When they’re not launching the toy lines for blockbuster movies and entertainment, Hunter Public Relations Hasbro Boys Toys team spends much of its summer hopping around the map from fan convention to fan convention. They rarely have an opportunity to share “their world” with the rest of the Hunter PR family.  That is until last week…

Eric and Brittney are so sweet and unassuming…

 Last Wednesday night, a handful of Hunter PR staff members took to the “high seas” of NYC’s East River to enjoy MC Chris’ performance aboard the Rocks Off concert cruise.  While most in our group were getting their first taste of MC Chris and his counter culture hip hop artistry, overall, newcomers to this scene were definitely in the minority.  The boat was packed with enthusiastic fans of the lyrical wiz, who’s arguably the most prolific “nerdcore” rapper in the industry. Nerdcore? Yes, it refers to the subject matter by which MC’s music is inspired.  If he has watched it, read it or played with it in his life – he’s rapped about it.  So if you’re a fan of things like Star Wars and Harry Potter, or video games, comic books and cartoons, you’ll frakin love MC Chris.  Just ask my colleagues who went to the show that night…

OMGOMGOMG! It’s MC Chris!

 After setting the mood with a few pre-show geektastic scores by Hans Zimmer and John Williams, MC took to the stage with the energy and sharpness that has endeared him to his fan base for years.  He unleashed a set loaded with fan favorites including Hoodie Ninja, OMC, Tussin, Pizza Butt and Emo Party.  And the hundreds of rap hands in the air were proof positive that the crowd was lovin’ every beat.

Let me see your rap hands!

 As a long-time MC Chris fan myself, I always look forward to hearing him perform a few songs in particular at his shows:

IG-88’s ’57 Chevy – IG-88 is an Assassin Droid turned bounty hunter who had but a mere 5 seconds of screen time 30 years ago(!!!) in Star War: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. And he has his own awesome song. ‘Nuff said.

Pw/om, Townie and FTW – These three songs off of his Dungeon Master of Ceremonies album are nearly as great a trilogy as Star W…no, I can’t say that.  (But, sadly, none of these songs were performed that night.)

Fette’s Vette – It’s an anthem about Boba Fett, the guy who Darth Vader praised as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy.  Quite simply, you never question the Dark Lord of the Sith.  Period. 

Clone Troopers, and Dannys, and Boba Fetts! Oh, my!

 What a great night!  The show was fantastic and I’m sure that we’ll get even more colleagues out for the next time MC Chris takes the stage in New York.

 MC Chris won over a few new fans at Hunter PR that night, so why not keep it going by becoming his fan on Facebook and following him on Twitter at @_mcchris.

 Joe

This summer, I was lucky enough to spend 10 full days and nights traveling throughout Israel on a Birthright program. For those of you who don’t know, Birthright is a free trip to Israel for Jewish people ages 18-26. Though I went with a friend from home, we were part of a North Jersey trip, with 38 other Jewish 18-21 year olds.

One of my favorite places we visited on the trip was on the first full day. After a hike in the morning, we traveled to the holy city of Tzfat. We visited the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Holy Temples there, and shopped for souvenirs in their artists’ village.

I also had my first taste of falafel in Israel in Tzfat, and it definitely lived up to my expectations—it’s ruined me for falafel anywhere else!

A definite favorite part of the trip for me was staying in a Bedouin village for a night—we slept in a familial tent with our entire group, and rode camels (some of us less gracefully than others…) before eating a huge, delicious dinner.

Another unforgettable part of Israel was hiking Mount Masada. Aside from being a major historical landmark in Israel, it was gorgeous! We hiked the mountain at 5 a.m., so that we were able to watch sunrise from the peak!

The trip was definitely one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to travel back to Israel. Until then, I’ll have to keep in touch with friends from the trip and keep meeting in the city to reminisce on our amazing time in the Holy Land!

Samantha

I haven't quite decided if it's having grown up in Maine, surrounded by wilderness, or whether it's the brief moment of warm escape from our oh-so-air-conditioned office, but there's just something about Madison Square Park that draws me in, day after day.

For those of you who have been to the park (or now have looked it up on a map), you know that it is really quite small – it only takes me about two minutes to walk diagonally across, even in heels.  But the park’s twisting pathways, flowing fountains and numerous spots to stop, sit and soak it all in, allow you to become truly immersed in nature, and are reason enough to actually take your lunch break during the busy work week.

Of course, you eventually realize that you are in the midst of a famous metropolis, and with the best of both worlds, there is no shortage of things to do, places to go, or people to see…

Surrounding the park you can find almost anything you might want to eat, whether it’s a gourmet meal, a sub from a chain restaurant, supplies for a picnic, or fresh fruit from one of the many outdoor vendors.  If you're willing to wait in the ever-present line (or know enough to check the live video feed to see any breaks in the crowd) the juicy burgers and heavenly concretes at the Shake Shack are honestly worth your wait.  Just make sure to B-line it if you’re only filling your frozen dessert fix.

 But, what really draws the crowds in to Mad.Sq.Pk. is the summer concert series that takes place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday until 8/4.  With "acts ranging from jazz, soul and R&B to folk, bluegrass and pop…” there's sure to be something for everyone!  

Whether it's your type of jam or not, the concerts make for great people watching sessions, and can be the perfect outdoor alternative to typical happy hours (the Shake Shack serves beer and wine).  Definitely worth a trip, but hurry, concerts end soon!

Other attractions at the park include:

·      Seasonal Art Exhibits

·      A dog park

·      A children's play area

·      Grassy sections for lounging

·      Plentiful chairs, benches and small patio tables

* For a list of all the things going on make sure to check out the park's event calendar.

Weather permitting, you know where to find me this summer: in my small city escape!  I hope someday you check it out, too.

Abby

It’s that time of year again. What time of year you may ask? Time for New York City Restaurant Week! NYC Restaurant Week debuted in 1992 as the country’s first-ever restaurant week. Today, Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that lasts approximately two weeks every summer and each winter. Over 250 restaurants participate each season. These restaurants offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $24.07 (lunch) and $35 (dinner).  

Last night, I dined at Le Cirque, one of the city’s premier French restaurants. I must admit that this was my first time eating French food and I was initially a bit intimidated by the menu. I ordered Chicken and Ramp Tortelli as my appetizer, which was a dumpling served in hazelnut broth. Everyone at my table agreed that this was the most delicious appetizer. For my main course, I ordered Sautéed Beef Medallions, which were served over a mushroom tart. This was equally scrumptious! Being a chocolate lover, I ordered Chocolate Fondant with caramelized bananas and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. After consuming my daily serving of chocolate, I sampled my friends Crème Brulee, which Le Cirque is famous for. The most unique element of their Crème Brulee is the dish in which it is served. Once you eat the dessert, you are provided with the recipe.

NYC Restaurant Week is a great way to experience restaurants that you wouldn’t normally frequent. While NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2010 officially ends on Friday, many restaurants have decided to extend their specials through the end of the summer. Click here for more information. Bon appétit!  

Megan

Before I entered the world of public relations, I was a manager at a busy and popular restaurant in New York City. During the three years I spent in the restaurant business, there was one question that was always asked of me: “HOW THE HECK DO I GET A RESERVATION?!” Well folks, I’m about to share with you my tips to scoring a great reservation.

1. If you want an 8pm reservation and the restaurant offers you 9 pm, take it! Let the reservationist know that you prefer something closer to 8 pm. If that 8 pm reservation opens up, the reservationist is going to call people with existing reservations before s/he starts calling off the wait list.

2. If you can’t get a reservation over the phone, try walking in if you’re in the neighborhood. Restaurants often reserve several tables for walk-ins only—these tables do not appear on OpenTable.com.

3. If you walk in to a restaurant and you’re told that it will be an hour wait and you’re thinking of slipping the maitre d’ dolla dolla bills…THINK AGAIN! You are wasting your money and let’s face it, you’re not at a club in Vegas. A tip is not going to get you fed faster. If the maitre d’ makes magic happen and seats you quickly, express your appreciation after your meal. Only then should you tip, if you so choose.

4. Become a manager’s BFF. Strike up a conversation with a manager and exchange business cards. The next time you want to come in you can skip calling and not bother with Open Table. You can e-mail the manager directly and ask for reservation help.

5. Calling far in advance to make a reservation is always advised. Many restaurants accept reservations 28 days in advance. However, if you’re unable to score a table in advance, call the day before and even the day of your desired reservation. During this time restaurants receive cancellations and release un-booked reservation slots that it held for regulars and friends of managers/owners of the restaurant.

6. Lastly, if you see this man, alert someone in the restaurant immediately. They will owe you forever .

Maya

When did we start living in the future? I mean, we’ve all been aware of technology evolving through our lifetime, but nothing like the pace we seem to be currently on.

The other day I found out Sony is developing a display that is as thin as a sheet of paper and flexes like paper too. We’ve got cars that run on air, and with regards to cellular technology all I have to say is this- iphone.

All of these innovations are amazing and were conceived to give us the ability to multitask and mass communicate. But, has anyone thought about how much we all depend on technology?

Back in the day, I remembered all sorts of things from phone numbers and addresses to instructions on how to make a kite. Nowadays, if I walk out of my home without my cell phone I can’t help but feel a little anxious.

Technology certainly has its perks and I’d be a hypocrite if I told you not to use it, but as an exercise, try going a day without your phone. Who knows, you might find it liberating.

Freddy 

Towels.  Sunscreen.  Sunhat.  Bathing suit.  Biodegradable trash bags.  CHECK!  Seems like a normal packing list for a weekend beach excursion until you notice that trash bags have found their way onto the list.  Whereas many beachgoers wish their fellow terry-clothed neighbors took the time to clean up (two words for clean up when used as a verb) after themselves at the beach, more often than not we’ve all left something behind for someone else to find.  Back to that thought in a moment…

My first beach love lies on the shores of Ocean Beach, Fire Island in New York, where as a toddler I took my first steps and now as an adult, continue to visit for memorable weekend jaunts.  I will confidently share that I’d prefer to visit any shore than the mountains no matter the history, the hotel or epicurean delight that may tempt me into the forest.  Spending time at the beach is something I look forward to all year long.

So, imagine my joy and delight upon learning that as part of the Barefoot Wine team at Hunter Public Relations, I would take part in an entire summer-long series of beach cleanups this summer during the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project! Though my team has been keeping beaches Barefoot-friendly for the last 4 years with support from the Surfrider Foundation, it is still a brand new undertaking for me.  So, I couldn’t have been happier or more enthusiastic about a trip to Rockaway Beach, New York two weekends ago for the kick off.

The weatherman called for rain but it turned out to be a fantastic, super sunny day for a cleanup.  More than 100 beach cleanup volunteers (including many fellow Hunter PR staff members, along with my sister, mom and helpful husband) joined up for a Saturday afternoon complete with picking up trash from beside the shore.   Following the cleanup we toasted everyone’s efforts with glasses of Barefoot Wine + Bubbly and a live music performance by Eric Hutchinson.  As the summer sun set, we high-fived each other’s efforts knowing that come Monday morning, we’d have a slight sunburn on our noses and shoulders as we start planning for the 20 additional cleanups taking place from now through October. 

Next time you see me at the beach, you can rest assured that this beach gal will have a bag in tow for trash to stow.

Check out the schedule and join us on the beach this summer!

Sarina

If you are looking to take a trip overseas, I highly recommend sitting through the 15-hour flight to Asia it will be well worth your time and money. I recently visited the “Pearl of the Orient,” the place where East meets West – the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong. This bustling city will be liked by anyone who is adventurous when it comes to food, interested in experiencing a new culture and likes to shop.

A few quick tidbits about Hong Kong – the official languages are English and Cantonese; the currency is the Hong Kong Dollar; Hong Kong spans approximately 420 square miles and consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, and more than 200 offshore islands, which are separated by Victoria Harbor; Hong Kong was originally settled by Britain and has many British influences as a result.

If you find yourself in Hong Kong...

Try authentic Cantonese food!

Like fish? Visit any of the local fishing villages, including Lei Yue Mun. Here you can choose any fish or crustacean from the individual fish vendor stalls, and your fish will be hand-delivered to your restaurant for the chef to prepare to your liking.

For a fancy night on the town, try The Four Season’s Lung King Heen, the only Chinese restaurant with a three star Michelin rating. I suggest splurging for the chef’s tasting menu where you can try everything from shark’s fin to abalone to wagyu beef. The menu changes seasonally, so make a reservation and look at the recent menu before your visit.

Bring your sneakers, and pick up an Octopus card!

Like many big cities, Hong Kong is a place best explored on foot. You can walk to most places or enjoy the efficient train system called the MTR. Pick up an Octopus card and save yourself the hassle of buying train tickets each day by prepaying the fare. The train system is easy to navigate and you can use your cell phone underground – just be sure to keep to the right on the escalators.

Visit the Central area for an extensive array of shopping at the IFC Mall. As you make your way to the shops, you will see many of the towering skyscrapers that dot the city skyline. 

Next, set your bags down and head up to The Peak. For a good work out, walk up the windy path to the top in about 30 minutes or take a tram to the summit.  From The Peak you will see views of Hong Kong that are unmatched anywhere else!

After your day of walking, relax pier-side in Kowloon, located directly across from Hong Kong Island, for the best view of the city skyline. The laser light show was named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records. This attraction is free and runs on the hour.

The tourist hotspots are endless!

Depending on your length of stay, additional activities and locations to visit while in Hong Kong include:

- Happy Valley horse racing

- Lantau Island cable car ride to a giant Buddha

- Shek-O Beach for surfing

- Mongkok Hong Kong markets

- Lan Kwai Fong for nightlife that stretches far into early morning

- Museums in Tsim Sha Tsui including Museum of Art and Museum of History, Space Museum and Science Museum

There is so much to do in Hong Kong that I recommend you stay for at least 5 days. Find out more from the Hong Kong visitors center.

路順風 (Have a safe journey!)

Rebecca

Memorial Day weekend is thought by many to be the unofficial start of summer, and if the weather cooperates common celebrations include hitting the beach or hosting a barbeque.  Three friends and I took a different approach to the long weekend, however, by embarking on a road trip that took us from Seattle to Los Angeles over the course of two weeks.

Some noteworthy stops along the way included:

- Seattle’s Pike Place, known to many as the home of the original Starbucks and site of the famous public market

- The Gorge in George, WA for the Sasquatch Festival, which is definitely the most beautiful concert venue I’ve ever been to

- Portland, OR, where we fell in love with the Ace Hotel (which became our home away from home) and took a side trip to Astoria where The Goonies was filmed 25 years ago

- Traversing the Redwood Forest, where we almost took off a side mirror in our attempt to take a Chevy Tahoe through the famous drive-through tree

- Wine tasting in Sonoma Valley, complete with a picnic lunch

- San Francisco, where we successfully fit a week’s worth of activity into two days thanks to our dedicated host/tour guide, Brant

- Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur along Route 1, which featured breathtaking scenery for miles

- Los Angeles, where we managed to visit Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach when not sitting in traffic

We also used our trip as an exercise in social media by group tweeting along the way (check out our feed at http://www.twitter.com/thebrodyjenner - our account name is a long story!).  Our friends and families were able to view photos and read trip commentary instantaneously while we created a digital journal that we can return to for years to come. 

We came to a realization during our trip that eventually became our unofficial motto: it wasn’t a vacation, it was an adventure.

Kaitlin

In just a few short hours, millions of soccer (or should I say football) fans across the globe will tune in for the kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. With more than 136,000 U.S. fans in attendance, we’re sure to hear rousing chants of U-S-A circling the stadium.

To give soccer novices a little background, the World Cup is held every four years and is undoubtedly the most prestigious competition in the world of soccer. Over a one-month period, 32 teams will compete to claim the title of World Champion – not to mention, major bragging rights!

The festivities begin tonight, the eve of the opening match, with the Kick-Off Celebration Concert. The show starts at 2:00 PM (EST) and VEVO is planning to webcast all of the action, including performances by Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Shakira and more. Don’t forget to tune in to ABC on Saturday, June 12 at 2:30 PM (EST) as Team U.S.A. squares off against England.

New Yorkers in search of places to watch the games can check out Metromix New York’s “Where to Watch” list.  

And, if you’d like to do your homework before the games begin, refer to “The top players to watch in South Africa” list on the NY Daily News website. 

Jennie Long