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" !