tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67329577140995442262011-09-17T04:03:45.664-07:00Live Up to Your StandardsMy Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-14874665821991432232008-06-14T12:17:00.000-07:002008-06-14T15:04:32.182-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Alternative Music Standard – Radiohead – OK ComputerMy Pop Music Standard – Kelly Clarkson – BreakawayMy Soul Music Standard – Sam Cooke – Portrait of a Legend: 1951-1964The success of female British singer-songwriters with an affinity for soul music continues as Duffy’s stellar debut album delivers heartfelt and catchy tunes that capture classic Motown sounds, while

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-44760297076184980662008-05-16T22:10:00.000-07:002008-05-16T22:30:24.008-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Rock Music Standard – U2 – The Joshua TreeThe Kooks’ second album is fun, light and breezy and features one of the catchiest singles of the year, but is poorly sequenced, has a sound that becomes slightly redundant, and simply doesn’t seem destined to stick over time.Release Date: April 15, 2008Tracks/Length: 13 tracks / 42:50Producers: Tony Hoffer (Beck, Fratellis)

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-45573400648480808562008-05-09T19:26:00.000-07:002008-05-09T22:14:12.948-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Ultra Lounge Standard – The Park (Sacramento)Visited: Saturday, April 5, 2008Location: 1200 K St., Sacramento, CA 95814 (map) (site)Phone: 916-878-8344Much like its newer sister club, Dream, Cabana is a fun, stylistic lounge/dance club that is satisfying if you get there early enough.Deeper Insights:While offering a younger crowd than Dream with a similarly cramped

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-42508089249937304522008-05-07T20:00:00.000-07:002008-05-07T20:51:13.366-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithVisited: Saturday, March 29, 2008Location: 1804 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814(map)(site)Alternate Location: 649 East Bidwell St., Folsom, CA 95630(map)My Bar Standard – **Streets of London** New StandardWithout ever having been to England, I imagine that this fun, low-key bar is the closest to the feel of a real English Pub you can get in Sacramento, but thankfully, without

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-42229928255493778262008-05-07T01:53:00.000-07:002008-05-07T02:34:21.665-07:00

A Chat by Steven Frith, Jeff Walker, and Danny WalkerDown to the final four and our contestants get to pick from the extensive list of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Top 50 Most Influential Rock and Roll Songs. Will we have an all men final 3 - or will Syesha send one of the boys packing?  No Paula drama this week, but still an eventful show, see what My Social Standards had to say about it

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-38902745357750233102008-05-04T14:29:00.000-07:002008-05-04T15:19:29.990-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Superhero Movie Standard – X2: X-Men UnitedViewed on: Saturday, May 3, 2008This clever, quick-witted, tightly scripted adaptation of yet another superhero movie may actually turn into one of the most respected and highest ranked movies in this genre’s increasingly impressive collection.Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth PaltrowRating

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-70429868347621275952008-05-03T10:22:00.000-07:002008-05-03T10:48:58.463-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Alternative Music Standard – Radiohead – OK ComputerMy Electronic/Dance Standard – Goldfrapp – SupernatureMy Singer-Songwriter Standard – Damien Rice - OSeventh Tree is like waking up on a Sunday morning next to someone you really like – it’s warm and relaxing, maybe not as sexy as the previous night, at times even sleepy, but ultimately makes your heart soar and you

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-61479464762724867982008-04-30T18:45:00.001-07:002008-04-30T19:28:11.647-07:00

A chat by Jeff Walker and Steven FrithBig news from last night's Idol was Paula's big mistake, but that wasn't the only mistake of the night. My Social Standards discusses if Idol is rigged, if it even matters, and who should go home for good tonight.Jeff: so the biggest story of last night's Idol was Paula's big mistake - critiquing Jason's 2nd song when only one had been doneSteve: yea, what

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-45478857670643081442008-04-25T18:35:00.000-07:002008-04-25T19:28:48.480-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Bar Standard – Busby’s West (Santa Monica)Visited: Friday night – April 11, 2008. Have also been here a half dozen times over the past year.Location: 50A Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (on Hermosa pier)(map)(link)Phone: 310-798-9762Patrick Molloy’s offers a solid mix (patio, dancing, drink specials) and good value for the Hermosa pier, even if it is overly

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-6811156460278709762008-04-25T04:19:00.000-07:002008-04-25T09:09:09.679-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Romantic Comedy Movie Standard – Forgetting Sarah Marshall **New Standard**Viewed on: 4/19/08The guys of the Judd Apatow camp strike comedy magic once again as Sarah Marshall is the perfect blend of “toeing the line” comedy and a story about the aftermath of a relationship.Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, and Paul

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-64928105897830901862008-04-23T01:29:00.000-07:002008-04-23T09:34:04.224-07:00

A chat by Jeff Walker, Steven Frith, and Danny WalkerIdol takes a stroll down the Great White Way as the six remaining finalists take on the tunes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It wasn't the most exciting theme, but it provided one especially memorable moment for Ms. White. Check out what Steve, Jeff and Danny had to say about her, the episode as a whole, and why Kristy Lee Cook was smarter than

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-18655140412304305752008-04-22T22:50:00.000-07:002008-04-23T00:54:29.147-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Bar Standard – Busby’s (Santa Monica)Visited: Saturday night – April 19, 2008Location: 2536 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 (map)(link)Phone: 310-577-3741With DJs, attractive crowds, and an upscale, if small location, The Garter continues the Westside renaissance towards a more sophisticated nightlife that still manages to avoid the hassles and costs of Hollywood.

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-13237458310367067682008-04-19T14:24:00.000-07:002008-04-19T18:27:16.073-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithDate: 4/18/2008 (Other Dates)Venue: Arco Arena, SacramentoMy Rap Concert Standard - **New Standard** Kanye WestKanye’s creativity, ego, music, pursuit of perfection and humor all have a part in making this one of the best performances I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending.Headliner: Kanye WestOpening Sets: Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D., and RihannaTime of Whole Concert: about 5

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-48157564987735686022008-04-16T18:43:00.000-07:002008-04-16T19:14:45.935-07:00

A chat by Steven Frith, Jeff Walker, and Danny WalkerAfter the shocking exit of Michael Johns last week, we are down to the Top 7. Danny joins us to discuss the performances during Mariah Carey week. Was it one sweet day or a disaster to rival Glitter?Jeff: so first up - Michael Johns...J: surprised to see him go?Danny: pretty unexpected, I actually thought his last performance was one of his

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-85650161038475625292008-04-09T23:53:00.000-07:002008-04-10T00:54:24.963-07:00

A chat by Steven Frith and Jeff WalkerWe are down to the bottom eight. This week's performances by the remaining idols were songs that inspired the singers. While the songs didn't seem to inspire us, we do comment on everything as normal - including a few other random thoughts. Also see if Steve can repeat in picking the correct bottom three and who is sent home as he did last week.Jeff: so you

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-25751901773059041822008-04-07T22:40:00.000-07:002008-04-16T13:06:49.987-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerReviewed on 4/4/08My Alternative Music Standard – Radiohead – OK ComputerDon’t expect anything “Crazy,” and you will find a solid album full of retro sounds and dark lyrics. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but an interesting listen for the more musically adventurous types.Release Date: 3/18/08 (digital); 3/21/08 (physical album)Tracks/Length: 13 tracks / 39 minutesProducer:

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-42679013719231214352008-04-07T17:20:00.000-07:002008-04-07T23:47:43.711-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff Walker**My Bar Standard**Visited: Friday, March 28th, 2008 (and at least a dozen or so other Fridays and Saturdays within past year)Location: 3110 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90025 (map)(Link)Phone: 310-828-45672 Other Locations: Hollywood (our review) and El Toro (website)Busby’s (My Bar Standard) offers a little of everything (dancing, drinking, games) in a friendly

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-89329340146512646972008-04-02T20:11:00.000-07:002008-04-02T20:39:28.364-07:00

In about two hours (from when I’m typing this in California), we will be down to eight contestants on American Idol. It appears as if the favorites are developing and the others are trying to just hang on just another week. Just maybe they can come out of nowhere and shock the Idol world from this point, but I doubt it. See what Jeff and I had to say early this afternoon about last night’s

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-17078581262196061002008-04-01T14:37:00.000-07:002008-04-01T15:39:58.576-07:00

Reviewed by Danny WalkerMy Fine Dining Standard – Avec (Chicago) *New Standard*Visited: Late Saturday Night (3/16/2008)Location:  615 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606 (Map)(Link)Phone: 312-377-2002Fine dining goes late night with a unique menu of small and large plates offering options for everyone at a lower cost than most fine dining restaurants.Deeper Insights:After flying into Chicago for

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-10916154561380481422008-03-27T21:59:00.000-07:002008-04-01T15:51:11.295-07:00

Reviewed by Danny WalkerMy BBQ Standard – Baby Blues BBQ – *New Standard* Visited: Monday night, 3/10/08 (have also been here several times in the past)Location: 444 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 (eastside corner of Lincoln and Sunset Ave.)(map)(link)Phone: 310-396-7675Small, unpretentious Westside joint brings authentic Southern BBQ in a laid-back environment.Deeper InsightsBaby Blues offers

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-5627703764850202382008-03-26T01:45:00.000-07:002008-04-10T00:55:05.038-07:00

America’s past-time and water-cooler talk in early spring seems to have transformed from Major League Baseball Opening Day and March Madness to American Idol. Of course, that may be because I now work in an office with about 15 women and 3 or 4 guys. It took betting, but a recent office pool (we don’t do NCAA brackets, but American Idol brackets in my office) has drug me into this world and I

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-55932377282392454102008-03-24T23:30:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:20:32.188-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithReviewed on 03/24/08My Rap Music Standard – 2pac – Me Against the WorldThe aging rapper is, not unexpectedly, nowhere where he used to be, but The Doggfather is still much more listenable then a lot of other current rappers.Release Date: 3/11/2008Executive Producer: Snoop DoggOther Producers: DJ Quik, The Neptunes, Rick Rock, Everlast, Teddy Riley, and more.Guest

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-61349034898501504122008-03-24T00:11:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:20:13.729-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Current TV Comedy Standard – “How I Met Your Mother”My All-Time TV Comedy Standard – “Seinfeld”Airs: ABC – Thursdays, 8 p.m/7 p.m. Central time and 8:30 p.m./7:30 p.m. Central time All episodes also viewable at abc.comA grade-A lead performance cannot overcome an uneven tone and familiar plots that should be sent to detention.Length: 30 minutesGenre:

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-49281038118791185542008-03-21T21:16:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:19:59.790-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff Walker and Danny WalkerMy Casual Dining Standard – Truxton’s American Bistro (Westchester)Visited: Thursday night (3/20/08)Locations: 185 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293-7659 (between Culver Place and Esplanade St.)(map)(link)Phone: 310-823-6222  Other Locations: 2518 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)Phone: 310-449-1171Solid, but unspectacular burgers cannot

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-32113903563986353552008-03-20T00:48:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:19:37.273-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Comedy Movie Standard – Old SchoolViewed on: 2/25 and again on 2/29Sticking to the formula of “Will Ferrell as ________,” this comedy about the final season of the ABA, while not a classic, is still a comedy that will make you laugh.Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000 from Outkast), Andy Richter and Maura TierneyRating/Length: R / 1

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-70862826019749186562008-03-18T13:10:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:19:18.582-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Casual Dining Standard – Truxton’s American Bistro (Westchester)Visited: Friday afternoon (3/14/08)Location: 720 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 (in Edge section of Plaza El Segundo) (map)(link)Phone: 310-535-0025Other Location: 4213 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 (University Center) (map)Phone: 949-509-0003A healthy alternative to the typical casual restaurant, The

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-38691761152619510872008-03-14T02:46:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:18:52.801-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Ultra Lounge Standard – The Park (Sacramento)Visited: Saturday Night (2/23/08)Location: 908 15th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 (map)(link)The owners of Cabana Nightclub and Ink Eats and Drinks combine to offer a unique and satisfying upscale experience in a space barely large enough for a “hole in the wall” bar.Deeper Insights:First of all, I must commend Dream for making

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-24627014942821899592008-03-13T11:24:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:18:26.990-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff and Danny WalkerMy Club Standard – Tryst (Las Vegas)Last visited: Saturday night (1/20/08)Visited half dozen times on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays over past two yearsLocation: 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 (inside Caesars Palace)(map)(link)Phone: 702-731-7873Once the crown jewel of the Vegas club scene, Pure still attracts celebrities and generates a good time,

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-43630971147963150232008-03-11T01:27:00.000-07:002008-04-23T01:03:33.394-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Bar Standard – Busby’s (Santa Monica)My Club Standard – Tryst (Las Vegas)Visited: Saturday night (2/9/2008)Location: 5364 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)(link)Lacks the charm of its Santa Monica sibling, but offers a more club-like experience and at a smaller cost than the usual Hollywood hotspots.Deeper Insights:Busby’s East will never be the Hollywood “it

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-36214796055522769492008-03-10T03:28:00.000-07:002008-03-27T02:17:49.319-07:00

Reviewed by Jeff WalkerMy Bar Standard – Busby’s (Santa Monica) Visited: Thursday, February 14th, 2008Location: 1519 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map) (link)This sophisticated Santa Monica sports bar lacks a dance floor and any tangible excitement, but attracts a quality crowd looking to meet up, chat and have a good time.Deeper Insights:Valentine’s Day night isn’t exactly the best

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-21675213179642801352008-03-07T00:58:00.000-08:002008-03-27T02:17:33.256-07:00

Reviewed by Steven FrithMy Movie Standard - MementoViewed On: February 22, 2008Vantage Point was a very unique idea that had tremendous potential, but while entertained, I left wondering what could have been.Starring: Dennis Quaid, Forest Whitaker, Matthew Fox, and Sigourney WeaverRating/Length: PG-13 / 1 hour 30 minutesDirected By: Pete Travis (no major previous direction that I could find)

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-35114612154242290472008-03-04T13:59:00.000-08:002008-04-23T01:02:54.418-07:00

Reviewed by Danny WalkerMy Fine Dining Standard - Baleen - **New Standard**Visited: February 7th, 2008Location: 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (in the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club) (map) (link)Unpretentious South Bay fine dining featuring finer views and a quality surf and turf menu.Deeper Insights:Baleen is a great setting for a business meeting or an intimate date with your

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-64628885440337370532008-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:002008-03-27T02:16:35.225-07:00

Reviewed by: Jeff WalkerMy Club Standard – Tryst (Las Vegas)Visited: Saturday, December 15th, 2007Location: Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, near Flight Bar (map) (link)Unless you’re paying for bottle service, a generic lounge at LAX (the airport) is preferable to a night out here.Deeper Insights:It’s a risk naming a club after an airport, since the immediate connotations are long lines, cramped space

My Social Standardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10055996094277922056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732957714099544226.post-47149603855296061402008-03-02T22:54:00.000-08:002008-03-27T02:15:33.015-07:00

Stop wasting your time and money. When it comes to bars, restaurants, movies, and other parts of your social life, a lot of other sites feature generic editorial reviews that lack details. User-contributed reviews are dominated with negativity from a bad experience or over hyped statements from people who likely got a hook-up or simply hooked up with somebody – like you care! We will give you as

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