50 states: Tour de Pac-10

Cross the California colleges off the list of the Pac-10 schools stadium tour. Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto was the final stop in the Golden State. And the fiance and I definitely didn't save the best for last. 

The atmosphere was really strange. You would never know it was their Homecoming or the team was ranked No. 12 in the country by the quiet fans and half-empty stadium. At times, the WSU fans were louder, which made me happy even though we lost by 10.

The best California Pac-10 stadium to watch a football game in is easily Cal. The pre-game festivities are always fun unlike UCLA; Bears fans actually cheer for their team unlike Stanford; And Cal supporters aren't rude to opposing schools like USC.

This upcoming weekend, I'll cheer on the Cougs at ASU's Sun Devil Stadium for the first time. After that, the only Pac-10 stadiums I haven't seen a game in are Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Arizona Stadium in Tucson and Husky Stadium in Seattle (Which I will never visit). And with the conference expansion, future trips to Colorado's and Utah's stadiums are in order.

WSU at UCLA: Rose Bowl, Oct. 4, 2008

WSU at USC:
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sept. 26, 2009

WSU at Cal: Memorial Stadium, Oct. 24, 2009

WSU at Stanford:
Stanford Stadium, Oct. 23, 2010

Five for Friday: Going back to Cali

It seems like the fiance and I left California such a long time ago when in reality it's only been eight months. And this weekend, we're making our triumphant return to the Golden State, more specifically the Bay Area ... Also known as one of my most favorite places in the world.

We're staying with our wonderful friends, Fred and Paty, and attending the Washington State/Stanford football game Saturday in Palo Alto. Our school will most likely get annihilated, but I am looking forward to completing my California Pac-10 schools stadium tour.

In honor of the trip back to the land I called home for three years, here are some of the most incredible sights I had the privilege of capturing through my lens:

1. Monterey: December 2007

 2. Santa Monica: April 2008

 

3. Hollywood: April 2008

4. San Francisco: July 2008

 

5. Pismo Beach: April 2009 

And because I couldn't decide on only five images, you get one more. Happy Weekend, friends!

6. Yosemite: November 2009

Best Coast makes my summer dreams come true

[Source]

Break out those beach blankets because the West Coast's summer soundtrack arrives July 27. The California duo of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno, better known as Best Coast, are finally releasing their first full-length album. 

Boasting 12 unreleased songs, "Crazy For You" hopefully will build off the lush, fuzzed-out sound we've come to expect from the group's slew of EPs and singles released this past year.

[Source]

Track listing:

1. Boyfriend
2. Crazy for you
3. The End
4. Goodbye
5. Summer Mood
6. Our Deal
7. I Want To
8. When The Sun Don’t Shine
9. Bratty B

10. Honey
11. Happy
12. Each and Everyday
Bonus track: 
When I’m With You

Sounding like a love letter to California, their version of lo-fi takes a page from the Beach Boys' brand of surf rock with catchy hooks and doo-wop influence. Best Coast stays true to West Coast form, singing about boys, weed, love and sunny days. Perfect for a drive down the PCH or soaking up the atmosphere at Pismo.

Listen now: In My Room,  Up All Night,  So Gone, Sun Was High (So Was I), Our Deal

Stripped-down version of "Up All Night"

 

Even more good ish:

Best Coast on Last.fm

Best Coast on MySpace

SXSW 2010 set