Congrats all around!

This is the view from my apt once again. On clear nights, the Shinjuku skyline is really nice. The Empire State look-a-like in the center is the Docomo Tower. If and when we move from this apt, I will miss the view, that's for sure. But wait! This is a happy post, let's get to the happiness!

That's right folks. Man in Tokyo is 1 year old! My first post was on August 2nd, 2006. Congrats to me! I made it one year without stopping. I started this thing with a lot of encouragement from my City Sis. So of course...a big shout out to her! To all the kind people that spend some of their time to read this, thank you. Still not exactly sure what the point of this thing is, but I hope to be able to stick 2 candles in something someday! While we are making announcements.

* Congrats to my Country Sis and her family! They welcomed a new daughter to their ever expanding family. I got a new niece on the 4th of August. Can't wait to meet her in Nov.

* An early HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother! August 7th is his big day. I won't be able to make it back to see you for this one. Good luck on your tour! If any of you readers are in Europe and you like hardcore. My brother will be going on tour with Bane. Click HERE if you want to have your head kicked in by some live hardcore loudness.

Ok...that's enough congrats to last me a long while. Let's get back down to business. Last week I informed you that I made a big non-sneaker purchase. Now is the time for the big reveal.

That's right people, I bought an Xbox 360. It was one of the more difficult choices in my life. I knew I needed to upgrade, but I was not sure which direction to go in. Other times in my life I had no doubt. My 5th system was the most difficult to decide on. I have been a game player all my life. I still have fond memories of buying my first Sega Master System.

For more picks click HERE. Back in the day, It was my first big purchase. I remember walking out of Kay-Bee Toys a very happy boy. I played the hell out of After Burner,

Alex Kidd,

and many more. (Outrun, Zillion, Double Dragon, Sonic, etc...) My brother and I played a lot. (Mind you, we were also active outdoors: BMX, basketball, wiffle-ball) And just in case you were wondering, I had both the gun and the 3D glasses. This was just my first entry into the video game world. I never got down with the Nintendo, besides Mario of course. Much later I got the Sony PlayStation 1 and 2. I loved them. They satisfied me very well. So, why did I jump ship you ask? Good question!

What you see above are 2 good reasons. I thought long and hard about which system to go with, Xbox or PS3. And as you see, I went with the new boy on the block. I have been dying to play Forza and Table Tennis. Both of these games are NOT available on the PS3. Gran Turismo (on the PlayStation) served me well, but I thought it was time to move on. I'm not sure what GT thought. (Not that I care.) So far, I am very pleased with my choice.

The Rockstar Table Tennis game is pretty amazing. I wouldn't say its JUST like playing ping pong in real life, but it's pretty damn close. Do you know what's even better than playing the one player tournaments at home? Playing against my new friends online. Although I lose more than I win, it is a complete blast.

As for Forza...

Here is my first tricked out car. It is first generation Lancia Delta. So far the game is making me happy. I am not quite used to it all yet...but I am having fun.


Lastly, and for no reason at all...an in game shot of a vintage Porsche killing the competition.

I will keep you updated with the good times as they occur. Sadly, the purchase did put a large dent in my sneaker funds. It might be quite a while before I can pick up a new pair. But...that doesn't mean I have to stop thinking about them. Right now, these are my top two contenders.

[source]

or
[source]

I am leaning towards the brown ones. But I have yet to see them in the flesh. Let me know what you all think. I might just listen to your opinion! (Maybe)


Music

#1. As I have said before, 50 Cent ain't my favorite rapper ever. That being said...I can get down to some of his tracks. I am still loving that remix from a couple weeks back. Here is his new track "I get money".



Now...you might ask "When will this conspicuous consumption as art ever end?" Who knows? But, I think it's hilarious. Plus, does anyone else think it's strange he talks all about Ferrari Enzos and Jaguars in the video, but is surrounded by Lamborghinis? I will have to ask him if he knows the difference the next time I see him. And if you can't get down with the original, from Catchdubs comes a nice fix up of "I Get Money". It is somehow simpler and better. I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe it's cause I don't have to watch that video. Maybe? [via Catchdubs]


#2. This next one sounds like the best video game you've never played...at 140 BPM. Just picture Mario and Luigi getting their groove on. Watch out for the "Game Over" before everything goes into double speed! If I had any talent at all, I would be making a You Tube video for this right now. Sadly...I am only sharing it with you. It is a Switch remix of a Les Rythmes Digitales track "Jacques Your Body Make Me Sweat". [via Attorney St.]


#3. This track speaks to me. I am not sure why. Is it the slow heavy bass? The organ like twiddling? The old school hook from Gang Starr's track "Ex-Girl to the Next"? The smoothness of the MCs? Or is it all of the above? Click HERE to read a bit more about the track and listen to the track. [via The Fader]


#4. I don't have much info on this one. And...to be honest, I don't really need any. Neither should you. It is a hot-ass remix of Lil' Mama track "Lip Gloss". I don't think it could get any more fun. [via Palms Out]

BONUS TRACK. Holy goose bumps Batman. This thing killed me. It is ridiculously good. A bit of a slow start, but once it starts getting its groove on, you won't want it to stop. You must listen to Bjork's Timbaland produced track "Innocence" as remixed by Simian Mobile Disco. The synths are to die for. The beat just never stops. And Bjork floating above it all in the minor key...fantastic. [via Discobelle]

That's all for this week. See you next week!