Urbanites in Medieval Times

Masters At Work on RBMA Radio

2012-01-31T09:46:00.001-06:00

Masters At Work
MAW Records, NYC

Their name says it all – Masters At Work. "Little Louie” Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez celebrate 20 years together, shepherding dance music down new paths with their inventive production style and imaginative feel for different musical forms. The two native New Yorkers have amassed an overwhelming body of work in that time, one that includes hundreds of original productions, remixes and side projects, redefining the way we think of music in clubs. They defiantly mix everything they can find – house, hip hop, funk, disco, Latin, African and jazz – into a universal groove. And in doing so, MAW has become a cultural mélange unto itself, emblematic of the multicultural society in which we live. We caught Kenny and Louie live in the mix in San Francisco blessing us with an epic 3-hour back-to-back session.

Red Bull SoundClash-Miami Rings in 2012

2012-01-04T11:01:00.001-06:00

It was a big night in Miami!

Red Bull Soundclash drew massive audience as more than 80,000 people gathered in Miami’s Bayfront Park to welcome in the New Year with the rise of the Big Orange!
The crowds weren’t the only ones excited about the evening’s festivities – the performers were too! “Looking forward to the Red Bull Soundclash concert at Bayfront Park in Miami w/ Mike Posner,” tweeted Ludacris. “It will be legendary.”

And legendary it was! Both artists were challenged to collaborate in four rounds of musical conversation including The Cover, The Takeover, The Clash and The Wild Card. While Mike Posner brought in the University of Miami drum line, Ludacris answered right back with Luther ‘Uncle Luke’ Campbell, both ending the night with an exhilarating performance that left the crowds cheering for more as they prepared to welcome 2012.
“The Red Bull Soundclash brought top talent and provided residents and visitors with an amazing, unique experience for free.”
Spotted throughout the night were Red Bull fans, notable Miami residents and numerous high profile celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lorenz Tate and more!
Following the explosive Red Bull Soundclash performance, the festivities continued with Ludacris leading the official count down to midnight with Miami's own "Big Orange" ascending upon the side of the InterContinental Hotel, and a grand display of fireworks shot over beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Monster Monster High

2011-12-27T14:49:00.001-06:00

My Kids are going crazy over these "Monster High" Dolls they got for Christmas. First I've heard of them, but my 7 year old twins and my 4 year old sure know the theme song: "Monster Monster High, Monster High, Monster Monster High" pretty catchy huh?

Flood On the Mississippi River

2011-05-09T09:33:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I took my family down to the Flooding Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. I wanted them to actually see histroy, as this is the river's highest level since 1937. We drove over the Hernado-Desoto Bridge to Arkansas, and what a sight to see which was normally land, now looks like a lake.

A crest of 48 feet is expected to happen on Monday or Tuesday.

And last week, the Army Corps of Engineers pulled a trick it had not been forced to use in nearly 75 years: It blew open a two-mile run of a Missouri levee, sacrificing about 130,000 acres of farmland and 100 homes to save the town of Cairo, Ill.

Ultra Music Festival- Miami

2011-03-22T13:34:00.000-05:00

Okay, So I have a cool job, I have to go to Miami to work the Ultra Music Festival. I know many of you are not into the electronic music scene, but if you are, this is the best electronic music line-up EVER! So what is Ultra?

Ultra Music Festival is an annual outdoor electronic music festival that occurs in March in the city of Miami usually during the annual Winter Music Conference. It was a 1-day festival from 1999-2006, a 2-day festival from 2007-2010, and has been announced as a 3-day festival in 2011. It is one of the highest grossing music festivals in the world.

The legendary event returns to Downtown Miami’s oceanfront Bicentennial Park with a brand new look!
UMF unveils the all 2011 new site map, upgraded Carl Cox & Friends / ASOT 500 Structure, new Main Stage and more!. There will be 16 stages set over three days, featuring more than 300 Djs, bands and producers. Join 150,000 UMF Fans from all around the globe to celebrate this historic event!

Performances at Ultra Music Festival is traditionally packed with a variety of sideshow attractions, performers and international dancers. We’re importing some of the world’s funkiest and most talented entertainers, from Ibiza to Amsterdam, Paris to Rio, LA to New York and, of course, from right here in South Beach. Discover them all as you journey throughout the festival.

Here is a link to check out the line-up:

http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/lineup

NBA All-Star Game

2011-02-07T21:44:00.001-06:00

So I figured that I would do the hard work for you NBA fans and put together my all-star roster for the All-Star game scheduled for Feb 18th at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.

West Roster:
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City) F 6-9 230 09/29/88 Texas
15 * Carmelo Anthony (Denver) F 6-8 230 05/29/84 Syracuse
24 * Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) G 6-6 205 08/23/78 Lower Merion HS (PA)
3 * Chris Paul (New Orleans) G 6-0 175 05/06/85 Wake Forest
50 Zach Randolph( Memphis) F 6-9 260 Michagan State
21 Tim Duncan (San Antonio) F 6-11 255 04/25/76 Wake Forest
20 Manu Ginobili (San Antonio) G 6-6 205 07/28/77 Bahia Blanca, Argentina
16 Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers) C 7-0 250 07/06/80 Barcelona, Spain
32 # Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers) F 6-10 251 03/16/89 Oklahoma
42 # Kevin Love (Minnesota) F-C 6-10 260 09/07/88 UCLA
41 Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) F 7-0 245 06/19/78 Wurzburg, Germany
0 # Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) G 6-3 187 11/12/88 UCLA
8 Deron Williams (Utah) G 6-3 209 06/26/84 Illinois

East Roster:
6 * LeBron James (Miami) F 6-8 250 12/30/84 St. Vincent/St. Mary HS
1 * Amar'e Stoudemire (New York) F 6-10 240 11/16/82 Cypress Creek HS (FL)
3 * Dwyane Wade (Miami) G 6-4 220 01/17/82 Marquette
1 * Derrick Rose (Chicago) G 6-3 190 10/04/88 Memphis
12 * Dwight Howard (Orlando) C 6-11 265 12/08/85 SW Atlanta Christian Academy (GA)
20 Ray Allen (Boston) G 6-5 205 07/20/75 Connecticut
1 Chris Bosh (Miami) F 6-11 235 03/24/84 Georgia Tech
5 Kevin Garnett (Boston) F 6-11 253 05/19/76 Farragut Academy HS (IL)
15 Al Horford (Atlanta) C-F 6-10 245 06/03/86 Florida
2 Joe Johnson (Atlanta) G 6-7 240 06/29/81 Arkansas
34 Paul Pierce (Boston) F 6-7 235 10/13/77 Kansas
9 Rajon Rondo (Boston) G 6-1 171 02/22/86 Kentucky
Head Coach: Doc Rivers (Boston)

What is Red Bull Music Academy?

2011-02-07T21:32:00.000-06:00

The Red Bull Music Academy is a series of music workshops, a platform for those who shape our musical future. Every year, two groups of 30 selected participants - producers, vocalists, DJs, instrumentalists, and allround musical mavericks from all around the globe - come together for two fortnight-long 'terms'.

At the Academy you will hear lectures both from pioneering mavericks of old and trailblazing sound rebels of the present, followed by late-night recording sessions putting that breadth of knowledge and inspiration into practice in ten custom-made studios. Then there’s the chance to perform in some of the host city’s most iconic clubs and concert halls. And there's still plenty of time to check gear, chat on tunes, jump on live radio broadcasts, get a glimpse into local musical hybrids, and ask the questions you were always keen on asking, as well... If you ever chat with any past alumni, they often describe the experience as a game changer.

Daily Operation
How does a day at the Academy look like?
First-hand revelations are few and far between. But each Academy term sees several, as two guests settle on our infamous lecture couch every day to spill the beans on production topics and music history, and answer all those questions you’ve never found the right moment to ask.

Last year’s edition in London saw the likes of Detroit legend Moodymann speaking the KDJ gospel, and the Billboards’ favourite cityboy Mark Ronson explaining the roots of his modern vintage sound. There were insights into sound from rap enigma Jay Electronica and American minimalist pioneer Steve Reich alike, while Henrik Schwarz and Bugge Wesseltoft broke down their very own approach to jazz and house. Electronic originator Cosey Fanni Tutti gave us a window into her synthesis sources, while German mischief-makers Modeselektor crossed techno and hip hop borderlines in an impromptu live session.

When not getting tips on sound in all its forms, Academy attendees can shoot the breeze over lunch, gather in the radio studio to join live broadcasts, or jam to their heart’s satisfaction in one of the many studios on site. You can expect everyone’s collaborative mind to be wide open, as the studio tutors and guest lecturers look for new perspectives on the creative process too.

Don’t think it ends there though, as the best place to process all this information is out in the city, when the nightlife becomes the final frontier of sound. Whether once-in-a-lifetime concerts or dedicated DJs transform- ing the club: when the Red Bull Music Academy rolls into town, it doesn’t slow down ‘til it’s over.

Open Source
Who can apply for the Academy?
The Academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution: producers, instrumentalists, MCs, singers, DJs, engineers, broadcasters, laptop lapdancers, guitar guerreros, soulful songwriters - they'll all be considered.

No particular set of skills is necessary. You don’t need platinum disc experience or crate after crate of rare 45’s. It's about having a creative vision, an honest attitude and an open approach. Because of Japanese laws, you'll need to be 20 or over when the Academy workshop starts (i.e. born after October 23, 1991), but there's no age limit other than that.

No one will forbid you and your entire crew to enter individually. But please do understand that fairness, logistics, and our desire to create open socio-dynamics, do not allow us to invite entire crews.

On Form
How do I apply for the Academy?
Download the application form. Get settled. Take a deep breath. And get cracking. There are no wrong answers and no trick questions. All we’re interested in is what your musical philosophy is all about: your dreams and aspirations, and what gets you out of bed in the morning. Don’t be afraid to tell a bad joke or be brutally honest. The application form won’t be used for any purpose other than the selection process.

Your application must be submitted with an accompanying audio CD that represents you. If you’re planning to showcase your songwriting skills, production prowess, or flair for arrangement, choose a selection of your own tracks that you're feeling the most. If you've been ruling the floors with your selections, or sailing the airwaves with your radio show, send us a mix.

While the CD should be at least 30 minutes long, quality is definitely more important than quantity. It’s really up to you which tracks or mix you supply us with, but try to imagine us listening back to all those applications: best tracks first please, and definitely no need for a 12 CD compendium of your life’s work. Just make sure you choose something that says where you’re at right now.

Whatever you do, please include a full track listing so that all the information is crystal clear. Your tunes should be on CD, and they should be audio – no compressed formats like mp3s, and no videos or anything similar.

When you’re ready, take one passport photo and one regular snapshot - both clearly marked with your name and country. Mail them together with your CD and application form to the following address. Be sure to get to the post office before the end of the application phase on April 4, 2011.

Red Bull Music Academy
Applications Tokyo 2011
Boisseréestr. 9-11
50674 Cologne
Germany

I'm With The DJ...( Who Is DJ Crumbz?)

2011-01-19T17:05:00.000-06:00

DJ Crumbz has emerged as one of the most undeviating Memphis club DJs in the last 2 years since his arrival to the Mid-South. Crumbz has performed over 100 shows per year in or around the Memphis area. His distinct brand of scratching, live remixing & blending of every genre of music from rock to Hip-Hop, Electro, 80s and Pop are his chosen favorites.

DJ Crumbz is a part of/ creator of the Pitch Slappers, a DJ turntable crew that manages DJ Express & DJ Class1c, also other fearless accomplished tastemakers. No stranger to rocking with the best, DJ Crumbz has also shared stages with 50 Cent, Ludacris, Common, Nas, De La Soul, The Roots, Method Man, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar & just recently with Lil Wayne and the entire Young Money camp including Skewby on the Farewell Tour. DJ Crumbz just also won place in RedBull's Thre3Style DJ Battle 2010 (regional in Nashville, TN) winning cash prizes and a paid trip and accomidations to Miami's yearly WMC2010 (Winter Music Conference) to battle again at Miami's upscale Klutch Nightclub.

DJ Crumbz also has a radio mixshow in Memphis every Friday & Saturday nights but mixtapes flooding the streets as well. But even before radio and clubs, DJ Crumbz made a name for himself in the DJ circuit all over Los Angeles. From the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach, from Hermosa Beach to Ontario.

When DJ Crumbz is not rocking a crowd of party goers, hes in his home-based studio producing remixes, mash-ups, pumping out new music/ new artist mixtapes and embedding seamless montages of music for fans. Find more work on DJ Crumbz on sites such as Coast2CoastMixtapesDJs.Com, DatPiff.Com and Beezo.Net

To download DJ Crumbz latest mix go to : http://www.djcrumbz.com/

Red Bull Music Academy- Jay Electronica Lecture

2011-01-19T09:38:00.000-06:00

Jay Electronica
Decon, The Dogon Society, New York, USA

Jay Electronica swept onto the hip hop scene in a wave of enigma late last decade. The effect of his quirky, emotional sound was compounded by the erratic methods of their release, drifting out unannounced via the internet - the Myspace leak of Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge), a fifteen minute opus laced with movie samples and beatless film soundtracks, represented the beginning of an astounding surge of interest in both the man and his music, back in 2007. Since then, the New Orleans-born MC and producer has garnered heavy support from everybody from Nas to Gilles Peterson, and has worked heavily with soulslinger Just Blaze, dropping two instant neo-backpack classics, Exhibit A and Exhibit C. Only recently he partnered with New York-based "idea studio" Decon, working on his debut album as well as a video project with label founder Jason Goldwatch. With more anticipation around his Act II track than the rest of hip hop's class of '10 combined, and another project with fellow supa emcees Mos Def and Curren$y in the making, the future couldn't look brighter for Jay. To paraphrase his recent collaboration with Talib Kweli und Hi-Tek: he's only just begun.

Who is Skewby?

2011-01-18T18:23:00.001-06:00

Skewby is the freshest Emcee out right now " in my opinion" and I know some fresh Emcee's. Visit http://skewby.bandcamp.com/
for more!

Change Your View of Our Universe

2011-01-17T21:29:00.000-06:00

So with today being the MLK Holiday, I offically wanted to do something that was educational, thoughtful, and interesting with my family today. Basically I wanted to end the day by saying to myself, " I learned something today!" So I took a chance and decided take the family to the Pink Palace Museum in Memphis to the IMAX Movie " Hubble 3D"

Now, I must say that this is probably one of the most awesome films that I have ever seen. My wife said the same thing, so It must have been good! Hubble images come to vast, three-dimensional life in a new IMAX movie, "Hubble 3D," that takes audiences through the telescope's 20-year existence and puts them in orbit with astronauts during the latest servicing mission.

The film is narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio, and the film's goal is to make viewers feel as though they are voyaging through the cosmos, seeing through Hubble’s eyes, and peering over the shoulders of astronauts as they work on the telescope – providing an intimacy and immediacy beyond the reach of static images. Groundbreaking astronomy visualizations, which allow viewers to soar through objects like the Orion and Eagle nebulae, past stars and embryonic solar systems, were the result of efforts by a group of specialists at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).

Movie Watch: Season Of The Witch

2011-01-11T17:52:00.000-06:00

The title along has got me wanting to see this! So here is the formula for Hollywood: Movies about historic figures or facts, movies based on superheros, or movies about witches and magic.

Lionsgate's supernatural thriller, Season of the Witch, stars Nicolas Cage as medieval knight Behmen who undertakes a mission pitting him against an devious witch and making him the last hope for the world against an ancient and dark force. His faith broken by years of battle as a crusader, Behmen returns to central Europe to find his homeland decimated by the Black Plague. While searching for food and supplies at the Palace at Marburg, Behmen and his trusted companion, Felson (Ron Perlman) are apprehended and ordered by the dying Cardinal to deliver a young peasant girl believed to be the witch responsible for the Plague to a remote abbey where her powers can be destroyed. Behmen agrees to the assignment but only if the peasant girl is granted a fair trial. As he and five others set off on this dangerous journey, they realize with mounting dread that the cunning girl is no ordinary human, and that their mission will pit them against an evil that even in these dark times they never could have imagined.

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Graham, Ulrich Thomsen, Stephen Campbell Moore , Robert Sheehan, Claire Foy, Nick Thomas-Webster
Directed by Dominic Sena
Produced by Alex Gartner, Charles RovenWritten by Bragi F. Schut
Visit the movie's Official Site! http://seasonofthewitchmovie.com/

Book Worm: The Kane Chronicles- The Red Pyramid Book #1

2010-11-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

My Book Worm segment returns with a New York Times # Best Selling Author, and another Rick Riordan series. I haven't even finished this one yet, but it's already a good read, so I figured I would share the wealth with you!

From the author of the blockbuster series Percy Jackson and the Olympians comes the first installment of the Kane Chronicles, combining nonstop action, humor, and suspense in an epic tale of loyalty and heroism.

Since his mother's death six years ago, Carter Kane has been living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe with his father, the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane. But while Carter's been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie, has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants -- school friends and a chance at a "normal" life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for -- time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now.

On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museum, with a promise that he's going to "make things right." But all does not go according to plan ; Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion.

Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them --Set-- has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey -- a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

Review: Lord T. and Eloise—Rapocalypse

2010-10-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

Review: Lord T. and Eloise—Rapocalypse

South Beach aka "Pre-Heat"

2010-10-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

LeBron James ‘decided’ his way to becoming one of America’s most polarizing athletes, but the impact King James’ arrival in Miami has had on his sneakers is a cut and dry affair. The Nike Air Max LeBron VIII ‘South Beach’ aka ‘Pre-Heat’ is one of the dopest colorways yet to be revealed in the latest LeBron signature line. The palette is a bright pastel teal and pink affair you might be tempted to call ‘art deco’, and it doesn’t hurt that beneath all that relatively simple colorblocking lies Flywire-embedded carbon fiber and one of the most advanced Nike B-Ball sneaker designs yet. An impeccable design, the only “Mama, I’m so sorry” here is the fact that you’ll only be able to grab the Pre-Heat LeBron 8s from select Miami retailers starting this Saturday, October 16th. via Nike Basketball

This Is A Personal Growth Blog

2010-10-26T19:47:00.003-05:00

Since this is a personal growth blog, I have decided to share some quotes that we all could use in the journey to self improvement the journey to personal progression. Having 6 year old twin girls and a 3 year old, I have come to the realization that my adult fun and games are practically over. I haven't enjoyed a college or pro football game in person or on TV in years. I can't enjoy the satisfaction of sitting on the toilet without the interruption of little voices asking, " what are you doing in there?" Do I need to continue...

The worst part is that I am not looking forward to the day I have 3 teenage girls in my house at the same time! Honestly I will probably want to blow my brains out when that time reaches... Actually, let's read this blog in the year 2020... ... Maybe I will have figured out how to control teenage girls, and write a best selling novel or something... Until then here are some quotes that I have collected over the years that should keep things on track:

The answer to having a better life is not about getting a better life, it's just about changing how we see the one we have right now."
Angel Kyodo Williams

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It's an intellectual act that allows people to admit that some situations are not meant to be handled alone."
Author Unknown

Never underrate yourself since you can do something others cannot do. Believe in yourself that you are unique too."
Tome Cletus

My girls, Audrey, Katie & Emma

So Where Does Halloween Come From?

2010-10-26T18:46:00.000-05:00

With Halloween parties and trick or treating in full, I figured that I should really do some research on were this tradition started. We all know about the story behind Santa Claus and Christmas, and I sure we have the goods on Thanksgiving and the Pligrams. So where does this very popular Halloween holiday come from? Or, is it valid reason and excuse for adults to dress up and party. You be the judge, but I wanted to shed some light on the origins of Halloween.

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.

Origin of Halloween

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.

Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.

The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.

Best College Football Uniforms

2010-10-25T16:23:00.000-05:00

Players poll: Oregon uniforms voted NCAA's best

August 11th, 2010 1:18 pm PT

Oregon showed off their '96-'98 throwbacks in a 2009 game against Cal.

Photo: Steve Dykes/Getty Images

In a recent "College Football Confidential" players poll conducted by ESPN, Oregon was voted as having the best uniforms in all of college football, garnering a whopping 53.7% of the votes.

One player, noted as being a "Big Ten football star" said, "I don't even have to think about that one. I almost wanted to transfer there just for those uniforms."

Last off-season, the Ducks received even more national attention when they revealed their newest jerseys, featuring a combination of wings, carbon steel print, and a number of helmets. The team also introduced "Bellotti Bold 2.0," a lettering style exclusive to the Oregon Ducks football team.

Their current uniforms weigh 25% less than they did in 2008, making them a state-of-the-art innovation for college football. And backed by Nike's Phil Knight, you can surely expect more twists and turns in future Oregon uniforms.

The popular NCAA Football 11 video game even got in on the action this year, featuring over 10 pre-set uniform combinations for the Ducks, in addition to the ability to mix-and-match to create your own uniform.

The game also features Oregon's late 90s throwback jerseys, the same worn by the Ducks in their blowout of Cal in the 2009 season. While the Ducks can certainly excite a crowd with their uniforms, it's no secret that the throwback look always gets the loudest cheers. It's simply a guessing game to figure out which matchup the Ducks will wear them for in 2010.

As for the worst uniforms in the NCAA? Wyoming took down that honor.

Red Bull Rope Masters

2010-09-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

RED BULL ROPE MASTERS
September 18th, 2010
Hickory Hill Community Center, Memphis, TN
1pm-4pm
Special Appearance by the OMG Girlz

Red Bull Rope Masters features the top Double Dutch teams in the United States. Teams will compete in a head-to-head Double Dutch freestyle battle to determine who will be the Red Bull Rope Masters Champion. Red Bull Rope Masters is sanctioned by the National Double Dutch League.

RULES:
Eight per tournament. Single elimination.

Teams will compete in a head-to-head Double Dutch freestyle battle.

Each battle round is 1:40. At any time throughout the 1:40 battle round a team may compete as a Singles Team (3 people) or a Double Team (4 people). All teams must have at least one female on their team.

HISTORY
The people holding the ropes are called the turners. A person jumping in usually does tricks that may involve gymnastics or break dancing and can also incorporate complicated foot movements.

A history of the game traces the probable origins to ancient Phoenician, Egyptian and Chinese ropemakers. They plied their craft at ropewalks -- spaces 900 feet or more in length -- usually near seaports. With a bunch of hemp around their waists and two strands attached to the wheel, the ropemakers walked backwards, twisting the rope into uniformity. As the runners traveled the cluttered floors supplying the spinners with hemp, they had to jump the twisting rope. To make their deliveries, they needed quick feet, lithe bodies and good eye perception.

It is possible that at these ancient rope-works the basic framework of Double Dutch evolved. In all likelihood, the rope spinners, runners and their families patched together a leisure time activity from their work. The strand-over-strand turning movement of the spinners, the footwork of the runners evolved into the game. Thereafter, it was passed from generation to generation.

The Dutch settlers brought the game to the Hudson River trading town of New Amsterdam (now New York City). When the English arrived and saw the children playing their game, they called it Double Dutch. The game has since grown over the years, particularly in urban areas. It became a favorite pastime to sing rhymes while turning and jumping. During World War II, the game was often played on the sidewalks of New York. By the late 1950s the radio music boom dominated urban America and the lack of recreational areas in close proximity to apartment buildings had made the game nearly extinct.

In the early 1970s with the advent of hip hop and a new focus and recognition on forms of expression born in the inner cities of the US, Double Dutch began to reappear.

In fact, during the very early years of the hip hop music genre, Double Dutch was an element of the culture (popularized in the song Double Dutch Bus). After hip hop began moving towards the mainstream in the early 1980s, Double Dutch fell out of favor as a recognized element of hip hop.

Now a uniquely American fusion between sport and dance, competitions in Double Dutch are still often seen at block parties in inner cities across the US. Current conventional Double Dutch competitions are categorized as compulsory, free style and speed rope.
While Double Dutch began in the inner cities of America, it is growing in popularity throughout the US and the world. Double Dutch can now be found at block parties, world level competition, commercials and feature films: an urban pastime that has undergone a transformation due to hip hop. Beginning in the spring of 2009, Double Dutch became a varsity sport in New York City public high schools.
MORE INFORMATION:

Event Details for Red Bull Ropemasters: Memphis, TN

Official site of the National Double Dutch League

Red Bull Art of Can-Dallas

2010-08-16T16:26:00.002-05:00

RED BULL ART OF CAN EXHIBITION DELIGHTS SHOPPERS AT GALLERIA DALLAS

Over the weekend, more than 25,000 people experienced the grand opening of theRed Bull Art of Can exhibition at Galleria Dallas. Fifty unique pieces created from the iconic Red Bull cans or inspired by energy and the love of life are now on display. The exhibition is free and open to the public through August 22.

So, what’s all the buzz about? It’s the inspiring collection. There’s a life size racing airplane made entirely from recycled cans, an old world style painting, a baby bull sculpture, a ball gown and much more.

Innovative artists – professional and amateur – spent countless hours creating pieces that express their personal point of view through pop art creations. More than 200 hopefuls from around the country applied, but only 50 won an esteemed spot in the collection.

Who made the call? The panel of judges included: sculptor Brad Oldham, winning producer/director Michael Cain, Dallas style editor, Jason Sheeler, fashion stylist Tammy Theis, ASK ME ABOUT ART Founder Gail Saschson and art professor Bob Wade.

Kicking off the festivities on Friday night, Dallas’ art patrons and guests gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the collection on the legendary ice rink at Galleria Dallas. Guests were treated to the “first glimpse” while the talented artists mingled and shared insight about their pieces.

Dallas native Hai Nguyen (web developer by day, artist by night) noted, "Red Bull Art of Can gives everyone, whether they are a full time artist or not, the opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of people and meet other artists and art lovers in their community.”

The top three pieces, as determined by the panel of judges listed above, walked away with more than the glory of it all. In third place was Hai Nguyen, with his cascade of migrating birds in flight. In second place was Craig McCudden of Columbus, Ohio, who managed to combine music and nature in a morph of wildlife and instruments, and the grand prize went to Steve Potovsky of Miami Beach, Florida, who earned an all-expense-paid trip to Art Basel in Switzerland with his pop-art inspired robot dog suspiciously eyeing a fire hydrant (pictured at top).

Now it’s your turn to chime in. Contribute to the “People’s Choice Award” by casting votes via text at the exhibition or online at www.redbullartofcan.com.

The Map Geek

2010-07-24T22:35:00.001-05:00

I have always had a love of maps and geography. Ever since I had Geography classes back at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville, South Carolina I can always remember the chalkboard size world map on the wall in the class room. Even recently for Christmas my wife gave me a Rand McNally Road Atlas, that I always seem to have near me. The best thing about having a map or atlas is that you always know where you or going, so no one can say that you are lost! Well, I want to share my guilty pleasure of the "Worlds Greatest Skylines". So I will to do a monthly post of the worlds best skylines starting with Dubai.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arabian Emirates(UAE). It is located south of the Persian Gulf. Dubai has the largest population and is the second-largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub, although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry ,currently the emirate's main revenues are from tourism ,real estate and financial services.

Rajon Rondo to Host Basketball on Alcatraz

2010-07-20T16:47:00.000-05:00

RAJON RONDO TO HOST BASKETBALL ON ALCATRAZ FOR RED BULL KING OF THE ROCK

On September 18, basketball superstar Rajon Rondo will be bringing “the rock” to The Rock. The all-star guard will set foot on the infamous island to host the finals of Red Bull King of the Rock, a one-on-one basketball tournament that will culminate with a showdown in The Yard of the former prison.
Those wanting to reach the hallowed grounds of Alcatraz must earn their spot through one of six qualifier tournaments that kick off starting July 17 in Los Angeles. After Los Angeles, additional qualifiers will take place in San Diego, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco and Oakland. Sixty-four finalists will emerge from these six qualifiers and meet at one of the world’s most iconic locations for the final battle. In the end, there can be only one King, so out of the 64 finalists, only one will be crowned “King of the Rock.”

Of all the places you could play a game of basketball, Alcatraz has got to be one of the wildest. - Rajon Rondo

As the first official sporting event ever held on Alcatraz, Red Bull King of the Rock will be the first time a basketball has hit the hard concrete of The Rock since the inmates left the island nearly 50 years ago. Rajon Rondo shared his excitement at being involved with the project: “I’m really looking forward to making basketball history with this event. Of all the places you could play a game of basketball, Alcatraz has got to be one of the wildest. It’s really going to be exciting to see what goes down on The Rock on September 18.”
Both the Qualifiers and the Finals on Alcatraz will follow a straightforward concept where players go head-to-head in raw outdoor basketball, using a single-elimination tournament bracket. Games will last five minutes and be subject to regulation hoops rules and scoring (two and three pointers). Players have to be tough to make it to The Rock, but must also play smart – five fouls equals an automatic loss. After each game, the loser walks, and the winner must remain on the court to immediately face his next opponent. Thus, the more a player wins, the longer he plays. So while pure hoops ability is essential, endurance will also play a major role in overall victory.
Event Schedule:
Qualifiers:

July 17 - Los Angeles, Westchester Recreation Center
July 24 - San Diego, Embarcadero Marina Park South
July 31 - Phoenix, Grayhawk Park in North Scottsdale
August 7 - Seattle, Seattle Center Courts
August 28 - San Francisco, Panhandle Park Courts in Golden Gate Park
September 11 - Oakland, Mosswood Park

Finals:

September 18 - San Francisco, The Yard on Alcatraz

Movie Watch

2010-05-03T20:27:00.003-05:00

The Last Airbender

M. Knight Shyamalan is back with a movie that is sure to be a summer blockbuster. Scheduled to release on July 2nd, and in 3D! From the looks of the trailer( you can watch the trailer at the link below) this movie has the feel of Crouching Tiger meets Signs...

Now if you like Kung-Fu movies like me, from the looks of the trailer, I bet this will be one of the all-time best!
Plot Summary:
Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film "The Last Airbender" is the opening chapter in Aang's struggle to survive.

Watch the trailer at: http://www.thelastairbendermovie.com/

Talladega Knights- (The Real Ricky Bobby)

2010-05-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

So I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the NASCAR races at Talladega Super Speedway a few weekends ago. Now, I not going around sporting my favorite driver's jacket, or hat nor am I a slave to the sponsorship that occurs within NASCAR, but these race tracks are a sight to see. Just like the world's coolest stadiums or city skylines, the track makes an impression on you. I have been to three major tracks Atlanta, Charlotte, and now Talladega. The cool thing is that you don't have to be a typical NASCAR fan to appreciate what goes into the sport, and why it is one of the largest spectator sports in out country. Anyway, I got to hang out with Kris Dielman and Steve Gregory w/ the San Diego Chargers who were at the race.Anyway, I have listed some tracks for you to check out:

http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/

So You Want to Be a DJ?

2010-03-28T21:18:00.002-05:00

So I have always enjoyed listening to music, every since I can remember. Now I am a 80's baby, and the 80's music in my mind was the best decade of music. I mean you had the Pop stuff of Madonna, Michael and Prince. You had the Euro Stuff with Duran-Duran, Tears for Fears, and A-Ha. Then you toss on top the new sound of Hip-Hop with groups like De La Soul, L.L.Cool J, and Run DMC. And not to forget this was a time when MTV actually played music videos.

So anyway, I hang out with a lot of DJ's and I have always wanted to rock a crowd at a club or party. Luckily, there is this great new software for Mac computers only which allows even the most novice DJ to get on the 1's and 2's. the software is DJay. This software intergrates your itunes music and transforms your Mac into a full blown DJ system. Check out the website for more info...I will be posting some hot mixes that I have made using this so stay tuned!...

http://www.djay-software.com/