My Favorite Part of 2009

There have been many ups and down over the past year, but one audio delight always saw me through the downs, and enhanced the ups. That honor this year goes to Halo by Beyonce. 2008's winner was Disturbia by Rihanna, but this year we have a new Queen. Released as a single on January 20, 2009 Halo is sung in a lower register over a deep baseline, unlike many of B's mainstream hits. Its inspiring. STILL to this day, nearly a year after it was released, it gives me goosebumps. Thank you, Beyonce. Below is the original version of this soaring song and HERE is a great dance mix styled by Misto & Pizzi. Cheers to a great 2010!

December 19, 2009. A Night that Changed My Life.

Saturday, December 19, 2009 will forever be known as the night I became a Monster. Lady GaGa's little Monster, that is. What an amazing concert, a true spectacle, was the Monster Ball. GaGa is a consummate professional who gives 100% of her energy to her fans. I was in awe. Goosebumps inspired. Truly on my feet dancing the WHOLE time.

Not only did I dance, the whole crowd danced the ENTIRE show and she talked in between each song and even during the songs sometimes. One snafu, she called us San Jose during the first few songs, but later corrected herself and apologized saying someone told her she was in San Jose right before she went on stage. She was really cool and very dedicated and talented. Hands down the best show I have seen. Lots of entertainment. On top of all this, she performed for 2 hours! I'll leave you with this quote: "People ask me why i put on a show for 2 hours? I tell them, because my fans are sexy."

Bolio!

Yes, it's boilo season. Although it hardly gets as cold in California in the winter as it does in Pennsylvania, I still find the winter season a time to make boilo.

Boilo is a northeast PA (coal) regional beverage that is homemade with each family perfecting their own recipe. My recipe is handed down to me by my grandmother, Nana Anne. Its a spicy, yet sweet drink served warm, prepared over the stove. The ingredients include: juices, spices (and a few secrets) with Whiskey being the main base. As Nana Anne once told me, "Bolio is for medicinal purposes or frivolous wintertime drinking."

Cheers!

Kick Start Your Weekend

Lady Gaga - Telephone ft. Beyonce

Like

Thanks to my friend Kristy for sending this inspiration my way. I need to make this a reality on my body. Not hooked on the mallard duck colors, but the overall style. Already got the bow tie and collared shirt. Next stop cardigan.

P.S. If this were a fbook status, I would "like."

Spiky Hair, Fake Tans, Muscles and Fist Pumps for All

Shout out to my friend/coworker Charley (aka "The Operation") for this dime piece of a site. Behold the "Jersey Shore Nickname Generator"! Enter your first and last name to unveil your new identity when consuming jager bombs and the sort ;)

My Jersey Shore nickname: "Natural Light".

Celine is Crazy

11 Facebook Rules to Follow

1. Never comment on your own status first.

2. Never "like" your own status. Ew.

3. Don't make your status a comment about Farmville, Petville, Restaurant City etc. People block those application updates for a reason. Better yet, don't even play any "ville."

4. Refrain from depressing updates. Unless you can somehow manage to add wit to the buzzkill.

5. Avoid overuse of punctuation. One exclamation point is enough. A singular exclamation point and question mark combo is forgivable.

6. A friend request should only occur after you have met some one 2 or more times (in person) and actually had a conversation directly with said person. Group conversations do not count.

7. Avoid status updates that beg attention (i.e. John Doe is Waiting for the most important call of his entire life.). Gross.

8. If someone untags themselves from a photo that you originally tagged them in, do not re-tag them. Take a hint. Its either you or themsself in the pic they don't like.

9. If you are going to complain about your job/boss on fbook. GL. You are making your own bed there.

10. More than 3 status updates per hour is excessive. More than 5 per day is also excessive. Mobile (photo) Uploads do not count.

11. Your profile pic should be just that YOUR pic. Group photos are confusing. There is an editor built in to crop. Also, obscure photoshop manipulation means you have something to hide. Weird.

5 Shallow Rules to Follow

1. A great party should always have at least one of two things A) champagne, B) hot tub/pool.
2. Never wear the same clothes pre-sunset post-sunset.
3. Don't trust someones appearance when they are wearing a hat or sunglasses.
4. You can't go wrong with a solid black collared shirt and dark denim jeans.
5. New music is great music, preferably top 40.

Umbrella - ella - ella - A - A - A

Looks like this umbrella won't be providing any shelter, anytime soon... in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new...

Blessed

Thanks for all the great Birthday wishes :)

Kick Start Your Weekend

Jesse McCartney - Body Language ft. T-Pain

Music

When feeling up, down, sideways or invisible music is always a go-to for me. It really helps me think, feel, be where I need to be. I'm kind of in an eh mood right now and found myself, for whatever reason, gravitating toward this tune by Leona Lewis ft. One Republic - Lost Then Found

Office Space

I may have conveniently took the last business day before my birthday off last week, but that did not stop my tricky coworkers from surprising me today (3 days after my Halloween-birthday) with some bright balloons tied to my chair and little birthday note. Thanks!

Spinnn!

So... this Thursday when i entered the room for the 5:45 AM spin class I take, the instructor had these on each of bikes. Some red, others black. They are capes that we all wore throughout the hour-long spin class in honor of Halloween. We were Cycling Super Heroes! There was also a new music mix, the most notable track was a mash up of the theme songs from Phantom of the Opera and Mortal Kombat...

Kick Start Your Weekend

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance.

Learning

I recently took an impromptu trip to Pennsylvania and (re)learned a few valuable lessons:

1. The Fall season is beautiful.
2. High beams exist on cars - City life hardly allows their use.
3. Disease can be a terrible thing - Especially where a cure seems so distant.
4. Life is invaluable - Enjoy each moment.
5. There are often great lessons to be learned from strangers when travelling - Seatmates can be very open.
6. Sometimes sitting in on Friday night with family eating ice cream can pull in a deep sense of connection, where you didn't know it was missing.

Cameo Apples

Ah! Crisp, refreshing and honestly my most favorite apple variation. First, I must give credit where credit is deserved; Cameo apples were introduced to me by blog BLAST! off's former coauthor, Feisty Fawn. It has pretty much been a match made in heaven between me and these delectable treats from nature ever since.

Cameo's are a hybrid between the Red Delicious and Golden Delicious and mostly indigenous to the northwest US, most notably Washington state. They typically reach their peak during late summer into early fall, but still sometimes tricky to find in your standard grocery aisle. I found these welcomed snacks at Henry's Farmers Market in Pt. Loma and get this: they were ONLY $.77/lb! Last year at their cheapest they were $1.19.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my first one of the season today and, ah..., just like I remembered it :)

Hallow's Eve - Pumpkin Lights!

In anticipation for Halloween, my sole contribution are these 10 ft of miniature pumpkin lights hanging from my doorstep, right outside the entryway to my little beach cottage. They create an ominous orange glow at night. Hopefully just enough to lure all the ghouls and goblins neccessary. Hope your fall days are festive and spooktacular.

Alicia Keys - Doesn't Mean Anything

Music has this innate ability to really make me feel good, happy and sad. Sometimes all at once. This song is one of those gems. I really enjoy me some A. Keys. SO glad she is back. You can never have enough, if you ask me...

Kick Start Your Weekend

You likely already experienced this song, but it's my current fav. Britney Spears - 3. Enjoy!

Keli B Reagan - Its All Coming Back to Me Now

My good friend, Keli B Reagan, is trying to make it on an upcoming episode of Oprah. Apparently O is having a Karaoke contest and searching for the best of the best. Well, Keli B has brought it. Please check ou the video below and keep your fingers crossed!

NEW Rihanna November 23!

Can't wait! Disturbia was my favorite part of 2008. I hope Rihanna can pull off something similar in 2010, maybe even this year... it is not too late, drop that single!

Animal Soup

Well, its not really a recipe per say, but last night I indulged in a new combination of tasty goodness. I call it Animal Soup! Yes, I added animal crackers to my tomato soup. No, it wasn't too sweet. The secret ingredient that balanced my taste buds... jalapeno pepper sauce!




Ingredients:
Trader Joe's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup (low sodium)
Trader Joe's Organic Animal Crackers
Trader Joe's Jalapeno Pepper Hot Sauce

Pretty great, if you ask me ;)

Hiatus

I know... I've been a non-noteworthy blogger. Shame too, because I have a lot to share. Give me a few days, I feel a renaissance on it's way ;)

MJ - The Man in the Mirror

Well, as you may likely agree, the news of MJ's passing has impacted me stronger than expected. Even though he has done little more than be an international oddity of recent years his general presence seemed to fill a section of our popular culture that I wasn't ready to have go away.

Michael had incredible songs and moves that are unparalleled and have survived the test of time and, I mean, who knows what else he may have had up his sleeve. He will be remembered for his great entertainment and the joy he brought to many lives. he will also be remembered for his more eccentric side and infamous rumors and legal troubles, but unfortunately that seems to be the price paid when assigned the King of Pop.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend and revel in some timeless MJ tunes, the way he would have wanted it. Dance, be free :)

Cobra Starship - Good Girls Go Bad (ft. Leighton Meester)

This song is great! It features Leighton Meester (Blair from Gossip Girl) on vocals.

I like this

New Young Pony - Ice Cream

Rock 'n' Roll... Marathon!

Well, I finished my first marathon this past weekend. The San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon to be exact - 26.2 miles!

It went surprisingly well, especially for not only being my first marathon, but my first race, EVER. I run pretty steadily around town, but didn't really follow any training program. I honestly don't think I piqued 9 miles in any one run prior to the race (nor did I attempt a half marathon first). Since I don't ever time myself or track my distance when running in OB I assumed it would take me about 5 hours to complete - which put me in the second to last coral of the race!

Anyway, I felt good the entire run. Listened to a few NPR podcasts early on and then music both on my iPod and the live bands along the way. I even took some time to post status updates and pictures to facebook. Although I am not sure how many total runners there were, there were 13,370 finishers. It was a lot of fun and very inspirational to see that many people working to achieve the same goal. The community support was also phenomenal. There were hundreds of people at various point handing out water, fruit from their homes and providing great encouragement. The Elvis and various other themed costumes were fun too!

I finished in 4 hrs 3 mins 0 secs and placed 2887 overall/2116 men/420 age group. I was happy, a little sore and very accomplished.

Kick Start Your Weekend

The Killers - Spaceman (Tiesto Remix)

Happiness is Bliss

While walking through the parking lot of Ralphs in Mission Valley on my lunch break Friday I looked up and was inspired by the view above me head. I was reminded to take a moment and reflect. There are details in all situations that have the ability to remind us that happiness is bliss.

Kick Start Your Weekend

Black Eyed Peas - I got a feeling

This song could quite possibly be THE song of the summer 2009. AMAZE!

Kick Start Your Weekend

Lady Gaga - LoveGame (Jody Den Broeder Remix)

Cat Nip

As seen spray painted on a building a block from my apt -->

13 Items of Intolerance

I pride my disposition on being open minded, but there are handful of things that I am pretty much intolerant of:

1. Unequal rights
2. Slow cars in the left lane
3. Sitting at an intersection when ALL traffic lights are red and/or when your light is red but the green light has no traffic.
4. Oppression
5. People who insist on reversing into a parking spot, even if it causes others to have to wait
6. Being late
7. Blatant inconsistencies in story lines
8. Rapid-sequenced questions before one answer is provided
9. Overuse of punctuation (multiple !!! or ??? or ....)
10. Bright lights when I am indoors
11. Dry skin touching flannel
12. Cold climates
13. Slurs (particularly those around race, gender, sexuality, culture or handicap)

Texts From Last Night

There is some good stuff in here. I can literally find at least one true LOL each visit. Props to Samantha Cousin for pointing me toward this big time-consumer ;)

Lil Kim - Download

Amaze! Queen B is back y'all! I dig her intensity: so vulgar yet smooth. So relevant and .com friendly. Lovin' all the social networking references. And, of course, a bit of auto-tune from T-Pain ;) Plus its a slow jam which I always play on repeat. Check it out:

Not Thrilled

To add even more distinction to the MaliBullet's "character" it has now acquired this wonderful spidering window crack. Just look at the creeping extension moving toward the center. Ah...

Planned Trip Rules

I recently received a bit of opposition from a few friends when I revealed my preferred trip guidelines. I have a lot of great friends all over the country who I would like to see more often, but the following rules (which apply to vacations in general) sometimes limit my decisions to visit. Their rebuttal is that I am perhaps too close minded. I see it as knowing what I like and don't like.

Planned Trip Rules:
I prefer to travel to places where the following parameters apply-

1. Residence is within city limits
2. Walking distance to restaurants/bars*
3. Walking distance to a body of water, preferably an ocean
4. Outside temperature no colder than 65 degrees**
5. Outside temperature no warmer than 85 degrees, minimal humidity***

*Efficient public transportation is a solid alternative
**I don't even own a scarf!
***#3 can sometimes overwrite this rule

Summertime

Although casual is not my favorite choice, I have been in the market for a new pair of flip flops for a few weeks now. I finally was caught by these plaid cloth Volcom winners at a local surf shop which I immediately scooped up - size 12 if you must know. They are super comfy due to the fabric base, but they also wear through somewhat quickly. Worth it, if you ask me. Cant wait to wear 'em 'round OB all summer/year long :)

Kick Start Your Weekend

Hilariously entertaining!

If you are amazed with the auto-tune infiltration of recent, check this out. My co-worker Charley passed this gem along to me this morning. Katie Couric and Secretary of State Clinton get their tune on, just to name a few...

Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone

This song is way too similar to "Halo" for me not to enjoy it! It's no coincidence, really, as the same songwriter is behind its magic - One Republic's Ryan Tedder. Tedder also wrote the sympathetic "Apologize" that Timbaland and One Republic kept our speakers warm with in 2007 and then then powerhouse "Bleeding Love" (oddly enough with Jesse McCartney) sung by Leonna Lewis... Need I say more?

Kick Start Your Weekend

Lady Gaga - Poker Face Rmx(Jody Den Broeder Mix)

Say what you want...

I bought these for myself today. I was checking out the weekly OB farmers market and decided to pick up a handful of these for for my apartment. They are proudly displayed in a mason jar on my coffee table until further notice.

Lovely Windy Day

Don't be fooled by the view. The winds are seriously gusting upwards of 30 MPH today. It has made for a chilly (~60) day and half already. Not to fret, the weekend is gearing up to be 80 and sunny :)

U2 - Stuck in a Moment

This song is really impactful to me right now. Sometimes you got to get yourself together...

Soulja Boy Tell`em - Kiss Me Thru The Phone

I know I shouldn't but I do... Like this song.

Sell me a Celly

So there is no real getting around it; Apple's iPhone is the reigning king of cell phones. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I have gone this long without one. I recently purchased my first iPhone and seriously feel like my cellular life has only now just begun.

I have long been a customer to Verizon, the service has been stellar and the phones pretty descent (Nokia, a few good Samsungs, then the Razr to the Krzr). Well I was up for new contract recently and decided to try one of the many iPhone competitors in order to keep my Verizon service. Let me tell you, I have had a lot of phones and NEVER was a learning curve SO difficult as with the cell of my choosing - the Samsung Omnia. It was very clunky, hard to manipulate and less than intuitive. Overall it was messy and I had to shut it down after 3 days use. This led me with no other choice but to move on.

I have resisted the iPhone for two main reasons: dropped calls like there is no tomorrow; lack of pix messaging. Once I got my hand on this phone, all of those fears suddenly took a back seat. The iPhone is amazing! Everything is where you think it should be, the touch screen is super reactive and texting is a breeze (someone say predictive text?). Yes, it drops calls (who talks on phones anymore anyway?) and no I canNOT send pix messages, but some of those limitations will be upgraded this summer with the 3.0 update and the phones other pros totally outweigh the cons. Not to mention the Internet capabilities; I am pretty much one Facebook status away from online rehab! Connected.com

Newsboy Caps

My latest crutch is the newsboy cap (aka driving cap). I have eagerly (or sadly, depending on how you view it) looked for a newsboy cap that was some variation of brown plaid with red, think Burberry but not as overexposed. Well, I found this one last week out and about and its pretty much been on my head since. In my opinion, it looks good with pretty much anything. I prefer a dark collared shirt. Until I find something next in line...

Early Morning Hours

The moon over the ocean at 5:20 AM today.

Another Reason I Enjoy So Cal

Yes, this picture was taken this morning and emailed to by my Dad. Apparently rural eastern Pennsylvania is not yet ready to let go of winter's chilly grasp. I was informned their current temp is around 39 degrees with winds reaching 20 mph. Current San Diego weather is around 68 filled with sunshine.

Speaking of blessed

Now this is a ride I need to take! Much thanks to my friend/co-worker Samantha Cousin who snapped this lucky photo on her way to work this morning. Don't be fooled by the tract housing community in the background, this photo is proof that happiness comes WHERE you least expect it!

Love & Sex & Magic

I wouldn't have it any other way ;)

It seems like too long since the "Goodies" singer "1, 2 Stepped" her way into the airwaves, but she has returned and this time she is bringing "Sexy Back" with the help of J Timberlake to be exact. Enjoy!

Kick Start Your Weekend

This is Beyonce, not to be confused with Sasha Fierce. Although, since its a remix it might be part Sasha? Either way, no question about it; the jam is fierce!

Chocolate Bacon Cake

It has long been a gluttonous goal of mine to consume chocolate covered bacon. Well, my steps toward this indulgence may have just gotten closer thanks to a friend of mine, Kristy (who likely prefers NOT to be associate with "bacon cake!"), pointed me toward this delectable treat served at the The Riviera Supper Club here in San Diego.

Spontaneous

At 4 PM PST Thursday I decided I was going to travel to NYC... on FRIDAY! The result: An amazing weekend "growing up in Spanish Harlem" with my good friend Dana and a lot of other great friends, including Fiesty Fawn herself, from my ESU days.

I arrived Friday afternoon, navigated my way through the air train to subway, and the fun began immediately with champagne, great conversation and additional friend arrivals. By Saturday evening there were 7 of us who had travelled into the Big Apple to celebrate a 26th birthday weekend for the books. Fun was had by all. It is awesome to have such amazing friends who never seem to miss a beat. Although there were a few notable absent members of our group their spirit was with us in stories of memories past. I even had some time to meet family for lunch before I took off.

Alas, Sunday came too quickly and I had to catch a train or two back to JFK arriving home in San Diego by 9 PM. Ahh, nothing like a weekend getaway clear across the country ;)

I'm addicted to your light

I cannot get enough of this. Beyonce - Halo

Blessed.

Things in my life that make me thankful...

I live in San Diego

I am happy and confident within my skin

Amazing friends who accept me, flaws and all

Great family with unconditional l*ve

Learning from mistakes

I have a stable job in an unstable economy

Coworkers who make said job fun to attend

The possibility that I can impact anothers' life

I am healthy

Memories

I am able to experience emotion

Communication

I am able to see the ocean when I walk to my car on Monday morning

Excitement for new music

I can walk across the street and surf

Time

Being able to truly say, "I am happy"

I am not hungry nor cold

Humour

A belief that everything will work out

Knowledge

Meeting new people and hearing their stories

Strength in mind, body and soul

The unknown

Step Up 2 the Streets - Deleted Scene!

As many of you probably agree the only flaw in the second hit hit film in the Step Up series, Step Up 2 the Streets, was a lacking full dance sequence to Flo Rida's "Low". After successfully enjoying the movie for a third round I took to the deleted scenes and discovered this gem - a deleted scene with a dance to "Low"! It doesn't involve any of the main characters (bummer), BUT it's just enough content for me to study and attempt to reproduce ;)

The District - Yes, I'm still following this...

Nannerpus!

In the Far East, where there is no Super Bowl, but bowls of rice, there is Naanaa-Pussu.

New Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow

While I am amped for the new BEP album this summer, I am not sure how I feel about this new song. I have been a big BEP fan since Elephunk and even had the chance to meet the band twice and end up in Blender magazine in a fan photo with Fergie so I am definitely rooting for them. Hopefully the album has more "humps" and "gone going" and less "boom boom" come June.

This brand new tune from the Black Eyed Peas upcoming The E.N.D. album due this June. They went full on auto-tune with "Boom Boom Pow" (think Kanye, Lil Wayne). It's a little busy and choppy. I'll have to give it a chance though. Take a listen and judge for yourself.

boom boom pow - black eyed peas

Sad, sad - Rihanna, Chris Brown

Both TMZ and PerezHilton have published a police photo of a visibly injured Rihanna late last Saturday night after a pre Grammy party hosted by Clive Davis in Hollywood. The altercation allegedly began over a text message Chris Brown received, upsetting Rihanna. It was shortly after that a dispute is believed to have erupted leaving Rihanna, 20, alone beside the road, battered and distraught. Both singers had cancelled their appearances at the next night's Grammy Awards and Brown was arrested.

Although disagreements are part of nature, violence should never be the answer. Both artists have successful careers and are adored by millions as talented pop stars, it is saddening to see this as the big news of late.

The photo speaks for itself and is a dramatic comparison to the "Umbrella" singer's appearance just hours before. Although I don't neccessarily think posting the photo without Rihanna's consent, especially so early, is the best thing to do, I do feel it needs to be shown. This is part of a big story that many people are following. The picture is part of that story. Also, it is important for anyone who doubted the severity of the behavior involved in this unfortunate event see the real damage that resulted. Domestic (or any) violence is no joke. It's serious. Let's hope both Rihanna and Brown are able to realize this too. For anyone out there in a similar situation - get out! Easier said, than done. But hopefully this can pose as a wake up call.

For these reasons, I will provide a link to the police photo allowing yourself to make the ultimate decision. If you or anyone you know is in an unsafe relationship visit the National Domestic Abuse website for help.

Click here to view the upsetting police photo.

More! The District

My favorite part of this may just be the soundtrack, totally ;)
Episode 2

Episode 3

TV Online, Just a Click Away

Online video viewing has reached 14.3 billion Internet users in December 2008, which according to comScore is a dramatic 13% increase from the month prior. With ever-present PCs, laptops and smart phones inundating our lives it is no surprise more and more individuals are turning off the the TV and tuning into online. The popular video sharing site YouTube ranks as the front runner for online video, so impressive that it also ranks as the #2 search engine just behind Google. On video sharing sites like YouTube visitors can view both user generated content (think cell phone captured party videos, vanity singing clips) as well as advertised content (music videos, staged commercials). Other sites such as Hulu, iTunes and most major television networks allow visitors to watch full-length online versions of their hit TV shows like NBC's comedic "The Office" or "30 Rock" and CW's indulgent "Gossip Girl". A recent study by Integrated Media Measurements Inc, reports that 20% of traditional TV viewers also watch some TV content online. In addition, one out of 10 youths now watch TV online.

Online TV viewing appears to be growing medium for viewing your favorite programs, a medium that is sure to increase in the coming months as technology improves, household budgets are cut and consumers look for alternative methods to receive their entertainment on their own schedules.

Reality TV setting unrealistic standards for Skanks

The District

This is actually pretty cool, and educational. If you like shows similar to MTV's "The Hills" and politics, this might be up your alley. You definitely aren't going to solve the world's economic downfall by watching The District, but it's a pretty succinct recap of last few weeks' events. Note: This is not actually narrated by President Obama. The narrator sure does have Obama's voice and timing down though!

Movie Etiquette

Sanguine - 25 Random

sanguine

PRONUNCIATION:

(SANG-gwin)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Cheerfully optimistic or confident.
2. Having a healthy reddish color.
3. Blood-red.


I signed up for A word a day email 2 years ago and this happens to be my word for today. For those of you who know me I'm in love with semantics. I will also be making a not so coy play at facebook's '25 Random'. (feel free to add!)

Things that turn me Sanguine:
- asanas
- hot kisses
- 'spicia food!'
- public speaking
- embarrassing situations (see above)
- wine
- liquor
- beer
- tears (see above, in any combination)
- the sun (extended periods of time without spf 30)
- 3 rivers winter wind
- cleaning
- arguing

Rihanna - Disturbia

This is my #1 tune of 2008. The video is bit dark and avant garde, but fits the song. Good energy, good beat. Nothing more to say. P.S. The Craig C and Nique's Tribal Mayhem Mix remix is equally enjoyable. Check 'em out.

Eggplant (and Tofu) Pasta

If you are a Trader Joe's fan you will like this post and recipe. Say you find an awesome new recipe and you can't wait to try it out. You wait all week and come Sunday you head for your weekly restock of Trader Joe's goods. You are checking off the list, then STOP. One item is not available in the store. Ugh. Now you have to make a second, seemingly unnecessary, yet required stop on your way home. Annoying? Yes.

Well, over this past holiday season I received this novel gift from a good friend of mine, Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's. The entire 250+ pages of this cookbook is dedicated to all things Trader Joe's, containing 120 recipes, interesting facts and wine pairings.

Tonight I finally got around to making my first recipe, with a few modifications (of course). Check it out!

Eggplant (and Tofu) Pasta

Ingredients:

1 bag farfalle pasta

1 pkg roasted eggplant parmesan, refrigerated version (substitute frozen eggplant, add cheese and sauce)

Extra firm tofu (this is what I added)

Fresh basil

Olive oil or non-stick spray

Red pasta sauce (optional)

Cayenne pepper, powder (added this too)

Directions:

1. Bring large pot of water to a boil add pasta, return to boil additional 10 minutes

2. Cut tofu into bite size squares, on medium pan coated with non-stick spray pan-fry tofu squares over medium heat

3. Microwave eggplant parmesan, about 4 minutes, cut into bite size squares

4. Drain water from pasta pot

5. Combine pasta, eggplant parmesan and tofu in large pot or pan

6. Add basil, extra sauce and cayenne pepper (if desired)

7. Enjoy!

Rock 'n' Roll... Marathon!

I just signed up for my first marathon! The "Rock 'n' Roll Marathon" in San Diego sounded like a pretty rad event to test my physical (and mental) endurance. Touting 26 live bands, an average sunny temperature of 65 on a 26.2 mile course starting in famed Balboa Park and finishing at the Marine Corp Recruit base in bay side Pt. Loma the scenery and entertainment alone are enough to keep your attention away from the pain and focused on the gain. Race date is Sunday, May 31, 2009. More to come, I'm sure...

Victory! Sixburgh!

2 hour school delay.

It is not snow blocking the streets its STILLERS pride.
Steelers won their sixth Superbowl title by an 'edge of your seat' 27-23. After 2006's crushing defeat of the Seahawks, this game was truly a battle until the very end. With just 20 seconds to spare, Holmes performed a pointe even a member of the Joffery Ballet Company could admire. I found myself screaming, along with 15 other rabid fans, at the projection screen. It was a catch and win worth celebrating.

10 minutes later I am driving up to Liberty Ave. honking at cheering, drunk neighbors on the streets of Lawrenceville as my friend waves a terrible towel from my passenger window.
We were introduced to the celebrating masses with a hug from an old drunken man on the sidewalk. Bloomfield's main avenue had officially been closed off by 2 cop cars and 4 buses (why were the buses still out?). Everyone was there - babies, hipsters, yinzers, punks, bikers, my jet messenger guy, teens. Firecrackers popped, a young man threw cake in the air from a near empty dish, and that's when it happened.

The couch flew into the center of the road.
Three young men circled it like sharks before they used the only means they had to light it, firecrackers. Unlike Superbowl 2006 in oakland where couches were thrown into the streets pre-soaked in lighter fluid - this was impetuous. The couch was decrepit and did not stay in flames longer than 10 minutes before the firemen snuffed it out.
(photo courtesy of Kate's cellphone)
After the couch encounter I felt my Superbowl experience was complete and I went home.

Damage done:
$500,000 for the oakland destruction, and then 79,000 for cleanup after dumb parade. (data given to me by friend who works for a law firm in pittsburgh)

my co workers witnessed cars lit on fire, 2 trees lit, and two bus stops turned over. thats just what THEY saw!

Recent quote from my friend and neighbor Kevin Topolski, "I heard gun shots go off from my bedroom when the game finished" !

Goodnight, you prince of 5 Point Road. You king of the black top.

As many of you know, I like to associate myself with fawns; one of my many identities.

I would like to share my grief and seek solace that the readers of this story will not make the same mistake the Google Mobile made. (It was broad daylight!)

During the process of capturing images of 5 Point Rd. in NY, Google Street View captured and snuffed out a life.

From Google's Blog: "The driver was understandably upset, and promptly stopped to alert the local police and the Street View team at Google. The deer was able to move and had left the area by the time the police arrived. The police explained to our driver that, sadly, this was not an uncommon occurrence in the region — the New York State Department of Transportation estimates that 60,000-70,000 deer collisions happen per year in New York alone — and no police report needed to be filed."

I will not go into specific details, but for more information (and last images of the fawn alive) please visit Switched. RIP

Super Simple Chicken & Portobello Pot Pie

If you're in the mood for some no fuss comfort food, search no more. I encourage you to try out this easy recipe, from ingredients to mouth in less than 60 minutes.

Chicken and Portobello Pot Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced into chunks)

2 large portobello mushrooms (sliced)

12 oz/one bag frozen mixed California style vegetables

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup baking mix (Bisquick works)

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F

2. In a large bowl combine chicken, mushrooms, frozen vegetable and can of soup. Add salt and pepper. Mix.

3. In another medium bowl add baking mix, milk and egg. Whisk until blended smoothly, slightly thick.

4. Pour 1/3 of baking mix into base of 9" nonstick pie dish.

5. Add chicken and mushroom combo.

6. Pour remaining baking mix over chicken/mushroom combo covering as much as possible.

7. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until baking mix is golden brown.

8. Pair with a generous glass of pinot noir (winter) or pinot grigio (summer).

9. Enjoy!

Note: Vegetarian - Substitute tofu (or add extra vegs), and cream of mushroom soup.

'The unexamined life is not worth living'

Know Thyself!

This - command, phrase, plead - may ring a bell in the dusty hollows of your mind brain. Spoken by the great Socrates and recorded by his pal Plato. Two ordinary words when combined posses much weight (if followed correctly, lightness?).

Around the same time, many miles away, Lao Tzu, a nobody, wrote Tao Te Ching. Because of the language barrier, there are more translations (and interpretations) of the Tao than of Socrates' The Apology.

The James Legge translation implores a similar philosophy to obtaining the "truth".
Chapter 33: (a particular favorite of mine)
"He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty . . . "

We are told to feel empowered when we walk away from a fight or leave an unhealthy relationship. We overcame life's obstacles! good job.

It shouldn't end there.

Have we tried to overcome ourselves? Petty objects we think we need, how we feel we should look, tricks we play on our own mind brains.

I leave you how I started, with a quote, and the wish that we all see things "how they really are" -

" . . . we must behold things as they are. And having thus got rid of the foolishness of the body, we shall be pure and hold converse with the pure, and shall in our own selves have complete knowledge of the Incorruptible which is, I take it, no other than the very truth." - Socrates

Skinny Ties

My new favorite article of clothing sure to trend up a button down look is a skinny tie. In fact, I just received a surprise package in the mail today from my mom and step dad today containing 4 true vintage skinny ties! Following in fashion's own circle of life, what was once an 80s staple and then faded away has made its way back into mainstream hipster wardrobes. The most frequented look of current is a crisp white shirt, wide collar and black skinny tie. I tend to prefer the softer cotton or wool styles, but there are some nice silk ones out there too. To properly wear a skinny tie there are five rules I suggest following:

1. Width: Between 1" and 3" wide. The most common being 2.5" wide.

2. Patterns: Given the lack of real estate, patterns are not very common. Although plaid and striped can add a little extra flare.

3. Pair with: Solid colored fitted shirt for a trendy look.

4. Fit: Bottom of tie should sit about 1.5 inches above the waist. Never below the belt buckle (unless you are sitting, of course).

5. Leave top button unbuttoned for a casual, chic finish.

Britney Comeback Trail Continues...

So it seems like the Britney machine is still churning out some comeback spark. Not only did she win 3 VMAs this past year, have the #1 album in the country and two top 5 singles (Womanizer and Circus), but now her latest single is now raising controversy, “If You Seek Amy” (say it slowly…). Just another testament of this young pop star's relevance.

One can't help but recall when crazy Britney was driving around aimlessly, befriending paparazzi, shaving her head and attacking cars with an umbrella. And who could forget the gurney and subsequent 5150 hold. All of this was merely a year past, it really hasn't been that long. With an upcoming world tour ahead, a resurged fan base and grueling schedule it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Let's hope she can stay strong, be true to herself and make it through the tour and back into a more active role in her family life toward happiness.

This is Serious - Recession

Its one thing to read all the headlines regarding our difficult economic times, but it hits close to you heart when it is you, someone in your family or circle of friends who becomes impacted. In the last several months three of my good friends have all become victim to our strict economic crisis. These are real people, you and I, landscape architects, civil engineers, drafters, retail associates. It's scary. It's sad.

I consulted the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and discovered some very alarming figures. Unemployment rates in the US for December 2008 have risen to 7.2%, up from 6.8% the month prior. Even more dramatic compared to a year ago where the unemployment rate peaked at 4.8%. What's more staggering are the actual numbers of real people, you and I, who have been turned away from our jobs due to our dismal economy and weak dollar. Currently there are 11.1 million individuals unemployed in the U.S. This does not include the hidden unemployed (those who are now working part-time because that cannot find full-time employment. These people make up 8 million of our U.S. population.

As if the above data was not alarming enough, today alone the following was announced:

• The A.C.L.U. (American Civil Liberties Union) is laying off 10% of its workforce
• Williams-Sonoma is laying off 1,400 people.
• Starbucks is laying off about another 1,000 workers.
• Home Depot is closing 41 stores and laying off 7,000 workers.
• Caterpillar (the bulldozer folks) has announced that they are laying off a whopping 20,000 workers.
• Pfizer announced the purchase of Wyeth and plans to cut 8,000 jobs immediately.
• Phillips Electronics will be laying off 6,000 employees.
• Sprint will be letting go of 8,000 jobs.

That's over 52,400 people who will be losing there jobs, in just one day alone!

It really doesn't look too good out there. Nor does it appear that we are going to get any better before getting worse. We can only hope our new president will have the strength and foresight to lead us into repair.

Shoot an Iraqi

I recently finished reading Shoot an Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun by Wafaa Bilal and recommend it be added to everyone's 'to read list'.

It is a quick read at 240 pages but very informative about Wafaa's creative process and childhood under Saddam's rule. He also goes into personal family stories that are socially complex and completely foreign to western readers. I also learned a lot about the Iran-Iraq War, Muslim culture, and refugee camps. Wafaa's life story alone is worth reading. After the sudden death of his brother (by US military forces) and father, Wafaa undertook a 30 art project to cope with the loss.

While camping inside an art gallery in front of an internet-controlled paintball gun, Bilal logged onto his blog everyday to interact with his audience and attempt to reach new audiences that typically wouldn't enter a gallery. His website had 'hits' from all over the world. At the end of the 30 days he had been shot at over 60,000 times.

For a better review please visit:
http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2008/12/book-review-shoot-an-iraqi-art.php