One musical is rocking the social media space. Newsies is the story of a rag tag group of newsboys in New York City at the turn of the century. While fighting for a better life against the publishing giants Pulitzer and Hearst, this crew finds strength and friendship in unexpected ways.

Since my move to NYC was set I knew Newsies would be at the top of my list of must-see musicals. Growing up in theater means you watched and easily memorized the Newsies movie. And when they announced it was heading to Broadway, everyone made sure I was in the know.

Between my excitement surrounding Newsies and my passion for social media I quickly realized the Newsies online brand is one to follow, and here’s just a few reasons why:

Behind-the-scenes: Members of the cast take you behind-the-scenes with exclusive content for their followers. From backstage rituals and national morning show appearances to the experiencing the Tony Award nominations, Newsies is constantly pouring out stellar content to maintain fan interest. The opening night curtain call I caught via Facebook (above) was exciting by itself – I can only imagine what the full show will bring.

Fan engagement: In interviews and social media posts, the cast refers to their fans as “fansies,” a unique way to personalize the connections with their fans. The brand leverages YouTube to introduce members of the cast. My friend and I have received immediate replies via Twitter from @Newsies and if you watch the stream the handle is constantly connecting with their followers.

A show that boasts 14 Broadway debuts is remarkable. After all the following along I cannot wait for Sunday’s performance!

Let’s talk makers, round two. If you missed the first one (what are you thinking?!) check out writer-director-actor-rockstar Rich here.

A Summer To Serve challenges two brothers to experience the full spectrum of volunteer service this summer. “From high level strategic work with non-profits and entrepreneurs, to manual labor on highways and farms, they will do it all.”

So I know what you are thinking, who are these people?
o    David Hrostoski is a singer/songwriter, attraction/confidence coach and student at the University of Arizona. He’s "18 going on 30" as he’s grown up around people much older than him all his life.
o    Mike Hrostoski is a “30 going on 18” adventurer, yoga teacher, life coach, writer and full-time traveler. He writes a blog called “Adventures in Personal Development” and lives life on purpose every day.

And why exactly??
Last summer David and Mike took a month-long road trip to celebrate the life of their mother who unexpectedly passed away. They drove 4,100 miles, spread her ashes in 40 memorable locations and made a documentary about their experience.

Additionally, they asked people the following question: “What would you do if money wasn’t an issue?” The three most frequently received responses were:
o    Volunteer
o    Spend time with family
o    Travel

Take a moment – isn’t that what we all want?

So friends, here’s where you come in. Check out the tentative list of cities below. Are you working with or do you know of an organization that needs help? Also, do you have a couch for these two good-deeders? And if you’re feeling really crazy, you can make a donation.

This is a solid example of two individuals taking time for what’s important in life. Follow the adventure at summertoserve.com.

NYC, Princeton, Providence, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Oberlin, Gallipolis, Detroit, Chicago, Springfield, Des Moines, Rapid City, Boulder, Salt Lake City, Helena, Sandpoint, Seattle, Portland, Bend, Redding, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, San Antonio, Austin, Moreauville, New Orleans, Memphis, Knoxville, DC, NYC

** I find more meaning in this letter every time I read it. It deserved its own post.

But these waves of thoughts were different than before. It was triggered when your sister had her baby, her first child and your first nephew, and you weren’t there. Instead, you spent that Friday checking mousetraps. You met your nephew via Skype. It has also been officially a year since you’ve been here and you’ve reevaluated the facts.

Living in Bed-Stuy is precisely what one could have assumed living in Bed-Stuy to be like, just with more cat-calls from tough guys in groups wondering why you’re so rude for not welcoming their advances. Never has being around so many made you feel so alone. You thought you would have found your Miranda and Charlotte by now, not watching them on DVD wondering how a show could get so much right and wrong in the same season. 
   

Every day it becomes clearer that New York is the greatest place to be when you matter but it’s the worst place to be when you don’t. Around every corner is a better apartment, or a better happy hour, or all the makings of a wonderful life you wish you had.

But I don’t think you should leave New York.

At least, not yet.

In your heart, you know you were not meant for an ordinary life. You flourish in a life surrounded by innovators and passionate people. You found that here.

There’s a life for you back home. It was pre-wrapped for you from birth. It’s comfortable, featuring your friends, your family, your car. It all sits waiting for you like a lottery ticket with the winning numbers unscratched. It’s tempting, no doubt.

There’s nothing magical about New York City. It is an amazing place just as there are amazing places everywhere, each with its own strengths and opportunities and disadvantages. You could have discovered and followed your passions in dozens of cities or towns. But for you, you knew in your heart that place was New York. And so you came.

Your nephew won’t ever remember you weren’t there for his birth. But one day you might find he’ll remember the time he visited his favorite aunt up north. The one who left home to make her name is the greatest place to make a name.

I hope you find solidarity knowing you are like so many others. You’re a special kind of person, the kind who decided to choose what their destiny would be, not have it laid out for them. Their New York might be in Los Angeles. Or Nashville. Or a sustainable farm in South America. That isn’t the point. The point is you didn’t commit to change because this city would make you the woman you wanted to be. You knew the woman you were. You know the woman you demanded yourself to become, and she belonged in New York.

Remember that CD you bought from those subway musicians at Lorimer? You paid ten dollars for only 5 songs. I told you that was a rip-off. You disagreed. You liked their music and wanted to support them in a simple way. You decided if those guys make their name outside of the subway system, you said you’d be glad to have been there when they had only the backs of people waiting for the next G train. 
    

It is very possible that the financial, emotional, and physical toll this move to New York took on you will not be worth it. It is very possible that you will go home and resume being yourself as you would have otherwise been, understanding the life you had imagined isn’t a fairy tale. But when it comes to your success, I’d put ten dollars on you.

And I’d put ten dollars on your success happening here.

– Robert (via Thought Catalog)

I had the opportunity to interview a Chicago-based author about her recent launch. Enjoy!

About the author:
Monica Leonelle is a well-known digital media strategist and the author of three novels. She blogs at Prose on Fire and shares her writing and social media knowledge with other bloggers and authors through her Free Writer Toolkit.

About the book:
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.

What motivated you to start writing Socialpunk?
I started a Gen Y blog in 2007 called Twenty Set. It actually gained quite a bit of steam early on, but eventually I moved away from Gen Y topics. The reason I started that blog, though, is because I couldn't clear my mind! I literally just needed to get things out of my system. So I wrote that blog 4-5 times a week for about six months until my ideas stop churning so quickly. My love for writing as an adult grew out of that experience.

Socialpunk is inspired by Chicago winters, technology and digital media, and the Terminator series.

Who is your favorite character in Socialpunk?
I would have to say Ima, as she’s the main character and the book is told entirely from her point of view. What I love about her is how much she changes from the beginning of the book to the end. She feels very guilty and is constantly struggling with right vs. wrong. She’s probably one of my favorite characters out of all the ones I’ve written.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I’d love to be able to pause or slow time. I feel like there’s never enough!

What is one book everyone should read?
When I was a kid I loved this book called The Girl With the Silver Eyes. Here is the exact cover of the book I had. It’s one of my absolute favorite YA novels, and, surprise! Maggie Stiefvater loves that book too. This was the first novel that made me want to write fantasy and science fiction.

What is your go-to dance move?
[Laughs] Probably the booty shake.

Purchase a copy from Amazon.

Thanks to the wonderful world of social media my network of idols, supporters and friends has grown exponentially. I’m constantly meeting new people in NYC everywhere from yoga classes to photo shoots. And lately, it seems the rock stars around me are launching companies, books and nationwide service trips.

Basically I get to regularly witness people kicking butt and taking names, which leads me to Making Their Mark – an opportunity to highlight some of the spectacular-ness.

[Editor’s Note: The concept for this series came to me as I walked through the Seaport and a crowd was cheering “Richie! Richie!” Richard, they were cheering you on!!]

I met Richard Boehmcke at the 20 Something Blogger Conference last August and he promised me by sharing his business card that granted one free drink once I made the move to New York. He was energetic, welcoming and had quite a bit to say. So naturally, we were pals from the start and I am awed by his long list of accomplishments.

The latest addition is the second episode of his scripted web series – called Twentease – about not really making it in your 20s in New York City. Just a taste of what the episodes offer:

But that’s the thing about this city. There’s a million choices you can make, a million options, a million decisions that can take you in a million directions. But sometimes the easiest choices are the ones that you already made. Even if making them again isn’t necessarily the best idea.

Richard shared his latest project with a group calling us “makers” – what will you make today?

Enjoy!

Every day I ask myself if New York can get any better. After my wallet and phone were stolen three weeks into the big move it was obvious things could only take a turn for the positive, but I had no idea everything would be this good – from work to my neighborhood to the fantastic people I’m meeting. Add this weekend’s photo shoot to the list of why a NY move was a stellar decision:

The Badoo Project is a quest to help New Yorkers say a very personal 'Hello' to their city. It kicked off with a 3 day photoshootathon, where 4 hot photographers undertook the ambitious task of capturing 1000 portraits of New Yorkers.

Based on personality, energy and individuality, a final 24 will then get the chance to say 'hello' to the city. Every billboard, banner and media across New York will star one of their faces.

Shameless plug... why not "go with the flo" and like my photo here?

I’ve been trying out this activity they call yoga. My friend, Jenny “I-Can-Do-Everything-Got-A-Problem?” Blake, teaches Geek Yoga to a room full of professionals looking for a way to de-stress from the week and take time for themselves.

Until a few weeks ago, I had never understood the popularity of yoga and even questioned attending – I’m not flexible, if I’m going to a class I would prefer dance where I understand its purpose and what’s with the crazy terms and chants? I’ve realized this activity comes with many misconceptions (you don’t have to be flexible, there is a purpose and the terms do have meanings, which I will learn, eventually).

Tonight was especially enlightening.

Before the class halfway point (I’m guessing here because I have no sense of time during class – it’s spectacular!) Jenny instructed the group to let go of anything we were holding onto. For the first time – in a long time – my mind raced from work to friendships to relationships, anything that typically causes stress. From one area to the next, I felt frantic because I couldn’t find anything that I needed to let go of. That is a powerful feeling.

As the class came to a close, and we bowed our heads in gratitude, Jenny posed the question, “What are you thankful for?” This time I had plenty to consider. My mind filled with good thoughts of moving to New York, thriving in this city, making new friends while maintaining great contact with the ones in Chicago.

It felt like I was bursting with countless reasons for which to be thankful and the one that felt strongest was being in that studio. I was joined by a group of people I’ve only just met, but the energy among them is so great. It’s the kind of group where you may not yet know each member well (and the members constantly rotate), but you look forward to being a part of the experience that brings them all together. 

After class the yoga crew headed out together (detox, then retox) while I just needed some time alone to put these thoughts into perspective. (And I think we’ve found yet another definition for Geek Yoga – instead of hanging out with people I felt inspired to go home and write about them.)

So I ask you: why are you giving thanks this week?

Welcome to Hustle & Flo – an ongoing series where I share insights into the job search. I hope to not only explain how I got where I am today, but provide actionable items to add to your To Do List. First item on the list – stand out.

When I began the out-of-state job hunt I knew I needed to do something to set me apart. I had the idea to create a video introduction and the fantastic Stephanie Wonderlin took my idea to a whole new level.

With her company 44Doors as host, my video was uploaded to a private microsite accessible via the QR code on my resume.

My competition could interview on their lunch break so I needed to make an introduction that would make me more than words on a resume. Throughout the interview process, many people commented on seeing very few, if any, QR codes as a resume addition.

Create your own at this site. Questions about the content? I provided my background, including associations to my all-girl high school and alma mater, because I’ve found education resonates during introductions. I told the viewer about my past experience and what I wanted to do: join him/her in New York. I admit the video is not flawless, but it definitely provides a sense of my personality.

Scan the code here:

Since friendship is a frequent topic for my blog these facts from Glamour resonated with me.

They make you live longer. Strong friendships boost your chances of a longer life by 50 percent, research has found. But low social interaction packed the same bad-health punch as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

They keep you well. Studies show women with supportive friends sleep and manage stress better and bounce back faster from diseases.

They make life’s hurdles bearable. Researchers from the University of Virginia took students wearing heavy backpacks to the base of a hill and asked them to estimate how steep it was. Guess what? Students who stood next to a friend said the hill looked less intimidating than those who were alone. Says study coauthor Dennis R. Proffitt, Ph.D.: “Being with—or even thinking about—our friends lightens the load.”

Have you picked up the phone today? Send a note to let your friends know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Being away from home brought the realization I could not be with my family and say goodbye to Auntie Steph. As such, I was in need of a pick-me-up.

I attended a screening for the documentary Happy. This film details the definition across the globe seeking input from all kinds of people – from psychologists and neurologists in the U.S. to 100+ year olds in Okinawa, Japan. The documentary discusses how happy people tend to be more resilient and face challenges more effectively. A quote highlighted in the film sticks with me. Benjamin Franklin said, “The U.S. constitution does not guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself.”

How can you bring the happy to yourself and others every day?
•    Write letters. Auntie Stephie and I were pen pals throughout college. I looked forward to holding the cards she took the time to send me and to this day, I constantly find them in journals and boxes – lovely reminders of an amazing woman.
•    Perform random acts of kindness. Why not surprise a fellow coffee drinker by picking up their order? Strive to pay it forward in your every day.
•    Tell stories. Auntie Steph was quite the storyteller. She always had a lot to say, especially about her Italian pictured above (but she may have used another, less PC, term to describe the love of her life).
•    Write down 5 good things you have going each week. My pal Andi started a blog series where contributors share little doses of joy. Reflecting on the latest and greatest in your life will keep your spirits high and help you overcome the tough situations.

To celebrate how Auntie Steph lived each day to its fullest, the obituary requests that bright colors are worn to the wake and funeral. Just as she filled our lives with color, we’ll do her proud with a goodbye that is nothing less.