On the Circuit: Microsoft Zune II

What: Microsoft Zune Originals
Where: Skylight Studios

A bit of Deja Vu for you. Skylight was white, bright, and filled with people who corporations think can influence your shopping habits and preferences. Ah, trend setters. Certainly, you wouldn't normally notice these, the pretty mixed in with the beautiful. But there they all were, patiently waiting in line for a free Zune while Peter and Bjorn (sans their triplet John) spun the Stones.

We were there, too, cradling our scotch and later our gin, enjoying the BLT passed hors d'oeuvres and chatting up the girl beside us who was working on a book about breast satisfaction. We didn't have the heart to tell her that if heard one concept on breast satisfaction, you've heard them all. Regardless, we felt enamored with the four-sided open bar and the robot-inspired art lining the walls that we had engraved on the back of our shiny new Zune. Delivery expected in 7-10 days. How nice.

On a bleary November Tuesday, Zune and the gang certainly threw us a good party. We were full, we were tipsy, and we walked away with a shiny new toy. The music was good, the people were lovely, and we had an all around good time.

On the Circuit: Microsoft Zune

Welcome to the second installment of the DBTH series, On the Circuit, which chronicles a select few of the many sponsored events held in New York City on any given night. Books, fashion, music, movies or miscellaneous, if you can think of it, it's a pretty good bet that there is some kind of event happening. Usually, if you've been to one, you've been to em all. But some stand out, and DBTH will be On the Circuit to keep you informed. Because hey, free booze.

Our second installment: Microsoft Zune

Apparently not satisfied with Zune's market performance, the folks at Microsoft decided to throw a little party Tuesday night to generate some buzz. Location was the Beatrice Inn, already established as a DBTH favorite. Marky Ramone was DJing. All signs pointed towards a fun, if not interesting, event. We're in.

The party called for an 8:00 start, so we arrived a bit after 9. Of course. After pressing towards the bar, we were amused when Eric the bartender dismissed a patron for trying to add a few drinks onto an already completed order. "That's not allowed here," said Eric, earning him a spot in the DBTH hall of fame. We grabbed our drinks and headed to the back room, secured a table, and settled in.

Zune was the only sponsor. Translation: Open bar, which is never a bad thing. Marky was spinning rock n roll, with a generous helping of his own tunes. We would do the same thing. The event didn't feel like an event. It just felt like a normal evening at Beatrice. LiLo even showed up. Hello.

Alas, it was just an event. At 11:00, it was all over. The bar cleared the party out to prepare for the late shift. Fine by us. Congrats to Microsoft for a job well done. But with the software giant playing host, we were reminded of the quiet nerd from high school who is left home alone for the weekend. Said nerd throws a party and it turns out to be a rager. We even wound up with a free Zune. Now we feel special.