The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, is based on a true story about a pair of brothers who share a passion for boxing. Christian Bale, the older of the two brothers, was the former "Pride of Lowell (MA)" after knocking down infamous boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Following his dramatic accomplishment, he would end up losing touch with the ring and instead get addicted to a variety of drugs while haphazardly training his brother for the opportunity of a lifetime - a chance to become a World Champ.

Mark Wahlberg, playing the role of Mickey Ward, lives for boxing. In an attempt to reach the top of the metaphorical boxing ladder, Mickey works tirelessly to become the aforementioned "Pride of Lowell" - shoes once filled by his older brother / trainer. In a dramatic series of events, Mickey takes his fair share of bodily harm and emotional trauma before he finally finds the right opportunity to achieve his dream.

I found this film to be extremely engaging and worthwhile. In saying that, I could easily watch it again without a problem. Even those snobs at Rotten Tomatoes gave this film a 90%! Check out Mark and Christian in this boxing drama that's sure to inspire you to do something great...

And in other news - I made it over to Jolt'n Joe's in the Gaslamp the other day to have a drink to pass some time. Given the hour I was in (2 o'clock on a Friday afternoon...), the place was a bit empty but I could tell it would be a fun place to hang out. With pool tables, pong tables, and flat screens galore, this place is surely the one to be at come game day.

The decor was..uh..dated to say the least. I suppose if you're out for a drink, that shouldn't be your #1 priority...

Environment aspects aside, my bartender was awesome (not to mention smokin' hot) and fun to chat with. Taking a recommendation from her, I opted to sample the sliders to accompany my pint (did I mention they have a pretty decent selection of local beer?). 3 tasty morsels and a glass of carbonated glory later, I was a happy camper. Check it out on your next trip to the Gaslamp and see for yourself! Until then, leave me some ideas / suggestions in the comments.

With my boarding plans canceled, I made good use of my time today and ventured  out to Toronado, located in North Park. Not the biggest of places, there were probably 20 people there and it seemed pretty busy (right around 4:30ish). Regardless of that, the bar has a nice neighborhood-like feel to it - making it a nice place to grab a beer and kick back. Toronado offers a good variety of craft brews, including beer from locals such as Alpine, Stone, Pizza Port, and Green Flash breweries.

Not only that, the pub food offered from the kitchen is pretty damn tasty. Reynolds and I both ordered the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich, and is was agreed that we had found bliss on a bun.

Great food, great beer, and a great staff. The bartenders were happy and alert, always ready to grab something for us when we were ready. If you go on a Monday, drafts are $3 bucks from 6-10pm! So if you're looking for a new spot, drive through North Park and check it out.

Speaking of new things...leave me some ideas in the comments box!