Walking Fashion Statement Day 6

It's heating up in Hollywood, and it seems to be celebrity month this week, plus Manny Pacquiao month, so I guess I have a chance to loosen up my tie. I had one more Crooks & Castles dress shirt to wear so I figure I'd give it a shot with simple jeans and a blazer and some Converse.

Blazer: Alfani cotton-poly blend, cream colored with a light grid pattern ($50 Macy's sale)

Shirt: Crooks & Castles Flannel royal blue and olive green. Interesting color combination.

Belt: Some $10 belt I got at Target

Jeans: Banana Republic same outlet boot cut jeans I picked up. You only really need 2 pairs of dress jeans I think, and plus an extra pair of black jeans.

Shoes: Converse Honestly I don't know what kind of Converse these are. I usually collect chucks and most of the ones I get come from Ross. They seem to be a cross between a Chuck and a One Star. They're canvas and I scored them for like $15 at a Ross years ago.

There's my simple Hollywood reporter look which I think actually went off well, with my new haircut I got yesterday. By the way because of work, I've actually posted a day late last couple of days. Happy Friday it's the weekend but I'm still dressing fly on a dime. No work today, and it's super summer weather. Tomorrow I'll show off the polo sports reporting looks since I have Saturday work...again.

Walking Fashion Statement Day 5

I wokine up thinking I was going to dress casually since I was planning to just go cover some Manny Pacquiao training, but I totally deviated from my preplanned outfit because I had to go to a protest. Since the protest was on a college campus, I figured it's time to comfy as I lug my stuff around on a mid 60 degree and breezie day. My all black fit actually works well. Slacks are surprisingly comfy to walk in, and the pullover, keeps me warm and somewhat professional looking.

Shirt; To the Max Walmart  yes this red, whit and silver striped dress shirt was found at a Walmart for $10


Tie; Pierre Cardin One of my many ties I've picked up at either a Ross or Marshalls for like $8


Pullover; Banana Republic Quarter Zip Pull Up I scored on Black Friday at Banana Republic Outlet in Citadel. It was 40% off that day, and cost less that $25


Watch; Marc Ecko My iced out $40 something dollar watch I picked up at the Time Store in the Citadel Outlets.


Pants; Louis Rafael Tailored Aside from White Shirts, black pants are the next most versatile article of clothing. This was like $16 at a Ross or Marshalls


Shoes; Nike Jordan Team 2.5 Surprisingly this is the most expensive pair of Jordan's I've picked up in the past 4 months. They were $50 at Ross across from the Grove.



I kind of like to think of this as a ninja type move with some highlights of white and red. Almost jumpsuit like, but very sleek, and very comfortable. Tip when you cover Pacquiao, you can't do it in a suit anymore. Especially since I have to dig through the crowds, and hang out at the gym. I wanna look sporty when I do it.

Walking Fashion Statement Day 4

Field trip today to Big Bear to watch Sugar Shane Mosley train for his upcoming fight against Manny Pacquiao. It sounds like another jeans day, so I whipped out the jeans. I heard it was cold at big bear, so I decided to wear  a light coat. When covering sports events, athletic shoes are the best, especially things like big fights, there will be a lot of crowding, and you would like mobility.

Shirt: Calvin Klein Blue and White Pinstripe Dress Shirt ($10 at Ross it pays to have a friend at Ross. They get a 40% off day 4 times a year, luckily I made a friend my first week in Lala Land)

Tie: Tommy Hillfiger Slim Tie, Royal Blue with white dots ($10 Ross)

Jacket: Marc Ecko vinyl with cotton sleeves, zipper/button windbreaker ($40 Marc Ecko Store, Glendale Galleria) The Marc Ecko store sometimes has better stuff than Ross, Marshalls, and Macy's, and everything always seems to be on sale

Jeans: Calvin Klein Straight leg (repeat from yesterday $6 Macy's clearance plus 15% for swiping the plastic)

Shoes: Nike Tri D Running Shoes, blue and yellow (I call it Warriors colors, $40 at Sports Authority Clearance)

This is my simple, sleek, and sporty look. It helps me stay mobile while looking kinda spiffy. Jacket has no noticable logos, which lets me go on cam. Lately I've been digging a lot of Marc Ecko's windbreakers and jackets. They have the sleek metro, yet still hood look. Remember I'm a Metro-Thug

Walking Fashion Statement Day 3

Today I had another behind the scenes shoot of a fashion pictorial at a popular designer's home. Once again it was a relaxing casual work day, though I had to pick up some random man on the street soundbytes. I figured I should wear a tie, because I have been dying to wear my Red and Yellow Nike Kobe's that I copped for $50 at Ross over the weekend. For the second day, I also decided to rock my denim Crooks & Castles cardigan. I love this cardigan, so edgy, but still formal.

Here's today's look from head to toe.

Dress Shirt: White Pierre Cardin Modern Fit Dress Shit
($13 at Marshalls) I have a good stock of white dress shirts, because it's one of the most used items. I like to keep several different textures and designs. It is a versatile tool, and honestly, any brand will do. Just think of it as a blank canvas, when you can't think of anything else.

Tie: Geoffrey Beane Yellow Tie ($8 at Ross) I immediately bought these along with the shoes because the yellow was a dead on match. Geoffrey Beane makes decent solid color silk ties, and that's about it. I like to keep multiple colors of solids, because some patterns just look funky with your wardrobe.

Cardigan: Denim Crooks & Castles (free 99, another hook, up though its somewhere in the $70 range I believe) It's an awesome unique presentation of the cardigan. Perfect for warmer days.

Watch: Square Marc Ecko silvers with copper trim and real cubic zirconiums.  ($42 Time Store at Citadel Outlet) It's my all around go to watch. I admit, it's pretty blinged out.

Jeans: Calvin Klein Straight Fit ($6 Marcy's clearance + 15% for using card) It's the steal of the week, you can't find jeans, let alone CK's for less than $10!

Shoes: Nike Kobe Bryant V ($50 Ross) I've been high up on the Jordan's but when I stumbled across these at Ross I couldn't resist. It's a good Iron Man color, and I love the shine. It sticks out along with the tie.

Food for Thought: Kazuyo

One of my favorite foods ever is sushi. I love it, aside from the wonderful presentation, something about raw fish, and the combination of goodies just gets my tastebuds flowing. Well, I believe I have found the greatest sushi spot ever, and it has a Filipino twist to it. Is you look at my Yelp, you'll notice I'm the duke of this place called Kazuyo on Melrose. Recently I attended a tasting and tweet up with some Filipino foodies and they were totally cool with them, and it was a great dining experience. I'm so late on my blog.

Simply Egplant, Popcorn Lobster, Spicy Tuna Biscuit (Biko), Red Rock Las Vegas Roll, Baked Crab in Soy Paper

What's in a name? 
Kazuyo sounds Japanese enough doesn't it. Well it's a girl's name in Japanese, but in this case, it's a twist on the Filipino word "kasuyo" meaning "together" The togetherness describes Chef Joe and wife Angie (whom I call Kuya and Ate) A very nice loving couple with an interesting backstory.

How'd I find it?
A family friend of mine who is a comedian does shows, he invited me one night to watch him perform at Kazuyo. After eating the preset meal which included chicken terriyaki, a banzai roll, and tuna biscuit, I was hungry later on into the show. I took a swipe at the popcorn lobster, and it was love from there. I eventually found out that it was a Filipino owned restaurant, where the likes of Ryan Seacrest, Dean Devlin, and Katy Perry go to. You wouldn't know by the intamacy and artistic quiet coziness of the place. It's truly a celebrity hide out. I eventually did a story on them, and have been good friends with the award winning sushi family since, ranking them as my favorite restaurant in Hollywood. I myself feel at home, and it's interesting to know the celebrities kind of have their own seating chart. Apparently the real Clark Kent Tom Welling from Smallville also goes there, as well as Sacha Baracohen.

sample size calamaris salad

Firecracker surrounded by Sashimi

 The Food


It's awesome, I would describe it as well evolved Japanese food with at time a Pinoy twist. My suggestion-don't go for the basic rolls. Try some of Kazuyo's signature rolls. Here's a few of my favorites by ranking:


Kazuyo Roll is one of the ultimate sushi's ever. Imagine 7 different yummies, including soft shell crab, and shrimp, wrapped in cucumber with a tangy sauce, built like a castle. It's awesome. 


Popcorn Lobster A bed of deep fried popcorned lobster on a bed of california rolls with Kazuyo's version of eel sauce.

Melrose Roll Crispy onions draped over albacore on top of a delicious roll with tempura string beans and spicy tuna

Red Rock Las Vegas Modeled after Red Rock in Las Vegas where the couple once lives, I believe it's a mix of crab and tempura flakes drizzled with sauce over a california roll and topped off with jalapenos.

Signature Kazuyo Roll

Garlic Albacore Sashimi Albacore tuna with a

garlic soy sauce. Inspired by Filipino Adobo

Japanese Pizza Another biko type dish, this time in pizza form. A circular rice cake topped with spicy tuna.

Volcano salmon sushi buried under a mountain of spicy tuna, scallops, crab and a sweet and spicy sauce. 

Crispy Onion, Garlic Albacore (Adobo Sashimi)
Spinach over Albacore

Firecracker Crabmeat wrapped salmon and tuna 

with a crunchy beat inside that pops everytime 

you take a bite. 

Tuna Steak with Kazuyo Salsa Imagine if we used   tuna instead of tortilla chips in this nacho dish. It's a delicious salsa with avacado over tuna. 

Mozarella Crab Tempura Crab leg tempura with melted cheese. As we all know, anything with melted cheese usually translates into awesomness. 

Tasty Tips

I said to not mess with the regular rolls, you have to go bananas and try one of the cutting edge dishes. Chef Joe is known for his amazing sauces. I've been egging him to bottle it up and sell it. But regular basic maki rolls do have use. When you order something saucy like a volcano roll, you might as well grab a regular roll. Why? Because often, you will find an excess of the sauce. Take a maki roll, and scrape up the extra sauce and enjoy it. The house sake is also very good. I can drink bottles of the warm savory nectar for days. Lunch time offers great bowls and bento boxes. Why blow seven dollars on a fast food meal when you can have good japanese food. Even the terriyaki has a Pinoy twist, thru the garlic. Though they don't advertise it, the restaurant is very organic, and is actually quite health conscious. Though the sauces may contain sodium and sugar, a lot of the food is clean and pure. They stay away from food colorings and preservatives, starting each day with a fresh fish delivery. They're open 7 days a week from 11 to 11 but often stay open later, especially if there is a show. The back room hosts many shows, especially Filipino acts such as Bernardo Bernardo and Miguel Vera. 

Last Burp

Kazuyo is not only an awesome place to get some really awesome sushi. To me it's also a friendly atmosphere. The shop has only been around for 2 years, but when you see the staff they are a family. Kuya Joe and Ate Andy own it, but if you dig deeper, the staff is also family. Assistant chef Byron has been working with Joe for many years. Servers are old classmates, and daughters of friends. It adds to the family friendly atmosphere. But most importantly, whether you're a first timer, a regular, or a celebrity, the staff and owners treat everyone well. That only sweetens my favorite sushi restaurant in the universe. 

So I suggest you head over right now, if you're in the Hollywood, West LA area.

7160 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 939-3816

www.kazuyosushi.com

Walking Fashion Statement Day 2

Work on a Sunday, at least I'm covering a behind the scenes photo shoot in Hollywood. So it's a light fun coverage, and very casual and showbiz like. Plus it's a fairly warm sunny day. I'll disclose this...on my many journeys I do get perks, and samples. Today I'm wearing something I picked up from one of my recent shoots at Crooks & Castles, a Pinoy owned streetwear brand, very popular with hip hop's elite such as Jay Z, Nas, Outkast, and Diddy. So it's an honor to have met the creative team behind this very intriguing clothing company. As a Filipino American, from a similar background, I have mad love and pride for the Crooks. You say; Pinoy and fashion designer, you run into stereotypes. Far from the flamboyant stereotype, these guys are gritty, dark, but yet have a strange hood elegance to it. As far as I know they're the only Pinoy's that prioritize men's clothes on a mainstream level. Of course you get a lot of the small screen print shirt companies that you find at festivals, but these guys do it big. My first idea behind them, because of their rap star popularity, was a new generation of Fubu, Sean John type wear. That's not the whole story. These guys are very stylish. I would describe it as "Metro-thug" it has the soul of the ghettos but the style of Hollywood. It works great, and is a wonderful juxtaposition, as the name would suggest. I noticed there's a twist, lately I've been into Marc Ecko's designs. Ecko has been producing street attire, yet with a very professional look. Well, Crooks has been doing it as well. C & C is not just baggy, gangster rap clothes, they have a great line of clothes with the professional look and thuggish edge. It's a lot more street than Ecko. And the Crooks look totally works for me, since I'm still on the younger side, yet people say I portray both a somewhat professional appeal, with a mystique that I have an edge. Well when I got to know the Crooks, it made sense, founder Dennis Cavalero use to be a lead designer for...drumroll please...Marc Ecko!

Surprisingly, the simpler solid colored designs work well on camera. 

From head to toe

Shirt-Crooks & Castles the side print says Specialized Trouble Maker Locked and Loaded Get Money Player (usually in 50-60 dollar range I believe) 

Undershirt-Fruit of the Loom simple red undershirt to go under, and add a little color to match the kicks ($3 at Walgreens)

Watch-Kenneth Cole Reaction simple rectangle watch with a blue face ($45 Ross) Just know I do wear watches most of the time, and I'll put the description if it's visible. Otherwise, it'll just be a timepiece tucked under a sleeve somewhere. 

Jeans-Banana Republic same $25 bootcut jeans from the Citadel Outlet I wore the day before. Recycling is ok, just make sure you wash every few days.

Shoes-Nike Air Jordan Rare Air- Red, navy, gray, with silver detail, cushioned red insides almost like a thin puff jacket ( Gilroy Nike Outlet find $40!)

This was my jab at simple summer look. This look would cost over $300 with the shoes and watch, but a little hook ups and some great outlet finds put this in the 150 range. The one thing about Crooks & Castles is their merchandise is way too cool to find their way into Ross or Marshalls. It's a good sign for these guys. Macy's does not carry it either, so you'd either have to cop it at one of their two locations in West Hollywood on Sunset, or Hawaii or online. But when I do buy clothes at full price, I'm declaring that I will only buy ful price at Crooks. 

Walking Fashion Statement Day 1

This just happens to be what I'm wearing when I conceived my Walking Fashion statement idea. My coverage this way was a memorial/commemoration of World War Two Veterans, so it was a very casual community event in Filipino Town. I also had a work meeting in Universal Studios. These were some of our international execs from the company in town for a project. Weather was a pleasant mid 60s with a light breeze, so I figured my sweater jacket thingie would be perfect.



From top to bottom
Shirt- Van Huessen White/black broken pinstripe (Van Huessen Outlet Citadel $10)
Tie- DKNY slim tie green (Ross or Marshalls $10 got it a long time ago)
Sweater- INC Zip Up light gray (Macy's Clearance Section $20 )
Jeans- Banana Republic Bootcut (Bana Republic Outlet Citadel about $25 I think, I had an extra 40% coupon that day)
Shoes-Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars Green Lowcut (Converse Outlet Citadel $24 black Friday extra 40% )

So not bad, I came out with this casual, comfortable, but still professional enough ensemble for less than a hundred bucks. Most of the stuff here was purchased within the the past 6 months, most of it coming from multiple trips to the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, just off the 5.

I know a lot of ladies don't like Citadel because it's smaller compared to other outlets, but if you're a dude like me, I'm actually complete there. I have my higher end Banana, CK, as well as my mid range Ecko, lower priced-but-quality Van Huessen, H&M. And I got my shoe fix at Nike and Converse and even Reebok. So my LA friends, Citadel might be a good place to stretch that fashion dollar.

Tomorrow's Preview: Got work, I'm doing a story on a magazine shoot, so it'll be casual, and I'm eyeing some of my goodies from Crooks & Castles.

Walking Fashion Statement Intro

"When I go to the outlets you should see the outfits I come out wit"
-Ya Boy from Nump's "Walking Fashion Statement"

So I just dropped a hundred bucks on a new wardrobe, and it got me thinking. I'm super metro. I blow a lot on clothes. I have too many for a dude. I've bought 3 pairs of shoes in April alone! Although one pair is primarily for basketball use only. But I've decided, I get a lot of compliments, and I think I should share my fashion tips. I'll admit I do dress cool out of all the other reporters.

My biggest revelation here is surprise: I never pay full price. I mash together Ross, Marshalls/Bargain Department stores with Department store Macy's Sale/Clearance items, and I mix in the outlets, and discount department stores like Target and Walmart. For the next however long I feel like it, I'll share my daily Walking Fashion Statement, and show how I came up with it. Keep in mind, I am an on camera talent, so appearance means a lot. I have a big inventory on ties, dress shirts, and quite a few suits. I'll show how I've come up with those. I'm also a one man team, operating a camera, I'm on my feet a lot, and do a lot of walking as well so comfortable feet is a must. But I also deal with businesses and a lot of professionals, so I have to pull off a certain professional look. So you'll see how I pull it off, and I'll give some insight on what kind of work I have that day because it is a factor in my daily dressing decisions. Of course because of work issues I won't show my face, but think of it as a mannequin. For the record I'm 5'8 about 160 pounds, muscular built. Shirt sizes range from small to medium skinny fit, to medium, depending on the brand. Shoe size is between 10-11, also depending on brand. Waist is 30-32, and inseam is 28-30. I prefer a 28 inch inseam.

So enjoy and guys, ain't nothing wrong with looking fly.

NBA All Star Weekend 2011 in LaLaLand Party Recap

Since Thursday, all eyes have been on Los Angeles. The world of celebrity and basketball have intersected throughout Hollywood. Of course when these worlds cross, there will be some parties. Unfortunately growing up in the Bay I didn't do any of the All Star activities last time the Warriors hosted an All Star Game. I've had my reasons: #1 Oakland coliseum and Oracle aren't the greatest arenas in the world, #2 the Warriors gave us nothing to be excited about, #3, I don't think I was 21 yet. So I stayed home and watch Vince Carter do his dunking.

Well, now I'm working in the media, and with all these All Star festivities, I had no choice but to go and hang out at the red carpets. And I must say some of it sucked. I think the theory was right, the NBA All Star Game is the Source Awards of Basketball.

Clubs were pretty ghetto, I've heard of multiple fights at random places like Denny's, and chickenhead girls just running around town. When did, basketball become ghetto, with entourages and posses, and all these clubbing things? Man, am I that old now? I don't remember Jordan, Magic, Bird, Run TMC, or the Admiral getting ghetto. Oh well, I guess times have changed, and despite being a Warrior/Laker fan, I have the utmost respect and truly admire guys like Tim Duncan. Sure Duncan is boring, but the man symbolizes basketball.

Well here's how my three days went, and it actually got better each day.

Thursday: Dwayne Wade's Party At Colony
Before I got sidetracked, so I went to three parties the past three days, starting with Dwayne Wade at the Colony. Epic failure, worst red carpet function I have ever attended in my life. No celebrities walked the carpet. I heard a few celebs entered through the back and D-Wade himself didn't show up until after midnight, after the press gave up and either went home or went inside. I did spot 49ers Linebacker Takeo Spikes outside the club. The only notable person to walk down was Kanye West ex girlfriend Amber Rose. The inside of the club was actually nice. But this is a lesson learned, and my instinct affirmed. I told a colleague of mine about this mess, and basically a good rule is: When it comes to press, don't trust promoters. Talk to publicists.

Amber Rose

Wackest Carpet Ever

Friday Matt Barnes Purp & Yellow Party at J Lounge

On Friday night, I didn't have to work, but decided last minute to stop by the Matt Barnes Purp & Yellow party, at the J Lounge. It was better than the night before. I wasn't working, but instead hung out with my buddies from Pacific Rim Video. The Beatfreaks from MTV's America's Best Dance Crew performed. YG who did "Toot It and Boot It" performed. Didn't care, wasn't interested, and I hate that song. My old buddy, Nump Trump walked the carpet, how fitting since his big hit was "Grapes" and Matt Barnes came in around midnight. He walked down the carpet and walked out. Some host, huh. Unfortunately, while every one was Tootin n Bootin, a lot of people missed an awesome rap performance. Roscoe Umali did an impromptu show in the upstairs room. I don't like that song so I didn't care for it. The biggest problem at the J Lounge is, half the club is outdoors, and it was raining, so the whole place was tented up. It was OK, red carpet was laxed considering I kind of just hung out there most of the night, when I wasn't working as media. I actually find it ironic how Barnes (former Warrior) doesn't play much. I guess Party Planning Committee chair is his contribution to the team. Too bad he's injured, he was actually a good Warrior. 

Beat Freaks

Nump

Roscoe Umali

Saturday: Ron Artest benefit at 1616

The Ron Artest and Jessica Hall party benefitting his XCEL Univesity on Saturday at 1616 proved to be the best one for me despite the rain. Media got to hang out inside before the carpet started, so we got to watch the Slam Dunk contest on what seemed to be an HD projector. The carpet, though crammed under a small tent was organized. Celebrities came which included Crystal Hoang from Social Network, some of the And 1 Street Team Ballers, Mann who has a song with 50 Cent, whiz kid entrepenuer/philanthrophist Farrah Gray, Far East Movement, and other celebrities came through (shows how out of touch I am with my entertainment) But it was actually a good event, especially when you think of Ron Artest, you expect something crazy. RonRon actually came before midnight, and was quite a delight to talk to. He accomodated all the media, despite being whisked inside. He got to chat about his whacky Filipino adventures. But there was a good flow and variety of celebrities. The carpet was very organized. The club was nice and it was a classy event for a cause. Too bad I didn't stay after, because they actually let media come in and hang out after, as I was trying to rush to Hollywood to help out some friends and their coverage. I guess it was a reward for braving the cold and rain. This was the best event of the weekend for me. 

Street Baller

The Professor from And1 Street

DJ Cassette

Farrah Gray

Maggie B

The Star of the night Ron Artest

Sunday
Well it's Sunday, and I'm watching the game right now. I have a rare two days off. I started the morning off with my weekly basketball, and I was actually doing good. I think some of RonRon's greatness rubbed off onto me. A buddy and I are thinking of a night out tonight. And honestly after all these parties, and red carpets, and celebrity hoopla, I can use a normal night out with the boys. I think the mayhem will continue next week in Los Angeles with Oscars night. Hopefully it won't be as ghetto as this week.

Manny Pacquiao Might Have Bieber Fever

Boxing and Philippine Icon Manny Pacquiao is back in the U.S. to promote his upcoming Sugar Shane Mosley fight on May 7th. At the Top Rank Press Conference, Manny unveiled his new doo...similar to Justin Bieber. The Pacman is considering playing in the NBA Celebrity All Star Game in Los Angeles. Justin Bieber is also said to be playing. Asian Clark Kent could not help but wonder if the possibility of the two stars playing hoops together has given the Pacman a case of Bieber Fever.

Afterall, Bieber and the Pacman have shared the same opening act. Alleged Bieber Ex Girlfriend Jasmine V, is Pacquiao's favorite National Anthem singer. She's done at least 3 American anthems for Pacquiao fights and is good friends with Team Pacquiao.

OKCupid : UR Stupid

So on a friend's recommendation I joined okcupid.com It's a free site. And whoa I must say, it's a parade of Satan's rejects! I have found way cuter girls on Yelp. There's a feature called Quiver which gives you three random matches, no thank you I quiver when I press that button. Quick match will give you one random person that supposedly matches you. I just want to dip my foot and gasoline and light a quick match and burn myself. As I browse through my potential matches, I realize that #1 I don't get along with too many Asian girls. Kinda good for me, it would be weird if a viewer found me. I guess that means my values and way of thinking are too Americanized. #2 I answered the survey questions honestly. I was being me...for reals. Apparently I have the personality of overweight people. I guess that just means they're beautiful inside. Oh well, it's been a week, the two cute ones I've tried to message haven't replied, but I like to take chances, and I'm always up for adventure so I will ride this okcupid.com a little bit longer. It gives me good comedy material, with a sense of hopeless romanticism that maybe I'll find the one that will eventually complete me. If this fails, I'm gonna look on Yelp.

NFL Post Season Predictions

Now that the NFL Season is over, I have a few post season predictions.
Superbowl
Falcons vs Steelers
The Superbowl will be in a dome, and I give the advantage to the
Falcons.
Superbowl MVP will be Matt Ryan aka Matty Ice. It will be his coming
out party.
Post Season Awards
League MVP
There is no runaway winner, but because he led the Patriots to the
best NFL record, I have to go with New England Patriots QB Tom Brady.
Michael Vick didn't play enough, Peyton Manning had too many bad
games, and Philip Rivers didn't make the playoffs. You can also make a
case for Aaron Rodgers who is basically a one man team.
Defensive Player of the Year
Troy Polamalu, FS Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy was a gamebraker all year.
He's a reason te Steelers have had a stellar season. Brian Urlacher
also makes a case, as he led the Bears to the #2 seed with stellar
defense.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jacoby Ford, Oakland Raiders WR/KR
Very much like Perxy Harvin last year, Ford has become the ultimate
explosive weapon for the Raiders. Though Sam Bradford has a good case,
breaking Peyton Manning's rookie records while improving the Rams.

Defensive Rookie of the Year
Eric Berry, FS Kansas City Chiefs. Provided some highlight materials
while helping the Chiefs into the playoffs. Rolando McClain linebacker
from the Raiders had a solid season for an improving Raider defense.
Comeback Player of the Year
Mike Williams, WR Seattle Seahawks. After a failed career, he
surpassed 5 years worth of production in one solid season. Perhaps
Coach Pete Carrol seemed to work that USC Magic they had. Raider
running back Darren McFadden had a breakthrough year. He still missed
a few games, but he blew away his past two years.

State of the Raider Nation

What can I say, 8-8 is one of the better Raiders season in the past 8 years. It was a season of could've should've would've, but it was a year of progress. The team was led by a good mix of veterans, rookies, and young solid stars on the rise. My biggest regret is I only caught 2 games this year, as I bought my season tickets before I moved out to Los Angeles. Despite missing the playoffs, I say this year was a success. It gives hope for the next season. Next year, the Raiders just need to beat times out of the AFC and NFC West. They need to win the close ones,  and they need to start strong, and finish strong. The Raiders need to stick with the run. Quarterback play needs to improve. The defense has a had a few lapses, but it stepped up this year. If the Chiefs can make the playoffs this year, the Raiders will be a great threat for the 2011 NFL season.

Here's my thoughts on the units, and some of the players, that brought back a sliver of hope to the Raider Nation.

 OFFENSE


I'm willing to give Jason Campbell another shot at the helm. He has bad decision making skills, but did decent.

Despite missing 3 games, and being injured in a few, Darren McFadden is the real deal. He showed why he's a high draft pick. He was a highlight machine, and he has to have the best stiff arm in the league.

Michael Bush was an awesome bruising compliment to McFadden. Hes a number 1 back on other teams. It's scary knowing he could be a free agent this year.

Injuries hampered Zach Miller this year, but he was very solid as usual. His numbers were a bit down this year, but hopefully he gets the ball rolling in 2011.

Biggest surprise: Jacoby Ford-Returning, receiving, and running. He has done it all. The rookie speedster, kind of reminds me of a young Tim Brown. He will be fun to watch.

He's not a Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but you gotta give credit to Jared Veldheer. As a rookie starting at left tackle, he was pretty decent. He could improve on some of his run blocking.

Langston Walker seemed to have a career resurgence. He was pretty solid in the run and pass games.

Robert Gallery was a failed tackle, but as a guard, he was the best lineman on the team.

Cooper Carlisle was a consistent guard as always. Two years ago I would've considered him the best on the unit, but now it seems like Gallery is living up to expectations. 

Mario Henderson was kind of a disappointment. After finishing 2008 on a high note, he just never built on it.

Samson Satele was a pretty effective center. I don't recall too many fumbled snaps, compared to the Jake Grove to Jamarcus years.

Khalif Barnes as a backup tackle/blocking tight end was a bonus. His one touchdown catch was comical, but the Raiders heavy formation with Barnes helped the ground game. I thought this was a very good formation for them.

Marcel Reece was robbed of the Pro Bowl. He only paved the way for a pair of stud running backs that had one of the best ground games this year. He also provided some highlights that fullbacks aren't suppose to do.

Darrius Heyward-Bey improved minimally, but he showed that he still has a lot to work on. He did better holding on to the ball. Route running will be his concern next year. 

I thought Louis Murphy was going to be the leader of the receivers, and he's shown great flashes this year, but he had an injury, and sometimes disappeared.

Chaz Schillenz had another wasted season, spending most of it on the injured list. He can be good if he can stay healthy. 

DEFENSE 
Rolando McClain will be a beast. He had a solid rookie season, and

McClain was successful because had good outside linebackers in Kameron Wimbley and Quentin Groves flanking him. They were a good physical group this year.

Nnamdi Asomugha is so good he's boring to watch. He doesn't have too many highlights because he pretty much takes away half the field.

Unfortunately Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt get the the short end of the stick because quarterbacks will continue picking on them. They've had their flashes of greatness, but aren't lockdown.

I wasn't a big Tommy Kelly fan until this year. He played very solid, and though he had a good arguement to make the Pro Bowl.

It's hard to beat out guys like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu, but I think Michael Huff is Pro Bowl worthy. He improved greatly this year, and is beginning to have a nose for the football.

Tyvonn Branch continues being a good last line of defense. Like Huff he's developing a nose for the ball.

Mike Mitchell is beginning to live up to the hype of being a second round pick. He got more reps, and showed that he could lay the wood.

Matt Shaughnessy was pretty effective in the rotation. He's a second year guy and I think being around Richard Seymour has helped.

Richard Seymour has been a great addition to the Raiders since last year, and I guess he takes the Pro Bowl on behalf of a very effective defensive line unit.

Lamar Houston had a good rookie season. He was a really good second round pick, and has done a lot better than some of the first round defensive linemen from this years class. I like his meanstreak.





SPECIAL TEAMS


Jacoby Ford was robbed of the Pro Bowl.

Sebastian Janikowski may have cost the playoffs, but he was robbed of the Pro Bowl.

Hiram Eugene was a great gunner and robbed of the Pro Bowl.

Shane Lechler makes punting look cool.

Coaching


Tom Cable has helped resurrect the Raiders. Despite off the field problems he did good.

Hugh Jackson was a godsend. He's the main reason for McFadden's rise, Ford's awesomeness, and why Cable me keep his job or might be replaced by Jackson.

John Marshall called pretty good games, but he did miss a few. He had a more aggressive defense this year.

Red Carpet at David Tupaz/Joey Galon Fashion Show

 So I was covering a fashion show for work, I realized I had my Canon T2I in my bag, so I figured I might as well work the red carpet as a photographer while I wait for the interviews I'm suppose to do. So here's a few shots I took at the David Tupaz Couture-Joey Galon Atelier Fashion show held at the awesome mansion of Christina's Court/Hard Copy/Montel Williams Show/Judge Judy Producer Lisa Brennan.

Actress Nicole Sienna

The beautiful Nicole Sienna (1/4 Japanese)

Christina Perez of Christina's Court

Bai Ling

The beautiful Bai Ling in a sexy action star pose

Bai Ling showing off her bling

and talent manager Oliver Carnay

Designer Joey Galon