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Flashback Video: Student Spotlight

Once upon a time when I lived and worked in Phoenix, I was a host/reporter for a Friday Night High School (Football) Sports show called “Friday Night Fever.” Every week I would cover one of the ‘marquee’ high school football games and also do a feature segment on a standout student athlete…which I hand selected from dozens of nominations that would pour in!

Well, a couple weeks ago while I had Sports Center running in the background, a name and story caught my ear…that of Arizona State Univ. wrestler Anthony Robles…and I just knew he was one of my ‘student spotlight” segments from 2005! Anyhow, this past weekend he became an NCAA champ and I just want to say I had him years before ESPN picked it up! LOL Really though, I love a story with heart, a person who strives for their goals, does whatever it takes to become the best at what they do and simply does not give up until they find a way to success! Well, it was evident in him 6 years ago, and the fact that he has had to overcome an extra obstacle makes his story all the more admirable. CONGRATULATIONS to Anthony on his latest achievement!

Anyhow, I dug deep in the tape archives, fired up the VCR and uploaded my Anthony Robles segment from when he was starting his senior year at Mesa High… Watch the flashback video below….

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100 Montaditos

I loved this place so much, I just had to blog about it! My friend introduced me to this “tapas” type restaurant (he had already been there several times) that was really good and very inexpensive, so I was with it – those 2 things generally make me happy! Well, I had no idea what a treat it would be to eat at 100 Montaditos! **SOOOOOO impressed, I just had to blog about it!

First off, it’s located at Midtown Miami, a place I frequent often to go to Target..but I had yet to notice this new spot. Second, beyond the idea of tapas…they are the cutest (and tastiest) “Montaditos” or tiny sandwiches. The restaurant itself is very appealing, cute modern style, with festive decor…that new but authentic look and feel. Last, it’s simple, the people are nice and it’s clean. P.S. They stay open late too!

Apparently the Miami location is the first in America, but there are some 200 locations worldwide – in France, Mexico, Portugal, and, mostly, in its hometown Spain. I think it’s an excellent concept…not sure why it’s just hit the States now, but I’m confident it’ll be coming to a neighborhood near you very soon! Actually, I should buy a franchise!!! Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than this…they have $1 Wednesdays when all the Montaditos are $1 and they have beer bucket deals on Friday…buy one get one. Even if it’s not a “deal” day, it’s super low cost. They’ve got screens in there too, so you can hang out and watch games.

Okay, so other than its smart (affordable) concept…it really is GOOD. I mean, usually we’ll compromise taste & quality when it’s “cheap” …but you can go in there and get 3 of these baby sandwiches for a buck each and be full AND feel like you truly got your money’s worth…you’d probably have even been willing to pay more for these tasty treats! Another reason I like it is because I can order varied flavors of montaditos, each for just one dollar!! You know when you look at a menu and you want multiple things but you can’t decide?? Now you can order to your heart’s content… and pick more than one thing and not waste the food or money! Gosh, I don’t know, you just have to experience it. There was seriously a “party in my mouth”…yum, yum, YUM!

So, in the platter pictures above (about $12)…I had #1 -Serrano Ham and Olive Oil, #2- Chorizo, #9 -Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam (gotta satisfy the sweet tooth), #69 – Pulled BBQ Pork with Iberic Cheese and Brava Sauce, #70 – Pulled BBQ Pork with Bacon, Guacamole and Green Pepper and #77 – Shrimp with Ali Oli! I know it’s A LOT..but I had to sample everything!! Each item was unique and very tasty…I felt like a happy “montadito” when I walked out! Apparently they have really good ice cream too…I’ll have to dig into that item next visit. http://www.100montaditos.com/miami/

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Sucker Punch

Last night I caught a promo screening for the new Warner Bros. movie “Sucker Punch” … Honestly, I went into this having skimmed through a trailer and not really being clear what it was about, but it looked like it might be cool. Well, I think the best way to sum it up is that I still don’t get where the title comes from and I feel like the recipient of a “Sucker Punch” after having sat through this mess of a movie for 2 hours! I’m no geek, gamer or comic book freak…is that the audience this is supposed to appeal to???

Let’s look at the ‘bright’ side. Directed by Zack Snyder of “300, ” (which I love), the film shows off a lot of the same great viewpoints, cinematography and awesome post production, special effects and visuals. The female cast is no doubt attractive and make for an alluring clique of ladies – I noticed Vanessa Hudgens and a former MTV Real World-er in the mix. Now before I state what didn’t work for me….this film fits into an epic action fantasy category, and the fantasy was a bit TOO “fantastic” for me. Basically the girls in the film are banished from their families or what not, to work in a brothel-type institution as dancers who entertain male clientele. The movie’s main character, Baby, has a unique, captivating style of dance, that whenever she goes into her “routine” it doubles as these fantasy action sequences where her crew becomes these bad-ass type action chicks who work are fearless when it comes to fighting and shooting. Okay, so that’s cool if you’re into that type of thing…girls and guns…but the whole dance tie-in doesn’t work for me, nor does the cheesy “Sailor Moon” outfit she sports throughout! lol The gals do always have flawless makeup and lashes on though..but overall, thumbs WAAAAY down. The story is just way too jumpy and forced, chemistry among the actors is awkward and the entire premise is too silly for me. Hmmm..maybe that’s why  it’s “fantasy!” I’d classify the whole thing as weird, my advice… save your eyes and 2 hours of your life…go out to eat instead!

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LeBron James “Zumba” at Equinox

My friend invited me to Zumba class last night at Equinox gym in Coral Gables for a special taping of The Ellen Show with a secret celeb…. Well, lo and behold, the “secret” celeb was none other than Miami HEAT star LeBron James! Here he is with me and the girls… 🙂

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Seriously, I have never taken Zumba before and it was a fun and sweaty work out…you get as good of a workout from it as you put into it! 😉 So sweaty me was pretty surprised to see #6 walk in…good times!  He even stayed behind to do some “moves” with us…haha Check out the video clips.

Now the actual segment he came in for, had something to do with “Vitamin Water Zero”…and he surprised one of Ellen’s writers, Amy…and did this crazy taste test. I’m sort of like “background atmosphere” in these clips..so don’t blink, but I’m in a black “Equinox” shirt and off white yoga pants…sort of a few rows back..and my hair is off my face…let’s play “Where’s Aubrey?” GO!!

So yeah, probably the most interesting group exercise class I have taken in a loooooong time!! ZUMBA! #fitnessfirst

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Bay Trippin’ in March

I just returned to Florida after spending the past week in the Bay Area. It’s a rainy time of year to visit, but a nice refresher of the difference in temperature and seasons…can’t be open-toes and sun dresses all the time!! As always, the main objective is to see family..namely my sisters Adrienne and Alison, and it also happened to be Alison’s birthday week-end so that made it extra special to help her celebrate another year!

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Rose aka Mom jumped in for this iphone4 photo…

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You know, I didn’t get around to eating any of Alison’s official birthday cake, but I did consume 6 too many of these Red Velvet BDay cookies I ordered for her from Chef Court…

Nowadays, it seems like every trip home I’m meeting at least one new baby!! This time around it was baby Miles, my good friend Reina’s new son, who’s just 3 months old..such a cutie!! He’s already bff with his Auntie Aubrey.

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I also visited with baby Naomi…who turned 7 months..time is flying!!

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And, Naomi’s (busy) Mom Arlyn, played such the hostess cooking me BBQ, lumpia and more for dinner while I visited with her and the girls…but she certainly impressed me with the Monkey Bread!! I felt SO special… 😉

I even got to visit with one of my oldest friend’s from elementary school, Kim, and her 2 boys, Matteo…

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….and baby Jake!

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Another highlight of my visit was attending the bridal shower for the one and only Anjelah Johnson! I couldn’t be happier for her and her fiance…and it all became so real when I saw her glowing with excitement of her upcoming wedding!! <3

(P.S. If you haven’t seen her live show, please do yourself a favor and go – She’s uber funny and on tour!! She’s in San Jose later this month and in South Florida in April!) http://anjelah.com

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I almost forgot to mention the “Ramen Girls Dinner” in Japantown with my Sister Ade, Godsis Kim….

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and (Santa Clara) friend Norma…. It was ‘One Kine Day” *inside joke!

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Finally, on the morning of the baby sis’ actual birthday we went to breakfast in SF and I discovered Alison is in love with the same Chai Tea as me (Oregon Chai). She’s so sweet, the moment I got home and text that I made it back safe, she already said, “Come Back Soon!”

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Here we all are…Daddy’s little girls!! 🙂

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY (again) to my bologna aka “Mac Mami!!”

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Going Pro – Bay Area

I just finished editing a short highlight video from the West Coast Dance Convention held at Crunch in Danville this past weekend! It was a great day of choreography and presentations..I know all the women who attended were very thankful and excited to have the opportunity to learn from Pro Alumni and also get the heads up with audition preparation!! 🙂

We had a great “crew” Pictured below (l-r) Jada, Robin, Cole, Me and Erin. Alumni Pro’s Laura and Patty (not pictured) also stopped in to offer great tips and advice.

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And — here’s a slideshow of photos!!

Thanks to all our participants, Current, Alumni and Aspiring!! Keep checking http://goingproentertainment.com for info on all our events around the country and stay tuned as I gear up for summer worksops! GPE consultants are available for one on one sessions as well.

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OTF Cancun

On The Flipside: Episode 28 is set in Cancun! This edition features Super Bowl 45 parties in Dallas, The Jarvis Green Foundation, the Florida Panthers Ice Dancers and a quick look at some of the sights I visited in Cancun!!

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West Coast Pro Dance Convention

I am so excited to return home to the Bay Area next weekend, not only am I going to see tons of family and friends, but I am bringing a very exciting event to the area. Many people know I have a background that includes dancing and cheering in the NBA and NFL…it’s something near and dear to my heart. These days, I get sore after an hour or 2 of dance, but I still got it! lol..uh sort of… Anyway, it’s not about me. The event I’m talking about is the Going Pro Entertainment: West Coast Pro Dance Convention which will be held at Crunch in Danville, CA on Saturday, March 12, 2011.

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It’s not a competition, it’s not an audition, it’s a fun, all day convention filled with dance choreography taught by Pro Alumni & a fitness boot camp, paired with makeup, hair, interview, attire and photography presentations! The workshop is open to current, pro and aspiring cheerleaders and dancers, and most of the attendees are in the early to mid 20’s, however we have had juniors and seniors in high school attend as well as women in their 30’s. We’re all Alumni from the NFL, NBA, AFL, etc… If you are thinking about auditioning for the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush, Oakland Raiderettes, Golden State Warriors or Sacramento Kings, etc… this clinic a great starting point! We are a great alternative to a team’s official prep classes for Pro Dance and Cheer auditions because you don’t have to worry about messing up or doing the wrong thing ( we aren’t judging you), and there’s no need to hold back when asking questions. Our focus is to get you prepared and ready to have the best audition of your life…we are here to help!! So sign up today >>> Registration & info for the (Bay Area) event is at http://westcoastprodance.eventbrite.com/

AND — just to give you a taste of what people can expect…here are some photos and video highlights from my super successful Miami event!! We had great dancers, current and alumni Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, alumni Miami HEAT dancers and I’m sure there were at least a few future Pro’s in the mix! 😉

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