YT and his bitch

My dog is better than yours

You can't put a price on a cool dog. They just make life more enjoyable. Even a mangy, dumb dog makes life more enjoyable.

Still, I don't have to worry about that, cuz my dog is better than yours.

Define nuisance

Makes me wanna laugh

What are the possibe nuisances that a dog could create?

YT on the run!

OK, he's not dancing

I was going to start making YT dance, but he's such a simple figure, it's not the easiest thing, unless I add something to create the feel of movement. However, as I was playing around, the saying 'YT on the run' came to mind, so I couldn't resist. That will one day be a a YT classic I think.

Anyway, I'm still going to do a YT can dance image, but I'm going to try to animate it in Flash and see if Blogger supports the file. Since I haven't created a Flash movie in at least 5 years, that should be an interesting venture.

Its a work fest at Luckys

Happy days

This morning I hated where I live. I was ready to move anywhere, even Alaska, after all the police activity, amongst other things. I need a change of venue.

However, as I sit on the patio outside of Lucky Baldwins, working away on my notebook, sipping a a Maredsous 10, I'm feeling renewed.

Of course, the real trick is sustained productivity. We'll have to wait and see how that goes today.

Gotta work on a new Yt design. Maybe YT can dance.

Pigging out at Ribs USA

Like a fricken animal

Went to Ribs USA in Burbank yesterday, but not by choice.

Anyhow, I'm trying to eat meat as little as possible, especially beef. Yesterday, however, I was a pure carnivore, although I did stay away from beef.

Overall, it was pretty good.

Ribs USA is kind of a dive. The décor is really pretty hideous. The ribs though were fantastic. Not as good as Pasadena's Houston's, but better than the Barnburners, a lot better. The french fries were some of the best I've had recently.

While I hope to never eat ribs again, if I do, id consider Ribs USA again.

Now I have some festing to do.

More cops in YTs World

Good morning in my neighborhood

Gang tensions in my neighborhood are on the rise. This morning the cops are trying to catch some of the punks whom live across from me.

I hope they accidentally shoot them all. Unfortunately, these little punks always seem to be one step ahead of the police.

Man, you can't buy this kind of entertainment. I love seeing the cops run right by me with shot guns and semi-automatics. Just like Nam.

Jamming with my muse

Digging the electric vibe

I don't know how to read music. I know a few chords, but I have no idea what their names are. I've never taken a lesson.

Overall, I suck playing guitar. I can get into a nice basic rhythm, but forget any serious melodies.

Anyway, I record myself and I hear the mistakes, but I also hear something else lately. Its messy. But I hear it coming together.

I've always played acoustic guitar, but the last two days I've become quite inspired by a cheap electric I have. In fact, I haven't had this much fun playing with myself in some time - no offense Rosie.

Amazing how deep music can be. Its so primordial and trying to become one with it is nothing short of titillating. Id love to be in a studio right now with a few laid back musicians. Last time I did that I sucked even more, but I still had a blast.

I won't ever be rock star, but if I can grab an hour of primordial hop every day, I'll be alright.

What's rocking your world right now?

YT finds hemp at Gelsons

Sandwich or hemp beer?

Stopped by Gelcos to pick up a Blockbuster for lunch, and I saw this Hemp beer.

Beer. Clothes. Make up. Composites. Food. Fuel. Is there any thing you can't make with hemp?

JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN TO LEGALIZE HEMP.

A Cardiac at the Bucket

An Eagle Rock lunch

Years ago I was a regular at the Bucket in Eagle Rock. Now on its fourth owner - I think - since then, and I've become a visitor again.

I've pretty much given up burgers, the Bucket's specialty, but the onion rings are pretty damn good. And, if you like good burgers, everyone says this is the place to go.

The Cardiac Burger - and I was there, owners ago, when this burger was invented - is becoming a local legend.

Still, the original is the Julio, a favorite amongst mustard lovers.

I always came for the beer and the friends. I don't have as many friends here today, but the beers are better than ever.

Tried Widmer's Drifter Pale Ale today. Not bad, at least on tap. Much better than the Widmer heff. Not my favorite pale ale, but not bad. I'm more inclined to IPAs anyway.

Just another boring day in YtsWorld, I wonder how Wong is doing.

Mixing and recording

Slinging Sound Studio

I've been playing guitar a bit the last few days, so I decided to lay down a couple tracks to test out Song Studio.

Since I'm returning to Macs after a decade absence, I had to try some new programs, and I somehow fell into Sound Studio.

I love it. I'm not that sophisticated. I like to record tracks. Sample and repeat, etc. Nothing too sophisticated.

Any musicians out there? Any home recording tips?

Hop Head Sunday

I'm bouncing

Been cleaning and cooking all day - nothing fancy. Still, I snuck down to Gelsons for a Hop Ottin Pale Ale - one of California's best IPAs and a Hop Head.

Holy crap. A worthy red IPA? Hop Head just might be it. YT is going to have to plan a trip to Green Flash Brewing in San Diego Cty.

Just about done cooking. Shrimp. 3 different ways. Great set playing on KROQ.

One more thing and Ill be straight.

Designs - YT at the 35er and more

Home away from home

Added a few new sketches to the YTsWorld t-shirt designs.

What do you think?

I think it still needs some more details - a lot more details.

Have any design ideas, upload them now.

At the boat

But what city am I in?

I'm at Clearman's galley, aka The Boat, having some burgers, onion rings and a little red cabbage salad.

Anyone whom has ever driven east on Huntington Drive through San Marino towards Arcadia, knows what I'm talking about. Or remembers.

Well, its back.

The Boat used to be on Huntington, until Kohls took it over. Now its just around the block on Rosemead Blvd in San Marino, or Temple city, or wherever the hell I am right now.

Regardless, this is a San Gabriel valley classic.

I recommend the burgers, chili, and the tamale plate, in addition to the red cabbage salad.

Good selection of tap beer as well.

Urinal ads rock!

Check this out

How funny is this? So, you're a guy at a bar. You go to the restroom, start pissing and you look up; and straight in front of you see this ad.

Isn't that just the perfect location for a Bally's ad?

Laughed my ass off.

New lunch menu at Yardhouse

Soup and pizza

Stopped by the YardHouse for lunch. They have a cool new lunch menu. Sandwiches and pizza with soup or salad. Definitely more recession-friendly.

Still, I'm feeling fat today. Must be all the Belgians!

Can you have a bumpy Y? because I need to put a beer belly on YT.

I guess if I'm going to carb-load like this I'm going to have to start working out. Damn! I guess Rosie isn't enough.

Has YT discovered Atlantis?

No. Of course not.

Still this is pretty damn interesting. Imagine the implications to history. Damn. That's it, I'm going to need another Belgian for lunch.

This is the Rateyours picture of the day. Have a better picture? Upload it today.

Hanging out and loving beer

Kicking it with Travis

So, I was partaking in Belgian Fest. Had some great beer and I ran into this super cool cat. Travis, pictured above, is one bad ass home brewer.

Travis just doesn't brew his own beer, he pretty much grows everything that goes into his beer. Or, he picks it in the hills around his house. This isw local, green beer brewing.

Anyway, YTsWorld is hoping to have a tour of Travis's home brewery soon.

YTs Workout - First Sketch

And I haven't even finished my first beer

Of course, that doesn't count the two I had this morning, but that was tail of the dog kind of stuff. So no reason to get crazy.

Still, at least I was working - if you can call working on YTsWorld working. Again, if you love art and love to sketch, please, one up me. It won't hurt my feelings. Seriously.

Show my your YTsWorld designs, or just show me your art for that matter.

Patio productivity at Luckys

All by myself

Sitting in the outdoor patio of Lucky Baldwins. Laptop is on and I'm working on some YT sketches, but I'm having a hard time finding an influence.

Anyway, I am enjoying the Leffe Bruine that I'm consuming - and all you beer snobs thought I only drank Miller Lite.

Man, do I want some fish and chips, but beer and fish and chips? That's too much for my workout.

That's the sketch I'm going to do right now. YTs workout.

Later.

Free, fast fun

OK. Maybe not free.

Im intentionally heading for lunch at Lucky Baldwins, but im taking my laptop. Luckys has a fantastic patio - although im bummed my friend Matt no longer works there.

A hair of the dog breakfast

Only for champions

Its 9:30 AM. I'm like Sheryl Crow today. I like a "good beer buzz early in the morning". Not that its a habit. I have a strict 10:00 AM requirement for the first brew.

But I was at Belgian Fest yesterday. Belgian Fest. So what do you expect? If you love beer, then you know what I mean. I want to go back today, but I have a meeting later this afternoon.

And for people whom want to judge me, just know I'm giving you the bird right now.

Damn. Grimbergen double

Fricken yum

I am at least containing myself. I'm only on my second beer, but its a fricken beauty.

Grimbergen double.

If you love beer and you live in Northeast LA, you owe it to yourself to check out Belgian Fest at Lucky Baldwins. And, if you love football/soccer, and you haven't hit Belgian Fest yet, then you're a poser.

Poser!

Hijacked at Belgian Fest

Can I keep myself out of trouble?

I got up early this morning, about 4:20, after working late last night. In fact, all I did was work yesterday.

By 11:00 I was hungry and ready to throw the computer out the window. So I decided to get out for lunch and remembered that it was Belgian Fest at Lucky Baldwins.

I'm into my first beer, the Urthel Hop IT, after almost puking up the Mariage Parfait Boon, a hand-pumped beer. But with a frisky crowd watching the Manchester United Fulham game, you never know. This is just too entertaining.

Wong joins YT

Don't ask me

What is YT and Wong? Who is Wong, or YT for that matter?

I don't know. I'm not really sure who, or even what, YT is. It's a work in progress.

Nonetheless, right now and maybe forever - OR NOT - YT and Wong are two real people. Of course, they are also two characters for YTsWorld. Whatever that is. Are they the same? Sometimes, but not necessarily.

Anyway, here is YT and Wong.

Have any design ideas for YTsWorld? Upload your YT and Wong Art.

YT Wonders - 1900% beer tax? Lunacy?

YT wants action

Several Oregon politicians want to increase the tax on beer to help the state raise money. The legislation would mean that a pint of beer that costs $4.50 would cost $6.00. I say this lunacy deserves punishment (more).

But what kind of punishment? Endless calls or letters? A campaign against these politicians?

Or, how about a national beer toast - since I don't live in Oregon it has to be national?

How cool would it be to have bar and restaurant patrons stand up at the same time for a salute to the fight against these politicians and their moronic movement?

I mean, is it just me or are these people crazy? 

And, no. For the record I've not had anything to drink today.

Rate your ideas.

Latest YTsWorld T-Shirt design

Praying to the porcelain god

Worked on a few new t-shirt designs for YTs World, although I still haven't gotten around to my latest ideas, such as the philosopher. Nonetheless, I thought this one was pretty funny.

Thank god I haven't had to say that prayer recently!

Have a design idea for YTsWorld? Rate your t-shirt designs

Cameras and other useless technology

Just kidding

I think everyone has a love hate relationship with technology. But, it doesn't really matter though does it?

So lets not get too philosophical.

Hey, that could be another YT t-shirt design. YT the philosopher.

Back to the point. I'm having problems with my camera's phone - all photos are small now. Hopefully, I've fixed the problem. I guess we'll see.

Source of YTs discontent

Another shooting

These are the apartments across the street from where I live. Last night, at 2:30 AM, there was a shooting there.

Last week a a teenager was shot in the same area. Numerous kids have been killed blocks from where I live.

Yes, most of it is gang-on-gang violence. Still.

There is a bullet hole in the stop sign only a few first downs from my bedroom. Crossfire is regular topic of my daily consciousness.

Yet, as I take a walk through rain, I feel fresh. New.

Just another day in YTsWorld.

What are the sources of your discontent these days?

Lighting YT's Fire

It is Valentines Day

HMMM. Going to have to think of a new sketch for YT. The romantic. Ooolala.

Yt next to a fire w his lady? That might work, but how do you draw or picture YT's lady?

Kicking Modern Warfare ass

Damn, I suck

Im playing Modern Warfare with a bunch of kids right now, and I'm getting my ass kicked.

Goddamned kids need to get jobs so they don't have so much time to play video games.

Still, this game is pretty damn cool. The graphics are amazing, and the movements seem so real.

I guess this is the way the man is training the next generation of soldiers!

YT accomplishes nothing

Bad 35er

What a crappy work day. All day long I had network issues. All day long. Mostly - workwise - everything went wrong.

Eventually, after I had made the most of the day, I headed for the 35er. Had a great time there, but where could it really go from there?

Anyway, YT is going home with his tail between his legs.

Definitely not Famima - Is that so bad?

My closest convenience store

Or is that liquor store? I mostly buy beer here. A few times I've bought charcoal. That's about it.

I guess I just don't live in a neighborhood supportive of Famima. But, I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing.

If I lived by a Famima, id have to live in an area with lots of foot traffic. Action. Plus, I'd probably have to live in an apartment.

I definitely have a lot of action in my neighborhood, but most of it's illegal.

I guess that makes it house versus apartment. Right now, that one is easy.

Famima. Great to visit, not to live by. I can live with that.

Get on your Boots - Favorite songs

I had to do it

As a long time U2 fan - decades - I have to make U2's "Get On Your Boots" my new favorite song. I'm not sure its my favorite, but I've heard it a couple of times now and its starting to catch. 

Anyway, it makes me very interested in the new album because the first radio song is never the best song, unless its a one hit wonder, and that's not U2. So, that's a great sign.

Nonetheless, I think U2 has done an interesting job of adapting their music into today's alternative rock sound. It might not last long, but my new favorite song is Get On Your Boots.

Rate your favorite songs

You're no Famima

My local liquor store

This is my favorite neighborhood liqour store, next to Las Casas real estate in Highland Park.

I don't even know the name of the place, even though I've been coming here for years. I think it says Dan's on the façade, but that could be from years ago.

Its a great liquor store. Its not even the closest one to my house, but I like the extra block walk, the great prices and the guys that run it are cool.

But, its no Famima. Its in, buy a six pack and out. No hanging out. No magazines, unless you want porn.

Hmmmmm. How could you ghettotize Famima so that it could work in the hood? 40s, cheap six packs, and mini-bottles would probably do it - and maybe a bullet proof window at the counter. It is a recession.

Lovin the Famima

How much do you love it?

It took me a long time to warm to Famima, but I'm hooked.

I've eaten there. Read there. Worked there. Quickly and conveniently taken care of numerous needs there.

What are your Famima favorites?

YT and Wong at Dullahans

First gathering since DooDah

YT and Wong hooked up for Happy Hour at Dullahans in Pasadena.

Dullahans is an interesting place. Great TVs. Great place to watch sports. Tried the sliders. Pretty good. Id like to try other things on the menu as well.

Absolutely fantastic customer service and a pretty cute waitstaff for the male pigs out there.

Anyway, both Wong and I agree. This place is worth another visit.

Ran into Clayton on the way out, and we were treated to homemade brownies - a perfect way to finish the evening.

An ethical conundrum in YTs clothes

Screw standards

So I stopped by Macys out on my walk. Damn. I can't believe the sales. Saw this is cool shirt marked way down.

Still, I'm wearing my IWEARWEED, hemp shirt.

How can I buy some shirt made by fricken global warming-causing slave labor?

I can't. I won't!

Anyway, ran into some greenpeace dudes on the sidewalk. They loved the shirt, but I didn't have time to get caught up in one of their 'give us money' spiels.

YTs Hemp Campaign Continues

YT Wears Weed

OK. I'm sick of staring at the computer, and I haven't yet eaten lunch, so I'm going to talk a walk through Old Town, Paseo, etc. to pick up lunch, stretch, so on and so forth. Of course, I'll probably finish my little excursion for a quick pint or two at the 35er before heading back to the office.

Anyway, I like to wear my IWEARWEED.COM, hemp t-shirt around on such errands, although I do need to finish off my latest hemp t-shirt design. I have a sketch of it, but replicating it in photoshop is a pain. I'm just not very photoshop-savy. Sadly, my design is quite simple.

But, back to the point.

Whenever I'm out wearing my IWEARWEED t-shirt I always get into some cool interactions with people, but I rarely remember to take note of them. So, I'll try a bit harder today. We'll see how that goes.

YT hits the Outback

Shopping for a dryer, but lunch now

My dryer blew up last night. So I'm out checking into new dryers today.

This sucks. I'm going to have to blow a wad right now. And just yesterday, I was considering a mini vacation.

There goes the vacation.

So, I'm sucking down a few beers at Outback SteakHouse in Burbank. And, even better, it's happy hour. I love day time happy hours.

Unfortunately, the fillet I got from Outback wasn't worth the money. I'd do better on my own BBQ. It's not that my steak sucked. It just wasn't cooked exactly the way I like, but this isn't the place to complain. Next time I'll get a burger. They looked better than the steak anyway.

Still, one cool thing. When I was at Lowes checking out dryer prices, Jaime, the guy helping me was really into my IWEARWEED t-shirt.

YT likes Imperial IPA - Its quaffable!

Holy good

I'm a big fan of IPAs, and since I was at Galcos today, I figured I would try out Green Flash Brewing Co.'s Imperial India Pale Ale.

Holy hops yet, surprisingly, its very light for such a hoppy beer, compared to something like the Hop Ottin IPA. Imperial IPA is extremely quaffable - very drinkable, for all of you still learning your SAT words. As in you could guzzle.

Any other hop heads out there?

YT visits Galcos

Aisles and aisles of beer and soda

I've been going to Galcos for a long time. In fact, not so many years ago I would often pick up some of my groceries from the Soda Pop Stop.

Today, however, Galcos doesn't offer those groceries anymore, but it is a great place to go for beer, soda, and sandwiches.

If you've been around a few decades, Galcos is a great stop for finding the sodas and candies from your youth, stuff you don't really find anywhere else.

For me, however, Galcos is a great place to buy beer. Tons of California's best brew. In fact I picked up a few California brewed IPAs today that I'll be opening shortly.

Anyway, Gelcos is a Northeast Los Angeles gem, if you are really into soda and beer.

Stormy Sunday and YTs regrets

The storm after the calm

What a great day in LA yesterday. After a few days of solid rain, sunshine. So I took the opportunity to head down to the 35er for a few, and a few more.

Unfortunately, it looks as if more rain is in order for today.

But back to the 35er. Wish I could remember his name, but the friend of Carlos whom brought ceviche last night - muchos gracias. You could make a business selling that shiat.

Hope Carlos didn't have too much trouble following the lines yesterday. You and Elton. "Jesus!".

BTW, Carlos was really into snow patrol last night. What a punk. Did Useless get any more useful?

Anyway, I had a great time at the 35er. Many regulars there. Many regulars having a good time, despite the everyday woes that regularly plague life.

Happy Days!

Still, I'm a little disappointed with myself for not getting any more favorite song ratings. I could have easily gotten several more song ratings, but I was too caught up in the moment. Too caught up having a good time.

I wasn't being a very good YT.

Nonetheless, in terms of music, I'm still very much digging my current favorite, Weezer's I am the greatest man whom ever lived.

Cuz I am. Well, maybe not me, but YT.

YT tests his leash

Bad boy

So YT isn't single. And that's fine, cuz he's not trying to be a bad boy lady's man. He loves his old lady. But that really isn't the point.

YT is a bad boy.

Its not that YT is always out trying to score or something like that. That's not an issue or a problem. Instead, YT's a leashed dog, always wondering how far his leash extends.

Well, YTs leash just got jerked. So I'm heading home fast.

Still, at least this dog got to get out and bark for a little while!

Dinner at El Arco Iris

No more music, for now

OK, that isn't totally true. There is some Mexican music on in the background here at Arco Iris.

Obviously, I've left the 35er, and im picking up a few burritos to take home. Love the rainbow when it come to burritos.

Love it!

Jessies Extra Special with carnitas! You can't go wrong! Although you also have to check out the huevos rancheros with chile verde.

OK, the chicken mole burrito is also very good in terms of burritos.

Favorite song right now - Candace

Sorry if I misspelled your name

Its Candace's birthday tomorrow! Happy Birthday!

Right now, and Candace made sure to make this clear, this is not her favorite song. But today, the Killers' when we were young is now her -- this moment only -- favorite song.

She also likes #69 on Cracker's Kerosene Hat.

Yts world music favs - Deb

Its not all about me

Deb, one of the 35er's best bartenders, is serving me cold ones as we listen to music (Ill put a link to Debs art later).

Debs favorite song right now is Shiny Toy Guns' Rainy Monday, although Im very partial to Ghost Town.

YTsWorld: Favorite songs

Jamming at the 35er

Its been raining all day, but right now the sun is shining on Pasadena. So I snuck out of the office and stopped in at the 35er.

Today, however, I didn't stop in for the beer, but to hear some music. I can't Weezer's latest, i am the greatest man in the world out of my head.

What's your favorite song right now?

YT Wonders about Stimulus

Check out the beard

Heheh. I said stimulus.

Seriously? What is going on in Congress?

What was President Obama thinking when he gave control of the stimulus bill writing to Nancy Pelosi?

Read more: Did Democrats mishandle the stimulus bill?

Highland Park knows weed

HLP knows what hemp is

As I was getting of the Metro in Highland Park yesterday, some guy asked me if my IWEARWEED.COM shirt was made of hemp. I explained that it was 55 percent hemp and 45 percent organic cotton.

Then he wanted to touch it, so I let him. He was quite impressed.

After than he stared telling me all the things he had heard about hemp, all the possible benefits. He was actually very knowledgeable about the subject and the clear differences between hemp and marijuana.

As we were talking, another dude asked if we were talking about hemp.

Turns out the kid in front was working on a paper about hemp, so the three of us talked about hemp as we walked a few blocks down 57 before heading our separate ways.

Pretty cool.

Unfortunately, we finished the conversation agreeing that the chances of legalization were pretty slim.

So, help us legalize hemp.

Hiding at Sachi sushi

And I wasn't even going to eat

Had to stop by Vromans book store on Colorado to do some research. Plus, I had to stop by Target since I forgot my wallet on Monday.

Anyway, as I neared the bookstore, I felt like a cold one. Its very hot outside today, and I've done quite a bit of walking.

I was going to stop this Mexican place, but something was going on and I ended up at Sachi Sushi.

I've been here many times before, and usually I go with the teriyaki and tempura. Today, I went with the sushi - something I've had here in the past, but haven't always been impressed with.

Pretty good so far today, and you can't beat the price. Still, not as fresh as many other places in the area.

Where is YT?

Enjoying the view

And the weather if you really want to get into it.

Stopped by Target to pick up some stuff and forgot my wallet - awesome!

Still, at least I had enough cash - 5 bucks - to buy a bottle of Miller Lite before heading home.

I have New York strips to grill out tonight!

Instead of going on the wagon, perhaps I should just go veggie!?

YTs glamorous day in LA

Manual labor!

When I was but a child my father worked my ass off. I was his gardener and his handyman. I hated it.

Mowing the lawn. Trimming hedges. Pulling weeds.

Everyday a new chore. Always something I had to do before I could jam with my friends and try to pick up.

Ahh, nostalgia. Well, F nostalgia.

Here I am today, practically an old man. Pulling weeds. Trimming hedges....

At least, however, its about 67 degrees in the shade where I'm working. Plus, I got that big Antojitos burrito in my belly and a 12 pack of Miller Lite in the fridge.

Yes. I said Miller Lite, beer snobs.

Anyway, looking forward to the Super Bowl, but I'm worried that Pittsburgh might just crush the Cardinals.

Boring! Unless I somehow make money off it, but I won't. I don't have any money on the game, or any other vested interest.

Back to beer and nostalgia.

And on guitar

The next YT design

As I was jamming this morning - the first time in weeks - I realized that YT playing guitar would be a good design for a potential t-shirt.

Anyway, feels good to play again. I have another session scheduled for 4:20.

Breakfast at Antojitos

MMMM. Machaca.

Needed a little breakfast burrito to get me going this morning, so I stopped by Antojitos on York in Highland Park.

Usually I get the chorizo for breakfast, which can be a little fatty, but always tasty. Today, however, I went with the machaca and lots of red chile.

If your are up early and want some good Mexican, Antojitos is worth a visit. It's very casual with a comfortable, covered out door patio, and good food. However, if you want a full service restaurant, this is not the place.

So much love in YTs neighborhood

Loving the Park

I walk by this fence everyday, and.everyday it gets tagged anew by one of the local gangs.

Beautiful isn't it?