Do It. Choose the wake-up song for NASA's next mission.

So let's say you're an astronaut, and you're floating in space. (Stick with me here.) You're not exactly going to get any sunrises or sunsets to help you track your days, so you figure a wake-up song is best way to begin your 'mornings.' What would you choose?

It's a pretty tough decision, and NASA is actually putting this into your hands -- quite literally. NASA is allowing people to vote for two wake-up songs to be played for astronauts on the upcoming STS-134 mission, which is jetting off April 19th and sending Endeavour to transport materials to the International Space Station. If you've been paying attention to the news, this also happens to be the mission led by Commander Mark Kelly, husband of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot earlier this year in Tuscon.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to pick any old song for the astronauts. But the 10 songs up for voting are original songs made by unknown musicians, so consider this your own personal Simon Cowell moment. Check out all the songs (yes, they're all space-related) and musician bios here, and send the astronauts your well wishes in the form of a great wake-up song. Voting lasts until launch date, April 19.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: NASA

Do It. Vote.

Today's Election Day, BEATs! No matter your political affiliations, it's time to get out there and get voice counted. And be sure to where your 'I voted' sticker proudly -- many businesses have offered discounts and specials for voters on this day in the past.

If you need a primer, here's the L.A. Times' voter guide.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: The Guardian

Do It. Vote for the best burger in L.A.

With the rise in popularity of burger joints like Umami (a personal fave!) and Father's Office, L.A. definitely seems to be going through some kind of burger renaissance. But where can you get the best?

It's time to vote. dineLA (the lovely folks who bring the biannual L.A. Restaurant Weeks) is currently holding a contest on Los Angeles' facebook page for May, National Hamburger Month, to decide where Angelenos can get the best burger in the city. Not surprisingly, In-N-Out seems to be beating everyone else, but there are some fighters in the aformentioned Umami and Father's Office. Disagree? Cast your vote now!

And if you need an extra incentive, voting in the contest and entering your email on the facebook page let's you in on some exclusive deals for each of the burger places mentioned. Yesterday's deal featured $10 off a burger--50% off!--at the barely-month-old supper club in downtown First & Hope. So even if you've got a loyalty towards one burger, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try any other.

Happy grubbing, and get voting--the contest ends May 31st.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Umami, by the LA Times