Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Naibe Roams L.A.


Friday, August 26, 2011

I fired my first gun at work and Awoke my inner "Colombiana"

Me (Naibe Reynoso) Shooting a real Gun!

Zoe Saldana shooting a machine gun in "Colombiana"
http://colombiana-movie.com/


In the new movie "Colombiana" out in theatres today, Latina actress, Zoe Saldana plays a cold-blooded assassin bent on avenging the murder of her parents. As part of the movies promotion, a select group of Journalists were invited to the Burro Canyon Shooting Range in Azusa so we could learn safety and shooting instruction. 


In short, I was going to learn how to shoot a real gun including a .22 magnum, 9 mm revolver, .44 magnum, and even a Glock!


Never in my life did I think that at some point down the road, I would have to "shoot a gun" as part of my job. I've never had a passion for law enforcement or detective work (well, only when I'm investigating a juicy story) but I have always wondered what it feels like to hold so much power in your hands. 



I have to admit, at first I was a little scared. What if I misfired? What if I accidentally shot off my big toe because everyone who knows me, knows Im a big klutz. I decided leave to "bite the proverbial bullet", face the adrenaline rushing through my veins and muster up the courage to do it. Just like anything in life, my first round of shots were lousy. I barely even hit the Orange Circle! But as the lesson progressed and I got more comfortable with the guns and with a little more practice, I was actually shooting pretty good. I even got a bullseye!














Move over Schwarzenegger there's a new Action Hero in town, and her name is Zoe Saldana. And wait, before I shot my very last bullet, and in the spirit of Movies,  I couldn't resist, and said out loud, "Say Hello to my little friend" ... Tony Montana "Scarface" 



www.burrocanyon.com

Monday, August 22, 2011

Psst... did you hear about the secret Hiking Spot on the Westside?



 In the hustle and bustle of Culver City, residents can take a short drive to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. A free park which offers hiking, nature gazing, and a beautiful few from the top.

One of the keys to getting in shape is to keep the body guessing. At least that's what all the trainers I've ever talked to keep telling me. But sometimes its difficult to change up your workout and still stay on a budget. That's why hiking or jogging the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a  great addition to your current workout routine. Its free, its in town, and besides challenging your muscles, it offers an extra incentive: once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful 360 degree scenic view of Los Angeles. The spot is quite breathtaking and serene, and from there you can see Downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, and on a clear day even the Pacific Ocean. 

I clearly remember the first time I tried "the stairs" as they are called by Culver City locals. I could not believe that this oasis was so close to me. From my condo, I could actually jog there and get a double workout in. Perfection! I actually found three different workouts to do at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. I can jog up the one-mile hiking trail for a light workout. For more intensity I race up the  flight of steep stairs that  take you to the top of the hill, 511 ft above the city. And if I want a quick burst and burn, I sprint up the paved hill that takes you up Hetzler Rd. Three different workouts, one beautiful park.

Located just off of Jefferson Blvd a few blocks west of La Cienega, the 58 acre park is great for all fitness levels, as I have even seen senior citizens, parents with young children, and even bona fide pros on the property. Depending on whether you choose to walk, sprint up the stairs, or take a leisurely hike up the zig zaging trail, you can make it as difficult or easy as you want. 

If you are more of a nature lover, the park offers a seasonal displays of wildlife flowers native to the area such as the Popcorn Flower and the Golden Yarrow. While running the dirt trail you will probably also spot a vast array of lizards, bugs, and exotic insects that you may not see in your neighborhood.

Before you go, make sure you take plenty of water, sun screen and sun glasses. Also, cotton holds moisture like a sponge so if your goal is to break a sweat, you're best best is to where clothing that has some Nylon and polyester as they help circulate the air more effectively than cotton.

The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook was Culver City's best kept secret. Until now! Race you to the top!  

 Park hours are 8 am to Sunset daily. 
Dogs are not allowed.
For more information visit the Visitor Center at 310-558-5547
Address
6300 Hetzler Rd. 
Culver City, Ca 90232

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY WITH PIZZA IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS

I've always wanted to make Pizza. I mean REAL PIZZA, put my hands in the dough, knead it, throw it up in the air and catch it with my fists. That wish was fulfilled during a promotion for the new movie "30 Minutes or Less".  





During the event, three contestants had to eat the most amount of Pizza in 30 minutes or less and the winner got $100 bucks!


 The Event was hosted by "Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria" in Burbank, where get this: they have a  36" Pizza!


In my career, I often get to do things I wouldn't do if I worked at a Bank or a Dr.'s office. This is one thing to take off my Bucket List. And the Pizza, was pretty good too!


Friday, August 5, 2011

YOUR EYEBALLS GOTTA SEE THIS....


My Stylist Steve "The STYLEGUYDE" Galindo invited me to the Opening of  RANKIN's Art Gallery Exhibit  the other day in Beverly Hills. I went in BLIND, not knowing what to expect. And low and behold, the entire exhibit was about EYE's. Beautiful photographs of different eyes. Blues, Hazels, Greys. It's called "Eyescapes".
http://rankinla.com/exhibitions-current/



Rankin Exhibit

As I LOOKED at the pictures, It made me realize how precious our eyesight is. Did you know that eyes are organs that detect light and convert it to electro-chemical impulses in nuerons?? Huh??

Our Eyes are soooo beautiful that Swatch teamed with Rankin and their new line of watches will feature the famous photographers close up shots of eyeballs on their dials.


The day after the Opening, I had a reporting assignment for CNN Espanol. Do you know what my story was about? EYES!Off I went to LAX to board the ORBIS plane, the World's only Flying Eye Hospital.

I met Doctor Gabriela Gonzalez, from Mexico who treats kids that are on the brink of blindness. She was wearing a Beautiful "Eye" on her neck. Her boyfriend, also a Doctor in Mexico, makes prosthetic Eyes for those who have lost theirs. This beautiful charm she wears is a symbol of his love for her, he only has "eyes" for her (get it).


Since 1982 the non-profit organization has traveled to 88 countries, helping poverty stricken communities recover their eyesight, prevent blindness and train local opthomologists so they can in turn, keep helping others.




Looking at the pictures of young patients suffering from Eye disease and hearing the stories of young kids that have never been able to see their own mothers faces, made me realize how lucky I was.

Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate your Eyesight? I hadn't until that day. One day I was looking at beautiful Art and the next, looking at pictures of  children that may never get the chance to have normal eyesight and be able to appreciate Art, see the World, or even a flower or their own face.



I woke up the next day, blessed to be able to see my daughter, my cat, even my ugly brown carpet.  In life we complain so much about the little things. The cold coffee, that promotion we didn't get, traffic or the fact that we are up to our "eyeballs" in errands, and we lose sight of the true blessings we do have.

I never want to become blind to the gifts I can see so cleary.
"No eyes that have seen beauty, ever lose their sight"- Jean Toomer -American Poet
What Movies will YOU see this weekend?
Apes taking over the world or Buddy's taking over their friends body?

here is my take:

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Buddy Crooks! Is it O.K. to Steal Other Peoples Friends?




A long time ago I read an article written by someone who was bitter against people "stealing" her friends. My answer to that: you can't "steal" anyone's friends, just like you can't "steal" anyone's boyfriend, job or social status.
If their really yours, NO ONE can take them away from you.

I for one, have met a lot of my friends through other friends. My "real" friends where happy about the fact that I was able to make a connection with their friends, because that's how you think when you live in a mentality of abundance and not fear.

Imagine if, in "Sex and the City" Carrie would have never introduced Samantha to Charlotte or Miranda? It would have been a lonely "Sex and the City" right? Or if in "Three Stooges" Curly never meet Larry because Moe was scared he would "take him away"? You get the picture.

The point is, sharing your friends is part of having a true friendship. I believe that the only people that are scared of sharing their friends are not good friends to anybody.

I was introduced to my best friend through my ex-boyfriend almost 10 years ago!! Needless to say, thats the best thing he brought into my life.

When you allow your friends to mingle with your other ones, I feel you create a Synergy that could only bring positive things.

Im having girls night out on Saturday. My best friend is bringing her co-worker that I've never met, and I'm bringing a new friend my collegue just introduced me to. None of us are scared to introduce one to the other. That just sounds silly.
You never know when or how the real Amandas, Charlottes, and Carries will meet. And like Carrie Bradshaw famously said, "Maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates, and guys are just people to have fun with. "

(**unless you find a catch like I did with my boyfriend El Jefe)
Friendship charms at:
http://www.preciousaccents.com/