Another great month here at ZONINO! In case you missed something or just need a reminder of how great June was, here's your June recap:
MUSIC
We started off with a semi-blast from the past with the Trisha Yearwood's cover of Rosanne Cash's Seven Year Ache.
Feeling summery? Get a little Hawai'i flavor with Jack Johnson inspired soul pop from Ahuhea.
Check out our favorite country music up-and-comer, Sarah Lou Richard's myspace page.
Get addicted to the sound that seemingly all the prime time drama's already have and give Brett Dennen a listen!
We got in to Nashville rockers Kings of Leon and so should you!
One of the most addictive and impressive debuts in a while, Britain continues to export quality musicians with the grooving sounds of James Morrison and his debut album Songs For You, Truths For Me.
Sing-songwriters will relish in the raw beauty of soul of me, the newest album from Massachusetts native Rebecca Correia.
Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses continue to impress with the raspy, raw, and real sound of country music on Roadhouse Sun.
MOVIE
Feeling like the movies out now lack a little culture? Immerse yourself in the class and style of BBC's original production of the Jane Austen classic Pride & Prejudice.
No? Then check out one of the most recent films worthy of a view - the new to DVD The International.
BOOKS
Or...you know, you could just read the aforementioned Pride & Prejudice. You'll look pretty smart on the morning train!
RECIPE
Only one book this month, huh? We must have been too busy stuffing our faces...
Have an unforgettable summer picnic with a sad apple pizza and some strawberry spinach summer salad followed by some infamous PB Max cookies and maybe some raspberry topping sauce on a little scoop of ice cream!
TRAVEL & EAT OUT
Or you could take a Great Lakes road trip and visit Chicago's Coast Sushi, then head up Hwy I-94 and stop in Eau Claire, WI, for some coffee and bread pudding at the Grand Avenue Coffee Cafe, and continue on to the beautiful inland port city of Duluth for some tortilla-wrapped goodness (and beers) at Burrito Union.
Or, you know, you could just head down to the bizarro world of Dinosaur Kingdom in Natural Bridge, Virginia.
WEB & YOUTUBE
After all your traveling from above you'll definitely have tons of ZONINO!-worthy photos to show your friends. Don't show us though, unless you use Animoto, of course!
Did you check out precocious little Lucy Leith at Lemon Squared*? That'll make you feel a little worthless at your job, yeah?
We were definitely amused this month online!
Kristen Chenoweth brought her stage genius to her cabaret performance of "If" from the 1951 musical Two On The Aisle.
Vince and his quotable antics made us seriously question the validity of the Slap Chop! food chopper. (It's real!)
Jake and Amir reminded us both that 1) we are not that funny and 2) it's possible to waste more time at work than we do.
The Do-Re-Mi Spontaneous Dance Performance in Antwerp had us smiling like fools at the computer screen.
And finally, we paid tribute to the passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with an appropriate dance performance of our favorite MJ tune, P.Y.T. by the Jabbawockeez dance group.
WORD...
Would it be notional of us to say that June was ZONINO! but July will be definitely not be acrid in comparison!
Oh yeah...Go get yourself a pair of TOMS Shoes and check back soon!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
YOUTUBE: Do-Re-Mi Dance
There is a form of art where performers show up and "spontaneously" put on some form of show and then leave immediately following it's conclusion. Sometimes seen as a prank or visual farce, these performances are fun to experience in person, should you be so fortunate, and even more enjoyable to watch when as an outsider looking at the unsuspecting spectators' faces.
This clip, shot at a train station in Antwerp, Belgium, has been making the rounds on YouTube for a few months now. Filmed during peak commuter hours for a Belgian reality show, it uses a remixed version of the Sound of Music classic "Do-Re-Mi" to amuse and remind the stunned train-goers of their childhood days. I love the old woman dancing on the side-lines around the 2:50 mark; that is what these types of performances are all about!
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
This clip, shot at a train station in Antwerp, Belgium, has been making the rounds on YouTube for a few months now. Filmed during peak commuter hours for a Belgian reality show, it uses a remixed version of the Sound of Music classic "Do-Re-Mi" to amuse and remind the stunned train-goers of their childhood days. I love the old woman dancing on the side-lines around the 2:50 mark; that is what these types of performances are all about!
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
Sunday, June 28, 2009
WEBSITE: Jake and Amir
Brought to you by the good people at College Humor, the webisodes of Jake & Amir will surely bring laughter and more than likely many an inside joke to you and your friends. The short clips involve the misadventures of two friends, the title characters, at work, home, and everywhere in between.
The series answers many of life's burning questions. For example, what do get a friend for his birthday when you gave him a wolf the previous year? A collar. (It's FTW..."for the wolf.") Or the appropriate response when someone asks you to unzip your fly.
It's actually too bad I have a job, because I could watch these guys all day long. It's actually worse that I don't have a job with these guys...what do they do?
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
The series answers many of life's burning questions. For example, what do get a friend for his birthday when you gave him a wolf the previous year? A collar. (It's FTW..."for the wolf.") Or the appropriate response when someone asks you to unzip your fly.
It's actually too bad I have a job, because I could watch these guys all day long. It's actually worse that I don't have a job with these guys...what do they do?
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
Saturday, June 27, 2009
MUSIC: Roadhouse Sun
My brother introduced me to the gravely-voiced country singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham when his 2007 album, Mescalito, was released. Bingham, I doubt, will ever have his day on the currently formatted pop-country radio stations because his sound harkens from a different era; stripped down, raw, often abstract lyrically, and sometimes with long instrumental breaks, this is quality old-school country music at it's finest.
Bingham has joined forces with his band, The Dead Horses, on his newest album, Roadhouse Sun, to continue his superior delivery of heart-wrenching lyrics about real country life. There are no teardrops on guitars or fast cars and freedom in this collection.
The entire disc is outstanding, but for beginners not sure of liking Bingham's style or voice, some good starting songs are "Rollin' Highway Blues," "Dylan's Hard Rain," and "Hey Hey Hurray." The slow-rocking "Wishing Well" is my current favorite. Bingham sings
"I've been wasting my time, don't need no more rain,
I've been gone so long I think the devil lost my name,
I took a little ride on a heart ache highway,
the loving from you honey keeps me moving on my way,
when I go astray."
This is what real country music should be about. Get this album, play it in the background, and get a lot of inquiries. You'll be so Zonino! you won't know what to do!
Sergio del Limónar
Bingham has joined forces with his band, The Dead Horses, on his newest album, Roadhouse Sun, to continue his superior delivery of heart-wrenching lyrics about real country life. There are no teardrops on guitars or fast cars and freedom in this collection.
The entire disc is outstanding, but for beginners not sure of liking Bingham's style or voice, some good starting songs are "Rollin' Highway Blues," "Dylan's Hard Rain," and "Hey Hey Hurray." The slow-rocking "Wishing Well" is my current favorite. Bingham sings
"I've been wasting my time, don't need no more rain,
I've been gone so long I think the devil lost my name,
I took a little ride on a heart ache highway,
the loving from you honey keeps me moving on my way,
when I go astray."
This is what real country music should be about. Get this album, play it in the background, and get a lot of inquiries. You'll be so Zonino! you won't know what to do!
Sergio del Limónar
Friday, June 26, 2009
YOUTUBE: PTY (Jabbawockeez)
In memoriam...
There never was a video made for Michael Jackson's Zonino-worthy song, "Pretty Young Thing (PYT)," so instead let's enjoy this dance sequence from the recent season of America's Best Dance Crew by the the contestants Jabbawockeez.
Sergio del Limónar
There never was a video made for Michael Jackson's Zonino-worthy song, "Pretty Young Thing (PYT)," so instead let's enjoy this dance sequence from the recent season of America's Best Dance Crew by the the contestants Jabbawockeez.
Sergio del Limónar
Thursday, June 25, 2009
RECIPE: Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad
I am convinced this is the perfect summer salad. A friend made this at a recent cook-out and I devoured it. And of course when back for seconds. I don't know if I've ever done that with a leafy salad before!
ingredients:
-spinach leaves
-strawberries
-1 avocado
-1/2 cup walnuts
-1/2 cup feta cheese
-poppy seed dressing
what to do:
1 - Cut the strawberries in quarters, slice the avocado into dice-sized cubes, and crush the walnuts if they aren't already bite-sized.
2 - It's a salad: mix it all together! C'mon now!
Sergio del Limónar
ingredients:
-spinach leaves
-strawberries
-1 avocado
-1/2 cup walnuts
-1/2 cup feta cheese
-poppy seed dressing
what to do:
1 - Cut the strawberries in quarters, slice the avocado into dice-sized cubes, and crush the walnuts if they aren't already bite-sized.
2 - It's a salad: mix it all together! C'mon now!
Sergio del Limónar
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MUSIC: soul of me
If this is the last album you ever buy, so be it! Rebecca Correia hand-delivered it to me this past Sunday and I have been listening to the album on repeat ever since. Stripped down, raw and lyrical, soul of me triggers all emotions and leaves you wishing for more. A Massachusetts native, Rebecca has been writing and playing since 4th grade. "Breathe," the first track, was written at a mere 17 years old - I mean, really!??!?!
It's cool to be on the inside of a songwriter's insight. Living with Rebecca last year and knowing her since college has given me the opportunity to be "in the know" for most of her songs. "Hold Me" is a delicate and somewhat fearful song about her mom's battle with breast cancer (that she beat!) and "Tell Kyle" is about the d-bag that she broke it off with shortly before moving to Nashville. It's also cool because I was one of the first to hear the tune "Oh Nashville!"
Bottom line is that the album is amazing; her voice is spellbinding. Also, the chance to see her live is unparalleled. Do not miss it.
The album should be up on iTunes in the next few weeks and you can also buy it on cdbaby.com.
Mrs. Fitz 1
It's cool to be on the inside of a songwriter's insight. Living with Rebecca last year and knowing her since college has given me the opportunity to be "in the know" for most of her songs. "Hold Me" is a delicate and somewhat fearful song about her mom's battle with breast cancer (that she beat!) and "Tell Kyle" is about the d-bag that she broke it off with shortly before moving to Nashville. It's also cool because I was one of the first to hear the tune "Oh Nashville!"
Bottom line is that the album is amazing; her voice is spellbinding. Also, the chance to see her live is unparalleled. Do not miss it.
The album should be up on iTunes in the next few weeks and you can also buy it on cdbaby.com.
Mrs. Fitz 1
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
WORD: Notional
This adjective can be used to describe the outcome of an idea (or notion) that may be considered abstract, theoretical, or speculative in nature. It is usually pertaining to something that is foreseen or visionary; an event that may hopefully occur in the future.
Not knowing the answer to the lab question, the physics student gave a notional response to his professor.
My boss has created a notional utopia of how the office functions when, in reality, it is a chaotic mess.
Sergio del Limónar
Not knowing the answer to the lab question, the physics student gave a notional response to his professor.
My boss has created a notional utopia of how the office functions when, in reality, it is a chaotic mess.
Sergio del Limónar
Monday, June 22, 2009
APPAREL: TOMS Shoes
This is so cool! No, wait, it's better because this is ZONINO! If only more big box retailers would think on this kind of a global scale and not just some of the smaller entrepreneurial start-ups out there, the world would be a very different place, or at least in a different state of mind.
TOMS Shoes was started by a man named Blake Mycoskie who, upon visiting places in rural Argentina, noticed many of the children did not have adequate, or any, footwear. With his new company, Mycoskie vows that for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will donate a pair to child in need. This movement is called the "One for One" program.
In explaining the reason for focusing on shoes, Mycoskie says on the website, "Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot. Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation. Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential."
The shoes for purchase come in a variety of styles for both men, women, and children and are available in man different materials, most of which seem to be very environmentally conscious; there is a "vegan" shoe, after all! TOMS also sells socially conscious t-shirts say things like "Be the change" accompanied by a picture of a shoe and "I vote. I give blood. I [shoe]."
These would make great gifts for a friend or to yourself. OR to a friend AND yourself which would mean two shoeless children somewhere might be able to get to school. The gift that truly keeps on giving!
Sergio del Limónar
TOMS Shoes was started by a man named Blake Mycoskie who, upon visiting places in rural Argentina, noticed many of the children did not have adequate, or any, footwear. With his new company, Mycoskie vows that for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will donate a pair to child in need. This movement is called the "One for One" program.
In explaining the reason for focusing on shoes, Mycoskie says on the website, "Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot. Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation. Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential."
The shoes for purchase come in a variety of styles for both men, women, and children and are available in man different materials, most of which seem to be very environmentally conscious; there is a "vegan" shoe, after all! TOMS also sells socially conscious t-shirts say things like "Be the change" accompanied by a picture of a shoe and "I vote. I give blood. I [shoe]."
These would make great gifts for a friend or to yourself. OR to a friend AND yourself which would mean two shoeless children somewhere might be able to get to school. The gift that truly keeps on giving!
Sergio del Limónar
Sunday, June 21, 2009
RECIPE: Raspberry Topping Sauce
This is a perfect addition for any hot summer day ice cream retreat. Try serving the ice cream in a cantaloupe if it's vanilla.
ingredients:
-fresh or frozen raspberries
-2 table spoons of red currant jelly
-2 teaspoons of cornstarch
what to do:
1 - with a spoon, push the raspberries through some sort of a sieve to remove the seeds and juice the berries
2 - stir in the jelly and cornstrach
3 - heat mixture to boiling in a saucepan while stirring contantly (boil for 1 minute)
4 - cool and serve at room temperature
Sergio del Limónar
ingredients:
-fresh or frozen raspberries
-2 table spoons of red currant jelly
-2 teaspoons of cornstarch
what to do:
1 - with a spoon, push the raspberries through some sort of a sieve to remove the seeds and juice the berries
2 - stir in the jelly and cornstrach
3 - heat mixture to boiling in a saucepan while stirring contantly (boil for 1 minute)
4 - cool and serve at room temperature
Sergio del Limónar
Saturday, June 20, 2009
EAT OUT: Burrito Union
Sure, places like the McDonald's-owned Chipotle and Jack-in-the-Box owned Qdoba Mexican Grill get most of the burrito franchise attention, but there are other, more unique options out there!
Take Burrito Union, for example. Located near the University of Minnesota - Duluth campus in Duluth, Minnesota, in an old restored corner building, the restaurant has a rustic/classy kitsch feeling to it that makes you feel at home the minute you step through the door. Although it is within the university neighborhood, on the corner of East 4th Street and North 14th Ave East, the joint attracts clientele of all ages. The entire place is essentially one giant room which makes for a very fresh and open atmosphere to hang out in a corner booth with friends or have a uniquely Duluth brewed beer at the bar. A summer perk is dinning on the back deck which holds four tables and has great view due south-east down 14th Street to stunning Lake Superior.
But the food is by far the best part. Each burrito, made fresh to order, comes in either two sizes: one fisted or two fisted. Our server told us the one fisted "is about half the size of a Chipotle," so I can only assume the two fisted version is double that. I personally have always been full for a good 24 hours after eating a chain-restaurant burrito so devouring one half that size was fine by me! Also, you can have your burrito traditionally, in a bowl (sans tortilla), or as a salad.
I tried the Imperial Chicken Burrito which was a very tasty mix of grilled lime chicken, rice, black beans, corn, pepper, cheese, and lettuce. I would also recommend anything that comes with Burrito Union's unique Ding Sauce (Happy Worker Burrito, Ding Nachos, etc.) which, according to the menu's description, is a "vegan Mediterranean sauce with hints of curry and roasted garlic." I just call it delicious!
Sergio del Limónar
Take Burrito Union, for example. Located near the University of Minnesota - Duluth campus in Duluth, Minnesota, in an old restored corner building, the restaurant has a rustic/classy kitsch feeling to it that makes you feel at home the minute you step through the door. Although it is within the university neighborhood, on the corner of East 4th Street and North 14th Ave East, the joint attracts clientele of all ages. The entire place is essentially one giant room which makes for a very fresh and open atmosphere to hang out in a corner booth with friends or have a uniquely Duluth brewed beer at the bar. A summer perk is dinning on the back deck which holds four tables and has great view due south-east down 14th Street to stunning Lake Superior.
But the food is by far the best part. Each burrito, made fresh to order, comes in either two sizes: one fisted or two fisted. Our server told us the one fisted "is about half the size of a Chipotle," so I can only assume the two fisted version is double that. I personally have always been full for a good 24 hours after eating a chain-restaurant burrito so devouring one half that size was fine by me! Also, you can have your burrito traditionally, in a bowl (sans tortilla), or as a salad.
I tried the Imperial Chicken Burrito which was a very tasty mix of grilled lime chicken, rice, black beans, corn, pepper, cheese, and lettuce. I would also recommend anything that comes with Burrito Union's unique Ding Sauce (Happy Worker Burrito, Ding Nachos, etc.) which, according to the menu's description, is a "vegan Mediterranean sauce with hints of curry and roasted garlic." I just call it delicious!
Sergio del Limónar
Friday, June 19, 2009
MOVIE: The International
All through out my life, any time my mother and I saw the same movie, most of the time one of the two of us ended up hating it. Usually it was me, since she deemed me a "movie snob," but occasionally it was her especially when she "didn't get it" which actually just reinforced me being the movie snob.
I recently saw the recently released to DVD film, The International, and thought it was pretty good. More over, I thought that my mom, who loves espionage and crime-thriller movies, would love it. I recommended it and she loved it!
The film follows Clive Owen's Interpol agent, Louis Salinger, as he investigates some strange financial dealings with one of the world's most powerful banks. Aided by New York City District Attorney, Eleanor Whitman, played by Naomi Watts, the two hop more countries than a contestant on "The Amazing Race" and get shot at an unhealthy amount. Also, the Guggenheim Museum suffers greatly in one spectacularly filmed scene.
The most intriguing part of the film is the undercurrent that war is not perpetuated by conflict or even aggression itself. The film makes the statement that rich countries with wealthy infrastructures and businesses, such as banks, can single-handedly alter the world's conflicts by who and how they support in the world. This last discussion point makes for some interesting debate when thinking about current battles being fought around the world and who is really benefiting from them.
Sergio del Limónar
I recently saw the recently released to DVD film, The International, and thought it was pretty good. More over, I thought that my mom, who loves espionage and crime-thriller movies, would love it. I recommended it and she loved it!
The film follows Clive Owen's Interpol agent, Louis Salinger, as he investigates some strange financial dealings with one of the world's most powerful banks. Aided by New York City District Attorney, Eleanor Whitman, played by Naomi Watts, the two hop more countries than a contestant on "The Amazing Race" and get shot at an unhealthy amount. Also, the Guggenheim Museum suffers greatly in one spectacularly filmed scene.
The most intriguing part of the film is the undercurrent that war is not perpetuated by conflict or even aggression itself. The film makes the statement that rich countries with wealthy infrastructures and businesses, such as banks, can single-handedly alter the world's conflicts by who and how they support in the world. This last discussion point makes for some interesting debate when thinking about current battles being fought around the world and who is really benefiting from them.
Sergio del Limónar
Thursday, June 18, 2009
MUSIC: Songs For You, Truths For Me
At only 24 years old, James Morrison is quickly rising to the fame he deserves. Hailing from England, and growing up poor with a variety of musical styles ranging from soul to folk being played at home, Morrison has developed an emotional style that is both easy to listen to and heart-tugging at the same time.
If his latest album, Songs For You, Truths For Me, is any indication, this guy is destined to be the next big thing that comes out of the Queen's country. Highlights of the album include "You Make It Real" and the Nelly Furtado duet "Broken Strings." Another favorite of mine is "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" which is groovy song writing at it's finest, in my humble opinion.
I was naive and wide eyed,
but you made me see,
that you dont get to taste the honey,
without the sting of a bee.
Check out this album and help true artists with talent reach the levels of success they deserve and get a little I-knew-them-way-back-when bragging rights with your friends. Heck, tell your friends now. This is one of the best albums you'll purchase this year!
Sergio del Limónar
If his latest album, Songs For You, Truths For Me, is any indication, this guy is destined to be the next big thing that comes out of the Queen's country. Highlights of the album include "You Make It Real" and the Nelly Furtado duet "Broken Strings." Another favorite of mine is "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" which is groovy song writing at it's finest, in my humble opinion.
I was naive and wide eyed,
but you made me see,
that you dont get to taste the honey,
without the sting of a bee.
Check out this album and help true artists with talent reach the levels of success they deserve and get a little I-knew-them-way-back-when bragging rights with your friends. Heck, tell your friends now. This is one of the best albums you'll purchase this year!
Sergio del Limónar
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
EAT OUT: Grand Avenue Coffee Cafe
If you're ever driving the stretch of interstate between Chicago or Madison, WI, and Minneapolis/St. Paul, be sure to stop in Eau Claire, WI, for a bite to eat at the Grand Avenue Coffee Cafe. Loving known to the locals and university students as the "Grand Av Caf," this small cafe is tucked on a side street around the corner from the city courthouse and next to the Eau Claire River, at 119 W. Grand Ave.
With probably less than 12 tables inside, which are packed tightly together as it is, and two or three on the sidewalk in nice weather, the intimate atmosphere makes for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious sandwich lunch with friends over tea or coffee. The wait staff are attentive and friendly and the ambiance of the old building, with the large front windows, reminds you of a simpler time when this could have been a bakery or a hardware store, or both.
But, the one thing that you must try before leaving is the bread pudding. Coming here and not having a order is almost sacrilegious. The flavors are plentiful and vary on a daily basis, but they are all fantastic! It is advisable to not get one to share; a better idea is to have each guest get one and then play the passing game.
Just don't pass by Eau Claire without stopping in to treat your stomach!
Sergio del Limónar
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
WORD: Acrid
Use this adjective to describe something that has a strong - but not in a good way - taste or smell.
As the guests waited in the dinning room for the aspiring chef to bring out the first course, an acrid scent drifted in from the kitchen.
With a flip of her hair, the newly crowned beauty queen turned and walked away, the acrid nature of her words to the runners up hanging bitterly in the air.
I spat, trying to get the acrid smokey taste of the bus's exhaust out of my mouth.
How many times can you work it into conversation this week?!? (I'm hoping you won't need to, actually.)
Sergio del Limónar
As the guests waited in the dinning room for the aspiring chef to bring out the first course, an acrid scent drifted in from the kitchen.
With a flip of her hair, the newly crowned beauty queen turned and walked away, the acrid nature of her words to the runners up hanging bitterly in the air.
I spat, trying to get the acrid smokey taste of the bus's exhaust out of my mouth.
How many times can you work it into conversation this week?!? (I'm hoping you won't need to, actually.)
Sergio del Limónar
Monday, June 15, 2009
BOOK: Pride & Prejudice
A few days ago I recommended watching the BBC's mini series version of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. I still think you should opt for this version, of course, but I also feel that recommending the novel itself is also incredibly ZONINO!
Since it was first made available to the public in 1813, Austen's book has addressed the issues of social classes and perceptions in pre-Victorian England. Through the Bennet family and all their daughters and their daughter's suiters, we enter a world of morals, manners, and protocol...or occasional lack thereof.
The thing I enjoy most about the novel is how Austen's humor transcends time. I don't image many authors can hope to remain funny in their story-telling almost 200 years after being published.
If you have an urge to pick up a classic in a flash of culturing yourself or reliving those Humanities courses of bygone senior high days, then Pride & Prejudice is a welcome treasure!
Sergio del Limónar
Since it was first made available to the public in 1813, Austen's book has addressed the issues of social classes and perceptions in pre-Victorian England. Through the Bennet family and all their daughters and their daughter's suiters, we enter a world of morals, manners, and protocol...or occasional lack thereof.
The thing I enjoy most about the novel is how Austen's humor transcends time. I don't image many authors can hope to remain funny in their story-telling almost 200 years after being published.
If you have an urge to pick up a classic in a flash of culturing yourself or reliving those Humanities courses of bygone senior high days, then Pride & Prejudice is a welcome treasure!
Sergio del Limónar
Sunday, June 14, 2009
YOUTUBE: Slap Chop
"You're gonna be in a great mood all day because you're gonna be slapping your troubles away!"
With this first quotable gem, some guy named Vince introduces a product, that may or may not be real, called the Slap Chop. This 3:10 informercial advertises a dicer that is also apparently easy to clean and, for some reason, does not need the chef to change blades. It also comes with a free twisting cheese grater fantastically called the "Graty."
Like I said before, I can't tell if this is actually real, but it doesn't matter because Vince is a web star now. Among others, the following would o great on a t-shirt:
"One slap: salad!" (Although I don't know of any salads that consist of a baby carrot, celery, and a radish.)
"Stop having a boring tuna, stop having a boring life."
"You're gonna love my nuts."
"It pops open like that, like a butterfly, to clean."
"The onions, with the skin: this is making you cry, it's making me cry. Life is hard enough as it is; you don't want to cry anymore."
"We're gonna make America skinny again, one slap at a time." (Make America skinny by...making it easier to eat more food???)
"Tacos, fettuccini, linguini, martini, bikini" (Mmm...cheesy martini's and swimsuits. Congrats, Vince, you can rhyme!)
There are other parodies of this ad but I personally think the original is funny enough as it is! I don't think I've been this entertained by a product since the days of the Magic Bullet!
Sergio del Limónar
With this first quotable gem, some guy named Vince introduces a product, that may or may not be real, called the Slap Chop. This 3:10 informercial advertises a dicer that is also apparently easy to clean and, for some reason, does not need the chef to change blades. It also comes with a free twisting cheese grater fantastically called the "Graty."
Like I said before, I can't tell if this is actually real, but it doesn't matter because Vince is a web star now. Among others, the following would o great on a t-shirt:
"One slap: salad!" (Although I don't know of any salads that consist of a baby carrot, celery, and a radish.)
"Stop having a boring tuna, stop having a boring life."
"You're gonna love my nuts."
"It pops open like that, like a butterfly, to clean."
"The onions, with the skin: this is making you cry, it's making me cry. Life is hard enough as it is; you don't want to cry anymore."
"We're gonna make America skinny again, one slap at a time." (Make America skinny by...making it easier to eat more food???)
"Tacos, fettuccini, linguini, martini, bikini" (Mmm...cheesy martini's and swimsuits. Congrats, Vince, you can rhyme!)
There are other parodies of this ad but I personally think the original is funny enough as it is! I don't think I've been this entertained by a product since the days of the Magic Bullet!
Sergio del Limónar
Saturday, June 13, 2009
RECIPE: PB Max Cookies
A work friend of mine, who has been nicknamed "Betty Crocker" and made all of us legitimately jealous of her husband's taste-testing lifestyle, brought these amazing cookies to share with us the other day. After humbly bathing in the expected and deserved compliments for a few moments she declared that the cookies were not difficult to make. She was right!
If you have a peanut butter & chocolate addiction, beware...
ingredientes:
-1/2 c. butter, softened
-1/2 c. peanut butter - creamy or crunchy
-1/2 c. sugar
-1/2 c. packed brown sugar
-1 egg
-1 tsp. vanilla
-1 1/4 c. flour
-3/4 tsp. baking soda
-1/2 tsp. baking powder
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1 c. chopped peanuts
-1 c. dark chocolate pieces
what to do:
1. Beat the butter for three or four minutes. Add sugars, egg, vanilla, and mix well.
2. Blend together flour, baking soda and powder, and salt. Add to the batter. (Or just dump it all in at once, like me).
3. Add chopped peanuts and chocolate. Chill dough for at least two hours.
4. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet by teaspoon or tablespoon. (Oh, the choices: eat more little cookies or just one or two big cookies). Don't bother smashing them flat. Bake at 375 for eight to ten minutes.
Sergio del Limónar
If you have a peanut butter & chocolate addiction, beware...
ingredientes:
-1/2 c. butter, softened
-1/2 c. peanut butter - creamy or crunchy
-1/2 c. sugar
-1/2 c. packed brown sugar
-1 egg
-1 tsp. vanilla
-1 1/4 c. flour
-3/4 tsp. baking soda
-1/2 tsp. baking powder
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1 c. chopped peanuts
-1 c. dark chocolate pieces
what to do:
1. Beat the butter for three or four minutes. Add sugars, egg, vanilla, and mix well.
2. Blend together flour, baking soda and powder, and salt. Add to the batter. (Or just dump it all in at once, like me).
3. Add chopped peanuts and chocolate. Chill dough for at least two hours.
4. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet by teaspoon or tablespoon. (Oh, the choices: eat more little cookies or just one or two big cookies). Don't bother smashing them flat. Bake at 375 for eight to ten minutes.
Sergio del Limónar
Friday, June 12, 2009
MOVIE: Pride & Prejudice (BBC version)
Jane Austen's perennial classic novel, Pride & Prejudice, has been reinterpreted many times, including the recent 2005 Keira Knightley version.
I had the fortune to come across my 3 DVD set of the BBC's version of this great book. Produced as a television mini-series ten years before the aforementioned cinematic endeavor, I find this version of Pride & Prejudice far superior. In all fairness, part of that comes from the fact that the BBC version is close to five and a half hours long, following the original story to almost script-like accuracy. The fact that shorter version must combine or omit scenes is understandable in this light, but why not get the full effect of the brilliance of Austen's story-telling!?!
The BBC version also includes the very brooding persona of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, and the engaging Jennifer Ehle playing Elizabeth Bennet to perfection. Also, nothing against the great Dame Judi Dench, but I refuse to believe anyone else as Lady Catherine de Bourgh after seeing Barbara Leigh-Hunt's scene-stealing performance here. I confess to sometimes skipping ahead to the third disc just to watch the scene in the garden where Elizabeth and Lady Catherine come to blows.
If you're going to try and cheat a literature course by watching the movie in lieu of reading the book, it might as well be this version.
Sergio del Limónar
I had the fortune to come across my 3 DVD set of the BBC's version of this great book. Produced as a television mini-series ten years before the aforementioned cinematic endeavor, I find this version of Pride & Prejudice far superior. In all fairness, part of that comes from the fact that the BBC version is close to five and a half hours long, following the original story to almost script-like accuracy. The fact that shorter version must combine or omit scenes is understandable in this light, but why not get the full effect of the brilliance of Austen's story-telling!?!
The BBC version also includes the very brooding persona of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, and the engaging Jennifer Ehle playing Elizabeth Bennet to perfection. Also, nothing against the great Dame Judi Dench, but I refuse to believe anyone else as Lady Catherine de Bourgh after seeing Barbara Leigh-Hunt's scene-stealing performance here. I confess to sometimes skipping ahead to the third disc just to watch the scene in the garden where Elizabeth and Lady Catherine come to blows.
If you're going to try and cheat a literature course by watching the movie in lieu of reading the book, it might as well be this version.
Sergio del Limónar
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MUSIC: Kings of Leon
First off, I want to comment that Mrs Fitz 2's your most recent post is hysterical because AmErica likes Brett Dennen too but we use him as a "go to" whenever we don't know who someone is. "Oh that's DEFINITELY Brett Dennen!"
Sorry for the tangeant.
New fave of mine is Kings of Leon, Nashville broski's who are just amazingly talented. Off their most current album, which is the one I'm obsessed with, Only By The Night, from 2008 has some great tracks. Check out "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody."
"You know that i could use somebody . . . somebody like you . . . I hope it's gonna make you notice . . .someone like me . . . I'm ready now"
I think they have great lyrics and a raw emotional sound that makes it intimate but they still rock. Check it.
mrs fitz 1
PS: Still can't get over Brett Dennen!
Sorry for the tangeant.
New fave of mine is Kings of Leon, Nashville broski's who are just amazingly talented. Off their most current album, which is the one I'm obsessed with, Only By The Night, from 2008 has some great tracks. Check out "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody."
"You know that i could use somebody . . . somebody like you . . . I hope it's gonna make you notice . . .someone like me . . . I'm ready now"
I think they have great lyrics and a raw emotional sound that makes it intimate but they still rock. Check it.
mrs fitz 1
PS: Still can't get over Brett Dennen!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
RECIPE: Sad Apple Pizza
ingredients:
-1 green apple
-mozzarella cheese
-crumbled blue cheese
-tomato sauce
-oregano
-some kind of crust (dough, arabe bread, pre-made, etc.)
what to do:
1) on the crust, spread out a thin layer of tomato sauce.
2) sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella cheese and oregano.
3) cut the apple into thin slices and lay them on the pizza next.
4) add a gentle application of blue cheese crumbs to the top.
5) bake on high until crust is crisp and cheese is melty.
6) cool a little bit - remember when you burned your tongue on grandma's apple pie? that'll happen here too!
Sergio del Limonar
-1 green apple
-mozzarella cheese
-crumbled blue cheese
-tomato sauce
-oregano
-some kind of crust (dough, arabe bread, pre-made, etc.)
what to do:
1) on the crust, spread out a thin layer of tomato sauce.
2) sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella cheese and oregano.
3) cut the apple into thin slices and lay them on the pizza next.
4) add a gentle application of blue cheese crumbs to the top.
5) bake on high until crust is crisp and cheese is melty.
6) cool a little bit - remember when you burned your tongue on grandma's apple pie? that'll happen here too!
Sergio del Limonar
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
EAT OUT: Coast Sushi
When you have an amazing dining experience because of the food, because the wild taste-gasm that occurs on your palette, two things happen. First is that you remember it for a long time. The second is, it is difficult to top.
The single best sushi roll I've ever eaten in my entire sushi-eating life was at Coast Sushi, a trendy little restaurant in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. Open since 2003, the menu of available rolls and dishes is constantly changing, often-times offering special selections for one night only.
While all of the rolls we ordered were fantastic, the one that made everyone talk (and talk and talk) was the "Smoked Pumpkin" roll. It consisted of smoked salmon, pumpkin spread, some spicy mayo, and a little dollop of fish eggs. It doesn't sound like anything amazing (or, for some, edible) but the chef that created it deserves an award from the Taste Buds Council on Great Things to Eat. If no such council exists, it's time to form one.
Also, the place is BYOB, which is always good when you have to kill time in the waiting area for a table or spot at the sushi bar to open up. They do not take reservations but do have a carry-out option.
Sergio del Limonar
The single best sushi roll I've ever eaten in my entire sushi-eating life was at Coast Sushi, a trendy little restaurant in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. Open since 2003, the menu of available rolls and dishes is constantly changing, often-times offering special selections for one night only.
While all of the rolls we ordered were fantastic, the one that made everyone talk (and talk and talk) was the "Smoked Pumpkin" roll. It consisted of smoked salmon, pumpkin spread, some spicy mayo, and a little dollop of fish eggs. It doesn't sound like anything amazing (or, for some, edible) but the chef that created it deserves an award from the Taste Buds Council on Great Things to Eat. If no such council exists, it's time to form one.
Also, the place is BYOB, which is always good when you have to kill time in the waiting area for a table or spot at the sushi bar to open up. They do not take reservations but do have a carry-out option.
Sergio del Limonar
Monday, June 8, 2009
MUSIC: Brett Dennen
While relaxing at my beach house this weekend, I had the pleasure of stumbling across an artist who is now my current favorite and on a constant iPod repeat loop this week whilst in the office and on the train.
His name? Brett Dennen. His sound? Some kind of Jack Johnson/Ben Harper marriage of voices. In 2007, Rolling Stone Magazine named him as one of their "10 Artists to Watch," but in my opinion, he hasn't gotten enough coverage. His songs have been featured on such primetime shows as Grey's Anatomy, House, Scrubs, and Ugly Betty. He has performed on a number of TV show hosts' stages, including Ellen DeGeneres, Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno.
He has three albums available on iTunes: Brett Dennen (2004), So Much More (2006), and Hope for the Hopeless (2008). My current favorite downloads are: "The One Who Loves You the Most" and "She's Mine." You can listen to all of his tracks on Last.FM music streaming here: http://www.last.fm/music/Brett+Dennen
I'll be seeing him in concert opening up for OAR at Madison Square Garden in August, and will report back my thoughts and comments then.
Mrs. Fitz 2
His name? Brett Dennen. His sound? Some kind of Jack Johnson/Ben Harper marriage of voices. In 2007, Rolling Stone Magazine named him as one of their "10 Artists to Watch," but in my opinion, he hasn't gotten enough coverage. His songs have been featured on such primetime shows as Grey's Anatomy, House, Scrubs, and Ugly Betty. He has performed on a number of TV show hosts' stages, including Ellen DeGeneres, Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno.
He has three albums available on iTunes: Brett Dennen (2004), So Much More (2006), and Hope for the Hopeless (2008). My current favorite downloads are: "The One Who Loves You the Most" and "She's Mine." You can listen to all of his tracks on Last.FM music streaming here: http://www.last.fm/music/Brett+Dennen
I'll be seeing him in concert opening up for OAR at Madison Square Garden in August, and will report back my thoughts and comments then.
Mrs. Fitz 2
Sunday, June 7, 2009
WEB: Animoto
Have you ever gone on a trip and had a thousand photos to show for it?
Ever try to show all those pics to your friends only to be told half way through that they needed a break, "After all, it's been six hours"?
Well, now there's a groovy way to take your pics and make something special so that you can coerce your loved ones into watching hours of you you you!!!!
Animoto lets you take pictures and turn them into videos with music and effects that are easy and fun to use. In no time at all you can turn piles of pictures into well positioned and transitioned video footage, and with one click you can post your video on Twitter*. Also, your friends and family can post their comments to your video. They have sample videos and a super easy, user friendly format for creating your own neat-o-burrito movie. Oh, and it's FREE!!!
AmErica
*For the record, we here at ZONINO! think Twitter is lame.
Ever try to show all those pics to your friends only to be told half way through that they needed a break, "After all, it's been six hours"?
Well, now there's a groovy way to take your pics and make something special so that you can coerce your loved ones into watching hours of you you you!!!!
Animoto lets you take pictures and turn them into videos with music and effects that are easy and fun to use. In no time at all you can turn piles of pictures into well positioned and transitioned video footage, and with one click you can post your video on Twitter*. Also, your friends and family can post their comments to your video. They have sample videos and a super easy, user friendly format for creating your own neat-o-burrito movie. Oh, and it's FREE!!!
AmErica
*For the record, we here at ZONINO! think Twitter is lame.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
MUSIC: Sarah Lou Richards
myspace.com/sarahlourichards7
She'll knock your socks off.
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
She'll knock your socks off.
Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1
Friday, June 5, 2009
WEB: Lemon Squared*
This is too cool. I'm sure there are lots of junior high school kids out there getting there "craft" on, but how many of them are actually good and post their results in such fine form on the internet?!?
Fellow Blogspotter and future designer extraordinaire, Lucy Leith, age 13, has created a brand of sorts called Lemon Squared* (I have no idea what the quirky little asterisk means). She seems to really dig duct tape as her choice of medium but clearly has talents in other areas as well.
I wonder if there might be a "Lucy Leith" or "Lemon Squared*" collection gracing the red carpets of Hollywood in 10 years...get your duct tape hand bag now!!!
Sergio del Limonar
Fellow Blogspotter and future designer extraordinaire, Lucy Leith, age 13, has created a brand of sorts called Lemon Squared* (I have no idea what the quirky little asterisk means). She seems to really dig duct tape as her choice of medium but clearly has talents in other areas as well.
I wonder if there might be a "Lucy Leith" or "Lemon Squared*" collection gracing the red carpets of Hollywood in 10 years...get your duct tape hand bag now!!!
Sergio del Limonar
Thursday, June 4, 2009
MUSIC: Anuhea
Hailing from the town of Makawao on the island of Maui, Hawai'i, singer songwriter Anuhea (say: a-NEW-heya) is sure to be the next big thing. It's about time Jack Johnson got a groovy female counterpart to jam with on the sand!
Anuhea's self-titled debut album is perfectly timed for summer with upbeat beach or campfire tunes great for singing along or just soaking up the melodies alone. Her style is definitely has the influence of fellow islander Johnson, with some funky flavor of artists like Jason Mraz mixed with some reggae and a dash of Joss Stone.
With so much soul and life in every song, it's difficult to choose just one but "Right Love, Wrong Time," "Slow Down," and "I Just Want You Around" are good starters. Anyone who has ever spent time behind the counter serving coffee will enjoy "Barista By Day."
At only 24 years of age, Anuhea is a welcome and freshly different voice to the often bland an unexciting world of "new pop singers." She is destined for big things; pick up this album and be able to say you knew about her when no one else did. (On sale huge for $5.99 on iTunes right now!)
Sergio del Limónar
Anuhea's self-titled debut album is perfectly timed for summer with upbeat beach or campfire tunes great for singing along or just soaking up the melodies alone. Her style is definitely has the influence of fellow islander Johnson, with some funky flavor of artists like Jason Mraz mixed with some reggae and a dash of Joss Stone.
With so much soul and life in every song, it's difficult to choose just one but "Right Love, Wrong Time," "Slow Down," and "I Just Want You Around" are good starters. Anyone who has ever spent time behind the counter serving coffee will enjoy "Barista By Day."
At only 24 years of age, Anuhea is a welcome and freshly different voice to the often bland an unexciting world of "new pop singers." She is destined for big things; pick up this album and be able to say you knew about her when no one else did. (On sale huge for $5.99 on iTunes right now!)
Sergio del Limónar
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
TRAVEL: Dinosaur Kingdom, Natural Bridge, VA
Have you ever thought to yourself, "Self, I wonder what it would've been like to have lived beside dinosaurs." And then you thought, "OOOh, and I was also an 1863 adult male." Well my friends, now there is a way you can finally answer those burning questions.
Mark Cline has put together an attraction in Virginia that is unlike any other. Dinosaur Kingdom in Natural Bridge, Virginia is a walk through time as if two different times in our past had collided. The Triassic period and the Civil War era. Seriously, the guy is a genius.
As if the Dino/American Civil War wasn't enough of an attraction to real you in, Mark offers two for one passes to the Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum. How could you go wrong?
AmErica
Mark Cline has put together an attraction in Virginia that is unlike any other. Dinosaur Kingdom in Natural Bridge, Virginia is a walk through time as if two different times in our past had collided. The Triassic period and the Civil War era. Seriously, the guy is a genius.
As if the Dino/American Civil War wasn't enough of an attraction to real you in, Mark offers two for one passes to the Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum. How could you go wrong?
AmErica
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
YOUTUBE: "If"
How Kristen Chenoweth is not more famous, I'll never know. Most people know her as the girl from the Broadway production of "Wicked," and some television viewers probably know her from her stint on the final two seasons of the West Wing and for stealing scenes in Pushing Daisies. Other than that, her mainstream star power seems to be elusive.
In this clip, Chenoweth performs a song from the 1951 musical "Two on the Aisle" called "If (You Hadn't But You Did)." The lyrics, theatrics, and choreography together will have you playing it again at least twice. I wish I could have seen this live!
Sergio del Limónar
In this clip, Chenoweth performs a song from the 1951 musical "Two on the Aisle" called "If (You Hadn't But You Did)." The lyrics, theatrics, and choreography together will have you playing it again at least twice. I wish I could have seen this live!
Sergio del Limónar
Monday, June 1, 2009
MUSIC: "Seven Year Ache"
I was listening to my "Countrified" playlist this morning on random and, while I usually just blindly sing along to whatever comes on, I was struck by the opening lyrics to a song off Trisha Yearwood's 2001 album, "Inside Out." The song, "Seven Year Ache" was originally written and recorded by Rosanne Cash back in 1981 but, evidently, has been covered by Yearwood.
According to my computer, the song has been played several times over the past year and, according to my mind, I was familiar with the lyrics enough to know the chorus, so how I missed the genius of the opening verse before amazing to me. Prepare to have your mind blown:
"You look like you were just born tonight,
Face down in a memory but feeling alright."
I love the imagery this invokes and I'm glad Yearwood covered it. I also hope it gets covered again in the future so a new generation of country music fans can be blessed with this imaginative writing.
Sergio del Limónar
According to my computer, the song has been played several times over the past year and, according to my mind, I was familiar with the lyrics enough to know the chorus, so how I missed the genius of the opening verse before amazing to me. Prepare to have your mind blown:
"You look like you were just born tonight,
Face down in a memory but feeling alright."
I love the imagery this invokes and I'm glad Yearwood covered it. I also hope it gets covered again in the future so a new generation of country music fans can be blessed with this imaginative writing.
Sergio del Limónar
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