Under Da Radar: BBC 2 - The Trip

This month, BBC 2 introduced The Trip, a new six part comedy series starring Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder, The Other Guys) and Welsh actor/comedian Rob Brydon. The two play themselves and set out on a road trip in North of England reviewing 6 restaurants for the Observer.

Aside from writing and producing Steve and Rob repertoire includes an array of great impressions including Michael Caine, James Bond (Connery, Moore, Brosnan), Liam Neeson and Stephen Hawking. Expect the US release sometime in 2011 by IFC Films.






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New Trailer! Your Highness - Spring 2011

Once again, the comedy gods appear to come through next year by dropping Your Highness starring Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel. Set in a middle age/fantasy period, McBride plays Thadeous, an arrogant lazy prince along with brother, Fabious ( Franco), set off on an epic journey to save Fabious’ bride (Deschanel) and their father's kingdom. Natalie Portman plays a hot warrior princess who is also the Thadeous’ love interest.

Directed by David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Eastbound and Down) the film is set to be released on April 8, 2011. Props to Ms. Portman for a money medieval thong scene.






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In Memoriam: Grand Master Ben Largusa (1926-2010)

Kali Grandmaster Ben Largusa was laid to eternal rest October 3, 2010. Ben was the first man to bring Kali into the United States public arena. At the 1964 Ed Parker International Karate Championships held in Long Beach, California, he gave America its first demonstration of Kali. Also in attendance were numerous martial artists from around the world, including Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, and Jhoon Rhee.

Born on Kauai, Hawaii in 1926, Grandmaster Largusa’s first exposure to Kali came when as a toddler, he watched the Filipino men in his hometown of Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii practice with the sticks.

Although his Filipino Martial Arts training began under his father who exposed him to the basics of Kali, his first formal instruction came from Master Augustine, an Eskrimador.  In 1945, his study in the art came to a temporary halt when he joined the United States Army. While in the service, he trained in a variety of styles including judo and boxing.

When he returned to Kauai in 1951, he was fortunate enough to become a student of Grandmaster Floro Villabrille. At 25 years old, Largusa trained one on one with Villabrille, who was still in his prime at 39 years old, for 7 unbroken years. At the onset of his training, Grandmaster Villabrille had him promise to never teach anyone else other than his own sons the deadly art of Kali. At the time, few people had ever heard of Kali. It was a closely guarded secret that was passed on from teacher to student and father to son. Only the students deemed loyal were taught the art and it was never taught to non-Filipinos. He left for mainland in 1958 but remained in close touch with Villabrille and trained with him whenever the opportunity arose.

Largusa’s genius became apparent when he systemized and broke-down Villabrille’s fighting techniques, and put into place theories and philosophies that comprise the art. He explains that Villabrille “was greatest influence in my life because he opened my eyes to many things, allowing me to observe, analyze and finally modify things for the better.” It is for this reason that the art is known today as the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System. As the years passed, he saw the need to perpetuate Villabrille’s teachings and to promote a part of the Filipino heritage. With Villabrille’s blessing, he began teaching a select group of students privately in his home in South San Francisco, California in 1969. The first generation included his sons Lindsey Largusa and Jerry Largusa, Greg Lontayao, Mel Lopez, Tony Lamadora, Greg Rojas, Kaohu Cummings, Ted Fidel and Rick Reyes. As Floro Villabrille’s foremost student, Ben Largusa was personally chosen as his successor to the Villabrille Kali System. In 1972, Villabrille bestowed upon Largusa the rank of Tuhan (Master) of the Villabrille Kali System.

In 1973, the Largusa School of Kali, in South San Francisco, California, was formally opened. It was the first school to teach Kali to the public. Later that year, the Kali Association of America was formed as the governing body of the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System of which all member schools fall under.

In 1981, Grandmaster Villabrille presented Tuhan Ben Largusa the Conveyance of Life Interest, which gives him the exclusive right, license and authority to continue to use the name of the Floro Villabrille School of Kali in perpetuating and promoting the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System.

Upon Grandmaster Villabrille’s death in 1992, Tuhan Ben Largusa succeeded him as Grandmaster of the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System. In 1994, Largusa named Professor Mel Lopez as his successor and bestowed upon him the rank of Tuhan (Master) of the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System. In keeping with Grandmaster Villabrille’s wishes, the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System has only one Grandmaster and one Master.

He is preceded in death by his son, Lane and is survived by his wife, Philomena, daughter, Lois and sons, Jerry and Lindsey. -Kali Association of America

Our love and condolences to Auntie Phily, Auntie Lois, Uncles Jerry and Lindsey and the ohana here in the mainland and Hawaii.  Please feel free to send your condolences here.

We'll miss you Uncle Ben!! -Omar & Tim

Watch another legend Dan Inosanto perform the Kali arts.

Here is an excerpt from Dan Inosanto's book - The Filipino Martial Arts (1980), on Grandmaster Largusa's legacy.

Ben Largusa separates himself from the title of Escrima master. He is a man of Kali, the older Filipino art. Kali is the source from which all Escrima styles developed.

"Escrima, Arnis, Sikaran, Silat, Kuntao, Kaliradman, Kalirongan an Pagkalikali are all phases of Kali," says Largusa, "but Kali is the mother or ancestral art. These phases are all part of our training."

"Ben Largusa is a master because of his skill and knowledge," says Dan Inosanto. "If you don't know him, it's hard to draw anything personal out of him, but movement wise - can't touch him."

Largusa gets his movement from his instructor, Floro Villabrille, the most commonly repeated name among the Escrimadors in Stockton. Villabrille lives in Hawaii and Largusa, who was born on Kauai, studied under him for six unbroken years in the fifties. He has maintained contact with him to become his foremost protégé.

Largusa now has a school in South San Francisco with a system of ranking and a curriculum that is geared to span three years. If the student is active and learns what he is taught, he may then qualify to teach. According to Largusa, it is the first time Kali has been organized commercially and the school has Villabrille's blessing.

A class in Kali at Largusa's school begins with "Orascion" or meditation and a kind of non-partisan prayer. Largusa makes a point of saying that neither the prayer nor the meditation are used to teach any brand of religion.

"I just teach the basics and they communicate whatever they want," he says. "If you're a Christian, they you communicate with the heavenly Father. If you're not a Christian, then you communicate with whatever you believe, supernatural spirit or spirit of light. It is the spirit of giving that is exercised in this meditation. You have to be humble. You have to give before you can take, especially when you train."

After the orascion, beginners learn the 12 basic movements of Kali with a stick in each hand. Then they learn five variations or styles to each of those movements: "Numerado" style for infighting, "Literada" {otherwise called riterada or retreating style} for outside fighting, "Sumbrada" which is a fast-paced counter for counter style, and "Fraile" and "Cabisedario" that are combinations of the previous styles. The double sticks may be round or flattened to resemble a sword. The flattened sticks serve as a reminder that Kali is adaptable to any kind of weapon, bladed or blunted, and one edge of the flattened stick is used like a blade. Using a stick in each hand helps the student develop his weak side by immediately relating it to the movements of his strong side. He in effect becomes ambidextrous with his weapons and by shortening his weapon, he soon learns that the art works just as well empty-handed. All in all, the training not only makes the person ambidextrous in terms of hand movements, but in terms of weaponry as well.

The Kali people often use the circle to organize their hand and foot movements. A defending Kali man, for instance, may step around his opponent to position himself in "safety zones." These safety zones are places where the opponent has either not had time to gain momentum in his strike, a zone that would jam his strike before it begins, or where his strike has reached the end of its motion.

The end of every movement in Kali is the beginning of another movement. "DeCadena" or chain-like movements where each is connected to the next is what gives Kali its fluidity.

According to Largusa's descriptions, the basic concepts of defense in Kali have three elements: the parry, the safety factor and the killing blow. The parry is the motion that deflects the opponent's strike. The safety factor is the checking motion that holds the opponent's striking hand in place after a strike has been deflected. The killing blow is the counterstrike, but it may occur after the parry and safety factor or during either one. The Kali men train to be able to insert the killing blow or counterstrike at any time in the clash.

"Killing blow" may be a misnomer because, according to Largusa, the ultimate philosophy in Kali (at least as he practices it) is to discourage, not injure, and to spare life, not take it.

"If we wanted to kill the person," says Largusa, "if we were convinced that our lives were threatened, then we would go to the vital area, the head, to the mind or its supporters, the lung or heart. But the ultimate in Kali training is when you can spare a man's life. Only then have you learned the purpose of Kali training."

"A rattlesnake can kill, right? If you take off the fangs, it still looks deadly, but it cannot kill. In Kali," says Largusa, "a hand is considered a fang. If you take away the hands , it cannot pick up a gun or a weapon and kill you. People who are not familiar with Kali see us strike to the hands and say it's not deadly, but they don't realize until they learn Kali how deadly it is and why we strike to the hands."

While explaining his concept of training the students to strike the hand, Largusa also demonstrates how easily the target may be adjusted when necessary. Since the hand is smaller and more elusive than the head or body, it would seem that training against the hand for a target would only sharpen a student's accuracy. In incidents such as defending against a nunchaku with a stick, the hands actually move much slower than the weapon and, therefore, are easier to hit. Seeing the kind of speed possible in both Escrima and Kali, some might wonder if trying to follow the hand wouldn't be dangerous thing to do in any kind of combat. How so you follow five strikes that take place almost simultaneously if you're trying to follow them each time? This is where Largusa brings out the concept of the rhythm triangles in Kali.

"It has been proven in boxing," he says, "that the hands are faster than the eye. If you shoot six darts at me at once, I can't defend against each one, so I treat them as one dart. If you throw three of four punches at me fast, I treat them as one punch. They are only one point of your rhythm triangle. Once you understand the theory of the rhythm triangle, you can understand these movements."

The triangle, like the circle, is a key to understanding Kali. The rhythm triangle is pictures with the mind at the top of the triangle and the hands feet at the other two corners. Knock out any one of them and you've seriously hampered, if not completely negated the opponent's ability to fight. The mind here is at the top because it affects both the hands and feet.

Another example of the triangle explaining a principle of Kali is the "internal triangle."

"The internal triangle is pictured like the rhythm triangle," says Largusa. "The mind is at the top. On one side is 'ki,' the seat of internal strength, and on the other side is the point of contact. If you hit the back of the feet, the ki will weaken. Like the old saying, kill the bark and the tree will die. This is the same process.

"Without this spiritual and mental aspect one moves mechanical, like a robot, no feeling and no meaning. Orascion {meditation} is very important because it makes the mind stronger. It develops the fighting spirit, what we call plain old 'guts.' Now with Kali spiritual training, one doesn't have to be born with guts, it can be developed."

The highest level of Kali training then would be the universal triangle. Here the supernatural spirit is at the top, communicated with by orascion. The practitioner and his opponent are on the bottom corners.

Supernatural spirits, sticks and blades, fighting with weapons and empty hands - all of this leads to the inevitable question, always asked off to the side. Does anyone ever get hurt? Largusa says he has never received any injury in all his years of training. They keep injuries at a minimum in his school by teaching "slow training," a theory related to the yin and yang of Kung Fu or Karate.

"Our philosophy," he says, "is soft but hard, hard but soft. When you train slowly, speed comes automatically. With soft training, hardness comes automatically. We have very slow training in the beginning so they can correct the finer points and develop finesse. When we go fast, we use either the light rattan stick or the plastic baseball bat and go to the non-vital areas such as the trunk and between the joints to prevent injuries."

Largusa's school now has just under 40 students who are slowly working their way up the ladder of the ranks. When they're ready for a promotion, Largusa gives them a test. The test includes "sayaw," the dance form that kept Escrima and Kali hidden from the Spaniards in the Philippines. Largusa teaches 20 or more sayaws that the students are supposed to be at random either to the beat of a drum or with their own imagined rhythm. Within the sayaws are the 12 basic movements of Kali as well as all the defensive movements, counters, strikes and footwork patterns.

He also teaches sets, similar to Kata in Karate but labels them into two categories: planned and freestyle. The planned set is as it sounds with the movements planned in sequence, mainly for the beginners. The freestyle set, However, employs anything the student has learned and is more similar to shadowboxing.

All considered, Largusa's school is probably the most organized and commercial Filipino arts academy found in the United States. To some Escrimadors, commercializing a school for the public use means that the art is being watered down and "frozen" to keep it organized and palpable to the public consumption. But people who have seen Largusa's students work, and particularly Largusa himself, always seem to come to the same conclusion: "You can't hit 'em with a 10-foot pole." That's got to say something.

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Da' Original: Let the Right One In (2008)

It was only a matter of time before a remake of a truly special film was developed for an American version. Let the Right One is a Swedish vampire film released in 2008 that tells a story of a bullied 12-year old boy who befriends a female vampire child in a suburb of Stockhlom.

The story is mainly focused on the relationship that forms between two pre-teens as opposed to a more lustful violence of vampire lore.

Based on the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist (who also wrote the screenplay) and starring then 11-year-olds Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson; two child actors who were chosen after a year long search.



Check out the props(2:48) Slum Dog Millionaire director Danny Boyle gives to the film followed by the original trailer.

The film received widespread international critical acclaim and won numerous International and American film awards. Rotten Tomatoes hooked it up with a 97%"fresh" rating. If you haven't seen the Swedish version, see it now on Netflix or DVD.

The American version titled Let Me In will be released October 1 and stars Chloe Moretz of Kick Ass fame.


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Da' Opinion- Cheaters never win

Sophocles was known to have said, "I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating." Unfortunately, many who online game do not follow the ancient Greek's words. Within the Call of Duty/Modern Warfare community, the act of "Boosting" is when a player joins a game, invites their friend into the game to meet in a remote location and begin killing each other to obtain quicker points, weapons and rank. Once they reach 25 kills, a player calls in a Tactical Nuke Killstreak ending the game (quickly sometimes), depriving honest players of points and rewards.

Although frowned upon by many players, Developer Infinity Ward allows boosting. Yet, some players make it a hobby to stop boosters such as sandyravage, bobgodz, kpopp and Poland's ps3houseMPDL.

These booster slayers have gained popularity with up to a million YouTube views and thousands of subscribers. They're fun to watch as they locate cheaters within remote areas of a map and begin putting the smack down. In response, some cheaters will send nasty messages or drop out of a game completely. And added bonus is hearing the barage of curses or the pleads for the booster slayers to stop.

All in all, it sure makes for some good down time.


At 3:01, Prisoner36 drops the riot shield annoyance.

ps3HouseMDL laying it down...

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Making Da' Rounds- OK Go's "End Love"

Once again, Chitown's OK Go brings another zany, creative, teletubby-inspired work out video that shows how whiteboys can dance (cos of post-production yo!).

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E3 2010 Trailer- Star Wars: The Old Republic

Another goodie from the folks at E3, a LucasArts cinematic trailer of Bioware's first MMORPG- Star Wars: The Old Republic ( release date 2011).

The chick appears to be Satele Shan, who later becomes the Grand Master of the Jedi Order. Exchanging blows is Darth Malgus, the Sith Lord that led a surprise attack on planet Alderaan.

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Making Da' Rounds: Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

E3 2010 brought da funk with the latest update on a classic game. Sick graphics, full of color and sick super and ultra moves, gamers worldwide will be jizzinderpants Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Worlds.


Looks as fun as the original with a more penciled look as if the characters are jumping right out of comic book.


Revil in this crazy ass game that includes everyone from Captain America and Deadpool to Dante of Devil May Cry and Chris Redfield from Resident Evil. Get a taste!

And how damn fab is the promotional shirts and posters that they were swagging out at E3...look for these mofos on Ebay...

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Live Action Short: Mortal Kombat- Rebirth

According to Latino Review the short is a test for a potential R-rated film reboot of the video game franchise.

Created by Director Kevin Tancharoen (Fame) and includes a cast of famous characters Jax, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Baraka and Scorpion.

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Beat of Da' Week- Superstition

In May of 2002, Ol' Dubya proclaimed the month of June to be Black Music Month.

The vast contributors of African American talent are immeasurable and have helped to shape and define musical genres worldwide. Take part in this celebration to learn and perhaps hear something new. What better way to kick it off than with Stevie Wonder's classic Superstition.

The song was written, produced, arranged, and performed by the 22 year old phenom for Motown Records in 1972. It is listed at #74 as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone Magazine. Check out the live performance at Big Birds crib. Funk at its finest!

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Making the Rounds: Switch - A Short Film

The first thing I really enjoyed about my first visit to Savannah, Ga. was the historic town's ordinance that allows people to drink alcoholic beverages on the streets in a cups.

The second was bar hopping and toasting drinks with the creative minds of Savannah College of Arts and Design .

Enjoy Tyson Hesse's recent thesis Switch.

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Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage

For you rock fans out there comes a story of one the greatest bands of our time. Since it founding in 1968, Rush continues to sell out concerts to legions of fans that never tire of their unique progressive sound. They have been influences to such bands as Metallica, Foo Fighters and The Smashing Pumpkins. The story of this great band will be told in Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage released on DVD June 29; the launch date of their 2010 Welcome Tour.

If you've never listened to or seen Rush, now is the time.

Geddy Lee: 6 time winner: "Best Rock Bass" - Guitar Player Magazine
Alex Lifeson: 2 time winner,4 runner up "Best Rock Guitarist" - Guitar Player Magazine
Neal Peart: Best Rock Drummer: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2006, 2008
Best Multi-Percussionist: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 -Modern Drummer

Check out the trailer and legendary songs Working Man (1974) And Tom Sawyer (1981)









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Beat of Da' Week: Kidz in the Hall - Take over The World

Chicago's Kidz in The Hall comes through this month with their third album Land of Make Believe. For Kanye fans, this would peak an interest if your also a fan of 80's syntheized pop with a dash of Outkast. A fun start for your house party this weekend. Get a taste of Take over the World and JukeBox.

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R.I.P. Guru (1966-2010)

It was the summer of 1994, and after a few hours of b-ball at Lowell High School in San Francisco, O and I head to his car to hear the latest tracks he had picked up. "Yo, did you hear the new Gang Starr?" says O. I had heard Mass Appeal a few weeks before and felt foolish for being behind on one the best rap albums that year. Pac, Snoop and West Coast gangster rap ruled the scene that summer so it was nice to hear that traditional core East Coast hip-hop sound as opposed to guns shots and sirens. Looking back, I certainly appreciated Guru's fusioned efforts of jazz and hip-hop ( Jazzmatazz ) and his timeless mild and chilled vocals on inner city life and self-improvement. Countless Guru interviews portray an artist passioned to bring street knowledge, spirituality and musical craftmanship to the masses. No doubt, his music will live on for new generations of fans.

A few words from his fellow artists.

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Gaiking: The OG Super Robot Mecha

photo courtesy of Toys2Remember.com

Toy robots kick ass. We all know that. Especially for the late 70's-80's kid ages 7-11. The impact of Star Wars and Japanese robotic characters granted kids to be masters of their universes crafting fun action scenes together. Along with siblings and friends, make shift fortresses were created with whatever was at hand while arguing over toy selection.

These action scenes were then heightened through the catchy, monotone, pre-pubescent robotic noises that command authority and impact. The laser-like sounds and gigantic explosions come as natural as blowing bubblegum. I had the pleasure of owning an Ultraman, Maxmillin (Disney's Black Hole), a slew of Transformers and even a Go-Bot or two. Yet none, did more damage than my 2ft. tall Shogun Warrior (SW) Gaiking. I only had one SW cause I had no idea there were two others nor really cared to ask. I simply focused on kicking and smashing all miniscule action figures to bit.

As I'm sure many of you can appreciate (especially the 30-somethings), the action heroes we held and breathed life into in our homes continue to make their way onto the big screen. I was pleased to see ol Gaiking arise this week. Despite losing all his missles, and eventually making room for my toy Godzilla. Gaiking was a memorable homeboy.

And as for that Gaiking teaser...

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Beat of Da' Week: Wu-Tang feat. Alicia Keys - Our Dreams

Today's release of Wu-Massacre drops Our Dreams featuring Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and Alicia Keys. Tight!!!

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Beat of Da Week: Iration -Turn Around

The summer season is right around the corner and we're recommending a lil' ditty for your pool party playlist. With their second album released this month, Isla Vista's Iration brings that reggae dub-rock sound reminiscent of Sublime. Started in southern cal with roots from Waimea, Hawaii. Iration's following will continue to grow as they produce more feel good sounds. From their album Time Bomb, fill your ears with Turn Around.

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It's not a trap y'all!

Students at Ole Miss (Univ. of Mississippi) will vote to replace their long time mascot with Admiral Ackbar - the Supreme Commander of the Rebel Alliance fleet. The university has been without a mascot for a few years after an adminstration firing of the previous confedrate mascot Ol Reb. Famously known for "It's a trap!", Admiral Akbar led the Rebel forces at the Battle of Endor. With the force behind him, the Admiral's movement even has a website, Twitter and Facebook account.




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Beat of Da Week: Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love

A really good track that's been picking up more steam since it's release last summer. With an obvious foriegn sound that you can't help move to, musician and producer Edward Maya represents Romania with Stereo Love.




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Beat of Da' Week: CunninLynguists - Hypnotized

Bringin it to you from Lexington, Kentucky and Atlanta, Georgia; Deacon The Villain, Kno, and Natti are CunninLynguists.

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