Cure For Boredom

Nose Candy

2008-11-09T04:01:00.010-05:00

I LOVE this cologne. It is a light refreshing scent with tones of citrus and oak (hence the quercus . . .). It is great for everyday use or for special occasions.

Perfect for: a cool summer day, brunch outside on a nice spring day, meeting a girl at chill lounge.

Affordability: if you have $80 it's affordable

Olfactory Rating: 87

This week . . . more to come

2007-05-29T13:31:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn, BABY! + MySpace 101

2007-05-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

So what's been up with you guys? Hopefully enjoying this sometimes hot, sometimes cold weather! I myself, am just getting over a little (what seems) like bacterial tonsilitis (yuck!). That $#!% is NOT fun! >:-( Dude! I was out of commission ALL last week, but I did get my narcs from the doctor in time to feel better for my boy's wedding out in LI. Before I get into the "meat" of things let me start off with what I think has got to one of the best Office tributes I have ever seen. If you don't know already I am a HUGE Office fan. Although I have never seen the British version and I only started watching into the middle of the second season - whatever! DON'T JUDGE MY AUTHENTICITY! :-D Okay so hear it is - In the upcoming days there are some VERY nice events going on in the BK! Hopefully some of you don't still think you need a passport and a bulletproof vest to get into Brooklyn. Trust me, Brooklyn is a cool place. I was just going to spotlight one or two events going on in the BK, but there is so much to offer I think I will make this my "Brooklyn, BABY!" issue (hey if you have a better name let me know!) So today I think I will focus on my 'hood - Fort Greene. I have been here for about 3 years now, although I do remember being in Fort Greene during the early nineties, when there were no gourmet delis, or sidewalk restaurants. When BAM's Mark Morris Dance Theater used to be (i think) a hotel (for who? I don't know . . . but you can figure it out). BAM was just a big forgotten structure - not even close the stature it has in the community now. St. Felix street did not have all those new architectural design driven homes on them (and actually they are sprinkled all over Fort Greene - these brownstones on steroids, I call them.) Here are a couple of reasons to visit my hood in the coming days . . . 1. Dance! Africa at Brooklyn Academy of Music: 5\20 - 5\28 Celebrating 30 Years of this festival BAM is bringing a virtual army of dance, music, film, and art events to the 'Greene'. I am tempted to say that there is actually TOO much to do, but I won't :-) For a comprehensive list of events click here. But here are some of my personal picks a. Literally ANY of the DANCE events will do. If you have ever seen any of these performances you know that by the end you feel as though you could go home and summon the energy of those energy (except for the whole couch potato physiology thing!) b. DanceAfrica: Gokh-Bi System Sat, May 26 at 9:30pm "Founded in Senegal in 1995, Gokh-Bi (Go-Bee) System has shared the stage with Kanye West, Erykah Badu, and A Tribe Called Quest. Marrying politically minded western rap with the indigenous traditions of their home country, expect to hear the Ekonting, for example, a rare, three-stringed gourd instrument virtually extinct in Africa. Pair it with deft rhymes moving effortlessly between French, Arabic, and English and you have hip-hop as you've never heard it before." - BAM c. Bamako (2006) 115min Wed, May 23 & Thu, May 24 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pm "Directed by Abderrahmane SissakoSissako, whose last film Waiting for Happiness played at DanceAfrica in 2003, returns with Bamako. The film audaciously stages a trial against the IMF and World Bank in a small African village, contrasting the political arguments against economic imperialism with the goings-on around the small town, including a film crew making a Western starring Danny Glover, who was an executive producer on the film. " - BAM d. Bazaar Sat, May 26, 12noon—10pm Sun, May 27, 12noon—10pm Mon, May 28, 12noon—7pm "Over 300 vendors from around the world transform the streets around BAM into a global marketplace, offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts and fashion. Rain or shine!" - BAM There will be an outdoor stage Sat, May 26—Mon, May 28, 12noon—6pm. It will feature a live showcase of poets, dancers, musicians, and storytellers. 2. " The French Evolution: Race, Politics and the 2005 Riots" by Alexis Peskine - 5\25 - 9\9\07 Opening Reception - Friday, May 25th 6 - 9 pm Museum Of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) 80 Hanson Place Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-230-0492 Click here to view the press release 3. Sundance at BAM - 5\31 - 6\10 "With films straight from the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, sneak peeks of new work being developed with Sundance Institute support, and programs that take you inside the creative process, Sundance Institute at BAM presents nine dramatic features, eight documentaries, a screenplay reading, and 27 shorts from some of the most exciting emerging filmmakers in the US and around the world." - BAM For a comprehensive list click here 4. GreenPoint Beer Works (YES a brewery!) 529 Waverly Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 398-2731 newyorkbeer@yahoo.com Okay okay, so it's really in Clinton Hill (so sue me, it's close enough!). This little find was originally supposed to be the producer to the brews at Heartland brewery. Now they produce Brooklyn's own Kelso Beer. Call them and set up a tour\tasting! Well that ends my little "tour" of Fort Greene (okay and a little Clinton Hill too). I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to see you at some of the events above. Next time stay tuned for D.U.M.B.O, Fulton Ferry Landing (this is new to me), and Vinegar Hill. ****************************************** So I was going through some of my favorite websites and found this article on Fashion Indie about how to promote yourself (as a designer) on MySpace. Now love it or hate it MySpace seems to be here for the long haul so we might as well make the best of it. As a recent myspace member myself (shout out to www.myspace.com/theonlyardenthatmatters), I have found that I can keep in touch with a lot people that I wouldn't normally see on a day to day basis. But that isn't the point of this article. Although the article is geared towards fashion designers promoting themselves via MySpace, I think that many of their ideas can be translated to your personal use or for your own business on MySpace. Alright, alright I'll shut up now . . . [Fashion 101] MySpace Tips for Emerging Designers - With over 100 million users it is no wonder that so many designers are in awe with the prospects of marketing their fashion brand on MySpace. Offering an easy to use interface and the ability to connect directly to customers, thousands of emerging designers have flocked to the popular social network to expand their customer base. The following are some well practiced tips and tricks Fashion Indie has used to build our MySpace and use it as a marketing tool that drives thousands of emerging artists and members to our site everyday. [1] Don’t Make It ‘Your’ Space. If you are using your MySpace profile to promote your fashion brand it must reflect your brand, not you. This means personal photos should be at a minimum, video and music should have some correlation to your clothing or jewelry line, and all text (about us, favorite movies, heroes, etc) should be about your fashion line. Your best bet is to keep your Fashion MySpace separate from your personal MySpace. [2] At the Same Time, Don’t Completely Remove Yourself. It is smart to have at least one picture of yourself on your MySpace page. The best pictures we’ve seen are of designers at fashion shows, working on their line, or simple face shots that are professionally done. These images elude a level of success and make it seem that fashion design isn’t only your hobby. Click here for the rest of the article Peace. A.

Weekend Warriors . . . Can you dig it?

2007-04-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

As I sit here at work (ssssshhhhh), it look like the sun is trying to make a comeback and it gives me hope . . . hope for a GOOD weekend.
Yesterday wifey and I went to this fundraiser for this new non-profit African Health Now. They help address health care issues for Africans here and abroad. It was a very good event and we met some great people. I'll have to let you guys know about their next event.

Anyways here your list . . .

Tribeca Film Fest is having their Free Drive-IN Screening weekend starting today . . .yeah yeah it's raining - whatever.
Myself, I am going to check out Planet B-Boy (click for the trailer). There has been quite some buzz about this one.
And not to mention, on some level, I feel like I was a b-boy in my past life (although I'm not sure how that would work out considering (a) I was born in 1979 and (b) I don't believe in reincarnation) This movie looks GOOD! and i mean GOOD!

The Coffee and Tea Festival hits NYC again this weekend.
Saturday April 28th - 11am - 6pm
Sunday April 29th - 10am - 5pm
@
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street
$20 gets you a slew of tastings and seminars (yes I said slew)

Sunday ( IS supposed to be the nicest day so the 9th Annual Blakkat May Day Celebration should be a good time. Live music in a park, etc, etc.
Disclaimer 1: They are in the process of changing location and time so you will need to check their site for updates
Disclaimer 2: I have actually never been to this event but I have heard that it was cool. Also judging from the video on the website it was a pretty ECELECTIC crowd, but I did notice a lot of hippies - not that there's anything wrong with hippies. Hippies can have fun too. Just letting you know . . .

UNTITLED
An Exhibition Of Original Skateboard Art
April 12 - May 5th
@
Eyejammie
516 W. 25th St.
This art show looks pretty interesting . . .

"Eyejammie & Consolidated Skateboards have linked up to present a group exhibition of painters, photographers, illustrators, clothing designers, graff writers, vinyl toy designers, skaters, musicians, graphic designers, moms, dads, cats and dogs. For Untitled, each artist was given a blank skateboard deck to create - with no instructions or time limitations."

HUMAN GIANT

2007-04-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

These guys are great! If you never seen any of their stuff here in NYC or on the web they have a show on VH1 now called . . . Human Giant. This one a spoof on Chris Angel's MindFreak. Teleport!

First there's today, then there's tomorrow . . .

2007-04-23T13:21:00.001-04:00

TODAY

Spank Rock @ Virgin Mega Union Sq
Apr 24th, 2007
@
Virgin MEGA Union Sq. NYC
Cover: FREE
SPANK ROCK 2 Hour DJ set!
Tuesday April 24th 7pm-9pm
FREE!
***************************************

BAILE FUNK

Apr 24, 2007

APT

DJ Sujinho & DJ Cassiano

Cover: FREE

10 - until

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TOMORROW

RAZA @ CIELO (This looks good!)
For more information:
www.myspace.com/razanyc
www.myspace.com/yaesta
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
6 - 11pm
$5 before 7pm
$10 with flyer or RSVP to muzikbutrfly@earthlink.net
$15 at the door

Cielo
18 Little West 12th Street Between Washington & 9th Avenue
A,C,E,1,2,3;L to 14th Street
www.cieloclub.com

"To bring in the spring season RAZA, the newest Latin party in the Meat Packing District, returns with a celebration of cultural heritage... featuring Bryan Vargas & ¡Ya Está! on the live music tip. Juan Valentín will provide ‘la música’ on the turntables that will be sure to keep the dance floor ‘the place to be’. And, for those of you that may be lacking in Latin dance moves, Rodney Lopez (the famed dance instructor in the film MAD HOT BALLROOM) will give a one-hour dance class to begin the evening. "

"One of New York's underground more prolific djs/musical programmers, Juan Valentín is a veritable old-schooler whose musical programming promises to elevate RAZA's revelers and take them on a musical journey from the Old World streets of Latin American ancestral homelands to the pavement of ‘El Barrio’, NYC in the mid-seventies. He bestly combines the new and throw-back sounds that have been the result of musical fusions of the multi-cultural people that make up Nuyoricans; salsa, rumba, deep house, boogaloo, soul, Afro-Latin, Bossa Nova, folkloric, Latin jazz, just to begin..."

Hungry? + For the Philanthropist in You

2007-04-09T13:17:00.000-04:00

What's good folks? I hope everyone has been enjoying this fluctuating spring weather we've been having lately. So what have I been up to? Let's see . . . I'll give you some highlights :-)

I went to an art exhibit by Alexander Reyna with lots of tall German people (i felt short, everybodywas over 6' 5" - crazy!). Note to self art exhibits are great for free fermented beverages and random convo. So I went to this exhibit with my boy James a.k.a the Birdman (you can check his blog in my links section). Man, we ended up talking to a random dude about astrology, how to test which eye is your dominant eye, a new type of book called smartbook that hovers over you while you lay down you don't have to hold it (i still don't get it . . . it's not digital or holographic ???), and a bunch of other stuff that I don't normally talk about with somebody I wouldn't normall talk to (not you James!). Anyway, point being it was actually an interesting conversation. I learned a lot a kind of forced myself out of being in a familiar situation. I gotta tell you you'd be surprised how much stuff you can have a conversation about if you just start talking about stuff - and you don't even need a segue!

You can just start talking about something else - kind of like this . . . I also went to the NY Times Travel Show @ Jacob Javits (and I DID post it . . . i think) which was amazing! If any of you want to go travelling through Europe, I went to this seminar by this guy Rick Steves - http://www.ricksteves.com/ that was GREAT! I learned so many things about how to save money and time when travelling through Europe.

I went skiing up in the Berkshires with wifey and oh yeah! - fractured my wrist on my last run of the night. aaaaaaaaaand then I had to drive for 1 hour in a blizzard (insert literary license here) with a PAINFULLY throbbing wrist to the nearest hospital . . . and drive back another hour to my timeshare. Needless to say . . . that sucked. oh yeah and it was my left wrist, and i'm left handed >:- So because of this stupid injury I can't cook or dj or ytpe (that was a joke) or go to the gym. Man I am bored!

Alright so to get back on track - I have a couple great food events for you to check out (thanks to Laura Dee for the info . . .)

4-26-07 -- TASTE OF THE LOWER EAST SIDE @ The Altman Building (135 W. 18thSt.)
7-11pm
See preview invitation here
"A sampling of the food and spirit from New York's most dynamic neighborhood. 37 of the Manhattan's hottest Lower East Side and East Village restaurants offer tastings, and a full open bar.
Featuring a silent auction and DJ. Business card raffle drawing to win a Sub-Zero 46-bottle Freestanding wine storage unit"
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Every Tuesday - VINO-VERSITY
@ Divine Bar West (236 W. 54th St. b\w B'way and 8th Ave.)
$35 in advance - go to their website for ticket info
$45 at the door, if available
call 212-265-WINE for more info
"Walk-Around Classes" with 24-36 wines.
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4-26-07 - African Health Now Launch Reception
@ Sun West Studios (450 W. 31st Street, 10th floor between 9th & 10th aves.)
7-10 pm
Please RSVP by April 10th to neyeson@africanhealthnow.org
The evening will include A cocktail reception, open bar and silent auction
Dress: Business Casual
AFRICAN HEALTH NOW is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the health and health care of Africans by providing community education, accessibility to resources and by strengthening social networks.
And this IS a Fundraiser, so bring your checkbooks.
***************************************************************
5-3-07 - "HUSTLERS 4 A CURE" CINCO de MAYO AIDS WALK BENEFIT
@ Sante Fe Grill (244 E. 79th St. b\w 2nd and 3rd Aves.)
5-9pm
$5 (which includes 1 free raffle ticket)
extra raffles are $2 ea. or 3 for $ 5!
A LOT of margarita (THEY'RE GOOOOOD!!!!), sangria, wine and beer specials!
There will be raffle prizes including, free private dance classes @ Arthur Murray Dance Studios, free wine giveaways, dinner giveaways and more!
Come out and support team "Hustlers 4 A Cure" on 5\3\07 as they raise money for AIDS WALK NEW YORK which is on Sunday, 5\20\07

to pass the time by . . .

2007-03-26T15:32:00.000-04:00

sometimes it's the silly things that make the time go by . . . . . . for all you undercover Walker, Texas Ranger fans out there.

you are what you eat . . .

2007-02-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

Before your next meal check out these two articles on the top TEN foods we should and shouldn't eat - of course there will be many dissapointments in the artice on foods we SHOULDN'T eat
:-(

Channeling Project Runway + GOBS and GOBS of Art!!! + WORLD MUSIC

2007-02-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

2\21 “BEHIND THE FACES OF FASHION” AT THE NEW SCHOOL "Former Parsons chair and household name Tim Gunn lends his fresh perspective and always sharp, witty, critical tongue in a discussion on fashion photography and its place in the art world. Panelists include Vince Aletti (critic and contributor to Face of Fashion), Inez van Lamsweerde (fashion photographer) and Steven Sebring (director)." Tishman Auditorium at the New School, 66 W. 12th St., (212) 229-5353. 7 p.m. Free. ***********************************************************************************

2\23 (and every Friday) K2 LOUNGE - "Time to Ascend" LOCATION: Rubin Museum Of Art (Art of the Himalayas) 150 W. 17th Street 212.620.5000 x344 TIME: 6-7 Happy Hour; 7-10pm Free Admission to gallery - Contemporary and Global Sounds spun by guest DJs.7-10 p.m. - Free admission to selected galleries. - Artists on Art: Contemporary artists respond to Himalayan art with free, informal tours of the galleries. Presented together with ArtAsiaPacific Magazine. - Tangka Painting Demonstrations by RMA Artist-In-Residence Pema Rinzin.7:00 p.m. - Theater ProgramSee Calendar for complete schedule.9:30 p.m. - CABARETcinema Free with $7 bar minimum unless otherwise noted.

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2\22 -2\26 PULSE New York & The ARMORY SHOW (HUGE Art Fairs!!!)

TIMES: Thursday noon-6pm;Friday-Saturday noon-8pm, Sunday noon-5pm

The 69th Regiment Armory at E 26 street and Lexington avenue

free shuttle from Armory every 30 min

"In its second year, PULSE New York will feature high-quality works from 61 established and emerging galleries from 15 countries, including additions from Israel, China and Korea.PULSE, is a biannual invitational contemporary art fair, that will coincide with The Armory Show February 22-25, 2007. The Fair has been created to bridge the gap between established and alternative art fairs and will feature a range of international galleries that have strong and consistent exhibition programs and aesthetics. PULSE requests that participating galleries articulate their program in a curatorial manner."

THE ARMORY SHOW

Pier 94, 55th Street & 12th Avenue

Friday-Sunday February 23 - 25, noon-8pm

Monday, noon-5pm

Thursday, preview party

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2\22-2\26 SCOPE NY International Art Fair

Sneak Preview Thursday, February 22nd, 3pm-8pm Daily Entry: 10am-8pm, Friday, February 23 – Monday, February 26, 2007 The Scope PavilionLincoln CenterDamrosch Park,Corner of 62 Street and 10th Avenue

"Scope hunts down that most endangered of species: the emerging artist. Both moving target and elusive chameleon, Scope’s 65 participants capture this exotic breed in their roving crosshairs. Challenging passive viewing with 25,000 square feet of open-range, Scope New York exposes visitors to a real-time survey of the contemporary art world available nowhere else. "

************************************************************************************

BLACK HISTORY MONTH @ LINCOLN CENTER The Paintings of Mike Cloud: In Celebration of Black History Month February 1–March 3 Tuesdays–Saturdays, 12:00 to 8:00pm The Gallery at Lincoln Center, Concourse level ofThe Metropolitan Opera House Free and open to the public

An exhibition of African-American artists in Lincoln Center’s renowned List Art Print collection that features the works of contemporary painter and collage artist Mike Cloud, whose piece Large Abstract , is the first ever commissioned for Black History Month. Mr. Cloud has personally selected works by other distinguished African-America artists in the List catalogue, such as Sam Gilliam and Glenn Ligon to accompany his own in this exhibition. All works are for sale, issued as a signed and numbered print and as a limited edition poster.For further information, call The Gallery at 212.875.5017.

Black Women Behind the Lens February 5–March 5 Daily 2:00–8:00pm The Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery, Walter Reade Theater Free and open to the public

A sterling tribute to films directed by distinguished Black women, this powerful exhibition, comprised of 23 posters, offers the opportunity to reflect upon the cinematic triumphs of women who work behind the scenes in the film industry, overcoming serious obstacles to bring their voices and visions to life on the screen. Presented in partnership with Separate Cinema Archive. For more information: http://www.filmlinc.com/http://www.separatecinema.com/ ************************************************************************************ 3\10 Ladysmith Black Mambazo DATE: March 10, 2007 TIME: 8:00 PM Location - Brooklyn College: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts 2900 Bedford Avenue & Avenue H PHONE: 718-951-4500 ADMISSION: Single: $35, $30, $15. Multibuy: $30, $26, $13 http://www.brooklyncenteronline.org/ ************************************************************************************ EVERY SUNDAY @ Nublu - Nublu Sundays 11pm Synth breakbeat jazz, electro-soul, Brazilian forro and Balkan beat. $5. 62 Ave C, between 4th and 5th Sts, East Village [F,V to Lower East Side-Second Ave] 212-979-9925 ************************************************************************************ Yeah so that's it for this installment . . . let me know how you like the blog so far and please send me your comments and suggestions on how I can make this blog better (comments aside from the obvious lack of consistency!)

Peace. A.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

2007-02-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope everyone enjoys it as best they can with the ice bullets spiking you in your face outside. What's the deal with that? So i came across this article on the web about the science of love which is from a tv show called the secret of the sexes (shout out to my boy James for putting me on to the show). All I have to say is that it is entertaining and educational all in one - dare I say edutaining?

So with out further delay here is my Valentine's Day gift to you -

The Science of Love - http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/love/. ENJOY !!!!

And as an added bonus . . . The History of Valentine's Day!!! - http://www.history.com/minisites/valentine/viewPage?pageId=882

Until next time!
A.
Oh yeah - and today is my birthday!
"28 is the new 20."

Cheers to a New Year!

2007-01-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

let's see . . . . my last post was October 13th? So I guess you guys are due a Happy\Merry Halloween, Veteran's Day, Election Day, Ramadan, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Channukah, Boxing Day, New Year's and the ever important 3King's Day (or Day of the Epiphany) . . . .whew! Now that I have gotten the formalities out of the way. What's good? Yeah I know I have been slacking, '06 was a busy year for your boy and I am hoping to make '07 just as busy or more. So if you have been a member of this exclusive, sensible group of extraordinary people in the know about this blog - from the pre-blog, fill your inbox up with email, days - then you may remember that almost a year ago, to the day, I recommended drafting a to-do list. The list should be of attainable goals. Setting your goal to be "Win a date with Arden", while flattering and charming, would be an example of an unattainable goal, as I have a girlfriend. However setting your goal to be "Tell Arden he has amazing facial bone structure and an Adonnus-like form", is completey attainable, and in fact encouraged :-) No, but seriously, they could be part of a bigger goal (i.e. payoff my debts by the end of the year so i can start saving for a house next year.) , or they could be a goal in and of itself (do volunteer project abroad before the year is up). I figured I would revisit that in the spirit of resolution making (or lack thereof) being done with this new year. Here's the flashback (cue: soap opera lighting, aka vaseline on the camera lens and chords being played on a harp) - So how was everyone's '05? Big things? Small things? Any thing? Hopefully something. It would be a shame for a year to go by and the only thing you have to show for it is a desire for '06 - that would suck. Not to bring you down or anything if this is you, but that sucks. Life's too short man. Like OutKast said (actually I think they got it from someone else's song too) - "You need to get up get out and do something . . ." If this is you, make a list. It's nothing new - people have been doing it for ages, but making a to-do list has worked for me for the past year and a half or so, so I am sharing it with you. Make a list of things you've always wanted to do that you've never seriously considered or dared to try. As you go through the list you'll find that things you wanted to do 3 years ago seem much more attainable now and you still have a desire to do them. So I guess that will be one of the first things you can do in '06 to cure your boredom . . . MAKE A LIST - make a list of things you would like to complete that you think you can complete with in the year. You may not finish them all, but you may finish more than if you were to make list containing items like "make my first million" or some lofty crap like that. Be more realistic and more short-term. For instance - "learn digital photography and have a photo exhibit by year's end"- this is COMPLETELY attainable and gauranteed you will be busy and if this is a goal of your's, you'll be enriched along the way. Okay, now fast forward back to '07. New year, great weather, what else could you ask for? More to keep you busy you ask? Well, as luck would have it, I have some items of interest, that (gasp), you just might be interested in! ************************************************************************************ Lately I have been getting a lot of inquiries about recreational cooking classes. Well here are some links to get you started Institute of Culinary Education - http://iceculinary.com/recreational/index.shtml

French Culinary - http://www.frenchculinary.com/jump_amateur.htm.

Also here are some classes at The New School of Tim Gunn fame (yes I watch Project Runway - all three seasons . . . and?)http://www.generalstudies.newschool.edu/culinary/01a_currcal.htm#January ************************************************************************************ PESTO CHANGE-O (whatever, it's clever!) - Dying to find out more about that delicious pesto sauce you have been chowing down on in your favorite Italian Restaurant? Want to know how to make it? Check out this article my friend Alissa D. wrote on the delicious topic - http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/pastas/best-pesto-sauces.asp. It's a great read. ************************************************************************************ 1\1 - 1\7 Now that's some Fine Art - It's the 11th Annual Black Fine Art Show - www.blackfineartshow.com ************************************************************************************ Winter got you down? Don't be SAD (you see that's play on words referencing the actual, or not-so actual, disorder Seasonal Affective Disorder . . . tell how funny it is later). At any rate New York Magazine has compiled a list of great things to do for the months of January and February (and although my BIRTHDAY, is not in the list of things to do in February, I'm sure they had every intention of putting it in there . . . must have been the printer.) http://nymag.com/arts/all/features/26011/ ************************************************************************************ So after you've cooked that special meal (that you learned at one of those cooking classes) for that special someone you may want to take him\her out to see one of these upcoming shows. Check them out - they look pretty interesting.
1\24 - 1\28 - Miguel Angel Zotto's Tango x2 http://www.nycitycenter.org/events/event_detail.cfm?event_code=TAN07

2\10 - 3\4 - The Jaded Assasin http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/128896 ********************************************************************************* OK I'm going to make it short since my intro was so longwinded. But everyone enjoy the long weekend, remember Dr. Martin Luther King and why we have the day off (well some of us anyway) and keep coming back. PEACE.

MIA like Chuck Norris + ART + SHOPPING + WHATEVER ALES YOU + MUSIC AND MORE

2006-10-13T12:27:00.000-04:00

So it HAS been FOREVER (forevah evah and evah evah?) - yes FOREVER since I have posted. BOO HOO. I'm here now so I guess that's all that matters :-) I hope everyone enjoyed their summer. I definitely enjoyed mine ;-). So I'll keep it short today. I have some good stuff for the next few days.

10\13 - 15 10th Annual D.U.M.B.O Art Under The Bridge Festival. Don't miss this exciting event where about 50 or so studios open their doors to the public. Tons of events included as well. Tonight is the opener!

10\7 - 1\28 TROPICALIA: A REVOLUTION IN BRAZILIAN CULTURE Now at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, this exhibit is showcasing avant garde expression of Brazilian art, music, film, architecture and more from the late 1960's

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

10\15 (LAST DAY!!!) Replay Sample Sale 1-7PM @ 72 Greene St between Spring and Broome Up to 80% off - men and women's jeans, jackets, etc.

AND

CALYPSO Christiane Celle 10AM-6PM @ 148 Lafayette St near Howard St, 3rd Fl Up to 80% off - FOR EXAMPLE "Juliet Dunn romantic full skirt with lace orig. $350 now $50!!!!!! Visit CALYPSO Outlet (424 Broome Street today and get an additional 10% off)

10\13 - 23 Triple Five Soul and Subscript 10AM-8PM @ 15 West 24th St near 5th Ave 646-209-4287 50% off

10\20 - 21 BREWTOPIA Basically A LOT of beer (over 300) for $60 a session (see website for schedule). This is pretty self-explanatory and if you don't get it, then you have probably been having your own beerfest.

Through 10\20 EAT LIKE A DIPLOMAT! The United Nations is accepting reservations for lunch at the Greek Food Festival. Just call 212.963.7625. Lunch $25 for all you can eat buffet that changes throughout service. All drinks are extra. PLUS you get a fancy UN badge . . . eh?

ONGOING The BUTTERFLY Conservatory Never seen a butterfly conservatory before? Where have YOU BEEN? Well, for those of you who are not in tune with nature check out a live butterfly conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History.

and now for the MUSIC! Lately I have been listening to a lot of buzz around this British girl - Lily Allen. I decided to check it out and YO, this girl AIGHT! I like it. Let me know what you think. Check out some of her album at http://www.lilyallenmusic.com/. So with that here is the well-received playlist (because it is . . . well-received).

Playlist - 1. Don't Look Back - Telepopmusik 2. Space Rider (DJ Spinna Mix) - Shaun Escoffrey 3. Deep Burnt - Pepe Braddock 4. Busted Trees (Original Mix) - Directions 5. Boom Clickety Clack Clack (Jazzanova Original Mix) - Jazzanova ft Shaun Escoffrey 6. Knock Em Out - Lily Allen (BTW - This song is Hilarious!) 7. Just - Mark Ronson ft. Alex Greenwald 8. Private Parts - J*Davey 9. Possible - VASSY 10. Littlest Things - Lily Allen

Feeling saucy?

2006-08-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Indepent Spirits Expo Wed. Aug 16 (TOMORROW . . . sorry for the short notice) 8-10pm @ Slate (54 W. 21st. bet. 5th and 6th ave - 212.989.0096) $10 charitable donation @ door RSVP here

So what does $10 get you? Well it's you a 2 hour open bar tasting of - Mãe de Ouro, a pot distilled cachaca made with hand cut sugarcane. - Khukri Rum, distilled at the base of the Himalayas and aged in oak for at least 8 months - Orange V, Mandarin and Valencia orange infused vodka (100% organic if that matters while you get completely hammered)

BONUS! . . . well I guess depending on how you feel about it. Anyway I just read about this neighborhood and I have passed by it many times. It's called SoHell (South of Hell's Kitchen - go figure. Don't you love real estate in NYC?). Spending a day in this area with all of the spot listed in this NY Metro article should definitely be a good look if you are looking to have a lazy afternoon. Especially if you are of the epicurious type. There a quite a few internatinal markets in the area as well as the Artisinal Premium Cheese Center (which I just found out about a few months ago at the NY Culinary Festival). I didn't even realize most of this stuff was here and to top it off major developments are planned for this area in the near future. It's almost as if NYC realized that they could actually utilize much of their decrepid space within the past few years (i.e. Hudson River Park, Williamsburg Waterfront, DUMBO, etc.)

DAMN IT'S HOT!

2006-08-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

Man - it is just too hot to type one of my amusing little intros . . . LIKE HOW IT IS TOO HOT to live in an APT with no AC - you have to be on crack to do that huh? Answer: NO - you just have to be me. I'm an idiot. I was actually going to buy one yesterday. One of those new portable ACs that you don't have to put in your window. But then I heard that this "heat wave" (FYI this is not a heat wave - it's just a hot summer!) was going to be over. So I didn't buy one. I haven't had one for 2 years so another day in a heat wave isn't going to hurt - right? I was SOOOOO wrong, my apartment is literally a sweat box - yes a sweat box - one of those boxes that sit under the sun that the warden sends prisoners to, to do Bikram Yoga, for punishment.

. . . And it isn't that it is hot, it's HUMID, very humid. The only advantage to all of this humidity is that my locks are as soft as the down comforters at Sheraton hotels (please tell you have had a chance to sleep in a Sheraton bed - hands down one of the most comfortable sleeping experiences ever). Seriously (don't touch my hair, just take my word for it).

Alright so I wrote it anyway - what? Here it is . . . .

Friday (TODAY) Aug 04 - Lincoln Center Out of Doors: Latin Rules 7:30 pm Featuring (or Con) Tiempo Libre (Latin jazz and seductive son), Eddie Palmieri (salsa) and La Perfecta II Location: Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center - southwest corner of the Lincoln Center Plaza, at 62nd Street near Amsterdam Ave

Sun. Aug 06 - Tango Anyone Eternal Tango performs at Hudson River Park - Pier 54 (Entrance @ W 14th St.) FREE dance lessons @ 6:30pm Band goes on @ 7pm

Sun. Aug 06 - BROOKLYN POOL PARTY feat DJ ?uestLove of the ROOTS Mccaren Pool in Williamsburg from 2pm - 8pm This is part of weekly summer series - see other events here P.S. The pool also has a DODGEBALL tourney going on in the summer as well

Wed. Aug 09 & Sat. Aug 12 - Candi Station w\ Stephanie McKay Bowery Ballroom @ 8PM$25 - Ticket info here This is serious (personally my draw is Stephanie McKay - great singer!)

Thurs. Aug 10 - RJD2 w/ Lyrics Born & Alice Smith FREE @ 6pm - (I love summer in NYC!) Hudson RIver Park - Pier 54 (Entrance @ W 14th St.) P.S. - You NEED to be here - Holla atcha boy if you wanna roll!

Thurs. Aug 10 - We B*Girlz: 25th Anniversary Breakin' Event!!!! 5:30pm - 7pm Josie Robertson Plaza @ Lincoln Ctr (Columbus Ave. btwn 62nd & 65th oh and this is free too! More info

Sun. Aug 20th - Blues and BBQ 2pm - 9pm @ Hudson River Park - Pier 54 (Entrance @ W 14th St.) Click here for schedule of performers and restaurants

Interesting Web Links to pass you time - http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com - it's sooo addictive http://www.darfurisdying.com/ - I actually like this game . . . just keep an open mind and read ALL the material on the page - it has a VERY important message. http://noscruf.org - This is just silly. http://www.overheardinnewyork.com - funny stuff http://www.gnotorious.com - free downloadable mash-up album of Gnarls Barkley and Biggie!

I'll try and put some more stuff up later.

Peace and a refrigerated Kit Kat bar(because you can't have one without the other).

what? A.

THE TITLE THAT WASN'T (a.k.a. writer's block)

2006-07-18T09:32:00.000-04:00

WTF!!!!! I just spent about 20 minutes writing this fantastically captivating intro for your reading pleasure and this stoopid (yes, the 'oo' tells you the degree of stupidity involved) post editor frigging erased everything out of nowhere, and all I did was press the up arrow - shyte! (sp?) And I'm not going to retype it either - the moment has passed :-(

Anyway here are the goodies -

LMAOICPFF! (A dollar to anyone who figures that out - LOL) 7/19: Improv comedy troupe, The Upright Citizen's Brigade performs live (for free) at Central Park Summerstage

See you at Si*Se by the seashore (I am one clever dude) - 7/20: Check out a FREE concert @ 6pm at Pier 54 by the always entertaining Si*Se (electro-dance\latin grooves) and Radio Mundial (latin rock\funk). Sounds provided by world renowned DJs, Turntables on the Hudson. See info here

After the show is the after party - 7/20: DEGO of 4HERO fame is performing at Cielo (where you are guaranteed a good time) @ 10pm. $10 gets you in - no fuss. See info here

For the Tiger in you - 7/20: 7:00am - 7:00pm Foley Square (Centre St. between Worth and Pearl) Free Free Golf lessons, demos, and contests, in honor of the British Open. Featured, will be a full-size tournament board with real-time scoring. Even if golf isn't your thing, you've got to check this out.

Kayak + Sushi = fun (i think) - ongoing: Go kayaking on the Hudson to a hidden gem called, Mitsua. Mitsua is a small Japanese community, with tons of japanese foods, imports, etc. After your little kayaking adventure you can dine at a sushi restaurant overlooking the Hudson. I don't know if you need me to tell you this, but this WILL give you cool points with whomever you take. In fact you might end up with cool points credit and we all know what we can cash that in for (don't we?). Anyway, these cool points don't come cheap - $140 for 1/$265 for 2. More info here

UPCOMING FILM and MUSIC FESTIVALS:

NYC Latino film 7/25 - 7/30
4th Annual Brazilian Film Festival of NY 8/06 - 8/12
Newport Jazz Festival (Rhode Island) 8/11- 8/13
Summer Play Festival thru 7/30

a.one's Playlist

Rely on Me (Jay's Bodega Vocal)- PetalPusher
I Know What You're Thinking - Roy Davis Jr.
Not So Blue - Quantic
Tell Me - OMAR
Star - 702
Dollar Circulate - Steve Spacek
Heaven - Mark De Clive-Lowe
Johnny Walker - Tiombe Lockhart
Love Me Right - Goapele
Water Your Garden - Luscious Jackson
The Bird That You Can't See - The Apples In Stereo

You miss me?

2006-07-13T13:26:00.000-04:00

Hey I know, I have been slacking and it this post is waaaaaaay overdue - my bad. I have just been running around in a little hamster cage that I like to call life (not your problem). Anyway I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. I was going to go to the beach with the girlfriend (a.k.a MySpace Queen), but it looked like it was going to rain so I decided not to trek all the way out to Jones Beach to soak up some rain. So I decided that we should go to this block party down in DUMBO thrown by Halcyon Records. But then I realized that it was outdoors and I really didn't want to get soaked in the rain. So I watched some movies and ate Chinese food - yeah!

I have been trying to keep myself busy however and been doing things here and there. I went to that trailer park exhibit down in Petrosino park (see post from 6\30). It was actually a trailer and 2 other photo and sculpture exhibits sponsored by the Storefront for Art and Architecture on Kenmare and Cleveland. I went during my lunch break at work and then topped it off with a chorizo and cactus taco from La Esquina down the street (I think it rates as one of my top 10 lunch breaks of all time). Check out the pics (sorry no pics of the tacos) - it was actually pretty amazing.

Some of the sculptures and a photo from the exhibit - which incidentally was called "portable"

Pics of the Trailer Park (the first four are of the inside and the last of the outside - duh!)

If you have gone to exhibits let me know what you think. The pictures of the sculptures don't really do them justice and don't show exactly how much detail is in each piece. If you haven't gone what are you waiting for and let me know how you like that chorizo and cactus taco at La Esquina!

LOL - Rakim and I go waaaaay back!

2006-06-30T14:43:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY DANCE FEVER + AFRICAN ART + CRUISES, CAKES and more . . .

2006-06-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Dancin' dancin' danciiiiiiiin' - a dancin' machiiiiiiine - 7\1 Sat 7\1 marks PS.1's inaugural dance party for the Warm Up! outdoor dance party season www.ps1.org. The LEGENDARY dance party is celebrating it's 10th anniversary from 3pm tp 9pm. $10 gets into the party and to all the exhibits in the museum. The official FREE afterparty is located at the Water Taxi Beach (seriously). Check out details for the party here . . . good times.

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35th Annual International African Arts Festival - 6\30 - 7\4 This is a HUGE events that takes place every year in the BK. Complete with dance, fashion, music and art (oh yes and FOOD!) this 5-day event will be sure satisfy the artist in you. Friday 6\30 through Tuesday 7\4th. Click here for more details.

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Cruise through life - various dates If you didn't think that NYC had any natural wildlife to offer other than the Bronx Zoo, then you should check out the Audubon Eco Cruise to Harbor Heron Islands, where you can see thousands of herons in an island habitat (and at sunset). $25 ($12 for children under 12) If wildlife is a little too much on the wild side for you (punk asses) then you would probably opt for the Sunset Cruise. No birds here, but there is the sunset and a cash bar (for all you lushes). $20

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Who doesn't like cake (especially when it's free)? - 7\7 FREE cake tasting with other food and refreshments. C'mon! You can't beat that. from 5pm - 8pm @ 40\40 Club (6 W. 25th St and Broadway). Did I mention that I love summer in NYC? More info here

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A real trailer park If you've passed by Petrosino Square on Kenmare St. between Lafayette St. and Cleveland Place, prior to June 17th you probably didn't even notice anything was there. Normally it is just a decrepid little "park" if you want to it that. If you've passed by since then, you may have noticed a non-descript trailer in the park - which I guess makes it a trailer park (???). To alleviate your fears, it doesn't belong to some crazy transient, and it is okay to go up to the trailer. In fact you can go inside. A woman by the name of Kim Holleman has spent the better part of two years redesigning the interior into a fabulous indoor park\garden\oasis. I guarantee they haven't thought of this on "Pimp My Ride". Tues - Fri. noon - 6pm and Sat 11 am - 6pm.

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One of the biggest music festivals in N. America - eh! - 6\29 - 7\09 Just a short flight away (roughly 50 minutes) the Montreal Jazz Festival provides one place to sample a wide array of musicians whose sounds is influenced in whole, or in part by jazz. Not to mention that Montreal is absolutely BEAUTIFUL this time of year. UNFORTUNATELY - I can't make it this year >- but hopefully you can.

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1st Saturdays @ Brooklyn Museum - 7\1 FREE event filled night from 5pm - 11pm. Documentary showcases, live musical performances, exhibitions abound. More info here

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Movies with a view - thru 8\23 Watch independent movies on various rooftops throughout the city (really). Live music played before the movie. Go to www.rooftopfilms.com for more movies and locations

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SOMETHING RANDOM I was riding the train home from work the other day and noticed that this lady sitting in front of me was talking to herself. Not out of the ordinary for NYC right? Well, then I noticed she wasn't talking to herself (and mind you she was speaking a normal conversational volume). She was reading a book. I looked around for the kid that she was reading to. I looked to the left, where there was a bookish lady who had a almost non-descript smirk on her face. I looked to the right and there was an elderly woman who was looking the direction of the ads behind me, but I could tell she wasn't really looking at them. Holy shit man! This grown ass woman was reading out loud to HERSELF. I'm not trying to be mean but that was a first for me in a public space. Do you think I am mean for wanting to just bust out laughing. C'mon that is some funny shit. Oh and it was a self help book.

**Disclaimer - if you have a relative (or if you yourself) are hooked on phonics, i apologize profusely.***

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Notable Website www.assessment.com - check it out. Seriously it's great. Shout out to Y.G. for the site.

Sorry no playlist today.

I'll try to have more events listed for 4th of July (aside from the mundane fireworks ritual).

GOOD music + more . . .

2006-06-27T14:12:00.000-04:00

TONIGHT @ 10PM Raymond Fiore www.raymondfiore.com @ R&R (416 W. 14th St. btwn 9th av and washington st. - across from LOTUS) $7 Stick around because the after party is at the Eclectic Ride @ R&R and free for those who stay reduced if you come after . . . so what are you going to do :-) Check out Timeout NY's write up on the ER - http://www.timeout.com/newyork/Details.do?page=1&xyurl=xyl://TONYWebArticles1/559/clubs/freaks_come_out_at_night.xml ********************************** For those of us who don't have a 40" Plasma in our offices, World Cup '06 is now viewable at work!!!! ESPN 360 is free until 7\19. Go to http://www.espn.com and click on the 360 link. That's right I just saw the Black Stars (GHANA) get handed to by Brazil :-( It was a good game though. Can I get a 2010 from anyone? ********************************** SOMETHING RANDOM Okay so I was talking to my girl today and as I was saying goodbye I opted to use the light hearted "see you later alligator", to which she replied "after a while crocodile". Now apparently that's a popular reply - to everyone but me. I need to get out more :-) ******************************** peace a.one

RAYMOND FIORE LIVE !!!

2006-06-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

RAYMOND FIORE performs LIVE NEXT TUESDAY 6\27 with the Kill 'Em Dead band, one of the livest bands in NYC!!!! See him on 6\27 @ 10pm @ R&R, the hottest live music venue in NYC, located in the MeatPacking District @ 416 W. 14th St. (btwn 9th av and Washington St. - across from LOTUS). $7 at the door. Raymond has been touring the NYC circuit for close to 4 years, performing in locations such as Joe's Pub, S.O.B's, CODA, Cherry Red, Sin-e, The Cutting Room and COUNTLESS more. He is definitely a crowd favorite and you will see why if you are lucky enough to catch him at a live performance. Named by BMI as one of their Artists of the Year, he is already on his way to making waves in the world of music. The Kill 'Em Dead Band, also the house band for S.O.B's, is one of the most respected bands in NYC right now. They have tearing down the house at S.O.B's backing some of the most well know names in music today. Whenever they are on the bill, you are sure to have a good time. The last time Raymond and the Kill 'em Dead got together a couple of months ago at Sin-e in LES, it was INCREDIBLE - which is an understatement if you happened to make the performance. This time around they are at a bigger and better venue, in R&R. Located in the former venue, RARE, they are garaunteed to bring down the house. If you love live music . . . If you love high energy . . . If you love feeling good, then I'll see you next week at R&R. Oh and then there's the afterparty . . . 11pm . . .right there . . . don't go anywhere, 'cause it's the jumpoff . . . more info to come - of course :-)

First Post and Recap

2006-06-22T08:42:00.000-04:00

So this is the first post for my new Cure for Boredom blog. Hopefully the first of many! SO spread the word http://boredomboresme.blogspot.com. I should be posting some new stuff in a few but for those of you who didn't get through the entire last of the Cure for Boredom emails or for those whose email magically appeared in the deleted items folder I have a quick recap for you. Enjoy! TONIGHT!!! Spoken Word Benefit Extravaganza!!!!! 7PM @ M1-5 @ 52 Walker St. $15 w/ flyer http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ETCFNNNALGJAGRULSLNU&li=iq&src=email

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY UNDER THE SUMMER SKY (sounds good huh?) - Lincoln Center's MidSummer Night Swing is baaaaack for all you danceaholics out there. Check out this year's line up http://lincolncenter.com/search/results.asp?txtprogOrg=Program_5&cboProgramID=5&session=BD77D1FC-C3BB-4046-ADAA-A3B90E92AE71&version=&ws=&bc=99 I hope you have your dancing shoes on!

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ROUND-TRIP TO PUERTO RICO FROM NYC is now $382 . . . But if you don't got it you can go to CAMARADAS EL BARRIO in Spanish Harlem and get a taste of PR for less $20 dollars AND enjoy some good authentic food and music from PR. Just so you know, you MUST and I mean MUST have the jibaro sandwich. It has got to be the best sandwich EVER! - no joke! And it is only 7 dollars. Anyway if you are feeling really ambitious you can have with a nice ice cold bottle of Chimay for an additional $10 and not the Premiere either, the Grande Reserve - that's that high class beer :-) Thursday night is the night to go, but be warned get there before 9pm as you won't get a table and it gets PACKED (like rush hour subway packed) after 9pm. Check it out - 2241 1st Ave.\115th St. - http://www.camaradaselbarrio.com/. Shout out to Stacey for putting me on to this.

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DANCE DANCE DANCE !!!!! - It's the OFFICIAL launch of the PS.1 Warm-up outdoor party series @ MOMA PS.1 in Long Island City - July 1st is the date and the 10th Anniversary BODY AND SOUL party is the event. If you love to dance or even listen to great music - this is the place to be. Party is from 3pm - 9pm @ $10 - http://www.ps1.org/ps1_site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=99

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HUGE!!!! CRICKET EVENT 7\8 - 7\9 - Come out to Floyd Bennet Park in Brooklyn and see the best cricket players from the U.S. face off against the best from the West Indies. http://www.floydbennettcc.com/event.html. Thanks to Ro for the info. And I know I have some cricket fans out there!

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And course . . . The play list

1. N.Y. Shhhh - Busta Rhymes (this is just straight FIRE!)

2. Kick Push - Lupe Fiasco (Another sureshot!)

3. Love Endeavor - Alice Smith

4. California Blue - Raymond Fiore - www.raymondfiore.com

5. Let's Do It Again - Julia Darling

6. Playing House - Kudu www.kudu2u.com

7. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

8. Number 1 - Pharrell feat. Kanye West

ALSO . . . . I am building a small collection on music videos on YouTube (and if you don't know about youtube.com by now, then well . . . Well I don't know but you should check it out). Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=94B032BEB1832EC8

Peace and don't forget to come back! A.