Season 2: How To Make It In America

So we came across "How To Make It In America" on HBO (and who doesn't love HBO shows) last year during its first season, watched it from the beginning and that was it, we were hooked. We are so excited for season 2 which gears up October 2 that we wanted to share the trailer so you to can follow the journey of Ben and Cam as they launch their business (clothing line) and try to get the name "Crisp" out to the world.

If your still not totally familiar with the premise behind the show here is a brief description from howtomakeitinamerica.com:

"How to Make It in America" follows two enterprising Brooklyn twenty somethings as they hustle their way through New York City, determined to achieve the American Dream. Trying to make a name for themselves in New York's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein (Greenberg) and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon (Rasuk) use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition. With the help of Cam's cousin Rene (Guzman), who is trying to market his own high-energy drink, and their well-connected friend Domingo ("Kid Cudi"), the entrepreneurs set out to make it big, encountering obstacles along the way that will require all their ingenuity to overcome.

"How to Make It in America" also stars Lake Bell as Ben's ex-girlfriend Rachel, who is concentrating on her own career and a new relationship; Martha Plimpton ("Beautiful Girls," "200 Cigarettes") as Rachel's boss Edie, an eccentric interior designer; Shannyn Sossamon ("40 Days and 40 Nights," "The Holiday") as Gingy, Ben and Cam's artsy friend; and Eddie Kaye Thomas ("Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," "American Pie") as David Kaplan, a successful hedge fund manager and high school friend of Ben's.

Creator and first-time writer Ian Edelman is collaborating with Emmy nominee Rob Weiss ("Entourage") on many of the show's scripts. The pilot and other episodes of the show are being directed by Julian Farino. Additional writers and directors will be announced as they are confirmed.

"How to Make It in America" is produced by HBO Entertainment; executive producers, Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, Ian Edelman, Julian Farino, Jada Miranda and Mark Wahlberg; producer, Jane Raab.

We really like the whole premise behind the show as we can completely relate to starting a business and getting it recognized by those who are inspired by what we do .  We love the fact that there is a show that kind of highlights the process behind getting started and how sometimes you win and sometime you get rejected and that every path on the road to getting to where you want to be isn't easy.

Opening credits theme songs from "How To Make It In America" "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc. Definitely a winner and right on point for the show.

-The Ivorys

WAKE UP!!!! no really WAKE UP!!!

 

Quality may not be the best but the message is right on time. FREE YOUR MIND!!!! Carpe Diem!!!!!

VMA's

So last night was the MTV Music Awards which included a host of interesting performances with most of the artists trying to out do one another from what they wore to how they dazzled the crowds during their performances.

The internet has been talking for weeks it seems trying to figure out what Lady Gaga was going to be wearing for the VMA award show but this year her "little monsters" didn't get Lady Gaga they got a guy names Jo Calderone for the entire night. Gaga didn't break character once.

International Business Times reports,

Gaga was no lady at MTV's 2011 Video Music Awards (VMAs) Sunday night. Dressed in a dirty white T-shirt, black pants, boots and a pompadour a la John Travolta in "Grease," Lady Gaga shocked yet again, kicking off the show in drag.

"Hey. My name is Jo Calderone and I was an a-hole," Gaga yelled, opening the awards show with a monologue. "Gaga? Yeah her. Lady Gaga. She left me. She said it always starts out good and then the guys, meaning me, I'm one of the guys, we get crazy. I did. I got crazy, but she's f---ing crazy too, right?"

After the opening monologue, Calderone (aka Lady Gaga) jumped onto a piano bench and began belting "Yoü and I," with rock legend Brian May of Queen.

Calderone danced around the stage with a group of male lookalikes before climbing on the piano and spraying the front row of the audience with beer.

Nicki Minaj sported a very interesting outfit. I can't really describe what you would call the outfit she had on. All I know is that it looked like she was sick with that face mask on and was dragging some sort of stuff animal around all night.

MTV.com reports it as,

"channeling her Harajuku Barbie alter ego in an outfit that could only be described as eclectic. Minaj layered a shiny, structural purple bodice with a frothy tutu under-pinning. Accessories ran the gamut from a chunky, soft-serve ice cream necklace to layers of cartoon-covered socks, leg warmers and slippers. She topped off the look with a Japanese face mask and a mop of blond, red, yellow and orange locks."

Other highlights from the evening included the Beyonce baby announcement. After the performance of one of her latest singles, she dropped the mic and made the reveal to the world. (fast forward to 4:20)

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Beyoncé

Aside from the Beyonce announcement I thought Chris Brown did his thing. If there is one thing I can say about Chris Brown it is that he can sure dance.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Chris Brown

So what did you all think about the show? Was it your cup of tea or not?

-Bridgette Ivory

Breakfast Bars #1- DREAMS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT JUST IN CASE 
YOU MISSED BREAKFAST. 

Happy Friday. Have a great weekend.

-The Ivorys

A Sad Day for Apple

So I am sure you have heard by now that Steve Jobs has decided to step down and resign from his CEO position at Apple. Many are speculating as to whether this will hurt Apple for the future. What do you think?

Mashable.com released Jobs' resignation letter he sent to Apple. You can definitely tell by the tone that it was a tough decision for him to make. I mean Apple is his baby so I am sure it wasn't easy.

This is the resignation letter Steve Jobs sent to the Apple board:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

         Steve  

As mentioned, Steve Jobs will stay on as Chairman of the Board but many are wondering if Jobs' inventive and one step ahead of the game mentality will carry on. Well I guess we will have to see what the future holds but as I sit here typing on my Mac, I think they will be just fine.

- Bridgette Ivory

Earthquake Rocks the East Coast!

Wow! I only thought earthquakes happened here on the West Coast. Now they have made there way to the East Coast. Its being reported that the quake that hit Virginia was a 5.8! pretty big for not being known to have them. I am sure the quake had many people on edge and unsure as to what they were experiencing. Check out this video that shows some of the post-quake damage. The Ivorys hope that every one is safe and sound and that they aren't letting the quake get the best of them.

Yahoo News via AP reports this as, " the most powerful earthquake to strike the East Coast in 67 years shook buildings and rattled nerves from South Carolina to Maine on Tuesday. Frightened office workers spilled into the streets in New York, and parts of the White House, Capitol and Pentagon were evacuated. There were no immediate reports of deaths, but fire officials in Washington said there were at least some injuries."

In lower Manhattan, the 26-story federal courthouse, blocks from ground zero of the Sept. 11 attacks, began swaying, and hundreds of people streamed out of the building.

The New York police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, was in a meeting with top deputies planning security for the upcoming anniversary when the shaking started. Workers in the Empire State Building spilled into the streets, some having descended dozens of flights of stairs.

"I thought we'd been hit by an airplane," said one worker, Marty Wiesner.

Another, Adrian Ollivierre, an accountant, was in his office on the 60th floor when the quake struck: "I thought I was having maybe a heart attack, and I saw everybody running. I think what it is, is the paranoia that happens from 9/11, and that's why I'm still out here — because, I'm sorry, I'm not playing with my life."

- Associated Press

"Lean On Me"

Ever seen the movie "Lean On Me"? Happens to be an all time favorite. There are so many powerful messages tied throughout and it is so motivational and inspiring. Check out a few memorable scenes from the film.

Check out this powerful scene where Mr. Clark talks to Sams about doing drugs and about how they do harm.

Dopest school song ever. For the full length clip click HERE. 

(They disabled embedding so couldn't post the full version.)

Not only is the movie my favorite but the remake of Bill Withers "Lean On Me" by Club Nouveau was a favorite of mine growing up. The song is definitely at the top of my all time favorite list.

- Ernest Ivory

Creative Minds Unite In Detail

Happy Monday! The Ivorys wanted to start you off with the week right so if have been asking yourself about The Ivorys tee and print with the numbers on it, we wanted to do a video to explain the idea behind "Creative Minds Unite" a little more in depth. Check out Ernest has he explains what it is all about!

 Music By: Collage

Classic Music: Souls of Mischief- '93 Til Infinity

Always a winner in our books and definitely a classic. Happy Friday All! Enjoy.

- The Ivorys

The Marathon Continues...

So, I've ran the LA Marathon for the last 2 years and have got to say it isn't easy. My goal has always been to break 5 hours and it just hasn't happened yet and with this years storm of the century happening smack right in the middle of it all, it just didn't happen for me. So I have decided, I am going at it for a 3rd year and I am actually going to try and train right and train early.

I'm gonna post my journey and progress along the way to the 2012 LA Marathon. Check me out here in this picture after the 2010 LA Marathon. Man was I tired.

Also peep the the video Bridgette did of me during the 2011 LA Marathon. Check the name on the bib.

- Ernest Ivory

Can't Get Enough Curb

So one of The Ivorys all time favorite shows is "Curb Your Enthusiasm." We can't get enough! We have been watching it since season 1 and look forward to it every season. Season 8 is definitely turninig out to one of the funniest seasons yet. This year Larry finds himself in New York with Jeff and Susie and of course like typical Larry, finds himself in some of the most awkward prediciments.

"This season, as 'Single Larry' continues to navigate the LA dating scene, a faulty alibi ends up landing him in New York City for an extended stay- where he proves that faux-paus and character assassinations can occur just as easily in the Big Apple as in Hollywood" (hbo.com).

If you haven't checked out Curb yet and you have HBO you are missing out. I would definitely rent/buy one of the earlier seasons just so can become familiar with the crazy/awkwardness that is Larry David on this show. You'll be hooked!

IT'S NOT TV IT'S HBO!

All the clips are from this past Sundays episode of Curb.

The clip below is of Larry on his way to NY. Since the bathroom in First Class was occupied Larry decides to take it upon himself to use the bathroom in Coach and well...you will see what happens.

Susie and Jeff invite Larry to a dinner party at their new place and Larry invites a women he met on the plane and rather than Larry bringing the more traditional dinner party gift Larry does what he does best (thinking outside the box I guess you could say) and you will see what he decides would be better to bring. Check out Susie's reaction. Priceless.

So as I mentioned above, Larry had brought the women he met on the plane to the dinner party. Well she hits it off with Ricky Gervais in this episode (sorry I had to spill some of the beans!) and you will see here how the bread comes back full circle in the episode and becomes the Subway Hero.

- The Ivorys

Thinking About You- Frank Ocean

Ok so a few weeks back heard the song "Thinking About You" by Frank Ocean. I had already been hearing the buzz surrounding him and already liked the vibe of "Swim Good" and "Novacane". Really diggin the song and his style vocally. We don't really follow the Odd Future crew but he definitely seems to be gaining traction in the music world quickly. What do you all think? A winner?

-Bridgette Ivory

Weekend Block Party

So this last weekend we were suppose to be at the Youth Take Over Festival at LA Center Studios but due to some last minute changes they turned it into a block party. Non-the-less The Ivorys were there in full effect making the most out of the last minute changes and since it was to the support the local community and kids we thought it was a great opportunity. The more people who are familiar with The Ivorys the better and we were able to get the word out about The Ivorys new "Nightmares" tshirt. We met some really great people who came out to show their support at the event.

Check out some of the photos from the day.

 Ernest and Mayan (member of The Ivorys Fantastic Five)

 

 

Bradley (owner) of Tommy Pastrami showing The Ivorys some love.

 

 

Tommy Pastrami chili is amazing as you can see!! to find the Tommy Pastrami nearest you Click Here

C. Garrett, Mayan, Ernest

THE IVORYS: Art Walk 8.11

So last night The Ivorys had the pleasure of being apart of the Downtown Los Angeles Artwalk at the Spring St. and 7th location where the food trucks where. Artwalk always has a huge turn out. We handed out stickers, met a bunch a people and continued to spread the word about all things Ivorys. Check out some of the photos.

In case you are around this weekend The Ivorys will be at LA Center Studios this Saturday August 13th for the Southern California Youth Take Over Festival.

 Check the newest t-shirt "Nightmares" in the middle in black. Available soon!

 Check out Ernest rocking the latest addition to our creative line "Nightmares"

8.11 Art Walk Location Has Moved!!!!

THE IVORYS LOCATION HAS CHANGED!!!!

If any of you have been following the recent developments regarding outdoor vendors, food trucks and artists alike at Art Walk than you are aware that they are no longer allowing any outdoor vendors with in the boundaries of Art Walk. Only in the perimeter areas.

The recent changes have taken place due to a very tragic accident that occurred during last months July Art Walk were a baby was killed.

With that being said we The Ivorys will no longer be at the Spring and 4th St. location we mentioned earlier this week we will be at Spring St. and 7th in a parking lot there...that's right Spring St. and 7th so make note!!

For the full story and the reasons behind the change CLICK HERE to read the article posted on the Downtown LA News site and another article HERE written on the NBC 4 site.

That's all for now. Hope to see you all down at Art Walk!

- Bridgette Ivory

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl- Episode 7!

So we have posted before about "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" (ABG) one of our favorite web shows right now. If you haven't checked out episode 7 yet "The Date", I wanted to share it. Definitely a winner in our books.

ABG has definitely been gaining traction from when they first started the series until now. They started a Kickstarter campaign to keep the show going and fans have been really showing their support. They originally had pledged a $30,000 goal amount and have far exceeded it with a total of 44k thus far and will be bringing us 5 more new episodes. We feel it is always good to support those who are using their creativity in a way that is different from the mainstream.

If you would like to support a hilarious web series you can donate HERE to their Kickstarter which has 1 day to go! Make sure you check out the entire web series...episodes 1-7... you will be laughing till it hurts!

Why ABG exists:
Television today has a very limited scope and range in its depictions of people of color. As a black woman, I don’t identify with and relate to most of the non-black characters I see on TV, much less characters of my own race. When I flip through the channels, it's disheartening. I don’t see myself or women like me being represented. I’m not a smooth, sexy, long-haired vixen; I’m not a large, sassy black woman; an angry Post Office employee. I’m an awkward black girl.


(Read the entire summary at the kickstarter link)

-Bridgette Ivory

The Ivorys- Upcoming Events

Hi All! We just want to let you know that The Ivorys will be back down at Artwalk this Thursday August 11, 2011. We will be at the North West corner of S. Spring St & W. 4th St Los Angeles, CA 90013. From 6pm-11:30pm where all the food trucks/vendors are located.

If you miss us at Artwalk on Thursday we will also be at the Youth Take Over Festival this Saturday August 13, 2011 from 12pm-8pm at LA Center Studios. So if your looking for a good time or have got a younger brother, sister, cousin than come see all that will happening. For full details check out our previous post on the festival HERE.


Don't forget we have a new shirt releasing later on this week and a few more to come in the next months so stay up on all things Ivorys! 

In the meantime visit our store and spread the word!

www.theivorys.com
www.facebook.com/theivoryscr8
www.twitter.com/theivoryscr8

-Bridgette Ivory

Attack the Block

Happy Monday! Hope you all had an amazing weekend. Saturday, we checked out "Attack the Block," a funny English sci-fi action adventure comedy from the producers of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" (definitely another favorite of ours).  

I must say it was pretty good on all levels so make sure you go and see it. Two of our favorite sub-characters where Props and Mayhem the two coolest 9 year-old alien fighters in the movie.  Check out the Official Red-Band Trailer and official description below.

ALLOW IT!

"From the producers of SHAUN OF THE DEAD and SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD comes ATTACK THE BLOCK, a fast funny, frightening action adventure movie that pits a teen gang against an invasion of savage alien monsters. It turns a London housing estate into a sci-fi playground. A tower block into a fortress under siege. And teenage street kids into heroes. It's inner city versus outer space."

- Bridgette Ivory

Hudson Mohawke- New EP!

If you haven't had a chance to check out who Hudson Mohawke is well make sure you do. He's got a unique style with a hip-hop and electro inspired sound. He will not disappoint. His latest EP dropped earlier this week and we are amped to see what he has come up with. Check out his first release off "Satin Panther" called Thunder Bay and get the free download when clicking through to the video on Youtube.
Its a thumper!

Below is another Hudson Mohawke classic with his rendition of Tweets song 'Oops'.

He also put his twist on Keri Hilson's "Turning Me On"called "Turning Me Off"
http://soundcloud.com/hudsonmohawke/turn-me-off

Enjoy!

USA Swim Nationals- Palo Alto

So I had the pleasure of checking out day 1 of USA Swim Nationals taking place at Stanford this week at Avery Aquatic Center. The weather is definitely unusually warm during the day and drops significantly as the sun goes down. Having come from a track and field background I don't find it all that hard to follow since many of the swim events remind me of the sprints. I could definitely see this as another sport to start following.

I wasn't armed with my camera so had to resort to using my camera phone but the pictures came out pretty good considering. Check out some of the photos from the day.

Fan making sure she keeps track of all the times.

- Bridgette Ivory

Music: Wax Tailor

Came across Wax Tailor a few months ago. He definitely has his own unique sound. Check him out.

UNIQUE LA...DOPPPPEEEE!!!!

This past weekend we went to Santa Monica to check out Unique LA, a collection of Local artist (for the most part) and designers displaying their "Creative Minds"...

Pictured Below- Johnny Travis of  Faze Apparel and Jason Gaines of JATE Clothing,
they came all the way from the bay area to display their work, you have to respect that.

Brownies for everyone!!!!

I really wanted this bike but the owner said "beat it, display ONLY!!!" just kidding but I did want it.

Heyyyyyy!!! I know that guy

Super random pic I know I know.

To sum it up we had a great time the pictures don't do the event justice, so I guess next year you'll have to check it out for yourself and PLEEAASSEE SUPPORT LOCAL ARTIST!!!