Breaking News!!!!!!! Jay-Z on Oprah???

What up World,

So you are not seeing things with my blog title. Shawn Jay-Z Carter was on Oprah today. If you saying to yourself.." Didn't Oprah say she will not have rappers on her show" you would be right. But obviously Oprah realizes that Jay-Z is the best ever. Jay-Z said it best in his song "On to the next one" off of BluePrint 3. Jay-Z stated "Meanwhile, had Oprah chillin in the projects
Had her out in Bedstuy, chillin on the steps Drinkin quarter waters, gotta be the best
MJ at Summer Jam, Obama on the text Yall should be afraid of what I'm gon do next Hol'up"

They discussed various topics from the "N" word to how to Freestyle. If you have your doubts of who's the best rapper?...This interview should seal the deal for Mr Carter and I don't and will never mean Lil Wayne.

Stay Up World

Blueprint 3 Commericial

What up World,

Is Jay-Z The best ever?...The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask. I think he is the best for many reasons, If you don't, watch this video and see if your mind don't change.

Stay up World

Eating Well With Chef Cordell (Chicago Sun-Times-Food)

Menu planning and cooking on a budget

In today's fast-paced society, food, especially of the healthy nature, tends to become an after thought of a busy day. Because of the convenience of fast food restaurants, some people have become subject to avoiding grocery stores and cooking to recapture the one thing we all wish we had more of: time.

However, there are things that we can do in our everyday lives to maximize our time, save a few dollars, make the weekly grocery store trip more efficient, and provide our families with healthier food options.

Below are menu planning and cooking tips that can lead you in the right direction, followed by an easy-to-make, delicious, and healthy recipe:

Menu planning (1-2 weeks)
1. Plan ahead
2. Check sales papers, clip coupons, and only buy what's on sale
3. Shop more often for perishables
4. Eat before you shop
5. Bring your own bags
6. Buy and experiment with generic brands (sometimes!)
7. Buy food in season (usually cheaper)
8. Stock up (but check expiration dates first!)
9. Get a store card

Cooking tips

1. Cook in batches
2. Buy beans
3. Buy ingredients that can be used in more than one way
4. Cook whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, etc.)
5. Buy lesser expensive cuts of meat
6. Skip meat a few days a week
7. Use fresh herbs
8. Use leftovers quickly
9. Make your own salad dressings

CHICKEN MARSALA

1/4 cup all purpose wheat flour
4 chicken breasts (6-8 oz each), boneless, skinless, cut in half and pounded thin
1 cup mushrooms, sliced ("white" for price, cremini or shitake for better flavor)
3/4 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons rosemary
1 tablespoon oregano
Kosher or sea salt, and black pepper, to taste

In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, rosemary, and oregano. Lightly coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, dusting off the excess. Heat the olive oil and butter in a sauce pan on medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and brown on both sides; remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the mushrooms. Add the Marsala wine to the pan and gently bring to boil. Add the chicken stock and lemon juice. Lower the heat and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MENU PLANNING, COOKING ON A BUDGET, MORE RECIPES, OR FOR GENERAL QUESTIONS, VISIT PASSIONSCUISINE.COM AND/OR CONTACT CHEF CORDELL OF PASSION'S CUISINE AT CHEFCORDELL@PASSIONSCUISINE.COM.

Introduction to Chef Cordell McGary II of Passion's Cuisine

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics which is apart of the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment rate in Illinois as of July 2009 is 10.4% (U.S average is 9.4). Since this rate is so high, many Americans are forced into early retirement, pay cuts, relocation, and more times than not termination. The reasons previously stated is the fuel to the booming increase in entrepreneurial endeavors. More and more people are starting to live the American dream and become entrepreneurs. As a recent college grad (B.S. in Entrepreneurship) and a young entrepreneur myself, I know this can be a challenging journey. I started my own Marketing company so I can help other entrepreneurs create a brand name/ identity for themselves. My first client is Cordell McGary and the following is a short bio written by him.

My name is Cordell McGary II, Personal Chef and owner of Passion’s Cuisine. Our specialty is healthy cuisine. Our services include (but are not limited to):

· Intimate Dinners
· Dinner parties/Catering
· Cooking classes
· Chef demonstrations
· Tastings

In America, healthy eating is a growing concern. Chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cancer have been linked to poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. These conditions have become more prevalent in our society and are plaguing our communities. Through education, quality food and healthier preparation of these foods, our communities will be able to sustain its health.

After graduating from Washburne Culinary Institute, I worked in the restaurant industry at premier restaurants such as Trotters, The Parrot Cage, and Chant. Through my experiences, I developed and sharpened my culinary and management skills. I discovered my passion for preparing healthy and nutritious food.

I’ve been featured in recent segments (in Chicago) on NBC (WMAQ Channel 5) with Art Norman, and on ABC (WLS Channel 7) with Bill Campbell, in conjunction with Real Men Cook (2008); and in local media.

My goal is to establish a business that will provide quality choices and services to our communities. Our success will create opportunities for employment and job training in the culinary field.

We’re looking towards a bright future! With plans for an upcoming “healthy- eating” cookbook, cooking show, and non for profit organization (mentorship and “trade” training”) on the horizon, Passion’s Cuisine hears the quiet “outcry” for healthier food options and is passionate about providing a healthier way of life for its clients and beyond!


Cordially,

Chef Cordell McGary II
PASSION’S CUISINE
http://www.passionscuisine.com/
chefcordell@passionscuisine.com
(877) MYCHEF-4 (692-4334) office
(312) 451-6003 mobile
“Relax, this is my PASSION!”

VHI's Hip Hop Honors..Def Jam's 25th Year Anniversary

What up World,

Its safe to say that Hip Hop would not be what it is today without Def Jam Records. Hip Hop is one the youngest genre of music and In my opinion, it has made the most impact on the world. Def Jam was the home for one of the first real mogul of hip hop, Russell Simmons. Simmons seized the opportunity to help show the world this beautiful thing we know as hip hop today. Through this challenging, yet successful transition, Simmons was able to branch off into Fashion, Communications, and Entertainment. My bad, I went on a tangent, back to the reason of this post. On October 13, 2009, a host of dope artists from the past and present will hit the stage to honor Def Jam amazing accomplishment of 25 unforgivable years since they started the record label in a NYU dorm room. The line up will include Eminem, Rick Ross, Young Jezzy, Ludacris and Fabolous to name a few. Comedian Tracy Morgan will once again serve as the host for the evening. If you dont like this year's lineup or want additional information about the show, you can go to HipHop.VH1.com for details

Stay up World

School Is Back In Session....Labor Day Weekend ...Lets Party!!(PW:The Game)

What up World,

I will be hosting my weekly party at Funky Buddha this Saturday. The weather will be nice, its the Labor Day weekend, and the night will be filled with drinking, dancing and of course flirting.

I have Birthday Parties locked in. So ARRIVE EARLY because its always a line by midnight.

Funky Buddha is the newest sensation in Chicago Nightlife. My partners and I have tapped into a niche that needed to be addressed. We cater to the stylish college students, recent grads and young professionals

We know its still a recession and alot of people dont have jobs, but everyone want to have a good time. So thats why we decided not to tax our peeps with a high cover charge Its $10 all night with my password(THE GAME).

Did I mention that we dont have a strict dresscode?.. NO Dresscode...BUT dopeness is REQUIRED (NO WHITE sneakers or tees)

Chicago Dopest DJs on the 1s and 2s ALL NIGHT 3 bars!!! 3 rooms!!!

Funky Buddha Lounge

728 West Grand

10PM-3AM 21+

BOOK YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY NOW!!!!!

Contact me if you are interested in having a bday party at Funky Buddha on ANY Saturday

773.600.4424 or chiilworldwide@gmail.com

Stay up World

ChiIL World Wide Introduction

What up World,

I will like to take this time to introduce myself and my blog. As most of you might already know, my name is Brennan aka B-Nic and Im from Chicago. I recently graduated from The University of Illinois at Chicago in May 2009 with my B.S. in Entrepreneurship Degree. Since graduation I have been working for the Chicago Urban League. I was on the Special Events Planning and Marketing team for the 2009 National Urban League Conference, which was a great experience. Now I am a Research Analyst in the Policy and Research Department at the CUL. So yeah Im kind of official..lol. The goal of this blog is to give you the latest and dopest news in Hip Hop, Business, Politics, and Chicago Night Life.

I know you might be thinking that is a weird combo for topics to be covered. But they are all related and you will see for yourself once you check my blog on a regular basis. But here is a mini example to show the relationships. I believe Hip Hop is the new subsidiary of the Fortune 500 (Business). Hip Hop artists was a driving force for the increase in registered voters in the 2008 election of President Obama (Politics). Lately, you can not go any club without hearing at least a bit or piece of hip hop music in the rotation (Chicago Night Life)

Furthermore, Hip Hop is more than music, it is a culture, it is a lifestyle, it has changed the world in so many ways. I will like to formally introduce you to my blog- ChiIL World Wide

Stay up World