The Munch

On Wednesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the newest version of the iPod nano. I currently have an iPod touch and am not really interested in the nano, but what caught my attention wasn’t the built-in video camera, voice recorder or built-in speaker.

It wasn’t the “rock & run” feature which can serve as your running coach. (Seriously!) The nano tells you your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. It gives you feedback at the halfway point and also shows the details of your workout on the screen. You can even use it with your machinery at the gym.

What got me excited and has me contemplating selling my iPod touch was the FM radio tuner, accented with Live Pause, which allows you to pause and store up to 15 min of live radio. Finally (!!!)

To see footage of this amazing little device in action (more…)

 

It’s the key to life / Money power respect / That you need in life / Money power respect / You’ll be eatin’ right / Money power respect / You can sleep at night / You’ll see the light

I remember when Lil’ Kim buzzed these words on the Lox’s Money, Power & Respect song. I kept debating in my mind if she was on point or if she had it backwards. It never settled with me as fact. Anyway, today I saw a clip of 50 Cent on CNBC’s Power Lunch promoting his new book, The 50th Law (released 9/8/09 and co-authored with Robert Green of 48 Laws of Power fame). When it was over, my first thought was Lil’ Kim’s hook.  Read more to see the video.

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On Friday, September 11, Madison Square Garden Entertainment & FUSE will partner with Jay-Z when he will play a benefit concert in honor of NYC Police & Fire Department Widows & Children, underwritten by  ABSOLUT, Jay-Z and Live Nation.

One, nice that he’s getting multi-platform exposure with TV, internet (msg.com), and a (sure to be) sold out event at one of the most famous venues ever.

Two, nice that he chose to donate ALL proceeds to a charity that supports the families of local blue-collar workers. Damn right he bleeds blue.

Three, nice that he’s underwriting his own projects. I love it.

Now, I know we’re talking about the philanthropic Jay, but without the artist Jay, I don’t think I’d be writing this post. Right?  Sooo, let’s talk Blueprint 3.I wasn’t “up on” BP 1 or BP 2. I know… blasphemy! But honestly, I didn’t really get into Jay until the Black Album, I mean, I danced at the club when the singles came home, but I was never into playing his albums.

I think I’ve warmed up to Jay. I’m officially a fan. I don’t care that I’m late to the game. He just didn’t do it for me back then and I can acknowledge that. Anyway, Blueprint 3:  I love an album that I can rock all the way through. Don’t get me wrong, there are tracks that I skip (read more to see what I mean) but for the most part, I can listen to this entire album. And when the album is over, I’m left wanting more. And since there are no more tracks… I just play BP3 again. Read more for my thoughts on each track: (more…)

I have to admit, watching Beanie Siegels’s new video for In the Ghetto kind of hurts, in the truthful kind of way. More often than not, I find myself rolling my eyes at the videos by today’s hip-hop stars because they tend to project a (reckless) lifestyle that can only truly exist in Fantasyland. In the Ghetto, however, is a far cry from the hip-hop video you’re used to seeing on TV. In fact, the imagery is something you would expect to see in a CNN Special Report. The display of poverty, hopelessness and desperation that is sweeping the nation is more than vivid; its piercing. We must begin to harness the talent and leadership we possess to elevate our country, one ghetto at a time.

This will be short and sweet, Mary J. Blige’s new video for “I’m the One ft. Drake” is so hot. I mean, I haven’t been this excited about a song and video in a long time. Mary looks dope and she’s keeping it grown & sexy. She really doesn’t need to compete with the teeny boppers because she’s clearly in her own lane (she’s still doing her signature dance moves!!!). After 17 years, I am STILL rocking with MJB. All Day. And I’m saying it: Mary, you’re the BEST. So ladies, Mary has instituted a call to action: stand up for yourself and say, YOU’RE THE ONE! Join me, cuz dammit, I’m the ONE!

Who doesn’t like spaghetti & meatballs? I know… it’s so, um… kiddie. Well, yeah, it is (!) and that makes it a perfect meal in my household. I usually make this dish with store bought turkey meatballs and sauce out of the jar (so easy, but kinda expensive). Now that I have a little more time on my hands, I decided to try the classic dish from scratch. Man… if I could kiss myself, I would. WORD.

I am amazed at how quickly this dish came together (it tasted like I slaved over this all day.) See how a few ingredients turned a regular Tuesday night dinner into something special.

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Today’s breakfast was simple: eggs, bacon, toast, fruit & juice. Other than cereal or Toaster Streudels, this meal is a sure bet in my family. I’m working on my eggs and they’re getting better ;). Nothing special to this dish other than baking the bacon, but that is so easy, it’s really not worth a corresponding photo.

I think I really wanted to post this is because I have to acknowledge the family for being supportive of my cooking obsession. They clear the table and wait to eat, just so mommy can get a shot for her blog. They also try almost everything I put before them. Very cool. And I’m extra blessed for having such a talented husband - he captures all of my work! Click for photos! (more…)

 As much as I hate on hip hop sometimes, I am grateful for it. Sadly, it’s one of the few vehicles men use to express themselves. Almost as if their vulnerability will be hidden beneath or protected by the bass, drums, and keys. Here’s a prime example… Havoc, member of rap group Mobb Deep, sends a “letter” to his partner Prodigy, who’s currently serving time in the slammer. Letters are usually shared between two people, but hey, as long as you get it out, I’m cool with the process. 

Well ladies and gentlemen, VIBE is back. That’s right, resurrected from the grave. It was just purchased by the owners of UPTOWN Magazine, Intermedia Partners and Blackrock Digital. Not many details surrounding the purchase, but I tell you what… when you have a publishing & media company, creative agency and digital company teaming up, it sure sounds like a good deal. Let’s see if this new team can fire it back up!

* Check back soon for clips of my interview with one of the owners, Len Burnett, on Sugatreats Radio.

Ok, I have been on a pancake kick this month. I honestly think its because Probe is enjoying them so much. This last batch I made were a combination of Probe’s favorite flavors (for pancakes at least), so by special request, the blueberry banana pancake was born. As usual, (more…)