*Stand up and be counted
For what you are about to receive
We are the dealers
We’ll give you everything you need
Hail, hail to the good times
‘Cause rock has got the right of way…

It’s February 2011, you’ve survived the 2010 doldrums, the longest holiday shopping season in history and two blizzards this winter already. Get your Angus Young on and crank the AC/DC. This is your year to take charge. And this issue is built to get you started…

By now, you’ve probably set some goals and resolutions you’d like to accomplish in the next twelve months. Hopefully, they’ll send you off to play as hard as you’re willing to work. Our Bucket List 2011 is meant to be your companion in the former, fueling your sense of adventure, curiosity and thrill. Because we live on Long Island, there are enough adrenaline-pumping things to do at our disposal for virtually every day of the year. But we know you have a career and family to tend to, so our omnibus features the best fifteen things you can do to make 2011 memorable. (Let me know if you learn to surf.)

This year is also the year of the rabbit, according to the Chinese zodiac. A year that should bring higher levels of calm and congeniality. Perhaps the snow will continue with a force, keeping us indoors more, sharing time with friends. Perhaps you’ll plan a trip to China to experience the “Moon Hare” firsthand. Writer Aileen Jacobson took a break from penning our personality profiles to explore Three Cities of Past, Present & Future that are capturing the headlines of the “sleeping giant.” You can bet China is on my bucket list after reading Aileen’s take.

To suit the renewed sense of purpose this new year brings, our fashion spread takes a less narcissistic route with a focus on men’s clothing that is as rugged as it is richly tailored. Photographer Thom Gilbert took the crew to a defunct foundry where he shot our Industrial Strength: Made to Wear segment. And our Objects of Desire features watchwear that will keep you gents on time for all those important meetings and in step with the pursuits of your day.

At Pulse, we too are seizing our sharpened joie de vivre. As we settle into our newly built HQ (still in the heart of Patchogue Village), we continue to add to our repertoire for the coming year. We’re as excited about the lineup we have for our coverage of the region’s arts, entertainment and lifestyles, as we are about getting to know the bright stars and big heroes behind these scenes. We’re planning a lot of special perks for our newsletter and online communities. And yes, as always we’ll be throwing the biggest, best parties, but there are some more exclusive affairs in the works, too. We’re grateful for all we enjoyed in 2010 and look forward to an even greater 2011 with you.

*For those about to rock, we salute you/
nadA

*For Those About to Rock, AC/DC