Wednesday, June 30, 2010

MONTHLY REVIEW: June

Juuuuuuuune!!!! ZONINOOOO!!! Enough said.

MUSIC

Janelle Monáe rocked our socks off with the single, "Tightrope," off her forthcoming sophomore album.

The same can be said for the sultry stylings of Laura Izibor and her debut CD, "Let The Truth Be Told."

Country sibling-band The Band Perry has us captivated with the vocals and chirpy tone of their single "If I Die Young".

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is bringing us lots of uplifting ZONINO! music this time of year inlcuding Kelly Rowland's "Everywhere You Go", Akon's "Oh, Africa", Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)", and the K'naan hit "Waving Flag" with David Bisbal.

Dido is back with a catchy single from the Sex & the City 2 soundtrack called "Everything To Lose".

Ex-pop singer, Jaron (of Evan & Jaron circa 2001), known now as Jaron and the Long Road to Love, has a country single climbing the charts; check out "Pray For You".

DJ Earworm has struck again for summer with a new mash-up, "Like OMG, Baby".

And teen-sensation turned pop princess Christina Aguilera is back with a new album and beautiful single "You Lost Me".


WEBSITE


1000 Awesome Things will leave you inspired, nostalgic, and just plain warm and fuzzy inside.

Need some random in your day? Check out the blog Success Is Not An Option and I Can Has Internets and have your fantastic fill.

Or head over the see the plethora of uses for an old wedding gown at My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress.

Speaking of wedding dresses, how about Wedinator to give you some perspective on the fact that just because the cake was chocolate and you ordered marble, your wedding was not a total disaster.

New York Bike Snob is perfect for anyone in a big city who has to deal with cyclists, either because you are one or you hate them. Because they hate you back.

Think your feet are killing you today? It could be worse: If Shoes Could Kill

Glee withdrawl? Check out the blog What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? and "Don't Stop Believin'"!

MOVIE

If you haven't seen the latest in Robin Hood movies, you need to check out the "historical" epic staring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.

RECIPE

We were on a mango kick this month! Try the delicious (and completely safe) Mango Ceviche. Also, its never an inappropriate time to treat yourself to a little Mango Dessert.

BOOK

Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio's recipe book, 'Wich Craft, devoted exclusively to sandwiches, will have you rethinking your ham and cheese on Wonder bread.

YOUTUBE

Want to take a Tortoise Ride? Or play basketball with your girlfriend?

Need an idea for the Science Fair next year? Get some inspiration from the YouTube show Will It Blend? (but remember to not try it at home).

The 2010 FIFA World Cup features some of the most conditioned athletes from around the globe, and we're only talking about the officials!

Monday, June 28, 2010

MOVIE: Megamind (Trailer)

It looks like Dreamworks will do it again come November. Combining stunning animation, A-list voice actors, and a snappy script, the studio has begun running trailers for its newest creation, Megamind.

At first, the story appears to be a slight Superman creation-story rip-off with a baby being sent away in a tiny rocket ship by his parents as the planet explodes all around them. The movie, featuring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Brad Pitt, seems to make no apologies for this similarity; there is even a character, Metroman, who looks like a white-suited Superman. The difference here is that the story focuses on the titular villain and his eternal quest to win some misguided sibling rivalry with someone not even his brother.

This looks to be a sure-fire hit and definitely one of the better anti-hero hero stories out there. Be sure you're in line for tickets when the curtain goes up this fall!

Sergio del Limónar

Sunday, June 27, 2010

MUSIC: "You Lost Me"

Ladies and Gentlemen, Christina Aguilera is back! After a nearly four year break, the soulful pop princess is back with a new album, Bionic. The third single, "You Lost Me", is a beautifully aching ballad stocked with Aguilera's trademark growls and vocal gymnastics. (Check out the linked performance during a visit to The Late Show with David Letterman earlier this month.)

From the point of view of a lover scorned by a cheating partner, she sings in the bridge,
"Now I know you're sorry, and we were sweet.
But you chose lust when you deceived me."
Both timeless and contemporary, Aguilera has once again found a way to create new and engaging music in a seemingly effortless manner. The listener at once knows the song and yet is intrigued by its stylings at the same time.

Sergio del Limónar

Saturday, June 26, 2010

YOUTUBE: FIFA Officials' Warm-up

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches holding most of the world's attention for at least some point every day during the end of June and early July, it comes as no surprise that these athletes are in peak condition. But what about the officials that chase that same ball up and down the pitch? Well, it turns out they need to warm-up too!

This video, Compenetración Arbitral, which can be loosely translated as "Synchronized Officials," features an edited look at the officials before the first round game between Mexico and Chile on June 25th. If these gentlemen ever need another career option, there's always the chorus line!

Sergio del Limónar

Friday, June 25, 2010

MUSIC: "Like OMG, Baby" (Mashup)

DJ Earworm has struck again with a mashup jam just in time for the heat of summer. "Like OMG, Baby" takes some of the hottest radio and club hits and remixes them together in a giant conglomeration that is arguably better than any one of its constructive pieces. Much like February's "Blame It on the Pop" this song is instantly recognizable and catchy without being tired and feeling over-played. Download it free from DJ Earworm's website today!

Sergio del Limónar

Thursday, June 24, 2010

BOOK: 'Wich Craft


Tired of that boring old bologna sandwich or PB & J for lunch? It will be well worth it for your taste buds to check out Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio's book, 'Wich Craft, devoted solely to the art of sandwich-making.

While it would take months to sample all the delicious recipes included within this inventive book, two have already become favorites of mine. The smoked ham sandwich with avocado and butter is just as smooth and satisfying as it sounds. Also, the meatloaf sandwich with cheddar, bacon and tomato relish is a meat-lovers new best friend. Although I can't speak from personal experience, I am excited to explore the dessert sandwich section as soon as possible!

Sergio del Limónar

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

RECIPE: Mango Ceviche

I've had some bad ceviche experiences in my life. Things that are a secret between me and the porcelain throne. This recipe, however, is the cheater's way out of enjoying the seafood treat without the risk of illness, mostly because there is no uncooked fish!

ingredients:

-ketchup
-lemon juice (the fresher the better)
-2 mangos
-1 onion
-cilantro

what to do:

1) slice the mango into thin strips about an inch to two inches in length
2) cut the onion similarly
3) put the mango slices and onion in a bag or sealed bowl with the lemon juice to "marinate" overnight
4) the next day, drain the lemon juice and mix the cilantro in with the mangos and onions
5) add enough ketchup to allow for everthing to stick together but not be swimming in a sea of red
6) serve chilled

Sergio del Limonar

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

WEBSITE: What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?

Going through a bit of Glee withdrawl? Take solace in the blog devoted to one of its most unique and gratifying characters. What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? is centered around McKinley High School's own germophobic counselor, featuring a sort of cheeky how-to guide for this wishing to emulate her style.

Taking stills from the show and hunting down the exact (or similar) sources of her costuming is only one part of the site. The other entails finding things all over the web - from J. Crew to Etsy - that Miss Pillsbury could/should be wearing. So, while your coping with a Glee-less summer, you can always find ways to dress up like one of your favorites until it returns in the fall...or would that be weird and obsessive? Probably. Better to just enjoy the site instead.

Sergio del Limonar

Monday, June 21, 2010

YOUTUBE: Will It Blend?

Designed with a motif that resembles a 1970's television game show, the YouTube channel, Will It Blend? does not try to be anything more than what its title suggests. Each webisode features host Tom Dickson seeing what will happen to various items when they are put in a blender. Dressed in a lab coat and safety glasses, Dickson thus far has tested a swim noodle, silly putty, and a digital camera. Using a dry nerdy wit, Dickson, and his Blendtec home blender, use creative buttons - like the "translate" button when he experiments with a German-language lesson CD - that are definitely not on my blender! And, as Dickson always warns, "don't try this at home!"

Sergio del Limonar

Sunday, June 20, 2010

WEBSITE: If Shoes Could Kill

"Fashion over function," you say? I'm not sure if the folks at If Shoes Could Kill would agree. Featuring photographs of footwear inspired by, well, almost anything, the site shows us just how wrong a pair of sneakers can actually be. Don't worry about blisters, some of these designs will make your eyes hurt first!

Sergio del Limonar

Saturday, June 19, 2010

YOUTUBE: Girlfriend Slam Dunk

Is you girlfriend super tiny? Do you love all things basketball? Want to see something the two of you can enjoy together? Check out this video of what appears to be a cheer stunt gone potentially wrong. I think my favorite part (other than the fact that the lucky girl actually made it throught the hoop) is that she clearly bumped her noggin a little on the rim and the guys are whoopin' and hollerin' like they won the NCAA tournament when she - the one who actually served as the focal point of the stunt - stands back rubbing her head.

Sergio del Limonar

Friday, June 18, 2010

WEBSITE: Wedinator

As June is in full swing, wedding season has offically opened and the nuptuals and broom jumping antics have commenced. Wedinator celebrates this too, only just the parts you may want to forget. Forget the impromptu speech your drunk uncle gave, or the fact that the DJ just broke out the chicken dance with props; these are far worse! Using viewer-submitted photographs and videos, the site displays those moments that make guests gasp and brides want to die.

So, this wedding season, keep your eyes open and cameras ready! Awkward guest moments, terrible profesional photographers, mispelled and/or strange cakes, and inappropriate attire are all fair game. You could have some material ripe for this hilarious and mortifying site.

Sergio del Limonar

Thursday, June 17, 2010

MUSIC: "Pray For You"

I have an unhealthy obsession with vengeful break-up songs. Usually such songs are written and performed by a female artist against some guy who wronged her in love. Face it, it's difficult for a male artist to successfully convey this sense of being wronged without coming across as unnecessarily violent or just being a cry-baby. (In the country music genre, for example, I can't see Tim McGraw or Gary Allen having any success with the Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" or Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats.")

Newcomers Jaron and the Long Road to Love perform this feat with fantastic finesse and grit in their single "Pray For You". Formerly of the early 2000's pop duo, Evan & Jaron, the later of the twin brothers has ventured back to his folk roots with a country album due later this month, Getting Dressed In The Dark. The lead single finds the crushed guy in a quasi-spiritual state, reflecting on how the preacher tells him "we must not condemn," and to "let the good Lord do His job; you just pray for them." With this, the remainder of the song consists of a long list of biting things on his prayer list for this girl who breaks hearts.
"I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls,
I pray you're flying high when your engine stalls,
I pray all of your dreams never come true.
But most of all, I pray for you."

Wouldn't it be nice if all ex's cared so much?

Sergio del Limonar

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

RECIPE: Mango Dessert

ingredients:
2 ripe mangos
4 tablespoons of honey
200 mL bucket of whipped cream
400 mL plain yogurt
2 tablespoons of sugar
crushed almonds (optional)

what to do:
1 - cube the mangos
2 - heat the honey and mango cubes in a frying pan
3 - roast the crushed almonds in a different frying pan
4 - mix the cream and the sugar until they are the same consistency as the yogurt
5 - mix the cream/sugar and the yogurt together
6 - add the mango cubes
7 - serve in a dessert cup or glass and garnish with roasted almonds on top

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

MUSIC: "Everything to Lose"

I'm not a fan of Carrie and the rest of her gal pals fro the Sex & the City franchise. I've caught parts of maybe three episodes back when I was in college, mostly on accident or while at a friend's house where I had no control over the remote. I haven't seen the movies, nor do I plan to. And when a friend did see the most recent film installation and reported that it was "soooo good OMG you have to see it!!" I quickly reminded myself that said friend still thinks American Idol is a great show and that crocs are cool. However, she did make me listen to one song from the soundtrack that I will admit is fun and catchy and that I must admit I kind of liked...and subsequently downloaded.

Dido is back, ladies and gents. Her single from the Sex & the City 2 soundtrack "Everything to Lose" brings the English pop star back to the dance floor in a slowish electro-pop groove. Her recognizable and soothing voice, as intact as it was when she was on the top of the charts nearly a decade ago, sings of the joys of living life and being content with what you have. Ironically inappropriate for the Sex & the City gals, who from what I've seen, do everything to trump this ideal, but then again Hollywood has held the throne on hypocracy for years now.

Monday, June 14, 2010

WEBSITE: Bike Snob NYC


When I'm on a bike, I hate cars. They don't know the biking etiquette or signals, nor do they respect the right of way or bike lanes. When I'm driving a car, however, its the opposite; I hate bicyclists. They think they're smaller cars. I'm sure I'm not alone in this socio-ethical dilema.

The author of Bike Snob NYC has some similarly strong feelings, only his are a little stronger and probably much more knowledgable. As the blog's heading claims, he is "systematically and mercilessly disassembling, flushing, greasing, and re-packing the cycling culture." With a strong dislike for fixed speed bikes - "fixies" - and hipster bikers, the blog is as cut-throat as it is humorous. Ranging in posts from goings-on in the Big Apple to international biking news, the site will keep those who don't want to make a biking faux pas in the correct lane and out of oncoming traffic!

Sergio del Limonar

Sunday, June 13, 2010

YOUTUBE: Tortoise Ride

There are no words. Not for this video or for why I couldn't stop watching it. Perhaps they should add this to the 1000 Awesome Things site from earlier this month.

Sergio del Limonar

Saturday, June 12, 2010

WEBSITE: I Can Has Internets

Random, witty, and even a bit snarky. I Can Has Internets has everything we here at ZONINO! love in a random, witty, and snarky blog. Taking the best of all that crap your friends forward to you in email or post on your facebook wall, the site filters out all but the stuff that is not wasting space on the web. This is a bookmark-for-sure page!

Sergio del Limonar

Friday, June 11, 2010

MUSIC: Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)

This is the fourth in a four part series.

A true international icon, Colombian singer and hip-shaker, Shakira, has won fans in Latin America, the U.S., and abroad with her infectious rhythm and instantly recognizable voice. It's only appropriate that she sing the official official anthem for such a worldly event as the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament. "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" combines phrases of the Fang language, English, and Spanish to create a song without borders. The titular phrase, "waka waka" literally means "where are you from?"

Sergio del Limonar

Thursday, June 10, 2010

MUSIC: Waving Flag

This is the third in a four part series.

Arguably the most international of all the FIFA 2010 World Cup anthems, "Waving Flag" involves so many countries, one almost needs a globe. A take-off on Somali-born Canadian, K'naan's hit song of the same title, and featuring Spaniard David Bisbal, the song weaves Spanish and English lyrics together to create an encouraging piece aimed not only at victory, but at the spirit of international competition.

As Bisbal sings in Spanish:
En las calles,
Muchas manos,
Levantadas celebrando,
Una fiesta sin descanso,
Los paìses
Como hermanos!

Which K'naan echoes later when he sings:
In the streets our
Hands are lifted,
As we lose our,
Inhibitions,
celebration is
All around us,
Every nation
All around us!

A constant reminder of how important and exciting this tournament is for many people the world over!

Sergio del Limonar

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

MUSIC: Oh Africa!

This is the second in a four part series.

Akon's song "Oh, Africa", featuring Keri Hilson, has already been featured in several FIFA-related advertisements, including one often-played spot for Pepsi. Again featuring interpilations of the Afrikaans language, sung by the Soweto Gospel Choir, Akon celebrates the deserved and long-overdue focus the entire continent has achieved in beign awarded hosting honors for this year's FIFA World Cup.

Sergio del Limonar

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

MUSIC: Everywhere You Go

This it the first in a four part series.

Once every four years an event comes around that argueably unites the planet more so that the Olympics. The FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament, this year hosted by South Africa, begins on Friday. Along with millions of "futball" fans around the world being glued to television sets and radios for the next three weeks, the festivities are represented in song by musicians from around the world. This year, four songs have been chosen as offical World Cup anthems. All are catchy and inspiring. All are ZONINO!

Ex-Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland leads the list with her song "Everywhere You Go". A mix of American hip-hop and African tribal rhythm, Rowland sings of the universality of winning, triumph, and hope. Check back from now until Friday for the best of the rest, leading the way to South Africa!

Sergio del Limonar

Monday, June 7, 2010

WEBSITE: My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress

In 1697, William Congreve wrote, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn'd" in his poem The Mourning Bride. Well, the opposite is apparently true for Kevin Cotter, the author and creator of My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress, a site devoted to the many uses a beautiful white gown can have if your spouse up and leaves.

In the era of green thinking, Cotter, who's wife of 12 years packed up and left him, develops creative ways in which to be practical, and evidentally, therapeutic with his ex-wife's dress. Forget "halloween costume;" these ideas range from the practical - scarecrow and tablecloth - to those bordering on blatent revenge, like a coffee filter, hammock, or mop.

Now, think carefully about all the useful things you could do with all the crap in that box your ex left behind before you just ceremoniously burn it in a backyard fire pit.

Sergio del Limonar

Sunday, June 6, 2010

MUSIC: "If I Die Young"

"A penny for you thoughts,
No wait, make it a dollar.
They're worth so much more,
After I'm a gonner.
Then maybe you'll hear the words I've been singing,
It's funny when you're dead how people start listening."


The bridge of The Band Perry's single "If I Die Young" captures the youthful bouyance of the entire song. Performed with limited production and simple instrumentation by a trio of siblings, lead singer Kimberly Perry announces her musical will in a happy and ethereal voice. Not the least bit depressing, she asks to "layed down on a bed of roses" and that they "sing me away with the words of a love song." Not a bad funeral service if you ask me!

Sergio del Limonar

Saturday, June 5, 2010

MOVIE: Robin Hood

If Russell Crowe should ever get tired of the Hollywood production wheel and just want to "phone-it-in" for a few years, I think we've found his schtik. Although the movie depicting the historical events that lead up to the legendary life of Robin Hood is nothing life his Oscar-buzzworthy performance in Gladiator, one can't help but notice the similarities. (Part of that might be because Robin Hood is also directed by Ridley Scott, the man behind Gladiator - not to mention American Gangster, which also featured Crowe.) Regardless, the man has a calling for epic battles occuring in other centuries.

Taking the ingenious perspective of discovering who Robin was before he became the "Prince of Thieves," the film allows the viewer to slowly piece together the bits of fiction that allegedly originated from fact. Featuring a fantastic supporting cast, including the always capabale and scene-stealing Cate Blanchett as Marion, the film does not apologize for its intelligence and proceeds at a managable yet purposed pace. The cinematography is beautiful, as much as medival woods and grey English countryside can be, and the filth of the era is well researched and respected.

My favorite scene occurs at the end of the film when Robin's burgeoning band of revolters come to blows with the Royal troops on the beach as the French soldiers are attemting to invade. Come to think of it, I've never seen a beach battle scen on film that didn't blow me away. I guess I've never seen a Robin Hood movie I've disliked either!

Friday, June 4, 2010

MUSIC: Laura Izibor


Add the name Laura Izibor to the list of talented artists that go unknown in most the western world. Born to an Irish mother and Nigerian father, Izibor combines equal parts R&B, jazz, and soul with a pinhc of folk-stylings to create a debt album that is like a delicious three-course that doesn't make you need to unbutton your pants afterward. Satisfying and at the same time light, Let the Truth Be Told is great as background music while relaxing around the house or an intimate dinner party.

Be careful, though, if you start listening to the lyrics, for they will grab your heart strings and not let go. All penned by Izibor herself, several outstanding tracks include the catchy and uplifting opener, "Shine", the loving "What Would You Do", and, my person favorite, the thoughtful and potentially genre-defying "If Tonight Is My Last".

Sergio del Limonar

Thursday, June 3, 2010

WEBSITE: Success Is Not An Option

One of my favorite random blogs of interesting and witty opinions, perspectives, and completely bizarro topical commentary is Success Is Not An Option. The author of the blog essentially finds clippings and other posting from around the "interweb" and posts (or reposts) them, not an uncommon theme with tumblr-sponsored blogs. This site's humor, however, is honest and cutting, without trying too hard, making it the perfect place to take a fiver from work and have yourself a little grin!

Sergio del Limonar

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

MUSIC: Janelle Monáe

Pop music is a fickle thing. On one side, in order to be considered "pop," it needs to be inherently "popular." To be popular it needs to be liked by the masses which usually means any catchy, over-produced, auto-tune filled, drivel. Take a look at the current Top 40 Charts and it becomes evident that many of these "artists" will be one-hit wonders or punch lines on some "Remember the 2000's" rewind show on VH1.

True inventive pop-stars are hard to come by these days, which makes Janelle Monáe a diamond in the rough. Already possessing the young and cute qualities we, as shallow public, demand from our celebrities, Monáe is different. Not in a contrived Lady Gaga or gimmicky Ke$ha kind of way, but in a I've-never-heard-that-before stream of listening. The last time I remember having my ear turned this sharply was the first time I listened to Brit Lilly Allen's debut CD.

Check out Janelle Monáe's debut single "Tightrope", featuring Outkast's Big Boi, off her second album, The Archandroid. Visually combining doowop aspects of the 50's with the years gone by trend of songs that invent a dance, Monáe shuffles and smiles her way through a funk and big band infused piece of musical genius. Let's hope this is not the last time we hear from her.

Sergio del Limonar

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

WEBSITE: 1000 Awesome Things

As many ZONINO! worthy things as there are in the world, 1000 Awesome Things gives us a run for our money! Who doesn't remember riding on their dad's shoulders as a kid, picking the fastest line at the grocery store, or the feeling of discovering the shower in your new apartment is great?

The site's author, Neil Pasricha, does a phenomenal job of pointing out the little things in life that can make a big difference. My favorites are the ones we all enjoyed and took for granted as children; perhaps we just need to start acknowledging them again! The best part about the site is that there is a book to go with it so cosnsider this as the perfect gift for the person you have no idea what to give!