On Wednesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the newest version of the iPod nano. I currently have an iPod touch and am not really interested in the nano, but what caught my attention wasn’t the built-in video camera, voice recorder or built-in speaker.

It wasn’t the “rock & run” feature which can serve as your running coach. (Seriously!) The nano tells you your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. It gives you feedback at the halfway point and also shows the details of your workout on the screen. You can even use it with your machinery at the gym.

What got me excited and has me contemplating selling my iPod touch was the FM radio tuner, accented with Live Pause, which allows you to pause and store up to 15 min of live radio. Finally (!!!)

To see footage of this amazing little device in action

Here’s video of the radio tuner with Live Pause.

I know, some of you haters non-Apple lovers are like, “whatever” my Zune or iRiver has had radio for years. Apple is late.” To you, I say, “fall back!” The ease of pausing, rewinding, fast forwarding, tagging and buying music will revolutionize the music industry. We all know Apple’s suite of products and usability are what make them stellar. This introduction of radio to the nano will bring much needed energy to radio. I’m excited.

Here’s footage of the new video feature.

You can even record using effects. I think the makers of Flip Video should be worried.

** Don't forget to check out Sugatreats Radio featuring me & Ohsokool every Monday night between 8pm - 12am EST (live video & audio stream).  If you're in the local NYC area, you can listen to us on the radio (with your new iPod nano!) at 90.3 FM or on the internet at www.sugatreats.com from any computer in the world. **

It’s the key to life / Money power respect / That you need in life / Money power respect / You’ll be eatin’ right / Money power respect / You can sleep at night / You’ll see the light

I remember when Lil’ Kim buzzed these words on the Lox’s Money, Power & Respect song. I kept debating in my mind if she was on point or if she had it backwards. It never settled with me as fact. Anyway, today I saw a clip of 50 Cent on CNBC’s Power Lunch promoting his new book, The 50th Law (released 9/8/09 and co-authored with Robert Green of 48 Laws of Power fame). When it was over, my first thought was Lil’ Kim’s hook.  Read more to see the video.

The Power Lunch team do a great job of asking 50 direct questions. 50 does a great job of answering them – with the poise and clarity any business (wo)man would admire. In eight jammed-packed minutes of business talk, 50 discusses the changes in the music industry and what labels and artists must do to survive, some not-so-great real estate advice, why he collaborated with Robert Green and the biggest deal of his life.

I like 50. I’ve always liked 50. Oddly enough, I didn’t like his first album. I know, I’m weird like that (see my post about Jay-Z) but back then I wasn’t totally convinced that I liked him as an emcee. Today, he’s still not one of my favorites, but he is one of my inspirations. I was an athlete in high school and much of my training was built on leadership, drive and perseverance. It’s no wonder what I respect about Curtis Jackson.

So yeah, I rock with 50. He bodied the game.  He understands and translates business easily. He has earned respect as a businessman and I consider him a role model.

It is a new day and our leaders look like nothing we’ve ever seen. They sit among us, dress and even talk like us. There is success and positivity out there, we just need to see more images of them.

True story: a few months ago, I had Drake’s Successful on repeat. I would listen to it all day. When I finally peeped the video I have to admit, I was less than impressed. I get it, he’s a new artist who didn’t have a big video budget, but still, I want (and expect) more – call me spoiled.

I’m waiting to see how Drake’s career unfolds. He’s definitely one to watch and I’m looking forward to a new hiphop “star”. I was just singing his praises with Best I Ever Had and suddenly I’m looking stupid when Probe asks me, “how the hell did they get away with calling women hoes?” And just like that, the love is gone.

On Friday, September 11, Madison Square Garden Entertainment & FUSE will partner with Jay-Z when he will play a benefit concert in honor of NYC Police & Fire Department Widows & Children, underwritten by  ABSOLUT, Jay-Z and Live Nation.

One, nice that he’s getting multi-platform exposure with TV, internet (msg.com), and a (sure to be) sold out event at one of the most famous venues ever.

Two, nice that he chose to donate ALL proceeds to a charity that supports the families of local blue-collar workers. Damn right he bleeds blue.

Three, nice that he’s underwriting his own projects. I love it.

Now, I know we’re talking about the philanthropic Jay, but without the artist Jay, I don’t think I’d be writing this post. Right?  Sooo, let’s talk Blueprint 3.I wasn’t “up on” BP 1 or BP 2. I know… blasphemy! But honestly, I didn’t really get into Jay until the Black Album, I mean, I danced at the club when the singles came home, but I was never into playing his albums.

I think I’ve warmed up to Jay. I’m officially a fan. I don’t care that I’m late to the game. He just didn’t do it for me back then and I can acknowledge that. Anyway, Blueprint 3:  I love an album that I can rock all the way through. Don’t get me wrong, there are tracks that I skip (read more to see what I mean) but for the most part, I can listen to this entire album. And when the album is over, I’m left wanting more. And since there are no more tracks… I just play BP3 again. Read more for my thoughts on each track:

“What We Talkin’ About” (featuring Luke Steele) / prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. – this is one of my favorite intros ever. I mean, he set the tone right here. He is not dealing with the bull. No sir. Not him. Not on this album

“Thank You” prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. – hot song. I love how he’s like, “I got 10 number one albums, maybe now 11″. What a track record  Jay (!!) The beat is dope too.

“D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” prod. by No I.D. – I’m already over this song. It was released back in June, I think Jay performed it at Hot 97’s Summer Jam. It’s whatever. I don’t really have a problem with Auto-Tune. Some of my favorite songs of 2009 used Auto-Tune.

“Run This Town” (ft. Rihanna & Kanye West) prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. – I’m over this too. I’m not a huge Rihanna fan and I don’t think either Jay or Ye dropped hot verses. Their performances were ok. *ETA this song is pretty hot, actually.

“Empire State of Mind” (featuring Alicia Keys) prod. by Al Shux – I like this song. I listen to it, but it’s not one of my favorites on the album. I don’t really love Alicia’s performance. She’s not a “hook girl” in my eyes. OH… by the way I hear this song being blasted out of everyone’s car and apartment window, I’m sure I’m gonna be over this one in 2.2 seconds too.

“Real as It Gets” (featuring Young Jeezy) prod. by The Inkredibles - I usually skip this one. Not really a Jeezy fan. And I don’t really like the hook on this one. Perhaps a few more listens. (????)

“On to the Next One” (featuring Swizz Beatz) prod. by Swizz Beatz- I like this – the same way that I like T.I.’s Swing Ya Rag. I mean, Swizz has those drums that just knock. I love hearing them through big speakers. I can not NOT move my body when I hear this track.

“Off That” (featuring Drake) prod. by Timbaland – I love the concept of this song. I love the confidence to think that you can really persuade black  people to stop wearing Tims. Ha ha!!

“A Star Is Born” (featuring J. Cole) prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. – He gave a very dignified performance. It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers. Clap for ‘em.

“Venus vs. Mars” prod. by Timbaland – Another great conceptual song. He’s having fun with the music and I have fun listening to it.

“Already Home” (featuring Kid Cudi) prod. by Kanye West – I don’t really like this song and I will skip it, but when I do actually listen to it, I get into the lyrics. I love when Jay says “I ain’t worried bout y’all cuz I’m already me.”

“Hate” (featuring Kanye West) prod. by Kanye West – this is one of my favorites. So Kanye. They were good together on this one. I like this one better than D.O.A.

“Reminder” prod. by Timbaland – I can go either way on this one. I think the hook bothers me. But it’s true, sometimes people need reminders.

“So Ambitious” (featuring Pharrell) prod. by The Neptunes – The Neptunes are one of my top production teams. They created so much of the music that I love and sing out loud! Pharrell always gets me when he sings, but I respect his artistry. So… I’ll over look that one little part of the song that I hate to appreciate the entire song, message and all. Cuz honestly, I feel like that too… I’m so ambitious.

“Young Forever” (featuring Mr Hudson) prod. by Kanye West – Eh. I think I like Beach Chair better.

Here is Ryan Leslie’s new video for You’re Not My Girl. We’ve been playing this on Sugatreats for a few weeks now and I’m feeling the vibe. RL is definitely giving me Usher Timberlake, but I like it. There’s something about this Ryan Leslie guy that I really like. I saw him perform once and I was really impressed with his presence.

Now about this song, I suppose another love affair song won’t hurt. Right. LOL… I still like Ryan Leslie though.

I have to admit, watching Beanie Siegels‘s new video for In the Ghetto kind of hurts, in the truthful kind of way. More often than not, I find myself rolling my eyes at the videos by today’s hip-hop stars because they tend to project a (reckless) lifestyle that can only truly exist in Fantasyland. In the Ghetto, however, is a far cry from the hip-hop video you’re used to seeing on TV. In fact, the imagery is something you would expect to see in a CNN Special Report. The display of poverty, hopelessness and desperation that is sweeping the nation is more than vivid; its piercing. We must begin to harness the talent and leadership we possess to elevate our country, one ghetto at a time.

I saw this interview with Nas & Nardwuar from Canada. I’m not familiar with Nardwuar so I didn’t really know what to expect. It begins with Nardwuar pointing out Canadian connections to Nas. It was pretty cool and Nas was a good sport. But then… lol, it goes left and ends way more harsh than I would have imagined.

This will be short and sweet, Mary J. Blige‘s new video for “I’m the One ft. Drake” is so hot. I mean, I haven’t been this excited about a song and video in a long time. Mary looks dope and she’s keeping it grown & sexy. She really doesn’t need to compete with the teeny boppers because she’s clearly in her own lane (she’s still doing her signature dance moves!!!). After 17 years, I am STILL rocking with MJB. All Day. And I’m saying it: Mary, you’re the BEST. So ladies, Mary has instituted a call to action: stand up for yourself and say, YOU’RE THE ONE! Join me, cuz dammit, I’m the ONE!

Who doesn’t like spaghetti & meatballs? I know… it’s so, um… kiddie. Well, yeah, it is (!) and that makes it a perfect meal in my household. I usually make this dish with store bought turkey meatballs and sauce out of the jar (so easy, but kinda expensive). Now that I have a little more time on my hands, I decided to try the classic dish from scratch. Man… if I could kiss myself, I would. WORD.

I am amazed at how quickly this dish came together (it tasted like I slaved over this all day.) See how a few ingredients turned a regular Tuesday night dinner into something special.

This is my trusty press by Zyliss. I received it from a wonderful woman who literally jump started my cooking obsession by giving this to me as a Christmas gift (thanks, Rita!). If you use a lot of garlic in your cooking and don’t have a press – get one, preferably the Zyliss – it’s the absolute best.

Of course, first things first, saute the onions and garlic. When the onions and garlic were ready, I added the sauce, tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf and let it simmer for about 45 minutes (or so).

Next came meatballs. This was fun because my daughter assumed her role as sous chef. After carefully measuring the spices, we added them to the breadcrumbs and mixed them into the ground beef.

Oh…sidebar – prepping the egg I said, “we need to beat it.” She said, “like Michael Jackson?” lol!

Using one pound of ground beef, I was able to make 12 medium sized meatballs. I browned some of them and threw them along with the other raw meatballs in the sauce (I wanted to experiment with textures). After simmering for another 45 minutes, I spooned the sauce over the spaghetti and topped it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. It was delicious.

Seriously. Look at the empty bowls… that’s all the proof I need.