My TV Debut on the Rachel Ray Show, "Rach in a Box"

This posting was extremely delayed. I wanted to write this last month, but oh well…work takes precedence.

I made my TV debut on the Rachel Ray show on Tuesday, September 14th during the 10-11AM timeslot. It was a short segment called, “Rach in a Box,” which aired after “the Bra Whisperer,” segment. Two weeks prior, what was roughly five hours of shooting in my small, sweltering hot studio apartment was edited down to a two-minute spot. Side Note: I had to shut down my air conditioning because the sound guy said it would disrupt our voice over. Despite my short segment, which was shared with another “chef,” I’m extremely happy with the outcome.

So, how did it happen? Let’s just say it doesn’t hurt to know someone who knows a producer.

Abby Bodiker, part of Rachel Ray’s culinary team, was the host. She showed up at my door, on an awesome motorized cooler, with camera and sound crew in tow. Abby was a bit nervous at first (as was I), but she did a great job with the introduction, process and shoot. She presented the four secret ingredients, which were: Rib Eye steak, artichoke hearts, Greek yogurt, and pita bread. The only ingredient that stumped me was the Greek yogurt.

Here's the final dish that I prepared for the Rachael Ray Show:

Grilled Steak and Artichoke Medley: CLICK HERE to view on Flickr.
Grilled sliced steak with towering artichoke vegetable medley on a toasted pita, topped with neo-tzatziki sauce

INGREDIENTS:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• Seasoning: salt, pepper, Adobo, garlic powder.
• Lime zest
• Onion (1 small/medium or ½ large)
• Garlic (2-3 cloves)
• Quarter or half Jalapeno
• Handful of fresh basil
• Handful of fresh cilantro
• Handful of fresh cherry tomatoes
• ½ lb. mushroom, sliced
• Steak
• Artichoke hearts
• Greek yogurt
• Pita bread

PREPARATION & COOKING PROCESS (1 of 2):

• STEAK: season on both sides with salt, pepper, Adobo, garlic power. Set aside for seasoning to infiltrate meat. Fire up the grill.
• GREEK YOGURT (Neo Tzatziki): scoop a cup or two of Greek yogurt into a small bowl. Incorporate chopped cilantro, jalapeno, basil, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Stir ingredients, set aside in refrigerator.
• ARTICHOKE HEARTS: in a medium pan over medium heat, add a few tablespoons of EVOO. Sautee onions for a few minutes or until translucent. Add garlic, artichoke hearts and sliced mushrooms. Season with salt & pepper. Cook for a few minutes. Add fresh sliced cherry tomatoes and basil. Turn off flame and set aside.

PREPARATION & COOKING PROCESS (2 of 2):

• STEAK: make sure grill is hot and grate is cleaned. Baste EVOO on grill grate. Place steaks directly onto a hot grill for a few minutes. Then using tongs or a spatula give steaks a quarter turn to create the second set of marks, resulting in a crisscross pattern.
• To cook the perfect steak, use the 60-40 rule: first side of steak is cooked for 60% of the time compared to other side. Close lid when you can to circulate smoke (this enhances flavor).
• PITA BREAD: heat on grill until lightly toasted.

PRESENTATION:
Place toasted pita bread on plate. Slice steak into strips and place on top of pita. Pile two or three spoonfuls of vegetable medley on top of steak and pita. Scoop two or three dollops of Neo Tzatziki sauce. Garnish with basil leaf. Enjoy!

A cooked the same dish a week later for my girlfriend, but used lamb chops instead:

Wobble Music - Luke LoCastro @ Cielo w/ ARANA and Peter Jay

Making Heads Bounce, or should I say Wobble on October 15th!

As you may or may not know, my brother Luke has been DJing for the past 12+ years. He’s spun at many venues around NYC, but never at the world-renown CIELO. Well congrats Luke, because here’s your time to shine. Next Friday (Oct. 15th) Luke’s Cielo debut with Arana and Peter Jay for the monthly Wobble session. Please show your support for my big bro next Friday @ Cielo: 18 Little West 12th Street, NYC.

There’s one way to get into Cielo for FREE before midnight: MENTION THE WOBBLE LIST & SAY LUKE LOCASTRO AT THE DOOR! For smooth, hassle-free entry: RSVP HERE. This is the comp list for the door people.

If you arrive after midnight, it’s $20. Even so, say Luke’s name at the door for $15 reduced admission. The organizer is counting how many heads Luke can pull! The more, the better for him.

Also, bottle service is available through Luke for a 10% discount.

Make sure you check out the Facebook Event Link: Click “Attend” and share/invite friends.

Spread the word to everyone and anyone...
We both look forward to seeing you there.

:::::: LUKE LOCASTRO :::::::
Luke LoCastro’s obsession with music and dedication to DJing has exponentially grown throughout the years. Techno music is deeply woven into Luke's persona, his DJ experience (12+years) coupled with superb track selection has spawned a unique listening experience which compels patrons to pound the dance floor. Not only an audio artist, Luke is a Graphic Designer/Studio Manager for a world-renown NYC advertising agency.

:::::: ARANA :::::::
Founder and resident DJ of the Wobble parties at Cielo, Arana has quickly built a reputation as one of NYC's most dynamic, versatile and sought-after DJs by weaving together energetic, tightly-executed sets of musical house and techno for the dance floor. He is currently focusing on his upstart tech-house label, Wobble Music, based in the Lower East Side of NYC (when he's not moonlighting as a lawyer).

:::::: PETER JAY :::::::
A veteran NYC event producer, audio engineer and DJ, Peter Jay's residencies have included Caffeine, Tronic Treatment, NYEX and Drinkland. His weekly Thursday event at Stay and the newly opened Underground have quickly become staples for the NYC techno and house scene. He's also opening up for Jeff Mills this Saturday.

Giving & Divinity

Giving can be expressed and transferred to others in many forms: physical, financial, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For the most part when people think about giving, money or presents are top of mind. However, giving runs deeper than we can image. It’s a divine gift; it’s humbling.

Giving is a voluntary effort. One must deliberately choose to do something to be considered an act of giving.

In a positive sense, this is great. I willingly choose to:
• help someone move into his/her new apartment (physical)
• donate to charity and/or to the homeless; lend someone money (financial)
• compliment someone (mental/emotional)
• tithe to my house of worship (spiritual)

As we know, giving can unfortunately be negative. I willingly choose to:
• cause bodily harm to another person (physical)
• steal money (financial)
• criticize someone (mental/emotional)
• reject God and/or denounce other religions (spiritual)

The thought of giving overwhelmed me this morning while walking to work. I randomly saw a man give money (a few dollars) to a homeless person. The homeless person was grateful. Her life and attitude were [positively] changed all because of one kind act of giving. However, I noticed that the man’s expression never changed. I also noticed that he had only one arm. I was shocked and deeply touched. Here I am walking to work and on the verge of tears. He’s the one who should be spiting the world, but no…he’s giving. Now, that’s divine!

The act of giving is a divine blessing. Ironically, turning the corner to my office with "divine giving" on my mind - and what do I see? A man sitting on the back of an open truck with a semi-long red beard, red mustache, long red hair, and a bandana tied around his head. He looked familiar, so I smiled at the air. Passing the truck I read the company logo: “We have the divine touch. DIVINE MOVING & STORAGE.” Wow...

That being said: what we do in life obviously affects other people. Try to limit your negative giving output. When you are selfish, you are giving negativity to others. When you’re selfless, you are giving positivity to others. I charge you to think about what you do, everyday. Incorporate at least ONE act of positive giving on a daily basis. You may not know, but your actions can/may change the world.

GIVING

A Powerful Element

On Sunday, August 8th, the waves in Long Beach, NY were pumping. About 5-7 foot faces, extremely strong rip current, low tide, and windy. The sun was out; it was a beautiful beach day. Crowds of people were out and about, enjoying their Sunday afternoon. I missed my 3PM softball game at Sun & Surf to spend time with my girlfriend at the beach.


We entered the beach at Indiana Street around 1PM. There's one beach section towards The Sands beach club, where there are no lifeguards, and you're able to surf. Walking down at the shoreline with Lilli and Jared, my surfboard in one hand and my beach chair in the other. I was wearing board shorts and a T-shirt, had my glasses on and backpack strapped.

When the waves are good, I cannot take my eyes off them. I marvel at the curling and non-stop pounding energy...it's truly mesmerizing. As a former lifeguard (or formerly paid lifeguard, because you never lose your life-saving skills) I noticed two young males, between 7-10 years old, getting swept across the beach. And getting swept away fast.

At this point, they were about 100 yards away from the jetty. Their heads were bobbing under the water, most likely looking for footing. At that moment, I recognized that these kids were drowning, and just then they raised their hands towards the beach in an attempt to notify anyone of the peril they were in. I was already waist deep in the water with no "paid lifeguard" in sight.

The strong, powerful waves were breaking just past the jetty, of which these kids were being swept into. They were using all of their might to fight the current. I finally reached the first kid, literally grabbing him from under the water, and tucked him under my arm. He was exhausted because he felt like a pile of jello.

I screamed to the other kid, who was a bit farther out and away from me, "I'm coming, we're going around the jetty!" I wanted to calm him down and make him stop fighting the current. I swim to him and stopped at an arm’s length away, never taking my eyes off him. Boom, a waves crashes into us and now we're under water directly in front of the sharp, jagged jetty. I thought a collision or injury was imminent. Fear stricken me. Rumbling, then silence. My lungs ache to exhale. Death, waiting.

We finally come up and take a breath. The black, inanimate rocks are immense and mysterious. The same "safe" rocks that I snorkel around when the ocean is calm. The same "important" rocks that hold the beach together. The same "dangerous" rocks that cause pain when you crash into them. I grab the second kid and tuck him under my other arm. He's also exhausted from the fight. Unfortunately, I had no floatation device. My board was on the beach.

With two kids under my arms, we're making our way around the jetty. Boom, another monster wave rocks us. All three of us are underwater. The wave passes, I get my footing and surface for air with these kids still under my arms. We finally passed the jetty; it's about stomach to chest deep for me. Obviously a bit deep for these young lads. I look back at the jetty and notice the Town of Hempstead (TOH) lifeguard struggling to stay afloat as he's making his way towards us. I thought for a second at the humor of me saving the lifeguard from drowning.

I carry these two kids to shore where I see groups of people waiting. Most were panic-stricken; probably the families I thought. Got to the shoreline and releases them from my grasp, they ran into the arms of their families. I walk back to Lilli, Jared and my pile of stuff that I threw on the ground. People surrounded me and thanked me. They said I did a great job; I appreciate their comments. I look down, and notice that a bird pooped on my board. I cracked a joke to ease the tension. I just saved two lives.

After picking up my stuff, we began walking to our original destination. The crowds clapped as I walked away. I bowed because my hands were occupied. I surfed for hours, thanking God for allowing me the opportunity to save these kids. Just another day at the beach.

Inception Dream

I finally saw the movie Inception last night. Bottom line: A+ in my book. I love sci-fi / psychological action thrillers and this movie hit every mark. How can someone make a better movie!? Impossible!!! I haven't felt this way about a movie since The Matrix. What a mind bender. It's great when movies actually make you think and use your brain. Some people hate it, others love it. I categorize myself as the latter.

Walking out of the movie theater, you sense the buzz. The 'wowness' factor ricocheted through everyone like electricity. Circles of people formed immediately in the theater darkness while the credits rolled. Questions outpoured to quell confusion and excitement statements flared like fireworks. These were genuine reactions, which were overwhelmingly positive.

Great job to the writer/director, Christopher Nolan, and cast of actors. Plus, I’m a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. He never disappoints.

Your Mind is the Scene of the Crime

Allegria Hotel

The arrival of the Allegria Hotel is bittersweet for Long Beach. It's the only hotel in the area, but it's overpriced. $500+ minimum for a room, $15 for a beach umbrella (for guests) and $8 for a beer. It's a nice place, but God forbid if you order a martini at the bar...we're talking at least $14. I guess the owners are trying to repay their loan in record time. These prices are ridiculous, especially when it's accompanied by horrible service. The twist of the "up yours" dagger hurts for the everyday consumer/Long Beach resident. I'm not sure how much longer this hotel will last. I have a bunch of complaints, here's the tip of the iceberg.

My father and his girlfriend visited Long Beach for the weekend and stayed at the Allegria Hotel. They have a list of complaints that were never addressed by management during their stay. First off, management tried to put them in a room with broken air conditioning. Given, this weekend was one of the hottest and most humid to date. Then we met at the bar for a drink. Big mistake. I guess because there was a wedding going on, not one staff member cared that guests needed attention/service. We stood at the bar for about 20 minutes. Not one bartender looked our way. So I'm thinking, why they hell are the six of us waiting 20 minutes for an overpriced, watered-down drink that'll cost an arm and a leg? So we decided to leave, and walked to Sutton Place.

The next day (Saturday), we head to the beach. Chairs and towels are complimentary for guests, but umbrellas are not...they charge us $15. Bastards! Then we walk inside to watch some of the World Cup (USA vs Ghana). There's one tiny TV located at the service bar. Absurd! We walk to the hotel room to actually watch the game. Guess what, no ESPN in guest rooms. Are you serious? I buy a Heineken and Red Sangria = $18. F*** you! That was the first and last time that I'll recommend this place.

Here's a look at the room:


Here's a short video of Landon Donovan's goal vs. Ghana at the Allegria service bar:

Life Expectancy

Today is Flag Day and it’s the 233 birthday of the U.S. flag. It represents our nation; our ideals, values and freedom. In 2010, what does that mean?

I feel like 100 years ago, it represented something more than what it represents today. It represented a country that you can depend on. Now, look at us. It’s a scary, small world. The U.S. is the world’s police. We’re engaged in two [known] wars and involved in every country’s problems. We’re spending more money that we take in and we’re leaking more oil than we can contain. What else? The outlook of our future looks grim.

What got my thinking this way is my 401K. I’m investing in something that I hope is tangible when I retire in roughly 30-40 years. How can one depend on financials that are run by corrupt organizations? Give them money, let them manage your life. In this day and age when the stock market is climbing out of the Great Recession and international markets are tanking, what’s left to invest in? I was reading an article this morning in the New York Times and Glenn Beck had this investment advice:

“Gold, God and Guns:” three possible scenarios for the economy: recession, depression or collapse.

As I said, the future looks grim. One piece of advice: trust God.

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

It's Tuesday, June 1st and I'm back at work. I cannot believe that it's almost summer; it feels like it was only yesterday when NYC was dumped with snow. Anyways, I just want to recap my Memorial Day weekend. For as long as I was looking forward to it, the weekend ended just as fast. I'm writing this more as a diary than an update to the public. If you happen to read this, please enjoy and leave a comment:

• Friday: half-day at work. I worked from home because my commute to and from work is just as long as the work-day. Noon = work ends, weekend begins. Sloan picks me up in his new Audi S4. This car is amazing. We drive for a few errands: bank, propane tank fill-up, beer distributor, Long Beach beach pass...check.
• Wood and Gillis tending at The Inn: 7-11PM. My cousin Tiana arrives with her fiance, Andrew. I finally hang out with my cousin and get to meet her husband to be. We chat, we chill, we knock back a few drinks and shots. Good people! After, head to Jeremy/Kate's to chill.

• Saturday: not "Summer Weather" just yet. We decide for an early afternoon BBQ at Dan's place. Dan picks me and Joe up in his "new" Jeep. We hit the grocery store and liquor store. Joe and I prepare the feast: chicken wings, steak satay, sausage, shrimp & plantain skewers, hotdogs, hamburgers, pickles, red sangria, white sangria, Twisted Teas, beer. What a nice day with friends and family [my sister]!
• Pregame at my place. Stroll down the block to The Cabana. Brian's bartending, Mike Ceeza is DJing - what a great combo! We drink, we dance, we hear "SHOUT!" Late night, finish at the Beach House. Lilli dominates the door, bouncer is silenced. I'm amazed that some man is fighting with a police officer outside. His life is over. We stop at Swing Belly's for a late-night snack; pulled pork sandwiches are perfect. I love our softball sponsor. We stop at Jeremy's house for Jared's bag. Lilli starts talking to a weirdo at 3AM; he's wearing boxers with 1 white and 1 black socks...enough said.

• Sunday: annual "Pump the MegaMix boat ride" with Jamie [aka James]. Noon pick-up turns into a 3:30PM pick-up. We wait at the LB boat launch location behind the sewage processing plant. We [Luke, Joe, Leanne, Shanna, Ariel, Marie] polish off a 12-pack while waiting. Jamie arrives, we get gas. James Pap slips into the water while docking, boat almost crushed him into the dock. He survives, we fill our tanks and take a shot. 
• We're off to Bracco's in Freeport [Nautical Mile]. We order beers and food: raw clams (Cherry Stone & Little Necks), steamers, shrimp, fried calamari, oysters, which were all amazing! We drink, we dance, we enjoy our new company. We dock, we chill, they depart, we drink, we head to James' parent's place, we chat, we leave, we dream...

• Monday: it's Memorial Day and it's beautiful out. Jared and Gold come to my apartment. We [including Lilli] hit the beach. It's windy, Gold gets hit with an umbrella and a volley ball. We leave. We head to CTown to prepare an impromtu BBQ: skirt steak, kilbasa, pork chops, portabello mushrooms, salad, and white wine spritzers. We chill, we eat, and catch some rays. Lilli and I take a nap, snack on some food, watch The Hangover and game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals. We're tired and go to bed.

That was my Memorial Day weekend in a nutshell.

Killing the Killer (U.S. legal authorities are uneasy)

It’s getting a bit ridiculous. Reading an article in the New York Times last Friday titled, “U.S. Approval of Killing of Cleric Causes Unease,” I couldn’t stop and think about how humorous we [the U.S.] must sound to the terrorist networks. The article is summarized in the first two sentences:

The Obama administration’s decision to authorize the killing by the Central Intelligence Agency of a terrorism suspect who is an American citizen has set off a debate over the legal and political limits of drone missile strikes, a mainstay of the campaign against terrorism. The notion that the government can, in effect, execute one of its own citizens far from a combat zone, with no judicial process and based on secret intelligence, makes some legal authorities deeply uneasy.

We’re talking about the American-born radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who is hiding in Yemen. C.I.A. officials designating him for death early this year with the National Security Council’s approval, but required no judicial review. How can any American disagree with what our intelligence officials have done?

According to the article, administration officials take the view that no legal or constitutional rights can protect Mr. Awlaki, a charismatic preacher who has said it is a religious duty to attack the United States and who the C.I.A. believes is actively plotting violence. The attempted bombing of Times Square on May 1 is the latest of more than a dozen terrorist plots in the West that investigators believe were inspired in part by Mr. Awlaki’s rhetoric. I agree with our “administration officials.”

I’m going to answer my question with another: why would any American protect a terrorist who seeks to destroy, harm and/or kill innocent Americans, our freedom and our way of life?

Seriously. Twisted. World.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself...
Life is hectic these days. The economy sucks, unemployment is bad, government is corrupt, volcanoes are erupting, earth is quaking, tsunamis are rising, tornados are forming, oil is leaking, bridges are collapsing, and I have a blister on my foot. There are many things to fear in the world and not enough good news. With all of these wrong and terrible things happening today, what is there to look forward to tomorrow?

As Franklin D. Roosevelt said:

This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

Today during my lunch break, I found myself extremely nervous while walking past vans, trucks and other large vehicles. Thanks Taliban and Al Qaeda. I had a short circuit and needed to rewire my thinking. I cannot let fear infiltrate my mind and my way of life. As an American, I wanted to point blame. It’s the terrorists fault! The government! The media! No, it’s me…


Surfing the web, watching the news, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio – these vehicles of communication spread nothing but fear. Rid your life of fear. Clear your mind of the paralyzing terror. Read the bible...find God. Amen, over and out!

Offshore Drilling is Not The Answer: Restore the Moratorium

I posted an article in early April on this same topic: to stop offshore drilling. Now look at this horrible environmental situation. If the government cannot contain this oil leak, it'll become the worst disaster in U.S. history. #nowwhat? Experts estimate that 210,000 gallons of oil leak into the sea everyday. WOW!

Also, does anyone know what company is responsible for this disaster?

The tragic and devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a stark reminder that offshore oil drilling is not the answer.

The Deepwater Horizon rig that exploded and sank has spilled millions of gallons of oil into the ecologically rich waters in the Gulf of Mexico and continues to gush 210,000 gallons of oil into the sea every day. The spill remains unabated and now has the potential to become one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. The unfolding catastrophe clearly illustrates that offshore drilling is not safe and new technology is not fool proof.

We are reminded why the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill led to state and federal moratoriums on offshore oil drilling. The tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico makes it clear that it is time once again time to restore those moratoriums.

Enough is enough, TAKE ACTION. Tell the Obama Administration new drilling is NOT THE ANSWER. Our coasts and the economy they support cannot withstand anymore. CLICK HERE.

Unplugging: plugged into my iPod

To me, relaxing in the 21st century is simply impossible without the disturbance of technology. To others, relaxing in the 21st century is extremely challenging without the presence of technology. Technology is [now] everywhere, it’s always around. Even if you’re naked in the desert with not a battery-powered device or motorized vehicle within 500 miles, there are still multiple satellites in low-earth orbit, just a few dozen miles above your head.

You might ask yourself, why is it so hard to relax? It’s not that relaxing is hard, it’s just that there are too many disturbances…the primary being technology. Whether the phone rings, an email comes in or an airplane flies overhead, technology is infiltrating modern man. Technology cannot leave us alone and we need it to survive…a symbiotic relationship I guess. Our love for technology has grown so strong that we cannot divorce it. Our lust for information, data and constant connectivity has thrust us into an eternal whirlwind of technological dependency.

The vices of technology have seriously constrained human freedom and, at the same time, allowed it to flourish and advance. Our technological advances have grown so strong that we simply cannot live without it. We now speak in technological jargon and live in an instantaneously connected and wired world: “my network,” “IM me”, “message me”, “email me”, “Facebook me”, “FedEx it”, “Xerox it”, “call my cell”, “TiVo it”, “upload/download”, “what’s the 411”, “tweet”, “newsfeed”, “alarm clock”, “timer”, “microwave”, etc. Anything we do or say has technology tied into it somewhere.

Before the Digital Revolution, relaxing was the simple action “to relax.” Now in 2010 at the vanguard of technological advancements, relaxing [when done properly] is known as “unplugging” or “to unplug.” Here’s my ironic story:

Sitting in my backyard last weekend I was, in a transcendental state of relaxation (no chemical enhancements, thank you very much), absorbing as much cosmic rays as possible. I said to my girlfriend how great it is to unplug every now and again.
 We both work in marketing [advertising, public relations] in New York City and we’re constantly using technology to conduct and complete work. Even on vacation, our Blackberry and Palm Pre were checked multiple times a day. We felt naked without our “connection to the world” devices.

Analyzing my state of relaxation, or unplugging, further, I realized that I was in-fact listening to my iPod. In the short time span of declaring my technological freedom in my backyard, I become conscious of the fact that I wasn’t unplugged – only relaxing. This humored me a bit. I thought to myself, “Unplugging: plugged into my iPod,” this is worthy of a blog post.

Stereotyped: Atlantic City

How one trip changed my mind…

It’s hard to admit, but I hated Atlantic City even before I stepped foot within 100 miles of the place…and I don’t know why, even to this day. Maybe because:

• It was located in New Jersey
• It wasn’t located in Nevada
• Or the cast from MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’ went there one episode

I heard great stories about the place, notably Borgata, but there were a lot of stereotypes infiltrating my mind. All that was about to change.

Last weekend, I visited AC with my brother, Luke, and a few friends. We stayed at the Borgata and had a fantastic time. The place was packed and pumping; people were everywhere. A few of us won some money, a few lost. Poker was great: my brother and I played for about two to three hours and drank five to six [free] beers. The room was very nice and the bathroom & shower were simply perfect. We had an amazing steak dinner at Old Homestead (despite the 50 minute wait with reservations), and then partied the night away at Mur Mur. Upon leaving the club in the wee hours of the morning, we spread the roulette board. I, of course, lost but my buddy won a few thousand. Good for him! Room service never tasted so good.

Luke and I drove home the next morning and saw a car on fire at a gas station. How symbolic! We’re the car, the gas station is AC and the fire truck is work on Monday. 

LONG BEACH HATES CANCER

FIRST ANNUAL ‘LONG BEACH HATES CANCER’ FUNDRAISING PARTY
Long Beach, NY

This is a social gathering for a great cause! Long Beach and neighboring residents are joining together in the fight against cancer. The first annual Long Beach Hates Cancer Fundraising Party will take place on Friday, May 7th under the tent at The Cabana.

• A donation of $40 includes open bar and all-you-can-eat buffet
• Prizes, raffles and giveaways throughout
• Live music by Groundswell and DJ Mike Ceeza

All proceeds will be donated to our good friends Carmen Sarro and Al Green, who are both battling cancer, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

WHEN:
Friday, May 7th (5:00 – 9:00 p.m.)

WHERE:

The Cabana Restaurant

1034 W. Beech Street

Long Beach, NY 11561 

MEDIA, PHOTO and INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

To receive additional information, please contact:

Mark LoCastro
mlocastro[at]mindLBpop[dot]com

Leaked video shows civilian killings in Iraq

By Brett Michael Dykes, national affairs writer for Yahoo! News.

When a nonprofit group this week released video footage, leaked via a source in the Pentagon, showing a 2007 U.S. helicopter attack on a group of civilians in Baghdad, the clip unleashed a viral online sensation and ignited an intense debate about the conduct of U.S. forces in Iraq. To read more, CLICK HERE.


CBC.ca – Video shows U.S. attack that killed 2 news staff

2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R for SALE

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-6R with 2,144 miles: $6,500 (neg.)

This bike is hooked up and loud! Black (ebony) 07 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R with Two Brothers Racing M-5 Carbon Fiber V.A.L.E.™ slip-on exhaust system.

2,144 miles. Barely ridden. Mint condition. Clean title. It's a Must See. Stored in garage all year round. Fully serviced, inspected, insured, tuned up, and oil changed every 600 miles with synthetic.

Test ride only after purchase. I have two sets of racing jackets, helmets and gloves that I'll add to the sale free of charge.

Bike comes included with:
**Two Brothers Racing M-5 Carbon Fiber V.A.L.E.™ Slip-On exhaust system
**Rear-Mounted Fender Eliminator Kit (with integrated turn signals, LED brake lights and license plate light)
**Integrated/Flush front turn signals
**Rear-Seat Cowl & passenger seat
**Puig Double-Bubble Wind Screen, smoked black
**Framer Sliders
**Carbon Fiber Gas Tank Scratch Guard

EMAIL ME: mark[dot]locastro[at]yahoo[dot]com
CALL ME: (516) 642-7296

Twitter Layouts

Custom twitter backgrounds can really enhance one's page/profile. So last night I took the liberty in designing my own. What a pain in the ass with the size limits and uploading process, but I think it looks great. See below and let me know.
Does anyone know how to add hyperlinks to text that are imbedded in an image? If so, please email me.

Follow me on Twitter (@MarkL3883) or CLICK HERE to view my profile.

Risk Is Clear in Drilling; Payoff Isn’t

I'm not a fan of this. Why can't the U.S. invest in alternative technologies and fuels?

Risk Is Clear in Drilling; Payoff Isn’t

By JOHN M. BRODER and CLIFFORD KRAUSS
March 31, 2010
WASHINGTON — In proposing a major expansion of offshore oil and gas development, President Obama set out to fashion a carefully balanced plan that would attract bipartisan support for climate and energy legislation while increasing production of domestic oil. To read more, CLICK HERE.

Fellow Imbiber Paisan!

Yep, that's right! I'm The Imbiber's publicist of the week.

A few months ago, I met a gentleman by the name of Dan Dunn at an event in NYC. He used to write for am New York and informed me that he's currently employed with Playboy magazine, simply known as "The Imbiber" (AKA freelance nightlife columnist / public menace). He was with smoking hot females (RIGHT: ahh, the Playboy connection) at the time and seemed unphased by the free booze - almost as if he's notably accustomed to this practice in large metropolises. We had a few cocktails, exchanged business cards and parted ways.

I followed up with Dan a few days later and sent him booze to conduct a vodka review. A few weeks later, he posted the review. I thanked him for his time and editorial consideration and parted ways.

It’s important to note, after researching and reading a bit about Dan, that he has one of the best jobs in America – he’s a professional drinker. Or in his terms, “Many people drink…few do it professionally!” And he’s absolutely right. In support of a great cause, I signed up for his weekly newsletter (LEFT), ‘The Imbiber,’ and periodically checked theimbiber.net for articles, reviews and commentary.

Just recently, I was selected as The Imbiber’s “Publicist of the Week.” (BOTTOM RIGHT) How cool is that?

One response that I feel I should defend is:

• If you could have any famous person in history as a drinking buddy, who would it be and why? I responded “Leonardo DiCaprio” for three reasons. 1) He's a great actor, 2) He seems like a cool dude, and 3) I just watch Body of Lies with my girlfriend and thought that it was a kick-ass movie. Also, he was sick in Gangs of New York, Blood Diamond and The Departed.

Bottom line, thanks Dan! Let me know when you’re in NYC, we’ll grab a few drinks. First round is on me…

Here’s some information about Dan (taken from playboy.com):

Dan Dunn, the country's preeminent rockstar booze writer, is a knowledgeable (if slightly wobbly) fellow, who is a former staff writer for the Emmy-nominated TV show Talk Soup and freelance joke contributor for SNL’s “Weekend Update.” His critically acclaimed semi-fictional memoir, Nobody Likes a Quitter (and other reasons to avoid rehab), was published in November 2007 by Perseus Books.

Dan’s trenchant writing on sprits has appeared in numerous high-profile publications including GQ, USA Today, Maxim, the Los Angeles Times, LA Style, Entertainment Weekly, Hosiery & Underwear Magazine (seriously!) and of course, Playboy.

Dan lives in Santa Monica, CA, with his many doubts and insecurities.

Odd Rincon Photo Shoot

It was my third time visiting Rincon, Puerto Rico and I must admit: it was one of the best. The sun was hot, the ocean was warm, the food was succulent, the waves were pumping, and not a cloud in sight. We stayed at the Villa Confresi, which, to my delight, was perfect in everyway a hotel could serve. Our first full day in Rincon, we decided to travel north towards a beautiful beach called “Wilderness” (Aguadilla). This is a “locals-only” type location; thank God for our travel guide and local Puertorican, Jose, who happens to know secret spots.

Upon arrival at Wilderness, there were a few locals drinking beer, riding dirt bikes and quads [another sport/hobby that I love] and another couple taking racy photos. After a second glance at the couple, I pondered just what the heck they were doing. Later on, we [the 'Awesome Foursome'] checked our photos and discussed the possibilities of this odd photo shoot.

Here’s the download: the man in the white tank top was the “photographer” and the women wearing a bathing suit and 3” heels was the “model.” She was an amateur model and wanted to make it big as a porn star. So her brother, or fellow Puertorican amigo, grabbed a tiny digital camera, went to the nearest “sexy” spot and started shooting. They didn’t have a care in the world who was watching. So, thanks to them, I snapped a photo of my own. Enjoy!

Satellite view of Wilderness.

Mistakes Were Made (but not by me)

I'm a random book shopper.
On Tuesday afternoon, during my lunch break, I strolled over to Barnes & Noble book store (18th Street & 5th Avenue) and turned my "law of attraction" switch on. Walking around the store aimlessly, I came across the "General Psychology" section and noticed "Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)," by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson. In light of the many political scandals, celebrity affairs [aka "Tiger Factor"] and fall-from-fames, this book seemed particularly relevant. Additionally, since I'm in the business of public relations and crisis communications is something we encounter and consult our clients on, I wanted to further understand (on a psychological level) "self-deception - how it works, the harm it can cause, and how we can overcome it."

Only 30 pages into the book, I picked up on a great tactic used (as an example) by Benjamin Franklin to win over someone who simply disliked him:

"...While serving in the Pennsylvania legislature, Franklin was disturbed by the opposition and animosity of a fellow legislator. So he set out to win him over. He didn't do it, he wrote, by "paying any servile respect to him" - that is, by doing the other man a favor - but by inducing his target to do a favor for him - loaning him a rare book from his library:"

He sent it immediately and I returned it in about a week with another note, expressing strongly my sense of the favor. When we next met in the House, he spoke to me (which he had never done before), and with great civility; and he ever after manifested a readiness to serve me on all occasions, so that we became great friends, and our friendship continued to his death. This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, "He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged."

DOWNLOAD:
What a powerful, yet simple tactic to alter another's attitude and beliefs. Try it out, ask your enemy (opponent) for a favor. By reaching out and asking a favor, you're essentially instilling trust and respect in them. In turn, they may end up trusting and respecting you.

Black Entertainment Diaries

I like to bartend. I enjoy drinks that are out of the ordinary and tasty. I was an official bartender in late 2007 during my unemployment, FYI. Side note: If you're ever in Rincon, Puerto Rico you must try the Pirate Special (pronounced PIR-AT-TAY) at the Villa Cofresi...it's simply awesome and served in a fresh coconut. The vodka & soda or gin & tonic cocktails do get a bit boring.

I was lucky enough to partake in a bartending 101 course with the folks from Sobieski Vodka a few months back at the SoHo House. They hired a mixology guru to teach us the basics and then allow time for experimentation. That's when I came up with the "Mark Anthony" martini, cleverly named after my first and middle name (for lack of something better at the time). That same week I volunteered to bartend at a media gathering in my office for Sobieski Vodka. There I met one of my biggest fans, Danica Daniel, editor-in-chief for Right On! and Black Beat magazines.

Danica wanted something sweet, given it was the afternoon. So I whipped up my newly created cocktail and she loved it. She enjoyed it soo much that she featured it in the Premiere Issue of Black Entertainment Diaries with a small bio sidebar. Check it out:

Jersey Shore, "Jersey Shore" Jersey Shore reunion, Jersey Shore MTV, MTV Jersey Shore, "The Situation" "Snookie" "JWOW" "Pauly D" "Paul"

We call ourselves the "Awesome Foursome." One night, after a few bottles of vino and during the "Jersey Shore" crazy, we decided to crop our heads onto the bodies of The Situation, J Wow, Snookie, and DJ Pauly D. Here's the hilarious outcome:


Joe: "The Demonstration"
Shanna: "SWOW"
Leanne: "Lookie"
Mark: "DJ Marky D"

Associated Tags:

Jersey Shore, "Jersey Shore", MTV Jersey Shore, Jersey Shore Reunion, The Situation, JWOW, Snookie, Pauly D., "The Situation", "JWOW", "Snookie", "Paul", "Paul D", "Pauly D", "DJ Pauly D"