I can in no way agree with the man.

It is true the ceremony itself seems a bit slipshod, there are no assigned seats for the graduating students, no rehearsals and my name will not be called until I hand the speaker a card stating who I am.

More effort was made by my high school, which didn’t have 35,000 students but it didn’t leave me thousands in debt either.

Still, given all that, it seems absurd to say graduation means nothing.

There is worry.

I’m a bit worried about finding a job after graduation. The economy may have added 290,000 jobs in April but the unemployment is still just a hair under 10 percent.

On top of that is a fair amount of debt that I’ll have to start repaying six months after graduation. Thinking back now, I might not have needed the new clothes and laptop as much as I believed at the time. It is a nice laptop, though.

There are the memories I accumulated at the school. Getting a nice buzz before class at the campus pub. An “A” in Media Law, the Philosophy of Religion teacher who practiced improv comedy, even simply sitting at the tables behind the Sierra building reading before a 7:00 p.m. class, these will all be missed. A whole class of memories and way of living that will be put to an end at graduation.

A good part of me, though, is relieved to be graduating.

After years of working toward some goal that was always in the far-off future, I’ve finally arrived at my reward for all the stress and hard work.

Those friends who chose not to go to college, telling me it was a waste of time and that I didn’t have the stamina to graduate can finally be shut up.

My own doubts that I’d ever finish can finally be shut up.

Finally, there’s excitement. I’m excited to receive the praise of my family. I’m definitely excited to receive the gifts, which had better include an iPad, and I’m going to Disneyland the day after.

Even if there are no gifts, though, there’s no way I could truthfully say graduation means nothing to me. It’s the end of one life and the start of another.

Chosen Ministries, in North Hollywood, is a unique gathering place for people of all ages, races and socio-economic status. The church invites anyone to join them for their services throughout the week, especially their Sunday celebrations. Chosen is one of the few bilingual churches in the San Fernando Valley and caters to both English and Spanish speakers in a combined service once a month.

Chosen is anything but a traditional church; although it is a Christian church, it operates on a much more lively and creative agenda. “I love the church because we are encouraged to come up with our own performances, be it musical, acting or dancing, to spread the word of Jesus Christ,” said Sandra Reyes, a member of the church. This integration of prayer and performance has attracted a strong following that dedicates their time to the church and all of it’s events.

The pastot of the church, AJ Golden, is an award-winning actor, motivational speaker and mentor. He provides a strong personality to the church which seems to have a resounding influence on the youth attendees. The young people that attend the church seem captivated by Golden’s words and leave feeling inspired by his lessons. “The pastor has taught me so much about myself, he makes coming to church a fun and rewarding experience. I would recommend this church to anyone who is seeking motivation and a strong support group,” said Reyes. The church encourages its youth following to become involved in the band and theater program that they have; they regularly hold practices and auditions for these programs. In addition to the performance aspect of the church, there is nights dedicated to youth, bible study, women’s night and separate English and Spanish services. The most lively and attended service, however, is the combined service that takes place once a month on the first Sunday of each month. The service is in both English and Spanish and brings everyone together for a common cause.

It’s great to see the massive turnout at the combined service and people celebrate with a lunch after the service, where everyone socialized and plans future events. If you’re looking for a unique church experience, be sure to check out Chosen Ministries in North Hollywood, located at 10620 Burbank Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Below is a video of a recruitment video that Reyes produced, one of the many ways in which the church distinguishes itself from others, including utilizing youtube, myspace, facebook, podcasting and more to reach out to youth:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Everybody starts with one, their biological mother, and eventually, after finding that one true love of your life and marrying him or her, you inherit another, the mother-in-law. And finally, after years of married bliss, the last mother enters your life: the mother of your child.

Three mothers, three Mother’s day gifts, but what to buy them?

For the first mother in your life, help her recall the times you spent together by giving her a silver-coated photo album from Things Remembered. You can fill it with childhood pictures and memorable moments with the family. The album itself costs $25 and plan on spending another $30 for engraving.

For those with a child, the child’s mother will also require a gift this Sunday. Given that this relationship involves more romance than any other mother in your life, her gift should be more intimate. I chose a bottle of her favorite perfume, RALPH from Ralph Lauren, which, at Macy’s, was $50 for 1.7 ounces or $65 for the gift set.

Finally the mother-in-law is to be considered. While you may not be as close to your mother-in-law as you are with the other two, you need something. The good news is your spouse will most likely supplement your gift with one of your own. A Medium Signature Box from Bath and Body works will be perfect. It runs $25, is sure to be used and shows that you thought of her.

The answer to this is simple: as my friend puts it, people want what they can’t have. She is a psychology major. Perhaps this gives me reason to believe her–assuming she is speaking from experience.

This desire to want what we cannot have dates back to what I call the whining years, the cry baby years, the, it’s my toy and you can’t play with it even though I am NOT playing with it myself years. I think we’re greedy people by nature–from the gigantic meals we order through the drive-thru window to the gigantic pay checks we desire.

But what does this have to do with love? Just as we did in the toddler days, when we’d see someone else with a toy–the new GI Joe or Barbie–we may not have placed that on the top of our birthday or Christmas wish list, but the fact that someone else has it, makes us want it too. Perhaps I am not making sense, which is very likely, but my point is this: we need to let go. As hard as it may seem to NOT call him (or her) for the eleventh time, we have to stop. I’m all about progress being a slow process; so maybe today you call them eleven times, tomorrow ten, and the next day nine…etc., whatever it takes for you to stop chasing love when it isn’t chasing you.

Today I was on a friend’s Facebook page (and no I’m no stalker, I just like to be up-to-date with what’s going on in the lives of my friends) – no need to mention the friend’s name – I noticed something very interesting: why is it that we – you and me – fail to reciprocate the attention given to us by another (friend, lover….family member etc.); instead we give them more face value than they are giving us?

Example: one may have a friend whom they consider to be their “best friend;” however, that “best friend” may only consider the person to be an acquaintance? How about another example: one may find interest in another person, however, that “other person” may not find the individual TO BE interesting….

So, did I lose you all? My point is this: don’t make someone a priority, if they only make you an option.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “how do I know if I’m an ‘option’ – shoot, how do i know if I’m a ‘priority?’”

It’s simple. If you are an option,you’ll  know it because your phone calls don’t get answered, your text messages are ignored…..along with emails; basically, they only contact you when it’s convenient for them; they talk to you when they have nothing better to do. Now, if you’re cool with that, then by all means, more power to you. If you’re not cool with that, I ask, what are you doing to change that?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been someone’s “option” at one point in our lives – shoot, some of us are still an “option.”

There is, however, a way to watch local professional sports without paying high ticket costs or dealing with raucous crowds of people.

The Los Angeles-area is home to several minor league baseball teams.

Pessimists will immediately disregard of watching any level of baseball aside from Major League Baseball (MLB). But before you shell out $100-a-ticket for mid-level Dodgers tickets, how does $10 for executive box seats behind home plate sound?

Now that I’ve got your attention, these local minor league teams include the Inland Empire 66ers, a Class A-Advanced affiliation of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Class A-Advanced affiliation of the Los Angeles Angels.

Both teams play in the California League and started the 2010 season with a four-game series against each other in Rancho Cucamonga. The 66ers won the series 3-1.

It took just over an hour to arrive at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, home of the 66ers, driving from the Burbank area on a Sunday afternoon. Traffic was light, the sun was out and there was baseball soon to be played.

The 66ers were playing the Modesto Nuts in this California League matchup, a game that took 10 innings for the Nuts to win by a score of 4-1.

Although a Dodgers game was taking place just down the road at Chavez Ravine, over 2,000 piled in to watch the Class A-Advance 66ers.

Fans local to the CSUN area will, however, be forced to put some miles on their car to watch a 66ers home game. Arrowhead Credit Union Park, according to Google maps, is 85 miles, or about 95 minutes from CSUN.
A drive to the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter, home of the Quakes, is 67 miles, or about 80 minutes from CSUN.

Seeing these future stars play now, however, will hurt you wallet far less than seeing their major league counterparts.

As noted, executive box seats behind home plate at 66ers games are regularly priced at $10 per ticket. Regular game prices for 66ers games go as low as $4 for lawn seats. These lawn seats, on certain days, are only $1.

Inland Empire 66ers
Arrowhead Credit Union Ballpark
280 South E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
The Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter
8408 Rochester Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730

Dates of 2010 Quakes v. 66ers Games:
At Inland Empire: May 14-17, June 11-13, July 23-25,
At Rancho Cucamonga: May 21-24, June 17-19, August 6-8,

2010 Parking Rates:
Inland Empire 66ers: $4 flat rate, $2 on Tuesdays, $10 for large vehicles.
Rancho Cucamonga: Quakes: $4 flat rate, $10 for large vehicles.

Electronics companies like Philips, Sony and Samsung are already beginning to shell out the new 3D-ready TV sets, allowing viewers to be able to watch live TV in 3D for the very first time.

June 11, 2010 will be a monumental day for sports fans as ESPN plans to begin broadcasting live 3D sports on its new 3D channel on that day. Up to 85 live sporting events will be shown by ESPN in 3D each year.

As with other 3D images, viewers will need 3D glasses to watch TV without running the risk of getting a headache from the blurred images.

Many 3D-ready TVs come with at least two pairs of 3D glasses, which some, including Black Eyed Peas performer Will.I.Am, have already turned into a fashion statement by wearing a pair of customized rays at this year’s Grammy Awards show during a 3D tribute to Michael Jackson.

While standard, plastic 3D glasses cost around $1, fashionable 3D glasses can cost hundreds of dollars, including Sony’s standard $133-a-pair 3D specs.

This technology, which began showing up on TV in the early 1990’s, is still not perfect, and that’s what has many consumers worried.

Consumers will need to purchase a new TV to view 3D events and shows, and such expenses have proven difficult during tough economic times.

Best Buy’s 3D TV prices range from $1,999.99 for a 40-inch Samsung to $3,499.99 for a 55-inch Samsung.

James Cameron’s hit 3D film, ­“Avatar,” is set to release on Blu-ray near the end of April—the same time many 3D TVs are being released. For on-screen media consumers, there may be no better pairing.

Generally, people don’t split a cigarette. Unless that cigarette is filled with the recently-legalized drug, marijuana, which the men purchased inside the 7-Eleven just minutes ago.

This could take place if California voters pass a measure in November to legalize possession and sale of marijuana in adults.

As proposed, the state would charge a 10-percent state tax per gram of marijuana sold.

“It’s a great initiative, but it needs a lot of work,” said John Postal, a sales associate at a medical cannabis dispensary in Silverlake. “Not everything is done.”

Postal has spent the last 18 months selling medical marijuana. As the days go by, he finds himself enjoying his job less and less.

“There is always a fear of being raided and going to jail,” said Postal, 24.

An Eagle Rock resident, Postal is one of thousands of medical cannabis employees in California who will likely be out of a job if the drug becomes legal.

“Our clinic would be forced to shut down, lessen our expenses or let everyone in the door,” said Postal.

Many medical marijuana employees are working illegally, said Postal. They are rarely being taxed and get paid in cash.

“I have no health insurance,” said Postal. “Nobody checks if I get my breaks—there’s no Better Business Bureau regulation. I work over eight hours every day and do not get paid overtime. It’s the unfortunate reality of working at a marijuana clinic in this day and age,” said Postal.

Postal, although in support of medical marijuana, is opposed to legalization.

“Until it is addressed federally, I don’t think California is ready for it,” Postal said. “Work places would lose federal funding and California would lose federal funding. That is why the movement might fail.”

“It’s too early to tell how the federal government would respond, ” said Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles City Council member in an e-mail interview.  ”It’s still to be determined. For me, it’s not about a tax but about whether it’s right or wrong,” said LaBonge.

If it were completely up to Postal, he would keep it medical. In a perfect world, he would also quit his job and work with animals, possible as a veterinary technician.

“I’d want to leave because it is still medical marijuana—I see people six months from death who have all forms of cancer, boils—people who need the drug,” said Postal. “It’s not a party drug, it’s not meant to be brought and shared at parties—that’s not medical,” said Postal. “It is extremely difficult to get a doctor’s license revoked.

Medical marijuana is so tainted now with drug dealers and kids who abuse the medical aspect of it—but don’t tell me its medical marijuana,” said Postal. “That’s the hard part and it’s not my job.”

The outside of the restaurant resembled a run-down Sizzler’s — a restaurant that used to be fancy in the early 90’s, but has not had a facelift since then. The B rating also left us feeling slightly uneasy, but our stomachs had no patience for letter grades. We needed to eat.

The server greeted us with a face of stone, while we debated on who should ask for her recommendations on the menu and how much food we should order.

We ordered a combo dinner — teriyaki beef strips and beef rib eye. The server asked if we wanted to have the meat grilled in the back or grill it ourselves on top of our table. She lifted the cover in the center of the table and revealed a small grill. We opted to cook the meat ourselves to get the full experience.

The food arrived quickly. Little bowls filled with kimchi, fried pork dumplings, pickled radish, seaweed salad, green lettuce salad, bean sprouts and broccoli, potato salad, tofu and a fish cake piled the table leaving little room for our plates.

The tangy, sweet marinade on the beef teriyaki strips made the meat tender and juicy. The rib eye was also juicy, but less flavorful than the beef strips.

The check arrived with orange slices, and we all sat for a few moments, leaning back in our seats, wishing we had worn stretchy pants.

Pine Tree did serve its purpose in feeding three hungry college students; however, the prices aren’t very student-friendly. I recommend coming with a small group of friends if you’re starving and split the bill.

Pine Tree Korean BBQ is located on 8322 Reseda Blvd Northridge, CA 91324. Hours of operation are 11a.m. – 10p.m. seven days a week. To make reservations call (818) 886-1512.

This list was compiled after visiting a Primerica office in Burbank, Ca.
The job was declined and parking was $6.

This hidden gem provides a great spot for families with children to visit for an afternoon picnic, for joggers and hikers, and for anyone looking to get away from the chaos of city life. The park provides an escape for many and allows visitors to experience a forest that is hard to find anywhere else within the city. In addition to the beautiful foliage that visitors can enjoy, there is also a wide array of wildlife that one can observe while at the Tree People headquarters. Visitors can enjoy the genuine sounds of nature with songbirds flying overhead, crickets and other insects crawling around and even snaked slithering through the leaves on the ground.

Coldwater Canyon Park also provides the perfect location for special events that take place throughout the year. Some of the most important events include the Full Moon Hikes, Volunteer/Earth Day, movie screenings, panel discussions, and An Evening Under The Harvest Moon, a large-scale fundraiser for the Tree People organization.

It is easy to overlook this paradise within the city; it is strategically placed between the San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills, but it is one of the most fulfilling experiences to visit Coldwater Canyon Park. You can learn all about the environment and sustainability; the park provides tours and functions as somewhat of a museum and educational center simultaneously. Visitors can also learn about how to care for their gardens and trees and sign up for volunteering opportunities throughout Los Angeles. Coldwater Canyon Park is located at 12601 Mulholland Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

He truly exemplified love and generosity. I often wonder what it’d be like to have my spirit dipped in gold, laced in purity with white pearls. Such an honor it’d be, indeed.

It’s a challenge to help someone, for it requires one to relinquish all selfishness; yourself, no longer a priority. I admire this in anyone, especially those who have the power to do so.

During the memorial there was a segment when  John Mayer took the stage and played “Human Nature” with his acoustic guitar, I recalled the many times I’d pass by someone in need. Placed my head down in shame, shrugged my shoulders, and sometimes even boasted about how I’m able to get out and work for what I need, so, why can’t they? How naïve I was. Today I answer, “why can’t they?”

Why can’t they: No resources, no jobs, no motivation, no one to love them enough to say “you are worthy of so much more,” no one to embrace, no one to hold their hands as they cross streets, no one to hug them when they are down, no one to call and say “hello…how are u feeling today?” no one to love, no one there, no one to say “I love you.”

So they sit asking, as we so often ask them, why can’t you? So why can’t we?

We all needed and still need help from time-to-time. Have we reached a point in our lives where we feel untouchable, secure? So secure and untouchable we can’t take time to give change when asked? Give food when they stand hopeless, with no home, no support? I think we’re so caught up in our lives to care. Too caught up in a dream, when we should be living. I’ve heard it’s a tough ride UP and an even tougher ride going down.

Perhaps you can’t give cash or food, how about a smile, eye contact? Let them know they are not overlooked; they are still human and deserve our love as well as our hands.

Today I challenge us to do our right as Human beings: To love one another and encourage one another. We all need someone to believe in–beside ourselves.

Claudia Rankine, a poet and essay writer, said in her book, Don’t let me be lonely, “Define Loneliness? It’s what we can’t do for each other. What does a life mean? Why are we here if not for each other?”

So I sit at my desk still reflecting on the late Michael Jackson and his efforts to change a world that sometimes resented him.  Let us all be inspired to help one another, love one another, even when our lives get a bit hectic. I am thankful to have people like Michael, who prove the old Paradoxical Commandment to be true, “If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.”