Miley Cyrus: Right or Wrong?

Everyone is talking about it, so I figure I might as well too.

Miley Cyrus.

Photo Credit: http://thebiglead.com/2013/08/26/
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Here are my top five reasons why her performance of "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke isn't really that big of a deal.

1.)  She is an entertainer and for years has attempted to shock the public, especially while on T.V. So nothing new there. You gotta give her credit for trying, because for now it's working.

2.) If men can be on stage with half naked women and Lady Gaga can show her entire rear at the same show without and repercussions, then no one can really be mad about Miley's outfit and dance moves.

3.) The overall performance was terrible, and not because of the way Miley acted. Neither her or Robin Thicke sounded good, nothing looked smooth, and as a whole it seemed like a giant effort to shock everyone, thus leaving people unimpressed.

4.) I had a couple people texting me that saw the performance before I did, saying "OMG wait till you see Miley's performance." Of course I saw it, and just really wasn't that shocked. She's put so much effort and time into being this crazy person and I just don't know if it's really working for her, or if it will last.

5.) Publicity. Whatever keeps people talking about celebrities keeps those celebrities making money. So the more we talk about her, the more money she makes. Yes, it sounds crazy...but if I had a dollar for every time I said that. Whether good or bad, talk is talk.

In the end, I just think that what Miley is trying to do, and everyone trying to help her do it, isn't going to last forever. She's either going to go bonkers (I would if I had giant teddy bears following me around everywhere), or she's going to change her entire look again, and again...and again. So if I were you, and you were bothered by what you saw at the VMA's, you might as well get over it, because it's not the last you're going to see of her, unless you turn off your T.V.

Follow Your Dreams, Go For Gold

When people tell you to follow your dreams, they should mean it. It's not like they are telling you some stupid cliche because they want you to be happy. They're telling you because at the bottom of every cliche is a truth. And the truth is, never stop doing what makes you happy. At the end of every day, all a person wants is happiness - at least that's what I want.

Lots of things make a person happy — money, family, a great job, friends, you name it. It's different for everyone, but when it comes to myself, I think I've finally figured out some key things that make me happy. The most recent? Horses.

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Photo Credit: Sarah Sellin-Eiler

It might sound childish, silly, or weird, but it's the truth. After spending countless hours on the back of a horse, weekends in cheap hotels, and winning boxes of ribbons I'll never know what to do with, quitting was probably not the best idea I ever had. I took a four year break and realized it was very silly, which is why I've picked it back up, and I won't be letting go for as long as I can. 

Riding horses isn't cheap, and it takes a lot of time, but so far in life I don't think I know of anything else that makes me happier. I'd rather go broke riding horses than seeing a therapist once a week for the rest of my life. It's an instant smile, a warm welcome, and a peaceful escape. I could never go on another vacation in my life and be totally happy just going to shows and being dirty all the time. 

That being said, I am still glad I have taken some time to try out new things. I enjoyed college, moved to California, and have tried many things in between. However, every time I realize I don't like something or I'm not happy, I compare it to my love of being an equestrian. That's generally when I realize "No, this just isn't for me".

Life is a funny journey and it's good to experience all kinds of different things. Living is how we find out what we like and don't like. One of the most important parts of finding those things is realizing that if we like it, to never let go, and if we don't, to wash it away like dirty dishes. That's the hard part.

Now I can say I have a horse, and am riding again. I smile easily. I am happy. 

I might go broke eventually, but I will always work towards doing the things I love. Everyone should follow their dreams. That's what leads to ultimate happiness. You might take detours, fall on your face a few times, or totally sh** the bed (excuse the expression), but at least you tried, and there is always something to be learned from that.

So folks, time to set your fear aside and go for gold. Whatever it is you quit or always wanted to try, do it! The only thing stopping you is yourself.

Time Warner Cable: The Worst Company Ever

I watch TV. I love TV. I also love cable, but I do not love Time Warner Cable (TWC).

At this point, I am beyond appalled at my experience with Time Warner Cable over the last two years. Their service is beyond poor on every level. Since I signed up with TWC in 2011, I have had the following:

• Cable boxes that didn't work
• Internet routers that didn't work
• Cable outages without notification
• Been on hold for more than an hour with technical support
• No CBS/Showtime due to dispute between both companies
• Treated disrespectfully by employees in TWC stores
• Treated disrespectfully by customer service representatives over the phone 

I've simply had enough. If DirectTV would hurry up and make a deal with the PAC-12 Network, I would switch in a heartbeat and never look back, and probably be a lot happier.

Photo credit: http://memegenerator.net/instance/33164146

My biggest issue with TWC is that not a single person I've spoken to within the company has tried to make up with my repeated poor experiences thus far. Recently, I was on the phone with a customer service representative and made the threat to switch to DirectTV because of the CBS dispute. His response was, "Well as soon as DirectTV's contract is up with CBS the same thing is going to happen." Okay, now true or not, that was the wrong thing to say to any customer. I mean c'mon, really?! 

*Throws hands up in the air*

I'm reaching a serious breaking point. I have yet to speak to someone I know who has TWC that is happy with their service. Time Warner hasn't tried to make up for the fact that CBS is missing from the channel lineup and people are pissed. So pissed that it's lead to a class-action law suit and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to hop on that wagon. 

Time Warner, I dare you to take some initiative to make up for your millions of mistakes. Be the better man. Give customers something that will make them happy they are your customers instead of something that will lead to yet another bad Yelp review, letters of complaint and cancelled services.

I don't have an MBA, I'm not a rocket scientist, and I haven't cured cancer yet, but what I do know is whoever is running TWC is doing a terrible job. To any of you out there that may work for Time Warner Cable, I feel sorry for you, but I also think it's time for someone to step up and try to fix this company. Of course, anything is easier said than done, but it's time.

The older I get, the more I care about customer service. The same way superstars have to give credit to their fans, most companies would be nothing without their customers. So, if you're going to have a company and you're going to have customers or clients, be sure to treat them like gold, or whatever you created won't be around for long. 

To fellow Time Warner Cable customers out there, please comment and let me know your thoughts, I would love to hear from someone who is satisfied with their service from TWC and why. And to those that aren't satisfied, I want to hear from you too, because we are all in this together, unless of course DirectTV adds PAC-12. 

Music Review: The Heavy — If You Haven't, You Need To

I got out of the music business several months ago when I decided it wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean I don't still like to go and support the bands I loved most from the company I worked at.

This past Thursday night I went and saw the neo-soul rock band, The Heavy at the Fonda theater in Hollywood. The band is made up of Kelvin (lead singer), Dan (guitar), Spencer (bass), and Chris (drums), and every now and again they add in some horns as well.

Photo Credit: http://www.last.fm/music/The+Heavy

I cannot say enough good things about this band. Not only are they great live (I've seen them three times), but their music is awesome. "How You Like Me Now," is their biggest hit and has been featured in what seems like everything, including Horrible Bosses, Superbowl XLIV, and served as the background music when Barack Obama won the 2012 presidential election. If the tune hasn't popped up in your head yet, it will shortly.

Since it was the third time seeing the band, I wasn't sure what was going to be different than the last two times but actually, I was more entertained than ever. The Fonda is a great venue for live music and The Heavy definitely delivered. They played all their hits but the encore was definitely the kicker. When the band came out to sing their famous hit, The Silent Comedy, who is the band that performed before (also great music), presented the band with their framed gold record for the song — a great moment for a group of guys who work hard and make great music.

If you haven't seen The Heavy yet, you have to check them out whether it's in person or listening to the music. They're still on their North American tour, hitting Portland, OR tomorrow night, however that show is sold out. Regardless, their music is worth a listen, but most of you have heard it already, you just might not realize it.

"How You Like Me Now"

Why California Adventure is worth the extra $45

I've always been a huge fan of Disneyland and California Adventure, but with a less-than-stable economy, I've noticed there are a lot of people who aren't as interested in visiting the parks because of the price of tickets just to enter, let alone paying the price to go to both parks.

This year, Disneyland raised their one-day, one-park pass from $87 to $92. A one day park hopper pass is $137. They also raised the price of annual passes and parking, which has a lot of people asking the question, is Disney worth it?

I say yes.

For a family of four, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disneyland costs a total of $368. This cost does not include the parking, food, souvenirs, etc. that a family will probably purchase during their day at the Happiest Place on Earth. Keep in mind this does not include California Adventure.

I get it, this is expensive, and it's not a place you're going to visit more than every few years for special vacations.

But let me say this — when you do visit, make the most of your money and do go to both parks, it's worth it, especially if you're 21 and over.

Before the renovation of California Adventure and the addition of Cars Land, there were a lot of people who were less interested in paying the extra dollars to spend time at the park. California Adventure has a totally different feel than Disneyland. It's less magical, more realistic, and it feels a lot bigger as far as walking goes. However, since the renovation, California Adventure has added Cars Land, redesigned the front entrance, and added additional rides throughout the park.

For the kids, Cars Land is a sight to see, especially at night. When you step foot into Radiator Springs, you immediately feel like you're in the movie. Where Radiator Springs dead ends, the fun begins — Radiator Springs Racers. This ride takes you through life as a car, a tune up, and finishes on a race against your fellow park-goers.

Photo credit: http://geekscorner.dapsmagic.com/2012/06/13/geeks-corner-
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This ride is brilliant — it's a mix of storytelling, adrenaline, and laughter all in one. In my opinion, this ride alone is worth paying to get into California Adventure, but instead of waiting in the two hour line, just do single rider and you will only wait about 30 minutes.










For the adult Disney lovers, California Adventure is worth it for two reasons — food and drink. Inside the park you have several options of places to drink beer, wine, and hard alcohol as well as sit down restaurants for a decent, relaxing meal. These options just don't exist in Disneyland. I say if you're going to spend the money on food in the park anyway, might as well eat something good. My favorite is Carthay Circle, because not only do they have a bar separate from the dining room with great Korean beef tacos, but they will fix you any kind of drink. Their specialty is a Manhattan but this isn't just any Manhattan — it has a sphere of ice in it.

Photo credit: http://www.gizmag.com/ice-ball-mold-ice-machine/14086/

That's right, leave it to Disney to take ice to the next level. They own a machine that non-electricly turns a cylinder of ice into a perfect sphere with no bubbles. It's beautiful and delicious. So when you need a break from the crowds, the kids, and your feet, crawl into Carthay Circle, because once you're in, you feel yet another world away. Also, be sure to look for the smallest hidden Mickey just outside the main door. Hint: It's under your feet.

If you're not totally sold yet on giving California Adventure another shot, I'll be writing another blog post in coming weeks about all the different places to drink in the park and probably creating some kind of drinking game for those of you who need even more entertainment.

Tesla Update: The Test Drive

If you actually take the time to read my blog (thank you if you do), you know I recently raved over newest addition to the Tesla family, the Model S. Although I don't have the money (anywhere between 70-130 grand), I couldn't help myself and decided to test drive one. 

Oh. My. God.

Inside the Tesla Model S

Not only is it a beautiful car with great incentives, it's own charging station, and a recyclable battery, but it's a great drive.

I'm in love.

For starters, there is no gear shift, so as you accelerate it's smooth...like a roller coaster, but not as fast. But don't get me wrong, the car has a lot of power, it goes 0 to 60 in 5.9 - 4.2 seconds depending on what battery you get. 

Can your hybrid do that? No. What about your Hummer?

Please.

Simply put, this car is luxury. The back seats are comfortable and roomy, the interior is simple, there is even space in the front seat to put your In-N-Out in a box. Another feature in the front is the center console where all your controls are. It's a super responsive, easy-to-use touch screen that includes full internet browsing, bluetooth, and voice control. 

Need I say more? 

Okay, I'll give you one complaint I have heard about the cars. I've heard that the mileage per charge isn't as high as they advertise. But let's be honest, that applies to every car because weather conditions aren't always perfect and people speed among other things. 

But what I do know, is that by 2015, SuperCharge stations will be nearly everywhere and Tesla will also be preparing to come out with a less expensive version of the groundbreaking technology. 

Overall, I had a great first experience with Tesla from making the appointment to getting out of the car after the test drive. The employees were knowledgable, friendly, and provided great customer service. The car speaks for itself.

My advice, even if you don't think you will ever buy a Tesla, just go drive one. At the very least it will be a conversation starter.

Stand Down Hummer-Lovers, Tesla is Changing the Way We Look at Cars

As many of you may already know, I am a big supporter of hybrid cars, so it should come as no surprise that I am here to share with you my new love, Tesla.

Photo: http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2013/04/01/tesla-model-s-side-small.jpg

Tesla is without a doubt the future of motor vehicles. So far, they have they created an all-electric sports car, sedan, and soon-to-be-released SUV with butterfly doors. For some reason, it still seems crazy that soon enough, the "stock" version of a car will have butterfly doors. Not many people will be able to afford it, but nonetheless it will still be there.

Just picture yourself: Business is going well so you decide it's time for a new car. You've ordered your brand new Tesla online, they deliver it right to your door, you walk outside to sign the final papers and grab the keys, turn on the engine...oh wait...I guess this time around you'll be turning on the eh...battery! How cool.

But who cares! Engine, battery, you just bought a car that is quiet, less-polluting, and beautiful. Congratulations.

Okay, back to the real world. You aren't quite at that point where you can afford the newest of luxury cars but you might as well continue to dream about it because you never know when lighting could strike.

Nevertheless, get ready everyone, this is happening, and it's awesome. If there are any of you Hummer-loving, gas-guzzling lunatics out there, you are quickly becoming an extinct breed. Nice knowing you.

I've lived in Los Angeles for almost exactly two years now, and although I drive a middle of the range Ford, I will never get over the car culture of this city, nor the insane amount of six-figure cars I drive alongside every single day. With the introduction of the luxury Tesla sedan in recent months, I've been watching them popping up just about everywhere I look. Made to compete with other luxury vehicles such as BMW and Mercedes, the Tesla cars are beautiful, smooth, and great eye candy.

Not to mention that Tesla is planning on installing enough "Superchargers" to cover 98 percent of the U.S. population and parts of Canada by 2015.  What's a Supercharger you ask? Simply put, it's the world's fastest charging station and will have the capability of charging your Tesla vehicle to 200 miles during 30 minutes of charge versus 22 miles per 30 minutes of charge at a normal outlet. The only catch is that as of right now, you will have to own a "85kWh Model S" to be able to use the Superchargers, but if you do, the charge is free. Tesla's purpose of installing the Supercharger's is to "encourage Model S owners to take road trips," thus proving that an electric car can go the distance.

If you haven't seen the cars yet, let me tell you about my favorite feature, the doorhandles. I know it sounds crazy, but when you see these cars, notice that the door handles don't stick out like normal door handles. The purpose of this feature is to help make the Tesla the most aerodynamic sedan on the road. As you approach the car with your key, it's recognized by the door handles and they will pop out so you can open your door. I still can't get over how awesome that is.

I could go on and on all day about how awesome these cars are in so many different ways. Tesla has truly outdone themselves and people are eating it up. My hope is that at some point, they will make a more affordable version of these amazing cars so that everyone can enjoy them.

Until then, or until I make my millions, I will simply be staring at the passerby...