Things To Do in NYC

Had an out-of-town colleague visiting today, so I sent her a short list of destinations, activities and restaurants. Thought this would be worth sharing:

UCB Theatre – some of the best live comedy improv in the world! Shows are dirt cheap. Go dressed casual and comfortable. Check website for show listings, and reserve tix online.
http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com

MoMA – most gorgeous museum you’ve ever seen. And they’ve got the Tim Burton exhibit still going on. You can spend all day here, so reserve this for a rainy day.
http://www.moma.org/

Museum of Arts & Design – small museum is a nice spot either before or after dinner. Allow only 1-2 hours to soak it all up. Oh, and stroll around Columbus Circle – gorgeous.
http://www.madmuseum.org/

Terra Blues – great live jazz and blues way downtown. Check it out Wed / Thurs or Fri night. This place has been my favorite spot for years and years.
http://www.terrablues.com

Flavorpill Recommends – comprehensive list of trendy night spots.
http://flavorpill.com

The Red Cat – beautiful little restaurant tucked away in Chelsea. Intimate setting, great wine list, reasonably priced. My wife and I love this spot.
http://www.theredcat.com/

Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine – with a couple of locations in NYC, this is a great lunch spot. You get lots of delicious, authentic Cuban food for a good price. It gets crowded, so get there no later than noon sharp!
http://www.sophiescuban.com/

Shake Shack – this place must have been featured in every movie, sitcom and food review. Go here for snack or lunch. Make sure its not too cold or raining, because the line is loooooong.
http://www.shakeshack.com/

Bookmarks Lounge at Library Hotel – this lounge is on the hotel rooftop. Heat lamps and enclosures will keep you warm. Go on a clear night to get some memorable views. Dress professionally. Network with other NY media folks, who consist of 90% of the crowd.
http://www.libraryhotel.com

Future of Web Design Conference in NYC

I'd like to attend the upcoming FOWD Conference in NYC, November 3-4. The absolute highlight for me is to hear Hillman Curtis speak about how he's continued to re-invent himself as an artist. Hillman Curtis was one of a few significant influences on my career as a graphic designer (others included Stephen Sagmeister and David Carson, although neither is currently scheduled to join Mr. Curtis as a speaker).

What stands between me and this conference, is funding. As the economy weakens, it is harder for my employer to approve expenses like this. In that case, I hope Louise at Carsonified can come through for me with a pass.

Why I'm In Advertising

It was the early 80's. Looking up in Times Square, I fixed my eyes on what must have been a Coca-Cola billboard. Amazed by the classic design, magnificent scale and masses of people exposed to it, it is my belief that at this moment I became mesmerized with the profession of advertising. Of course, at this prepubescent age I was also entertaining a few other careers: veterinarian, Disney animator or professional Corvette driver (the job description speaks for itself).

Looking back, it feels good to say that I've gone down one of my dream career paths. However, after zig-zagging a bit, and flexing my creative muscle, I'm not quite sure how I landed into this current role. I think it's a new found passion to make my clients wildly successful, in an all-new, quantifiable way.

MUG Redesigns

One of my favorite sources for "what's hot & happening in NY" has redesigned! The MUG (Manhattan Users Guide) email newsletter showed up in my inbox this afternoon all fresh-faced and shiny.

I've referenced MUG several times in my posts, and have always appreciated Charlie & Co.'s: list of best movers in NYC, tasty new restaurants, hoppin' night spots, fresh tunes, best sample sales... the list goes on. And sure, the design always felt very 1999. But the unique content, inside scoop and (seemingly) expert advice always kept me coming back.

While it looks like MUG is still working out the kinks to this new design, I wish the devoted crew the best of luck with their new design direction.

Lame Pepsi Monster Invades Times Square

After skimming Ad Age's article this morning about a Pepsi Monster in Times Square (idea hatched by BBDO), I figured I'd stroll outside the office to see if I could locate the creature.

Well, low and behold -- a lame, giant, inflatable, ugly-looking thing awaited just outside our doors. I walked over to take a closer look and capture a few photos, but the below-freezing temps resulted in some quick snapshots and a speedy retreat back inside.

(However, not before I managed to walk away with this freebie.)

NYTimes' Eye For All That's Urban

Look out DailyCandy and MUG Newsletter, there's a new hip daily NY nightlife and shopping newsletter from the folks at NYTimes.com called UrbanEye.

After receiving the newsletter for a couple of weeks, I've found their recommendations for restaurants, night spots, shopping, books and music to be on point. Being the NY Times, they shoot for a broader audience, unlike aforementioned dailies targeting hipsters.

Now Working for Microsoft

As if every publication hasn't already offered enough coverage on the topic, I'd like to share the news that my employer; aQuantive (AQNT), today announced their acquisition by Microsoft (MSFT).

While every publication and ad rag may have offered you an outsider's take, I'm here to offer you an insider's perspective.

I first learned of the news by email this morning shortly before 8:30am EST. I read the note with mixed emotions — err, mostly surprise and amazement. Rumors of a Microsoft acquisition of our Atlas division have been floating around for weeks, but a purchase of Mother AQNT? Absurd! I wondered, alongside other early morning stragglers; "what would Microsoft want with an interactive advertising and media agency"? Sure, scoop up Atlas' ad-serving tool to go head-to-head with Google/DoubleClick = DoubleGoo. The price of the spin off might hover close to 1 billion, but the days of $3 billion ad-serving purchases are soooo last quarter. 24/7 only cost WPP $649 million!

So, my day at the office today consisted of several all-hands conference calls and in-person speeches — by every last AQNT and MSFT member of senior leadership. The word on the street is, naturally, "business as usual". Once the acquisition officially passes mustard with the U.S. Gov't, our business units will continue to operate separately from our new parent company, folding under MS Professional Services division. Sounds greeaaaat.

What does this mean for Avenue A | Razorfish? What does it mean for me? Time will tell, and this will surely be the spot you'll find out. Stay Tuned.