The REAL Tupac

I came across a street the other day in Lima called Tupac Amaru. Of all the names in the world, I was a bit shocked to see this here in Lima. My mind had automatically placed the street name in conjunction with the only Tupac that was of any relevance in my mind, Tupac Shakur. Most of us in states are familiar with the name Tupac Amaru Shakur because of the legendary hip hop artist who is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. What many people fail to realize is that this famous figure in American hip hop culture is actually named after an even more notable hero here in Peru.

Tupac Amaru II was a revolutionary leader who led the indigenous uprising against the Spaniards in Peru. He fought for Peruvian independence and had a true passion for reform. I was reading a book recently that talked about his execution that took place in a Lima public square. The book stated that, “His tongue was torn out and he was pulled apart by horses until he looked like a spider; and this did not kill him. His hands and feet were then cut off, after which the various elements remaining of his body were put to flames.”

His death was a a significant moment in Peruvian history and his martyrdom helped many other groups to rise up against the Spanish throughout the Americas. To this day, there are other revolutionary groups in Latin America that have adopted his name/brand for their purposes in opposing oppressive regimes.

Knowing the history behind the original Tupac Amaru truly gave me insight; not only about a Peruvian hero but a true visionary. His name is deeply rooted into the culture of Peru and South America in general. The irony that such a recognizable name, could have two completely different correlations among various cultures is amazing. Both Tupac Amaru II and Tupac Amaru Shakur are legends in their own right. One was a historical figure whose impact was evident generations after, while the other was a leading voice in the culture of hip hop. The next time you hear the name Tupac Amaru, remember the history behind that name. It goes deep....

The NEW New York Knicks

By Christopher Ortiz

Close friend, sports enthusiast, & die-hard Knicks fan. 

Has anybody seen the New York Knicks this year? If not you must be living under a rock! Let’s take a brief moment and look back at the 2012 season for a moment shall we? The Knicks were a sub-par team playing in the MECCA of the basketball world and with an abysmal record of 9-15, they weren’t making any plans to be in the big dance come June. Granted the team had 2 perennial All-stars in Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, but due to bad chemistry and the injury bug; the Knicks fell short in the first round of the playoffs to the Miami Heat. Ok fast forward to the 2013 season, New York Knicks fans are on their feet, Madison Avenue is buzzing and the Garden is packed night in and night out with the emergence of the New "Look" Knicks.  With Carmelo taking the reigns as the true leader of this team and Tyson Chandler controlling the painted area with his defensive prowess; the Knicks look better than ever. 

Currently they are the 2^nd seed in the east with 31-15 record and are just a ½ game back behind the heat for the top spot. The Knicks are clicking on all cylinders and are currently riding a 5 game winning streak. The biggest contribution outside of Carmelo is the role Amare has taken over since coming back from injury. Taking a role off the bench, Amare provides a fire the team needs along with JR Smith and Steve “Novocain” Novak. With Iman Shumpert back from a knee injury that he suffered in last year’s playoffs, and the arrival of Father Time himself Jason Kidd; the Knicks have put themselves in prime position to make a run deep into June to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy and dethrone the Miami Heat.  

As a die-hard knick fan, I can only hope the Knicks continue this route and get better defensively as this may be their only Achilles heel. So I guess time will be our true judge… is this a phase or are these truly the NEW New York Knicks…… #KnicksTape

The Land of Reggaeton

Reggaeton is huge here in Lima. These are a few of the hottest tracks that I've come across. They play these songs non-stop. Enjoy. 

Week in Trujillo | Adjusting At The Beach

We were at Huanchaco Beach in Trujillo for 3 days adjusting all the pro surfers during the long board competition. Below are some pics of us at the beach setting up, adjusting, and hanging with some of the surfers. 

Dr. Chris, Dr. Lindz, Me, and Brandon

I think all the surfers were rocking some Beats by Dre

With Tony Silvagni

On these streets

King of Trujillo

Lunch at Big Ben

On set for a television show where Dr. Chris did an interview about Chiropractic care

Viva La Raya

 By Brandon Rennick
My buddy from Chiropractic school who I have been spending literally everyday with here in Lima. "Viva La Raya" was something that I learned about through him and I absolutely loved it. It's a movement that truly embodies the meaning of life. I wear a bracelet myself now. 

Viva La Raya is a philosophy of life. It is a phrase that translates to Live your dash.

 The dash that I’m speaking of is the one found on your tombstone between your birth date and your death date, and with all of its significance it is commonly overlooked… Yet, It signifies all that you have lived, loved, traveled, experienced, and all the amazing relationships you made along the way. It’s the definition of YOU. So to “live your dash” is to live your life to the absolute fullest, without regrets and to define yourself by the experiences you have had, the relationships you’ve made and the everlasting memories your journey created. So, “live your dash” each and every day of your life, because we are not promised tomorrow!

A Glimpse of Peru

A view of Miraflores from my buddy's apartment. 

La Lucha is a really good sandwich joint I went to. Tons of sauces and great papas fritas.

"Chicha Morada" - This is a really popular drink here in Peru that's made from purple corn, cinnamon, clove, and sugar.

"Picarones" - popular peruvian dessert that's served everywhere on the streets. Similar to a donut but they cover it with this syrup that complements it perfectly. 

Inca Kola - This is the Coca Cola of Peru. It's the staple soda here and tastes kind of like pineapple soda to me. 

Pisco Sour - You're not Peruvian until you have a pisco sour. It's also the national drink of Peru. 

Peruvian Soles

Everyone is a surfer out here. They say the beaches here have some of the best waves in the world. 

Fabolous | So NY | New Music Video

Fabolous

| So NY |

New Music Video

The Best Ceviche in El Mundo

I would say the signature dish in all of Peru is ceviche. For those of you who do not know, it's a Latin American dish made of up of raw fish and seafood that is marinated in citrus juice(lime & lemon). The fish is not actually cooked in heat, but rather in the acidity of the juices. Other ingredients can include onions, cilantro, and spiced chilies. I had my first taste of ceviche last week and it was absolutely amazing. I went to this cool restaurant in Surco called Pescado Original. 

There is no single recipe for ceviche, so there can be a million different varieties of it. Peruvian ceviche typically comes with a side of sweet potato, lettuce, and corn.  There are a lot of countries that claim to be the originators of ceviche BUT they say the most likely origin is Peru. You can find ceviche just about everywhere & anywhere here and it is muy rico. 

First Day in Lima

My first day in Lima was amazing. It was everything I expected and more. I live in a beautiful house in Surco, which is a district within Lima. The neighborhood is very nice, clean, and it is walking distance from Starbucks. Everything you see in the states is basically here. Peruvians must love Kentucky Fried Chicken because I see Colonel Sanders everywhere. There are also bodegas(corner stores) on every street and tons of pharmacies. The main supermarket chain here is called Wong, and I would say it is the Peruvian version of Wal-Mart.

I did a lot of exploring my first day with one of my roommates named Brandon, who also happens to be one of my buddies from Atlanta. He went to Chiropractic school with me at Life University and is currently doing his preceptorship/internship here in Lima for 3 months. We started the day off by going to a place called Polvos Rosado. This place is similar to a flea market, except you can get just about anything here.... literally, and for real cheap.

Larco Mar, Miraflores District

Later that night we went to Larco Mar which is a shopping megacomplex in the Miraflores district(only 15 mins from my house). It is probably the most popular tourist attraction in all of Lima. It has both indoor and outdoor areas which include restaurants, shops, a movie theater, bowling lanes, and a view unlike any. The entire complex is built into the cliffside and captures breathtaking views of the ocean. It is by far, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my entire life. Absolutely amazing. Everyone should put this place on their bucket list.

We walked the strip and hung out in Larco Mar for while before ending the night at Bembos for a quick bite to eat. Bembos is very popular fast food chain that is similar to Mcdonalds, with a Peruvian twist. The meat here is mixed with different spices which gives it a distinct look and taste. They also serve “Aji” which is a pepper based sauce on the side. I ordered a Huachana Cheeseburger Combo with a ton of Aji sauce on the side. I have no clue what all was on that burger I ate, but it was freaking good.

Thats all for now folks. I leave for Trujillo in northern Peru on Sunday to train for a week and be a part of the longboard qualifiying series compeition. This is a huge surfing event which is a part of the ASP (association of surfing professionals) and I will be adjusting tons of Pro Surfers from around the world. I love it. The dream is real.

Eating at Bembos with Brandon

Huachana at Bembos

A Matter of Music

By Vani Lalwani
Vani is a fellow music lover and friend who oversees all financial transactions and resource allocation for Fuel Group, LLC. She accumulated a diverse array of business experience through her work at companies such as MKG Productions, Westfiled LLC, and Sony BMG Music Entertainment.


In a world where the sun relentlessly rotates around the earth, seasons change without fail, styles evolve in an instant and our very own bodies are developing and aging continuously….how can we ever expect things to remain constant. It is said that change is required in order to grow and fulfill the circle of life. Does this apply to music as well? 

Lets take Hip Hop - Since its birth in a small apartment building in Bronx, NY from its soulful primitive beats with a splash of funk and meticulous wordplay, it has gone through several phases of its own and due to these changes, has emerged a billion dollar industry and staple of American culture. From rap battles, beat boxing and b boying, to graffiti and gangsta rap, to crunk and dub step…we must realize that all these “distant relative” music forms stem from the same root. Just as children born into a household choose diverse careers in life yet are still grounded and connected by the genetic makeup of the family, likewise, the idea of the various branches of music styles stem from a singular base. 

These music styles, might I add, are still developing and changing in front of our eyes, as we see new forms created everyday and more Hip Hop infused into pop, rock, indie and house music – and although I was skeptical at first, I honestly feel well, why not. Isn’t Hip Hop essentially the art of storytelling and, in some aspects, the language of the youth?  Doesn’t all the “change” just broaden the range that hip-hop was initially intended for? There's no harm in that.  Truth is, it is only rational to say that Hip Hop will appear more frequently simply because of its fluidity, universal application and evolutionary infectious nature – I mean, that’s what gives it such immense success.

However, as we embrace this change we also continue to appreciate, preserve and protect its roots and origins, because that’s what made most of us fall in love with the genre to begin with, and many of the original hip hop artists agree with this notion as well. Due to the rapid progressive nature of hip hop it is ironic that in these hip hop artists' attempt to reflect what they believe to be the original elements of the culture, they are now considered to be alternative or underground. Artists and groups like Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Dilated Peoples, Dead Prez, Tribe Called Quest, including some newer artists, are working to defend the original elements of hip hop like lyrical excellence, simple beats and the notion of unity and activism instead of violence and material wealth and thankfully so because we cherish those days of Hip Hop – and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it right.  

Although there are a few specks of the past still around today, we see the genre change day by day….and some of us can only hope it will come back to a full circle eventually.  Change in music, can be argued by both sides: by those that are attached to the original roots of the past and by those that favor the progression of hip hops present. No matter which side you are on, the key is to always value the past as it is cannot go anywhere and appreciate the present because tomorrow it will be history.

Nevertheless, change, even if it’s just a little, is fundamental to growth. Having an open mind widens your perspective on life and by appreciating all sounds and all forms you are giving value to the one of the most important footprints left on earth – the gift of music.

Battle Of The Imports

By Brian Joseph

Car enthusiast, cousin, & your direct source to the newest and hottest updates on the automotive industry. 

Imports or domestic cars?  I personally like both markets; each market has its own style to contribute to the automobile industry. For 2013 manufactures are bringing out new models to compete with the competition.  Two particular models that have caught my eye are the new Infiniti Q50 (which many of you know as the G35 or G37) and the Lexus IS. I love both of these cars, but each car has its own characteristics to set them apart from each other.

As we look at design the IS350 very aggressive and bold. Many people do not like the spindle grill that Lexus is incorporating on many of their models. The front LED strip for the IS350 is integrated into the bumper, which many enthusiasts do not like. Power remains the same but there is a possibility of a hybrid system which is only available in Europe at the moment but there is an ISF coming out probably next year. One outstanding feature that the IS will get for 2014 is the LFA style gauge cluster which moves. I personally think that is pretty sweet.  

Lexus IS350

As for the Infiniti Q50, the front fascia is aggressive yet clean. There will be an option of a hybrid system and a sport version but no IPL version in the works yet. Power will remain the same and there is no option for a 6 speed gear box at the moment.  Infiniti for the first time has a touch screen display where you can select apps and other features with just a point of a finger.

Infiniti Q50

Interior Q50

Both cars are great, and it really comes down to what the consumer really likes. I personally would get the Q50 right now, but the IS will eventually grow on me. 

MM: Maloney's Musings Vol. 1

By Brendan Maloney

A long time friend & movie enthusiast who will be contributing occasionally about film

Anytime, anywhere seems to be the objective of all major media these days. The number of outlets audiences can consume their favorite films, music, tv and various other media has been exponentially increased. So, then, has the manner of determining the success of such artistic endeavors. Is a band successful because they are selling out stadiums and reaching the masses? Has a film been put together well enough to break domestic and international box office records, win the Oscar, and be remembered forever and all time? 

An objective determination of an artistic endeavors success is an absurd proposition. Even the most base and inexperienced consumer of modern film can formulate an arguable position as to the merits of even the most preposterous of projects. I am likely to never lay eyes upon the third or fourth or fifth or whichever the last installment of Transformers is before Michael Bay dies or is murdered by a film purist; but I will never be able to formulate an argument to a die-hard fan of the series as to why I think the film is garbage and he thinks it’s great. Just the same as I will provide an uninteresting and unconvincing explanation as to why I think Cloud Atlas is one of the finest films I have ever had the privilege to witness while the Transformers fan walks away from me mid-sentence.

There are many tells in the type of “art” people consume. Television shows, books, films, music, games, all the most consumable of media are entirely revelatory of a person’s character, interests, secret desires; whether they realize it or not. I feel a great many inferences can be drawn about a person based on what they like and why they like it. A whole dynamic of their personality can be assessed. A person interacting with art is very intimate. Art is very individualized, but it is formatted to be consumed en masse (duh) through various media. A person hearing a singer in their ear through headphones is having a very deep and personal interaction with the music they are listening to. The masses flood the multiplex for the opening weekend of the next, most expensive, highest profile film from the studio system; they watch the film in a sold-out, crowded theater, but they absorb the film isolated from the peers that surround them. 

Does that mean, then, that perhaps our collective identity can be compiled based on the artists and performers we tout most highly? Is there a trend among modern moviegoing audiences worldwide that have managed to establish a common plane on which we may coexist? Of course. Of course there is. How could there not be? How could anything happen that is not meaningful in one respect or another? There has to be some sort of unspoken objective of mankind that we are unwittingly working towards. And perhaps our ability to track our interests and consumption is the greatest advantage our generation has ever had for gauging the global populace’s readiness and willingness for different advancements or changes. But going where? To what end?

 One might think that the day we are all on the same page for every issue, then art will disappear from the Earth. There will be no variance in people’s summations or opinions on art, so it would cease to exist because there would no longer be an impetus for its creation. Luckily this will never occur. There is enough infinite variance for the earthlings of any given time period to be vaguely similar while remaining intricately different. That is one of the finest conceits of our beauteous existence.