The Besty's » 2017

Cabbage White | Pieris Rapae

01.13.17 » The Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron) in Sacramento @ The Golden 1 Center

» The NBA is always fantastic, this game was no different. The Golden 1 Center is an amazing venue & my favorite ever to watch basketball in. Sight-lines are unprecedentedly good, regardless of where your seat is. It was flash back Friday so the Kings wore their old-school powder blue uniforms. Thirteen rows from the floor increase the engagement, we were on the baseline near the Cavs bench. 

Early on it was Kevin Love getting buckets. His outlet passes are an asset for sure, it's one or two leaks-outs per game. Shump played well early for the visiting team, he was rocking Nike Air Zoom Generations. When LeBron is focused on defense it's a treat to watch him play weak side, he's the ultimate free-safety in basketball. Cleveland was locked in defensively overall. Kyrie's handles are so sticky and his pull-up jumpers are death blows. At one stretch the Cavs played LeBron with four role players; I've always appreciated these type of five-man groups. There were some nasty highlight reel dunks too. Cleveland's roster was filled with skilled players—it's no wonder we saw a trilogy in The Finals. 

01.29.17 » M » SF 

03.17.17 » March Madness in Sacramento @ The Golden 1 Center, St. Patrick's Day

» Cincinnati vs. K. State - First of all, K State has an awesome band & their arsenal of covers was impressive for sure. College atmospheres are so electric. 

» UCLA vs. Kent State - UCLA resembled a pro team during warm ups, missing only a few shots. Ball was quick to initiate offense and willing to take chances early up the court. I was impressed by the Bruins defense. There were some sets run by the UCLA that had such freedom & fluidity, their athleticism and exciting play is a basketball made fun. Leaf and Welsh were dominant throughout the half-court game. UCLA advanced with five guys scoring in double figures.

04.16.17 » The Birds @ Main Stage West in Sebastopol

04.22 & 23.17 » High Water Festival in Charleston, SC
» Day 1: Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Shins
» Day 2: Shovels & Rope, The Avett Brothers

» The artists listed above were the best sets I caught while attending the inaugural High Water Festival in Charleston. This will be an annual pilgrimage back to the Carolina's, it's one of the best boutique outdoor festival I've ever attended. And, it's only going to get better. Best friends, great times, good places, need I say more?

06.23.17 » J » SF 

06.27.17 » Tank & The Bangas @ Lagunitas in Petaluma

» Rocking, Psyche, Hip Hop, with breakdown-style call and response to some Nina Simone, and that was only their first song. They dropped some wah-wah pedal, mixing it with an almost scribbled sound two tracks later. An Anderson Paak Cover goes over well with this listener so, "I might never come down." Oozing with future sounds and Jazzy vibes, all I could think was, the future is female. Whatever you want to call their fun-soaked, bass-backed, Hip Hop Jedi sound, make sure to include danceable. Because, similar to their set-closer, Make Your Ass Clap, this band is on fire and you might just have to stop drop and roll. After throwing a party like that at Lagunitas they could have rode off into the sunset, instead, they dropped another bomb, Hey Ya (the Andre 3000 smash).

Summer @ SFMOMA

08.04.17 » BHS Basketball @ Monte Rio » Wags, Whiskers & Wine Gala in Geyserville

August » Road trip along the entire Oregon Coast & Portland
» Oregon is Calling Me...

09.26.17 » Tank & The Bangas @ The Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City

» Tuesday night ramen and some tasty oat sodas, plus kicking it with an all-time best bro and then going to a local venue to see a band that makes people dance—OK! I had a great couple of days in Salt Lake City. I got to mob the streets with the woofer Huey, she's such a sweet girl. Hanging out with one of my favorite people helps to smooth out any situation. I was shown a great time and was reminded of just how cool SLC is. I need to make it back there more frequently. 

We decided to go to Banga'ville, good choice. Tank and the Bangas opened with a Goodie Mob/Dr. Dre mash-up that got me into the groove. "Who's that peeking in the window?" Hip Hop was the early theme and the local crowd seemed to be more than cool with that. The band carved a cool energy into the crowd during the middle of their set; it had an almost lounge vibe, it made me smile. One of the lyrics went, "While you wash my hair, la la la." Returning to a more hip hop driven sound and spitting fire, it got loud. A spoken word-like poem backed by instruments segued nicely into a super creative take on the Zootopia song, it seemed as though I wasn't the only one noticing their ability to dig deep into their bag of tricks. Listeners began to shout the Zootopia line, Hey hey hey, which bent into a remixed version of, "a little bit softer now." As in Petaluma, this show would finish with Andre 3000's, Hey Ya; except this time it started off far more abstract. Having heard them do this over the summer, I whispered to the good Doctor, "Hey Ya."

10.07.17 » Gillian Welch & David Rawlings @ Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

» These American treasures own Golden Gate Park, especially when performing on the banjo stage, an annual right of passage for Bay Area residents. They started with an absolutely beautiful harmony on, Wayside, Back In Time, which set the tone for an emotional set. Elvis Presley Blues gave new meaning to poignancy as Gillian's voice bottled the masses into one moment, singing us into a willful submission; only a siren can silence that many people. The magic of a certain white butterfly kept, The Way It Will Be & The Way It Goes, heartfelt. A minor hiccup during Red Clay Halo revealed to us that they too make mistakes, they are so genuine it's unmistakable. A trio of, Hard Times, Six White Horses and Time (The Revelator), were the songs that hit hardest. The latter two carried even more meaning for my Ninja sidekick, hell, she's the M'F'n leader. Words sometimes carry with them more gravity at different times throughout life. And, when those words are being serenaded to you by authentic artists, all that's left to do is to feel. Letting your emotions take over can sometimes be exactly what is needed. Miss Ohio and I'll fly away closed the set. They would encore with Willie Watson on the cinematic, Don't Leave Nobody But the Baby. 

Set: Wayside/Back in Time, Annabelle, Elvis Presley Blues, The It Will Be, The Way It Goes, Red Clay Halo, Hard Times, Six White Horses, Time (The Revelator), Midnight Train, Look at Miss Ohio, I'll Fly Away, Don't Leave Nobody But The Baby 

10.26.17 » Mary Shelly's Body @ Main Stage West in Sebastopol

11.04.17 » Valley Ford, Dillon Beach, Tomales Bay, Point Reyes Station

» Happy Holidays & Enjoy the New Year!

Cheers,
eightychoices.

March Madness

March Madness | Golden 1 Center

Now that most of my brackets are totally annihilated, especially the East Region, I begin to cheer with my heart. I rally around style of play. Or, sometimes my preference is based on the type of school or coaching philosophy. Any knowledge or history with said town, city or region predictably swings nostalgia. College basketball is so pure and good, even if the play isn't as appealing for some. Pace is more of an identity, it is not an absolute. Nor are collegiate rosters as skilled as they are in the NBA. But March Madness has an unmatched magic, if only for a few weekends each year. Did you watch any of the first two rounds?

Having returned from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for the NCAA Tournament (I'd been once before, to attend a Kings game against the Cavs.) I can say with a clear conscience, that this is the best arena in America to watch basketball in. The Architecture and flow, the visibility and lines of sight (it's as if the building is floating), its intimacy, the amenities and technology, all top notch, new and fresh. 

There are other reasons the collegiate game inspire and electrify. The bands rock during these games, out performing even the best MSG organist. These truly skilled student-musicians are hopped up on youth and adrenaline. The cheer leader squads actually encompass vast athletic skill and don't simply shake it. I'm talking back flips and brute strength; have you seen the dudes who hoist up their partners to create pyramids? There's a charm and nostalgia that is tapped deeply into the tradition, alumni and pride one has for their team making the Tournament.

Sacramento was teaming with people. The beautiful weather, St. Patrick's Day and the NCAA Tournament made for a bustling downtown. Session two was shaped by distinct styles. Cincinnati imposed their will onto the game with defense. Their physical 2-3 zone matched up, forcing Kansas State into adverse situations. At times the Bearcats would run a 5 out offense that generated good shots. Kyle Washington played really well in the win for Cincinnati.

UCLA

UCLA possesses talent, plays an appealing brand of offense and gets plenty of press. I'll back all of that up. The warm ups told a story before the game even started. The Bruins were dialed in and resembled a pro team—warm ups are ridiculous when you attend an NBA game, they almost never miss a shot. I watched Lonzo Ball miss one three-pointer, in either warm up session. Ball gets really good rotation on his unorthodox Kevin Martin-esque jumper, it unfurls surprisingly quick too. His accuracy is phenomenal, his makes are all net. He's also mastered a little step back move, it's butter going left.

The flow early on was palpable. The guards for UCLA initiate offense, triggering motion and effortless ball movement. They all want to pass. Ball plays with attitude, an almost nonchalance. Kent State realized that the length and talent of the Bruins can also coalesce on the defense. Other than Alford, the top players are all long and athletic. Another revelation is the presence of Leaf, he can do work from a myriad of spots on the floor. He's heady, skilled and athletic with a soft j.

The second half proved to be too much for the Golden Flashes. Regardless of the score, I did notice moments when Lonzo played defense a bit too upright with a tendency to hop, which over commits his weight, small things he can correct. T. J. Leaf is a stud. I'm sold on him being one of the best 8-10 freshmen in the country. Ball, Leaf and Welsh went beast mode, five guys scored in double figures and the Bruins won 95-73. The NCAA tournament is at its pinnacle during the first weekend of play. March Madness is the best bang for your buck in my opinion. Enjoy the road to the Final Four.

eightychoices.

...Madness...

Who  Ya Got?

Nova - Zona + UCLA - L'ville > Nova x UCLA / (heart says Nova - brain says UCLA) = Nova

eightychoices.

Let the Madness Begin

Final Four | Indianapolis 

One shining moment is made possible by the millions of moments that unravel during March Madness—the greatest American sporting event. Portland, Seattle and LA play host out west for some of the rounds leading to the Final Four. The first weekend is obviously the most chaotic, and perhaps, the most fun to watch. Is this the year a number one seed falls? Can Gonzaga make it to the Final Four? Or will the Kentucky Wildcats go unscathed for an undefeated season? There are two prevailing trends when filling out your bracket—using your head or following your heart. Which will you listen to? Let the madness begin.

eightychoices. 

College Hoops

Williams Arena | Minneapolis, MN | circa 1951

The 2014-15 college hoops season kicks off tomorrow with over 150 games. Nearly all of the top-ranked teams (23 of 25) tip-off. One match-up is actually between two teams from major conferences. The eighth ranked Louisville Cardinals and the Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to the Caribbean. Too bad it's not being played at Williams Arena. Long live the raised floor, an influential presence. This is a B1G night for the coaches as well, father versus son, Rick versus Richard. Pitino night in Puerto Rico. 

Anyhow, this year seems to favor those institutions with an emphasis on team. There are many who are capable of making a run to the Final 4. Squads like Virginia and Wisconsin will rely on savvy upperclassmen and a sound system. Duke, Wichita State, VCU, Louisville, Villanova and Arizona appear primed to go deep into March, especially the two Wildcats (Nova & Zona). Add another Wildcat to the top of the list. Kentucky appears to have a team that could challenge the right NBA team, sorry Sixers and Lakers. Enjoy the Madness.

eightychoices. 

F1NAL 4

Final 4 - April 5th & 7th

March Madness may end in April, but don't let the four teams remaining fool you. The Florida Gators, winners of the South region and 30 in a row, will take on the East region champions, the Huskies of Connecticut. The last time these two teams met, on December 2nd, was also the last time Florida lost. I'm rooting for Connecticut in the rematch. I relish the grit and intensity of OG Big East teams and Shabazz Napier is the epitome of why I love college hoops. The West region is represented by the Wisconsin Badgers (the only other team to beat Florida this year), taking Bo Ryan to his first Final 4. They will be pitted against the villainous, Kentucky Wildcats. Coached by Darth Vader, aka John Calipari, Kentucky is redefining what a team of freshman can do. Needless to say, go Badgers. North Texas plays host to the Final 4 this year. A special shout out to all the collegiate players and coaches who have battled to make this one of the most exciting tournaments in years. Every round has been filled with dramatic, down-to-the-wire action. Seven overtime games have been played and another thirteen have been decided by three points or less. One can only hope that the three remaining games will be as riveting. For the schedule click here.

eightychoices.

April Fools

Hotlanta = Hoops Heaven

What a tournament, madness is most definitely the best word to describe it. Wichita State is, at least for this year, the best team from Kansas. My pick, the Orange of Syracuse, are playing the 2-3 zone with an almost mutant amoeba type level of intensity and movement. Michigan is in the Final 4 for the first time since the good old days of the fab 5. The Wolverines played amazing ball down the stretch to pull off one of the greatest comebacks I've seen in recent memory. Trey Burke is the tournament's M.O.P. thus far. And then there's Louisville, who is making a return trip to the Final Four. My thoughts are with their young teammate, Mr. Ware, I wish him the best. It was nice to see the Cardinals prevail for their fallen comrade. I have Syracuse over Louisville in the championship - the Big East going out in style.

Congratulations to the Orange, the Shockers, the Wolverines and the Cardinals.

Final 4 teams: Syracuse, Wichita State, Michigan & Louisville

Thanks for making this one of the most chaotic marches through madness in quite some time. I'm pretty stoked to see what unfolds in the Michigan versus Syracuse game. It's going to be interesting to watch the number 9 seed Shockers, full of talent and heart, go up against the overall number 1 seeded Cardinals, who pride themselves on defensive pressure, tempo and strong guard play. Let the Madness continue.    

eightychoices

ps. Happy belated Easter. Happy Opening Day too.

Orange Crush

My fortune cookie's prediction on Wednesday night read, "You will enjoy doing something different this weekend."

Point Guard for the Orange

I certainly did just that with a trip down to San Jose for the early rounds of March Madness. The HP Pavilion was hosting teams from the Midwest and East regions (I know that sounds weird). Those in attendance for the first session were treated to match-ups in the Midwest region, where the Billikens of St. Louis defeated New Mexico State. The second game of the day had a Pac 12 flavor with the Oregon Ducks beating Oklahoma State in a deadly 12 vs. 5. The Ducks might just be the best 12 seed in the field. I initially thought their seed was justified. However, after their win I am persuaded to think they may have deserved a higher seed. St. Louis and Oregon will meet on Saturday in the round of 32. The Billikens are a great mid-major team, with gobs of potential. That being said, GO DUCKS! My brethren from Eugene successfully converted me in college to adopt the U of O.

The second session kicked off with a 'neutral' site game for the Cal Bears as they faced the Running Rebels of UNLV. I expected the Rebels to showcase the up-and-coming surge the Mountain West had been showcasing. This game had lots of thrills, and of course a rowdy atmosphere due to the dearth of Golden Bear fans in attendance. The Bears came away with the win in what was a sloppy final two minutes of the game. There were far too many rushed possessions with poor shot selection and a couple of inexcusable turnovers. The most frustrating part, and perhaps most exciting, was the amount of free throws that were missed down the stretch. Cal could've put them away and the Aggies could have actually pulled within one and/or tied had they hit more from the charity stripe. All in all it was a lively atmosphere and the Cal crowd went home happy.

Mascot Madness

The final game of the day was a big reason we made the drive south. The Orange of Syracuse were pitted against the Grizzlies of Montana. I have nothing against the state of Montana or its campus. I actually love both. But the Orange are one of my longtime teams. We were there to root for 'Cuse. It was made evident pretty early-on that this was a statement game for Syracuse. As a hoops fan, they were so fun to watch. They are incredibly active on both ends of the court. Not only did they hustle and challenge shots, they made it incredibly tough for the Griz to get good looks, either by deflecting passes or running people off of their initial look. It was a complete joy to watch Brandon Triche's feet in action. Simply put, the 'Cuse zone defense smothered Montana. On the offensive end, they played within their sets and seemed to be totally cohesive and, for the most part, patient. They were so unselfish in their ability to get a better shot or an easier shot. Michael Carter-Williams was just surveying the floor and served up some tasty dimes resulting in short corner jumpers, corner and wing threes and of course, inside buckets and highlight lobs. Next up for the Orange will be Cal. In what is sure to be another 'home' game for the Bears, I expect Syracuse to build upon their impressive performance against the Grizzlies. The pace and intensity of Syracuse was leaps and bounds above everyone else. In what has become the final year for the Big East as we knew it, I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Jim Boeheim's squad made a deep run. After all, Syracuse, as well as most Big East teams, pride themselves on winning the single elimination games that only a tournament can afford.

75 years of Madness

It was a great day of college hoops and it should be noted that the HP Pavilion is a great site to watch a basketball game. It was probably one of the better arenas I have been privileged enough to experience. Also, the scalpers in San Jose are the best I have ever encountered. Not only are they easy going and organized, they're willing to hear you out and make a great offer. We scored two lower level tickets, twenty rows off the floor for half price. Thanks to the guys who hooked us up. Nothing better than celebrating 75 years of college madness in sunny California. If you're able to explore the city of San Jose, check out Barefoot Coffee and the Black Cat Collective Vintage Emporium. Both local establishments made me want their creativity and initiative to rub off in the north bay.

eightychoices

final 4

whether your bracket got jacked up by two 5 seeds reaching the final four or not (a first ever), this march has been all about the madness. this year's tournament has seen a slough of upsets & great games. parity has definitely shown up to the dance. three of the remaining teams are from traditional "power" conferences (acc, big east & big 10) & a first ever representative from the horizon. congratulations to the deserved participants. the two 5 seeds square off in the early game when butler plays michigan state. the late game pits duke, the only 1 seed, against west virginia, a 2 seed. if your tv is on april 3rd or 5th, check out some college hoops.

~thanks college basketball

march madness

the NCAA tournament is almost upon us, today is selection sunday. granted, college hoops are not necessarily an alternative choice, but it's a great choice none the less. i live in pac 10 country, my heart will always beat for the big 10 & yet i absolutely love the big east! college basketball is an example of young people competing at the highest levels, both in athletic ability & in mental awareness. the students, fans, campuses & cities that will vicariously live through these teams over the coming days is a reminder of the grandeur that exists in the youth of our country, our future. there's a glimpse into the limitless opportunities that higher education can offer. it's not about the name on the back of their jerseys, it's about the name on the front.