INGREDIENTS

• One package 12oz kelp noodles
• One can of bean sprouts fully drained
• One full size carrot
• One stalk of celery
• One red, yellow or orange bell pepper
• One small package of fresh mushrooms
• One cup of diced onion
• Two tablespoons of diced/minded garlic
• Three tablespoons of sugar
• One teaspoon of sesame seed oil
• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• Two tablespoons of soy sauce

To prepare, place diced garlic in pan on medium high with olive oil. Sauté for two minutes until partially cooked. Now add all your diced vegetables and bean sprouts to the pan. Sauté on high heat for five minutes. You want your carrots, celery and bell pepper to still have crunchy textures once served. Now add soy sauce, sugar, salt & pepper to taste then sesame seed oil. Bring to boil and add kelp noodles. Sautée no more than 3-5 minutes until kelp noodle are tender and serve.

OPTIONAL SIDE ITEMS

• Steamed white rice or brown whole grain rice
• Pan seared curry chicken

Blue Man Group's entrance way to the Sharp Aquos Theatre from CityWalk

It’s no secret that Insiders Joe and Alex’s home base is Orlando, and when we first heard the show was getting a refresh just under a year ago, we were delighted not only for new content coming to our home town venue, but pleased to know that our guys now have new fresh content to satisfy their craving appetites. Blue Man Group’s ever evolving principle has been to keep up with pop culture and create a satire style comedic pun around the quirky events that unfold. It’s this driving force to keep the show fresh, revitalized and rejuvenated for past and future audiences to come, hence, Blue Man Group will forever change, evolve and bring new content and technologies on stage to wow audiences and make them chuckle at the same time.

The new show at Universal’s Orlando Resort now combines various forms of modern day technological vices that we all use in our day to day lives without really giving second thought. We’re caught in a technology bubble that is only more expanding by the day, and things we rely on like smartphones, texting, tablets and social media are things many of us do as second nature. The Blue Men poke fun at the expense of the modern day techie in a subtle and humorous way that challenges us to rethink a lot about the way we use these vices from day to day.

Blue Man Group's new Gi-Pad segment

The new Gi-Pad segment for example, combines one of these modern day devices that has etched it’s way into pop culture and ultimately forever changed the way we communicate with each other. The Blue Men explore the features of their newly delivered Gi-Pads, and the antics are endless as they attempt to figure out the applications, their functions and how they interact with each. From a singing alpaca, to a quirky ‘Pig Chef’, blue men put their stamp on the the viral community in their own unique way, a way only Blue Man Group could pull off.

Rods and Cones explores the science of the human eye and animation

One musical segment lacking in the former Orlando show, but a staple in Las Vegas is the fan favorite Rods and Cones. With new life, brand new backpack tubulums that are even newer incarnations of the the National Tour’s rendition, and stunning visuals, Rods and Cones is now rocking in Orlando. Taking the audience on a journey into the human eye, Blue Man Group discover the visual perspective of the eye in black and white, color and fragmented movements. Visually stunning, and accompanied by raw percussive riffs, Rods and Cones in it’s newest rendition is sure to “open your eyes” to something stunning.

The all new finale at Universal Orlando

Then we arrive at the show’s climactic pinnacle, a sensory overload of lights, colors and sound. Inspired by underground rave culture of Eastern Europe, and formatted for audiences of all ages, the new finale is extended, more dynamic and engaging than ever before. Gone are the rolls of paper from the rear of the theater that once streamed over the audience during the final, but now the audience participants are engaged to tap helium filled air balloons called ‘zygotes’ throughout the theatre. The Blue Men encourage the audience to ‘get up out of their seats’  and shake your back side in a celebratory party that includes everyone. Whether you swat at the space-like floating balls, marvel at the streaming paper or gaze at the ultra crisp brand new LED back wall, which seconds as a physical animated part of the new stage, there’s something for everyone in the new finale. And the best thing, it’s environmentally friendly, with less paper, and that’s a good thing!

Blue Man Group is Now More Wow in Orlando

Things you can expect is still plenty of audience participation, pop culture parodies and unending laughter as you step inside the world of the Blue Man for 90 minutes. There is new content exclusively only at Blue Man Group Orlando which resurrects a skit from Blue Man Group’s early 1990′s show ‘Tubes.’ The skit is called Marbles, and now done in a new fresh way, and with a little touch from the Universal Studios theme park, this piece is slowly becoming one of my personal favorites of the new show.

Blue Man Group will officially debut the new show to the public on February 24th, but currently previewing the new material in current shows being sold now. Let’s also not forget that the official fan base for Blue Man Group, the Blue Man Group Insiders are hosting a fan meetup event on March 3rd to commemorate the new show to the fan base. Included in the daily meetup activities are sound check privileges, exclusive fan access to the all new Bluephoria Lounge, discounted tickets and even a fan dinner prior to the show at 9PM. This event is very much open the public, and tickets are still available for the event. For more information, please visit the following link: Official March 3rd Orlando Fan Meet.

Blue Man Group with their Insiders Joe and Alex

The Insiders with Blue Man Group co-founder Phil Stanton

For more information on the new show and how to purchase tickets, please visit Blueman.com, or UniversalOrlando.com/BlueMan.

Thanks again, and we’ll see you on the Inside!
Insider Joe

Tagged Media

• flickr photos: Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando, Now More WOW!
• Insiders Vimeo Channel
• Twitter: @BMGInsider

I often times am asked what my favorite snack food is, and when I tell people it’s hummus some don’t know what I’m talking about while others are curious and want to know more. When they find out I rarely buy store bought hummus and make my own, then the curiosity really sets in. It isn’t until they try it for the first time, they realize how delicious it is and so healthy for you. Chickpeas are packed with fiber and protein among a large array of vitamins for energy. Something many folks back home in Whitesburg, Kentucky may not know, but there is a local lounge/bar in downtown called Summit City, and they actually two of my original recipes on their menu. One is my home made raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing, the other is my hummus recipe for their hummus platter. So curious how do I make it?

• 1 mid sized food processor
• 2 cans of 15oz Chickpeas (drain & empty into food processor)
• 1 1/2 mid sized lemon (squeeze juice; helps to roll lemon)
• 2 Tablespoons of Sesame Tahini
• 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
• pinch of Sea Salt
• 1 whole clove of garlic minced

Run in food processor until pasty, you don’t want a runny consistency, just pasty for dipping and spreading. If mixture is too dry, add a dash more olive oil. You can also add 4 slices of roasted red pepper, cilantro or 1 steamed asparagus stalk for extra flavoring combinations. Serve with toasted pita bread, dip a decent sized portion onto plate, put a whole in the center like mashed potatoes and drizzle olive oil in the middle like a pool then garnish with paprika and serve with triangular cut pita bread pieces. Also carrots, large black olives or celery make a great side for dipping.

Enjoy!

History of the Osborne Lights

As the story goes, Arkansas resident Jennings Osborne and his family were very big on the Holidays. In 1986, Jennings asked his youngest daughter Breezy what her Christmas wish was. She replied that she would like to see their whole house covered in lights. They had quite a large house but Jennings was determined to make his daughter’s Christmas dream come true. That first year the Osborne family covered their home with a modest 1000 red lights. With each passing year, the family wanted to do more. The Osbornes eventually purchased property adjacent to their own in order to expand on their newfound hobby.

The display grew to millions of lights. There were flashing lights, multi-colored lights, custom-made light sculptures and a 75-foot Christmas tree adorned by lights. This drew onlookers from all over Arkansas. Displeased by the resulting traffic jams, the local residents asked that the Osborne family stop the annual display. Legal intervention was sought, and it appeared that the Osborne’s beloved tradition was about to come to an end. When Mickey Mouse got word of this, he offered a venue where the Osborne lights could be shared with visitors from around the globe. In 1995, Residential Street at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios became the home of this dazzling light show. Approximately 80% of the lights that are on display come from the original Osborne collection.

In 2003, Residential Street began undergoing a major renovation in preparation of the new stunt show scheduled to open in 2005. For the first time in 8 years, the Osborne lights were not displayed.

Fortunately, a new home was found for this magical attraction. The Streets of America (formerly New York Street) is now hosting the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

As in years past, once evening descends, this amazing display springs to life. Formerly drab buildings become twinkling light sculptures, while a host of angels fly overhead. Visitors are welcome to stroll through at their own pace. With over 4 Million Christmas lights, this is not to be missed. To enhance the experience, Florida “snow” flutters down while Christmas tunes fill the air.

Admission to the display is free with admission to the park, and it’s a MUST SEE if you’re visiting Walt Disney World over the holidays.

You see, the pilgrims came over to the Americas in search of religious freedom to preach, teach and share the gospel anywhere, anytime. The pilgrims, struggling to survive with famine and disease, endured some harsh Winters during 1620. Allying with Samoset and Squanto (both Abnaki Indians), the pilgrims were taught how to raise crops and reap a bountiful harvest the following October. We’ve all heard this story growing up in the history books, but do we really understand it’s true significance? Is it mentioned anywhere that both Indians and the pilgrims participated in a Christian prayer of thanksgiving for their wonderful harvest, new found native brave friends and their newly found freedom to worship God with no government rules or ties to bound them? The answer is rarely this fact is taught or mentioned to our youth and public today. It’s been magically erased from the text books, and now a void is left in the tradition that is truly Thanksgiving.

I find it appalling that our American society has taken a “Magic Eraser” of sorts to the truths about our great nation, so I’m asking this of all my friends and followers this year whether you believe in Christianity or have faith in anything, offer up prayers of true thanksgiving intent this year. Stop and do inventory of your own lives, family and what you have right before you. You’ll see a cloudy veil ripped away from your eyes as you see the world around in a new light. Pray in earnest, and please don’t say, “Dear Lord thank you for this here food we are about to eat.” Say it the way it was meant, “Thank you for your bounty of blessings on my family’s life, your Holy divine hand leading our steps and for ultimately giving the greatest sacrifice of Thanksgiving so we could have a hope beyond our human measure.”

Enjoy your family, enjoy the amazing food that follows and more importantly enjoy the fact of knowing, you too, like the pilgrims have the same religious freedom they once sought out in 1620. God has an amazing purpose for all of us, sometimes we have to stop and get reacquainted with things before we can see the beauty and wonder of life as He so intended it.

Blessings from our house to yours,
Joe & Alexandra Burke

The Long Walk Home (AK27 Remix) by rotcav

A short update about things in m hectic and crazy life including an upcoming house purchase, moving, new album release, autobiography and travel dates for the Blue Man Group Insiders to Viva Las Vegas in 2012! I also briefly discuss what exactly our ghost hunting team Spirit Seekers is all about, and why we like doing it! All this and more, so check it out.

Pastor Paul and congregation celebrated the entire service in praise and worship and then had free snacks outside for the whole church. Smiles, cheers and praises filled the air as CCO demonstrated the love, power and wonder of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Fans Gathered in Times Square for a group photo.

The fan meet began outside of John Pizzeria in the middle of Times Square around 3:30PM. Fans were walking up and introducing themselves, old friends were reunited, and new friends were made with open arms. I kept thinking to myself, “Is this really happening? Are all of these great people of which I’ve talked to for years online and have met previously here right now?” I had to pinch myself to make sure this all wasn’t a dream. To say my brain circuitry was on overload is an understatement. We all just couldn’t stop smiling. It was like time stood still for these few hours, and the focus wasn’t on ourselves, but everyone and everything around us. It was an awesome intense feeling of euphoria and bliss.

Fans at John's Pizzeria enjoying a delicious dinner and connecting with others.

During the dinner, fans indulged on some delicious Italian cuisine of NYC style pizza. I paused many moments, stopped and looked around at all the smiling faces as they were carrying on their own table conversations and breaking the ice with new fans. It was an pretty powerful thing to see everyone from all walks of life focus on one thing that we all have a passion for in life, Blue Man Group.

The show itself, wow, what more can I say that already hasn’t been noted online? I am so blessed to have been there and have been a part of this momentous occasion. As the show began, I had another one of those moments where I stopped, looked around at all the fans, and as they looked back at me with smiles bigger than their faces, I realized that something truly remarkable was about to happen on stage.

Blue Man Group founders bald and blue for the fans one final time.

The culmination of ten years have for me as a fan and Insider come down to this, I finally get to see the iconic three original founding Blue Men, get bald and blue one final time for us the fans. I can tell you, emotions were bubbling within me I hadn’t felt in years. I felt a exuberance of life burst through me, and I was instantly reminded of the glory days of fan meets between 2002-2007 in Chicago and beyond. I had “the feeling” all over again. And then, just when I didn’t expect it, during gumballs and marshmallows, the lights came on, and standing before us was the founding members Chris, Matt and Phil. I’m sure by now you’ve seen the video Part 3 to the NYC series, as the whole theater erupts with cheers of joy and accomplishment. It was at that moment, I Joe Burke, an almost 32 year old man, teared up.

Founders playing PVC IV.

I was immediately catapulted back to my old days of running the Blue Man Library, and doing my best to capture Blue Man Group on television for the fans. Finally, after watching old video clips dozens of times, and seeing them only in 2 dimensional space of a computer monitor, there they were standing before us, bald and blue, and completely in character. There is no word in the English dictionary to remotely describe that feeling at that moment, but I’m sure it was palpable by everyone in that theater.

And then, the moment that really clinched my heart, was when the founders graced the stage one more time for PVC IV, one of their most noted pieces of the show. I was instantly taken back to that cold brisk November night in 1999, my old bedroom in Kentucky watching the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and experiencing Blue Man Group for the very first time. And who was it that performed on Leno? The founders of course. All of this was rushing through my head, and then I felt something cold run down my cheek, and I then realized I had tears of joy. My experience as a Blue Man Group fan had finally come full circle, and the efforts we put forth in planning this meet had all payed off.

Another highlight was the merging of fan groups. We’re delighted and overjoyed at the fact that we’re now working more closely than ever with our European fans and their site BMGFans.com. As I write this almost with misty eyes, it gives me such a wonderful accomplished feeling to see Hans, Marco and Brett carrying the fan base torch not only for Europe, but for the world Internationally. I gave up BML because I could not afford the server costs and expenses. They stepped up in a time I could not, and for doing that, BMGFans.com, I’ll always be indebted to you. As all the leaders of the fan communities embraced in a hug, and opened our hearts, we all began to realize the bigger picture.

The Insiders Joe and Alex with Marco, Hans and Brett of BMGFans.com

Blue Man Group is what led us here, and Blue Man Group is the driving force behind ultimately what we do. We follow our bliss, and we as “family” gather not only to see shows, but to reconnect and be in familiar company. This has been the past ten years of my life. It’s what I know, it’s what we do, it’s who we are. We are fans, always have, always will be.

The Insiders,
Joe & Alex Burke