King of Pop, May You Rest in Peace

When I was told he had full cardiac arrest, I couldn't believe it. Would he make it? I had chills. Now despite all the negative press surrounding Michael in the late 90's and beyond, I couldn't help but be shocked by his death. I almost lost it when I found out.
We truly lost a great entertainer, an icon and a music legend!

My very first memory of Michael the entertainer was when my "graduating" pre-school class sang "We Are the World" in front of a crowd of our friends and family. I remember watching the video years later although it wasn't Billie Jean or Rock With You we were all so excited to be singing that song.

Michael was an amazing icon in so many ways. No one can deny his talent, his star power and the music that speaks to us. HIStory was on repeat for almost a year straight for me. We all grew up with him. He touched people around the world and each and everyone of us will remember what joy he brought to us. When we would hear MJ songs in the clubs and get all excited because it "brought us back". I don't know what to believe, if he truly did take the allegations so hard that it destroyed his spirit or he just went crazy, he now has his opportunity to live again and entertain the people that we've lost on Earth.

I can't help but feel sentimental about this and I will forever remember and think "where were you when.."

Rest in Peace KING of Pop!

Lounge vs. Bar: Happy Medium?

Ever get that feeling that you'd like to head out on the town, but, not get all fancy-fancy or wear your newest party dress? You'd like to get out and have a good night in the city, but, you don't necessarily want to stop at a hole-in-the-wall bar. I've made it a goal of mine to enjoy a nice night out (or a few) without all the frills during the summer months. I'm a huge fan of Happy Hour but, I'd like for a happy hour feel at 11pm-2am...New York City is heating up, it's 75 degrees and humid today.

Below is a list of places, I'd like to re-visit this summer:

1. La Linea - 1st and 1st (LES): I've been to this place quite a few times and had a great time each time I went. Great music (well at least what I like, hip hop, r & b, old school, etc.) and cheap drinks. Half price bar until 9pm, Monday thru Friday, gotta love it.

2. Bourbon - -46th between 8th and 9th (Theater District): HURRICANES, comfy seats and pop music happy hours til 8pm.

3. 1849 - Bleecker St (Village): Sweet decor, strong drinks but not enough seating. Good for groups at tables and 1-2 people at the bar. MUSIC can be great and can be weird. The area is perfect though!

4. Madame X - W. Houston (border of NoHo / SoHo): Super cool vibe and ambiance is key here: VERY INTIMATE! Wine is $5 glass and drinks are strong...Music tends to be a few years old, but still a nice place to go to.

A fellow blogger and cousin of a family member has recommended some new places in SpaHa (Spanish Harlem) so I'll probably have to check those out soon! Any more ideas?

I can't wait for more summer activities to start! Picnic in the Park, Water Taxi Beach, Game Nights, etc.

Bring on the summer!
Marisa

Do You Trust Your Media?

Media outlets have been saturating our minds for years and each time the news comes on, I tend to lose my mind especially when it's local and it's all fluff. I want to hear about the juicy stuff, so I spend about 1-2 hours a day reading up online about all the news going on (even the stuff you don't hear on TV, especially comments).

Anyway, I wanted to know if you heard about the man who shot up a military recruiting office in Arkansas. It wasn't top news on any of the local channels and I was surprised to hear about it on Morning Express (CNN) this morning. Why did this story get less press than the shooting of the abortion doctor? Are we that insensitive to the life of a human being? A human being who could and would be protecting my right to even speak about it right now. I am bit too patriotic in some people's eyes but I don't think that this country has personally done me wrong yet. That's why I still choose to love this nation! When someone who's protecting our nation by choosing to serve for it, I think they should be getting more press than the Frenchies (no offense to the horrible tragedy).

Either way, the point of all this is I want to know if you trust your media, do you look at it with a constructive mind or do you just believe everything? I personally can't stand watching MSNBC all the time nor can I stand half of the crazies at FOX NEWS. How about independent news outlets??? Do we have any?

Giving Back

So there's a part of me that chooses to give back to the community even if its volunteer work or participating in a walk for a cause. I'm not sure if this trait of mine came about during the college years or it's just something that's in my nature.

This year I am participating in New York's Light the Night Walk to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Although I had seen advertisements previously, it especially hit home this year. My boyfriend's mother lost her life to leukemia just over a month ago. I am walking in support of her and to hopefully raise money for this often overlooked disease. Myself and many others will be walking in the city to support this cause. If you'd like to join me, feel free to join my team by clicking the link below:

My Light the Night Fundraising Page

Thanks for reading!