Favorite Michael Jackson Memories

They say death always comes in threes: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson (sorry Billy Mays - when I heard the news, I thought Willie Mays died). After numerous tributes and catching up with a lifetime of accomplishment, here are some of my favorite Michael Jackson memories (aside from moonwalking):

* When I saw the Thriller video for the first time, my mother was hemming a pair of pants. As the video unfolded, I was scared sh#tless that my favorite singer turned into a werewolf and then a zombie. It was very traumatic for the 5 year old version of me.
* Everytime I tried on a pair of shoes or sneakers, they had to pass my "Michael Jackson test" (standing on my tippy toes and striking a pose - see image below). It probably wasn't the best way to break in a new pair.
* In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught on fire while filming a Pepsi commercial (a spark ignited his hair). I remember writing Michael a "Get Well" letter - I'm not sure if my mother actually sent it out.

Microsoft XBox 360: Project Natal

Microsoft recently announced their latest development for the XBox 360 (at the E3 Expo): Project Natal. It is a motion sensing camera that will allow you to play games without a controller by sensing your movements and relaying them to your character in the game. You can punch an attacker, kick a soccer ball, drive a car, ride a skateboard, etc. It will also recognize your voice, allow voice commands, keep track of multiple players, and allow you to virtually interact with characters in the game (second video: Milo Demo). If Microsoft supports it with enough innovative games, it could be the Nintendo Wii killer.

Is Every Song in Aruba about Friendship & Happiness?

Comedian Lewis Black is a spokesman for the Aruba Tourism Authority and has a pretty cool series of commercials - the little girl's expression at the end is priceless.

Hey Young World: Puerto Rican Day Parade

It's that time of year in New York where you see Puerto Rican flags draped on car hoods, fire escapes, and fingernails....the 52nd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade (made famous/infamous by the Seinfeld episode). I actually tuned into WPIX this year and couldn't help but cringe the entire time. It was like watching a slow motion car wreck on repeat. None of the announcers spoke Spanish or bothered to gain a rapport, the guest interviews were pointless (Calle 13), and it seemed completely condescending (complimenting onlookers on obviously ignorant things). The reporters expected everyone to dance salsa on queue and the people they chose to interview were zombies who answered every question with "Boricua!", "Viva Puerto Rica!", or whistling. Being of Puerto Rican descent, I despise the commercialization and desecration of the flag with coquis (tree frogs), cocks (rosters), muscle men, or whatever nonsense they think of. I have no problem with being proud, but don't embarrass the rest of us by playing into negative social stereotypes.

Gordon Ramsay's "Perfect Scrambled Eggs"

While I'm on the subject of cooking breakfasts, I found an easy recipe for scrambled eggs on LIfehacker.com by Gordon Ramsay (host of Hell's Kitchen). Who would have thought to not preheat the pan, to stir the entire time, taking it on and off the heat, seasoning after its cooked, or too add sour cream? I'm looking forward to trying it this weekend.

Breakfast of Champions

I recently made breakfast for my mother and grandmother - I try to visit them once a week (typically on a Sunday when I can steal my grandmother's Sunday coupons). If I skip a visit, I'm always riddled with guilt for the week. Anyway, as I was cooking, I realized that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (when I actually have time to make it). How could anyone disagree with eggs, biscuits, potato latkes (or hashbrowns), pancakes, or the holy grail of food: bacon? Add in "happy juice" (mimosas) and you really can't go wrong.

Kobe - Do you have a Ring Polisher?

Here's a few more commercials from the Nike Kobe-Lebron puppet series with Lil Dez. "Lebron, you have 20 triple doubles, can I have one?" "Lebron, c'mon man cheer up, it took Mike seven years and Charles Barkley ain't even got a ring, not one!" Good stuff!

My Favorite Commercials - Ally Bank

Ally Bank's (formerly GMAC) new commercials are my favorite - they poke fun at banks holding out on favorable terms (pony commercial), bait & switch / fine print tactics (truck commercial), and restrictive terms (bike commercial). The look on the girl's face is priceless!

Eminem and Bruno at MTV Movie Awards

In case you missed it, here's a clip from the MTV Movie Awards of Bruno (a Sacha Baron Cohen character from The Ali G Show) landing in a 69 position (teabagging) on Eminem's face and lap. Eminem wasn't too happy about the stunt and leaves once his bodyguards get Bruno off. If you remember, The Ali G Show featured 3 characters: Ali G (a "gangster" from Staines who interviewed unsuspecting celebrities/politicians), Borat (a journalist from Kazakhstan), and Bruno (a gay Austrian reporter). Bruno is now being made into a documentary movie like Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.