How To Make Your Own Sriracha Sauce (and survive a shortage)
In case you’re living under a rock, the Srirachapocalypse is nigh. We all await the fate of one of the greatest sauces on Earth, but there is still hope.
As our government tries to figure out their own issues, the country prepares itself for the real problem involving the possible suspension of Sriracha production. What some are understandably considering the apocalypse and others the second coming of Miley Cyrus is threatening the taste buds of many food enthusiasts not yet ready to give up the infamous rooster sauce.
David Tran, CEO and founder of Huy Fong Foods which makes the sauce, has already stated that “If the city shuts us down, the price of Sriracha will jump up a lot.” This has sparked an uproar on all social media outlets with threats that would make Chris Brown look like Drake on all levels.
But where there is a will there is a way. For those with culinary prowess, we present you with a way to create your own Sriracha substitute in just 25 minutes. Of course, you could continue to go to your local Asian food market and stockpile bottle for cheaper prices than at your local supermarket.
So until we find out the official decision on the possible suspension Thursday, we hope this helps you cope with any stress you have been feeling this week. Now if only the guy who produced “Friday” by Rebecca Black wouldn’t create another song making this situation worse, we can live happy for now. Oh wait…
Sriracha-style hot sauce
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: Makes about 1½ cups sauce
Note: This sauce should be prepared in a well-ventilated area and is best prepared at least 1 to 2 days before using. Cane vinegar and palm sugar can be found at select well-stocked cooking stores, as well as Asian markets.
1 pound mixed fresh red chiles (such as red Fresnos or jalapeños), stemmed and chopped
2 to 4 cloves garlic
1/4 cup cane or rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, more if desired
2 tablespoons palm or light brown sugar, more if desired
1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the chiles, garlic, vinegar, salt and sugar to form a coarse paste.
2. Remove the mixture to a non-reactive saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the aroma softens or mellows a bit, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Blend the sauce again to form a smooth paste, thinning as desired with water.
4. Strain the sauce, pressing the solids through a fine mesh strainer with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Taste the sauce, and tweak the flavors as desired with additional salt, sugar or vinegar. Remove the sauce to a glass jar or bottle and cool completely. Refrigerate until needed.
Each tablespoon: 13 calories; 0 protein; 3 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 cholesterol; 2 grams sugar; 133 mg sodium.
Source for recipe:
http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-hot-sauce-rec2-20130126,0,2437476.story#axzz2jFvb9m5W
YouTube’s First-Ever Music Awards Show
What:
The YouTube Music Awards
When:
Sunday November 3, 2013
Where:
Live from Pier 36 – New York, New York w/ additional feeds from Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, Moscow and London.
Hosted by Jason Schwartzman and Reggie Watts • Directed by Spike Jonze
With performances by Eminem, Lady Gaga, Avicii, MIA, Arcade Fire, Tyler the Creator and YouTube’s biggest stars.
Categories:
The YouTube Music Awards categories include video of the year, artist of the year, phenomenon of the year and more:
The nominees were selected by using YouTube data from the last year based on views, likes, shares, comments and subscriptions.
Check out the Official YouTube Music Awards Nominee Playlists and cast your vote!
The Biggest Battle
Clearly the biggest question is who will win the YouTube Phenomenon category… Gangnam Style or Harlem Shake? Both were massive hits amongst the ADD generation (yes, that’s you). Both caused people to do awesome dances all the time, everywhere. It’s a tough one for sure.
The Stats
Gangnam Style
Uploaded 7/15/12
A YouTube Record 1.8+ billion views as of 10/28/13 – that’s double 2nd place (Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris – Baby).
The crazy thing is that 1.8 billion reflects only the official video. With everything else combined it’s gotta be pushing 3,000,000,000. That’s a lot of views…
Harlem Shake
Uploaded 8/23/12
First Parody Video 2/2/13
It’s hard to determine when the first Harlem Shake parody video was made, but many believe it to be the one called “DO THE HARLEM SHAKE” with the guys in the pink, alien and red power ranger suits and the one with the sumo mask.
Since them a ton of famous people (The Miami Heat, Paul van Dyk, the cast of Sports Centre, Anderson Cooper, T-Pain, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmy Fallon, to name a few) have put up videos. And countless more.
Because of the Harlem’s Shake’s insane viral behavior, Billboard ended up announcing it would use YouTube stats to determine it’s Hot 100 chart, placing Baauer at the top of the list for several weeks. Here are some crazy Harlem Shake video stats.
The Biggest Controversy
Tyler the Creator (yes, one of the awards show’s performers) as well as LA cool guy Flying Lotus have both been outspoken critics of the social media platform’s category nominees. They have some pretty justified arguments, albeit via ranting tweets, about the same old pop acts being nominated, likening the show to the MTV VMAs.
It’s sort of true when you think about it. Sure the Obama vs. Romney rap battle video is nominated, but so are Lady Gaga and One Republic songs. The argument is that YouTube should be rewarding the little guy who makes original, innovative content, and leave the VMA stuff for MTV.
You can read more about Tyler and FL’s disdain via the LA Times.
For us the obvious concern is… YouTube is a video channel, not a music channel…
Needless to say, the YouTube Music Awards marks something truly amazing for the media and entertainment worlds. Social, traditional, music, film, it all comes together in an awards show determined by now many times people click play.
The Future of Cell Phones?
iPhone 5c Be Scared – Phonebloks is coming
Imagine a cell phone where you upgrade single parts as needed… as opposed to getting a new one every time something small malfunctions. Has your phone become slow? Replace the part that affects speed, not the entire thing.
- Need a new screen? Get one
- Do you save info on the cloud and have little to no use for added memory?
Get rid of the card and increase the size of your battery - Do you care more about photo/video than sound? Get a smaller speaker and a bigger lens
- Are you an audiophile? Just go get some good headphones already… lol
Phonebloks could change the way we upgrade phones
Imagine if you could choose (or interchange) the charging port on your phone… what if you had multiple pieces so you could use any charger. Instead of one charger that fits all phones, you could have 1 phone that fits all chargers… WOW!
Waiting in line overnight for cell phones the way people do for concert tickets is getting ridiculous. Drooling over upgrades with few practical improvements is becoming a waste of time. Phonebloks may end all that. And it seems as though it provides an avenue for electronics manufacturers to continue monetizing the industry through product development.
Phonebloks is a platform that houses interchangeable parts in one unit to provide a customized communication device. Amazing!
10 Useful Things to Remember When Moving
You finally have a new job, new apartment, possibly in a new city. The lease is signed and the keys are in your pocket. Now all you have to do is move…
You may wanna keep the following things in mind:
1. Are you bringing your car? If you’re moving somewhere with great public transportation, good cabs and horrible parking (sound familiar?) you may want to sell your ride. Put it on Craigslist a month or two out just in case.
2. Are you moving in/out of places with stairs? Do freight elevators need to be reserved? Are there specific move-in/out hours? You should probably make sure you have dolly/luggage carts at your disposable. Moving dressers SUCKS.
3. PACK EARLY. Don’t f*** yourself and pack the night before you move. Maybe a week before you’re outtie, set a few things aside as if you were going on vacation. That’s what you’ll live off. Pack everything else and make sure it’s completely done. And LABEL YOUR BOXES (kitchen, bedroom, office, etc.) Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
4. If you have roommates, decide what you’re taking, what you’re leaving and any sort of money issues regarding common items, security deposit, etc. This can be a shitty thing sometimes but at the end of the day, you don’t want a bad break up. It’s not worth the stress, hassle and bad vibes. Make concessions if you must, or fuck it, start a fight and never talk to them again. Your call.
(watch ’til the end… they fight, shake hands and that was that)
5. Reserve a U-Hall in advance. If you wait until the week of they may not have the type of truck you need. Go to the place early and get boxes… big, small, wardrobe, etc. They’re cheap and returnable so buy a bunch. If your current building has a listserv then use it. People more than likely have boxes they don’t want.
And don’t believe that whole “Move for $19.99” bs. I spent $377 moving from DC to NY.
6. Bribe your friends. Sure, your friends should help you move. But god damn, take care of them! Moving sucks, dude. And I’m not talking about getting them subs and wings. Take them to dinner, maybe do something beforehand to make the dinner taste better, you know.
7. Don’t look like a bum. There might be hot chicks (or guys) living in your building, on your floor or next to you. Make sure have that ‘hot just moving in’ look so you can lay the foundation for some friends w/ benefits nearby.
8. Pack with boxes that once held expensive items and have lots of branding on the outside. That way your new neighbors will think you’re ballin and want to be friends with you (or want to rob you…)
9. Learn your new neighborhood. The bars, restaurants, subway, parking, etc. Take a couple hours and walk 10 blocks up and down each way and on every side street. Find those hidden neighborhood gems. Do this once during the day and once at night to really get acquainted.
10. Hire movers!!! If you don’t feel like doing all the BS you can simply hire a moving company. It can be costly, so practice due diligence and shop around. Ask your friends, family and their friends and family if they know anyone. Or get your new job to pay for it. And book them more than a week in advance. And try not to hire anyone shady who’s going to hold your stuff for ransom and lie about shipping weights…
And there you have it.
The Top 10 Best Songs to Bang To
We’re Up All Night to Get Lucky
You’ve been waiting patiently and now it’s over. Here are the DC night life’s best songs to soundtrack a freaky night of sweaty sex. Or an emo night of baby making. Or a hardcore night of make up sex 🙂
10 – 1
10. Benny Benassi – ‘Satisfaction’
9. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U
8. Ying Yang Twins – “Wait (The Whisper Song)”
7. Keith Sweat – Twisted
6. Fiona Apple – Criminal
5. Ginuwine – Pony
4. Dave Matthews Band – Crash Into Me
3. Chris Isaak – Wicked Game
2. Nine Inch Nails – Closer
1. Complete Silence.
100 – 91 | 90 – 81 | 80 – 71
70 – 61 | 60 – 51 | 50 – 41
40 – 31 | 30 – 21 | 20-11
Jay-Z Gets Blazed Off Harlem Shake
Follow Up to the Record Shattering “Harlem Shake”
Just Blaze & Baauer feat. Jay Z – Higher releases August 13th on Priority Records.
It follows the #1 Billboard Hot 100 and Platinum Sensation “Harlem Shake.”
The man behind the Internet phenomenon, Harlem Shake, has enlisted Jay Z to be featured on his new “Higher” track. Produced alongside legendary hip-hop producer Just Blaze, this official remix is poised for break out success. It not only appeals to EDM fans but also rap fans that are still reeling from Jigga’s Magna Carta album.
The video for higher is directed by Nabil Elderkin (Kanye West, Bon Iver and Frank Ocean). It premiers on Vice’s new dance site THUMP the same day the song releases. They’ve already released a super tease of a trailer:
After winning Dance Song of the Year and EDM Song of the Year at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Baauer has gained major traction, touring w/ Just Blaze at clubs and festivals like Lollapalooza, Outiside Lands and Electric Zoo. Baauer is currently working on a new EP, which will be released under LuckyMe Records this year.
‘Higher’ marks the re-launch of Priority Records as a production-oriented label. Known for pioneering gangster rap, Priority will re-launch with the help of Capitol Music Group and Insurgency Music. This collaboration also shines a new light on EDM’s rises to the mainstream.
With Billboard reconfiguring its Hot 100 chart to include online streaming numbers, the industry has seen more collaborations between mainstream and EDM artists. David Guetta’s electronic touch on Rihaana’s Unapologetic album is good example of how electronic pop has collided with Top 40/R&B. Artists like Zedd and Calvin Harris who are both on major label(Interscope and Columbia) are not only remixing pop songs, but also have their own solo work topping the Billboard charts. And of course there’s this Mountain Dew X-Games commercial w/ Paul Rodriguez and a Flux Pavilion favorite.
EDM pop has become an incredibly lucrative genre. While the EDM festival scene is at an all time high, pop music has always controlled the radio and sales realm. Combine both and in theory you’re golden. Baauer and Just Blaze’s remix featuring Jay Z will not only rebirth Priority Records, but also show how far EDM has come.
A special release party is scheduled in NYC on Aug 13th at an undisclosed location. Fans also have to the chance to see Baauer at Electric Zoo by posting photos that represent what “higher” means to them on any of their social media platforms using #higher813. Winners will be selected by Baauer on August 16th.
6 Ways to Keep Your Friends Longer
More Girl & Bro Code You May Wanna Follow
Contributing Writer Amanda Hanowitz – @getwitzit
Ladies:
1. Ladies First:
Boys come and go, break your heart, tell you lies, but your girlfriends are forever.
(Editors Note: Until they get catty behind your back, throw you under the bus and sleep with the guy you like)
2. Honesty is the best policy:
When your friend asks you, “Does this dress make me look fat?” If the answer is yes, say yes. Don’t lie or you may only embarrass her further.
3. Be a Good Wingwoman:
Know when to swoop in and save your best friend from that horrible creep hitting on her. And vice versa, know when to let your girl get her flirt on if it looks like she’s having a good time.
(Editors Note: Or getting some sap to keep buying her drinks)
4. Don’t Hook-up w/ Your Friends Exes:
There are plenty of other fish in the sea, you can afford to find someone else.
5. Don’t Speak Badly About her BF:
If he sucks a big one, let her figure it out. Save your friendship and stay out of it… whether it means tainting their relationship or yours.
6. Don’t Go to the Bathroom Alone:
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Ever seen a girl go to the bathroom without her girlfriends by her side? Didn’t think so.
(Editor’s Note: I still don’t get this)
Gents:
1. Bros Before Hoes:
Don’t put a hoe before your bro. Simple as that.
(Editors Note: Unless she’s really hot)
2. Don’t Get Whipped:
You have the best and most beautiful girlfriend in the world, we get it. But don’t forget about your bros, or yourself.
(Editor’s Note: Don’t be a fuckin’ purse-holder, bro.)
3. Leave the Relatives Alone:
Do not hook-up with your best friend’s sister. Just don’t. That’s like, his little innocent sister who has never been touched.
(Editor’s Note: LOL)
4. Don’t Cock Block:
Don’t be a douche.
5. Respect “Fives”:
If you’re sitting around with your friends and one gets up and says nothing, his spot is fair game. If he calls ‘fives’ you must respect it… or die.
6. Do not let your friend go home with an ugly chick:
Need more of an explanation? Didn’t think so.
(Editor’s Note: Or better yet, make sure no one else sees them leaving. And don’t tell anyone. Fat chicks need love too bro…)
LOOK!!! It’s more man code including rules for umbrellas, compliments at the gym and the always important, rules of the man-hug.
Is Instagram the Only Positive Social Media Experience?
InstaPLUR. But is it even real?
Commentary by Antonis Karagounis (The Boss) • @antonisdc
Looking through my social media channels, I can’t help but feel slightly nauseous. Everyone, and I mean everyone on my Instagram feed is posting photos of their amazing lives.
Beautiful people. Amazing locations. Expensive Cars. Mouthwatering food. Wild parties. Couples in love. And happy families. It’s disgusting.
I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade but let’s be honest – your food cannot be that amazing… every time. You did not wake up in that new Bugatti. You do not live in that amazing home with the ridiculous pool. All those kids at those wild parties are probably 19 and wasted. No you’re not a model, so for the love of god please stop posing as if you are.
It all just seems a bit fake.
Twitter can at least give us a real time feed of real life event like politics, crime and the occasional celebrity drama. Even Facebook has the occasional social responsibility-call to action (see Kony 2012) or an up-to-the-minute world news break.
But Instagram seems to have found a purpose beyond making iPhone pics look cool.
Imagery is in and of itself a universal language. No matter what you speak, you can always understand an image.
Every photo I see on Instagram depicts some sort of ‘feel good’ experience, moment or sense. And they get more interaction than anything you post on Facebook or Twitter. A picture is worth 1000 words and there’s not one negative thing to be said about any you find on Instagram.
Maybe Mark Zuckerberg was on to something when he spent a billion dollars on a two-year-old company. The Social Media Generation (ya I just called it that) is tired of negativity and bad news. Instagram is the perfect social media escape. It has created a Utopia where beauty, peace, abundance and love are the only things you see. And the occasional person bragging about something. But hey – they’re just trying to feel good, right?
Does it entertain? Most definitely. Is it real? No. But I know about 130 million users who seem to enjoy their daily escape from reality!
Instagram is utopian happiness.
Connect with Antonis on Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
The 100 Best Songs To Bang To
The Best Songs to Bang to
Some are for banging. Some are for making babies. Some are for doing freaky shit with jumper cables, a kangaroo and an industrial-sized tub of mayonnaise. We’ll let you decide.
100 – 91
100. Sisqo – Thong Song
99. Peace Division – Blacklight Sleaze ft. Pleasant Gehman
98. My Darkest Days feat. Ludacris – Porn Star Dancing
97. U2 – So Cruel
96. Cassius – I Love You So
95. Goodwill & Hook N Sling – Take You Higher
94. Beyonce – 1+1
93. Massive Attack – Inertia Creeps
92. Def Leppard – ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’
91. Bootsy Collins – I’d Rather Be With You
90 – 81 | 80 – 71 | 70 – 61 | 60 – 51
50 – 41 | 40 – 31 | 30 – 21 | 20 – 11
The Top 10 Best Songs to Bang to
(coming soon!)
DC Lawmakers Trying to Ban E-Cigs
Are E-Cigs a Public Inconvenience?
Two D.C. council members are proposing the ‘Electronic Cigarette Parity Amendment Act of 2013‘
It would ban electronic cigarettes in restaurants, mass transit, bars and public places including sidewalks.
Blue Cigs, one of the leading manufactures of E cigs, said “from misinformed lawmakers to scared big tobacco companies, actions are being made to limit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes.” They maintain that it is an act of bullying by the tobacco industry on the ever-popular e-cig industry.
According to vapernews.com, “sales of e-cigarettes in 2012 are estimated up to $500M, which has doubled each year for the past two years, and should double and in 2013. Although sales for analog cigarette topped $80B, e-cigarettes sales could surpass them in a decade.”
Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) stated that e-cigs, “may encourage more people to start smoking.” She goes further saying, “you are getting that same nicotine derivative, and it’s just attracting more, younger people.”
Lawmakers believe e-cigs are bothersome and may pose health risks. The FDA, however, has not come to a conclusion on the potential health risks. It state that, “further research is needed to assess the potential public health benefits and risks of electronic cigarettes and other novel tobacco products.”
Electronic cigarettes have become an increasingly popular alternative to those trying to transition off tobacco. Coming in a variety of flavors, the battery powered inhalers heat nicotine into vapor, allowing a similar stimulant effect as the typical cigarette. However, unlike regular cigarettes, they do not produce smoke. This has allowed e-cigs to be classified differently than cigarettes, until now.
*Editors note: I discussed potential health risked associated with e-cigs with my doctor. He said for the time being, they are a great alternative to smoking cigarettes. No tar, no paper, no tobacco, no carcinogens. His only concern was the concept of heating nicotine. Only time will tell.
Read more at The Washington Post
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-04-09/local/38397580_1_e-cigaretteselectronic-cigarettes-e-cigs
