As seen in the art and music worlds over the last few years, the fashion industry is becoming increasingly drawn to under-the-radar talents. Barneys recently beefed up its roster with underground labels like Eventide and Salvor Projects, not to mention Mooka Kinney, a NYC-based line designed by two twenty-somethings with no former fashion experience. Fashion insiders are embracing these young creatives with open arms.

Hand in hand with fashion’s current leanings towards limited-edition goods, younger, up-and-coming designers are now cashing in on both ends: they’re exclusive (most can only afford to produce small collections), and, typically, painstakingly constructed. Thus, designers like Koi Suwannagate, whose namesake line was recently nominated for CFDA’s Fashion Fund, can successfully maintain a locally manufactured, hand-crafted line without gifting celebrities (though Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman have bought her frocks), and still gain recognition.

Now, more than ever, rather than contemplating potential expansion and mass-market appeal, young labels are instead focusing on staying true to themselves, maintaining small production and high-quality craftsmanship. Here psychoPEDIA singles out some of our favorite under-the-radar lines – the best fresh faces that prove you don’t need a trust fund of socialite groupies in order to garner a following:

Mociun
Caitlin Mociun, designer of an eponymous Brooklyn-based line of mens and womenswear, is as well-known for her distinctive prints as she is for her lack of regard for the fashion industry. The RISD grad, who sells her clothing at boutiques like Brooklyn’s Bird and Jumelle as well as Steven Alan, has said, “I’d like to stay in the market that I’m in—boutiques. I don’t feel that I have to be that big.” Despite her disillusionment with the fashion industry, it appears as though Mociun is one the right track – she can count Mischa Barton a fan, and orders for the internationally-sold line show no sign of slowing down.

Jesse Kamm
Jesse Kamm’s namesake collection is a bit of a double-edged sword – the designer handprints all her fabrics (often adorned with her lifelike renderings of animals and nature) and incorporates sustainable design into her creative process. A one-woman show, the Los Angeles-based designer, who recently showed her Spring 08 collection at St. Louis Fashion Week, even models all her looks herself – exhibiting her self-styled, self-portraits on the line’s website as opposed to showcasing a traditional look book. To boot, you can view close-ups of the designer’s drawings in an online archive. Jesse Kamm is sold at Colette in Paris and Ylli in Williamsburg.

Something Else
Aussie-based Natalie Wood is recognized within her country’s flourishing fashion industry. Following the launch of her line Sample, which arguably introduced Australia to independent fashion, Wood created her spin-off collection: Something Else. Wood describes the latter -- a higher-end, more artful line -- as her “true creativity.” Borne out of dissatisfaction with her role in revamping the prestigious surf wear line Insight, Something Else soon became Wood’s pet project. Giving up the runway for more artistically charged, interactive presentations, the line, which incorporates an eclectic variety of graphics, textiles and fabrics. Something Else is sold at I Heart in NYC and American Rag in LA.

Chronicles of Never
It’s far from shocking that a former Ksubi designer is now making waves via another fashion brand; yet that’s not to say Gareth Moody’s two-year-old line Chronicles of Never doesn’t pack surprises of its own. Inspired by the concept of Never Land (notice that the acronym for the line is CON), Chronicles of Never is both a direct and indirect attack on the fantasies and fallacies that the fashion industry promotes. Moody’s masculine-charged collection is unisex, and adorned with varying iconic symbols that perfectly compliment the cult-like following the line has amassed. Chronicles of Never is sold at Space Junk and will soon be stocked by American Rag in LA and Active Endeavors.

Catherine Holstein
Holstein may have socialite connections, but, surprisingly, that fact couldn’t guarantee her access to production facilities in a time of need. After landing her frocks on the likes of Nicole Richie, and thanks to friend and former Parsons classmate Victoria Traina sporting them during NY Fashion Week a few years back, Holstein had an industry wake-up call. Despite numerous orders from boutiques across the country, factories wouldn’t return the calls of the untried designer. Thus, Holstein was forced to produce only limited numbers of her feminine, graphic, subtly simple clothes; therefore increasing their exclusivity. Now, her collections continue to sell out before countless frantic fashionistas can get their hands on them. (Note to aspiring designers: Holstein swears by The Fashion Designer Survival Guide.) Catherine Holstein is sold at I Heart and Satine Boutique.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

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First there was the Pit Bull, then the Jack Russell Terrier, and, now, the French Bull Dog – the perpetual must-have accessory, as sought-after in many cases as an ‘it’ bag from Marc Jacobs or Balenciaga. Every celebrity on a first-name basis with the paparazzi seems to have one, so why shouldn’t you? Really, who could balk at the idea of a loyal, furry friend that helps you land dates and will keep you warm in winter?

The catch: purchasing a cute pooch is a huge commitment. Especially when you’re consistently caught up in the mania that is metropolitan life. But, if you’re ready to say ‘I do,’ then the only question plaguing you is probably: “What’s the best dog for city and apartment living?” We went to the experts – friends with years of canine-cultivating experience – and asked for their list of the best dogs for city life, as well as a breakdown of what makes them such standout breeds. In their own words:

Cairn Terriers
Fearless, but not aggressive, hardworking, sturdy and strong. They are active and playful into their teen years, which makes them a great mate for kids. They can be any color but white, and their coat only requires combing. They are not big shedders. Height is less than 10” and usual weight is between 12-15lbs.

West Highland Terrier (Westies)
They a have a very similar look to the Cairn Terrier, but are always pure white. They move like big dogs in little bodies. They were originally hunting dogs, so they like to go for at least three walks a day (so if you have a job with long hours, this may not be the breed for you; or, at least, hire a well-recommended dog-walker). They are very adaptable and great for travel. Westies usually get along well with other dogs and older children. Height under 11” and weigh between 15-20lbs.

Yorkie Poo
This adorable little hybrid is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a toy or miniature poodle. They come in a range of colors and coats and can look more like either parent. They do not shed very much and are hypoallergenic. Yorkie Poos are great indoor dogs and train easily, but can be stubborn. They become a loyal part of the family and are great mini-watchdogs. Usually weigh between 6-8 lbs.

Chihuahua
This is the world’s smallest dog but they have no idea how small they are. Owners must be sure not to spoil these pups too much or they’ll turn into little monsters! They can be hyper, but since they are so small a few laps around the living room can be considered exercise for them. They need to socialize with people and other dogs starting at a young age. They can become very attached to their owners, but are very loyal as a result. Chihuahuas come in two varieties – those with smooth coats and those with long hair. You can take these little guys just about anywhere, but they aren’t recommended for a home with children. Average 2-4lbs.

Miniature Dachshund
Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long and wire hair. The wirehair version doesn’t shed very much, but they do require grooming. Dachshunds are great companions, but they can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. They also have a loud bark for their size, so they make good guard dogs. They tend to be stubborn, so they can be a little bit of a challenge to train. Height 7-8” and weigh 7-10lbs.

Maltipoo
A mix between a maltese and a poodle– these are true “lap dogs” and do not require much physical activity, though they do enjoy playing. While some may have a maltese's features like a white and silky coat that requires brushing, others will have curlier or darker coats like a poodle. However, the advantage of this mix is that they are are hypoallergenic with little shedding. They are considered highly trainable, but tend to have potty training issues. Many owners teach them to use a box or paper train instead of going outside, which could actually be convenient for big city dwellers. Maltipoos usually interact well with other dogs and kids, but not babies or toddlers. Usually 4-8lbs.

Norwich (prick ears) and Norfolk (drop ears) Terriers
This hard-working dog isn’t as prissy as some of the other small breeds. These little guys are solid, spunky and intelligent yet affectionate. They are lots of fun and crave their owners’ companionship. They are good with older kids and other dogs and cats. However, they should not be around gerbils and hamsters because they can consider them prey. But, they may be good for chasing rodents out of city apartments (what a plus!). Usually 9”-10” and 11-12 lbs.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Known for their distinctive long blue and tan coat, Yorkies’ hair is similar to human hair (it continuously grows, so they need to be well groomed). On the upside they usually do not smell or have dander. Owners must make sure to socialize their Yorkies so that they don’t become timid or needy. When well raised, they interact well with other dogs and are very trainable and independent. They make great traveling dogs; and enjoy having private space, which can include a kennel. Average 7lbs.

~Joanna Kunze


Get Yours:
For customizable, fine tailored goods for your pooch, which includes winter-appropriate fur coats and boots, check out DogTailor.com.
Looking for more refined doggie attire? Check out Glamourdog.com (a website that also boasts incredibly cute Halloween costumes).
And, if you’re a subscriber to the science of astrology, be sure to check DogHoroscopes.com for you and your best friend’s astrological compatability.


Special thanks to Dr. Richard and Penny Kunze

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New York City is a music mecca. Hundreds of performance venues are scattered throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn – the smaller of which have birthed countless young artists’ careers, while the larger continue to showcase those fortunate enough to land mainstream success.

In the last year Manhattan has seen the opening of the Highline Ballroom and Terminal 5, while Williamsburg has welcomed former Lower East Side staple Luna Lounge as well as the Music Hall of Williamsburg. So where’s the best place to check your favorite band out in person? Here, psychoPEDIA rates NYC’s top venues, in terms of sonic achievement:

Luna Lounge
The old Luna Lounge on Ludlow Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side hosted its fair share of great shows, yet the power of development dollars forced this favorite indie venue to Williamsburg in 2006. The new Luna Lounge is bigger, with a fresh sound system that’s capable of handling the 400 or so ticket holders who come on any given night. Ceilings are a bit high, and width a bit wide, with the layout stretching deep in length; thus, the sound tends to be thrown to the back of the room before hitting the front. It’s best to hear a band with a sold-out show versus any fledgling act. Multiple bodies in this packed house will absorb vibrations, lessening the possibility of any echo.

Bowery Ballroom
Bowery is by far the best venue in all of New York City to see and hear bands. For years, the Bowery Ballroom has hosted thousands of up-and-coming bands, yet what’s really interesting is watching larger than life acts such as Metallica and Depeche Mode, who typically sell out arenas, return for special secret shows. What’s so special about this venue? The sound. No matter if there are two people, or 575, one will hear the music clearly and see from any vantage point. There is one small kink to Bowery's surroundings - specifically that of setup. Maneuvering around the locale can be difficult, as it fills quickly and the hardwood floor's lack of slope leaves those at the back of the venue straining their necks. One solution: access the ground floor via the back entrance in the basement - it'll put you right to side of the stage and offer you a much better chance to squeeze into the front row.

Union Hall
Tucked away in Park Slope, this charming bi-level destination feels like one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. While you’ll find a bar and bocce being played on the upper level, downstairs, you’ll find a cavernous music venue. With a capacity of around 75 people, the feeling is so tight and close-knit you can practically taste the sweat off the person standing next to you. Views are definitely not the reason to check out bands at Union Hall; yet its sound is a sure reason to visit. Because of its basement setting, the ceilings are low (good luck to anyone 6’4" and over), and, since the room itself is small, the acoustics are well rounded. It’s perfect for hearing a solo artist; though even bands like Cold War Kids have faired well during their novice days.

Highline Ballroom
Typically, any new music venue in New York City houses state-of-art sound systems. Highline Ballroom in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district is no exception. Lots of green stuff went into its speakers and soundboard, making for a spectacular experience for any of the 700 people who could fill the room. Backed by the guys who own the Blue Note Jazz Club, it’s no surprise the word quality remains steadfast throughout all its crevices. What is unexpected is the venue's lack of warmth - sterile, and still smelling ever so slightly of fresh paint. Despite that drawback, David Bowie selected this spot for a festival he curated earlier in 2007; bringing in such bands as Secret Machines and TV on the Radio.

Roseland Ballroom This tried-and-true ballroom is a New York City staple within the musical arena of venues. Its old setting produces an unbelievable tidal wave of sound during live performances. On each side of the theater, multiple stacked speakers hang, with additional speakers along the stage’s perimeter. 3000 people can fill this spot. And, when full, with the music so loud and clear, a feeling of levitation inevitably occurs. This spot perhaps best epitomizes the concept of being enveloped by sound. Since Roseland is open floor seating, there's a potential to almost feel crushed. Stick to the mezzanine level or even the back. Don't worry though - the sound will still reach you.

Terminal 5
It’s big, quite big. Terminal 5’s size is most assuredly true to its moniker; it feels and sounds exactly like an airport terminal. Formerly the club EXIT, Terminal 5 can accommodate around 3,000 people, creating a stadium-like environment complete with level seating. Apparently, the new owners, party of the Bowery Presents crew, sunk a huge amount of dough during renovations and the sound system wasn’t left out of the equation. Think loud, think wind tunnel and think, “Sorry! I can’t hear you!” What inevitably occurs is a lack of clarity in the music itself - it becomes washed out and grainy. Perhaps it's too big to house powerhouse acts like M.I.A. (who recently played during CMJ) - venue-goers should instead stick to seeing DJs or events here.

~Jessica Mcmenamin

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Known for his fiery prose and superb storytelling, Rhode Island-born, South Korea-bred author Alexander Chee broke into the literary world five years ago with a harrowing coming-of-age debut novel, Edinburgh. With it Chee scored the Michener-Copernicus Prize, the Asian American Writers' Workshop Literary Award, the Lambda Editor's Choice Prize, and Best Book of the Year honors from Publisher's Weekly. Not surprisingly, Chee, who is currently at work on his follow up, Queen of The Night (which takes place in Paris), recently relocated to Massachusetts’ the Berkshires – an area that acclaimed literati like W.E.B. Dubois, Herman Melville, and Nathaniel Hawthorne once called home.

From the MASS MoCA, to Amherst College, and all of the galleries and antique shops in between, the Berkshires have long been a designated tourist attraction. Thus, just in time to see the leaves turn, psychoPEDIA enlisted Chee’s help in garnering a Berkshires insider’s best-of list. Here, Chee tells of his adventures as a New England gourmand, and his dedicated drinking habits as a literary luminary. In his own words:

How long have you been living in the Berkshires?
A little over a year.

Are the Berkshires a place you chose as a writing environment, or was the creative writing position at Amherst your main reason to move there?
I went there because of the job, which gives me a lot of time and space to write.

How do you typically start your day in the Berkshires?
I usually get up and go to one of two coffee shops. There is astoundingly excellent coffee in Amherst [thanks to] the two guys who own Amherst Coffee, and this other guy, Scott Rao, who set up Esselon Café. I usually go to either one of those places. Amherst Coffee is good day or night, because they serve alcohol after four. They have amazing bourbons, rye whiskeys, scotches, and Italian wines.

Do you eat out?
I usually cook at home; there are only a few restaurants. There’s an excellent French restaurant, Chez Albert. They have a small menu but everything they do, they do very well. They do an amazing duck confit; they also do spectacular River Trout. The Maitre’d always takes care of me. There’s another restaurant called Tabella- it’s a tapas place. They tell you the farms that the pork, and beef, and the chicken came from.

Would you say Amherst is a college town?
It’s very much a college town. I think, as far as a college town goes, Amherst is ideal. It’s very compact; the things that are there, they’re not many of them but they’re excellent, like the independent theater—Amherst Cinema.

What hotels you would highly recommend to out-of-towners?
In Amherst, the Lord Jeffery Inn is the one. Also, the Hotel Northampton.

The Berkshires is definitely known for its cultural attractions – galleries, museums, etc. Are there any outdoorsy activities that locals participate in as well?
Swimming hole culture is huge there. Everyone has like five that they go to; some are legal some are not. It was funny because, when I first arrived, I had to figure out if somebody told me that a swimming hole was clothing optional, ‘are they coming on to me or is it just information?’ [I found] that very charming… it was interesting in terms of gay culture. A lot of people say that it’s very lesbian-oriented out there and there are not a lot of gay men, but, actually, they’re just all in the woods. I’ve also started playing tennis and rowing on the Connecticut River. The Yankee Rowing Club is, for example, an adult rowing club. The river is amazing.

You grew up around the ocean right?
I did, and I have to say, I’d always felt a little bit of disdain for fresh water, but no longer. I’m enjoying the river. The tennis was a big surprise for me. I always hated tennis growing up, and people who play tennis.

What about Berkshires nightlife? Are there any staple bars that you frequent?
There are these two sister bars— The Moan and Dove and Dirty Truth. One is in Northampton, one’s in South Amherst. They have their bartenders go to Germany for beer training. They’re really serious about it. At the Dirty Truth, they had a keg of this Belgian beer called Bink. It’s almost impossible to get, so they wrote it in really small letters on the menu.

Any good places to hang out during the daytime?
Another hotspot for me is Lady Killigrew Café at the Montague Bookmill, a used bookstore in an old flour mill. That’s one of the places where I like to work, because it’s very quiet and I feel like I vanish, which is nice. It’s actually owned by a professional online poker player. I met him at Amherst Coffee and we did this disgusting shot together called the Italian car bomb. It’s a pint glass that you fill halfway with red wine, then you take expresso and a shot of grappa, drop it in the glass, and drink the whole thing at once.

I’ve never heard of that before…
It tastes like somebody shoving your face into a leather car seat.

What type of drinker would you say you are?
I would say, I’m in the long tradition of writers who drink seriously and are about three fourths of the way to becoming alcoholic. I mean part of it is the culture up there, at Amherst college we enjoy a good martini.

~Hunter Walker

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Anyone who has ever stepped into Boston’s Bodega expecting to find solely soda and snacks has also stumbled onto the premier streetwear shop hidden behind a soda-machine façade. Home to some of the most exclusive releases in sneakers and streetwear brands, Bodega is the brainchild of co-owner Oliver Mak. A local Bean-town celebrity, Mak, 28, is also fondly known as DJ Gucci Vuitton to partygoers, and founder of Write to Eat, a youth-oriented graffiti artist collective intended to nurture local talent.

A Boston resident since his college days at Brandeis, we figured Mak would be the perfect judge of the latest notch on restaurateur Christopher Myers’ culinary bedpost, Myers+Chang (a newly opened, and much-buzzed-about pan-Asian restaurant in South End). With other fine dining destinations like Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay under his belt, and having just opened his first Asian-inspired venture with fiancé and in-house chef Joanna Chang (of Flour Bakery fame), Myers, a self-proclaimed fan of Bodega, was more than happy to let Mak try out his new hot-spot. Dropping by M+C on a busy Friday night, Mak sat down with psychoPEDIA for a mouth-watering array of Asian specialties, and offered feedback by the mouthful:

What are your first impressions?
The window faces an old bus stop, and no one wants to eat looking at someone waiting for a bus. Thankfully, they put up clip art from take-out boxes [on the windows]. And they hired a couple of Asians to cook Asian food, so that was a good move. Plus, they bought art from us. The lighting fixtures are cool, and it has a warm feeling.

What qualifies you to critique food?
I can cut a thousand chicken wings in less than an hour.

Where'd you learn to do that?
My parents ran a greasy Chinese-American take-out spot in Lawrence, Massachusetts. And my godmother runs a Clover Chip factory, which is this weird potato chip that’s only in the Philippines. Her kids were kidnapped in ’98 by Muslim terrorists. It was just for money though. No worries, they’re cool.

Do you like the Tiger Tears beef strips?
I like the name a lot. When you really think about a tiger crying, it’s a really cute image. And it has a crispy powder on top that is not pop rocks… The basil’s good. It has a very good balance of flavors, and it’s well-presented.

What do you think about the music (lots of LCD Soundsystem) and the customers?
It’s a young city, so I would say they are catering to what is already here. But, yeah, old people suck. And that’s definitely something you should push: keep oldies and old stuff out of your place of business– they’ll ruin everything.

What are you working on right now?
It’s about a year and a half into the shop, and we’re pretty established as “cool dude shops” at the cutting edge of design and limited edition gear. A lot of shops like Alife, Colette, have their own brands and develop a lot of products. We already have that worked out with plans for next year, with probably the best PUMA and Reebok releases of 2008. We also have our own apparel, and we’re reissuing a box set of Kon and Amir – two DJs that compile great mega-mixes no one’s ever heard of. We’re trying to do more classic stuff, instead of something that will be out of style in two months.

Do you see yourself as an arbiter of cool?
I’ve been a nerd pretty much my whole life. I was a fat Chinese kid in New Hampshire, and I was called “chink” a lot– or the fat version of it, “chunk.” Recently I’ve been accepted as someone who’s helping to lead stuff. I’m actually a good dude - pay my bills on time. [It’s a] very odd sensation being respected, [it’s] very new to me.

Do you like the clams in black bean sauce?
It’s really hard to top this place Jumbo in Chinatown. This sauce is really soupy, but it needs to be thick. Thick like I like my ladies…

[A large-muscled, shirtless man appears through the window.]
This is why they don’t cover up our bus-stop view. So we don’t miss moments like that.
Can someone record this? There’s a man outside in overalls…nothing else. Do you think he was a construction worker that got robbed of his shirt?

You were really insistent on ordering the shrimp fried rice. Is it a staple dish for you?
Scrimps! I actually haven’t had it in a while. I think booze is my one staple, and other than that, I fluctuate between foods and fats.

And how was the Spicy Szechuan salt and pepper shrimp?
The shrimp was exemplary. Especially if you eat the shell…

Would Bodega’s clientele dine at a place like this?
We have such a wide clientele, that I would have to say yes. We have everybody from your drug dealers to your chief-of-police. It might not be "Asian enough" for our super Asian dudes, though–- my bros with gel helmets that breakdance in their customized Acuras would probably not like this place.

How does it compare to your parents’ restaurant?
There are no hookers yelling at my mom, so it’s a lot more peaceful.

What was your favorite dish out of our smorgasbord?
I would say the edamame and celery slaw had the best combination of flavors. The ribs were really delicious, and the tiger tears had a great name. Overall, the meal was very satisfying. But I think my favorite part was the guy in overalls. It was magic.

So you enjoyed your meal?
It’s not one of those heavy comfort food feelings. It’s like I could go out and run a marathon now.

-Leann Peterson


Go There:
1145 Washington St, South End, Boston, (617) 532-5300

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Having a conversation with metaphysician and therapist Dr. Carmen Harra is like getting plugged into a live socket after being dead -- or just a little run-down. The Romanian born Dr. Harra, who divides her time between Rego Park, Queens and Ft Lauderdale, has two weekly talk shows that share the same name of her first two books – Everyday Karma and Decoding Your Destiny. Also, she has just released her fourth book, The Trinity of Health. She also maintains a private practice on 61st St. and 5th Avenue. Since coming to New York 20 years ago to become a singer, Dr. Harra has established herself as a renowned intuitive to celebrities and fashion-industry insiders, like V Magazine Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan and Jennifer Lopez, alike. She has sold pyramids and her own line of jewelry on QVC, and has been contacted by the spirit of Anna Nicole Smith, who lived two miles from Dr. Harra's Fort Lauderdale home. Harra regularly communicates with, and recommends others to speak to, those who have passed on - a trend that has been seen everywhere from John Edwards to Lisa Williams.

"We are all having more interesting experiences with this," Dr. Harra says about the recent phenomenon of contacting the dead. Like all good intuitives/metaphysicians, Dr. Harra's vibration is infectious. Here, psychoPEDIA sat down with her to discuss her newly released tome, and her thoughts on the mantras everyone should take to heart:

You use many different traditions as part of your practice -- therapy, metaphysics, Kabbalah, talking with the dead. How do these all come together in you work?
I am working as a therapist, while also working as a metaphysician. I believe in the paranormal - I go beyond cognitive therapy. There are many ways to understand and demystify who you are. But I am a philosopher more than anything else. We must go beyond psychology to parapsychology. Let's talk about birth codes, your divinity, going into past lives. I truly believe there is another dimension and we must go there in order to heal.

Your new book The Trinity of Health talks about how being overweight and sick stems from the emotions.
It's insane, this world we live in. We don't completely understand how desperate we are. You date online. And you question why we are so fat. It's all in the brain and all in the thinking. Everything is too fast. We create the disease. We blame gravity. But, we can transform by asking where is the root of the problem. Before anything else, we must be aware of our thinking. There is no change without awareness.

What do you think about the recent interest in books like The Secret that talk about the Law of Attraction?
There is no secret. The law of attraction is one of the many laws. But, there is no law of attraction without good karma. What exists in you is what you will attract. It's all about laughter and being in a state of joy. The function of dopamine in the brain is to make joy. But, first you become aware. That is the first law of life. There is no change without awareness. The manifestation of your thinking is all in conjunction with awareness.

Why do you recommend being in contact with the dead?
It is a huge devastation when you lose a loved one. That raises distress and negative emotion to 100. You get out of balance. Knowing how to communicate is the best way to heal. And, what they tell you is never wrong. There is a good message. You have to believe in it. If you don't accept it, it can never be done. And, you must practice by paying attention to the world beyond the physical.

Can you explain the existence of the dead for someone who has never believed it to be possible?
We have been talking to the dead over 2,000 years. The body is just gas and water. We are energy that never dies. The carbon dies and the physical die but the vibration never dies. The karma never dies. We are like plants. The winter comes and the flower dies. The spring comes and the flower comes again. If you believe, you don't need words.

Can you give us a simple exercise for communicating with those passed on?
Nostradamus discovered that by looking at water after midnight is a way to be in touch. He broke linear time by doing this.

Will meditating in a bowl of water work?
Yes. You start to have images of what will happen. You must go beyond this world to be in touch. Because you are in the sensory level you don't hear. So, you must disconnect and isolate from the outer world to invite them in. They work on vibration and frequency. They try to make noise. The door was open; now it's closed. Light a candle for them, talk to them. You might have to wait. They may come in a day. But what they tell you is always true.

~Sara Costello

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We all have those friends who live for Halloween: You know, the ones who plan months in advance, and will spend a small fortune on their costumes without blinking an eye. Then there are the rest of us - adults who dread the whole dressing-up tradition, save for its inherent promise of a few killer parties. After all, Halloween really is a holiday for kids… candy, costumes, trick-or-treating. Yet, no matter how much we try to avoid it, most of us will end up sporting some sort of last minute concoction for the sake of not looking like the sole partygoer who’s too cool for costumes.

Whatever you do, don’t panic… it’s not too late to pull it together. We’ve created a list of low cost, low commitment costumes that are just enough to get you into the parties you want to hit, without spending a lot. And, as one of the hardest parts of the costume process is facing all of the obnoxious freaks and the obscenely long lines at NYC’s countless Halloween shops, we found the two best Halloween websites – both of which boast huge selections and amazing deals – so you can do all your browsing online. Halloween Express has same day and free shipping, as well as easy return offers for qualifying purchases. And, Buy Costumes offers FedEx delivery to guarantee you’ll get your purchase before Halloween. Looking to ornament your outfit? For make-up and hair accessories Ricky's NYC remains one of the best. Now for the looks:

Beastie Boys Cop: Old-school 1970’s detective. Men, do it right and the ladies won’t be able to resist your charm.
Minimum Effort: cop-killer sunglasses, mustache, tie, comb-over, badge.
The Real Deal: Wig, suspenders, vintage suit.

Redneck: Get in tune with your inner party animal. Great excuse to act like a rude drunk all night.
Minimum Effort: Stained T-shirt, Jeans, Trucker Hat, Beer huggy or 40 oz.
The Real Deal: Bubba Teeth, mullet wig, overalls, flannel.

Kitty Cat or Bunny: Ladies can’t go wrong being a bunny or kitty. And, American Apparel has great body suits that are worth the splurge since you can wear them again. To add some sex appeal make sure to wear stilettos.
Minimum Effort: Ears and tail.
The Real Deal: Unitard or body suit and tights, whiskers, face make-up, bow tie, kitty sequined face mask.

Waldo: Everyone’s eyes will be on you, as that’s the name of the game.
Minimum Effort: Red-and-white-striped shirt and pom-pom cap, and glasses.
The Real Deal: Pack a scroll, a pooch named Woof and enlist a friend as your wizard.

Kogal (à la Go-Go from Kill Bill) or Harajuku girl: This is a modern twist on the classic schoolgirl, meets Lolita, meets Marilyn Manson. Pile it all on - just make sure nothing matches. Besides, it’s a great way to utilize all those tacky sale purchases you’ve never worn.
Minimum Effort: Bold make-up, tons of hair accessories and jewelry, mismatched outfit.
The Real Deal: Fake eyelashes, punk wig, knee socks, fishnets, schoolgirl skirt, colorful umbrella.

Hippie: Peace, love and happiness… be the original hipster - a hippie. This is a great co-ed look and easy for couples.
Minimum Effort: Headband, peace sign, hair parted down the middle.
The Real Deal: Beads, turquoise, bellbottoms, flowers, vest, tie-dye, bandanna, beatnik dress, braids, groovy glasses.

Mardi Gras Princess: Be the belle of the ball and make new friends with your Mardi Gras beads. The Mardi Gras masks are great since they don’t impede with eating, drinking or smoking activities.
Minimum Effort: face mask, Mardi Gras beads, glitter make-up.
The Real Deal: gown, opera gloves, tiara, fake eyelashes.

Urkel: Everyone has a soft spot for a nerd, so be the geek of the party.
Minimum Effort: Taped-up glasses on a chain, pants pulled up high, cardigan, suspenders.
The Real Deal: Have a friend go as your alter-ego, “Stefan Urquelle.”

Carrie: This isn’t pretty, but it’s a good option if you’re in a last minute jam. (See the recipe for fake blood you can make at home below.)
Minimum: Thrift store prom dress, cover yourself in fake blood.
The Real Deal: Pale skin, long strawberry blond wig, perfect your blood curdling scream. Fake Blood Recipe: 1cup Karo/Corn Syrup; 1 Tbsp Water; 2 Tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp yellow food coloring; 1 tsp blue food coloring.

~Joanna Kunze

For more Halloween costume ideas, go to 80s Tees.

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Though ever-present in entertainment industries (think brand associations and product placement), nowhere are the lines between art and commerce viewed as vehemently, or blurred as often, as in the art world. Corporations are constantly scouring for the finest artists and illustrators, in hopes of injecting street cred into their brand. For some time established artists like Julie Verhoeven, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince both of whom have recently designed limited-edition bags for Louis Vuitton and Cindy Sherman (who in 1994 collaborated with Comme des Garcons), have been among the most visible. However, in recent years corporate big wigs have turned their focus to up-and-coming artists.

Leeds-born, London-based Danny Sangra, 26, is one of them. Others include: Londoner Kate Moross, who created a series of billboard advertisements for Cadburys Chocolate shortly after we interviewed her last year, Ryan McGinley, whose recent short film for Puma features an epic bike ride in the nude; and LA-based James Jean, who has worked with everyone from Atlantic Records and ESPN, to Target. Sangra, whose start came designing gig posters, painting murals in friends’ shops, and putting on his own shows, worked hard to get his name out there. But, before long, with his blend of Marvel, Raymond Pettibon, geometric, and organic-inspired imagery, Sangra attracted attention from the likes of Sony, Virgin and Marc Jacobs. On the roof of the Bushwick building currently playing host to Sangra’s first New York show (on view by appointment only), psychoPEDIA chatted with him about the fine line young artists tread in order to retain their artistic merit whilst still affording to eat:

You’ve created many posters and imagery for friends for free, but you also do your thing for big companies. Are you ever afraid of being viewed as a sell-out?
Yes, every day. But I'm more worried about having to live on the street and going back to living off a bag of bread and spaghetti hoops.

I heard just got commissioned to design and paint a room at a new hotel off Regents Park in London -- how crazy was that?
Ever heard the phrase 'kid in a candy store’?

You’re also painting your mom’s hair salon soon?
Yeah, I started drawing in my mum’s hair salon, so it's only right I go back to my roots (no pun intended).

How does that compare to the hotel job -- is it more difficult/challenging to do something for someone so close to you?
It's just different because it's for my mum and it's in a rough neighborhood in North England, far removed from Regents Park.

Would you like to become a household name? What if it means doing an ad campaign for Coca Cola or McDonald’s; would you rather stay underground?
I'll never be a household name. I'll always be the artist’s artist. If you’re not in the loop then you won't know who I am, but your favorite artist will. The way I see it is I will work for most people if it's an interesting brief or they give me complete freedom.

Is the commercial work you do something you sought after from the start, or did it come to you?
It came to me. I just sought out work with people I knew in the beginning but now everyone has moved up a league or two. We all help each other in the beginning and we still help each other now. That’s the secret of beating the game. It's strange because when people talk about commercial work it sounds like the devil. Not all-commercial work is bad. For me most of it has been the chance to work on something I would never be able to work on, funding it myself. In London a lot of people are scared to give me commercial work anyway; they wait to give me some crazy project I can run with.

~Kevin Soar

Third photo by Mack3000

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In a recent interview with CNN, former Gucci creative director and marketing mastermind Tom Ford divulged what he believes will be the next big thing in the fashion industry: one-of-a-kind. Considering the current ubiquitous filtering of designer goods into the mass-market (a trend Ford ironically helped instigate), the proposition seems plausible. And one designer whose namesake line is perfect evidence of Ford’s prediction is Bangkok-born, Los Angeles-based designer Koi Suwannagate.

Recently nominated for CFDA coveted Fashion Fund Award, Suwannagate manufactures all her hand-sculpted, one-of-a-kind clothes locally, an aspect that has, along with her inimitable style, drawn fans from Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman, to Philip Lim, a fashion designer with whom Suwannagate collaborated with this past summer. Intrigued by both Suwannagate’s unique designs, as well as her Thai roots, we called up the designer at her LA studio for the inside scoop on her hometown. The best of Bangkok, in her own words:

What are you working on right now?
Right now we’re working on production [for Resort/Holiday 07/08]. We make everything ourselves, so I design the collections and do manufacturing too. We do 500 pieces in one season, and that’s just for holiday. For the entire Summer 08 season we do 900.

Has there been more expressed interest after the CFDA-nomination?
Definitely. Our orders have increased. In one day one person can make three pieces. So, we’re over capacity.

What do you miss most about Bangkok when you’re in LA?
I miss my friends and my family. Thai people like to hang out and get together. Thai people eat all day long. We get together and move from one restaurant to another.

How would you describe Bangkok to someone who has never been?
It’s like New York - it’s pretty busy, and Bangkok drivers are really scary and aggressive. But, the people are much more relaxed – they’re always smiling, talking to everyone. There’s so much happening in Bangkok – the art, the fashion, the people. It’s become more Americanized. I hate to say that… but teenagers will hold hands, kissing on the street, and that would never have happened five years ago.

In what ways has Bangkok influenced you as an individual?
I’m pretty laid back, which is why I like living in Los Angeles. I like to have my big, open space; I don’t like pressure. Thai people are the same way – if you’re a stranger they will welcome you like you’re part of their family. I have that too - I’m sort of naïve, so my designs come out colorful, easy to wear.

Do you do much shopping for inspiration in Bangkok?
Yes, of course, I love all the textiles. They have this huge market, Jatujak. They have everything there you can buy – anything from pencils to big furniture, antiques to fabric from the north.

What hotel would you recommend to a first-time visitor?
Hotel Eugenia in downtown Bangkok. It’s a boutique hotel with 12 suites, all decorated with antique furniture from 80-100 years ago. It makes you feel like you’re going back to the 19th century. It’s not expensive; only like $200 a night. And being downtown is convenient.

Would you recommend downtown Bangkok as a good starting point?
Yes. In the center of downtown there’s the Siam Center, which is very popular. It’s the best place to go shopping, and there a lots of restaurants.

What’s one of your favorite places to shop downtown?
Playground. It has three levels. It’s the Colette of Bangkok. It’s Thailand’s most inspiring art boutique, with art, music and books you can’t get anywhere else. They have a restaurant and a cooking school there too, and art exhibitions. It’s pretty inspiring.

What are some of your favorite restaurants in Bangkok?
Sky Bar – it’s in the high tower, the second tallest building in Bangkok, you go up to like the 64th floor and look out onto the river. There’s a neon-lit, open-air bar that changes color every few minutes. All of the celebrities go there. They have the best live jazz music. Le Café Siam is the most romantic place to have dinner in Bangkok. It’s a colonial bungalow furnished with antiques. It’s fusion cuisine. They have this herb-crusted Ahi Tuna, which is amazing. And Mahanaga, which is also a beautiful Thai fusion restaurant. It’s stylish, chic, and peaceful. When I’m in Thailand I eat like six times a day [laughs].

What is a typical Thai breakfast?
We like to have these Chinese donuts with traditional black Thai coffee; you can find it at any local market. I love it, but it’s pretty fattening. But, when they make it fresh out of the pan it’s so good. We have porridge too and sometimes we eat them together. Those kinds of things you can find at 4am too.

Speaking of late nights, what are some of Bangkok’s hottest after-dark spots?
It's pretty crazy; we have so many nightclubs. I don’t really drink so I don’t go out that much, but all of my gay friends hang out at Silom Soi 2. It’s an amazing gay bar; they have a show almost every night – Saturday and Sunday are the best. They have a person dressed like a woman -- you can’t tell if it’s a man or woman. They sing, or do a talk show.

What about attractions like museums, galleries, or historical monuments?
The Temple of Dawn is very beautiful – you take a day trip to go see it. As far as galleries, these days there are a lot of new generations that come abroad to NYC or LA and then come home and set up a business with a café and gallery. There are a lot of small places like that. Some are very professional and the art is really good. It’s hit or miss.

What’s your favorite spa in Bangkok?
When I go to the spa I usually go to the island to a place called Chiva-Som. It’s pretty popular.. I get a Thai massage – they really get down into your tissue. Sometimes it hurts. But afterwards it’s so rewarding. It releases your tension. If you can stand it, afterwards you feel so relaxed.

What’s Bangkok’s best-kept secret?
I feel like I’m a pig, all I talk about is food [laughs]… but, at the old Temple of Dawn, near the Chao Phraya River, if you walk through this small dark walkway, there’s a big open space and they have five or six small tables and you can get the best grilled shrimp, the best fish. These kinds of places don’t usually have a name. There are lots of them; you call them by the chef’s name. So, this one is Chef Eang's (a.k.a. Chef Red’s). You call in advance and have them cook for you. Really, you just have to go with a friend who’s a local. It’s like New York – you don’t try to go to the same place twice; you try new things. Every three weeks you can go to new places. It’s more about what’s new now.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

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Tinchy Stryder is one of the hottest new artists in grime at the moment. His recently released album Star In The Hood has already earned him a nomination for ‘Best Newcomer’ at this years MOBO (Music of Black Origin) and UMA (Urban Music Awards, kind of like the British version of the BET Awards). While Tinchy has been in the grime scene awhile, the mainstream is only just starting to pick up on the baby-faced MC’s beguiling flow and chart-ready grime-pop productions. He started out under the tutelage of Wiley, who many see as the undisputed Godfather of the scene. If we were to rewind to a sweaty grime club in 2003, you’d find a pint-sized Tinchy squeakily ‘spitting’ his lyrics into a microphone for a room full of fans lapping up his every word, and whose reaction to his lyrics is riotous. So, it was no surprise that Tinchy won best newcomer at the uber-underground Sidewinder awards that year. Fast-forward to 2007, and grime is more popular than ever... especially with the fashionable, always ready for ‘that new-sound’ East London kids.

Much like hip-hop, grime artists are usually pretty fussy about what they put on their feet. Although designers such as JCDC and Cassette Playa's Carrie Mundane have been working closely with grime artists of late, bringing the catwalk and street fashion even closer together, you’re still highly unlikely to catch your favourite MC in anything but the freshest Nikes or Adidas. In fact, those two labels in particular are desperate for grime artists to wear their latest designs. Underground recognition undoubtedly makes the latest sneaker launch just that little bit cooler. So, with his genre being at the forefront of underground street-chic, we asked the ‘prince of grime’ Tinchy Stryder about what sneaks he’s feeling at the moment:

What would you say are your all-time favorite trainers?
Definitely the Nike Air Max 90s. I love the black, white and red color way.

Why are they your all-time favorite?
They’re the most comfortable trainers out there.

What are your favorite trainers to rock at the moment and why?
It has to be my Nike Air Max 97s. They’re definitely a current favorite.

Which is your favorite brand and why?
Hmmm – I think I have to give that to Nike. They know how to make the most comfortable trainers, which is pretty important.

What brand of trainers would you never be seen dead in?
K Swiss!

Is there any particular way you like to do your laces?
I like to do One Cross (going across the trainer), then a big knot at the top.

What trainers are you wearing right now?
I haven’t got any on right now!

What’s the most you would ever spend on a pair of kicks?
I wouldn’t spend more than £200 on a single pair.

Do you think the type of trainers you wear are important in the grime community?
Nah, I think there are more important things to worry about than what you have on your feet.

If you could have a specific trainer made in any colorway of your choice, which would it be?
I’d have a signature pair of Air Max 90s in Black with Tinchy written in gold on the side.

What do you think of clubs that won’t let you get in with trainers?
I don’t really disagree with that. Sometimes it’s nice not to wear trainers.

~ Donald Crunk @ Styleslut

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Add the word “naked” to pretty much anything, and you’ve got most of the population’s attention. Luckily for three young filmmakers and ping-pong enthusiasts - Jonathan Bricklin, Franck Raharinosy, and Bill Mack - they decided to do just that when launching their uber-popular, twice weekly event revolving around the classic sport. An addition to a plethora of other nakedly-named endeavors – the health-conscious Naked Juice, the BBC’s Naked Scientists radio show, and, of course, the Naked Chef – Naked Ping Pong, borne out of idle time between editing film, soon blossomed into a full-blown paddle-wielding passion, where the parties serve not only as a social event, but as training sessions for the trio’s hopeful appearance as a veritable ping pong team at the Olympics.

Drawing in a diverse crowd to their Tribeca loft playing ground, from professional pongers, to investment bankers, graphic designers, movie producers, and models (Tim Gunn-sidekick Veronica Webb included), the event even garnered enough buzz to warrant a drop in by professional tennis players from the recent US Open. To find out more about these exclusive gatherings, and because psychoPEDIA can’t resist the idea of a wholesome, unclothed sporting event, we had co-founder Jonathan Bricklin give us the dish on the party phenomenon, being naked, and his true love for the game:

Can you tell me about the Naked Yoga series that started it all?
Documentaries are our passion, but we realized there wasn’t a lot of money in it. So we thought, “Why don’t we figure out how to make money quick and easy?” We thought that idea of making a series of naked instructional videos would be funny, and we put that together and started selling it. When you have a documentary, it’s hard to get people interested. When you say you have a naked yoga video, people are taking 20 bucks out of their wallet before you even finish your sentence.

How does that tie in with ping pong?
We decided that it contrasted nicely with ping pong, and it brought in the "naked" element. We’re planning to do a language series and a number of other topics, but, lately, we’ve become so obsessed with the ping pong that we’ve forgotten the naked instructional videos! Though, whenever someone comes over to our apartment, we have a stack of them in a display and we’ll usually sell a couple.

So how did the "naked" really stick to ping-pong club?
It was a silly dorky sport that no one took very seriously, and we felt like the “naked” added some sex appeal. We’re trying to take away the pretentiousness of really good table tennis players, and “naked” ping pong is kind of raw. While no one’s actually naked, it’s more of a state of mind.

So you’re very pro-nudity?
I promote as much nudity as possible. The philosophical stand behind the instructional videos is that the United States is incredibly tolerant of violence in every sense. All over the media, everything is violence, and excessive amounts of it – all tolerated and even encouraged. However, any type of nudity is outrageous! It’s a horrible quality of America, and I’m definitely an advocate of nudity over violence.

In your dream naked ping-pong match, which two players would be competing?
Cate Blanchett and Sophie Marceau.

Who would you never want to see play ping pong naked?
No politicians ever. And, my parents for starters…

The parties have become very popular. Do you plan on expanding them?
We stopped doing Fridays, because they were getting so out of control - we would get 150 people or so. We’ve been doing Tuesdays with about 25 or 30 people. Now, we’ll be holding our parties every other Sunday at Socialista, a cool new bar that just opened. It’s very exclusive, but the owner is a ping pong fan himself. They’ll be private, by invitation, and for those in our network. But, we have almost 1,000 people that have attended our parties, tournaments, or registered for our club.

What’s a technique or secret you would give to ping pong novices?
Bending your knees is incredibly important. It changes your perspective of the game. Also, angle your torso slightly down, facing towards the table. One other surprising thing is that the best players in the world will watch the ball hit the paddle every single time.

How would you prepare your team for a possibly entry in the next Olympics?
It would require 6-8 hrs of training per day over years. If we were willing to get on this training regiment, we might be able to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. But, age isn’t a big factor in the sport. I think that if I were to start a sport at 29 and become a world-class player, that would be an inspiring accomplishment for many people to see.

Would “nudity” be your official uniform?
They have strict regulations about your attire in the game. But, I think some type of transparent clothing would be a great idea. The right uniform can be very intimidating. One of the coolest aspects of the game is that it’s so mental, so I take great care in selecting my t-shirts, hoping it might psych out the other players.

Do you have any intentions of starting a ping-pong empire?
As early as this spring, we’re hoping to have our first Ping Pong Club open in NYC, and then we want to open them all over the US. Yesterday on Oprah, Matthew Broderick was saying how he tries to play a couple hours of day, because it’s great exercise and a stress reliever. And, everyday, we’re hearing more ping pong references in pop culture. It’s really a turning point. We hope we’re on the top of the wave that might really sweep the nation– but we’re just the American franchise of what’s already a great thing in many other countries.

What’s your overall connection to ping pong?
It’s sort of like a personality test. Most people that I like will like ping pong. Even if they don’t play it, something about it makes them smile, and they can appreciate it. It seems to tap into childhood memories on a more unconscious level. So, if people are too grown up or too serious and busy in their lives to be able to appreciate a simple of ping pong, I probably won’t like them.

~Leann Peterson

2nd, 4th, and 9th photos by Rob Bennett
All other photos by YStrickler

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Sometime between 9/11 and the present, flying turned into a nightmare. Translation: a day of hassles, delays, lost luggage, rude airport employees and strip-searches, not to mention freezing cold flights with no blankets or pillows and inevitable starvation save for a possible package of peanuts. And, not only do you have to plan your outfit accordingly, and allot an additional hour for security, you have to deal with the liquid restriction. Who wants to check their bag when they’re headed to Miami for just the weekend?

Regardless, traveling via plane, for most, is an essential part of life. And, with all the major holidays on the horizon, most of us are going to need to book some flights. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks and flights fill-up quickly and can get very pricey. So, if you haven’t done so already, you better book now! Advance booking is one of the only sure ways to get a deal… but it’s not the only way to beat the system. We did the dirty work for you. The low-down on the major NY carriers for domestic flights, and how to land their best deals:

Jet Blue
Whatever happened to JetBlue? They used to have such great deals; but, recently, they’ve become so expensive. We’ve found that they have much better fares from NY to the West Coast as opposed to East Coast destinations.
If you’re headed to LA, try Burbank Airport. It’s a great no hassle airport and the check-in is easy. If Hollywood is your destination, you’re in luck: it’s a cheap cab ride away. But, remember to eat before you get to the Burbank airport, as there’s no food after check-in.
Fees and Booking:
Change fees: $45 + fare diff (phone), $35 + fare diff (online). Jet Blue will give you a credit if you change to a cheaper flight (after change fee), or if you find a lower fare posted before your flight.
True Blue points: every 100 earns you 2 free one-way “short” flights. You earn double points and save $10 when booking online.
Food: free snacks (cookies, chips, nuts, crackers)
Pets: Cabin - $50 one-way; checked: N/A
Perks: Personal Direct TV with 36 channels, XM Radio, Leather Seats, Free Wireless internet at JFK and Long Beach, CA.

Continental
If you don’t mind heading to Jersey, Continental is a good choice. If you leave from downtown Newark, which is usually closer than JFK, it’s a quick trip unless you hit the rush-hour tunnel traffic. But, make sure that you book a car service, because cabs are much more expensive than cars from Newark.
Fees and Booking: If you are a OnePass member you may get a full refund within 24 hours of the purchase of a flight. This is great if your plans are still up in the air but you don’t want to miss out on a great fare.
Changes fee: usually $100 + fare diff; $25 confirmed seat on same day flight changes, which means no need for standby.
Food: You will receive a complimentary snack for flight over 1.5 hours and a meal for flights over 3 hours, which ain’t bad.
Pets: cabin - $95 one-way; checked - fees are based on weight and distance.
Perks: With the PetSafe program you can track your pet at Cocargo.com & 24-hour live animal desk.

American Airlines
Don’t dare call; AA has the most annoying computer that is unavoidable, even after pressing zero. They have some of the highest fees and don’t even provide free snacks.
Fees and Booking:
Change fee: $100 + fare difference
$25 confirmed seat on same day flight changes
Reservations placed on hold on AA.com will be guaranteed for 24 hours or until midnight the following day, whichever gives you more time. But, if you are purchasing a fare with a 7-day advance purchase requirement and today is the last day to qualify, you must purchase your ticket by the end of today.
Food: They don’t give anything for free! You can purchase one of the following snacks for $3: Great Nut Supply Co. Nut Blend, Mega Bite Cookie, Lays Potato Chips, 3 Musketeers.
Pets: cabin - $75 one-way; checked - $100 one way
Perks: AA also has temperature restrictions for any location on your itinerary, unless you get a waiver from a vet. No hotter than 85degrees (75degrees for snub-nosed pets), no colder than 45 degrees.

Delta
Delta has a sparkling new concourse in Miami, much better than AA.
Fees and Booking:
Change fee: $75 + fare difference
$50 charge for same day changes
Food: Free Snack Basket (Chips, Granola Bars, Peanuts, Cookies, Crackers). When flying between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or Seattle you may purchase from a nice range of menu items (salads, cheese, sandwiches) from $2-8.
Pets: Cabin - $75 one-way; Checked - $150 one-way

Check it out…
Farecast.com
This site forecasts if the fares for your destination will rise or drop in the upcoming week. It currently serves 75 Home Airports. They claim to be correct with their predictions 75% of the time, which isn't bad.

Southwest.com
They usually have pretty unbeatable fares. And, they now service LGA and Islip! They are fair about change fees, offer refundable tickets and even though the planes seem to be out-of-date they have one of the best safety records in the industry. SW doesn’t come-up on most search engines so you’ll need to go directly to their website.

Virgin America.com
NEW carrier based out of San Francisco servicing non-stop flights from SFO to JFK ($278 round-trip), LAX, Wash DC Dulles, Las Vegas. They also have non-stop flights from JFK to LAX.
They plan to service up to 30 cities in the next 5 years.
PERKS: 2-3” extra of legroom in coach, USB jacks, 110 volt plugs, 9” TV (jet blue has a 6.8” screen) 18 free channels and pay-per-view movies for $6-8, MP3s, remote Text Flirting.

Kayak.com
An excellent travel-booking site, they search discount airline such as JetBlue and AirTran, unlike most of their competitors. Kayak routes you directly to the airline that you are purchasing from, therefore avoiding additional charges and change fees. But, it's always smart to double check the airlines directly to confirm you are receiving their lowest fare. When booking directly on the airline’s home site you can earn 500 bonus miles (most airlines offers this perk, JetBlue offers double miles) and avoid any additional change fees later.

Expedia.com
They now offer an award program with no blackout dates. Get a $400 ticket with 20,000 points. You can earn points on hotel, flight, cruise and activity bookings.

FlyClear.com
Ever wish you could buy your way out of having to battle the absurdly long security lines at the airport? Well, now you can (for an entire year) for the nominal fee of $99.95. Thanks to Fly Clear - a revolutionary approach to easing the often painful experience that is traveling. Clear members are granted fast passage through airport security and access to a designated Clear security lane staffed by Clear attendants. The only real downfall: the service is currently only available at a dozen or so airports (which includes JFK, Newark, Reno, as well as San Francisco and San Jose). So, some interested parties may have to wait a bit longer before Clear hits their local airport.

~Joanna Kunze

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Another year and another CMJ Fest hits the streets of New York. For one week, starting this Wednesday, all the city’s best venues will be bursting with college radio geeks, industry types and over-excited locals. The roster is impressive, with this year’s hottest buzz names making their way across America and the world to play. Shows featuring such splendors as Deerhunter, Justice, Band of Horses, and Christopher Cross, will all boast huge guest lists, so those who haven’t already gotten tickets better start camping outside now or at least try sleeping with a Misshapes DJ to get in.

But the big names aren’t this week’s only must-see attractions. Lucky for you, psychoPEDIA has singled out some of the lesser-known bands who will not only put on a great show, but grant you bragging rights when they hit the big time.

Pre
First up are London’s finest purveyors of experimental noise, Pre. Currently touring across America alongside psychoPEDIA favorites Mika Miko, they even share a pretty similar aesthetic to the LA girls, albeit registering a few notches up on the Richter scale of rocking one out. Fronted by Japanese wild one Akiko, their live show has wowed and shocked many an audience, including leaving a sea of Gossip fans speechless at London’s famous Astoria after being handpicked by Beth Ditto as main support on their UK tour. Pre will be appearing at the Knitting Factory on the 19th, along with our next pick...

Health
Health brings the kind of atmospheric chaos everyone needs on a chilly fall evening. Despite being together for a number of years, the last 12 months has seen them press further forward into people's minds, in part thanks to the remix Crystal Castles did of their track Crimewaves. But they should be remembered for more than this, and their impressive live performances pay testament to that fact. An un-ignorable live show combined with a pretty impressive back catalogue of nightmarish tracks like Glitter Pill and Triceratops, both of which are laden with haunting vocals and creepy sound-scapes, provide this band with a healthy (pun intended) bass from which to grow.

Foals
Another UK band, Foals, arrive with an extreme amount of promise and expectation piled atop their young Oxford shoulders. It’s not surprising because, in the extremely short time they have been together, they have already had to deal with comparisons to New York’s very own math rock maestros Battles, and have just recorded a hugely anticipated new album with TV On The Radio’s David Siteck. For a young British band riding the crest of an NME-fronted hype wave, they come across as collected and mature, keeping themselves as distanced as possible from London’s unforgiving party circuit and constantly pushing themselves musically. They thrive on the progression of their music rather than their ‘cool credentials’, which leads them suitably to the support of similarly grounded Bloc Party on their upcoming European tour. Foals will appear at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on the 18th, and alongside Band of Horses on the 20th.

Finally Punk
After releasing a handful of records and playing a multitude of shows last year, this young, all-girl four-piece was forced into hiatus during the summer due to the banality of life and education. But, with a new member in the form of someone called David, they are back for a limited time; and, luckily for New York, they have chosen it as the city to play host to three of only a handful of shows. Describing Finally Punk is something you must do with extreme caution, for, after likening them to the punk sensibilities and ramshackle-ness of an early Slits, they will run up and bite you with a track that fondly reminisces the calmer moments of The Raincoats. But if one had to hazard a description of Finally Punk’s sound, the best would probably be, “They sound like they had just been to Enid from Ghost World’s house and robbed all her favorite records, listened to them all, then made a band”. Catch them at Trash Bar in Williamsburg on Oct, 18.

Yip Yip
Yip Yip's Brian Esser and Jason Temple come to CMJ equipped with an impressive arsenal of Moogs, Korgs and Casio keyboards. They certainly don’t take the use of their favorite musical weapon lightly, and their wacky instrumental-theme-tune-esque sounds have earned them support with many of the country’s top grind and noise core bands, Melt Banana, Lightning Bolt, Daughters, xrxbx and The Locust, as well as more tuneful contemporaries such as Animal Collective and Xiu Xiu. Although having been around six years, they have kept to their independent roots strong -- either self-releasing or letting SAF Records do the work as well as creating their own record and merch artwork. It is advised that you find yourself dancing to, and admiring the visually intense costumes of, Yip Yip at Knitting Factory on the 19th.

Enjoy.

~Kevin Soar

First Photo by Yelena Yemchuk

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California’s San Fernando Valley (a.k.a. The Valley) has long been known for its Spanish architecture, movie studios and strip malls. But more recently, it's been recognized for having produced She Wants Revenge, a self-proclaimed dark-wave rock band laden with wide-ranging '80s influences including Joy Division, The Cure, Suicide and Depeche Mode - the latter with which the duo, comprised of Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin, toured last year.

As of last month, the band's at it again – bringing their latest LP, This is Forever – to a city near you. We caught up with the band about a third of the way through their time on the road, and asked for a first-hand guide to their stomping grounds in the Valley. We were off to a good start when Bravin responded with an exclamatory, “I’m all about the valley!” In his own words:

How’s the tour going so far?
We’re in Denver right now; playing tonight at the Gothic Theatre. We just started - we’ve played about six shows. It’s so nice not only to be back on tour but to play all the new material too.

What do you two get homesick for first when you’re on tour?
Definitely our favorite food. Well, for Justin, it’s probably his new baby. For me it’s my bed and my favorite food spots. In the Valley it's Henry's Tacos.

What do you order there?
I usually get three ground beef tacos and one bean, rice and cheese burrito. I’ve been going there most of my life.

How would you describe the Valley to someone who’s never been?
They should watch Valley Girl, because it’s pretty much exactly like how it is. For people in LA, it’s totally another world… as much as I love the Valley they’re kind of one step behind everybody else, but it’s a great, homey place with a lot of great people.

There are quite a few stereotypes of Valley dwellers. What are the biggest misconceptions about people who live in the valley?
People think that valley people speak like valley girls from the '80s; not everybody goes around going, ‘oh my god!’… although some do.

What are the best local spots to see live music?
Live music in the valley is kind of tough. There’s The Baked Potato– it’s a little bar/club where bands play. We would love to play a show in the valley, but there aren’t really any places to do it. We’ll probably do a free show at North Hollywood High. I went to high school there. Justin wanted to do this benefit that we played recently, so it’s my turn to choose the next one. So when we have time I want to do a free show at my high school.

Do you two have any staple dive bars?
Lucky Chimney Sweep, we used to go there all the time. It’s a typical dive bar - great jukebox, people that have probably been drinking there all day. It’s really nice. I used to live a couple blocks away. There’s a place called Starlight, right next to Henry’s Tacos. It’s another great dive bar.

What about other great valley restaurants?
Casa Vega is another amazing Mexican place. The food is amazing; the atmosphere is amazing. They serve sangrita, which only a couple places in LA have. It’s a tomato-based tequila back – you do a shot of tequila and then you drink this kind of chaser… almost like a bloody mary mix that’s fresh and spicier. I don’t’ even think they have it on the menu you just have to know about it.

What about for fine dining, say, if your label was footing the bill?
There are a million great places to eat in the valley. Smoke House- Justin and I go there all the time when we want to get a good steak. Morton's, a really amazing steakhouse in Burbank, is always good. And the best sushi is in the valley for sure. There are two places that are my two favorite sushi places in the world -- one is called Katsuya. It is the original one. I’ve been going there for 10 years, so we became friends with Katsu and would go out with him. And then right up the street there’s a place called Nozawa – which is known as the sushi Nazi. If you sit at the counter you can’t order. Chef Nozowa has a sign that says, “Trust me.” So you just order the special and he just gives you what ever he makes and it’s the best. I recommend it, just don’t pull out your cell phone or you’ll get kicked out. The best BBQ is at Doctor Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ. They have the most amazing BBQ ribs ever. I’ve been to Tyler, Texas and it blows Tyler away. I’ve been going there since I was a kid so I might be a little biased, but everyone I’ve taken there is like, “wow!” Carney's has the best burger in the valley. And the best falafel and Mediterranean spot is the Pita Kitchen. They have the best chicken schnitzel and the best hummus. We don’t’ go to the valley that often anymore, but when we do go it’s usually to eat.

I know you DJ in LA quite a bit. Have you ever spun in the valley?
Growing up I did but not really at any clubs, because I was too young. But I did all the high school parties.

Are there any particularly great hotels?
There’s a great hotel where, whenever my mom comes into town, that’s where she stays. It’s called Graciela. It’s small - not the type of hotel you’d expect to find in the valley. They’re really nice there, the rooms are great, and since my dog has become my mom’s dog it’s rather difficult finding a hotel that accepts pets. They always give her the same room and they allow pets and the food there is great. Once you stay there you always want to go back.

Would you say that San Fernando has significantly influenced you and Justin, in terms of music or anything else?
Absolutely with the music – we grew up in the valley listening to KRock. Everything we were learning as far as music was concerned, we were listening to the radio… especially with what we’re doing now with She Wants Revenge. We wouldn’t know about Depeche Mode, the Cure, and so many other great bands without it. Just being a valley boy, riding skateboards, listening to K-Rock, we’re still the same kids.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Carney's, 12601 Ventura Blvd
Lucky Chimney Sweep, 11433 Ruggiero Ave, Sylmar CA
Morton's Steakhouse, 3400 W Olive Ave, Burbank
Sushi Nozawa, 11288 Ventura Blvd
Doctor Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ, 8136 N Sepulveda Blvd
Pita Kitchen, 14500 Ventura Blvd

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From online reservation-making sites like OpenTable and Orbitz, to Camilla Parker Bowles' nephew Ben Elliot's uber-exclusive, super-luxury concierge service, using booking agencies is now the norm. But none has attempted to tap into the high-end, mass-market quite the way LifeBooker plans to. Having gone live just two weeks ago, after two years of developing a system that builds upon the best features of websites like Citysearch, Orbitz, Craigslist, and eBay, LifeBooker is the brainchild of 26-year-old entrepreneurs Dana Reichman and Andrew Unger. While the site currently only offers services for spa treatments, Unger and Reichman are already at work expanding LifeBooker to include fitness, tables at clubs, and pet services, in hopes that it will revolutionize the way you make appointments.

So, psychoPEDIA invited fashion designer, Sari Gueron, one on-the-go New Yorker very much in need of a little R&R, to test out the site and its services. Fresh off a flight from Paris, and just two weeks after having shown a characteristically soft, feminine and elegant Spring 08 collection in NYC (which has won fans from Sofia Coppola to Michelle Williams), Gueron logged on to the new site and booked a massage at Manhattan’s Thai Privilege Spa. Here, Gueron on the future of online scheduling and her fondness of aromatherapy massage:

Do you book any other types of services online?
At work we order lunch online. It is the future for making appointments. I’m not tech savvy, but when it comes to getting a plane ticket, I do it online rather then having someone put you on hold.

What did you think of the site?
I will use it rather than calling and having to talk someone... or having to Google and then call five different places to find out availability. [It’s also great because] you might not know about a salon near you. It’s a one-stop deal.

Why did you choose Thai Privilege?
I wanted their Aromatherapy massage. It sounded like the most healing, and Thai Spas are very relaxing. It’s also around the corner from my apartment.

How was the massage?
It’s transporting. They give you awesome ginger tea right off the bat. Make you feel welcome. They give you a choice of oils – the one I chose is infused with peppermint, one of my favorites. All the containers are beautiful. The touches are in place. All these details make it really relaxing.

What was the massage process like?
It starts with a foot scrub, which I love. The Aromatherapy massage was amazing. I told him to focus on my neck and shoulders since that’s where I hold all my tension. It’s the second message I’ve ever had in my life. I’m a stressed-out girl, so it took me a while to get into it.

Was it post-show stress?
Yes. Right after the show I went straight to Paris for the PV fabric show. I haven’t stopped in months, so it’s great to unwind. I don’t make time for it. I usually work late and can’t get a service during the day. But, maybe if there is a spa near the office... I’ll find out on LifeBooker.

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Loosely-drawn horses and watercolored birds are images one would expect to see adorning the walls of a kindergarten classroom… not a gallery space in San Francisco. But, when rendered by artist Shawn Creeden, 26, and subsequently translated into embroideries, books, and prints, the childlike images take on a deep significance.

Over the past few years, the now Crown Heights-based Creeden has gone from living in his car, to showing in galleries across the U.S.. Currently Creeden has two solo shows on view in opposite ends of the country – Brooklyn’s AG Gallery and San Francisco’s The Curiosity Shoppe. For the latter, Creeden created a show entitled Hollow Face, Hand Wing, which focuses on bats, and even includes a live bat presentation (a portion of the proceeds from his limited-edition prints will be donated to the show’s sponsor, the California Bat Conservation Fund). Intrigued by both the native Rhode Islander’s sentimental artwork, as well as his struggle to become a working artist, we caught up with Creeden after his San Francisco show opening to discuss. In his own words:

Your San Francisco show is all about bats. What do you find so attractive about them?
They are so complex and varied and specialized and misunderstood. Powered flight is obviously a major enviable trait, as is echolocation. To be able to see, with sound, in total darkness, while flying and hunting is really crazy and almost too much to comprehend… let alone for a tiny little mouse-like mammal to do without a second thought. It’s beyond remarkable.

You’ve only recently started showing in galleries. How did you get started as an artist?
After school I was doing freelance photography in New Hampshire a few times a month and living in basically a squat in Providence. It was amazing. We had ungodly amounts of space and total freedom, but no shower or heat, and barely any running water. That’s when I was just sort of beginning to put serious effort into the kind of drawings I'm making now.

What artists or movements inspired you?
I was looking at the Royal Art Lodge, Henry Darger, Cy Twombly, Joseph Cornell, etc, and could see parallels in the general outlook, humor, attention to detail, and some stylistic similarities, but I needed to work with a different vocabulary and that was animals. So, I was living in this warehouse, making work, going to shows, and then we all got evicted in the middle of the winter. So, I decided to go to New York.

How did you make your living once you got to NYC?
I barely had any money, so I started selling drawings and prints in the subway. I had no clue. No one hassled me, and a few people bought stuff. I had a car at the time and was sleeping in that. I stayed that way for the better part of a year and a half. I was making great money once I moved above ground.

That sounds pretty tough. What did you think of your situation at the time?
Since I wasn’t spending money on rent I was actually eating pretty well at all the city’s vegetarian restaurants. I would sit there and shovel this food in my mouth and think, “This is not so bad; ‘starving’ artists are idiots.” You just have to figure out a way to make it work. For me it was prints in New York. That gave me enough of a foothold to climb up.

Do you think you’ll sell on the street ever again?
Street vending can get pretty competitive. I really like doing it, and I want to do it again. I just need to get things together and scope out what is going on down there now. I think I’ve just been getting more opportunities for shows in galleries.

Tell me about your recent show at AG. How did it come about and how did people respond to it?
The show went really well. A great and talented artist/curator named Tomoko Ashikawa had seen some work by a group that I belong to in a show at Artists Space in Soho. Then, she invited me to be in a group show at the gallery she curated in Williamsburg, the AG Gallery. The show was a success and my pieces were sold and people expressed a great deal of interest. Then, Tomoko decided to move back to Japan and invited me to have the last solo show before she left. I was honored and the show turned out great. It’s an overview of the work I make - drawings, embroideries, prints, shirts, books, hand-drawn pins, etc. The opening was fun and then I left a few days later to come out to San Francisco for this show. Pretty serious: simultaneous bicoastal zoographical exhibitions. It’s sort of nice for my dad, I think - that he can see some measurable amount of success.

~Lynann Butkiewicz

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Choosing a wireless carrier is a major commitment - in some cases, breaking all ties can be taxing both financially and mentally. The plans, the coverage, the phones themselves… the process can be utterly daunting thanks to countless choices and contradictory reviews.

According to customer reports, Verizon and T-Mobile are nearly tied for the highest-rated domestic wireless carrier, but that doesn’t mean that either is necessarily right for everyone. With so much to consider, psychoPEDIA was curious what kind of monthly plans the major carriers offer for around $100… and which deserves the title of best overall plan. As packages vary, one must choose according to their own personal needs and lifestyle. In other words, some plans offer lots of minutes, but text messaging is an “add-on,” and other networks don’t work over-seas. So, while in the end the choice is yours, choose wisely… it’s a 2-year relationship after all!

AT&T/Cingular
AT&T / Cingular has the largest network in the US. They are currently the only carrier that offers the coveted iPhone (but… is the iPhone even worth it?).
Pros: Rollover minutes, largest digital voice and data network, access to iPhone (great picture quality, MAP feature and iPod; however, no video, can’t email photos not downloaded from the Internet, and very low battery life).
Cons: One must pay additionally for the World Traveler program; worth holding out for the iPhone as by the next model many kinks should be worked out.
Offers: Rollover minutes, World Traveler program ($5.99) provides discounted roaming rates while abroad in 80 countries, Free LG phone with new activation.
Phones: iPhone, Blacjack, BlackBerry Pearl, Curve, Treo, Palm Treo
Nation 2000 w/ Rollover Minutes Plan: 2000 minutes – $99.99 ($0.25 per additional minute); Free nights (9:00pm – 5:59am) and weekends; $36 activation fee / 2-year contract; Add-on: unlimited text $9.99

Verizon
Verizon has the nation’s most reliable wireless network. It leads the pack with the fewest dropped calls and call quality.
Pros: Purchase $39.00 phone and receive up to 3 phones for free.
Cons: Only their BlackBerry World Phone works overseas!
Offers: Free activation and free overnight shipping when you place your order online. All plans include Free IN Calling to other Verizon costumers and free nights (9:00pm – 5:59am) and weekends.
Phones: Palm Treo, Black Berry World Phone, Wireless Modems & PC Cards, RAZR, LG
America’s Choice Plan: 900 Minutes - $99.99/month ($0.40 per additional minute); Unlimited Text, Pictures, Video, and Instant Messaging; Mobile Email; V Cast VPak; VZ Navigator; Unlimited IN Calling to any Verizon Wireless Customer; free nights and weekends

T-Mobile
T-Mobile operates the largest all-digital, nationwide wireless network based on the globally-dominant GSM technology. T-Mobile also has the top-rated costumer service in addition to its international coverage.
Pros: T-Mobile’s GSM network is among the highest-rated for overall customer satisfaction and is very reliable overseas.
Cons: No rollover minutes.
Offers: MyFaves Plan offers unlimited calls to the five numbers you call most, free shipping on all phones ordered online.
Phones: RAZR, SideKick, Black Berry, Pearl, Curve, Dash, KRZR, GPRS/ EDGE WIFI card
Individual Ultra Plan: 2,500 Minutes - $99.99 ($0.30 per additional minute); Free nights (9:00pm – 6:59am) & weekends; 2-year contract; Add on: unlimited text/ IM $9.99

And now, for the winner...
Overall, psychoPEDIA deems T-Mobile the wireless champ. With comparable scores to Verizon for service and satisfaction, the carrier also serves customers overseas. And for anyone who has ever been abroad without service knows how valuable that can be. And, with very affordable plans with high base minutes (all of which you can customize), T-Mobile proves the most cost-effective.

Breakdown of the best overall plans:
T-Mobile’s Individual Max – 1500 minutes: $59.99
Add On: Unlimited Text & IM: $9.99
Free T-Mobile-to-T-Mobile: $6.99
Monthly Total (excluding taxes): $76.97
Or…
MyFaves 1500 - 1500 minutes: $69.99
Add On: Unlimited Text & IM : $9.99
Monthly total (excluding taxes): $79.98

~Joanna Kunze

First photo courtesy of Haap
Second photo courtesy of Foto D
Third photo courtesy of Ajpscs
Fourth photo courtesy of Peace Chicken
Fifth photo courtesy of Kevin Hua

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Remixing is currently a popular word in the music world. It seems every commercial, and indie and pop artist, needs to have their latest singles remixed by producers so that they can be played in clubs worldwide. For artists like Justin Timberlake and Madonna, having one of their songs remixed by such producers as Jacques Lu Cont , Crookers or Diplo practically guarantees exposure in the club arena. And DJ/producer/artist Kasper Bjorke is no stranger to this phenomenon – he’s the one both playing and creating many of those remixes.

Danish-born and Copenhagen-based Bjorke has been DJing all over the world for years, and, recently, his first album, In Gumbo (launched this past September on Plant Music), was released to wide acclaim. While on tour in Europe and America, in support of his album, Bjorke took the time to explain what his remix world is all about. In his own words:

Do you feel that producing and remixing has had any impact on, or is really just an extension of, your DJing?
I started making my own productions with my band project, Filur, together with Tomas Barfod of Who Made Who. We have released three albums together and done extensive remix-work for Example, Junior Senior, Brandy, and lots of indie bands over the last 8 years. and then I started to get requests to do remixes and produce. A couple of years ago, I started doing tracks on my own, as well, and then DJing became a regular thing which expanded to become just as big a part of my life as producing music.

Who have you done remixes for?
Acts like New York's own The Glass, Danish bands like Turboweekend and Veto, and Swedish bands Kent and As In RebekkaMaria. I did a bootleg of MIA's "Galang," which only went around to my DJ friends. It was never a proper release, but everyone had it, and it was still played everywhere.

How important is it for mainstream artists to have remixes?
It’s important for a pop artist to have remixes that come from the underground, say people like Britney Spears, because they need to have DJs to play their music in clubs and they’d only play her music in the clubs if it’s remixed from the underground. DJs find underground remixes of commercial artists, because, for example, I would never play a Britney Spears song, but if Switch did a remix of it, I’d play that song. Even DFA did a remix of Britney that was never released, but they still did it and it was played. I think it’s important for commercial artists to have underground remixes. And, it’s really important for the remixers to have pop artists to do remixes for, because that’s where the real money is; big commercial names pay a lot of money for a remix to be done by a hot producer.

Are illegal and bootleg remixes considered the most sought-after for DJs?
Absolutely. That’s what every DJ wants to play because no one has it.

In the past year, the “French” vibe of Daft Punk, Ed Banger and Uffie seemed to be everywhere. Where do you think the next sound is coming from and who’s doing it?
Right now the whole angle is the global-ghetto vibe and beat. MIA, Diplo, Switch, Sinden/Herve, and Crookers, with the mash-up of electro, techno, hip hop and ethnic. That sound has a big base in the blog community, whereas the Ed Banger sound is not dead, but is already on the way down.

Do you think that movement helped the remix world and community?
Totally. I think the scene needed that wildness to reinvent itself. Not everything is good again. Before, the whole electro scene was very boring… it was getting generic. It was dead. They definitely helped the scene and made it fresh again, they got people excited about this kind of music.

What’s a really hot track that you’re playing that no one has?
My friend Tomas from Who Made Who gave me this remix he did of New Young Pony Club, and I’ve been playing it for everyone for the last few weeks. It’s red hot in my bag right now. I’ve also been playing a cover version of a Digitalism track. Those two from Who Made Who are really great. I just did one myself - it’s a cover version of Rage Against the Machine of “Killing in the Name Of,” and the cover version is by the FM Belfast, an Icelandic band. I remixed that track and everyone seems to be singing along to the lyrics when I play it.

Who is the most sought-after remixer right now?
On the underground scene, I’d say Crookers. They’re very, very good. Everything they’ve done is really fresh and wild. Not too noisy or too much. Another is Switch. I remember in 2001 and 2002 he was really techy, but he’s back. This sound they have is really hot; I love playing their stuff. That’s my job as a DJ, to introduce new and fresh stuff to people.

~Jessica McMenamin

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To the untrained eye, Manhattan can look like an unconquerable labyrinth of potential places to empty your pockets. Its streets are littered with the best boutiques in the world, which countless tourists come to frequent every season. But, whether you’re a first-timer, or a veteran, navigating NYC’s shopping circuit can be exhausting, which is exactly the reason Marla J. Hander took over the reins at Shop Gotham, a customizable tour for women hell-bent on shopping their hearts out.

Considering that (despite the rising temperatures) fall is in full-effect, and that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are on the horizon, we figured it perfect time to enlist Hander’s help in sifting through one of the most fantastic and difficult cities to shop in. Here, Hander breaks down the basics of shopping in New York, divulges where to find the best deals, and recommends her must-sees -– Hander's Shopping in New York 101:

What is the concept behind Shop Gotham, and what kind of clientele do you cater to?
The objective of the company is that it exists for tourists. For certain tours we do get New Yorkers. The number one thing people come to do in NYC is shop. It’s a bigger shopping mecca than anywhere, but it is hard to navigate. Have you ever gone somewhere and thought, “Shit, I never found the good stuff.” That’s what this is for. We go to places like Nolita and Soho where stores will give us exclusive discounts that are available to our shoppers for the rest of the day. We’ll go to the Garment District and hit private and sample sales that are particularly hot that day. We’ll do stuff that locals can’t do on their own. We go to independents and boutiques, even wholesalers who are not necessarily household names. And we do major-level sample sales.

What changes have you seen in terms of the market and shopping in NYC over the last few years?
It’s now a very big thing for people in Europe, because everything is so cheap here; and it’s even more so in Great Britain. People will come here just to shop because their currency goes so far.

Have you seen differences in terms of what a European tourist might be looking for as opposed to an Asian tourist?
It is interesting – different regions have different tastes. Asian shoppers tend to be much more brand conscious. Middle-aged Asian women are very interested in Louis Vuitton… not that we really do Louis Vuitton, but, if someone wants to stop when we’re walking past the store in Soho, we will. And, younger Asian girls love the Adidas Original store in Soho.

I understand the private tours are customized. What are some of the kinds of tours people ask for?
We do bargains, petites, plus size, men’s…

Let’s say you were helping someone shop for petites. Where would you take them?
If you’re younger or young-minded there are a lot of stores that cater to small people in Nolita. Most sizes there are 0-4. That’s a great place. The petite world has kind of shrunken. So, maybe we’ll do that, maybe Bloomingdale's petites.

How would you define NY shopping by neighborhood?
The garment district is private; there are millions of offices and wholesale clothing retailers who aren’t selling household names but who stock designers that also sell to better stores like Bloomingdales or Barneys. It’s a great place to find good deals. The Lower East Side is great for vintage. For an older set I’d say stay in the Upper East Side, Nolita and Soho are great for both edgy and mainstream people, while the Meatpacking District is really only for shoppers looking for high-end.

What are the staple shops in each of those neighborhoods that you recommend hitting?
In Nolita I love the store Calvin Tran. In Soho I love Satellite Paris, which is great for costume jewelry. In the Meatpacking district, I like Trina Turk. In the Garment district, I can’t tell you because they are all private wholesale connections. There’s also Designer Resale in the Upper East Side, and Purdy Girl in the Upper West Side.

What’s most unique about shopping in NYC, versus other big cities?
New York has great discount stores. People fly in just to go to Loehmann's, Century 21. For New Yorkers, it’s different. People are able to score great sales all the time. Also, unlike Europe, we’re on a free system of sales. In Europe each country has a set sale period; they don’t have the system we do.

What about locals when it comes to shopping?
Local people are much more interested in hunting out new boutiques. People in New York spend more money on clothing and accessories than anywhere else in the world. People from elsewhere just don’t spend money on clothing the way we do here. I know women from outside New York who have access to private jets who won’t spend more than $150 on a handbag. But, in New York, you’ll see 25-year-olds walking down the street with a $3,000 Chloe bag.

Do you think that in general New Yorkers are the most fashionable people in the world?
Other than some key cities, New Yorkers are by and large much more fashionable. We are inundated with it visually – you see it walking down the street every day, so you tend to be more in tune.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

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For most college students, cooking at home typically entails a package of pasta and a pre-made sauce. That is, unless you’re Bryan Zupon, founder of Z Kitchen- an underground restaurant that the Duke senior started in his dorm room last fall. Since then, the economics and history major has earned significant attention thanks to his entrepreneurial attitude, and a cooking style that channels Daniel Boulud, as opposed to Chef Boyardee.

Zupon now holds Z Kitchen court to the tune of Miles Davis (or Broken Social Scene, or Jenny Lewis) in an apartment that he shares with two roommates, serving up alternating six-course dinners, with dishes like balsamic-infused strawberries with beets, flaky cod with shaved fennel and beef-loin strips that have been cooked sous vide for six hours. So, in hopes of getting that much closer to cooking like a top chef, we picked Zupon’s brain for advice. Here, Zupon ruminates on why the Induction Cooking Hob is the wave of the future:

What is Z Kitchen, and how did the idea come about?
It’s a private dining club where I invite people over for dinner. I first had the idea because I knew people who had done underground restaurant things elsewhere, like Studio Kitchen in Philly. And, combined with the fact that I like not only to cook cool food, but to meet cool people…

What kinds of crowds does Z Kitchen attract, and how do people contact you if they’re interested?
It’s mainly local foodies and industry people… some students. Once I got some students and they keep coming back. If they’re interested they should just contact me through the email listed on my site.

How would you describe the menu?
The menu is based on what’s seasonal and dishes that I’m experimenting with. I’ll serve relatively similar dishes to different parties, but they’re never quite the same as I’m always tweaking them. I also work with the diners to try and reflect their preferences.

How many people can you seat?
Six.

If you could invite five people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you choose?
[Pause]… um… Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Conor Oberst, Ayn Rand, and Audrey Hepburn.

When was the foodie side in you first born? Are your parents in the food industry?
No. My dad is in pharmaceuticals and my mom works with imports and exports. As a kid I ate a lot Japanese cuisine – my mom is Japanese. By 12 and 13 I started really liking to eat, I liked to try new things and had the opportunity to eat at a lot of restaurants. I also like the hospitality industry in general.

Do most girls find the fact that you you’re a young guy who can cook endearing?
To a certain extent… I’m a little too weird [laughs]. In general, people are intimidated. But I have cooked a lot of meals for girls, and for my girlfriend, and they really like that.

Tell me about your Induction Cooking Hob, something you said you would recommend for those on a limited budget working with a limited space…
I’ve had mine for about a year. I figure that most people in NYC have kitchens that are worse than mine, and mine sucks. The concept of induction is based on magnets – magnets turn on, exciting the metal in the pan. It’s extremely safe, precise, and more efficient from an energy perspective. When you’re cooking with flame or coil it puts out a lot of excess heat. This way it’s more direct. You place a think paper towel on top of the hob and put a pan on top. It’s great for tabletops, fondue type things. On the more expensive versions you can be really precise and dial exact temperatures. It’s also just a good conversation piece.

What is the cost range like?
They can cost anywhere from $80 to several hundred dollars.

And what brand do you have?
I have a Sunpentown. I bought it off ebay, where you can get a restaurant quality one that normally costs $500 or $600, for $150.

We were also talking earlier about your most favorite recent purchase and you mentioned the chef Grant Achatz’s Alinea book. What is it exactly?
There is not all that much out there right now on it. It’s the first modern minded cookbook, and the first to have an online component [Alinea Mosaic]. It’ll all relate to what happens in the restaurant. So, at once it will be a coffee table book and a website that’s entirely practical and from which you can learn so much. I already pre-ordered my copy even though I don’t know where I’m going to be next summer. I had to have it sent to my house in New Jersey.

Do have a favorite for the Top Chef final?
Hung, definitely Hung. I’ve been a fan of his ever since they announced the task list.

Would you ever consider trying out?
I actually considered doing it this season, but I was too young by a couple months. The talent level is so high right now though so I’m glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t want to go up against Hung.

What are three essentials every aspiring cook should have?
A good knife, good pans – not expensive, you can get good ones at restaurant supply shops that are more than sufficient – and large white plates. They’ll make your food look infinitely better.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

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Summer is over, and so are the days of random flings. With fall's arrival single men and women everywhere are looking to fall in love, and, in some cases, paying as much as $2,000 to find it (according to the NY Times Styles section last week, the most recent trend in cosmopolitan dating includes coaches who charge hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a session). It's common knowledge that finding a mate in Manhattan is especially difficult, and as the age-old adage goes: money can't buy love.

So, for those willing to invest the time and effort, psychoPEDIA has put together a list of the best date spots in the city, as well as a few that are easily accessible by train. From the culturally stimulating to the palette pleasing, here are six unique ways to impress your sweetie:

Dia Beacon
Just over an hour north of the city (via Metro-North) is one of the most captivating contemporary art institutions on the East Coast, Dia Beacon. Not only is the Dia’s collection - housed in a former Nabisco factory – impressive (it boasts works by Warhol, Serra, Flavin and more, alongside rotating exhibits like the Sol LeWitt Drawing Series… currently on view). The two-floor, light-filled space is surrounded by greenery (perfect for fall visits once the foliage begins changing color) and is exceptionally quiet, even during prime weekend visiting hours. To boot, couples can cozy up on one of the leather couches in the Warhol room. And, after you’ve thoroughly exhausted the museum, you can travel just down Beekman Road to the River Terrace (845-831-5400), a quaint restaurant with spectacular views, for the perfect post-museum meal.
*Can’t leave the island? Check out Walter De Maria’s The New York Earth Room (one of three worldwide) – a permanent exhibit on Wooster Street of which Dia is likewise responsible.

DRV-IN
If your prospective mate is a film buff in the slightest, hitting Manhattan’s recently opened DRV-IN is a sure thing. For a mere $75 (a very reasonable price considering it ensures at least an hour and a half of quality one-on-one cuddle time in the backseat of an old-school Falcon convertible… and unlimited popcorn), you can watch any movie of your choosing in this Lower East Side drive-in. So, whether you’re in the mood for Italian Neo-Realist, or anything that’ll make your date cling to you in horror (think: Hitchcock’s Psycho, not I Know Who Killed Me), a stop at the DRV-IN guarantees some prime face-time, without the pressure of conversing for five straight courses.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns
If you’re looking for fine dining with a great atmosphere, and would really love to knock-the-socks off your date, we recommend a trip to Blue Hill at Stone Barns. The sister restaurant to the Greenwich Village-based eatery of the same name, Blue Hill boasts a fully-functioning farm, a seasonally-driven restaurant and an educational center, all of which are nestled in the spectacular Pocantinico Hills in Hudson Valley, New York. With a daily-changing menu (often including grass-fed meats, as well as Hudson Valley-raised fish), not to mention baby sheep playing outdoors, it’s the ideal relaxed yet romantic setting.

Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel
While the crowd at this Upper East Side staple may be littered with suits and tourists (those who can afford to be staying upstairs in the newly renovated Carlyle, that is), Bemelmans Bar is not-to-be-missed. The epitome of old-world romance – this one-room bar, whose walls and lampshades were hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans himself (author and illustrator of the Madeline series of children’s books), boasts some of the best cocktails in the city. Go after dinner and splurge on the cover charge posted nightly after nine when live jazz acts fill in the bar’s only open floor space.

Metropolitan Museum Friday Nights
The Met isn’t the most innovative idea when it comes to planning a date with your future mate... unless it’s on a Friday night. On this day every week, from 6pm-9pm, the Met provides live classical music in the lobby of the building. Plus it's cheap (the suggested donation is $12, but it's no problem if you give less), and less crowded than on weekend days. While there are countless exhibitions in which to lose yourself, we recommend heading straight to the Egyptian room, where ancient tombs, a reflective pool and floor-to-ceiling widows looking out over Central Park provide an unparalleled romantic setting.

ChikaLicious
This intimate East Village spot - New York's first (and finest) dessert bar - is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. And, the fact that it is run by husband-and-wife team Don and namesake, Chika Tillman, gives this little date spot even more romantic credibility. Whatever your weakness, ChikaLicious’ petite aphrodisiacs, which change daily, range from warm chocolate tart with pink peppercorn ice cream, and darjeeling panna cotta and peach sorbet, to the much-talked-about cheesecake, all of which come in a three course prix fixe assortment that can be paired with a wine for under $20. While it's a perfect afternoon or after-dinner date spot, if you can't stand the wait for a seat, soon you can visit Chikalicious' new sister spot, ChikaLicious Puddin', debuting across the street come November, for tasty take-home desserts that you can enjoy in the privacy of your own home.

Get Yours:
For more love advice, check out Leil Lowndes' How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You and Linda Goodman's Love Signs

First photo by Anarpa via Flickr

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The beauty of fall fashion is in the ability to layer and the ease with which one can affordably add splashes of color. While summer style is summed up with a simple sundress and sandals, a change in foliage marks a significantly more fun fashion season. And, while everyone can use essentials like schoolboy blazers and designer denim, there’s nothing like a good cheap fix.

Considering NYC has had a significant impact on fall fashion (think '80s punk rock meets the tribes of the village people), we’ve looked to our own stomping grounds for the coolest and most affordable accessories. Here, six reasons why you can’t go wrong with color (the brighter the better), punk, and patterned textiles:

Zara Silk Scarf ($39-$59) We all want the Balenciaga scarf this season, but who can afford it? So, look to Zara instead. Their line of silk scarves features vibrant gem tones and tassel details; each one promises to give any outfit a more refined look. These scarves, which could easily pass as something you picked up while traveling to an exotic destination, are definitely an accessory worth holding on to.

Color's Tights ($8 and up) and Urban Outfitters Tights (2 for $20)
Tights are a staple for any gal's fall wardrobe. So, why not add some color this season? Everyone is showing bright tights this fall... Pucci, Moschino, Balenciaga, but figuring out how incorporate them into your every day look can be a bit confusing. So, we say: use tights to perk-up a black dress, create a monochromatic look or update a dress from last season. And Welovecolors.com has an array of 45 colors to choose from! They also have varying weights, patterns and fantastic prices, which also means no need to panic when you get a run.

H&M Belt ($14.90) Belts are the perfect way to dress things up, and to look a few pounds thinner at the same time. Our favorite for this season? This cutesy H&M version. Transform your summer dresses and tops into a fall look with it (layer them over super-lean jeans, tights or trousers for a sleeker silhouette), or use it to embellish vintage dresses. Whatever the look, this shiny apple red accessory will perk any outfit up.

Trash and Vaudeville Cuffs ($9 and up)
Studs and spikes are everywhere this season; even lines like Christian Louboutin and Burberry have toughened-up with a bit of a rock-n-roll edge. So, why not add some East Village flair with a stud cuff? For cuffs in a variety of widths, colors and metallics, we recommend heading to Trash and Vaudville on St. Marks, where you can land style tips from owner Jimmy Webb, who has sold garb to every punk prince and princess under the sun.

Patricia Field Leather Gloves ($32)
These finger gloves (sold in white, black, nude and red) are not only hot; they’re perfect for the transitional months. They can add a glamorous touch to a day or evening look, and act as the perfect adornment when you need to head outside for a smoke... very Audrey Hepburn-meets-Blondie. Or, for when it gets really cold, look to Banana Republic for great long cashmere gloves for under $50.

Twelve By Twelve Patent Pumps at Forever 21 ($19.95)
If you’re a real penny-pincher, check out Forever 21's selection of pumps. One step inside and you’ll be asking yourself, "why drop a few hundred bucks for an upgraded version at Sigerson Morrison or Dolce & Gabbana?" An easy way to dress up jeans and a T-shirt and great for dingy clubs and shows, these pumps are perfect, because you can just wipe them down at the end of the night. Besides, at this price, they’re a deal even if you only wear them a few times.

~Joanna Kunze

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Any kid who knows a thing or two about parties is already fully aware that Real Gold's Soirees, for want of a better word, rock. No, seriously – their parties are off the hook. If you happen to go to one, you’re likely to hear DJs playing the greatest punk, hip-hop, soul and pop records ever created, and, if you’re really lucky, you might even get to see a Folk/blues band called Train Chronicles perform. They’re signed to Real Gold’s up-and-coming record label. Did we mention that they have their own line of limited edition T-shirts and an upcoming book release, too? We caught up with the London-based collective's head honcho Deano and asked:

You guys seem like one big happy family. Just how happy would you say you are at the moment?
I’d say I’m exactly 9 out of 10 happy.

Wow. That’s pretty high. What exactly is Real Gold all about?
Real Gold is about supporting creative minds in London through releases and events. It's also about having sex with tons of model chicks.

Creativity and sex with models? That’s a good mix. Where did the name come from?
I was doing a lot of DJing in London, but it started getting boring and one-dimensional. It was just people celebrating very little except being young and drunk. I wanted to do something with a bit more substance, and the name Real Gold sounded like it reflected that idea pretty well.

How many people are there in Real Gold?
About 10, but anyone who wants to represent is cool, as long as they have a brain against the grain.

Who’s the captain of the ship, so to speak?
Well, you can call me the captain, but we all built the ship together.

How did it start and where would you like RG to be in five years?
I came up with the idea when I was in a swimming pool. In five years time we'll probably be with your sister.

Dude, last time I heard, my sister had herpes, so I wish you all the best. What’s been your favourite Real Gold moment so far and why?
It was either one of the raves we had in Hackney Wick or when I got The Train Chronicles 7 inch back from the pressing plant. Both were very special moments in my life.

Describe one of your parties for someone who’s never been…
It's very similar to fornication with a dolphin.

I heard you guys are coming out with a book. Tell us more about it…
It's a book of Ben Rayner photography. We're putting it together now. It looks amazing and we're really excited. We’re huge fans of his work. Fingers crossed it will be out at the end of the year.

Tell us more about your T-shirts…
They are really cool, and they all sell out instantly.

Do you have plans to come out with a full-fledged clothing line?
We’ve had talks with a few designers, but it won't be a reality anytime soon.

Scenario: You haven’t had sex in six months, so you decide to go to a hooker. She’s super hot and gives you the best blow job you’ve ever had. She then tells you she used to be a man, but had a sex change at 15. What’s your next move?
Well duh, I'd ask if they have a sister.

I thought you were gonna’ hook up with my sister? Moving on from my sis, what do you think of ‘the scene’ at the moment?
London is obviously very important to me, so I feel a little biased. I think there’s a very productive atmosphere in young people in the city, which is amazing. As long as people create rather than imitate, we'll be okay.

What do you hate about it?
The bitching, and lack of loyalty.

Why should people be interested in Real Gold?
There are no secret motives to Real Gold. We want to support people who are doing something good. We are the voice of London, and we're going to get louder.

Is it just me, or is Paris Hilton the coolest fucking bitch in the world?
Nope. It’s just you.

~Donald Crunk at Styleslut

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