Ok, maybe i will...

• Today
• 

  3:21am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  hey buddy

   

  how is nyc?
• 

   3:23am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Friggin amazin, man. How r u? Is roo moving in?
• 

  3:23am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  he sure is!

   

  i'm so glad you're loving in jordan

   

  *it
• 

   3:24am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Dude me too... I was a little concerned for myself in oakland. Deep depression.
• 

  3:24am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  yeah you did seem a bit bummed a time or two i saw you. but you manned up and made the move you had to make
• 

   3:25am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah... It was sort of a last resort. I was so over life when i was in oakland.

   

  I feel the fire again.
• 

  3:26am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  i'm a bit envious! there are times when i want to get out of here

   

  so is it every bit as cracking as you thought?
• 

   3:27am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah man... Its affirmation for me too. It made me realize that alot of my hangups in oakland really hold no bearing outside of there.
• 

  3:27am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  that's very well put

   

  i wonder if the same is true for me
• 

   3:28am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Definitely put things in perspective for me. Also on a long enough time-line, your problems really dont mean shit.

   

  I'm constructive here... Rather than destructive like i was in oakland.

   

  Btw... Did u get that 'tending job?
• 

  3:29am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  no, they were only going to give me one shift. i think i need something more full time

   

  are you bartending now?
• 

   3:30am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah, man. I so lucked out.
• 

  3:30am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  no shit. can i ask you what you did to land that gig?

   

  i don't mean "no shit" like you weren't capable of getting the job
• 

   3:31am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Glad you asked. Aside from just having experience, i was so tired of the 'can i please work here' mindstate. i adopted the 'you would be lucky if i decide to work here' mentality.

   

  Once i internalized that, people started asking for me.
• 

  3:32am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  so you basically bar hopped and talked to people it sounds like
• 

   3:33am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Well i applied and went to open calls

   

  I notices that there are no shortage of jobs here. It really just depends on what you feel you deserve.
• 

  3:35am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  mind if i pick your brain for a second?
• 

   3:35am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Sure bro
• 

  3:35am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  well the one thing that's intimidating to me is that there seems to be literally hundreds of drinks one needs to memorize

   

  like i'm good with old fashioneds, mojitos, manhattans and the typical stuff

   

  but if someone comes in and wants a godfather, or an adios or something... i just can't keep it all straight

   

  like i try to visualize the drink in my mind as i would make it, but my mind can only hold so much info
• 

  3:38am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Honestly, man... No one can remember every drink. Being a bartender is more about finesse and charm. You learn drinks by muscle memory and repetition. No one is gonna judge you if you forget what's in a drink especially if its super obscure.

   

  Memorize the classics and everything is sort of a variation of that.
• 

  3:40am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  so do you guys keep a cheat sheet behind the bar? i order greyhounds a lot these days, and it seems to me a lot of bartenders run behind the bar quickly before they make my drink
• 

   3:40am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  A good rule to go by is to learn the ratios that constitute a balanced cocktail: 2 parts spirit, 1 part liquer or modifier, 1 part citrus and sometimes 1 part sweet

   

  Well greyhounds are retarded easy. Im surprised they can forget a two part drink.
• 

  3:42am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  the bartender at make westing gave me a tip. she said guys like their drinks strong and girls like their drinks sweet.

   

  is that bullshit?
• 

   3:43am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Well guys like spirit forward drinks and girls like juicier drinks yeah
• 

  3:43am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  i like your industry lingo... "spirit forward"

   

  lol

   

  oh we went to hopscotch on easter
• 

  3:44am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  But let's breakdown a margarita... So u have 2 parts spirit, tequila in this case. Then 1 part triple sec, which adds sweetness, then 1 part citrus which adds balance to the drink.
• 

  3:44am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  i really liked the food there
• 

   3:44am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah, man. Did you have brunch?
• 

  3:44am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  no dinner

   

  but let's get back to the margarita

   

  so the triple sec is a "modifier"
• 

   3:45am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yes... Its a liquer which is sweet so that's where the sweetness aspect of the structure comes in.

   

  The acid from the lime balances the cocktail.
• 

  3:47am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  so a modifier would be like triple sec, peach schnapps, maybe grand marnier

   

  something with a bit of alcohol but sweet at the same time
• 

   3:48am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  To break it down in ounces... 2oz tequila, 3/4 to 1 oz triple, 3/4 to 1 oz lime. You apply that ratio to most cocktails and you'll find that most dont stray from that formula.

   

  Exactly... A liquer is a spirit or blend of some with sugar.
• 

  3:49am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  2:1:1

   

  that's easy
• 

   3:49am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Also, you dont always need a liquer... Sometimes simple syrup or some sort of infused simple syrup will do.
• 

  3:50am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  okay, break down "infused" simple syruo
• 

   3:50am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah... Like a gimlet is 2 parts gin or vodka, 1 part simple, 1 part lime
• 

  3:50am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  *p

   

  i always do gin in a gimlet

   

  unless someone specifically asks for a vodka gimlet

   

  similar to a martini
• 

   3:51am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Well once u start getting into the craft cocktail game, some places infused simple syrup with essential oils or boil fruit or herbs in it. Simple is just 1 part sugar, 1 part water. If u boil those together with hella ginger, you get ginger syrup. U can use that as your sweetness modifier
• 

   3:52am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Good.. Vodka is flavorless. Gin is the way to go
• 

  3:52am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  dude, like i want to get up to the level of mixologist or bar chef
• 

   3:53am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Also, another rule is to shake all cocktails that have juice in then and to STIR cocktails with no juice.
• 

  3:53am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  oh shit, okay!

   

  i'm always a little messed up when it comes to shaken vs stirred
• 

   3:54am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Unless the person is retarded and asks for a vodka martini shaken... Like bond.
• 

  3:54am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  shaken not stirred
• 

  3:54am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Just remember, shake = citrus
• 

  3:54am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  fuck yeah

   

  thank you jordan
• 

   3:55am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Always use fresh citrus and simple syrup. That's the key to delicious cocktails. Dont ever use rose's sweet n sour. Omg
• 

  3:55am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  garnishing
• 

   3:55am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Yeah man... Feel free to ask any questions anytime. Also i'll start sharing some recipes with u.
• 

  3:56am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  bless you dude

   

  i want to do this, but you know... as an unproven person.. everyone wants experience
• 

   3:57am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  So take the one night a week! Cant you? I can tell you right now that you have the right personality for bartending.
• 

  3:57am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  i got an offer to tend at the dirty bird, but only one shift on trial. i need more hours

   

  thank you! that's what everyone tells me, and i know i do
• 

   3:57am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Gotta start some where though
• 

  3:58am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  this is true
• 

   3:58am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Seriously! The drinks are just an after thought really.
• 

  3:58am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  but every bartender i've talked to (and i've asked a lot) says it's all about personality

   

  an afterthought? that's cray

   

  you would think that would be the bread and butter
• 

   4:00am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Well yeah, but at the end of the day people just wanna be paid attention to.

   

  That's what you're selling.

   

  You'll notice a shitty bartender no matter how much you drink... But a good bartender can make your night a great one.
• 

  4:01am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  you need to start a bartending blog

   

  i read them all the time... knowledge is power in this game
• 

   4:03am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  I think will! Starting with this convo! Lol
• 

  4:03am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  thank you jordan. i know it's hella late there

   

  you are my friend and compatriot on this mortal coil
• 

   4:04am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Dude seriously... Ask me whatever whenever. Im actually at this dope bar called 'flight 151' right now lol
• 

  4:04am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  sounds posh!

   

  hey are you coming back for the wedding?

   

  rick and i have a little surf band going right now. i'm hoping we can play
• 

   4:07am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Fuck ya im comin back... I'm in the ceremony or whatevr. Dude that's awesome! Put your talman to good use.
• 

  4:07am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  the talman and the jag

   

  yeah boyee

   

  well it's late bro. i'ma let you catch your sleep

   

  but thank you... seriously
• 

   4:08am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Ya man... No prob. Good luck. I think you'll be happy.
• 

  4:08am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  thank you jordan

   

  i'll hit you up soon bro. and congrats on your new sweet job!
• 

   4:09am

  Jordan Ricasa

   

   

  Thx man!

   

  Have a good night
• 

  4:09am

  Jason Penick

   

   

  you too... be easy jordan

Rhythm and discipline.

Rhythm is the key to which all our components align. We celebrate the elusiveness of "moment" while each pulse ushers in the brilliant renewal of all that is now. The vibrations carry us further and further, resonating the halls of our construct and liberating our energy within. We surrender to the groove and reside in the axis of the infinite; inner space reflects outer space. Being both observer and the observed, knowing the outcome of every move, we execute anyway. We know to take only that which presents itself.

The Quantum Mind

"I had a moment of mixed joy and anguish, when my mind took over. It raced well ahead of my body and drew my body compellingly forward. I felt that the moment of a lifetime had come." - Dr. Roger Bannister, first person to run the mile in under four minutes, recalling the last lap of his record-breaking run at the Ilffley Road Track, Oxford, England, May 6, 1954.

Many fighters subscribe to Sun Tzu's insight that every battle is won before it is even fought. In an existential context, it is the battle within the mind that truly dictates the outcome of a fight. Physicality becomes merely an interpretation under which the mind operates, where all rules and limits that shape reality are subsets of a prison that confine the mind to limited possibilities. To accept these rules as truth, is to accept defeat. 

Will is the unadulterated, energetic vehicle of the mind that is used to bend the rules of the physical. The more we succumb to what reality dictates, the less effective our will. However, as our collective consciousness continues to evolve, as does our proficiency in employing our will. As time goes on, athletes continually defy limits by breaking records held by previous athletes. Advances in technology are the physical manifestation of our evolving consciousness. What we typically consider impossible, is the very thing that we strive to make possible. Our existence is perpetuated by reaching higher and higher vibratory rates until our physical bodies can no longer contain us. We exist in the realm of possibilities rather than reality.

Those who have already learned to exist in this realm, seldom last long... physically. Yet somehow they exist forever, energetically, as legends leaving their imprint on humanity and coaxing higher vibrations out of our existence. And as for the rest of us, in the everyday battles we face, we strive to have a chance to surf this realm, like attempting to float a magnet over a magnet of the same charge, to defy the impossible if not only for a split second, only to inevitably return to our acceptance of reality as we know it.

My vision statement for attending Oaksterdam University

Being an oakland native, I take pride that Oaksterdam is at the forefront of such a meaningful revolution. The more i educate myself about cannabis and all of its beneficial and responsible uses, the more I am convinced the prohibition of cannabis has been continually engineered by the greedy and powerful to stifle evolution and reinforce fear as a form of control. That being said, learning to cultivate cannabis for all of its uses is integral to my ongoing quest to be as self-reliant and "non-consumer" as I can be, namely by relinquishing my dependence on corrupt pharmaceutical companies.

While I believe in the immediate benefits of the cannabis movement, I am hoping it will represent much more; I hope it will bring forth for humanity a new "green" awareness not driven by monetary intent but rather a true reverence for nature. I hope for true compassion and understanding amongst common man and a genuine respect for differences. Ultimately, I hope the cannabis movement will be the trigger for a universal shift in consciousness that will advance our species beyond our current limited comprehension.

Move Your Money

Too long have we been exploited by this evil, greedy banking minority. They are the ones responsible for our economic crisis and who have truly been selling this country out to create an elitist new world order. The problems they've created transcend all the illusionary designations that divide us. 

For years, big banks have been generating money from nothing by charging us penalties for breaking heinous rules that are virtually made up. And must I remind everyone that these institutions don't even have physical and tangible money to back up the loans they are so quick to charge us interest on? They are essentially generating number amounts out of thin air. Yet we're still held accountable. 

Ariana Huffington suggests joining her movement, Move Your Money, by putting your money in a community bank rather than a big bank.  The idea is to get the power from Wall Street and give it back to Main Street. Now she may or may not be right, but I have a problem with large corporations in general so early this year I plan on closing my Chase account and moving my money to a local bank.