Happy Memorial Day From Your Family At SSD

Too many people take Memorial Day for granted. They spend their holiday getting boozed up, relaxing at the beach, and looking at the day as an excuse to not be at work.

What they SHOULD be doing is taking the time out to thank a veteran for their service, or to simply reach out to a currently enrolled soldier, and THANK THEM for our freedom.

Personally, I feel that Americans too often take our magnificent country for granted and are so hypocritical to say that they'd rather live somewhere else. Move to a third world country for a month, I can guarantee you, you'll be crying, pleading, and begging for your freedom in no time.

I'm blessed to say I've had many relatives fight for this country, several of my closest friends are currently serving our country, and my own father is honored enough to have his body laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

So before you crack a can of beer open today or throw some hot dogs on the grill, pick up the phone, and thank a soldier or veteran today.

Then enjoy the rest of your holiday, but NEVER forget where your freedom comes from, or the people who've given their lives and STILL put themselves in the line of fire to make it a reality.

That being said, Happy Memorial Day from $TOP $ELLING DREAM$ .......... And an extended salute to all of our troops overseas, get home safe gentlemen, we can't thank you enough for your courage.

That's That ISH I Don't Like...

I had a whole novel I was going to write but instead I will keep it simple.  Anyone giving false hope or Selling Dreams, that's that ish I don't Like.

Keep it real, keep it honest, keep it moving.

If you ever wanna call someone out for something you don't like, reference this post as your meme! :)  

Have a happy Friday!

Congrats To Jessica Sanchez

San Diego's Jessica Sanchez American Idol 2012 Runner Up
Photo By: Mark Davis/Getty Images

Tonight, San Diego native Jessica Sanchez became the runner up for Season 11 of American Idol .  Many thought with her mesmerizing voice she would be a shoe in to win, but the winner Philip Phillips won with a record setting 132 million votes.

Even though she came in second, you can rest assured she will be just as successful as if she had won seeing that her voice has been shared with the world.

Hats Off to Jessica Sanchez because honestly second or even third place isn't bad out of the millions that try out every year.

DJ Khaled - Take It To The Head feat Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne

Finally, one of my favorite songs this year has dropped the visuals to go along with the track.  DJ Khaled's Take It To The Head features Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne.  

If you pay close attention, you may realize that the video is set in a VERY familiar place.  My first thought was, "Um, I've been there before." 

Tiesto @ Intervention Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Intervention Summer Pool parties at San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel usually bring the hottest world Class DJ's. This past Sunday was business as usual as Tiesto stopped by for a DJ set.  No big deal right?

Check out the rest of the photos from Intervention Here.

Nicki Minaj - Right By My Side Feat Chris Brown (Official Video)

Today Nicki Minaj released the visuals for Right By My Side featuring Chris Brown in which Nas plays the leading man in the story-line.

I actually like this song which happens to be one of my favorites on her latest album. I definitely prefer Nicki singing more so than Roman's crazy, deranged high-pitched rapping.

Calvin Harris - Let's Go Feat Ne-Yo (Official Video)

Calvin Harris just keeps dropping bombs.  This time is no different with his latest visuals for Let's Go featuring Ne-Yo.

This song comes just in time for summer to give you a reason to get up, get out and do something.  Whenever you need motivation to do something, let Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo take you where you need to go.  Its now or never.

DJ Quik @ Mynt Thursdays

Recently DJ Quik touched down in San Diego for a live performance at Mynt Thursdays.  Quik rocked the crowd by DJing, performing and sharing champagne with the people.  The essence of a true artist and performer, it was an honor to photograph this living legend.

I've been fortunate enough to photograph some wonderful artists, but shooting DJ Quik was an awesome experience.  This man has worked with damn near every urban artist in the industry so working with him was like working with the other artists including 2Pac and Easy-E meaning I could feel their spirits.

His set included taking it back to the old school as well as bringing the crowd current with some fresh Young Jeezy tracks.  With a talented, timeless artist such as DJ Quik, the phrase Real Recognize Real is an understatement.

More photos courtesy of afterdarc.net FB Page.

RIP Junior Seau

The San Diego Community has lost a great hero and my condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.  After photographing so many of his wonderful charitable and “fun-filled” events, I’m shocked, saddened and devastated by this tragedy.  I am honored to have been a photographer for such a great human being… RIP Junior…