*High 5*

-JACKET-

This is the coldest varsity jacket EVER

-SHOW-

The League: I just got put on

-SONGS-

Lotus Flower Bomb… Heard it at Yardfest. I’ve had it on replay eversince

And Then Rihanna everything. [im slightly ashamed lol]

Her song, We Found Love  has been in my head all week, the video is pretty great too.

Plus she teamed up with Coldplay on their new album for the dope track, Princess of China

– Things to Do-

Day tripping.

I randomly wen to NYC for a day trip by my lonesome. It was nice to get out and do something random and fun. I walked all over Lower Manhattan, Occupied Wall street for a bit, Shopped in SoHo and 5th ave

-CITY-

Atlanta

I go back to Atlanta tomorrow.

Miami Heat

I started this blog 4 years ago. Its been a great experience. I can go back to any old posts and see what I was thinking at that point. I’ll keep it up throughout my Residency; it will be cool to see how things develop and the blog and I change….

We’ll, with that said…. I’ll post one of my favorite aspects of the blog, 5 hot things, the first from my new home, MIAMI.

-CAR-

The limited edition BMW M3 2011 Frozen Black Edition

– DESIGN-

Minimalist home decor.

I love the clean modern looks. It’s exactly what I want for my new place

-SHOES-

Shoes by Oak Street Bootmakers, hand-crafted in the USA

-THINKER-

During my free time I’ve been reading through my collection of James Baldwin Essays. I believe every black kid should be required to read his work. His thoughts are as progressive and relevant today, as they were when he first penned them. He described the negro condition in such a tragic, visceral way.

-LIFE-

Life is good now.

Hot and Rainy

Five hot things from the internet and on my mind on this rainy chilly day in DC

-Style-

The Gant by Michael Bastian spring 2011 collection is pretty dope. I gave the collection a once over after I copped some great Gant Jeans a few days ago.

-TV-

Finally finished catching up on my Parks and Rec. This show is great, a lot of great “Lol” moments

-Girls-

speaking of Parks and Rec, I think that April (Aubrey Plaza) doesn’t get enough credit. She is unconventionally cute and her being super funny and half Puerto Rican makes her even more desirable lol

-Music-

old Ray Charles clips

-Life-

My time in DC is quickly nearing an end. Its one of the most bittersweet times of my life. In some ways, more so than graduating from Ungrad. I guess the reality that “real life” actually starts after this graduation. Real work, real responsibility, real autonomy. I have had a great time in DC and have grown more in this period of four years than I may have in any other time of my life. The friends I’ve met and made are the kinds that last a life time. The lessons learned are innumerable. Its a very somber time. Everyone is excited and anxious about everything that is about to head our way.

I just wanna take it all in. Enjoy DC and the people up here as much as I can. So i’ve started a grand adventure to finish my DC bucket list. So far so good.

-Weekend Warrior –

I’ve been having some great weekends. Last week was my birthday and a pretty epic weekend in LA and this weekend, which was much more low key but also fun. I got to catch up with some folk, made some great purchases and got it cracking in the  Karaoke  bar. So here is my 5 hot things and weekend round up all in one.

-Shoes-

Got some Doc Martens today. I forgot how much I liked them till i saw them. They are super comfortable and pretty sick

-Music-

Childish Gambino a.k.a. Donald Glover is dope

Its also pretty awesome that Arcade Fire actually won album of the year. This is kind of a big deal

– TV-

Watched some Community and Parks and Rec this weekend. I’m not all caught up on the new seasons, but it felt good to catch up on some of the best stuff on TV.

-Hobby-

This was my first week back at running full time, and it was a success. I want to work my way up to 13 mile runs within the next 10 weeks. I’ll keep yall updated on my progress.

-Life-

Caught up with one of the homies this weekend. We didn’t talk long but it felt good to find out I’m not the only one thinking this way lol. Getting older makes you think about life and all that grown folks stuff a lot. Things like marriage and career come up a lot [it feels surreal to be thinking about stuff like this]. I  always like to get other folks opinions and perspectives on things. I realize that its a good thing to have an idea of where Im headed and the things I want, the hard part for me is being open to the things I havent thought about, to experience the things meant for me that are unforeseen. I have this weird need for control in certain aspects of life and yet i have this spontaneous streak that is limited to other, seemingly less important, aspects of my life. The worst part is that nowadays they tend to overlap and I can’t turn it off.  Its tough, but I’m  really working on finding my middle ground. Im grateful that life is great for me now, im in a good place career wise and basically in a good place in general. Im just gonna be more open and follow my heart a little more. I mean i guess it cant hurt that much to see where it leads me.

well its late, so I gotta get read for bed.

PEACE, keep ya head up

Julio

Great Stuff for 2011

Its 2011 and I still have insomnia like 2010 … aw well take a look around

-G-

This Picasso quote is Straight up G. If you got it, you got it. That ish aint even cocky, that is #REALTALK

-STYLE-

Some of the Fly stuff that I am feeling for the 1st quarter of 2011

Nothing is more crisp than Selvage Jeans, I bought some from Uniqlo back when I was in NY. I may go for a higher end pair after I start making the real bucks.

Im looking for a grown mans book bag for when I start working next year. Something Functional and Fly.

thick sweaters, nautical sweaters, shawl collar sweaters, I like em all

I like small lightweight turtle necks… suit me

Seriously, contemplating Tossing every T-shirt I own that isn’t black or some shade of grey

I really like these Miansai cord bracelets. I’m usually very iffy on mens jewelry (chains and thangs) But I want one of these, probably the one with the hook.

– MUSIC–

I know Im late, but I like that New Mark Ronson Album Record Collection and recently have been on that Kid Cudi Man on the Moon II

-INFLUENCERS-

I got the Picasso and Dylan quotes from promos from this cool documentary on trends and creativity. Follow the link to view the entire documentary.

http://influencersfilm.com/#/Film

-FEELINGS-

On Being Underestimated

I get it. I may not be a stereotypical black dude. I may come off kinda unconventional.

Yes, I may listen to all types of music, some that may seemingly come from left field, but Im a lover of music and if it sounds good i can get behind it.

Yes, i may dress differently than you are accustomed too, but  Secretly i know you wish you could pull it off

I may not be a big skirt chaser, I guess thats cause I respect myself and women. I look for deeper connections than anything that can happen in a one night stand.

I may not follow sports too hard, Thats cause I have aught with the system and how the athleticism of the negro is always center stage, while his intellectual development is never discussed. I also resent the fact that these people, who contribute barely anything to society, get paid exponentially more to throw balls around than the people who serve and protect our communities and educate our children.

I  may not fit into any particular box, I mean geez look at me, I’m a country boy turned city boy, I’m an Afro-hispanic doctor, Im bookish but the opposite of austere, I like going out as much as I like museums, I also happen to like alternative music, bolero and tamborito as much as I enjoy old school R&B and hip-hop.

On being underestimated, Im cool with it. You can go ahead and keep doing it, I wont be mad. Cause now, you will be even more surprised when I actually show you how cool I really am.

bendiciones

Ju

 

 

*HOT STUFF* Coming through

I can’t remember the last time I did a 5 hot things. As I said yesterday, I have been all over. But I definitely found the time to find some great stuff out there. Check it out…

-Book-

I’ve been trying to increase my library. I have this idea that if I add an literary classic and at least one book from either a latin or black author I should have a pretty nice collection and will have read some great stuff by this time next year. That said, im almost done with Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.it was my NY metro read, so since I left I have yet to finish it. But its very good thus far. I also bought 1oo Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez.

–Music-

Music Has been great over the past few months, The solo project from Brandon Flowers, Flamingo, is great. So are the Cee-Lo and N.E.R.D. albums. I havent bought the new Kings of Leon, but I like what I’ve heard online. I cant not talk about the New Kanye album, which is EPIC. The production is amazing, though at times you can feel him getting lost in the session with the songs that go on and on. Also, I must admit that I am a Rihanna fan. Her ish is catchy and pure pop at times, but sometimes thats fine. I like the dancey techno/R&B sound on the radio now.

in other news, Keri hil

idk why i like this song so much lol

-Shoes-

Just bought some Brogues from Florsheim, not the color i originally wanted, but I’ll probably get the other ones later lol

– Clothes –

Recently bought a Band of Outsiders Beanie (DOPE and LUX)

-Tech-

I got an Ipod Shuffle for my good friend’s wedding (bridal party gift). I haven’t owned an ipod for over 4 years. I like it. I may get an Ipod touch for christmas, or my Birthday. Im scared though, cause as soon as i get one a NEWER one is bound to drop.

in other news, I got on twitter. Its ok lol #downplayingit

5 hot things FREEDOM edition

Im FREE! This is one of the periods in med school where I have been utterly free. I have three weeks to rest, relax, veg out, read and do nothing [besides maybe plan interviews and stuff]. It still feels kinda weird, but I like it. So this another installment of 5 hot things. Watch out, cause these are particularly caliente.

-TV-

EASTBOUND AND DOWN is great. Danny McBride is great as Kenny Effin’ Powers. The show is about a foul-mouthed, drug using, washed up ex-MLB player and his attempts to return to his former glory. I saw the whole first season earlier this week on demand, and the first episode of the 2nd too. This show is funny as hell. I may keep my promotional HBO subscription for this. [well…maybe fore this, boardwalk empire, and How to make it in america lol]

-Fashion-

I guess my fashion pic is not so “fashionable”. I just want a new hat for winter. So besides a red knit beanie, Im going to buy a Classic Braves fitted. Though Im in a black Tee phase, I also wear a lot of grey, the braves blue and red goes hard with grey.

-Music-

The Return of D’angelo….

Yup, it’s a collabo with Mark Ronson. It’s not classic “neo soul” D, but its great in a spacey- psychedelic kinda way [ basically confirming Mark Ronson never fails to come through]

-Shoes-

I want boots. I like boots, i haven’t owned boots [besides my clarks desert boots] since high school in PA. I’ve been searching I found the perfect multi-purpose, work/play boot in the L.L.bean Work boot.  Im ordering them next week.

– Thoughts-

I was watching the most recent episode of Real time with Bill Maher, which is a great show btw. Anyway, many topics came up from Global warming and how that one CNN correspondent, Amy Holmes [Bitch], expressed an apparently popular conservative point of view concerning Global warming.  There are a lot of people who don’t believe in global warming, but concede that if it does exist, there is evidence that no matter how much we try to curb our pollution, it wont make much difference. These are the same people who are against reform, against regulation and anti-environment. ALL in the name of money… But i digress…

Maher doesn’t believe in God.  He and the rest of his panel that night happened to all not believe in god. They were talking about science and how it gives truth. And all the christians and religious people are “loony”. I believe some christians are loony, as are some scientist. I believe in a balance. I believe that it must be a pretty sad existence to not believe in god. To deny how he moves in your life. To deny the doors he opens and the people he puts in your way. I’ve seen it more than ever during my med school experience in so many different circumstances.

So my thoughts are looking for heavenward. I’m focusing on being grateful for what I have. I’m thanking God for the blessings he’s given me despite the good that I would do, but do not do. It doesn’t take much to take inventory of your life and see how God moves.

REAL TALK

later

Verano = Summer

Well people,

Summer is really coming to an end. The last official day is Sept 21st…

I hate to be all cliche and lament the end of summer. But as this summer wraps up I find myself in a weird place. Maybe because this was the last summer of med school or maybe its because of how sad, and exciting, and frustrating this summer has been. As sad as I am to see this summer or 2010 go, I am happy to move on. Im happy to see new things, meet new people and go new places.

This 5 hot things entry is dedicated to summer and what is to come.

-TV-

I was finally able to watch HBO’s, Bored To Death, today. Its a pretty good show. I like the story and the characters are pretty funny too. The new season start later this month. This is definitely something to get into.

-Music-

Its a little poppy, but Cee-lo is my dude. And Bruno Mars aint that bad [no homo] lol

-Movie-

When I get my life back I have a list of movies that I will be watching. The long list includes:

1. The American

2. Date night (late, I know)

3.Alice in wonderland (I know, I KNOW)

4. Iron man 2

– Stuff-

found a link to this website, http://postertext.com/, on Uncrate. Its a novel Idea, and I like it. Its and entire book printed out on a poster and the words are arranged to  have an image invoking a scene from the book. They have a few classic books up, even the bible lol

-Socializing-

I want to start fall of on the good foot. Im going to be more liberal with my time. After I finish taking step 2, I will basically be somewhat free.  I want to start going out more, spending time with people, seeing sights and enjoying DC [and NY when I go up in October]. Basically I want to enjoy being a young “twenty something” with a few extra bucks to blow and the world at my finger tips.

Its late, and I wanna try to sleep, despite all this insomnia

Good Nite

10 hot things (special edition)

I recently started my 4th and final year of medical school. At times it has seemed painfully long and at other times exquisitely short. Some days seem to last forever, while other moments are fleeting. My time has been  filled with many joys and pains that I could have never seen coming. The beauty of the fight is that at the end I know I have been made a better, stronger more caring and grounded individual. I’ll be blogging from different places and experiences this year. I will have interviews all over the country and will hopefully see some great sights. I’ve been gone from the blog for a while, and will probably be gone for a little longer, since I have major exams coming my way.

But in the mean time enjoy the 10 amazing things that have been bouncing in my head for the past few days…

-Music-
There is so much good music out, old and new. These are just three I really like at the moment
-The first song has no vid. its the POWER remix. I heard people talking about it and had to hear it for myself follow the link to hear the song and download it…
Power Remix
-The second song is just Great



-The final song is another old bolero song. These boys sing with everything they have

-Spot-
Bar Dupont

a trendy, nice place, that is far from U street lol

– Stuff-
I love these Head Phones, I’ve been thinking about investing in some classic head phones for a while.
These happen to be blue and have a microphone for use with a phone… SCORE

-TV-
The new season of MAD MEN. Looks like everyone is branching out and making it happen.

-Movie-
I recently re-watched I love you Man. I love that movie, man. Its the toats mcgoats!
I also wanna see Scott Pilgrim, first thing after my exam.

-Style-
The new issue of Complex features some giants in the world of fashion/photo blogs. All of their blogs are great.  I especially like JJJound. follow the link to the complex webside for pics and links.
Unique Views
JJJound pics:

New Dress a Day Blog is a blog about a girl who took 365 dollars and 365 old ugly dresses and makes new stuff from them, each and everyday. And the stuff looks pretty good too. I like how creative it is, its all girls stuff, but props go where they are deserved. This lady is pretty talented.
http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/ [warning, you may end up clicking for hours lol]

-Books-
I’ve been off on my recreational reading as of late. I do plan on finishing up on the reading I was doing before 3rd yr med school ish it the fan. I also think i want to start on the David Sedaris collection. Everyone swears he so freaking funny, so I gotta check it out for myself.

I also want to read My Little Blue Dress a book by Bruno Maddox, he wrote of a pretty cool GQ piece from a few months back.

-Food-
Spanish/Latin food has always been my soul food. Now before you go and crucify me, Let me state that I also southern american soul food. Its a close second in terms of my favorite culinary style, and it will always have a special place in my heart (and arteries lol). I just like latin food a little more. The food tends to be lighter, not so gravy soaked and it has a large emphasis on fresh seafood. I also like the street food, those small tasty little fried or roasted snacks that are part of 3rd world culture.
That said, I had an amazing Spanish Bistek (steak) the other day for restaurant week at Bodega, in Georgetown. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever had, in short, It was like budda baby lol

-Tech-

The Seabreacher: available in a 155hp, dolphin-inspired J model, or the more badass, shark-boddied 266hpX model, these submersible watercraft can reach up to 50mph on the surface and up to 25 mph submerged. I found these on uncrate.com, I am  ENTHRALLED

http://www.seabreacher.com/

-Mantra-

Last week I posted a quote by Thoreau “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams…”, this is going to be one of my mantras for this final year in school. Sometimes I find it very difficult to navigate this career path and I guess life in general. You grow up with dreams and ideas of how your life will end up. You have a vision for yourself and your family, how you will live, what you will do. But that little dream for yourself never included the steps it took to make it or any of the people you’d meet and lose along the way.

As a christian I can easily see the parallel between my personal life and spiritual life easily. Its about belief and dedication and faith. A faith in the system and a faith in god that things will work out. Its so hard to move forward when you dont know exactly what is in front of you. I dont wanna get all deep and stuff [cause I have to go back to studying]. I just want to say that life is all about growth. Growing and changing. Becoming the person you’ve wanted to be and even surpassing that person. Its about forgetting all the doubts and negativity and focusing on what is here in front of you. Focusing on the NOW and the beauty that surrounds you. Yes, Im in a predicament but its a wonderful one to be in.

I will not be scared anymore, I dont have time. I will not have doubt, I do not have the room and I will not worry, because I have other things to think about.

Im going to live this wondrous life I have imagined for myself, and I hope you start live yours too.

5 HOT THINGS EARLY SUMMER

THIS SUMMER IS HOT….

Record setting, blisteringly unrelenting, heat stoke inducing HOT.
And so i find it pretty apropos to write down my list of cinco cosas calientes on my mind right now.

-Tech-

I  love the Range Rover Evoque which was just revealed last week. Its muscly and beautiful at the same time. Much like myself lol

-Read-

The July issue of GQ is great. I like the piece on the oil spill and the way the author personalized the story. It took the tragedy beyond news feeds and blurbs, and introduced the reader to the people present when all hell broke loose.  The workers who died that day have been over shadowed by the tragedy that resulted from the blast. In light of the GQ piece and my daily listenings to NPR, I also got some much needed perspective on the scope of this tragedy and others like it.  Kojo Nnamdi, who ranks pretty high on my list of radio personalities, recent dedicated his show to highlight the fact that this destruction that goes on much broader scale and more frequently in other parts of the world. In the Niger Delta, in Nigeria, there is a spill the size of the Exxon Valdez EVERY YEAR. The link is below if you want to hear the entire broadcast. This situation has reminded me that you always have to look deeper, and put things in perspective. Though it may be disheartening, its our responsibility to know and to tell others and to hear the cries of people whose voices are being dampened all over the world.

-Music-

Anybody who reads this blog should know by now that I love Bolero. Its an entire genre of music full of ballads overflowing with sappy romanticisms and tragic cries of love lost and never fulfilled. I like the harmonies and the guitar. I am especially partial to the Trio groups, those boys could sing and play those guitars like nobody’s business. Everything about Bolero it is great. I have two Boleros that have been on heavy repeat in recent days.

Regalame esta noche= Give me tonight

This song is about a love thats over. The girl is trying to leave and he’s beging for her to stay just this night.

Si tu me dices ven = If you tell me come

this is a song about a dude in love and how all the girl has to say is come, and he’ll give up everything and he’s that he’s lost without her.

-I also have a little something new that I found earlier this week.

ceo – everything is gonna be alright 

-Fashion-

I love the look of a slim summer khaki suit and a blue shirt. Nothing else is quite as cool and sophisticated as a slim summer suit, dark tie and cool shades. 

-Food-
FRO YO!!!

I love that stuff. Ritas Who? lol I was recently put onto fro yo and have been a fiend ever since. The FROzenYO spot in down town DC on F street is great. I love their Cali tart, Mango and Pistacio.

Aight, its late. And I gotta hit the sack

Nite

Julian