title in 1973 with a victory over Memphis State in the final.

70. UCLA's record 88-game winning streak under Wooden started on Jan. 30, 1971, with a 74-61 victory over UC Santa Barbara.

71. The streak ended when Notre Dame upset UCLA, 71-70, on Jan. 19, 1974.

72. Notre Dame also handed UCLA the loss before the streak started, 89-82, on Jan. 23, 1971.

73. The Bruins' record streak included two one-point victories: 69-68 at Oregon on Dec. 12, 1971, and 65-64 at home against Maryland on Dec. 1, 1973.

74. Wooden won his last NCAA title in 1975.

75. In Wooden's last game as UCLA coach, the Bruins defeated Kentucky, 92-85, on March 31, 1975.

76. Wooden spent 40 years as a basketball coach.

77. He coached 27 years at UCLA, finishing with a record of 620-147.

78. Wooden's teams went 149-2 at Pauley Pavilion.

79. Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" has become an organizational and inspirational tool for coaches everywhere.
80. The foundation for Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" is Industriousness, Friendship, Loyalty, Cooperation and Enthusiasm.

81. The peak of the Pyramid is Competitive Greatness.

82. Another quote from Wooden: "A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment."83. Since 1977, the most prestigious postseason award in college basketball has been the John R. Wooden Award.

84. Two annual doubleheader men's basketball events are named after Wooden -- the Wooden Classic and the Wooden Tradition.

85. In 1999, ESPN elected Wooden the "Coach of the 20th Century."

86. The recreation center for intramural sports on the UCLA campus is named after Wooden.

87. A high school in Reseda is named John R. Wooden High.

88. In 2003, UCLA named the basketball court at Pauley Pavilion after Wooden and his wife, Nell. Wooden insisted the court be named the "Nell and John Wooden Court," keeping Nell's name first.

89. Wooden has his own website, www.coachwooden.com.

90. In 2007, UCLA announced it was planning to renovate Pauley Pavilion, while setting a goal of opening the renovated facility on Wooden's 100th birthday, Oct. 14, 2010.

91. Another quote from Wooden: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

92. On July 23, 2003, Wooden received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

93. Wooden is a fan of women's basketball, because he says it often features more fundamentally sound basketball than the men's version of the game.

94. Wooden has written several books, including "They Call Me Coach" and a book for children, "Inch and Miles."

95. He has another book scheduled for release today called, "A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring with John Wooden." In conjunction with the book's release, fans can visit the website

happybirthdayjohnwooden.com to send the coach birthday wishes.

96. On Wooden's 96th birthday in 2006, a post office in Reseda was named the John Wooden Post Office.

97. Wooden retains the title head men's basketball coach emeritus at UCLA and attends most of the team's home games.

98. On Nov. 17, 2006, Wooden was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Others were James Naismith, Dean Smith, Oscar Robertson and Bill Russell.

99. One more quote from Wooden: "Don't give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you."

mike.penner@latimes.com

Breakin' It Down

Way back in the day, I was a break-dancer. Yup, at age 3, I was a b-boy. Thanks to my babysitter's grandkids, I would watch them at their little get-togethers spin, pop 'n lock, flare. It was awesome, I wanted to do all that. I wanted to spin on my butt. And because of all that my favorite movie became Breakin'.

We recently got Showtime free for the next few months and there was Breakin' showing. I immediately searched for the next showing and had to get it on my DVR. It wasn't the greatest movie ever but seeing all those moves again was awesome! I had to record the amazing sequence of Turbo sweeping outside of the grocery store. I was so enthralled by that, the simple beat, the strong but short moves, the sprinkling of a bit of 'magic'. You could get all that by just sweeping the sidewalk. I wanted to do all that!

Save the Boobs

Sex sells, doesn't it? Sure it does, so why can't sex sell for a good cause. As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer certainly affects women but it does affect the men in their lives as well. We do see our moms, aunts, sisters, wives, girlfriends going through what they're going through. Breast cancer is not only a women's health issue; it affects the whole family, the whole neighborhood, everyone!

I certainly love this PSA from Rethink Breast Cancer because it has that new way of thinking of how to market and promote and put out the word about breast cancer to the average male out there. It is definitely aiming at that horny teenage boy in all of us guys. No matter how old or how grown up we think we are, we're stilling looking at that sexy 20-something chick walking past us at the mall. Of course, the professionals are peeking behind dark shades and not moving their heads an inch! It definitely is an exaggeration (okay, okay, a slight exaggeration) but, ladies, that is exactly what is going on in our heads. It surely puts the attention to a great cause which is the fight against breast cancer.

80s Revival

On Friday night, I had one of the most fun nights ever! Me and my friends celebrated one of my friends birthday by heading up to San Francisco and seeing an 80's cover band. We went to Bimbo's 365 to see Tainted Love. It was a great show at a great venue. What's better than being with your friends and singing old 80's songs at the top of your lungs? It was a great, great time!  Maybe I'll have some pictures later!

Quote of the Week

Those who know, won't tell. Those who tell, don't know.

New Beginnings

New things make me excited and nervous at the same time. I mean, who really likes change? Changes are inevitable but it is hard to get used to. I do prefer the familiar, the comfortable, the sameness, but changes must come. I am very excited about the changes happening with me. It's definitely going to keep me very busy. I'm a little nervous but I am definitely up for it! Yesterday, I became a part of the FARM (Field Activation Research Marketing) Team for Cornerstone Promotion and Fader Magazine. After the interview a couple of weeks ago, I was very psyched and very nervous. I thought that it went very well. They had me do a little test assignment and that night I went out with my cousin and went to a few places and talked to a few people for it. As I was driving, I looked at my cousin and told her that this was going to be a lot of fun! Just going out and meeting new people and seeing new places, I was hoping I would be able to do this more often. But I did get nervous when I hadn't heard back from them after a week. But I got a great surprise last night and saw that I was welcomed to the team. This is going to be an amazing experience! You'll definitely hear more about my new adventures!

Kids Do the Darndest Things

This clip still has me laughing. This little girl was so cute...she threw away dad's hard work getting that foul ball but like her daddy all you could do is hug her!

RIP Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze - Chippendale
Uploaded by tressage. -

I would like to send my condolences out to Patrick Swayze's family, friends and fans. He will definitely be missed. I wanted to share this classic SNL skit with Patrick and Chris Farley. It is absolutely hilarious! Chris is so funny but Patrick is just as funny. I love the expression on his face as Chris dances, it's like, oh man, this guy is gooood, I gotta do better! Classic!

Football Time is Here!

Oh yes, its that time again, football season is here! Gooo...my fantasy football team! Yes, I'm a NFL fan but not a big fan of a certain team anymore. I was, and still am a bit, a fan of the 49ers, especially back in the day. In the days of the Niner dynasty in the 80s and early 90s. But the game has changed and most people are fans of the product of the NFL as a whole. Plus, the big thing of fantasy football leagues and gambling helps the growth and popularity of the sport too. It definitely is great for gambling. It's not an every day or every other day sport, it is a weekly thing so that people can regroup and study and look into every single thing for the up-coming game at the end of the weekend. It is a fun time that fills our Sunday mornings and afternoons and Monday nights and sometimes Thursday nights or Saturday nights, Thanksgiving days and nights...you get the picture!

Jam of the Week

Beyoncé featuring Kanye West "Ego" Remix

I can listen to this song all day! Love the vibe!

Image of the Week

Quote of the Week

A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them. —Hardy Amies

Back on the Blogging Grind

Okay, I'm back on the grind. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I've been sick, had to go back down to LA for a couple of days, got a new client to make business cards for, started a new job. I've been real busy. But now I definitely am going to squeeze in some time for writing. Time for my humble swagger, of course.

It was a bit weird being away from blogging. I kinda felt guilty by not dropping by here. When I was online, I would tip-toe around it. Yeah, yeah I'll get to it. But anyway, I'm back and here we go again!

Addiction of the Week

Okay, so my first Addiction of the Week was supposed to be something completely different. But since I've sick most of the week, my only addiction has been Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. I can't stop playing, I'm hooked!

Arrg, Stay Away From Me!

Awww, man, I've been sick for the past couple days. I felt a cough coming on earlier this week but got worse yesterday. Had a bit of a fever, but feeling just a bit better today. I stayed in bed and stayed away from the computer for more than 24 hours, that was tough! ;) Taking some meds and on the way back to recovery! Ha!

My Crush of the Week

Lately, I've been loving these shows that air just after Saturday Night Live here in the south bay area, LXTV: 1st Look and Open House. And my latest crush is Viviana Vigil, who is a correspondent and a host for the two shows. She's cute, sexy, and fashionable, a great combo!

Quote of the Week

Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do. –Aristotle

Magazine With A Twist

Lemon No. 4, Heroes

I found this magazine a few years ago and loved it. Lemon Magazine is "pop-culture with a twist." The magazine comes from the genius minds of Gum Magazine creators, Kevin Grady and Colin Metcalf. Lemon magazine has great design and content, and annually gives us a breath of fresh air on the newsstands.


Lemon No. 3, A Clockwork Lemon


Lemon No. 2, Espionage


Lemon No. 1, A Supernatural Debut

What's Her Secret?

About a month ago, I was at the mall with family and friends from out of town. By out of town, I mean, from thousands of miles away, visiting from the Philippines. Anyway, they enter a Victoria's Secret and I decide to wait outside and have a seat just at the entrance of the store. As time goes by, I watch people go past, in and out of the store. Then about 15 minutes go by and I see this lady walk in. She's pushing a stroller with her baby girl in it. And beside her is her little boy, maybe about 4 or 5 years old. A smile comes to my face as I watch this little boy walk in with his mom and his sister. He gets about five feet in the store, stops, turns back around, stops at the entrance of the store, looks up and probably says to himself, What store IS this?, then runs back in after his mom. That was one of the funniest things that I've seen. Well, one of the funniest things that I've seen at a mall, at least. I thought to myself, I'm surprised that us grown up boys still don't do that. See a store full of panties and bras with posters of half-naked women and just stop, gasp and say, whoa, what is this place? Well, I guess we still do but we have to keep our composure or else the cops might get involved. That's what strip clubs are for. I guess this just goes to show that at any age, we boys are just as enthralled with whatever secret Victoria is keeping from us...and boobs. Always entralled with boobs.

So, what is Victoria's secret? Are we meant to know the answer? Or is the answer already in our heads and we have to dig through all the sick, twisted things in our minds and find it?

The 'Carry On' Boys

Kolman Rosenberg

Check out this great story about two friends with a strong bond on and off the wrestling mat. One lost his legs and the other can barely see, but still they carry on.

High School Teammates Carry On

Image of the Week

Quote of the Week

"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb because that's where the fruit is."

–Doyle Brunson

Audrey Kawasaki

Audrey Kawasaki is a tremendous artist from LA. She has a great style. There something about it, it's cute, yet sexy. Her website describes her work as contradictions within themselves. Her work is both innocent and erotic. Each subject is attractive yet disturbing...The figures she paints are seductive and contain an air of melancholy. I couldn't agree more.

Love Letters

The other night I was going through my box full of notebooks. Most were empty but I found one with a draft of a 'love letter' that I wrote to a big crush of mine a few years ago. As I read it again, I realized I haven't felt like that in a long time. Sometimes, with all the stuff going on in my world, that's okay. But I do miss that feeling...falling head over heels for someone. 

Can I talk to you for a minute? There’s something on my mind that I have to say. There’s that thing about you that’s got me, got me going, going crazy over you. From the moment that you walked into my life, I didn’t know, but I knew, that the girl that I was destined to be with was undoubtedly you. I still don’t know for sure, but I would like to see what I am missing. I plead, you should be with me you see. I long to be with you and be a part of all that you do. I try to close my eyes and think of things to do, but my mind drifts and winds up, again, thinking of you. I love to make you smile. I love to make you laugh. I’m not sure if you notice, but where ever you go, I follow your path. When I’m around you, I have a kick to my step and a smile of my face. I know that in my heart, you have a place. I can do nothing but count the days, the hours, the minutes until the moment I see you again. And when I leave your presence, the countdown once again begins I just hope that you feel the same. But I must play that game and put myself on that line because only with you, I would love to spend my time. Just promise me that nothing changes between us. Whether you feel the same about me as I do about you, just promise that nothing will change. Maybe it’s just infatuation or just a feeling. But the feeling is there. It’s there. It’s real.

Cutting and Sewing

Marc Ecko's Cut & Sew has quickly become my favorite clothing store to walk into (and shop, of course) when I get to the mall. They have that cool vibe, not only in the clothes but in the look of the store, as well. It definitely fits my style very well. Here are some of my favorite looks.

Inspiration of the Week

Red Bull Profiles

Check out this great story about Ashley Fiolek, the new 18-year old motocross sensation. But she isn't just any ordinary motocross race, Ashley has been deaf since birth. But last night, she made her X Games debut and took home the gold. Ashley was supposed to race in last year's game but was forced out due to an injury.

Ashley is such an inspiration. Sometimes we take our own senses for granted or we rely on them too much. She definitely has to feel her motorbike as she races. She practices and perfects how to feel her bike and I'm sure that definitely makes her a better rider. We will most definitely hear more of Ms. Fiolek. What a great story!

Quote of the Week

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."

–T.S. Eliot

My MJ Experience update

Okay, I meant to post this a bit ago, but here is a little update from our adventure seeing LaToya Jackson driving out in her nice, gray Bentley, from Michael's place on Sunset Boulevard in L.A. My cousin sent me this YouTube clip from a tabloid site. The hilarious part is that toward the end of the clip, somewhere around the 1:00 mark, I think, you can hear my cousin ask LaToya, Could you drive us back to our car? I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this.

Dreams

I know we all have dreams, especially those weird ones that wake us up and make us think, What was that about? Once in a while, I have these dreams, well, not really weird dreams, but those that make you say, hmmm. Anyway, last night, I dreamt about this girl that you could say, was my very first crush. We never really dated but in those grade school days, I really, really liked her. In high school, we were cool, we'd see each other once in a while at school dances and such. Then she went away to the East Coast for college and now is married and living in Chicago. I haven't seen her in years but here she is in my dreams, where it seems like we're dating or i'm courting her. I've even had a dream where I see her at an amusement park and she has a kid and is expecting another one. Not sure where she's coming from but there she still is in my dreams.

Back from L.A., again

Just got back yesterday from a little getaway to L.A. We had people from the Philippines over our place for the past couple of weeks and a trip to L.A. was on their agenda so we decided to drive them down there. We also got to see my nieces and nephew again before they headed back home to Maryland. It was a very nice weekend.

It started off with a nice late afternoon on Saturday at the ballpark with my friends watching a little minor league baseball. And right after, we drove down to L.A. at about 10:30 at night. We arrived at 5 in the morning. It was a nice stressfree drive without the heat and traffic. After a good day of sleep and relaxing, Saturday found its way into Sunday, where we visited my mom's aunt and had some great BBQ and one of my favorite Filipino dishes, kare-kare. It was delicious!

Then, Monday was fun day, we drove down to Port Hueneme, where my cousin, who is in the Navy, is stationed. We got to spend the day with the kids by the beach. Oxnard is a quiet little agricultural place with a pretty nice quiet beach. It was nice to just lay back, fly some kites, build sandcastles and play around with my nieces and my nephew.

We got back yesterday after a nice, hot drive back home in the afternoon.

Track Workout

Ahhh, I had a very good track workout yesterday. Thank god it wasn't as hot as last Tuesday at 6 or 7 at night. I think it was the first workout that I completed all the way through. We did three sets of three whole laps around the track. I am definitely getting stronger and better at running. I know that probably a month ago, I couldn't have done all that. I am definitely getting there...half-marathon here I come!

Rock Urge

On Saturday, we went out to spend half the day in Monterey. We strolled down 17-Mile Drive in Carmel and stopped by the little beaches and little areas along the way. At one stop, there was this area where you could go down some rocks and sand and get a bit closer to the ocean. Just a bit down the way, there was this tall rock wall that was about 10 feet or so. I remembered when I was younger, I was a Cub Scout and on one excursion, we went rock climbing. That urge to mountain climb went through me...

It was very cool...I just need to figure out where we went to climb when I was a wee Cubbie Scout. Or I could research other places that I could mountain climb. It would be fun! I love the idea that the memory of when I was a kid stirred that urge in me to want to start mountain climbing. I'll definitely look into it, plus I have great calves! haha

Quote of the Week

Look, don't ever let the fact that you can't be perfect stop you from doing your best.

Murs, I'm Innocent, from the Murs For President album


I have had this album for a while but I was listening to it in my car yesterday. I heard this line and it hit me. Hard. I have a long list of things that I have always wanted to do but being a perfectionist puts that list on hold. It seems that everything has to go a certain way before I start a project. It is frustrating!

Lately, I have been trying to get my creativity back. To get on that list and start the projects that I have always wanted to. I do understand that nobody's perfect and you'll get nowhere if you just stand in place and do nothing. The problem is is that I think a little too much. I just need to stop thinking and let it flow. I just need to do my best and, more than likely, good things will come.

My Crush of the Week

Zooey Deschanel


Zooey's been doing the talk show circuit for her latest movie, 500 Days of Summer, the past weeks. I know I've seen her in a few movies like Yes Man or Elf, but I saw her recently on Conan and said, Wow, this chick is gorgeous! Her eyes are absolutely amazing! Plus she can sing too! So Zooey is my current crush of the week until my next crush...

Why I Run...

At every Team-In-Training workout run, there is always a special honoree that speaks with all of us to tell us of their story of their battle with cancer. It is always a great time to appreciate them and get to learn more about them and what we are doing all this hard work for. It is great to meet these honorees before, during and after our long runs. It is definitely a great inspiration.

Last week, ESPN did their annual week of Make-A-Wish Foundation: My Wish stories that featured kids with life-threatening medical conditions to grant their biggest sports dreams. The story of Cole Johanson, an 11-year old, who is battling lymphoma, and his wish to meet New Orleans Hornets' point guard, Chris Paul. Cole seems wise beyond his years and has a great looking shot (I should know, I coach basketball to kids his age.) It was great seeing Cole and Chris just play ball and eat lunch and talk like they were old friends. Just in that little segment and seeing what Cole's been through is a great inspiration to keep going as I run.

Training Progress

I've been super busy lately, but have definitely been squeezing in my training for my marathon. I am officially going to run the Nike Women's half marathon in San Francisco. My training this week has been great. I think this is the first week that I've been able to go to each training activity. On Tuesday, we had the track workout, where we had a hill workout. We had to run up and down a hill, it was grueling but awesome! On Thursday, I joined a few others in Campbell and ran about 4 miles. It wasn't too bad. And yesterday, it was a Coaches' led run and we ran in downtown San Jose. It was a great run...I ran 5 miles, the most that I've ever ran. My body is feeling good and is getting used to all the pounding that it is getting. And it is worth it, doing it for a great cause! It is definitely a great feeling!

Quote of the Week

You'll never leave where you are until you decide where you'd rather be.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy belated 4th of July, everyone! I had a pretty good July 4th weekend, lots of eating! haha The weekend started with a BBQ/poker night for my friend's birthday. Then the 4th was full of BBQ's starting with a friend's little party, and then off to my family friend's BBQ. It seems like the economy has definitely affected the fireworks everywhere! There were cancelled fireworks displays and the ones that went on weren't as extravagant as they used to be. But I did see fireworks going off all over the city. It did make me wonder if all the cities around here thought it was worth it to save money but have a higher risk of burning someone's house. I don't know but we'll have to see how it goes for future 4th of July celebrations!

Happy 4th of July!

MJ Experience

So, for the weekend we went down to L.A. for a little family get together. Today, my cousins and I went out to Rodeo Drive to walk and look, of course. Anyway, we left and went down Sunset Boulevard to sightsee the big, fancy houses. As we were driving, we saw some people gathering around and the street blocked off, then on the street corner were signs and flowers...of course! it was for Michael Jackson! So we followed the signs for "Star Maps" so that we could park. We got out and joined the people. There was a good number of people but not too much. As my cousins were taking pictures, out comes a car. A big gray Bentley, then a rush of people and paparazzi. It was insane. You could hear the, "Who was that?" "Who is it?" Then you hear, "LaToya, LaToya!" There was LaToya Jackson driving out from the house with the police trying to get her through. It was just a totally weird experience. I had to just stand back and see everyone rush the car, trying to get a picture, to get a look, to get something. And as she drove away, you could hear a shriek coming from a car that was just driving through on Sunset Boulevard, "Oh my god, it's Janet!!!" It was funny and sad at the same time.

Definitely, rest in peace to Michael and condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world. He went through so much in his life, but no matter what you think of him, he was a music legend. His early work was just incredible. I loved Off the Wall and Thriller. He was a great performer. Of course, he will be missed.

100 Things, Part IV

And now I give to you the final installment of my 100 Things...

76. I can honestly wait patiently for anything. As long as I have my music and notebook, I can wait.

77. I can't leave home without my notebook and pen.

78. I like to people watch.

79. I enjoy watching the Bravo Network.

80. I like learning about different worldly religions. I even have a Koran in my bookcase.

81. Sometimes I write in the middle of the night in my bed with a flashlight.

82. I love the idea of tradition.

83. I won't let Supercuts come anywhere near my head.

84. I really enjoy polishing my shoes.

85. I have a major crush on Mariah Carey. I've got a wall full of Mariah magazine covers on my wall.

86. I have a weird love for corned beef. I love cooking corned beef omelettes, corned beef fried rice, corned beef with cheese on top...

87. I enjoy creating ambigrams. It's tough but the end product usually looks awesome!

88. I am a California boy. Northern Cali or SoCal, I can live anywhere up and down the state.

89. I found that I'm not a big fan of movies based on great books.

90. I don't drink coffee. I do like drinking tea.

91. I enjoy doing logic problems.

92. I enjoy playing Texas Hold 'Em poker. My friends and I have been known to play until 5 in the morning.

93. I'm not a fan of local news.

94. I enjoy organized chaos.

95. I really enjoy watching golf and tennis on television, especially the major championships.

96. I like the number 96.

97. I enjoy reading about other people's philosophies.

98. I consider myself a morning person.

99. I've recently started to train for a marathon...so much fun!

100. I don't really like talking about myself...

Part I, Part II, Part III