944

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly…”

Summer is the season that probably has the greatest impact on me. It's when I think about who I am, what I’m doing and whose lives I have had an impact on.

The world didn’t end recently, but if it did would you be able to look back and be proud of what you have accomplished? What would you do differently? Would you have spent more time with your family, married that girl when you were younger, visited a sick grandparent in the hospital more or had a few less shots of tequila that night?

So I looked back on my past 10 years since I completed college and made a list of what I did and the things I wish I didn’t. It's an ongoing list I am adding to each time I remember more, but thus far I have come to the realization I am incredibly blessed. I have an incredible family that is always there for me, I have great friends I can truly call friends and I have experienced more “once in a lifetime” opportunities than one person should. I probably take for granted the access to the world I live in, but when it's all said and done it's not reality. It's fun and great, but true happiness doesn’t come in the form of hanging with celebrities and being backstage. Sure, I have done some dumb things — really dumb. But those dumb things have helped me to grow into the person I am today and I have learned so much from my mistakes. Mistakes are beautiful if you truly understand why it was a mistake and act differently the second time when given the opportunity. Conversely, a mistake is tragic if you keep repeating it.

My last 10 years, I started a company out of a dollar and a dream. Literally, it was really a dollar — I had to find coins in the bottom of old couches. I had no clue where it would go or what it would be but I had a burning desire to be successful and I was incredibly passionate about the concept. It could’ve been a bag of dirt and it would have been amazing. The team around me had just as much belief and determination, which made us an an unstoppable force. That company then grew exponentially year over year, affording a lot of people to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as giving a platform to a special demographic that has had an influence on many businesses, places, people and talent. Many notable talents, whether they're musicians or actors, got their first feature or break in 944.

I even look back on how this crazy lady came to pitch us on how she was going to be a big star and wanted to use our office on Sunset Boulevard at the time to do a small concert. That night they used my office as her dressing room and I remember having an OCD attack about all the glitter and makeup all over my desk. She went out there and put on a really unusual concert in this crazy costume where everyone in the room was wondering and giving me those looks on why I produced this concert for a whack job and invited them. Honestly I even thought to myself that night, “WTF Marc, why do you always have to trust your intuition?” All she had was a dream, she was unproven and no one ever heard of her — but then I caught a glimpse of her eyes and I saw she wasn’t going to let anyone stop her from her dream. Those eyes belong to who we know now as Lady Gaga. There are hundreds of stories like these, some just as big and some not as public but with as much of an impact socially and on helping make the world a better place. These stories are memories for those involved and they can never be taken away (you all know who you are). So following the traditional Hollywood style, these memories and stories are getting pen to paper for a book about the life of 944. And since our memories sometimes leave out things, send us a tweet @marclotenberg to remind us how 944 has had an impact on your life — Whether being featured, inspired or how you met your sweetheart at one of our events.

Everyone always thought 944 was just one big party, but the true insiders knew it was an incredibly powerful brand that brought people's dreams to life and I am glad that over the last 10 years I have been able to be a facilitator of these dreams coming to fruition. Whether you’re a little monster or a little dreamer, never let anyone hold you back from following what you believe in.

Marc Lotenberg
Visionary/Fighter/Lover
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

A couple years ago, Brett Leve relentlessly approached me about joining something called Summit Series. A co-founder, Leve and his team have created a group that engages the world's most dynamic dreamers and doers through curated events and initiatives designed to make the world a better place. I had no clue what this Summit Series was nor do I think they do either yet, but the passion he exuded was electric. For a long time I made excuses on why I couldn’t go witness his dream he was pitching me on, but this April I went. Now I am hooked like a junkie on smack. Words can't explain the experience so I will skip it but if you are lucky enough to have Elliot (the other founder), Brett, Josh, Justin, Jeff or one of the other amazing people from Summit ever ask you to be part of their family just say yes, trust me. Girls and gays, the boys I named happen to all be young and good looking, but don’t say yes for that. Don’t ask to join either, it's an invite-only thing. If you should be there, they will know.

During my three-day Summit, I was lucky enough to listen, speak, inquire, challenge and occasionally party with the below who stood out most from the group.

Sir Richard Branson
Chairmen, Virgin Group
As the opening of the weekend, Branson discussed his vision and how taking risks are important because if you are scared of failure you can't be successful. Have you heard of Virgin Cola and Branson’s idea to take on Coca-Cola? It's always entertaining when number 254 on Forbes list of Richest People In The World tells you about their big fuck-ups. But it's even more inspiring when the same person announces he is launching Virgin Oceanic, where they are building the world's first submarine capable of taking a human to explore the depths of our planet. No one has been to the bottom of our planet but several people have walked on the moon. Scary thought.

Blake Mycoskie
Chief Shoe Giver, TOMS Shoes
You gotta like someone who lives on sailboat, but you must love someone who has given more than 1 million shoes to people in need. Blake’s entire outlook on life could be viewed as crazy or genius — I go with the latter. As he brought out a 7-foot-tall cardboard cylinder he told us, "The next one-for-one product is inside this mystery box, which will be opened on June 7. The truth is what’s inside this box is not nearly as important as what is represents. TOMS is no longer a shoe company, it's a one-for-one company."

Beth Comstock
CMO, GE
There is this small outfit called GE, it’s a 130-year-old advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Operating in more than 100 countries and employing about 300,000 people, Beth leads the company's organic growth. “Business needs to enact social change, not just for internal staff, but for the community,” she says. “It gives employees a sense of mission and purpose.” Just from seeing her commanding approach in speaking, it's easy to see how she has moved up as one of the most successful females in our time. She's married with two kids, yet still finds time to solve the largest problems we are faced with in global change. Ecomagination, a brilliant concept is what everyone should take a look at. While GE doesn’t need to do this, they realize they should, and its engaging their staff and public exponentially. ecomagination.com

Bob McKnight
CEO, Quiksilver
I grew up in NY during the Spicoli days thinking all surfers were just stoned and burnt. Wearing boardshorts and holding a beer, Bob chatted in a calm, cool and collected way about how he got started following his lifestyle and turning it into a billion-dollar business — and how he almost lost it all over a bad acquisition of Rossignol. Mistakes aside, he relentlessly persevered through the challenges in his quest to be the leading global youth apparel company. His views on “co-opetition” and why he is friends with the other brand owners who are competing with Quiksilver is how you can tell this is only the beginning for them. If you aren’t sure, check out the awesome retail space they have in NYC's Times Square next time. Guess this surfer showed me.

Gary Vaynerchuck
Founder, Vayner Media
The Tony Soprano of the children’s neighborhood lemonade stand business, Gary was probably the most entertaining of the bunch. From New York Times best-selling books like Crush It! to his new book The Thank You Economy, I am excited to see what the next 10 years brings Gary (maybe he will complete his dream of owning the NY Jets).

Shai Agassi
CEO, Better Place Electric Vehicles
TIME magazine named Shai one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009, and not just because he is Jewish, but because of his solution to free cars from oil. At $5/gallon to fill up my car these days I am hoping Shai succeeds in his vision as many countries have signed on, with Israel leading the movement.

If you Google, check these people out. If you Facebook, look them up. If you Tweet, follow them. But if you have time to do more than that online, well, that explains why you'll never be invited to the Summit Series.


Marc Lotenberg
Carnival Crusder/Dynamic Dreamer/Survivor of Coachella 2011
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

For those of you heading to the Coachella Valley this weekend (or anytime before June 30th), there's a new Palm Springs pop-up shop worth checking out! Los Angeles-based modern home dcor favorite notNeutral has arrived in the desert. The notNeutral Pop-Up shop is a bright addition to the celebrated Palm Springs Design Section at N. Palm Canyon Drive. Located next door to Design Within Reach – the new notNeutral store is stocked with summer entertaining essentials including boldly colored outdoor lanterns and patio pillows. Also in store, the firm’s chic City Plates and a comprehensive Rug Gallery showcasing all of notNeutral’s contemporary rugs that start at $100. All notNeutral rugs are hand tufted in India and are GoodWeave certified assuring that no illegal child labor was used in the manufacture these rugs.

The notNeutral Palm Springs store is located in the El Paseo Building which was recently redone by notNeutral parent company, Rios Clementi Hale Studios. The El Paseo Building, located on the corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and Tamarisk is a Class 1 historic site notable for its covered, open air paseo and chic internal courtyard.

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 6 and Sunday 12 - 5 thru June 30, 2011.

800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Written by: Kira Coplin

“Alright, already the show goes on

Alright, till the morning we dream so long

Anybody ever wonder, when they would see the sun up

Just remember when you come up

The show goes on!”
-Lupe Fiasco, 944 April Music Issue Cover

I am one of those people who have trouble remembering things — maybe it’s the drugs from my college years (thank you Arizona State University) or the liquor from the present — but music helps recall every detail of a situation. One minute you are smiling and happy and then “Fair” by Remy Zero comes on and brings you back to the one that crushed you and suddenly a dark cloud of memories alters your mood instantly. And in other cases you are in a rut and just down on life and a great song like “Let Go” by Frou Frou comes on and gives you the spark to get up and shake it off. Music is more than just lyrics and notes, it can control your emotions, your thoughts and your actions.

Billboard may have its top 100 and iTunes has its top charts, but I have taken a little more … shall we say creative approach. Below is my list of songs along with a description of a girl who would most likely be listening to it, a frame of mind or when to play the song.

“A Beautiful Mess”
Jason Mraz
You love her, she loves you. It’s a magical experience every time your eyes meet, but you found each other at the wrong point in your lives. Or maybe in a prior life you shared something amazing and you now have a natural magnetic energy in the present. Either way, every time you make love the world stops and everything makes sense. Then when the song ends you go on your separate ways and look forward to the next encounter, still not understanding how to fix this beautiful mess.

“Caramel”
Suzanne Vega
You can find her at the Fasano Hotel in Rio, hanging out in the Baretto-Londra lounge. She seems nice, although you each don’t understand each other's native tongue, but still find a way to connect through music and flirt through your eyes. You won't see her again, but will always remember that point in your life.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
Diana Krall
Three different failed engagements and two unsuccessful marriages leads this 40-something-year-old cougar to re-enter the dating scene with distorted expectations. Us men have one advantage over women, as we get older our choices become bigger, but as you women get older your choices become smaller. It's sad, I know, so maybe when you have someone that’s 80 percent perfect, bite your lip and do whatever it takes because as you get older you will find yourself forced to settle for 50 percent perfect and that might be with two kids from his previous marriage and those kids will hate you because you will be bitter on life. But what a great song to drink wine and cook to.

“Love is a Losing Game”
Amy Winehouse
She's dressed in all black, wearing long sleeves and big boots in the middle of summer. No, those wounds that look like she's been getting beaten is not from someone else but herself — she's a cutter. Somehow she has given up on life yet gives me dirty looks when I walk by as I should be ashamed my nails are freshly manicured. When does that gothic/cutter thing eventually click with them to change? I've never seen an 80-year-old dressed as a goth, so I'm left with only two conclusions: they kill themselves at some point or they go off with a vampire.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine”
Guns N’ Roses
A little Hank Moody of Californication in all of us. Maybe you’re at the Whiskey Bar at Sunset Marquis Hotel or Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel, she says she's 18 and that’s good enough for you, but deep down you know there is a chance she is 16. You consider yourself accomplished and a smart individual ,yet the fact she goes with 18 and not 21 doesn’t alert any red flags despite being in a bar.

“Angel”
Massive Attack
I preface this by saying if you truly don’t know how to fuck, I wouldn’t play this song. And by fuck I mean just that, not make love, not have sex but a straight up evening you will not forget and will linger for some time as you continually ask yourself, “Did that really happen?” There might be some ropes, blindfolds, cuffs, chains and an occasional slap. (OK, fine, maybe a hit.) You don’t need to seek her out, she will find you by your reputation — or you can roll the dice and head to the Viper Room in LA and seek out the girl with daddy issues.

“I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You”
Colin Hay
She loves coffee, but won't step foot in Starbucks. Brilliant in every way, but hasn’t been able to get over an issue with the one she loved. The principal of the matter seems to overpower the risk of losing the one you are destined to be with. Bite your lip and don’t worry about the principal — when you are sitting in a hammock together 30 years later you will be glad you didn’t stand your ground over principal. Reference “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” girl as the alternative.

“I Love, You Love”
John Legend
By day she's holding power lunches for top agencies as a force to be reckoned with, and at nights she's the host of dinner parties at swanky restaurants. On her off time she is with you. Smart, successful and sophisticated. While she doesn’t need you, she respects and

“Nasty Girl”
Notorious B.I.G., P. Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge & Avery Storm
There are “around the way girls” and then there is the nasty girl — you can find her doing laps at the ghetto malls where Sears was the main tenant previously, but recently left due to the incident when there was a shooting between two cousins and their baby's momma. You can spot her with the 7-inch long nails, the big bubbles of gum she's poppin' and the tube top that’s three sizes too small. Don’t bother talking to her as the only thing she knows how to say is “Heyyyyyy daddy.” Meanwhile ‘daddy’ hasn’t seen her since … well, he just hasn’t ever seen her.

“Numb”
Portishead
She's not happy, she's not sad, she's just numb. Hang by the local CVS and wait for the girl to pick up her monthly supply of Zoloft or Xanax that she ingests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Find a way to bump into her with a pamphlet you inconspicuously have in your hand about Lunesta and if it's right for you. Act mellow and invite her to grab a drink in a dark and depressing bar even though its bright and sunny outside. Give her the upper hand and make yourself seem worse off than she is. The sorrow she feels for you will lead to heavy cuddling. Play a song at a lower bpm, like 80, instead of the song's natural 156 and keep on repeat.

“If I Were A Boy”
Beyonce
This gets complicated, but try and follow me: The girl who thinks she is a lesbian, not bi but not sure, and still young so you manipulate her to think you also are confused and get her to hook up with you. That makes it OK with her because it seems like it's still a gay experience because you have never hooked up with a boy, but she can fill in. Be careful on this one, it can backfire on both people.

“Against All Odds”
Postal Service
You loved her, cheated on her, crushed her, she still wants you and now you can't respect her. You both know it’s the final encounter, but she wants one last moment. You shouldn’t do it as you know she will regret it half-way through and she will be left crying in the bed, but like a blackjack dealer in Vegas you still give them what they ask for even when you know they should just walk away.

“Raise Your Weapon”
Deadmau5
It's Vegas, 115 degrees in summer and you are off with your buddies to hang outside by a pool. Enter Marquee Day Club, where the women this summer will make the Sultan of Brunei jealous with the quality of talent. You can find this girl holding a glass of champagne but not drinking it, she's smiling and loving life. Here you think she is winking at you, but she just wants you to introduce her to your friend Molly.

What did we learn?
Women want their “perfect” even if it's not realistic. Men can have their “perfect” yet it doesn’t seem real.

Read more of Marc's list at 944.com

MARC LOTENBERG
Womanizer/Princess in Training/Cupcake Connoisseur
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

Searching for something to do this Tuesday that includes incredible music, people, venue and more? Look no further than Mix for the Cure in the Murano Room at Scott’s Restaurant and Bar in Costa Mesa on March 29. Not only does it promise an evening of debauchery with an open Ketel One bar, the event benefits the Orange County and Inland Empire Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a $20 donation. Hosted by Man of the Year nominee Brian Amlani, it’s a win-win-win evening.

A Riverside County native and Orange County media executive for DB&M Media, Amlani felt compelled to accept the nomination after watching a dear friend lose her father to Leukemia in 2009 and in the very same year watch the same friend's family support her 6-year-old nephew battle Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (now in remission thanks in part to the research of LLS).

“Watching my friend go through this devastating experience hit home for me as I have two young children — Brian age 8 and Breanna age 5,” Amlani says. “I can't imagine what parents and families of children with blood cancers must go through or the thought of ever watching my children suffer or worse. This has fueled my passion to raise as much money as possible to find a cure for these diseases and to enlist the support of my friends and family to create awareness and inspire those around them to do the same.”

On March 3, the OC/IE Leukemia & Lymphoma Society began its 2011 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign. The LLS Man and Woman of the Year Campaign is a 10-week fundraising campaign in which every dollar raised counts as one vote and the candidate that gets the most votes not only wins the title but also plays a crucial role in supporting the LLS mission to raise funds to find a cure for blood cancers.

The first of Brian Amlani’s campaign events is Mixing For A Cure, which starts at 7 p.m. A $20 donation will be taken at the door, which will include a hosted Ketel One bar during the event. The evening is also hosted by Denver Bronco’s Stanley Daniels, VH1’s Luscious and Pam Rodriguez. Music includes DJ Drew (102.7 KIIS FM), DJ Ever (Power 106), Nick Nack (99.1fm KGGI), Epic Twelve (Power 106) and DJ Skream.

The Courtside For A Cure Celebrity Basketball Game will take place on Saturday, April 23 at Cal State San Bernardino (Coussoulis Arena). Doors open at 5 p.m., with the game starting at 6pm. More details are coming soon.

Individual and corporate donations can also be made to support Amlani’s LLS Campaign by visiting the website below using credit card or you can mail a check made payable to LLS. Checks should include the name Brian Amlani in the notes section. All donations must be received by May 12.

Mail checks to:
OCIE Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Attn: Julia Cohen - Campaign Manager
765 The City Drive South, Suite 260, Orange, CA 92868

Watch his video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9828QWvmOa0&feature=youtu.be


Written by: Katie Pegler

As we enter into a better economy than prior seasons, I am always excited to see what the creative geniuses at the fashion houses plan on unveiling. On that note, the nine items below should help you enter the season more properly focused.

1. "You really are going to spend $3,000 on a Dior jacket? It's just a silly jacket, no one knows the difference. You're just wasting money being a label whore." Quote from someone who shouldn't be reading 944 but rather the New Times. If you look at a jacket as a jacket then maybe try adjusting your view and look at it as a piece of art. The cut, style and textures all make each seasons rendition's unique as a form of expression. Fashion is art or art is fashion but either way you look at it, a Dior jacket isn't just a jacket.

2. Wear clothes to fit your size. Just as it looks horrible for an overweight person to be sporting a tight tank top, it looks equally as bad and even more comical to be wearing overly baggy clothing. Cross Colors and Iceberg died off for a reason. You don't look like a baller wearing the same outfit as me four sizes too big, you look like a clown.

3. Speaking of circus folk, a girl strutting toward me strong and determined in a 5-and-a-half inch Louboutin can make an 8 look like a 9, but the same 8 walking toward me looking like a bad stilt walker about to fall into me doesn't have the same effect. (And don't tell me you don't need to work out because you're skinny when you can't even walk straight. Go take some Pilates at the very least.)

4. My little homeboy Justin Bieber says Never Say Never, but I don't think he meant that in relation to Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier. In that case, Never means Never. (Although big props to my friend Christian, that fast-moving funny Frenchman made a fortune.)

5. It's kind of sexy when a girl rocks her man's clothing, but its more than gay when a guy rocks his girl's gear. #ManorexicTendancies

6. If you take a knapsack like the one from high school to your new job, then clearly you should go back to your prior job of bartending.

7. If you are shaping your style off what you see on Jersey Shore, I have some helpful tips for you actually, no I don't, you are beyond help. Just settle on the fact that you are past the point of no return, go start a match.com profile and sign the deal with the first person who will take you. There is a reason the show is so popular: People love train wrecks. No cool fashion brand is trying to get their clothing on the cast, so if you need TV for style tips, wait for season two of How to Make it in America.

8. Girls, you might have missed the makeup lessons when you were younger as hopefully you were more focused on having your girlfriend teach you how to give head versus how to apply makeup, but there is always time to go back and learn. It's a painful experience when you arrive and there's an inch of makeup so thick I can't tell if you're just really fucking ugly underneath or losing your depth perception. Makeup can't make you look pretty you either are or you are not. It can add a little character, but don't confuse the two. And if you have the makeup lesson down pat but not the other, have no fear as its one trend that never goes out of season.

9. Are NYC girls just born with style where as LA girls need to put effort into it? Settle down divas out west, I'm not saying you all are tragic, I'm just saying I had to do extra neck-stretching exercises before I walked out of the Gansevoort Hotel when I was in NYC this February. I guess that's why the Oscars belong in Hollywood and Fashion Week belongs in NYC. Period. The end.


MARC LOTENBERG
Arbiter of Nothing/Obsessive Compulsive/Narcissist
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg
Written by: Marc Lotenberg

I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings
At least two pair
A Fendi bag and a bad attitude
That's all I need to get me in a good mood
She can walk with a switch and talk with street slang
I love it when a woman ain't scared to do her thing

LL Cool J in 1990 knew what he wanted. If it was only that easy. Entering my prime, everyone from nagging Jewish mothers who swear "their daughter is perfect for me," to my nagging (in a very loving way) Jewish mother who claims she found the perfect girl for me every time she meets a single girl are constantly trying to set me up. Of course, being so shallow (or is it judgmental? I can never distinguish between the two), my first reply is always "What does she look like?" So, after further review I
decided to actually sit down and make a list I love lists for those of you who don't know me of what I really want.

1. Yes I want to get married and only once. Not that I have an issue with divorce but I think some people view getting married as buying a shirt at Neiman's and returning it if they don't like it.
2. Religion. Hopefully open-minded cause my view is religion is a dying business and we shouldn't be forced to believe a certain set of codes, but what we actually feel is right.
3. Looks. Yes, I can't be with an ugly girl or even a 6. Call me what you want, but I am who I am and I ain't gonna change. I will also say that over the years I have learned the lesson that I will take a sane 8 over a crazy 10.
4. She has to be fun and open to being adventurous, and not just behind closed doors.
5. Honesty is the best policy. That's my real breaking point. I can tolerate a lot, but not lies. Everyone makes mistakes, but once the trust is gone you have nothing left.
6. Body. I love to work out so she has to be someone who cares about how she looks. The fake shit ain't for me, while its not a deal breaker I like au naturale. (But please support our plastic surgeon advertisers, they keep our lights on and a good set is always fun to look at.)
7. OK, here comes the real asshole comments, but it's hard to argue against it. A good girl needs to have her nails always neat and her car not looking like it's a yard sale. And compromise is meeting in the middle but there are certain things where compromise doesn't work. For example, if I like my place super neat and organized and you don't care to clean up around yourself and you don't mind your place looking like a dorm room after a long weekend party took place, there is no option of compromising. I am not compromising on whether a place should be clean versus dirty. That's a deal breaker, end of story, period, the end.
8. Family. I can't fault her if her family is dysfunction junction, but hopefully she can differentiate between how she was raised and how she should've been raised.
9. There is nothing more sexy than a girl with drive, confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
10. Tattoos. Well I used to be really against these as you don't put a bumper sticker on a Bentley, but I guess if it's super important to you then it is what it is.
11. And last but not least, someone who is caring, compassionate and emotional as I am an emotional teddy bear.

You find me that person and the un-marryable will get married.

MARC LOTENBERG
Commander of Dysfunction Junction/Heartbreaker/Administrative Assistant to Moni D.
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg

Written by: Marc Lotenberg

Did you know traditional Chinese medicine is recognized along with western medicine as the only two true medicines in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO)? It is, and acupuncture, in addition to herbs and potions can be very effective for just about anything that ails you. It's great for pain management, migraines, allergies, asthma, fertility and even losing weight and quitting smoking. Sterile disposable needles are used that are so small, once in, are not felt (If you look closely there are needles all over my body, including in my ears and my scalp). The needles open up meridians, channels and redirect blood flow for desired effect. Acupuncturists can also treat for multiple problems at once. For example, in addition to my regular therapy, she has targeted my left hip which has been bothering me, with extra needles and electric current. Cables are attached to a few key needles running through which feels kind of like a gentle tapping. Acupuncturists must study for 4 years in the US, and 5 in China to be certified. Don't knock it till you try it.

My recommended acupuncturists in Miami: Lori Bell at the Standard Hotel and Dr. Amy Chen on 41st St. Written by: Hadley Henriette

The addition of fluoride in America's water supply mid-century may have given us the collective jump on pearly whites that people in the British Isles seem to be lacking. But just because our teeth are cavity-free doesn't mean fluoride is good for us to ingest. In fact many people feel it's downright toxic. Even the FDA is reducing the level deemed safe' for fluoride exposure. According to the Douglass report, and local Miami dentist Dr. Sharp, it was a toxic waste approved for use as rat poison and insecticide. Putting the massive doses in local water supplies was seen as a solution in getting rid of it. Dr. Sharp took matters into his own hands, creating his own line of fluoride-free toothpaste. It's delicious and come in Green Tea flavor, Whitening Mint and a kids Strawberry flavor.


http://www.drfluoridefree.com/ Written by: Hadley Henriette

The last year was filled with an equal amount of chaos and celebration.

Here is my top 20 list of things that stood out.

-Bedbugs crawled their way into your bedroom.
-General Motors exits bankruptcy and then does a record breaking IPO, which will be written about in business books from now on.
-The vuvuzela became a international buzzword.
-Conan O'Brien stood tall again with a comeback.
-Betty White somehow rode the fame train all over again.
-Kanye West went from most hated entertainer to No.1 album chart topper.
-The Facebook movie comes out and now your parents joined Facebook.
-Drake puts out more songs that sound exactly the same yet still all sell.
-Lindsay Lohan realized she just doesn't have the power she thought she did. You are not OJ, sweetheart.
-The iPad becomes a revolutionary product even though the iPhone winds up not being a good working phone.
-Groupon explodes and convinces people to buy things they don't need but with an expiration date to later find out its illegal to put expiration on currency.
-Jetblue flight attendant Steven Slater freaks out.
-Haiti earthquake starts the year off with tragedy and the U.S and others come to the rescue with a star-studded TV charity affair
-LeBron James gets overexposed.
-Lady Gaga rocks a sexy outfit made purely of meat. Really, people?
-Somehow Chelsea Clintons wedding became top news. It must've been a boring week. Or was it top news that someone married her?
-BP turns into Public Enemy No. 1.
-Angry Birds don't seem so angry when looking at their bank account.
-Bieber Fever.
-944 enters chapter 11 reorganization on April 6, and against all odds exits on December 17. Entr'acte


MARC LOTENBERG
CEO/Equinox Addict/Professional Flirt
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg
Written by: Marc Lotenberg

As the holidays approach and the makeup from Halloween wears off, this becomes a bittersweet time. While "we are living in a material world and I'm a material girl" (a quote I use often at 944) the emotional side of me begins to think of those who don't live the glam life.

So as you glance through the many pages of this month's 944 holiday gift guide, looking for fabulous gifts to give to your loved ones, try to do three acts of good for those who will never get to touch a piece from Lanvin or even know what that means. Try spending one hour at a food bank or giving up a weekend to walk for a cure. If you can't spare the time of missing a facial this month, or don't think you have it in yourself to miss the big bowl game, then maybe you should try haveing one less tequila shot on Saturday night and use the money to do something for someone else. Or better yet, have the shots and figure out something else to cut back on. We need to keep this realistic. All the clothes, watches, cars and even money can never give you the satisfaction attained by helping someone less fortunate, so pay it forward and see how rewarding an hour can be. Try this: Whatever you decide to spend to spend on gifts this season, take 1 percent of that and spend it on someone less fortunate.

On the 944 front I have to say the team here is producing amazing work and I'm so proud of the product and everything we have planned for 2011, leveraging the accomplishments of the past year and prior years. Next month I'll shed some light on the wow things we have planned, or if a month is too long, follow me on twitter.com/MarcLotenberg and you can find out first. After all, there are no editors screening my comments like at other places (cough, cough).

Stay sexy this holiday time and when you're thinking of indulging in the extra helping of dessert, think twice Miami is gonna be off the fucking charts this season.


MARC LOTENBERG
CEO/Troublemaker/DIVA
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg

Written by: Marc Lotenberg

Several years ago, my ex-girlfriend invited me over for Thanksgiving dinner. There was good food, pleasant conversation and friendly, encouraging relatives. Quite frankly, it was the most boring six hours of my life. When I hit up a Turkey day soiree' I expect these seven things present.

1. The Racist Old Person that Makes Everyone Uncomfortable “ I want to hear the phrase she was raised in a different era at least six times before the main course.

2. The Loser Boyfriend Your Niece Brought Home from College - Bonus points if he smells like a Phish concert and majors in Philosophy.

3. A Drunk Uncle Determined to Ruin Something “ He's been wasted since noon and is looking to do some damage. Whether it's a spilled gravy boat, broken vase or his not-so-sharp nephew's dreams of going to college, this guy is drunk, angry and not afraid of an intervention.

4. An Outspoken Vegetarian “ There's nothing better than an unprovoked, emotional speech about the perils of eating turkey.

5. Someone Who's Been to Jail “ Why yes, I would love to hear more about the yams they serve in San Quentin!

6. A Couple Headed for Divorce “ Is it really a family holiday if somebody doesn't yell I'm sleeping with the gardener during desert?

7. A really attractive relative “ She really just serves as a conversation starter/creeper for the drunk uncle. I could also throw in overachieving cousin who now works at Kinkos and aging aunt desperate not to die alone, but I've got to save something for Hannukah.

Marc LoteNberg
CEO/Hopeless Romantic / ‘—, ‘—
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg
Written by: Marc Lotenberg

Just like throwing 90's parties are the cool thing to do now, so are music labels making cassette tapes, apparently. In a recent article on NPR.org, at least 25 small labels are starting to produce cassette tapes rather than the regular CDR format.

They interviewed 23-year-old label manager of Patient Sounds, Matthew Sage, who says, "The work involved in dubbing the tapes, cutting the inserts, and making the tapes is half of the process for me." He goes on to say, "The tape is more an art object that also plays music (similar to vinyl) where the CDR is more a vessel for a piece of music."

NPR points out that while this guy and a few others see this as a kitschy art form, most labels and artists won't be wasting their time. And time, as it seems, is not in the efficiency category for making these nostalgic vessels. It takes three months to make 300 tapes, says article writer Megan Arellano.

Sage also says it's neither efficient nor profitable to make these cassette tapes, but he's doing it anyway. "They [tapes] are technologically regressive, less portable than an iPod and don't sound like digital music files ... But I think, generally speaking, the kitsch appeal of the tape, when matched with their affordability to produce, make them a perfect medium for artists struggling to happily release their art in an economy that is totally in shambles."

Well, he's got the shambles part right. So, let me get this straight -- in the cut-throat, endless struggle that is the music industry, where processed, auto-tune puppets are up to their ears in green and honest to goodness songwriters are endlessly working for peanuts and in most cases for free -- some 'indie' labels decide it's in the best interest for the band to spend their hard earned cash on a batch of 300 tapes most likely no one will buy? Because it's arty?

The last bit of info writer Megan Arellano shimmies into the end of the article is that 2009 was the worst year for cassettes sales since Nielson started measuring them.

While it's great a lot of bands have embraced an analog/lo-fi sound, that shouldn't mean the resurrection of impractical mediums. But then again, saying I haven't bought any vinyl in the past six months would be a total lie.

My suggestion for use of cassette tapes? Leave them on the intramural benches with the laser disk and 8-trak. Either that or what these people are doing with them: http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/cassettes.html



Now here's a solid band who's been making waves lately. I wonder if they make cassette tapes?









Written by: Michelle Parsons

Entertainment News
Julie Andrews honored by VH1 Save the Music
The VH1 Save the Music foundation announced today that it will honor Julie Andrews at a gala on Nov. 8 to pay tribute to the 45th anniversary of Rodger and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. John Legend, John Mayer and The ASCAP Foundation will also be honored at the event.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i42b419bb2a3f8bd4fe5622259b4759b9

Fashion Industry News
Photographer Richard Reinsdorf Sues Skechers for $250 Million
Photographer Richard Reinsdorf has filed a $250 million lawsuit against Skechers for violating usage terms after Skechers did not comply with the set limits on where and how long the company could use Reinsdorf's work from photo shoots between 2006 and this year. Reinsdorf's other clients include Sony Vaio, Heineken and Ray Ban.
http://racked.com/archives/2010/09/29/photographer-richard-reinsdorf-sues-skechers-for-250-million.php

Fashion Industry News
New York Investors Save Rock & Republic
Bluestar Alliance is paying $60 million to help Rock & Republic, the Los Angeles denim label, emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The deal will allow Rock & Republic to pay off its $40 million debt, as well as move forward and expand.
http://www.apparelnews.net/news/manufacturing/092210-New-York-Investors-Save-Rock-Republic

Trending (Fashion)
Outerwear We Wish We Could Wear
A group of Fall 2010 statement coats that makes us wish it was actually cold enough in L.A. to wear them.
http://www.stylesectionla.com/area/dress-code/2010/09/09/outerwear-we-wish-we-could-wear

Calendar Events
J.U.i.C.E. Hip-Hop Dance Festival “ Saturday, October 2nd
J.U.i.C.E., a non-profit organization that teaches kids about all aspects of hip hop at free workshops twice a week, is holding its third annual Hip-Hop Dance Festival fundraiser at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre Saturday night. The show will feature an array of styles by professional dancers and neighborhood crews.
http://www.laweekly.com/events/j-u-i-c-e-hip-hop-dance-festival-1067671/

Calendar Events
LA Beer Week 2010: What's On Tap
This year's LA Beer Week will be the second annual gathering of craft beer aficionados offering brew-focused events throughout the city. This 11-day event will feature more than 70 local, regional, national and international craft and artisan breweries.
http://la.eater.com/archives/2010/09/29/la_beer_week_2010_whats_on_tap.php
Written by: Kira Coplin

It's civic pride week on the blog!

These videos have been floating around for awhile now, but if you haven't watched them yet - no matter what city you live in - you should definitely check them out. These videos show a side of Detroit that you don't normally see in the media, and it's incredibly refreshing. People are really, truly proud to be from here, and there is such a sense of hope and possibility among the younger generations. That's why it's so hard to leave here, despite "greater opportunity" in other cities.

Check out the three part documentary, hosted by Johnny Knoxville, here: http://www.palladiumboots.com/exploration/detroit Written by: Rebecca Voigt