Sunday, June 29, 2025
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
APA 2025 in LA: Walking, Posters, and City Sounds
APA 2025 in LA: Walking, Posters, and City Sounds
From May 17–20, I was in Los Angeles for the 2025 American Psychiatric Association conference. My colleagues and I presented two posters — one on racial-ethnic disparities in tobacco treatment referrals, and another on lifestyle change around tobacco use in low-income outpatient settings. Not a lot to say about the conference itself — some good talks and a lot of walking.
What Stood Out
The talks I found most interesting were on lifestyle and integrative medicine. I like hearing people talk about treating illness by looking at the whole person — not just symptoms. Those sessions gave me something to think about.
The City at Night
After full days of talks and posters, I enjoyed walking around downtown LA at night. One night, I had a drink at the Golden Gopher, a bar just across the street from the hotel. It’s been around forever and still has that kind of vintage, downtown feel. Definitely a cool spot to wind down.
Where I Stayed
We stayed at the Freehand Hotel, an old building from the 1920s that’s been redone into a stylish spot downtown. It was clean, really well decorated, and the staff were great. We valeted the car and walked about a mile to the LA Convention Center every morning — a good way to start the day, even if we were up before the sun.
Each night, I slept with the curtains open. I liked hearing the sounds of the city — traffic, voices, occasional music — and the glow of LED lights from nearby buildings lighting up the room a little. It was calming, in a weird LA way.
Back Home
The conference was solid, if a little underwhelming. What stayed with me the most was seeing so many younger folks fired up to help others, and the way more experienced people have clearly done a lot of self-work to keep doing what they do.
Still, the highlight of coming home was getting back to Ms. Lucky, my African grey parrot and housemate. Her chatter beats panel discussions every time.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Echoes & Distortions: A Modern Grunge & New Wave Fusion
Echoes & Distortions: A Modern Grunge & New Wave Fusion
It’s been a day of research, long notes, and finding patterns in the noise. My brain’s been in the past—patient stories, public health timelines, tracing behaviors and data. So when I finally hit play, I want the opposite. No more rehashing the golden oldies. I want now. I want what’s next.
So I made a rule: only music from 2020 forward.
No more leaning on nostalgia to feel something; well mostly but with some exceptions for sure! I want the sound of people making art in the same world I’m working and living in. Gritty, strange, new, alive and hopefully like me.
Right now, it’s a lot of synths and distortion. Gloomy post-punk, dreamlike grunge, and the kind of vocals that sound like they’ve seen some things. If it’s raw, moody, and weird in a beautiful way—it’s on the list.
Because I’m not trying to relive anything. I’m just trying to live.
"Echoes & Distortions: A Modern Grunge & New Wave Fusion"
1. Softcult – "Haunt You Still"
Canadian duo blending grunge with shoegaze and riot grrrl influences.
2. Julie – "Clairbourne Practice"
LA-based trio delivering 'foreboding nostalgia' with fuzzy guitars and lo-fi vocals.
3. Return to Dust – "Belly Up"
LA grunge band with heavy Alice in Chains influences.
4. Loki's Folly – "Beaches and Peaches"
Sibling trio from Minneapolis channeling youthful rebellion with a grunge-punk flair.
5. The Dare – "Girls"
Electroclash act reviving indie sleaze with a mix of '90s grunge and '80s opulence.
6. Thou – "I Feel Nothing When You Cry"
Louisiana band blending sludge-metal with Seattle grunge aesthetics.
7. Walt Disco – "Pearl"
Glam rock meets new wave with theatrical flair.
8. I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME – "GLOOM DIVISION"
Synth-pop with a dark twist, echoing new wave sensibilities.
9. Conan Gray – "Found Heaven"
Synthpop artist delivering polished new wave-inspired tracks.
10. Modern English – "Long in the Tooth"
Veteran new wave band returning with fresh material.
Friday, May 2, 2025
Aquanote – Only Aquanote - Only _ Label: Naked Music Recordings
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Friday Field Notes (with a Soundtrack)
Friday Field Notes (with a Soundtrack):
It’s one of those days where I’m deep in research—interviews, survey data, and the usual suspects of public health puzzles—but the real secret to focus? A playlist that bridges the gap between my old favorites and my current vibe.
Think grunge grit meets new wave cool—distorted guitars tangled with synthy melancholy. If the track sounds like it belongs in a smoky '90s basement show or playing over a moody montage in a neon-lit Berlin club, it made the list.
Today’s energy is equal parts caffeine, critical thinking, and a little nostalgia with an edge. Because sometimes data hits harder with the right song behind it.
Happy Friday.
"New Wave Nostalgia Meets Grunge Revival" – Playlist
1. Nation of Language – “This Fractured Mind”
(Synth-driven, melancholic, very ‘80s echo.)
2. Drab Majesty – “Too Soon to Tell”
(Dreamy, moody, and gothy.)
3. Molchat Doma – “Sudno (Boris Ryzhy)”
(Coldwave/post-punk with Soviet-era vibes.)
4. Boy Harsher – “Give Me a Reason”
(Dark, pulsing synth and sultry vocals.)
5. Desire – “Tears from Heaven”
(Dramatic and retro with cinematic flair.)
6. Gustaf – “Book”
(Chaotic, sarcastic post-punk energy.)
7. Dry Cleaning – “Scratchcard Lanyard”
(Deadpan vocal delivery with wiry guitars.)
8. Fontaines D.C. – “Jackie Down the Line”
(Irish post-punk with brooding intensity.)
9. Wednesday – “Bull Believer”
10. Momma – “Speeding 72”
(Sonic Youth vibes, but polished and catchy.)
11. Big Thief – “Not”
(Grunge-tinged indie rock with soul-ripping lyrics.)
12. Black Country, New Road – “Concorde”
(Experimental, poetic, cinematic crescendo.)
13. Yard Act – “The Trapper’s Pelts”
(Sardonic storytelling over minimal groove.)
14. Just Mustard – “Still”
(Irish noise-pop with shoegaze gloom and menace.)
15. Deeper – “This Heat”
(Fast-paced, new wave-tinged post-punk.)
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Blue Six – Pure_ Naked Music Recordings
Blue Six – Pure_ Naked Music Recordings
Blue Six – Pure
Label: Naked Music Recordings – NM008
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 2000
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Deep House
A1 Pure (Mig's Petalpusher Vocal) 7:02
A2 Pure (Jay's Original Vocal) 4:30
B1 Pure (Aquanote Tidal Mix) 6:50
B2 Pure (Jay's Undercover Dub) 6:45
Monday, April 7, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
San Francisco: A Trip of Presentation, Nostalgia, and Reflection
San Francisco: A Trip of Presentation, Nostalgia, and Reflection
San Francisco has always been a city close to my heart, but this trip added a new layer of memories. I was there for the Society of Behavioral Medicine's annual meeting to co-present a poster titled, "Improving Tobacco Treatment Engagement: Understanding Community Factors." It was an amazing experience—the poster was well-received, and the conference itself was an inspiring gathering of brilliant minds committed to making a difference.
While I was immersed in the conference, my best friend Reina and her daughter Azul joined me in the city. They had some bonding time while I attended the sessions, and we also got to explore San Francisco together. Our adventures included strolling through Haight-Ashbury, visiting Aunt Charlie’s, and enjoying the breathtaking views from the lounge at the top of the Hilton in Mission Square.
A stop at Amoeba Music was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I used to shop for used vinyl there years ago (late 90s and early 2000s), and while the vibe of the store still felt familiar, I was floored by how expensive vinyl has become! Despite the prices, I couldn’t resist picking up a few treasures to add to my collection.
San Francisco, however, felt bittersweet this time around. The city is grappling with visible struggles—many people unhoused, barely surviving on the streets. Open drug use was heartbreaking to witness, and the lack of basic necessities like public restrooms made the situation even more dire. It’s a reminder that while providing food is essential, we also need to think holistically about human dignity and health. A restroom may not seem like much, but it’s a necessity tied to nature itself.
I also made a nostalgic visit to the building that used to house Diva’s, a club where I was a resident DJ and bartender. It’s now The Living Church with a psilocybin mushroom bar—only in San Francisco would that transformation seem natural! It was comforting to see the building being maintained, even though it’s no longer the same.
The plane rides were a nice touch to the journey (getting somewhere is half the fun!!). I had a window seat both ways and enjoyed capturing takeoffs and landings on video—it’s the kind of simple thrill I always look forward to. And as wonderful as the trip was, there’s nothing like coming home. Reuniting with my friend Lucky reminded me that sometimes, the best part of traveling is returning to the familiar comforts of home.
SFO
SAN
"I missed you Lucky" !!! 💚
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