Music Monday on Empty Streets: Paradiso Girls

I was watching MTV the other day and a girl group that at first I thought was the Pussycat Dolls was the group called Paradiso Girls. Out of curiosity I figured it would be nice to do a little research about them.

Here are the things that I have found out about them thus far - The Paradiso Girls is a girl group consisting of 5 members from different countries; Chelsea Korka from United States, Aria from France, Lauren Bennett from United Kingdom, Kelly Beckett from Barbados and Shar Mae Amor from Philippines. They are currently signed to Will.i.am music group/Interscope Records. Their debut single "Patron Tequila" featuring Lil’ Jon and Eve was released on May 12, 2009, and has reached position 3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play. Their debut album Crazy Horse is expected to be released in October as confirmed by member Aria on twitter.

Two years in development, Paradiso Girls isn’t your stereotypical girl group. Reflecting music’s increasingly global reach, each member of this talented quintet—Aria, Chelsea, Kelly, Lauren and Shar—hails from a different country: Barbados, England, France, Philippines, and the U.S. Beyond this multicultural twist, the Paradiso Girls boast three lead singers, a rapper and a DJ.

It’s the natural chemistry emanating from this pairing that is the Los Angeles-based group’s secret weapon. Playing simultaneously to their distinct personalities and cultural backgrounds, Paradiso Girls break the industry’s cookie-cutter mold with an edgy, left-of-center mix of pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop.

Daring yet tongue-in-cheek lead single “Patron Tequila” is proof positive of Paradiso Girls’ combustible energy. The Polow da Don-produced club jam centers around a girls’ night out getting drunk on margaritas—with color commentary provided by featured guest rappers Lil’ Jon and Eve. The song is already generating buzz in the clubs.

The same push-the-envelope vibe courses throughout Paradiso Girls’ self-titled debut album. In addition to Polow da Don, the project enlists such maverick, game-changing songwriter/producers as Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, The-Dream, Sean Garrett, Fernando Garibay and Black Eyed Peas mastermind will.i.am. Tailored to the ladies’ talents and personalities as well as their kinetic energy, each song ultimately shapes an album that doubles as a unique tribute to musical sisterhood.

Female anthem “Who’s My Bitch,” for instance, draws from French composer Georges Bizet’s classical gem “Carmen” as producer Garibay channels the essence of the Paradiso Girls. Laying irreverent lyrics—“I’m not your bitch / I’m not your ho”—against such an unexpected backdrop sparks a lightning bolt realization: Paradiso Girls definitely isn’t your ordinary girl group.

Mentor will.i.am drives home that point on the two tracks he wrote and produced, “Bad Man” and "What I like.” On the latter, the Grammy-winning artist/producer taps into the dance/electro club energy on which Paradiso Girls thrive.

Irreverence once again comes into play on the Garibay and Garrett-produced “Unpredictable.” On this fast-paced track, the ladies sassily intone: “You’re just so unpredictable / I’m so trying to get to you /You just don’t wanna behave.” The ladies are just at skillful at slowing the pace. On “Pop,” producer Cee-Lo tempers the ladies’ sensuality with just the right amount of wit and humor, while Garibay brings an atmospheric feel to the moving love ballad “Just Friends.”

Friendship is another key factor powering Paradiso Girls. Aria was a performer living in France when she met Shar (Philippines), Kelly (Barbados) and Lauren (England). The foursome decided to form a group. Six months later they met Chelsea (U.S.) and the quartet became a quintet. Relocating to Los Angeles, the five ladies began living together as they practiced and then began recording songs for their upcoming album.

That bond—coupled with talent and energy—is what will help Paradiso Girls write the next chapter in girl group history.

“We’re having fun just being ourselves, and that’s our main message,” says member Lauren. “We may come from different parts of the world with different upbringings, but we’ve all come together as one: Paradiso Girls.”

Not much about the group as of yet, but soon am sure there shall be more, for now let me introduce to you their debut single that prompted me to write about them in the first place :)

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PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Food Friday on Empty Streets: Squid Paella

Paella is one of my favorite dishes to make and nothing beats a good tasty squid paella. The recipe that I am going to feature here today may take approximately 1 hour to make and has some degree of difficulty to do. But the cool thing about Paella is that you can always experiment with its ingredients and make something amazing still in the end :)

Here is the recipe:
Ingredients

* 24 oz cleaned squid
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz) of olive oil
* 3 cloves minced garlic
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 3 1/4 cups (26 fl. oz) fish broth
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 1/4 cups (10 oz) rice
* 1 medium tomato, chopped
* 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz) dry sherry
* 1/4 teaspoon saffron
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/8 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
* Lemon wedges, to garnish

Preparation

Cut the bodies of the squid into rings, quarter the tentacles, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic and green bell pepper for about 3 minutes. Add the tomato and sauté for a further 3 minutes.

Pour the rice into the paella pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sherry and continue to stirr until the sherry evaporates.

Add the squid, broth, and the rest of the seasonings and cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth has been absorbed. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

Here is a video on a variation of the Paella recipe for you to try and enjoy:

Hope you liked this recipe - remember to cook with your heart :) xoxo

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Packing for Travel Tips

Trying to decide on what to bring and how to pack them for that vacation that you have been looking forward to for so long. I have compiled a list to help you figure this out and in simple easy to follow 21 tips.

1. Security and Keeping Details Safe
Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account.

You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen.

This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

2. Split up your valuables

Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).

3. Nalgene/Small Bottles

Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.

4. Backpack Tips

When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.

5. Plastic Bags

It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

6. Pack in Plastic

Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature! (Tip from a member)

7. Clothes

Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.

8. Split up clothes when travelling with others

When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.

9. Separate Beach Bag

When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!

10. Suitcase lovers

For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

11. Gifts

While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)

12. Flashlights or Torches

When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

13. Diaper Bag

If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

14. Shoes

If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

15. Carry-On

Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

16. Roll Technique

Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

17. Traveling to warm destinations?

If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

18. Local Tourism Offices

The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

19. Minimize on toiletries

Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.
20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder

Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking.

21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?

While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.

Hope that list helped you figure things out with regards to your packing for travel, but there is more from this video to further provide you with useful tips.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Calorie Chart

I am doing my best to loose a lot of weight for the past couple of weeks now through exercise. This is after finally loosing enough to start doing physical activities again. But I had to think of what physical activity would be best at burning all the calories away. Fortunately enough for me I found a chart that one can use as a reference for the percentage of calories that one can burn.

Here is the chart:

Activity (1 hour)	130lbs	155lbs	190lbs
Aerobics, general	354	422	518
Aerobics, high impact	413	493	604
Aerobics, low impact	295	352	431
Archery (non-hunting)	207	246	302
Automobile repair	177	211	259
Backpacking, general	413	493	604
Badminton, competitive	413	493	604
Badminton, social, general	266	317	388
Basketball, game	472	563	690
Basketball, nongame, general	354	422	518
Basketball, officiating	413	493	604
Basketball, shooting baskets	266	317	388
Basketball, wheelchair	384	457	561
Bicycling, <10mph,>	236	281	345
Bicycling, >20mph, racing	944	1126	1380
Bicycling, 10-11.9mph, light effort	354	422	518
Bicycling, 12-13.9mph, moderate effort	472	563	690
Bicycling, 14-15.9mph, vigorous effort	590	704	863
Bicycling, 16-19mph, very fast, racing	708	844	1035
Bicycling, BMX or mountain	502	598	733
Bicycling, stationary, general	295	352	431
Bicycling, stationary, light effort	325	387	474
Bicycling, stationary, moderate effort	413	493	604
Bicycling, stationary, very light effort	177	211	259
Bicycling, stationary, very vigorous effort	738	880	1078
Bicycling, stationary, vigorous effort	620	739	906
Billiards	148	176	216
Bowling	177	211	259
Boxing, in ring, general	708	844	1035
Boxing, punching bag	354	422	518
Boxing, sparring	531	633	776
Broomball	413	493	604
Calisthenics (pushups, sit-ups), vigorous effort	472	563	690
Calisthenics, home, light/moderate effort	266	317	388
Canoeing, on camping trip	236	281	345
Canoeing, rowing, >6 mph, vigorous effort	708	844	1035
Canoeing, rowing, crewing, competition	708	844	1035
Canoeing, rowing, light effort	177	211	259
Canoeing, rowing, moderate effort	413	493	604
Carpentry, general	207	246	302
Carrying heavy loads, such as bricks	472	563	690
Child care: sitting/kneeling-dressing, feeding	177	211	259
Child care: standing-dressing, feeding	207	246	302
Circuit training, general	472	563	690
Cleaning, heavy, vigorous effort	266	317	388
Cleaning, house, general	207	246	302
Cleaning, light, moderate effort	148	176	216
Coaching: football, soccer, basketball, etc.	236	281	345
Construction, outside, remodeling	325	387	474
Cooking or food preparation	148	176	216
Cricket (batting, bowling)	295	352	431
Croquet	148	176	216
Curling	236	281	345
Dancing, aerobic, ballet or modern, twist	354	422	518
Dancing, ballroom, fast	325	387	474
Dancing, ballroom, slow	177	211	259
Dancing, general	266	317	388
Darts, wall or lawn	148	176	216
Diving, springboard or platform	177	211	259
Electrical work, plumbing	207	246	302
Farming, baling hay, cleaning barn	472	563	690
Farming, milking by hand	177	211	259
Farming, shoveling grain	325	387	474
Fencing	354	422	518
Fishing from boat, sitting	148	176	216
Fishing from river bank, standing	207	246	302
Fishing in stream, in waders	354	422	518
Fishing, general	236	281	345
Fishing, ice, sitting	118	141	173
Football or baseball, playing catch	148	176	216
Football, competitive	531	633	776
Football, touch, flag, general	472	563	690
Frisbee playing, general	177	211	259
Frisbee, ultimate	207	246	302
Gardening, general	295	352	431
Golf, carrying clubs	325	387	474
Golf, general	236	281	345
Golf, miniature or driving range	177	211	259
Golf, pulling clubs	295	352	431
Golf, using power cart	207	246	302
Gymnastics, general	236	281	345
Hacky sack	236	281	345
Handball, general	708	844	1035
Handball, team	472	563	690
Health club exercise, general	325	387	474
Hiking, cross country	354	422	518
Hockey, field	472	563	690
Hockey, ice	472	563	690
Horse grooming	354	422	518
Horse racing, galloping	472	563	690
Horseback riding, general	236	281	345
Horseback riding, trotting	384	457	561
Horseback riding, walking	148	176	216
Hunting, general	295	352	431
Jai alai	708	844	1035
Jogging, general	413	493	604
Judo, karate, kick boxing, tae kwan do	590	704	863
Kayaking	295	352	431
Kickball	413	493	604
Lacrosse	472	563	690
Marching band, playing instrument(walking)	236	281	345
Marching, rapidly, military	384	457	561
Moto-cross	236	281	345
Moving furniture, household	354	422	518
Moving household items, boxes, upstairs	531	633	776
Moving household items, carrying boxes	413	493	604
Mowing lawn, general	325	387	474
Mowing lawn, riding mower	148	176	216
Music playing, cello, flute, horn, woodwind	118	141	173
Music playing, drums	236	281	345
Music playing, guitar, classical, folk(sitting)	118	141	173
Music playing, guitar, rock/roll band(standing)	177	211	259
Music playing, piano, organ, violin, trumpet	148	176	216
Paddleboat	236	281	345
Painting, papering, plastering, scraping	266	317	388
Polo	472	563	690
Pushing or pulling stroller with child	148	176	216
Race walking	384	457	561
Racquetball, casual, general	413	493	604
Racquetball, competitive	590	704	863
Raking lawn	236	281	345
Rock climbing, ascending rock	649	774	949
Rock climbing, rapelling	472	563	690
Rope jumping, fast	708	844	1035
Rope jumping, moderate, general	590	704	863
Rope jumping, slow	472	563	690
Rowing, stationary, light effort	413	493	604
Rowing, stationary, moderate effort	502	598	733
Rowing, stationary, very vigorous effort	708	844	1035
Rowing, stationary, vigorous effort	561	669	819
Rugby	590	704	863
Running, 10 mph (6 min mile)	944	1126	1380
Running, 10.9 mph (5.5 min mile)	1062	1267	1553
Running, 5 mph (12 min mile)	472	563	690
Running, 5.2 mph (11.5 min mile)	531	633	776
Running, 6 mph (10 min mile)	590	704	863
Running, 6.7 mph (9 min mile)	649	774	949
Running, 7 mph (8.5 min mile)	679	809	992
Running, 7.5mph (8 min mile)	738	880	1078
Running, 8 mph (7.5 min mile)	797	950	1165
Running, 8.6 mph (7 min mile)	826	985	1208
Running, 9 mph (6.5 min mile)	885	1056	1294
Running, cross country	531	633	776
Running, general	472	563	690
Running, in place	472	563	690
Running, on a track, team practice	590	704	863
Running, stairs, up	885	1056	1294
Running, training, pushing wheelchair	472	563	690
Running, wheeling, general	177	211	259
Sailing, boat/board, windsurfing, general	177	211	259
Sailing, in competition	295	352	431
Scrubbing floors, on hands and knees	325	387	474
Shoveling snow, by hand	354	422	518
Shuffleboard, lawn bowling	177	211	259
Sitting-playing with child(ren)-light	148	176	216
Skateboarding	295	352	431
Skating, ice, 9 mph or less	325	387	474
Skating, ice, general	413	493	604
Skating, ice, rapidly, > 9 mph	531	633	776
Skating, ice, speed, competitive	885	1056	1294
Skating, roller	413	493	604
Ski jumping (climb up carrying skis)	413	493	604
Ski machine, general	561	669	819
Skiing, cross-country, >8.0 mph, racing	826	985	1208
Skiing, cross-country, moderate effort	472	563	690
Skiing, cross-country, slow or light effort	413	493	604
Skiing, cross-country, uphill, maximum effort	974	1161	1423
Skiing, cross-country, vigorous effort	531	633	776
Skiing, downhill, light effort	295	352	431
Skiing, downhill, moderate effort	354	422	518
Skiing, downhill, vigorous effort, racing	472	563	690
Skiing, snow, general	413	493	604
Skiing, water	354	422	518
Ski-mobiling, water	413	493	604
Skin diving, scuba diving, general	413	493	604
Sledding, tobogganing, bobsledding, luge	413	493	604
Snorkeling	295	352	431
Snow shoeing	472	563	690
Snowmobiling	207	246	302
Soccer, casual, general	413	493	604
Soccer, competitive	590	704	863
Softball or baseball, fast or slow pitch	295	352	431
Softball, officiating	354	422	518
Squash	708	844	1035
Stair-treadmill ergometer, general	354	422	518
Standing-packing/unpacking boxes	207	246	302
Stretching, hatha yoga	236	281	345
Surfing, body or board	177	211	259
Sweeping garage, sidewalk	236	281	345
Swimming laps, freestyle, fast, vigorous effort	590	704	863
Swimming laps, freestyle, light/moderate effort	472	563	690
Swimming, backstroke, general	472	563	690
Swimming, breaststroke, general	590	704	863
Swimming, butterfly, general	649	774	949
Swimming, leisurely, general	354	422	518
Swimming, sidestroke, general	472	563	690
Swimming, sychronized	472	563	690
Swimming, treading water, fast/vigorous	590	704	863
Swimming, treading water, moderate effort	236	281	345
Table tennis, ping pong	236	281	345
Tai chi	236	281	345
Teaching aerobics class	354	422	518
Tennis, doubles	354	422	518
Tennis, general	413	493	604
Tennis, singles	472	563	690
Unicycling	295	352	431
Volleyball, beach	472	563	690
Volleyball, competitive, in gymnasium	236	281	345
Volleyball, noncompetitive; 6-9 member team	177	211	259
Walk/run-playing with child(ren)-moderate	236	281	345
Walk/run-playing with child(ren)-vigorous	295	352	431
Walking, 2.0 mph, slow pace	148	176	216
Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace, walking dog	207	246	302
Walking, 3.5 mph, uphill	354	422	518
Walking, 4.0 mph, very brisk pace	236	281	345
Walking, carrying infant or 15-lb load	207	246	302
Walking, grass track	295	352	431
Walking, upstairs	472	563	690
Walking, using crutches	236	281	345
Wallyball, general	413	493	604
Water aerobics, water calisthenics	236	281	345
Water polo	590	704	863
Water volleyball	177	211	259
Weight lifting or body building, vigorous effort	354	422	518
Weight lifting, light or moderate effort	177	211	259
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing	295	352	431

Here is a video that can further help you understand what calories are all about: