Books
Bad Monkey
Carl Hiaasen
After a long winter of snow, grey, rain, slush and other gross things, Bad Monkey is a shining bright light. We start with a couple of Midwestern tourists fishing up a severed arm in Florida, which winds up in disgraced Miami cop Andrew Yancy’s freezer. The mystery only gets crazier from there, twisting when you expect turning and including a truly bad monkey. Hiaasen’s characters are snappy and sharp-witted, sarcastic and outrageous by turns, and there is nothing in the world that could prepare you for the twists this trip takes. Pick it up, read it, laugh with it. You’ll thank yourself later.
Call Me Burroughs: A Life
Barry Miles
William Burroughs was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century – widely credited as the original figure of the Beat Movement. He is famous (or infamous) for having his work Naked Lunch banned due to obscenity. He was a literary genius, a painter and photographer, a figure of huge importance to 60s youth culture, and an addict. Barry Miles, a friend of Burroughs, brings us the most comprehensive look at a great man’s life. Through his own knowledge of the man, his research and the help of James Grauerholz, Miles puts together a narrative – tragic, energetic, and magical – that takes us from start to finish of a life that couldn’t be made up.
Thinking Dead: What the Zombie Apocalypse Means
Edited by Murali Balaji
Humans have a really, really, strange obsession with death. Accept it as part of the natural cycle of things? Hah! So we come up with ghosts, vampires, and zombies. Especially zombies. Zombies are so pervasive that politicians have debated the safety of their country in the event of such an apocalypse. Thinking Dead brings together a collected set of essays under the careful eyes of editor Murali Balaji, to help explain society’s obsession with rotten flesh walking. From the psychology of The Other vs. Ourselves to living in “Post-Feminist” apocalypse worlds to firmly reestablish “traditional” values of a time before feminism, these essays are a brilliant insight to the world we live in today.
Foreign Gods, Inc.
Okey Ndibe
In our modern culture of secularism, spirituality is generally viewed as something to be mocked. In Okey Ndibe’s Foreign Gods, Inc., Ikechukwu Uzondu is a Nigerian-born, Amherst College magna cum laude graduate living in New York City – as a cab driver. Losing himself to alcohol and gambling addictions, Ike is desperate for money. Enter Foreign Gods, Incorporated – an art dealer specializing in the sale of ‘foreign gods’ to wealthy American clients. Fresh and gentle with his prose yet able to keep you tense in your seat as you turn the page, Ndibe offers an exploration of the African immigrant experience in America – and an indictment of our fetish for the ‘exotic’ wrapped in a thriller.
Heads in Beds
Jacob Tomsky
The weather’s nice again and you’re thinking about traveling. You might want to take that mini break, see some place new but, be advised, you don’t want to do it before you’ve read Heads in Beds. Jacob Tomsky has held every job you can imagine in the hospitality industry and knows that it’s exactly what it says on the tin – an industry. Cash talks. He knows all the perks you want – and he tells you exactly how to get them. He knows how the hotel makes you think you’re getting more than you really are, and he tells you exactly how they suck you in. You read this book, you’ll know how to get the best out of every hotel but just try not to laugh out loud while doing it.
Philomena
Martin Sixsmith
Catholic-dominated Ireland has the unfortunate habit of not being, well, catholic in its way of thinking. 1952 society had largely the same world view as they did in 1552. So when Philomena Lee found herself pregnant and unmarried she was ‘put away’ into a convent where they took her baby, sold it to rich Americans, and swore her to secrecy. So begins the tale of Philomena’s search for her son with the aid of an ex-BBC journalist (Sixsmith).Written in the style of a mystery novel, Martin Sixsmith explores the circumstances surrounding this stranger-than-fiction story, putting together exactly what happened and examining the role of the Church without caricaturing the actual players in the story.
Music
A$AP Rocky—Long.Live.A$AP
This second studio album of new-to-the-scene rapper A$ap Rocky isn’t only catchy in itself, but flares amazing collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Santigold. The vibe of the album may have you running to the nearest gold chain provider or snapback retailer, but the song ‘Fashion Killa’ is the one to make you yearn for Prada and Dior. Named ‘Seventh Best Hip Hop Album of 2013,’ it is a great soundtrack for urban fashion of today.
Dum Dum Girls—Too True
Originally from LA, the now NYC-based alt-indie band has come to embody several sounds. Beginning with a very lo-fi, garage rock-feel, their latest album, released in January of this year, has a more modern and trendy tone to it. Singer Dee Dee Penny claimes Madonna and Siouxsie and the Banshees as influences for this album—so naturally, it is fashion-proper.
Grimes—Visions
Recorded entirely by the artist using Apple’s GarageBand, Visions has an overall simplicity, but done really well so the production sounds like ultra-professional, studio-quality. Grimes, aka Claire Boucher, created this album solely with the help of her manager, Sebastian Cowan, and has received many accolades for the work. The music, coupled with Grimes’ eccentric, urban-style presence has been the focus of many fashion-forward hipster types’ wardrobes.
Lorde—Pure Heroine
This premier studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter, Ella Marija Lani Yelich O’Conner (whew), reached no. 3 on the U. S. Billboard 200, and has received much international acclaim. The most popular track ‘Royals’ discusses the disdain of being rich, which spreads through the entire chic-yet-angsty album fitting for any dark, overly-expensive boutique.
Phantogram—Eyelid Movies
This mod, electro-rock duo from NYC has really come to embrace a trendy, sharp sound good for working out, sitting back, or, of course, just walking down a busy sidewalk feeling like a badass. “Eyelid Movies” is their debut album that was released in 2009 but has yet to be played out. In particular, tracks “Mouthful of Diamonds,” “When I’m Small,” and “As Far As I Can see” evoke a fashion-fowardness you’ll understand after listening.
Movies
Blackfish
A documentary that explores the life of Tilikum, the notorious killer whale responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer and leaves any thinking viewer with the question; “How, in a civilised society in the 21st century can we still do this to any living creature?” If the answer is anything but very uncomfortable for you, your time’s up.
First Position
A documentary that follows six young dancers from around the world as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix. One of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, this is an annual chance for dancers ages 9–19 to earn a place at an elite ballet company or school.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Goes in depth to investigate the mind of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, sushi master who reinvented the perfection of sushi. His three-Michelin-star restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro seats 8 people, and is booked up to 6 months in advance, with a tasting menu that surpasses Michelin standards of excellence. His standards are perfectly explained by a (translated) quote from the website, “Sushi is a very simple unique Japanese dish. but it is no use trying to skimp. Only a genuine sushi chef can reach your heart.”
Religilous
With a clarity of thought reminiscent of the late Christopher Hitchens, Bill Maher travels the world in search of the truth of world religions, and then so cleverly debunks them all as man-made fictions. Hilarious, eye-opening, truthful; it is a controversial film that should provoke introspection amongst religious and world leaders but of course won’t because their eyes – and critical faculties – are so blinded by their faith. Shine the Light.
Theatre
New Amsterdam Theatre
Disney’s Aladdin
Next in the money-making trend of turning Disney movie classics into Broadway musicals is Aladdin. You know – poor boy meets a princess, is attracted to said princess, is tricked into finding a lamp with a genie, genie makes him a rich boy, and in the end he gets the princess. Alan Menkin composes and adapts his beloved tunes, Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) directs and choreographs, and absolutely no Middle-Eastern actors star, though at least Aladdin is played by Filipino and Genie is played by James Monroe Iglehart (no, really, Broadway casting, you’ve done a lot worse). Perhaps the coolest bit is that Jafar will be played by Jonathan Freeman – who first voiced him in the movies. Yes, I think we can all get behind that.
Neil Simon Theatre
All the Way
Lyndon B. Johnson is one of the Presidents most often passed over when it comes to history, probably because his presidency started with one of the country’s biggest tragedies. Even if he had been elected instead of thrust into the Oval Office, how could he ever have topped the popularity of JFK? If he’s remembered for anything, it’s for the Vietnam War – a nationally hated war even today – despite also calling for change and bullying Congress into passing amongst other bills, Medicare and the Civil Rights Act. Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad is LBJ in 1964.
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Carole King spent years as a Brooklyn teenager (at the time called Carol Klein) trying to get herself into the music industry. By the time she was in her twenties she was married and had a career writing music for other people. This is the true story of those years of struggle, the sudden rise to fame, and the navigation of her personal relationships to become one of the biggest solo artists of our time. Naturally, Gerry Goffin and Carole King provide the soundtrack to this classical, simply staged, and inspiring production. Jessie Mueller plays Carole King, Jake Epstein plays husband Gerry Goffin, Marc Bruni directs, and Douglas McGrath has put together a wonderful book that twines story and music together.
Walter Kerr Theatre
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
This is one of those comedies for those who enjoy the experience of schadenfreude. It’s a comedy that we could all use more of in these troubled times. It’s murder turned to nothing less than hilarity. Based on a novel by Roy Horniman, Monty Navarro (Bryce Pinkham) is a charming but distant relative to a family with a nice fortune. Given his place in line, he’s not likely to ever see it – so he sets out to do something about it. Jefferson Mays plays the 8 family members who get done in various loony ways, and Darko Tresnjak directs. And you’ll enjoy death in ways you’ve never thought possible.
Belasco Theatre
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Who doesn’t love Hedwig and the Angry Inch? (Hint: 90% of you who’ve raised your hands are lying.) Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, this version of the musical about a transgendered, rocking woman from East Germany, is still a killer-by-joy. It’s filled with punk-rock music, but underneath that is the compelling tale of a girl dreaming of a better life than poverty in Communist Berlin, not to mention being able to live in the right body, and the trials she goes through as she tries to reach fame. And this particular version stars Neil Patrick Harris, making a long-awaited return to Broadway.
Apps
Unicorn Disco
Unicorn Labs $1.99
creates characters from your photo library and makes them dance.
So now you can see what your mom looks like twerking . Ewwww.
Brian Cox’s Wonders of the Universe
HarperCollins Ltd – $0.99
This companion app to BBC’s phenomenal Wonders of the Universe and Solar System programs offers up over 200 interactive articles on the James T Kirk’s The Final Frontier
18,000 Cool Jokes
Cramzy – $0.99
exactly what it says on the tin – not sure how cool you’ll look with this is however.
Roadify
Roadify – Free
What Google Maps does for you in the car (route, eta etc.) Roadify does best when you’re waiting for the bus, or train, or subway. So no more cursing ? Yeah, rrright.
ASAP54
ASAP54 – $0.99
Just snap a photo of clothing you like, and search among fashion companies and fellow fans to find it. Street style meet my credit card.
Stomach Surgery Pro
Free
Live the glamorous life of a doctor without having to go to medical school. Use clamps, tubes, and pumps to simulate surgery. Might come in handy to get your tongue out of your cheek
Confide
Confide Inc. – Free
Lets you send someone a message that expires after it’s closed. The text is hidden by orange blocks So kinda Snapchat for text.
Popcorn Messaging
Vibrant Light – Free
Chat anonymously with strangers within one mile of you. Short distance pen pals, lying nerds or axe murders are all on the cards.
Ginger Booth
Martin Harte © Bluebear Technologies – $0.99
Ever thought what your partner would look like ginger. This app literally turns hair in photos red.
UP Coffee
Vibrant Light – Free
See how your caffeine levels change throughout the day as you down espressos, energy drinks and even chocolate. It knows when you’re WIRED and how long it will take you to nod off.
Vinted
Vinted Limited – Free
Basically, a thrift store at your fingertips. So another way to take the fun out of real life.
Sexy Truth or Dare
Your favorite high-school game can really get steamier with this sexy version. With three levels the app is perfect for a swinging singles party once you change the level slider to hot. Sexy Truth or Dare is strictly for adults.