JOONBUG

Ah summertime in New York City, there’s really nothing like it. As the days grow hotter and longer, we must continue our search for the sexiest rooftop pools, most exclusive Hamptons house parties and the perfect summer soundtrack to blast while throwing back loaded coronas and soaking up the sun. Because really, what’s better than some sultry girl-fire vocals, a little progressive dubstep, and a dash of good old-fashioned happy-dancing sounds?

Luckily, your friends here at Joonbug have done the heavy-lifting for this playlist, and are proud to present: Joonbug’s Guide to Summer in the City. The tunes start off with a calm and melodic tone, and progress into bass-dropping, head-banging beats.Crank up the volume and enjoy!

Living in the city, it can be difficult for urban dwellers to be in touch with the origins of their food and beverages. Of course, there are many restaurants with exquisitely-prepared dishes inspired by cuisines all over the world, as well as a plethora of grocery stores that offer us more consumer options than we could ever imagine. However, there still exists a lack of connection from the original agricultural process that goes into the ultimate finished product.

While New York City may be far from an agrarian utopia, there are still many farmers markets open to the public that can provide some form of insight into the food and its original farming process. The Union Square Greenmarket is a fine example of one. This Greenmarket operates on the north and west sides of Union Square Park, and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. There are many different vendors set up around Union Square Greenmarket, and they sell anything from organic red garlic to sheep’s milk soap to lemon catnip plants. One can visit this market for a simple stroll and casual observation session of the people and products, or to sample different foods and speak with the vendors about the farms where the food originates and what to do with it.

Alex Elman Wines, first released in 2011 and now available in New York, offers “correctly made, honest, authentic, and organic wines that are approachable and affordable to the American consumer.” The wines are exceptional. They are selected based on easy drinkability, are easily paired with food, represent the lesser-known wine producing regions of the world, and most importantly, they’re made without harming our environment. The woman behind the wine is just as exceptional and awe-inspiring as the wines her brand offers to consumers.

Sure, NYC bodegas are convenient, typically have good variety, and obviously really ridiculously adorable cats. But hidden within such benefits are some very serious cons, namely the "Entrapment" style price gouging. No, I'm not talking about the $5 11.2 oz. coconut water or the $6 bowl of borderline rotten fruit --at least they have price tags attached (most of the time). I'm talking about the menu and prepared food items, and unpriced mystery products.

Recently, I stumbled upon a bodega called City Market Cafe on 5th Avenue near 23rd Street. Truthfully, I thought I had found my new go-to breakfast spot. I ordered a one egg and cheese sandwich on a roll. At only $1.75 plus .50 cents for cheese, it was a steal! Add on $1.95 for a small iced coffee, and I was styling at under $5 bucks for breakfast. However, when I went up to the register, the cashier rang my sandwich up for $2.45. --.20 cents more than it was listed on the menu. Oh well, it was .20 cents, whatever, I was getting a great deal anyway so I went on with my day. I returned again the following morning for another breakfast sandwich. I did notice the menu had two prices for egg sandwiches listed as one egg for $1.75 and two eggs for $1.95. I thought to myself, "Oh the lady must have assumed I had a two egg sandwich." Followed by, "Wait, why did she automatically charge me for 2 eggs instead of asking if I had one?" Again, it seemed wrong but I overlooked it.

For a few months Ray J and model Sophie Monk have been the faces of Prince Peigns ingrown hair shaving serum. Now Ray J owes his life to this endorsement deal and his endorsement partner!

On Monday TMZ reported that the R&B singer was rushed to the hospital for exhaustion and dehydration after the Billboard music awards. Turns out, the person who discovered him in his hotel room and called an ambulance for him Monday morning is none other than model Sophie Monk, his ingrown hair endorsement partner.

Sophie and Ray J had hosted a Billboard Awards afterparty, promoting Prince Reigns. Upon their return to the hotel, Sophie could tell Ray J was not feeling well. According to sources, the two still went to their separate rooms, but shortly after Sophie decided to check up on Ray J to make sure he was alright and discovered him unresponsive on the floor! She then called hotel management and they called 911.

Get well soon Ray J!

Eldridge Street, on the Lower East Side, has changed yet remained mainly the same for as long as many of the longtime residents can remember. The neighborhood is mainly comprised of Chinese and Dominican families, combined Chinese and Spanish grocers, and underground nightclubs that only locals can spot. Slowly, with the opening of a few art galleries and other day-businesses the neighborhood has begun to change. Nestled among residential buildings on Eldridge Street between Delancey and Broome is the small specialty bakery, Panade Puffs & Pastries and we mean SMALL—the bakery is a whopping 250-square feet.

Now this guy deserves to win!

This season's American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips, won America's votes and hearts while battling painful kidney stones throughout his run on the hit talent show. Phillip's father told PEOPLE he had EIGHT separate surgeries since the singing competition began.

Here are some of the things his immensely proud and supportive parents had to say:

"He's been doing [well], but it's just grueling hours and it's just amazing what he's done through the journey,"

There's a new contender in the quality rum scene - Caliche Rum. This new liquor is a product collaboration between Roberto Serralles of Destileria Serralles and Rande Gerber. Destileria Serrales is a renowned sixth-generation family owned rum business that has been producing the world's leading rums for over 145 years, including DonQ. Rande Gerber is not new to the scene either, as he is a prominent hospitality and nightlife impresario (not to mention the spouse of supermodel Cindy Crawford).

Richard Sandoval fans are in for a treat with the new tricks and treats going on at Pampano this summer. Along with the new season, Pampano is introducing quite a few enticing changes. They're now featuring a new tasting menu serving up fresh Mexican seasonal ingredients until June 30th. The five course tasting is only $50 per guest or $75 with the addition of Los Nahuales Mezcal or Latin wine pairing.

Pampano is also introducing fun Taco Tuesdays! Every Tuesday from 5pm until closing, the restaurant will be serving up $2 tacos, with new specialty tacos each week. But that's not all that's new. There will also be special summer Fridays at Pampano Botaneria all the way until Labor Day, where you can come start your weekend early with Happy Hour starting at 3pm. All Latin cocktails and sangrias will be $6 a piece and Mexican-style tapas are only $5.

Punk veterans, The Used, took their Vulnerable tour to Irving Plaza on Monday night, becoming the new definition of the word "energy."

Lead singer Bert McCracken was the poster child for Adderall; running around stage, spontaneously jumping up and down, waving his arms and still managing to sound on point. Even if someone wasn't in one of the several mosh pits that broke out, they were undoubtedly exhausted from just simply watching him. The energy in the room could have beat out an entire day at Warped Tour. The Used perfectly played their way through an almost two hour set jammed with older tracks and newer ones; proving they know how to keep those original fans happy. The band didn't skip a beat with any of the tracks, playing at least four songs from each album and ending with "Box Full of Sharp Objects." It should also be said that bands need a lot of fan staying power to be around as long as The Used have and it's clear they're aware of that. Fan appreciation matched the live energy, with Bert pausing the set to bring one lucky fan up for "Blue and Yellow." Unfortunately, security had other plans. It's safe to say that fan was probably okay with just the kiss on the lips Bert gave him. The Used have been at this for over 10 years, and it's safe to say they've got enough in them to go for at least 20 more. Photos courtesy of Dani Renee, Buzznet