listen to the music of the traffic in the city

christmahanukwanzika

2008-12-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays girls & boys. The snow has fallen in the hamptons, the houses look pretty, my christmas tree is up and tall. But I felt like I should celebrate all the holidays with the photo above. Maybe if I get my new Nikon Camera (and my dream Christian Louboutin's) for the holidays i'll post some pictures of a gorgeous winter time on the east end. Drink wine with friends and fam, exchange smiles and presents and have a great holiday and happy new year.

we'd go down to the river, though I know the river is dry.

2008-12-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

For those who do not know our world is struggling and in the middle of on-going water crisis. In a country such as South Africa the lack of clean water leads to death of one child every 15 seconds. Organizations, charities and the UN have opened many doors, and their hearts, to find ways they can to put this epidemic in the history books and no longer something we live with each and everyday. It's now your turn to take 5 minutes out of your day and help to create a change. Play Pumps International is an organization that has been installing roundabout play pumps in schools all throughout South Africa. What these do is, while kids are spinning on them and playing as any child would, pump clean water from underground into a 2,500-liter tank above ground. From there, a simple tap allows easy-access for men, women and children to draw and collect safe drinking water. (Below is a diagram of how these play pumps work)

A few years back Jay-Z did a documentary on MTV titled, "The Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life" in partnership with the UN and their Water for Life Decade, which we are currently in as it started in 2005 and will last until the year 2015. In November of 2006 the show aired and opened my eyes. I then began following what is being done, what has been done, and even gave a 40 minute presentation at my high school on the issue before I graduated, showing them a clip from this show and explaining detail what exactly this crisis is. (I in no means am trying to sound like a preacher and forcing this upon you! It's up to you to do what you want kids!) But do just think about this... it's water, something we have easy access to every second of our lives, while in certain countries people struggle to even have enough to drink, bathe and cook. Below I've posted a clip from the MTV & Jay-Z documentary that begins at a meeting held at the UN in Aug. of 2006 and when the crew first arrived in South Africa in Oct. of 2006, seeing what people had to go through to get water on a daily basis, as well the poor sanitation in the towns. (It isn't one of those sappy overdone film clips, but just more educational and eye opening.)

MTV Shows
YOU can help end this Water Crisis by just taking a simple 5 minutes out of your day to donate money. Below I've posted the Holiday Donation site for PlayPumps International as well a few other organizations looking to bring this Water Crisis to an end. It's a time for cheer and a time for giving, and a little goes a long way. Make this holiday season a time for laughing, giving and sharing world-wide.
1. Play Pumps International Holiday Giving Guide.
2. Drop in the Bucket: A non-profit organization bringing water wells to African villages and schools.
3. Water For People: Helping to improve the quality of life in these water scarce countries by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs.

What to wear, what to wear...

2008-12-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

Recently Women's Wear Daily decided to show the world an array of options that our first lady to be, Michelle Obama, has to choose from for her Inaugural Ball gown. They've displayed a series of the sketches that different designers have made for Mrs. Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha, with the hopes that their design will be the winner. I guess now we just wait and see what dress she will wear and what fashion statement she'll choose to inspire us with. I sense a Jackie O. of our generation brewing in the midst...
(Sketch above: Diane Von Furstenberg)

Zumreed Dream ZHP-005 Color Headphones

love your family.

2008-12-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

Get your holiday cheer on today at the Lola offices! The boys of Lola will be having an office party today form 5pm - 10pm that's open to the public, where you can drink some eggnog or whiskey to warm your chilly toes. You'll also be able to buy a shirt or two at the sale that will be going on during the bash. And girls, these tee shirts are soft and boys look cute in them, so it's great chance to buy your man a gift truly from the heart of LES. Don't be a Scrooge today, go show holiday love to Lola family.

Holiday Gift Guide 2008

2008-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again to start getting gifts for friends and family. And maybe this can help all you guys keep your shorty's happy, and help all you girls keep that guy on your arm looking like the baller he deserves to. With that said, I bring to you the 1st Annual Heavy Roc Music Holiday Gift Guide.

Zumreed Dream ZHP-005 Color Headphones ($59.99)
These colorful headphones could make any little lady look even cuter behind the tables, or just walking down the street listening to her favorite songs. They also come in different colors so girls can get a more manly color for their brother, or significant other. Even though we all know that real men wear pink.

Godfather Trivia Game Tin by Endless Games ($15)
What guy wouldn't love to have this? A timeless movie trilogy adored by the masses put into a game? I'd say that would make most people pretty happy. So those rainy nights where you're inside having beers and watching movies with friends, pull this out, laugh with your homies and test your knowledge.
(Available at all Barnes & Nobles stores)

The Inspector Closeau Necklace by Digby and Iona ($160)
I saw this quirky little necklace browsing the internet and nearly fell in love. I'm a girl who likes to laugh and make others laugh too, as many of us do, and I know I would love unwrapping this from my guy at times of exchanging gifts. So make her laugh and smile by showing her a piece of jewelry doesn't always need to resemble a lifetime, but rather a fun road ahead that could always lead to something more.

Flannel Hoodie by Obesity and Speed ($115)
Flannels and hoodies pretty much may sum up all the guys we know and see walking around these Lower East Side streets. So why not treat your guy or a good friend to the best of both worlds? He'll never have to check his look in the mirror to make sure that flannel looks alright under that hoodie again - the works already cut out for him.
(Available at Seven, located at 110 Mercer St. , Soho. 646-654-0156)

Nikon Coolpix P80 ($349.95)
This sleek camera could make any average kid at a party or bar, or even a parent on a vacation, look like a professional photographer. Why not help a friend start his or her own Party Photo website, like all the other kids are, or make your parents have the sexiest camera on their cruise by getting this beautiful Nikon to get them started.

Rock & Roll Photographic Prints (n/a)
Know someone who moved into a new apartment? Or just has a strong love for that music that soothes the soul? These classic rock prints from the Morrison Hotel Gallery would truly make any rock buff happy, or be the perfect addition to new apartment. The prices do vary by different photographers, but just browse their website, or take a a trip to one of their locations, and see exactly what photographic pieces of history they have to offer.

Happy Holidays boys & girls!
-Megan

El Almacén! OPEN!

2008-12-09T14:06:00.001-08:00

New restaurants are opening left and right in this city and why not take the time to go check out one of the latest installments in this trend. my homegirl Florencia and her brother, after months of hard work, have finally opened the doors (as of yesterday) of El Almacén to the public. Located right around the corner from the Bedford Ave. stop in Williamsburg on N 7th and Driggs is this cozy little Argentinian café-restaurant. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner where you can stop in for a cup of coffee and an empanada, if your stomach begins to rumble. The menu has array of different things from small pastries & quesos to larger dishes such as braised short ribs with tomato and red pepper. Not to mention that once the weather gets warm again El Almacén will open it's backyard seating so you can enjoy your meal in a very homey outdoor setting. What are you waiting for? Hop on the subway and support my girl, and also satisfy your taste buds.

tonight, tonight.

2008-07-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Even though I can't attend the show tonight, everyone who can should really try your best to go. Samuel and Julia T will be performing; both whom are singers with beautiful voices. Ask for Ian Wilkes and maybe you'll get a drink on his tab. Honestly though, this show is worth it, for the talent between both of them needs to be seen & heard... so spread the word! Much love to my Heavy Roc Music T boys (Ben & Sam) who recently posted on their blog about our venture to Shea Stadium for The Last Place at Shea. Check it out for details! It was history, while yes, I cried twice during the performance.

red, white and blue.

2008-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

The boys over at LOLA just put up the photos from their annual 4th of July bbq hosted at Mr. James Cruickshank's humble home. Let me tell you, these boys and girls know how to party; and what a great one it was. Look out for a few photos with yours truly in the album and also the annual family portrait towards the end. Photos are courtesy of Matthew Salacuse. Also check out some of Emmett Shine's great photos and portraits on the Lola blog.

Billboard presents... Samuel

2008-07-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

Check out the video of one of my favorite, and extremely talented, boys Samuel performing his song "Cincinnati" on Billboard Underground. Also tomorrow, FRIDAY, look out for Samuel in the new issue of BIllboard Magazine! Congrats and much love to this boy, he deserves it.

Private HIGH

2008-07-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you reading this ever attended, or are still in attendance, at a New York City Private Prep school... but I am someone who once did. I recently stumbled upon a book, which had me laughing but also sent a chill down my spine because of well... how factual it just is. The book, Academy X, is based off a very brainiac and money-driven school, where in fact a few friends of mine to this day once attended. The school though I'll leave nameless, as the title of the book itself does; but for those who do know the Private school world the book's cover colors might give it away. Whether you did or didn't attend such a school I reccomend picking it up for a good laugh and quick summer read, as oppose to the next time you're thinking about watching an episode of Gossip Girls on your itunes. It gets to the nitty gritty of drug use to stay up & study and finding anyway to get by in order to be accepted to that Ivy League in skies. The book is also, for the record, written by a professor of the school who for obvious reasons is no longer employed and won't MANN up to the school's name.

Postscript: I did not attend this school, but my high school's blue & white pride wasn't very far off, for our schools were in the same "league", and a large part of me is... proud to admit that.

Chardonnay-Cola.

2008-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

As we grow older so does the alcohol content in drinks we consume. But the folks over at Wine Country Soda have brought that childish charm back into adult beverage flavors. Based out of wine country in Norhthern California, these fizzy little treats are refreshing, fun and easy to pop for when you want the flavor of wine, but can't risk getting the buzz. Also they're better for you than most other cola's you're drinking these days!

Tom Cruise isn't, but I heard his agent is.

2008-07-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you like me, who quite frankly say "well, I'm jewish by association," maybe this site is for you. Jewish Rosaries is for anyone for that matter, it's all just in fashionable fun. Who wouldn't want to rock a glow in the dark Star of David around their neck? So take a gander at these little knick-knacks for you to wear around your neck that will definitely have people turning heads. (I'd be lying if I said I didn't buy any...or a few) Rock it, bling it, let's just all be absurd while we're young and dumb.

the primary colors of fashion.

2008-06-23T04:55:00.001-07:00

The kids over at PEGLEG just released their summer line! Check it out, and pick up some fresh clothes to wear through the scorching sunny days and humid bar-hopping nights. So whether you are roming the streets of SoHo or hitting the beaches of the Hamptons, these clothes are good for any occasion of pure summer fun. Be sure to also check out the new section of the site they just put up last season, called "The Leg." Here you can check out videos and photos put up by these NYC natives, and also you can keep yourself updated by what they are up to via a live webcam. Have some fun and complete your summer wardrobe!

Where the grass is always green.

2008-06-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

I spent some time this afternoon, and into the evening, right at the beginning on Central Park's Great Lawn with a dear old friend. You forget until summer is amongst us just how much the Great Lawn is an amazing place to just kick back, talk and be with friends. We watched people flying kites, playing baseball, kicking a hackey sack, while my friend played away on his guitar. It was a beautiful afternoon and the same experience is available to you all summer, with a beautiful view of the infamous Belvedere Castle. New York is always at it's a-game in the summer, so go spend some time on the Great Lawn and experience it yourself.

Trivia: The Great Lawn was even the site for the 1996 opening of the Disney Movie "Pocahantas"

playing down the house.

2008-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Talking Heads front man, David Byrne, has one again struck me with his genius, and obviously whacky, creativity. His latest project is a sound installation downtown at the Battery Maritime Building, called "Playing the Building," where he turns the whole building into a giant musical instrument. The way this is done is by means of wind, vibration and striking through numbers of devices connected to the buildings metal beams and pillars, heating pipes and water pipes in order to create sound. The devices themselves are not what create the sound you will hear, but they allow the contents within the building to vibrate, ultimately creating sounds exactly like many instruments. Definitely check this out, I know I'm going to as soon as possible. Turning down a chance to see and hear something created within the mind of Byrne would just be silly if it's subway stop or two away. Plus, it's interactive (and free) so you will get to play the building yourself.

10 South Street, New York, NY 31 May – 10 August 2008 Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Noon – 6PM

unlike indiana jones, i love snakes.

2008-06-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

One of my long time best friends, Gabe Saporta and his band Cobra Starship, really won my heart with the video for their song "Guilty Pleasure" off of their album "Viva La Cobra!" I'm not sure if it's Gabe in skin-tight Zebra skin pants, or if it's Ryland (guitar) in American Flag apparel, but this video says something to me. Maybe it's that we need to buy more gold chains, neon tracksuits and knee pads before any of us can ever really be a baller. And let's forget biking around New York City boys and girls, let's bring back roller blades. Enjoy the video..

If you can make it, be sure to check out Cobra Starship on Warped Tour all summer. Oh, and if you haven't seen this either here is a look at one of their older videos for the song "Send my Love to the Dance Floor." Don't we all wish we could find a place to dance on a UFO while Steve Aoki djs? Gosh, I know I do. Sending all my love and luck to the Cobra, who in this video has some seriously wise words to all hipsters and all... emo kids. *cough cough Midtown cough*

nylon hearts hrm.

2008-05-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Nylon giving some serious love to my boys.

"Yooo guyz.

We are almost in New York out here on the road on the NYLON summer music tour. But back in NYC, things are still going on despite our absence.

Check out the up and coming NYC based artist Samuel’s new single featuring Wade from the Virgins.

Samuel teamed up with B- Roc and Mr. JPatt from Heavy Roc Music and out came a dance hit that Mark Ronson is spining on East Village Radio.

If you want a new hit to dance to this summer, check out Samuel’s “Say Goodbye”.

Peace~ Spacey Tracy xx"

Tasty Science in the L.E.S.

2008-05-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Walking around the crowded streets of the Lower East Side, whether day or night, most likely will work up an appetite for the average New Yorker or someone just dropping in for a visit. On such a walk one will pass the Keith McNally legacy of Schiller's Liqour Bar, or the trendy crowds gathered outside the Stanton Social for a post meal cigarette. One may even want to grab a pastrami on rye from the infamous Katz's Deli, located right on the corner of Ludlow and Houston. But what about when your pallet wants more from you? More texture, more flavor, more adventure. Wylie Dufresne and his restaurant WD-50 fills your belly and will thrill your taste buds perfectly if this is the case. idea behind this little bit of wacky heaven on Clinton Street (the restaurants name derived from owner and head chef's initials and its number address on the street) comes from cooking technique of moleculer gastronomy, or the science of food. Here any flavor you think of can, with the help of kitchen friendly chemicals, can be turned into a foam, gel, you name it. I highly recommend the appetizer portion of the foie gras with fennel, malt, and sherry vinegar jam. The foie grad melts in your mouth along with the malt, while the flavors of fennel and sherry just make you want more and more. The portions are small, but never the less memorable. Also don't forget to see if you can get yourself a taste of the "pizza pebbles" found on the restaurants tasting menu, where for an extra $75 you can get a wine pairing to accompany your taste buds through this adventurous meal.

* Featured above: WD-50's Sake-pineut gazpacho with oysters, cherries, coffee oil.

crayola crayon color # 99: tickle me pink.

2008-05-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you're free on Wednesday night, everyone should come out to this event hosted by some great people, with works by people equally as fantastic. The benefit being for a great cause, the Make It Right Foundation, even adds to the appeal of this Wednesday night. Share some laughs, gaze at photographs and enjoy yourself.

you know you love me.

2008-05-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

So tonight after turning down a kind invite to a place that some might see as a square cardboard package, myself, WhenInRomes and Mr. Keir decided to take ventures somewhere else. We ended up wandering through the late night filled streets of Nolita, till we came across our calling. 147 1/2 might seem like an odd address to most New Yorkers, but when you're there... you are Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodson. Where the bartenders are in undone bow ties and unbuttoned shirts, the ceilings are low, the hallway is a dark, long, walk and the pole in the back is filled with celebrity action. Hopefully, I'll be seeing you through this red door soon.

xo xo,
M

7 o'clock when you gave me your number.

2008-05-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

My dear best friends and family over at Heavy Roc Music have now made it possible for all of you to spread the love with just a simple click of your mouse. Samuel's ever so melodic (trust me, I'd be lying if I said it's not always stuck playing in my head) song, "Say Goodbye" is now available on itunes! So what are you waiting for? Click, buy and blast it on your ipod, in your car and anywhere you can. Spread the love for my boys, and tell all your friends to do the same!

viva le burger.

2008-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who don't know about this, I vow we all chip in some money for plane tickets to Las Vegas, a room at the Paris Hotel, and... a hamburger? Now you hear "sports bar" and you expect to get your typical burger, fries and a beer. Well, Le Burger Brasserie in the Paris Hotel takes that expectation to a whole new level, The 777 Burger..

The restaurant’s signature dish is the $777 Kobe Beef and Maine Lobster Burger, topped with caramelized onions, imported Brie, crispy prosciutto and 100-year aged balsamic vinegar and served with a bottle of Rose Dom Perignon champagne.

janey, don't you lose heart.

2008-05-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Celebrate your mama today and everything she's always done, and will keep doing, for you. Just do a little something extra to show her how much you really do love her.

just say you love me.

2008-05-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

As a born and raised New York City gal, I have officially decided that (after my millionth time seeing it) nobody should ever be able to call themselves a New Yorker if they have never seen 1996's "Everyone Says I Love You." Obviously the director and writer is Woody Allen, because I mean does it really get more New York than Woody Allen? Yes, yes... we all have our Spike Lee joints, which believe me I am in no way trying to put down, but Everyone Says I Love You shows every season, family member, and silly mixed relationship that occur within this island's boundaries. Seeing a pre-Fight Club Edward Norton in musical numbers is the best part. Just watch this movie, because I refuse to say we're from the same island if you don't.

blister in the sun.

2008-05-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

There's something about beautiful, 70+ degree, days in New York. You run into so many people you know, who always seem in better moods when dressed in sandals and denim shorts, you notice so many more little things (i.e. the vast amounts of Heavy Roc and PegLeg stickers on parking meters and light posts). Soon enough it'll be time to hit that good ol' Long Island Expressway out to exit 70 and relax at the place I call my second home, Sagaponack. If you know the hamptons, then you know Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. Plan to find me there countless days and nights this summer, drinking mojitos and eating their Shrimp Summer Rolls like I'm paid to do it.

Oh and this is the new necklace I just purchased. Getting people talking is just something I find funny and like to do. This necklace will stir up some great conversations I predict.

start of something new.

2008-05-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

So I've caved into the world of blogging. Welcome me with open arms, and a lot of love. Summer is here and I decided to try something new. Things I love, things I hate, things I do... all here. Are you ready?

On a different note, let's just all take a look at the new Justice video. It's the talk of the (down)town. Call me crazy but the change from the song we dance to nearly every night (D.A.N.C.E) to this intense, and eye-opening, 6 minute video of sheer brutality left me completely taken back for a minute, but then I did realize it's a match made for such an intense song. Let's see what you think.