Wednesday, December 31, 2008

T.I.T.S photo shoot

..


In the studio shooting with Two In The Shirt (TITS).

You've seen these shirts on 50 CENT, T-Pain and other worldwide celebs.

Check out TwoInTheShirt.com for new flavors!



Carlos Imani Blog #2 (tits shoot) from Santo Valentino

LOL

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Poncho Sanchez

Manana, Yo voy al mirar Poncho Sanchez! My friend has invited me to see Senor Sanchez at Seattle's famous Jazz Alley. I was lucky enough to catch Tito Puente at Jazz Alley before he passed. It was amazing.

Some see my name, "Santo Valentino," and guess I am Italian or Latino, when in fact, I am Native American (Tlingit tribe, Alaska).

My tribal heritage must be the root of my passion for Latin music. Being introduced to Salsa led my love for Latin percussions and instruments to Mambo, Merengue and more.

An overwhelming sense of pride and love takes over when I hear, actually feel, Latin music.

I have a DVD movie/documentary that showcases Salsa music being played in the streets of New York, in the 70's and 80's. Watching that movie explained what I feel inside when listening to Latin music. I've always felt a "block party," in my soul when listening to Salsa. By "block party," I mean that I can feel the presence of community, love, pride, rhythm and history in the music.
Here's Poncho and his band doing a rendition of "Baila Mi Gente."

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I love Salsa

My homeboy Alex introduced me to Salsa in 1994. LOL, I couldn't dance Salsa for a minute, but I finally got it. I was 14 at the time. I fell in love with Latin cultures around that time.

"Santo" was born, a new entity of "Me." I performed with a group of Salsa dancers from 1994-1997. Not saying we were great or anything, but I got to dance with the hottest Puerto Rican Princess in the Northwest *big smile.*

Anyway, I've met Tito Puente, Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades, Yari More and a few I can't recall. At 16, Me, Alex and Jamie made it in a big Seattle club [salsa night] with fake ID's. We sure didn't look 21, so I don't know how we pulled that off.

This video reminds me of the practice sessions we used to have in high school. There is nothing more sexy than dancing with a beautiful Salsera.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Dick Tracy - Masterpiece



Let's go back to 1990. A few people decided to put Al Pacino, Madonna, Warren Beatty and Williams Forsythe in the same film, hoping their combined star power generated millions of dollars. Well, it worked, but not because of the "star power," but because every actor played their part perfectly.

Remember the Batman series, before Heath and Christian, but after Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson? Yeah, the Batman movies that sucked. Jim Carrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn't save a bad plot and horrible budget.

This brings us back to Dick Tracy.



Talk about LINE-O-RAMA! There are a million great quotes from this movie! Al Pacino as "Big Boy Caprice," gave us so many gangster-ass quotes that even rival Tony "Scarface" Montana.


Madonna even said some dope shit. When Dick asked her what kind of ice cream she brought, she replied, "Fresh Peach... You better eat it, it's starting to run a little." WHOO!




From the clean, classy and flashy wardrobe


to the color scheme, Dick Tracy had a GREAT soundtrack, comedy, action, gangster-ism, sex, drama and passion.

It's been hard to top this flick. Heath ledger did a great job as the 2008 Joker. Al Pacino did as great a job, by getting completely into character.




Watch it again if it's been a while... Let your kids see it if the VHS or DVD isn't in your collection.

10 out of 10

Friday, December 19, 2008

Bus crashes (almost on to freeway)

Yo! We are having some major snow in the Northwest. It even snowed in Las Vegas!

Well, the ice and snow made it hard for this bus to stop, and the bus nearly fell onto I-5! Here is a picture I took with my iPhone, while at a red light






Here are the news shots








Here is the link to the video and KING 5 news story

Monday, December 8, 2008

Are you serious?

DJ SCENE



Mya - Sugar & Spice

Yo! Guess what's out in Japan, but didn't make the States?
Mya's new album, "Sugar & Spice." I'm a big fan of 90's music. I love everything from 91'-97'. I'm almost pushin 30 years on earth, so my music taste tends to spit out anything relatively "new." It's hard to get through an entire album these days. I'm also a DJ, so I'm extra picky. Peep this, Mya's new album is dope! From the lyrics to the wonderfully orchestrated production, Sugar & Spice feels like a NEW 90's album. If you can find it, cop that s***!


Here's a 'lil throwback for you guys. Mya was lookin so good, I didn't even notice Sisqo, back then.



Friday, December 5, 2008

Cesar Millan vs Victoria Stilwell

Alright! Seems there is a small war brewing between the world of Dog Trainer fans. Now I'M going to start off by saying that knocking anybody's style is wack. As long as no person or animal gets hurt, keep on about your business.

I can say that Cesar Millan is my personal favorite. The psychology he offers is very valuable to not only dogs, but people. Dude keeps it real. Plus I have an affection for larger breeds. Pit Bull's are my favorite. I just hope people realize that dogs are dogs. They are not babies, children, little people or human family members. Dogs do run in packs, contrary to some beliefs that only wolves keep close. Cesar doesn't hurt the animals he helps. I've read on the web that some people believe that Cesar is mean to the animals off camera. WRONG. Some people think that his show implies that problems are dealt with in half an hour. Do these people not see certain dogs/cases get treatment at Cesar's clinic for up to 3 months? Thanks Cesar. Stay on the air as long as possible.



Victoria Stilwell... I appreciate what she does. Like Cesar, she is kind on the eyes for television land. There are a few things that I don't quite understand about her methods. I've caught the show a few times, and it took full concentration to learn her methods. She doesn't talk to the camera as much as Cesar. I appreciate all dog trainers, but it's kind of hard to watch Victoria. To be honest, she kind of annoying. It's weird to hear that coming from a guy who loves British accents and long ponytails, but I also flip the channel when "It's Me or the Dog" comes on. I'll watch some more so I don't develop a horrific negative attitude towards her.

Quick Scratchin lessons with DJ Q-Bert





9 Videos in all, just hit the little black arrow on the bottom right side of the player to switch vids

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Tami Chynn ft. Akon - Frozen




Tami is a real cool chick. She is a great performer, live on stage. She really holds her own with style and beauty.



Santo Valentino w/ Tami Chynn


This song didn't really "need" Akon, but it's a great co-sign. If given the opportunity, I would definitely sign with Konvict/Nappy Boy. I know West coast rapper Byrdie is really looking to talk with Konvict music.

Jamie Foxx Ghost Rides the whip!


Just like me ft. T.I.

Panic, Anxiety & Agoraphobia

Living with Panic Disorder gets easier after time. I promise you!

You're always afraid?

You're waiting for your next panic Attack?

You think you're going to go crazy, right?

I promise you... you will be ok.

You believe that no one in the world understands how bad it is for you right now. No one can possibly understand what a Panic attack REALLY feels like! Everything gets all dizzy! You think you're losing your mind! You're gonna pass out! You're... about... to... die!

Then.... NO! You're ok... and you hope and pray to God that you never have another Panic attack again. It was torture. I know.

Know how I know you're going to be ok? Because you're reading this right now. You want to just be normal again, and you're searching for answers.

I had my first panic attacks in 1998. I didn't know what was wrong with me. So I brushed them off. Then they started happening more often. Then I started EXPECTING them to happen. Then I couldn't leave my own house. Seriously? Why couldn't I even drive or walk down the street, even?

You learned how to have Panic Attacks, and you can learn how to NOT have them

You learned how to have Panic Attacks, and you can learn how to NOT have them

You learned how to have Panic Attacks, and you can learn how to NOT have them

I promise you that things will get better. All you have to do is believe. Yeah, really. Just have faith. I know, I know it seems too simple... but really, you will be back on your feet again.

First, go see a doctor. You'll talk about medicine. Only your doctor can discuss what's best for you. Muscle relaxers did nothing for me, but Zoloft helped. Some people go with Fluoxetine.

Maybe medicine isn't for you. You'll decide that with your doctor. Therapy is definitely worth it. Psychologists know all about Panic and Anxiety, and they can answer all your questions.
They have books to help you out too. Just ask your therapist/Psychologist.
You don't have to lay on a couch and talk about alllll your problems. Just let 'em know what's going on right now.

I was claustrophobic, was scared of heights and big buildings. I couldn't go into Costco or the supermarket without feeling "strange." The movie theater wasn't as fun as it used to be. Even driving was scary. I mean scary. No, I mean... scary!

Remember to always breathe deeply. Inhale and Exhale slowly.

Relax your mind and go check out a real doctor.

If you're a man, I know it's extra hard to tell anyone about Anxiety.

... But you'll be alright.


I'm not a doctor, so I can't give any medical advice. Seeing a therapist and doctor was my own first step to getting rid of panic attacks.
Personally, I started reading a lot of books by Christian authors and pastors, since I believe in God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Pit Bulls





I LOVE dogs! I had one growing up, and since I am currently dog-less, I visit my friends dogs whenever possible. My favorite's are Carmello the German Shepard/Rottweiler mix and Bubba the big head Pit Bull.

I love to wrestle with these dogs and play fight. BUT, I also treat them with kindness and loving discipline.

I want a Pit Bull. They are my favorite breed. I love their size. Not too big, not too small. They shed a little, but don't require as much grooming as, say, a German Shepard. I love their loyalty to their owner and their high level of energy.

Unfortunately, my insurance company has black listed Pit bulls, Dobermans and Akita's. Some states are even banning the breed altogether! Why is this, you ask? Well, the media has played a huge roll in demonizing Pit bulls. Unsupervised Pits that attack people quickly make headlines due to the animal's powerful jaws and muscled body. When a Pit does damage, it is definitely more severe than a small poodle or chihuahua. Even though lap dogs have more bite attacks then any other dog, the Pit Bull will take a chunk out of your flesh while a lap dog will send you for a band-aid.

Instead of dealing with the probem of irresponsible owners, laws are being taken to destroy the breed altogether.


It's up to YOU to help the Pit Bull live on.



Please do not adopt or purchase a Pit Bull before doing research. You should learn about each breed you are interested in before taking action.








  • Do you live in the right environment for a Pit?
Pit Bulls need a lot of room to run and play. They have a lot of energy to burn and need a job to satsfy their lives. Keeping them in a backyard or in the house is a very bad idea. They are very active animals and need space to be happy.


  • Do I have the time to train a Pit?
Pits need to be socialized at an early age. They need to be introduced to other dogs as well as strangers (humans). This is a rule for any dog, but extra important for large, aggressive breeds. Pits are very eager to please their owner(s). Teaching them tricks and properly disciplining them make them feel wanted, useful and loved. If you don't train them, they will be hard headed in an adolescent stage (3 years+). A silly and goofy puppy is cute, but a silly, out of control slobbery beast is most definitely NOT (think Beethoven).





If WE don't stop illegal and cruel dog fighting, the breed is sure to become extinct. If We don't start properly training our pets, they will soon just be a memory.

Redman has always been one of my favorite rappers. When I learned that he gave up his Pit Bull pup to Cesar Millan, due to space restriction, I was touched.
Giving up a pet is one of the hardest things to do. I remember being a child, around 5 years old, and watching a family friend punch a hole in a dog catcher's truck, because he had to give up his dog. This was a 6'5 ex-convict that was literally crying for his best friend. Big up Redman!



Dogs, like people, aren't born bad, but can be raised that way.





It's up to YOU whether your dog is GOOD


OR BAD






Wednesday, December 3, 2008

iPhone vs Sidekick

VS

People always ask me what is my favorite cell phone. I always pull out my trusty Sidekick, then pull out my iPhone from my other pocket. This should tell you that my phones, (if you can refer to them as "just phones" these days) are sorta like my dogs or... children. I don't have a favorite. There are many reasons why I love both.

So, if you're deciding how to upgrade to the wonderful world of technological convenience, maybe I can be of some assistance.

I'll start off by letting you know that I've had a T-Mobile Sidekick since 2003. It all began in a Tukwila CompUsa when a teenage salesman told me that I can go on the internet any time I want, wherever I want. I was sold. AIM (aol IM) was a big bonus, as well. The salesman told me I can google whenever I wanted. "Google?," I thought. "What's Google? All I want to do is surf on my work breaks and on ferry rides!" Little did I know that Google was going to be one of my best friends. Anyway, I gave up my cool Nextel chirper for a monochrome (black and white) Sidekick. Since then, I've had every Sidekick made, with the exception of the "Slide."

What's great about the Sidekick is the data plan. The best bang for your buck in the Cellular industry, hands down.

$20.00 a month gives you unlimited use of the internet, unlimited use of Yahoo IM, AOL IM, MSN Messenger, unlimited texts (yeah unlimited!), and actual push email (yourname@tmail.com).

If you don't already have a plan with T-Mobile, and just want the sidekick for everything, except talk on, then the plan will be $30.00 a month. T-Mobile gives you a $10.00 discount if you get the Sidekick data plan with a voice plan.

Of of the main things I love about the Sidekick is the full qwerty keyboard. It is "fingers down," the best keyboard I've ever used on any mobile device. Trust me, I've had a lot of phones. From the Nokia Communicators, to the HTC fold-outs, the Sidekick lets you blaze through emails, texts and IM's, with it's perfectly layed out qwerty system. I type 40 wpm on the sidekick. No joke. People always ask me if I'm playing a video game, while I'm actually texting, LOL.

I'll try and run through the rest of the Sidekick amenities, cause I know you want to hear about the infamous iPhone, already.

Actually, I don't have anything else to compliment the Sidekick. I'll tell you what needs improvement.

It only holds 100 text messages! Now, with everything great I've told you about the keyboard and unlimited texting, you think the device would be capable of holding more than a mere 100 text messages in it's system. Nope! I always have to delete messages I otherwise wouldn't need to with another device, ( like a Blackberry or iPhone.)

The camera pretty much sucks. The memory card that comes with the Sidekick holds TONS of flicks, but who cares? The quality sucks, even at it's highest pixel setting. The video camera on the Sidekick is limited to 20 seconds. Which isn't bad since it's not a "real" video camera. It's mainly meant for sending as a quick MMS to loved ones. Still though... 20 seconds? Hmmm.

The Sidekick has a usable music player. Works ok. But iTunes has spoiled me, and I refuse to transfer music to any device, any other way than through iTunes.


Like games? get bored at work, school or at the bus stop? Sidekick has tons of games and ringtones available for download.

The web browser is ok. You can choose what size you want to view web pages. Full screen or "fit to screen." Fit to screen works nice.

The battery doesn't hold a charge as long as it should. And this is coming from a guy who doesn't talk on the Sidekick. I have a data plan only. So, I keep the screen at half-brightness all the time. A car charger is only about $5.00 on eBay anyway.

The Sidekick 2008 has been running ok so far. I've had to return every previous Sidekick 5 times each due to factory defects. Something always goes wrong with the Sidekick. So don't be afraid use that One Year Warranty!


I'm mostly happy with the Sidekick. I've tried to live without it a few times, but always come back. For the shortcomings of the Sidekick, here is why I have an iPhone......




I've always been a big iPod fan. So when I got fed up with Sprint (for numerous reasons), I went for that goold ol' iPhone 1G. It connects directly to my car's stereo with a JVC cable, that wonderfully charges the iPhone while playing music.

I'll be as brief as possible here.....

  • The display is unmatched. Totally amazing!
  • The touch screen is still cool, even a year later.
  • Free MySpace and Facebook apps make social networking way too fun and easy!
  • The multiple alarm clocks are very helpful! The sidekick has only one free alarm. A multiple time alarm for the sidekick can be purchased from T-Mobiles app store.
  • Scrolling through contacts is very easy. It has a search bar as well.
  • The camera rocks! Below is a picture taken from my iPhone (scaled down)

  • The email client is very easy to use and easy on the eyes. Regular pop mail, like Gmail, isn't push, but works perfectly.
  • I thought YouTube would be a useless app, but I love it. I'm on there way more than I thought I would have been.
  • All the apps ROCK. Even the free ones. Pandora and AOL radio let you hear what you want to hear, for free!
  • Google Maps is the coolest thing on any cell phone. I did not have to buy a GPS device beacuse the Iphone's Maps app is totally fine! 2g OR 3g!
  • Surfing on the iPhone is way better than on the Sidekick.
Ok, now here are a few things on what I do NOT like about the iPhone.

  • The qwerty keyboard isn't as good as the Sidekicks. I'm sure there a few people that work wonders with the iPhone's qwerty, but I'm not one of them. Even with auto correction turned off, I still type half as well as I do on the Sidekick.
  • NO copy & paste! Are you kidding me? Really? This has to be a joke amongst Apple scholars. This makes no sense. No Copy & Paste on "THE" best cell phone created? I copy and paste a LOT on the Sidekick. From forwarding emails to SMS to writing notes. Get it together Apple!
  • Safari crashes often. Waiting for Engadget.com or Amazon.com to load usually ends up in a crash. I only use Safari to google.
  • No time stamps on every SMS message.
  • No MMS messaging. What a hassle when someone sends you a photo, but you have to remember a password to view it on Safari!
  • Again, NO copy & paste! LOL! w-t-f?


Well, I hope my experience with these phones has helped you out in some way, form or fashion.
My pockets are kind of full, so I'm not planning on getting a G-1. So far, I don't like the data plans they offer anyway. Also AIM & Yahoo IM aren't unlimited like G-Talk is. I'm an AIM & Yahoo fanatic.

Happy Holidays!








people...

Ok, if I told you, "Hey guess what? Wanna know somethin? I know somethin you don't know!" Then after you said you wanted to know the secret, I said, "um, nevermind."

Wouldn't that drive you crazy?

Some people don't mind, but I'm one of the millions that are always curious.

So don't get mad at me for drilling you, after you told me some secret. It's not about what the secret was at all. It's the principle.

Don't get mad at me for bugging you to tell me what the secret was! You brought it up. Even if you apologized for bringing it up when you feel you shouldn't have.

"Just let it go," you say? Yeah... easy for you to say.

Patience is a virtue... I'm working on it. Just don't judge me for wanting to know

Nou No Ka `I`ini (each other’s desire)


Your heart pounds with an equal amount of excitement as mine. Your heart’s
drum beats along at the perfect pace, making the perfect rhythm for our
dance.
You wait along the jagged cliff’s edge overlooking grand waters with
exciting rocks and waves underneath and beyond.
Your soul listens to the wind, hoping the sound of my voice is carried
throughout the skies air, calling your beautiful name.
The oceans are furious, roaring loudly with intentions of destruction.

Still, you see calm blue waters.

The cliff you wait upon is windy and the grounds are rough on your feet.

Still, you lie in a green lush with Hope as your comfort and Faith as
your pillow.

Your confidence in my arrival forces me to climb up the sharp and
crumbled mountain side. Your inspiration keeps my hands strong and
calloused for the ascent. Your beauty keeps my eyes closed throughout the
harsh winds and darkness, so that my heart envisions your location.

E hele mai ana au

Stand strong beautiful island woman. This warrior shall reach the high
and clouded mountain edge with blind passion.
Let the wind move your hair upon your face. Let your eyes squint as you
look deeply beyond. Let your dress flow with the air. Let your feet dig
into the soft ground at the cliff’s mighty edge.

I am K’oox la eesh. I will stand with you soon. ho`oku`i

Santo Valentino © 2007

Soul Style & Truth 1 PODCAST

So, what does that mean to you? Soul, Style & Truth

Listen for yourself by downloading the show here


Soul Style & Truth

Originated by Dj Mr. Supreme, aka Supreme La Rock, Soul Style & Truth is a radio show reincarnated by Supreme and yours truly. We air on WorldCastRadio.com on Saturdays at 6PM.

Music can’t exist without SOUL. Music can’t exist without STYLE. We bring you the TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH.

Two DJ’s who aren’t afraid to talk about anything or anyone, we give it to you raw and uncut. Please believe that the music has no time limit. From 1900 to 2080, if it’s bangin, we’re playing it.