There are three things I really love: Friends, Fun and Brooklyn. So when a way to make those things collide comes together I am all in…So I’ve hooked up with Google Places and we are throwing a bowling party. We’ll be tearing it up at a currently secret location in North Brooklyn on Thursday October 6th from 7-10PM where we will enjoy a free evening of bowling, drinks, and food. 
So I’m bringing Fun and Brooklyn. Hopefully all you friends will be up for turning up. There are a few (super easy) steps to join in and get an invite, with details on the exact location to follow.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to Google.com/Places and select “Start Rating” (you’ll need to create a Google account if you haven’t already). 
2. Fill out this form by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 2nd: http://goo.gl/BhSTq
3. Review as many New York City places (especially ones in Brooklyn!) as you like by 11:59 pm on October 2nd. Each quality review you write will be judged as a new entry. If you’re wondering what we’re looking for in a quality review, here are a few things to consider:

- Originality - how creative or original is your review style?
- Capturing the spirit of the place - how well do you describe the atmosphere of the place?
- Unique view points - do you bring unique or different view points?
- Writing style - how well written is your review?

4. We’ll go through all the reviews you write during the contest period and give them points. The 35 entrant with the highest number of points will win an invitation to a bowling extravaganza! That’s three hours of unlimited bowling, snacks, and beverages!
5. The winners will be notified via email on October 3rd.

You must be 21 to enter. To read the full official rules, click here.

Find out what Google Places will be up to next, follow @GoogleNYC on Twitter and on Facebook!

So as you all know I drove to SXSW this year…That meant for a bit over two weeks I’ve slept in every bed but my own. I stayed in Hotel Rooms that ranged from posh to standard and in everyone I gave all the upholstered surfaces a good spray with my new travel savior. I don’t go around amp’ing products I don’t use/believe in so you know it’s the truth.

bedbuglogic is a preventative spray for you guessed it…Bed Bugs. I know, didn’t know such a thing existed either. Having bed Bugs isn’t a matter of being in a High End/Low End Environment or a dirty place. They like to party anyplace they can so being able to stave them off is a miracle. The fact that it’s a natural/non toxic product is a beyond bonus.


See that room? Gorgeous, right?  I gave it a liberal spray in the Thyme scent which was also a bit soothing to the insomnia I was curating by the 3rd day on the go with road trip challenges at every turn. I plan on also toting it along on the camping trips I’m plotting for the Summer because it knocks out Deerticks which I am also terrified of. Other uses include before checking coats, in ZipCars, spray that Bolt Bus seat….

You can add the fact that Bed bugs can safely be prevented to the list of things you learned today…you can also leave a comment below (be sure to use an email address I can reach you at) win to one of the 3 (TSA regulation size)bottles I am giving away in the Thyme and Cedar scents.

So I throw the phrase “Get Into It” around. I’ve decided to make it a category. Here is your thing to Get Into for 2.3.2010….

Dollar Van Demos

You may know the van from the McDonalds Breakfast Menu Ad, but based on what I could see out the Window of the van/the exterior shots (Hey, Brooklyn…How you doing My House?) I knew it was worth investigating past a jingle.

Growing up in Queens I’ve been in more than my fair share and Dollar Vans and the idea of full on musical performance going on when you get in is hilarious. Couple that with New Yorkers need to act like the abnormal doesn’t phase them and you get homeboy in the video above.

More importantly let’s spend a moment on the Artist. I’m digging Joya Bravo. She can spit and play the violin? Hearts.

The Dollar Van Demo kids are doing a session at Social Media Week tomorrow I may have to check on it.