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

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

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

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

Through the years, American Idol has provided the country with countless hours of entertainment. We were moved watching Kelly Clarkson’s tearful victory in season one. We laughed (and some of us cried) watching the tone-deaf stylings of William Hung. From the train wreck beginning auditions to the now-famous confetti showers on finale night, Idol offered something for everyone in its first eight seasons. And then season nine rolled around.

From the moment it began, season nine felt different. A few too many crazies in the beginning episodes? Nah, that’s normal Idol fodder. The real problems began when the folks that were supposed to be the actual talent started singing during the live voting rounds. Sure, Tim Urban’s pearly whites and delicately quaffed hair made millions of geometry students cheer, but nice features does not an Idol make.

Then there was Andrew Garcia, the early frontrunner who wowed the judges with his acoustic rendition of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” It wasn’t long before the other shoe dropped for (or on) Mr. Garcia, and viewers realized that he straight up stunk.

The weeks went by and more and more viewers slipped away. Sad. I still watched, though. It’s a fact I’m not particularly proud of, but what can you do? We all have our things.

Finally, the season of sadness came to a close last week, as Lee Dewyze was named the ninth American Idol. I actually quite like Lee, but his victory alone is not enough to salvage a season of poo poo platter after poo poo platter, disguised as a singing competition.

Here’s to a season ten that isn’t run by middle school girls and the cell phones they are too young to have, anyway! In other news, this year’s winner bears a striking resemblance to one of our very own Hunters (Danny Palestine). Dontcha think?

Michael

Growing up in the south, Memorial Day barbecues and pool parties always signified the start of summer.  Now that I live in New York, summer really starts for me when Union Square Green Market comes alive.  Week by week, I anticipate summer and watch it grow closer based almost entirely on what produce is for sale on Saturday mornings in Union Square.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been able to stock up on fresh asparagus, mushrooms and herbs.  This weekend, the first batch of strawberries made their debut, and each week as the summer progresses, I’ll pick up something new--including amazing tomatoes, apricots and sweet corn.

The beauty of all these fresh ingredients from local farmers is that you don’t have to do much to them to make them taste good.  I usually show up at the market, pick up whatever I think looks good and work out a plan when I get home.  

Last week, that meant a super-simple, summery potato salad with cremini mushrooms, shallots, dill, oil and vinegar.  Who knows what next week will hold…

Valerie 

It’s 1997.  I’m 11 years old and completely, utterly obsessed with the hottest band on the market: Hanson - their songs, their long blonde locks, their terrible choice in clothing – all of it.  If someone told me I’d be seeing them perform five, full-length albums 13 years later, I probably would have said, “see you there!” 

Flash forward to 2010.  It’s the end of April and I’ve been gearing up for a legendary event that most people will never have the chance to experience.  Yes, Hanson, the band that fell off the face of the Earth in the 90’s, was about to perform a five-night concert series at New York City’s Gramercy Theatre, playing their entire discography: one album each night. I never doubted that they would make it this far.

I’ve been on a long journey with Hanson, from obsession in 5^th grade, to embarrassment in 8^th grade and finally to empowerment and passion in high school and beyond.  They’ve inspired multiple facets of my life through both their music and experiences in the music industry.   In fact, I credit Hanson as a major player in my decision to pursue public relations and eventually become part of the staff here at Hunter Public Relations.

Here’s the back-story: While everyone else thought they disappeared after MMMBop, Hanson actually continued to work on recording music, struggling with their record label for four years.  Finally, they broke their contract and decided to start their own independent label, 3CG Records. In 2004, nearly seven years after their breakout song, they released their first independent album, Underneath.  I saw this new beginning as a huge opportunity for them to re-introduce themselves to both the media and consumers.  But did you know about their new album in 2004?  Or the one after that, The Walk, in 2007?  Probably not.  I admire Hanson for the hardships they’ve gone through and the music they’ve made as a result, but media-wise, they could have made much better decisions.  That’s why I decided to share with all of you some of Hanson’s NEW music from their forthcoming album Shout It Out, hitting stores June 8.

The band’s five-night series was brilliant – it was their way of thanking longstanding fans like me while also making a splash in the greatest city in the world, New York.  And they made their splash!  Hanson appeared on the TODAY Show, Late Night with David Letterman and had a full-page spread in this week’s New York Magazine.  A great start getting the word out!  They’re hitting the road this summer touring with Rooney and playing songs off Shout it Out – if they’re in your city go check them out!

A final thank you after a long week of music.

I invited a few Hunter’s with me to the concerts last week – some were excited, some were embarrassed and some were nervous to see what Hanson sounded like all these years later.  Take a look below!

Hope you enjoy re-discovering one of the greatest pop bands out there!

Nancy

A traditional Mother’s Day for me is one I always look forward to. Starting off with kisses from my wonderful children for every year I’ve been a mother. 7 kisses from my son and 14 from daughter this year, then partaking of a wonderful breakfast my husband and children prepare consisting of pancakes, eggs, and bacon & fruit salad. Although, my fruit salad never really makes it to the tray because my son believes he must sample the fruit to make sure they’re just right.

I then look forward to Sunday Mass where we receive our Mother’s Day blessing, followed by an early dinner with parents, grandparents.

Although my Mother’s Day tradition comes only once a year, Mother’s Day is everyday for all Mother’s who know they are loved and appreciated.

Linda      

There was a time in middle school when I went to my dad’s dental office for Bring Your Child to Work Day. Not only did I learn about the art of filling cavities and crafting dentures, but I also realized that the most rewarding part of his job is building patient relationships. That day gave me a better understanding of why he loves going into work every single day.

Fast forward 10 years and the tables turned.

Last week, Hunter Public Relations hosted its first-ever Bring Your Parents to Work Day. Over time, we've found that many of our parents and extended family members have little to no idea about the life of a PR professional. As a result, Hunter PR conducted a survey to see what the staff's family members thought PR executives typically handle. Overall, our survey concluded that 45% of family members believe the job involves creating a print ad or TV commercial, and 85% of people wish they had a better understanding of what PR professionals do for a living.

We organized a jam-packed schedule of activities for our 70+ attendees, with PR 101 courses including brainstorming, media training and social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs). We also offered our family members hands-on electives to introduce them to Hunter PR’s client roster, which included wine tasting, whisky tasting featuring our clients Bushmills and Johnnie Walker, recipe development featuring Campbell's cooking soups, and a gift-wrapping demo featuring Scotch tape and Scotch gift-wrapping supplies. The gift-wrapping course even included a special appearance by 2008 Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper, Alton Dulaney.

We would like to thank all of the family members for attending and making the event a huge success. The day’s activities were informative, inspiring, engaging, and most importantly, fun!

A few words parting words from the parents:

“I learned about the elements of the brainstorming process. I can see why my daughter is always so excited when she talks to me about her job.”

- Jill Fishgold (Nancy’s mom)

“I learned a lot about PR today – especially social media!”

- Karen Bitting (Kaitlin’s mom)

“Today I learned how a company’s culture of fun and professionalism can drive excellence in the PR business. Hunters rock!”

- Bob Palestine (Danny’s dad)

Tracy Hom with her parents, Joe and Emily Hom