1. The perfect way to end the week. This video actually makes me want to get married.

2. Everything old is HOT this time around. Remember your soccer sweatshirt from 10th grade? Thick, warm, and all the cool kids had them. Well, the company that made them -- iconic Champion brand -- is back with a vengence. Move over soccer team captain, some really sexy chick with highheels and no underwear has taken your place! Not to mention her sexy, hipster boyfriend who's sporting a little facial hair and some cool shades. Our stylist friend Julie Ragolia just sent us some hot pics from the latest Champion ad campaign she worked on and, needless to say, the pics are super cool. They even have some indie sounding band song clip on their homepage!! Don't forget to checkout their online store and get it while it's hot. Their sweatshirts are made really well, fit even better, and you'll be a cut above all the American Apparel wearing chumps around town, that is until 6 months from now when AA makes their Champion knockoff, if they haven't already.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. In celebration of the press launch of the new Comme des Garçons 8 88 Perfume, we are pleased to announce the opening of the Comme des Garçons 8 88 Perfume Pre View Shop until 8th December only. Upstairs: A limited number of 8 88 fragrance, t-shirts and candles only available here for this week. Launch in regular shops worldwide in February / March 2008. Downstairs: Rare Vintage CDG Parfum T-Shirts and collector CDG Parfums, all from Comme des Garçons and all at £20. Comme des Garçons 8 88, 5 Burlington Arcade, London W1 From 1.00pm on 29th November to 8th December, then closed for ever. I couldn't have said it better myself! And while you're at it, don't forget to checkout the Dover Street Market site for all your holiday shopping needs.

2. After a long long long wait, the New Museum is finally opening on the Bowery this Saturday, December 01, 2007. I can't really figure it out and the info on their site is cryptic at best, but it seems that you needed to have gotten a ticket for the 30 hour opening for the museum, which is not shockingly being sponsored by that company with the red and white bullseye. "We have now officially given out the entire number of allotted timed tickets for Target 30 Free Hours. We expect that there will be a some tickets returned and some unused, thus it may be possible for visitors to show up during the course of the marathon event and get a ticket on the spur of the moment; but there is absolutely no guarantee!" Checkout this page to try to figure it out for yourself. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth stopping by the see the building and trying to get one of those unused or returned tickets they refer to above. Or wait till Tuesday or Wednesday and have free reign of the place!! Don't forget to checkout this page that lists upcoming exhibits. One thing's for sure, it'll be nice to have a major artistic institution within walking distance. Taking the L to the C to get to Chelsea can be such a pain sometimes.

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1. There's a hot new indie mag you've got to checkout: LA's Audio, Video, Disco. "Translated from Latin means: I hear, I see, I learn. Audio, Video, Disco Magazine (AVDM) is a full color editorial that will combine content in the realm of music, film, art, fashion, and a showcase of the intellectual world...both old and new." Checkout their full media kit for the ins and outs of what the mag is all about. Artists and writers: they're constantly looking for contributors. Drop them a line anytime.

2. This is going to be pure madness!! British bad boy artist Banksy is coming to the Big Apple. "Bankrobber Gallery (London) in collaboration with Vanina Holasek Gallery, is pleased to present for the first time in New York, an exhibition of works by Banksy, on view from December 2nd through December 29th, 2007." View the full press release here. The opening reception is Saturday, December 01 from 6 - 9pm. I've never heard of this gallery, let alone been to it, and therefore haven't a clue about the size, but no matter how big or small, I guarantee you it will be wall-to-wall people and madhouse. You might want to have a few drinks at home beforehand to prep for this one. See you there!

3. check back shortly for udpates...

1. Ju$t Another Rich Kid and Stuart Semple have teamed up again for Stimuli Magazine to create a spread of images entitled Blood Simple. They've taken current highend fashion ads, painted copies of them, and covered them with the Ju$t Another Rich Kid signature blood splatters and in a subversive twist put them back in the magazine. The series will be featured in a six (6) page spread in Stimuli's next issue. In the interim, the duo have printed a very limited edition of two (2) of the pieces -- Burberry and Chloe -- which New York gallerist Anna Kustera will bring to the Art Miami Fair. Contact Anna for sales and pricing info.

2. If you're anything like us, you ate too much this weekend from start to finish. Thank god that's over. What better way to start Monday than to listen to America's own ex fitness guru Richard Simmons make prank phone calls from the Howard Stern show via YouTube. Our friend Simon at superfuture somehow managed to dig up these gems. I bet you burn at least 10-15 calories laughing at them. Enjoy! Call #1: Redneck. Call #2: Chinese Restaurant. Call #3: Sausage.

3. check back later for udpates...

1. Mark your calendars: Details is having a pre-holiday block party in the Meat Packing District Saturday 12.01.07. It'll be a day of deals, discounts (10-40% at all venues), and the taste of Peroni, which will be available free of charge at 30 of the participating venues, including Tenjune, 202/Nichole Farhi, Highline Ballroom, and my favorite restaurant in the area Florent. Other shops will have free Peroni and appetizers. Included in that list are: Jeffrey, Atrium, Alexander McQueen, DDC Lab, and Zero + Maria Cornejo. And finally, some will just offer discounts: Earnest Sewn, Diane von Furstenberg, The Puma Black Store, Theory, and many others. Stop by Hotel Gansevoort, 12–5 PM on Dec 1, for a Block Party Guide with info on all of the participants or click here to see a PDF of them now so you can work out your plan of attack early. See you next Saturday.

2. "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms, greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind." -- Gordon Gecko. Given the current state of New York, a recent rewatch of Wall Street resonated like never before, especially given that I didn't live in New York the last time it was detroyed by soulless greed. Charlie Sheen's Buddy would without a doubt be a hedge fund manager this time around. Who's got time to be a run-of-the-mill trader these days? Checkout this clip and this one on YouTube to see Michael Douglass at his best. He has some of the most amazing lines in this movie. Don't forget to watch the trailer. If you haven't seen Wall Street in a while, do yourself a favor and rent it now. "And if you need a friend, get a dog."

3. check back later for udpates...

1. In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd give you all a peak at the third installment of the Paris Hilton Sex Tape Trilogy. While I'm off eating, drinking, and being merry, you can enjoy the world's lamest chick with the smallest chest taking a bath, talking baby talk, and being harrassed by the ever-repulsive Joe Francis. Besides all of this subtle manipulation, he also tries to get Paris to call her sister ugly on tape! This, by the way, is the tape that Paris lost when she forgot to pay rent on her storage locker last year. The best quote of the film is her reason as to why there will be no sex in this installment: "I'm scared I'll lose the tape..." Maybe she's a prophet. Not to mention the part when the doorbell rings shortly after a phone call. Can anyone say coke dealer?? Check it out here to see for yourself. Note: Once you click the link, click the video to play it, and make sure to click on the volume bar (right to the left of the word zoom) to get the volume to play. It's a weird quirk on some videos that they default to mute. If you're not hearing anything, though, you're missing out!!

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1. Finally. Toddy Hayne's Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There opens @ Film Forum today on two (2) screens!! Get tickets now. I have a feeling I know what movie all the cool kids will be at tomorrow.

2. Right after I posted the piece below on Camper and Jaime Hayon, a read sent in a piece with shoes designed by Hayon for the Spanish shoe company!! I guess they thought it would be a good idea too. "Jaime Hayon, who is a great lover of the classic shoe, wanted to include in his proposal, good materials and the quality of the traditional English shoe with the aesthetic and character of those produced by the Majorcan firm Camper. The added feature of sole injection, that is so representative of Camper, gives the shoe a more sporty form, says Hayon. Everything else holds Hayon's unmistakable stamp. I wanted to find a form that stylized the foot, like the tap dancing shoes. I have always liked the character of dance shoes because they remind me of a music-hall." Check them out this piece on Frame's website.

3. Did you notice?? Several European Camper retail stores have gotten a face lift over the past year with the help of Spanish artist/designer Jaime Hayon and they look super hot. Too hot for Camper, as far as I'm concerned. Now perhaps they should have Hayon redesign some of their outdated shoe styles. I must admit though it's been a few years since I stopped into a Camper store. Perhaps something has changed. Hopefully, the brand has evolved. If you have happen to be in Milan, London, Berlin, or Barcelona, stop by and check the stores out. Hopefully, the SoHo store in New York is next. I'd love to see one in person, but don't forsee a trip to any of the aforementioned cities in my near future. Don't forget to checkout Hayon's bio and a page full of other projects he's worked on. I have a feeling this guy's going to get huge!

Our friend Simon Kristoph--one of the masterminds behind superfuture.com--has sent us the fourth (4th) installment of what will be a weekly Top 10 List he's doing for this.hearts.on.fire. On the block: 10 Things To Avoid In New York City. Don't say we didn't warn you.

1. Times Square / Stress factor : 1 hundred, annoying civilian factor : 4 billion.
2. Cabs / Get a car service instead, a few extra bucks and never a wrong turn.
3. Time Warner Cable / Um, last time I checked, we were still waiting for the tech guy to show up
4. Cell Phone Sales People / Do we really need the extra 3000 texts, 400 anytime minutes, 4 email accounts and a Gwen Stefani ring tone?
5. Coffee In Williamsburg / Same latte, more uptight.
6. The MTA / Especially when drunk or post breakup.
7. Talking To Neighbours / What you say can and will be used against you.
8. Subletting / Because Housing Court isn't exactly pleasant.
9. Kmart / Go to Bed Bath & Beyond, at least they suppy ALL the parts in one box.
10. Coney Island / The extra 30 minutes to Jones Beach lowers your chances of catching an infection by about 200%.

1. You've gotta check this new music download site out. It's called RCRD LBL, which "is a network of ad-supported online record labels and blogs offering completely free music streams and downloads from emerging and established artists from labels such as Downtown, Warp, Dim Mak, Kompat, Modular, Ghostly International and others." Check out this sick Benny Blanco remix of Justice's smash banger D.A.N.C.E. featuring verses from Spank Rock and the mighty Mos Def. Hot!!

2. It's that time of year again: the Y-3 sample sale is on! From Wednesday 11.28 - Sunday 12.02.2007 @ the Adidas Showroom (610 Broadway @ Houston, 3rd floor). Hours: Wed - Friday 10 - 7pm & Sat/Sunday 10 - 6pm. What you'll find: men's and women's apparel, footwear, + accessories. It's best to get there first thing on the first day if you want a chance at the good stuff. See you there!

3. Don't waste the $18 it costs to get into the Guggenheim to see the Richard Prince show -- Spritualized America -- that's currently on view. The name makes the show sound much more interesting and sexy than it really is. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I don't this it was that. I was in and out in under 30 minutes and left wanting the "spiritualized America" I was promised upon entering. The actual work in the show is rubbish and I'm not questioning the appropriation part of hiw work. I love appropriation art. I think his rephotographing of photos and recontextualizing them as art is genius. It's just that 99% of the photos he chose to replicate are ugly. I'm not questioning his use of joke text in paintings. It's just that the colors were horrible and mundane and, as works of art, the paintings aren't aesthetically appealling on any level. Overall, it was just plain bad work. I could easily go to any MFA program in New York and find a better body of better work in no time. There was one redeeming aspect: the nurse paintings at the very top in that backroom section. These I liked, but I saw them 3 or so years ago at Barbara Gladstone gallery in Chelsea. I didn't need to pay $18 to see them again yesterday. Seeing Richard Prince's work at the Guggenheim is what I would imagine seeing William Hung at Radio City would be like: a total waste of an amazing space. With so much killer art out there, why waste the Guggenheim on Richard Prince? Seriously, don't waste the $18.

1. It's that time of year again: time to go to the theater. Despite having been released two (2) weeks ago, Clearview Chelsea Cinemas last night was jam-packed for the 8:30pm showing of American Gangster. "In 1970s America, a detective works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling the drug into the country from the Far East in the midst of the Vietnam War." After hearing from multiple sources (my sister, the sales lady at Myron Toback, and a few friends) that this movie was a must-see, I decided to check it out for myself. The verdict: two thumbs up. One of the best big budget movies I've seen in a while. Denzel Washington is incredible, as is Russell Crowe, although I still don't always see his appeal. I feel that his character could have been played by someone else equally as well. The real show stopper is the story. It harkens back to the New York at a time when things were on the decline. "It was said that at the height of his career Frank Lucas was more powerful than any other criminal organization including the Mafia when it came to dope dealing. He paid off an Italian crime family for their protection to sell dope on the streets." Check out Frank Lucas' Wikipedia entry here. It's fascinating. Don't forget to watch the trailer and read the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

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1. I'm not always on the ball when it comes to movies. While I love going to the theater, lots of times I wait until stuff comes out on Netflix and watch it at my convenience at home. Case in point: Knocked Up. Although the subject matter and the trailer didn't appeal to me at all, every person I've spoken to who's seen it has raved about it. I, therefore, had to check it out. And I have to say: it rocks. Totally entertaining, heartwarming, and funny all wrapped into one. Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan are perfectly cast as the leads, and the supporting cast is equally as good, with Paul Rudd and the hysterical Leslie Mann, not to mention the crew of stoner friends of Seth Rogan's character. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It might make you to have a baby.

2. Need info on anything fashion related? New York's Fashion District isn't totally dead yet. There's a super useful resource on the NE corner 7th Ave and 39th Street: The Kiosk. "The Kiosk is the first all-inclusive, central information resource center serving sourcing information to national and international fashion professionals including press, stylists, photographers, designers, buyers, manufacturers, trading companies, ect. in need of information and other industry related resources, services and events." If you're in the hood, stop by and get info, but from experience, there's not always someone in the booth. Save yourself the time and trip and email or fax (212-398-7945) them questions. They reply wity PDF lists of the info requested.

2. It's that time of year again: Patti Smith & Her Band are playing their annual New Year's Eve show at the Bowery Ballroom. I went last year for the very first time and cannot believe it took me so long to see her live. Not only is her show one of the most genuine and amazing I've seen ever, but it was exactly what I wanted to be doing on New Year's Eve. Checkout her MySpace to test drive a few songs, although these are new one that I don't recognize. It's the classic songs that I love the most. Get tickets now. It always sells out. Best part: Bowery Ballroom doesn't oversell. So even at capacity, you'll have plenty of room to move around. Don't forget to checkout a few videos on YouTube of Smith performing so you'll understand what I mean. Peforming "Elegie" at CBGB. An interview and live footage of "Horses". (By far my favorite PS song) Performing "Because Of The Night".

1. Latinamericarpet Collection (Various Artists) / Recordings from 60's and 70's Latin American artists.

2. Untrue (Burial) / UK Electronic music pioneer has just released a new album. His last one made a lot of 2006 best of lists.

3. My Bloody Valentine and Kevin Shields to release "another great record". Check this video from their last great record.

4. Rise Above (Dirty Projectors) / Don't forget to watch this video from these Brooklyn hipsters.

1. I've never had a bad time at Studio B and last night's Clap Your Hands show was no exception. We arrive a little early and got to see the opening bands -- checkout Delta Force -- who got the party started for the "a-little-late-for-a-school-night" headlining act. One thing's for sure: Clap Your Hands live performance has improved immensely since the last time I saw them last spring at Bowery Ballroom. What a difference a year can make! It was great to hear songs from the latest EP live. If you get a chance to see these guys live, do yourself a favor and check them out.

2. I'm sure by now, you've seen Grey Gardens. If not, rent it ASAP. It'll leave you wanting more. Well, you're in luck. I was at a dinner party a few weeks ago and New York-based Aussie stylist Sarah Maher tipped me off on The Beales Of Grey Gardens. "The ladies of the Beale manse -- Big Edie and Little Edie, kin of Jackie Onassis and stars of the cult classic documentary Grey Gardens -- return in previously unseen footage culled from the filmmakers' archives. Mother and daughter are as weirdly riveting as ever as they hold forth on everything from God to war, and Little Edie models a series of arresting ensembles amid the trash and critters that share the women's crumbling East Hampton home." It's raw and uncensored footage that's a must see. I hope Drew Barrymore has watched all of this footage 1,000+ times, because it's going to be hard to play a convincing Little Edie.

3. check back shortly for updates...

1. Don't tell anyone, but we heard there's an opening this Thursday from 6-9pm @ 45 Canal Street. Terence Koh's Asia Song Society aka ASS will show work by Brian Anderson, but you didn't hear it from me because I'm not one to gossip. Shhhhhhh and see you there.

2. The Dead 60s limited edition Fred Perry Harrington is now available! Hurry. They're sure to sell out.

3. One of my favorite stores -- Printed Matter -- is having an opening this Saturday 11.17.07 from 5-7 pm for the launch of Kartoon Kings: The Graphic Work of Simon Grennan and Christopher Sperandio. "Known for their sardonic humor, sly politics, and the mass appeal of their public works and comics, Simon Grennan and Christopher Sperandio have worked together since the early 1990s. Their work has appeared in museums and other outlets internationally, including such diverse venues as Wired magazine, DC Comics, and the Museum of Modern Art/PS1. Grennan & Sperandio projects have also been written about in books and journals, including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Independent (London), Artforum, and Flash Art." See the full press release here and checkout the Kartoon Kings official site for more info on the artists and their work. If you're a comic head and love art, you'll definitely want to get your hands on a copy of this one.

1. One of my favorite bands -- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah -- is playing two (2) sold out shows in New York tonight and tomorrow. For those lucky enough to have gotten tickes, tonight's show is at Bowery Ballroom. Tomorrow's at Studio B. And if you didn't get tickets? There's always Craigslist. Hardcore fans can buy tickets for the not-yet sold out show this Friday in Philly. Don't forget to checkout the band's official site and their MySpace to listen to a few songs before your big night out. I'm excited to hear the new stuff played live and always have a blast at Studio B. Drop me a line if you're going to be there.

2. There's some really funny stuff on YouTube. I was searching around last night and came across this gem. How could I pass up a video with a title like: Stoner Gets On The Price Is Right, Bids 420 On Everything!

3. This is what I like to listen to on days like today: Portishead's Sour Times. Watch more Portishead videos here.

4. This is what not to do when you have a parking issue. A White Plains dentist probably wishes he hadn't been filmed in a fit of road rage over a parking spot. I love the girls screaming "What is wrong with you? You fucking idiot." I'd hate to see how he treats his patients and employees!! This guy deserves to lose his license and be put in jail. Email him and tell him what you think about his behavior.

1. Don't miss the Kara Walker show My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love on now through 02.03.2008 at The Whitney. Ms. Walker's work is riveting both visually and in terms of content. "Drawing her inspiration from sources as varied as the antebellum South, testimonial slave narratives, historical novels, and minstrel shows, Walker has invented a repertoire of powerful narratives in which she conflates fact and fiction to uncover the living roots of racial and gender bias." Checkout more info on the artist here on The Whitney's site, this NY Times review, images of some of the works from the show, and this guide with detailed info on the exhibit. And don't forget this video from inside the museum by James Kalm of the show on YouTube.

2. You might want to wait until after 11.15.2007 to checkout the Kara Walker show in order to get bang for buck. That's the day Lawrence Weiner's upcoming show As Far As The Eye Can See opens. It runs through 02.10.2008. "This is the first major retrospective mounted in the United States of the work of New York-based artist Lawrence Weiner (b.1942), one of the key figures associated with the emergence and foundations of Conceptual Art. Lawrence Weiner: As Far As The Eye Can See will provide a comprehensive examination of Weiner's remarkable and cohesive oeuvre by assembling key selections and bodies of work from the full breadth of his production, including works on paper, films, videos, books, posters, public commissions, multiples and audio works." Don't forget this NY Times piece on the artist and this bio of the artist on the Guggenheim's site.

3. Damien Hirst's shark (The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living) is now on view at The Met for the next three (3) years. Checkout the press release here. Update: I just came back from The Met. If you've never seen this piece, you must check it out. It's a sight to behold. And the room in which its displayed, with sunlight coming through the windows and the tank, is amazing. Plus it's a great chance to see a shark up close and personal.

4. And don't forget to checkout the special Hirst exhibit School: The Archaeology of Lost Desires, Comprehending Infinity and the Search for Knowledge in the lobby of the Lever House. While you're at it, stop in for dinner. The Autumn Tasting Menu coupled with wine is amazing.

1. Checkout Born In The Bronx, photos by Joe Conzo, on through Sunday at The powerHouse Arena in DUMBO. "Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop is a striking anthology of the baby steps of hip hop that not only captures the emergence of a burgeoning culture but also the fashion and character of the surrounding community. From rare photographs of rappers and DJs to records, flyers, and other ephemera, writer and curator Johan Kugelberg has pulled together the scattered remains of a movement that never has its eye on posterity. The book includes the improvisational artwork of previously unpublished street flyers of the era, Polaroids buried for decades in basements across the Bronx, and testimonials from influential figures such as LA Sunshine, Grandmaster Caz, and Grandwizzard Theodore, flyer artwork by Buddy Esquire, a hip hop timeline by Jeff Chang, a foreword by Afrika Bambaataa." Don't forget to checkout the other show currently up: The Breaks Stylin' And Profilin' 1982 - 1990, photos by Janette Beckman.

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Perhaps the topic's already too familiar to some given newly-classic movies like 2002's 24 Hour Party People and this year's Ian Curtis biopic -- Control. Nonetheless, there is a lot I've always liked about what they did, so I've put together some Factory Records links and music videos for you.

Factory Records was a Manchester-based record label, started in 1978, which featured several prominent musical acts on its roster, such as Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, and Happy Mondays. Factory Records used a creative team (most notably record producer Martin Hannett and graphic designer Peter Saville), which gave the label, and the artists recording for it, a particular sound and image.

The design and business aspect of the label is as interesting to me as their music. Peter Saville's graphic design and direction was totally hot. He successfully referenced 20th century modernism and his work is still influencing graphic design today. I'm fascinated by the label's many side projects and their practice of giving catalog numbers to non-record releases such as bars, clubs, and stationery.

Besides the obvious, my favorite bands on the Factory Records label are Happy Mondays and A Certain Ratio. Both were instrumental (along with New Order) in the Manchester fusion of punk, post-punk, and dance music that led to the explosion of Rave Culture there.

Musically, Happy Mondays fused indie pop guitars with a rhythmic style that owed much to house music, funk and northern soul. Much of their music was remixed by popular DJs, emphasizing the dance influences even further. In terms of style and dress, they crossed hippy fashion and ideals with 1970s glamour. Sartorially and musically, the band helped to encourage the psychedelic revival associated with acid house.

A Certain Ratio's exploration of rhythm fusing funk, disco, punk and Latin has had a resurgence in the last few years and their influence can been heard in bands such as The Rapture and LCD Soundsystem. In 2002 Soul Jazz Records started a program of reissues of ACR's albums and difficult to find tracks. You've gotta check them out.

Most of this was taken from various Wikipedia entries. Go there to read more about Factory Records.

Enjoy the music.

Jac

1. I'm sure by now you've heard that the "King Of Retirment"--Jay Z--has come back from retirement once again. His new EP American Gangster (nothing to do with the movie) is out and, rumor has it, he's getting no radio play. While I'm not the biggest Jay-Z fan ever, I definitely like me some Jay-Z. His songs are infectious. I'm on his MySpace now listening to the first single from American Gangster--Blue Magic-- and I have to say: it totally sucks. No wonder nobody's playing it. The other three (3) songs pretty much blow too. I guess Hova's not batting 1000 anymore!! Cheer yourself up with some Jigga Man classics: Hardknock Life, Nigga What? Nigga Who?, 99 Problems, Bonnie & Clyde, Money, Cash, Hoes, and my favorite Change Clothes featuring Pharell.

2. Musician and artist John Lurie's got a book coming out in January entitled A Fine Example of Art by John Lurie, which will be accompanied by a solo show to be held at the Arena in Brooklyn from 01.10 - 02.17.07. "For anyone in the know, John Lurie’s work is ubiquitous. Featured in films by Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, Jim Jarmusch, and Wim Wenders, Lurie is best known as founding member of the Lounge Lizards and scored countless movies and television shows including the theme to Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Tackling music, film, and art in an intelligent, subtle, subversive way, Lurie’s got that cool-by-association-a-la-Dennis Hopper thing going on." I've seen a preview of the book and am in love with it. We'll have a preview up for you shortly. Hold tight. In ther interim, checkout Lurie's MySpace, his official website, and powerHouse's site. We'll also be updating you with details on the opening party as the date approaches.

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1. Are you right or left-brained? Who knows, right? Well, there's a naked spining woman that will (supposedly) give you some insight into what's going on with you upstairs. Check her out. Not only will it drive you crazy, but on the plus side, it will also take your mind off whatever's under you skin at the moment. It's actually quite addictive, although I'm upset I've only made her switch directions once.

2. Get out of the house tomorrow night to support a good cause -- SFOTE -- who are having a launch party (Wednesday 11.07.07) at The Tribeca Grand. Neville Wakefield, Brana Wolf and founder, Everard Findlay are hosting this special night with a private cocktail reception. Kyp Malone & Tunde Adebimpe of TV On The Radio and Gang Gang Dance will be performing. That you won't want to miss! For more info on getting tickets, click here. It's sure to be an amazing night. "SFOTE works with communities around the world, partnering global professionals with local leadership to create site-specific, sustainable programs that provide lasting change." Checkout their site for more detailed info. Our friend Julie Ragolia of The Playground has been working hard for months with these folks to make it a memorable event.

2. Fred Perry just won't stop with the killer collaborations. "Following the major success of the last collaboration, Fred Perry has invited Alastair McKimm to develop three new styles. The designs use key Fred Perry details, including a polo shirt placket, tipped collars, and cuffs, cleverly combining them with simple long sleeve jersey tees and hoodies. The classic laurel branding is applied via pique covered pin badges." Genius!! Check out the designs on Fred Perry's site, where you can buy them. Or stop by one of the many Fred Perry shops worldwide. Noticeably missing from the list? A New York shop. My gut tells me it won't be long until one opens. Keep an eye for it.

1. Everyone's favorite Iceland band, Sigur Ros, has a new film out and a new EP to accompany it: Heima & Hvarf. Checkout some of the tracks from the EP and a trailer of the film on their MySpace. They're also on tour. Checkout their tour dates to see when they're coming to your neck of the woods and to buy your tickets now.

2. If you haven't heard of Kenna yet, now's the time. Checkout his MySpace to test drive a few songs. This guy's about to blowup. "Kenna Zemedkun was born in Addis Ababa. His family migrated to Virginia Beach, where he first fell deep in love with American music, specifically U2's Joshua Tree, an album that would forever shape his sonic aesthetic. For many years he struggled to find himself, working odd jobs and attending college. Until in his late teens he returned to his first love: music. With high school classmate "Chase" Chad Hugo--one half of production powerhouse The Neptunes--engineering and co writing the material, the demo got to Flawless Records where he was signed without so much as a face-to-face meeting." Not only is his music hot, but collaborating with The Neptunes is a well-known recipe for success.

3. One of my favorite shows--Sunday Morning--profiled one of my favorite artists Takashi Murakami. Murakami, known as the Warhol of Japan, has a huge show currently up at MOCA in LA entitled © Murakami. The show features "more than 90 works in various media spanning the early 1990s to the present, this international traveling retrospective is an unprecedented opportunity to survey the depth and breadth of Takashi Murakami's entire career." Checkout this page for more information on the show, this video interview of Marc Jacobs speaking about his Louis Vuitton collaboration with Murakami, and the official site for Kaikai Kiki Co. which "was founded by Takashi Murakami in 2001, and evolved from its predecessor, the Hiropon Factory, which was founded in 1996. If you're in LA, checkout this show. It's nothing short of amazing.

1. Serious art lovers take note: George Seurat, The Drawings, is running at MoMA now through January 07.2008. "Once described as the most beautiful painter’s drawings in existence, Georges Seurat’s mysterious and luminous works on paper played a crucial role in his career. Though Seurat is most often remembered as a Neo-Impressionist, the inventor of pointillism, and the creator of the painting, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, his incomparable drawings are among his - and modernism’s - greatest achievements. Working primarily with conté crayon on paper, Seurat explored the Parisian metropolis and its environs, abstracted figures, spaces, and structures, and dramatized the relationship between light and shadow, creating a distinct body of work that is a touchstone for the art of the twentieth century and today." Checkout the official page on MoMA's site for more info and here for info and images of works in the show. They have very high rez scans of four (4) sketchbooks and their contents. It's really amazing what a kiler job MoMAdoes at showing work online, especially for those not able to make it to the show.

2. Last Saturday, the 27th of October, the third Comme Des Garcons GUERRILLA STORE +4822 WARSAW opened in a former fruit and vegetable store in a building of the Stalinist era. As always, it looks super hot. We obtained these exclusive pics of the store, which you've got to checkout. Only CDG can serve it up like this. My question remains: when is the CDG Guerrilla Store coming to New York?

1. If you haven't been to The Modern yet, now's the time. Shockingly, I hadn't been to MOMA since the renovation--I still haven't been inside the museum--so it was quite shocking to go to The Modern on Halloween night to find a chic, sleek restaurant with all the style you'd expect in Midtown with a downtown sensibility. It's the best of both worlds. "Taking Museum dining to sophisticated new heights, The Modern is a fine dining restaurant located at the Museum of Modern Art featuring the original French-American cuisine of Alsatian-born Chef Gabriel Kreuther, with desserts by Marc Aumont. The Modern offers two distinct dining experiences: The Dining Room – The stunning space overlooking the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden features a multi-course prix-fixe menu of Chef Kreuther’s elegant, creative French cuisine. The Bar Room – The casual, vibrant and bustling space serves small plates of rustic, Alsatian cuisine. In addition to accepting reservations. The Bar Room welcomes guests on a walk-in basis." The staff, the decor, the lighting, the sound levels, the crowd: all A+. It's so cool and chic, you'll forget you're in Midtown. Make reservations (212.333.1220) to avoid any issues.

2. check back shortly

3. for updates...

We've all heard of Serge Gainsbourg, but how much do you really know about this iconic French singer??

"Since his death, Gainsbourg's music has reached an iconic stature in France. His lyrical brilliance in French has left an extraordinary legacy. His music, always progressive, covered many styles: jazz, ballads, mambo, lounge, reggae, pop (including adult contemporary pop, kitsch pop, ye-ye pop, '80s pop, pop-art pop, prog pop, space-age pop, psychedelic pop, and erotic pop), disco, calypso, Africana, bossa nova, and rock and roll. He has gained a following in the English-speaking world with many non-mainstream artists finding his imaginative and eclectic arrangements highly influential."

Check his Wikipedia entry for lots more details, including a discography and links to fansites.

I'm not sure if he's in the same league yet, but all you Leonard Cohen fans take note: Serge is about to jump on Leonard's "Uber Cool Poster Child" turf very soon. He's much more relevant in today's world with his cocky yet aloof French air and playboy ways with a string of affairs with the hottest women of his day. Side note: The fact that this guy could get such gorgeous women gives hope to men across the world, which I think is part of his appeal.

My friend Ken sent me this excellent video of my French Hero, Serge Gainsbourg at his best. While technically not one of his finer moments, it really drives home what I love about the guy:

A ladies man till the end.

In 1968 he recorded his most famous song with then lover, Brigitte Bardot, but left it unreleased at her request and rerecorded the song in 1969 with his new girl (and mother of famous daughter Charlotte), Jane Birkin.

I love the video, and it's great to know that the track was powerful enough to be officially denounced by the Vatican!

I'm a fan of his entire career, including later experiments with reggae and electronica. This track is from my favorite Serge album, Aux Armes et Caetera. And don't forget this super sexy video Bonnie & Clyde by Brigitte Bardot & Gainsbourg. So cool.