1. Ready for the long weekend? Checkout these hot tunes by Cousin Cole (Brooklyn). They'll definitely get you ready for any party. Just when I thought everything out of Brooklyn was a big snooze, a reader sends me a link to Cousin Cole's MySpace and I have to eat my words...again. Don't forget to checkout this mini profile of CC with links to MP3 remixes, including my favorite "I'm So Over This Song But Sing Along Every Time I Hear It" track Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John.

2. Summer's almost over, but it's still warm enough to enjoy an insanely delicious scoop or two of handmade, Italian gelato from Grom. The good news: the only location in the US is in New York. The bad news: it's on the UWS (2165, Broadway @ 76th St). It's so good, though, that even I made the worthwhile trek uptown to indulge myself. "The standards are strict: only fresh and in-season fruit, coming from the best consortia in Italy, no colorings or additives that are not natural, San Bernardo mineral water used as a base for sherbets and high-quality whole milk for the creams, organic eggs and selections of the best cocoas and coffees from central America." Checkout their website, their philosophy, and the insane list of custom flavors available.

1. From MTV.com: "Hilly Kristal, the founder of legendary New York punk-rock venue CBGB, died Tuesday from complications from lung cancer at age 75." Click here for the full story. Don't forget his Wikipedia entry for lots more details. At least the poor guy won't be around to see the old CBGB space turn into some horrific pit of yuppiedom. Rest in peace.

2. LA's about to get a little bit cooler. Iconic New York streetwear store Alife is on the verge of opening up a new shop, Alife LA. The opening party is this Saturday, 09.01.07, from 7-10pm. RSVP to: lalife@alifenyc.com to get a spot on the list. My gut tells me: it's going to be a fucking madhouse!! Oh, don't forget to befriend them on MySpace for more info and product updates.

3. The times they are a changin' at Momofuku. By now you know about the second David Chang outpost Momofuku SSAM Bar. On the off chance you missed that one, it's the "asian burrito" joint started by Chang on avenue over and a few blocks up. So what's new? The original Momofuku is moving a few store fronts up to a much larger space (171 First Ave) which will allow Chang to grow the somewhat currently limited menu. Moving into the old space: Ko. According to NY Mag, "the concept: set-menu, multicourse dining counter for 14 lucky guests. The menu might change weekly and cover everything from fried pork chops to roasted scallops with noir puree--what Chang calls tasty food regardless of low- or high-end cuisine==chicken pot pie would be awesome. Reservation system to be determined, but let's just say it has the potential to be the hottest ticket in town, next to a scoop of Grom gelatto". Keep your eyes and ears peeled and you might get on the list early. I have a feeling this one's going to be dog eat dog, no pun intended!

1. Fashion Week is just around the corner. In addition to all the shows, one of the hottest tickets will most certainly be The Hours playing a private gig for an insider crowd at the Prada Store in Soho. The lead singer, Antony Genn (former roommate of Robbie Williams, hard partying pal of Shane McGowan, and current friend of Damien Hirst), is no stranger to the music world: he's previously played with the bands Elastica and Pulp, and also worked as a producer, including producing sessions for the electronic act UNKLE. Checkout their MySpace to test drive a couple of their songs. And don't forget to try to figure out how to get your name on the list for their 09.07.07 show!! It's sure to be a star-studded affair.

2. If you haven't heard of or heard the Liars yet, stop what you're doing and click this link!! All of the songs from their latest eponymous EP are currently available to stream on MySpace. "Liars’ fourth album marks another bold transition for the band, where traditional song structure and instrumentation collide with their previous mix of noise and concept. Hear the self-titled record on MySpace before it hits stores on 8/28, and catch them on tour with Interpol!" Don't forget their Wikipedia entry, PUNKCAST #335--a video filmed of the band live at the Knitting Factory along with TV On The Radio, Young People, and White Magic--and this list of their tour dates.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. Every once in a while, we need to do a public service announcement. This one pertains to site Michael Moore setup to go along with the amazing movie Sicko he released earlier this summer. "SickoCure.org is dedicated to promoting the only cure for our sicko health system: single-payer national health insurance. HR 676 (The U.S. National Health Insurance Act) is a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives that would create a single-payer system to provide comprehensive health coverage to all Americans. HR 676 currently has 72 co-sponsors." Checkout the site to learn more, signup, and sign the petition. And if you haven't seen Sicko yet, checkout the trailer! It too is a must-see.

2. If you haven't seen Stephen Gaghan's 2005 drama Syriana yet, do yourself a favor and rent it now. I think it was a name thing or maybe not enough press coverage, but, for some reason, I didn't get into the theater to see this one. Given how much I loved Gaghan's Academy Award winning film Traffic, this is really shocking. Checkout the trailer here. The reviews on Rotten Tomatoes here. I must admit, the plot is VERY complicated. I had to check Wikipedia after watching it to make sure I'd followed and understood everything. A suggestion someone on Rotten Tomatoes makes is to watch the film twice in a row. Whatever you do, don't read anything about it beforehand or you'll spoil the movie!!

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. If you're anything like us, you're patiently awaiting the release of Todd Hayne's biopic I'm Not There, which chronicals the life and times of rock legend Bob Dylan. Haynes is one of the few filmmakers who can make what constitutes a Hollywood film that's indie and vice versa. "Inspired by the music and many lives of Bob Dylan reads the opening title. Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Christian Bale all take a crack at him; Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams and Charlotte Gainsbourg appear as some of his women. But it is Blanchett as Dylan circa 1965 (think D.A. Pennebaker’s Don't Look Back) and as the post-acoustic guitar rocker, who captures our imagination and runs with it at breakneck speed. Appearances by imaginary versions of Allen Ginsberg, Edie Sedgwick, Suze Rotolo, Bobby Neuwirth, Bobby Seale, Albert Grossman, and Joan Baez round out Haynes's fever dream of what it means to be Bob Dylan." Get your tickets now for the film which will open on two (2) screens at Film Forum 11.21.07. Don't forget to watch the trailer!

One of our favorite stores in the world--super cool Miami store BASE--has hooked up this.hearts.on.fire. once again with their Album Club Picks. The picks are a very well-curated set of some of the sexiest, coolest music anywhere. I love it because it's so different from my usual taste and always introduces me to new artists that I would not have heard otherwise. You can listen to samples and buy each album by clicking on the links below.

10. Bob Marley (Roots, Rock Remixed) / On Roots, Rock and Remixed, the unthinkable has happened: the laid back and chilled out vibes of Bob Marley have become club-ready without losing their soul.

9. Belleruche / The London-based three piece Belleruche combines hip hop beats, funk and jazz breaks with the blues vocals of Kathrin deBoer (and a little bit of scratching thrown in), for a sound aptly described as "Handmade Hip-Hop meets Blues and Soul."

8. Axel Krygier (Zorzal) / By combining Latin, funk, dub psychedelic and Creole on his new disc, Zorzal, Argentinean Axel Krygier delivers what can only be described as "Latin lounge heaven."

7. Billie Holiday (Remixed & Reimagined) / Some of today's hottest re-mixers and producers took Billie Holiday's landmark Columbia records catalog and gave it a fresh spin, updating Lady Day's sound for the 21st Century.

6. Forro In The Dark (Bonfires Of Sao Jao) / Forro in the Dark is a result of six musicians desire to update the homespun country sound of northeastern Brazil (called Forro), with the musical melting pot that is New York, adding a little big city attitude and famous guests like David Byrne and Bebel Gilberto.

5. Chromeo / 1980's electro-funk abounds on Montreal-based duo Chromeo's kitschy retrospectives of that decadent decade the 80's, in all it's cheesy and funky glory.

4. Feist (The Reminder) / Relaxed and chilled urban electro-pop might be the best way to describe the unique vocal talent that is Leslie Feist.

3. Ben Westbeech (Welcome To The Best Years Of Your Life) / Bristol born newcomer Ben Westbeech has burst upon on the nu-soul scene with his outstanding new CD, Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life, meticulously crafted and visionary, Welcome to… is danceable, upbeat funky soul at its best.

2. Dream Within A Dream (The Incredible Voice Of Edda Dell'Orso) / A time capsule of an era gone by, Dream Within a Dream showcases Ennio Morricone's premier vocalist, Edda Dell'Orso, one of the 20th Century's great voices.

1. Gui Boratto (Chromophobia) / Chromophobia refers to the fear of colors, and with this excellent new CD of minimal techno, Brazilian Gui Boratto aims to cure anyone of this affliction, by presenting his own personal musical kaleidoscope of moods, colors, tempos and themes.

1. If you're anything like me, you go through phases with food. From ramen to Italian to Mexican and back again. Next up: Cuban. My new found desire is partly fueled by the new spots that keep popping up all over the East Village. Checkout Cafe Cortadito (210 E. 3rd btwn A/B). The space: chill, comfortable and the windows in front open wide onto the street. The food: amazing and priced right. The neighborhood: out of the way and laid back for a relaxing evening. Says New York mag: "Cortadito occupies that sparsely populated middle ground between Latin lunch counter and the full-blown quasi-formal service and stylized tropical vibe of Victor’s Cafe, where, not coincidentally, Cortadito’s mom-and-pop owners used to work." See the full review here.

2. Feel like a little rowdy rock n roll? Checkout this hot new band from the Big Easy: Rosie And The Chore Boys. So far they've got only one song posted, but I guarantee, if you're anything like me, you'll play it over and over. It's rough, rowdy, and catchy. Stay tuned for more songs!!

3. Berlin's got a hot new addition to its retail scene. Checkout featured SuperFuture store Strange Fruit. Says the store: Strange Fruit, a concept store of a size and scope unrivalled in Germany. Spread over two floors, the spacious 450 sqm store stocks the cream of international up-and-coming designer labels for men and women, accessories and lovingly selected lifestyle delights. Says SuperFuture: 450 square metres of conceptual designer heaven. One of the best stores in berlin--if not on the planet--to date. Avante interior and brand line up not to be missed. Labels to look for: Gareth Pugh, Hussein Chalayan, Junya Watanabe, Veronique Branquinho, Tsumori Chisato, and much much more. Check the info page on their site for more detailed info and, if you're in Berlin drop by to see it with your own eyes!

1. By now, I'm sure you've heard of the Fred Perry Blank Canvas project. Right?! "The Blank Canvas project is unique and illustrates Fred Perry's commitment to supporting both new and established design talent. The brand invites cutting-edge British based designers to develop a capsule range that combines their own, distinctive creative style with classic Fred Perry product." And I'm sure you've seen pics of the most recent menswear polos done by London shirt designer David David. But have you seen the women's Blank Canvas collaboration with womenswear designer Peter Jensen? "Peter Jensen is a Danish born, London-based designer who graduated from Central St Martin's in Fashion Design Menswear in 1999. His feminine, understated collections are named after both historical and fictional women such as British actresses "Alison" (Steadman) and "Brenda" (Blethyn)." Checkout the images here. So understated. So chic.

2. Remember Winona Ryder before the incident? This is hands down one of my favorites scenes from Heathers. It's perhaps one of my all-time favorite lines ever. "You were nothing before you met me. You were playing Barbies with Betty Finn. You were a Bluebird. You were a Brownie. You were a Girl Scout cookie. I got you into a Remington party and what's my thanks? It's on the hallway carpet: I got paid in puke." Don't forget to checkout these other Heathers clips on YouTube, this list of quotes, and the entry on Wikipedia. It's the perfect way to start the work week.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. Remember: you saw it here first. Check out the detail to the right of the Warhol x Damien Hirst x Levi's jeans collaboration. Set to debut during New York's upcoming Fashion Week in September 2007 via a formal runway presentation, Warhol Factory X Levi's® X Damien Hirst-as the assortment will be called-will pay homage to the work of both acclaimed artists as well as to the Levi's Original 501 jean. Looks like a little diamond on demin action á la Hirst's $99 million dollar For The Love Of God. "Considered one of the most important and ground-breaking artists working today, Damien Hirst is a two-time nominee of the prestigious Tate Gallery Turner Prize, an award which he won in 1995. Hirst has said, 'I love art that you can't just look at, art that assaults you.' Although the two never collaborated during his lifetime, Warhol had a similar perspective, having said, 'Art is what you can get away with.' This high-end, collaborative collection is a testament to this shared philosophy of both artists."

2. check back shortly

3. for updates...

1. Who said being underage sucks? Checkout this video of footage from London mag Super Super's first ever Underage Festival. Held in Victoria Park in London on 08.10.07, the event saw 5,000 14-18 year olds storm the park to watch 4 stages of bands, performers, and insanity!! Included in the lineup: Cajun Dance Party, Jack Penate, Patrick Wolf, Lethal Bizzle, Late Of The Pier, and many many more. Clearly not part of the targeted demographic, I have absolutely no clue who any of these people are. Checkout SuperSuper's MySpace, which is chock full of videos and lots of other hot pics and pop culture info. And don't forget this piece in the Sunday Times by SuperSuper's Creative Director Steve Slocombe.

2. check back shortly

3. for updates...

1. A new club is about to open in New York. Named after the now legendary Terminal 5 art exhibition held at the Eero Saarinen terminal at JFK in 2004, the mega club will be housed in the space that was once Exit. The club and the exhibition have absolutely no relation, in case you were wondering. The owners just stole the name, which I have to say was a great choice. They even called the curator and owner of the URL www.terminalfive.com to inquire about buying it last week. No such luck! The opening show will be The National. Acts to follow: M.I.A., Justice, The Shins, The Decemberists, and Ween. One thing's for sure: they're booking some hots acts. I can't wait to check it out.

2. Check out New Young Pony Club!! Recently signed to the Modular label out of Australia, New Young Pony Club debuts this month with Fantastic Playroom, out 8/28. This cd takes the sounds of classic rock music and combines it with dance rhythms and synths that will give you something to sing and dance to. Check out the full album before it hits the streets, exclusively on MySpace. Make sure to listen to Hiding On The Staircase. It's addictive. Don't forget their Wikipedia entry for all the details on the band and this video interview.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. Check out New Young Pony Club!! Recently signed to the Modular label out of Australia, New Young Pony Club debuts this month with Fantastic Playroom, out 8/28. This cd takes the sounds of classic rock music and combines it with dance rhythms and synths that will give you something to sing and dance to. Check out the full album before it hits the streets, exclusively on MySpace. Make sure to listen to Hiding On The Staircase. It's addictive. Don't forget their Wikipedia entry for all the details on the band and this video interview.

2. check back shortly

3. for updates...

1. A hot new fashion mag has just launched in Amsterdam. It's name: B612. "Fashion stylist and former fashion editor Maaike Holvast developed the concept for B612. She asked freelance journalist Kirstin Hanssen - her former colleague at a Dutch fashion magazine - to be her partner in creating a collage like photocopied zine about fashion in relation to society. Each issue of B612 magazine will have a different theme, focusing on a different trend. The first issue, named LOVELY CREATURES explores the link between the changing role of animals in our lives, and the impact this has on fashion." Buy it here. And make sure to check their MySpace for a full list of stockists.

2. Checkout Susan Dynner's new documentary Punk's Not Dead, in theaters now. "On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk's Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, and yes, shopping malls and stadium shows where punk rock music and culture continue to thrive." Checkout the trailer, a listing of the handful of theaters playing the film currently, and a complete listing of the cast. It features an amazing lineup of some of the best punk bands ever, and some that haven't been previously profiled in other punk rock documentaries. While you're at it, watch these videos: TV Party by lack Flag; Nazi Punks Fuck Off by Dead Kennedys; and Pretend We're Dead by L7.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. I can't stop listening to Stop Me by Australian soul singer Daniel Merriweather. Checkout his MySpace page to preview it for yourself and to find tour dates. "His recent collaboration with Mark Ronson (a version of The Smiths' Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before), has had huge commercial success in the UK where it was released as the lead-off single for Ronson's album "Version" (reaching #2)." Don't forget the video for the song. Be forewarned: it's addictive.

2. Now here's a reason to go to LA. "After weeks of rumors, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles confirmed yesterday that a retrospective of the work of Takashi Murakami, opening on Oct. 29, would include a fully functioning Louis Vuitton boutique, to sell handbags and coin purses customized for the show by Mr. Murakami. The store symbolizes the interweaving of high art, mass culture and commerce that has become essential to Murakami’s philosophy. Mr. Murakami’s artwork has long included creating consumer and luxury goods." (NYTimes) Don't forget more info on MOCA's site and Murakami's offical website.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. You know how you kinda think someone's hot or cool until you hear them talk? Checkout this video of Lindsay Lohan. I've never really understood the hype surrounding her and this video just seals the deal. How can name dropping the most boring, easy luxury labels (Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Hermes, Chanel et al) constitute ecclectic style? Someone needs to script this girl's life, because she's zzzzzzzzzzzzz boring. If I had to chose between trashy Long Island chicks, I'd definitely go with Amy Fisher. At least she shot someone. Checkout this vintage In Living Colour video of the Long Island Lolita featuring Jim Carey, back in the day when he used to be funny.

2. Everything about Rod Stewart kinda scares me. He's one of this guys you look at and ask "How the f*$k did this guy get famous?" Then I'm in a deli on the LES and Young Turks comes on and it all makes sense again. I forgot how amazing this song is. Checkout the video. And don't forget this 1971 live performance of Maggie May, as well as this HORRIBLY HOT video of some Japanese guy doing Maggie May karaoke.

3. If you happen to be in Copenhagen on 08.11.07, don't miss Henrik Vibskov's Spring/Summer 2008 show--The Fantabulous Bicycle Music Factory. Not quite sure what the name means, but given his previous shows/installations, I have a hunch it's going to be hot. Don't forget to bring 50DKK or two packs of cigarettes or you'll be left out in the cold. Checkout the flyer here. Don't forget this profile on the designer, these pics of his Fall/Winter 07/08 collection, and this FashionTV video with a behind the scenes look at one of his Paris shows.

1. Get it while it's hot!! Checkout Architecture in Helsinki's new EP Places Like This. Although MySpace claims you can listen to the EP in its entirety on their site, I can only see four (4) songs posted on the AIH MySpace page. It's definitely enough to get an idea of their sound, but the whole thing would be much better. "Architecture in Helsinki is an Australian musical ensemble based in the suburb of Northcote in Melbourne. They have toured the United States with acts such as Death Cab for Cutie and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and opened for David Byrne, The Polyphonic Spree, Yo La Tengo and Belle & Sebastian." Don't forget to checkout their Wikipedia profile, this video for Hold Music (careful, it's addictive!), and these links on Last.fm to buy AIH's records online. **Update: all the songs from the EP are now on MySpace!

2. check back shortly

3. for updates...

1. If you missed the opening party for Banks Violette last month, don't worry, you can still catch his white hot show at Barbara Gladstone (515 West 24th Street) and Team Gallery (83 Grand Street) through 08.17.07. Checkout this review on the NYTimes. To quote them: "Mr. Violette hasn’t totally arrived. He nonetheless remains an interesting artist to watch." What do they know? Don't forget these tracks that have just been uploaded onto his site created by Stephen O'Malley of drone metal band Sunn O))).

2. Ju$t Another Rich Kid has just launched their Spring/Summer 2008 collection Greatest Hits, Volume 1. The new collection "features three (3) new styles of men's tees--in addition to our slim fit crewneck: a slim-fit deep V, a two color boat neck, and a long-sleeved raglan pullover. In addition to the men's styles, for the very first time with this collection, we're offering two (2) women's styles: short-sleeved, tailored crewneck and short-sleeved, slim fit V-neck tees. Our lightweight, custom-washed fabric is better than ever, with a buttery-soft, broken-in feel from the very first wear." The design team draws their inspiration for the collection from 80's indie rock fused with elements of geometry and op art. If you've never owned one of their shirts, now's the time. Checkout pics from the designer's Fall/Winter 2007 line But Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect, which has just shipped to stores worldwide. Click here to see a collaborative piece JARK did for The Playground, I Hate Myself... featuring an appropriated image of Kate Moss covered with blood. And don't forget this info on The Black Market, an installation JARK did with Stuart Semple that has just closed at Anna Kustera in Chelsea.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. I still think Warm Up @ PS1 is kinda played, but who could pass up a gig by legendary freakshows Psychic TV? Headed by world-class counter culture icon Genesis P-Orridge, the band are now billing themselves as PTV3. Genesis lives in New York City with his second wife, Lady Jaye, nee Jacqueline Breyer and began an ongoing experiment in body modification aimed at creating one pandrogynous being named Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. Genesis P-Orridge received breast implants and began referring to himself as s/he. Brooklyn's very own Flaming Fire will open the show. Checkout P-Orridge's official site, this video for Godstar from 1986, and, of course, PTV3's official MySpace profile.

2. I love it when I see an idea that is so simple, yet so genius. Marc Jacobs has taken the Happy Meal concept and created the Little Marc Box, an extension of his Little Marc line of children’s clothes geared to mark the arrival of a newborn. Inside the container are pajamas (available in pink or claret), along with a customized Bearbrick in either turquoise or bronze, both of which bear the slogan, “Marc Who?” The limited-edition set, of which only 1,000 were produced, will be available exclusively at Colette from August 27 for €115, or $160 U.S. dollars. Because every newborn needs designer clothes, right?!?

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. Mark my words: by the end of this summer, you'll have heard the buzz about cold-brewed coffee. Supposedly a New Orleans culinary secret, I read this article in the NY Times a month or so ago and gave it a shot. I have to admit, it's pretty amazing. "Heat brewing releases acids and oils, and as the coffee sits in the refrigerator, the bitterness intensifies. Without the bitterness produced by hot water, the cold-brewed coffee had hints of chocolate, even caramel. I dropped my sugar packet — no need for it. The best brews hardly need cream." I've made my own at home (recipe here) and found a place one block away that serves cold-brewed--Ciao For Now (12th between A and B). Once you've tried it, you'll know why I haven't had a non cold-brewed iced coffee since.

2. I don't know about you, but I'm generally not a huge fan of big budget Hollywood flicks, although I don't discriminate based on budget. Case in point: The Bourne Series. I don't recall what drew me to the first one, but I know it was partly the liberty I feel to test out movies using Netflix I'd never pay to rent individually. The Bourne Supremacy was shockingly better than The Bourne Identity. (I'm also usually not a fan of sequels.) Today, I am waiting patiently for the third installation--The Bourne Ulimatum-to come out tomorrow. I know I'm not alone on this one. Checkout the official website, watch the trailer, read these reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, and find a theater near you showing the movie. If for some reason, you haven't seen the parts 1 and 2, rent them now. And don't forget to checkout the profile of author Robert Ludlum, who I just found out in my searching wrote the three (3) books that loosely correspond to the films in this series. Maybe this is why they're all so good: the sequels aren't just mediocre, quicky Hollywood screenplays to cash in on the popularity of the first.