Glennluxe

Recent Images #MyWorld #NYC

2012-01-10T23:50:00.001-05:00

A few images recently captured in and around NYC...hope you enjoy!

Is All The Press Right About How Wrong NYE Is?

2011-12-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

It was a cold and downright chilly Sunday in NYC this weekend, and like many I chose to stay nestled in my apartment rather than brave the windy streets to venture out to see a few notable films. The Artist? Saw it last week and LOVED this film--must, must see! Beautifully shot, wonderfully written and terrific actors providing unparalleled performances!

Young Adult with Charlize Theron? Must see...and will see when it opens wide. Note my earlier post on how I J'Adore her...but being a New Yorker, I played the neighborhood game and didn't want to head downtown or across town to the only two theaters showing it...I'll wait.

...and then there's New Year's Eve...which appears to be a thoughtful fluff of film that who couldn't love? With a cast of millions, surely there was a thread or two that my icy (read: cold, chilly) heart could love on a Sunday, right? But no, apparently not....at least not according to the vile reviews this opus was getting online. I had the opportunity to attend the fabulous wrap party at Brooklyn Bowl in NYC for this one, and have a video clip I'll add later of Abigail Breslin knocking out the crowd with her singing and guitar skills (video was banned on during the wrap-film set to Alicia Key's Empire State part II they played, which was quite cute and perhaps the behind the scenes was better than the film itself?). I even had the chance to provide luxe makeup for two principles in the film from a client (but can't mention names due to product contracts with competing brands).

Sadly, apparently this one is not even worthy of guilty-pleasure viewing on a Sunday on TBS according to the Daily Beast’s Ramin Setoodeh and Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers in this video review...

Facebook: The Grinch Who Stole Brand Views

2011-12-03T12:30:00.001-05:00

This week, the dark might of Facebook saw fit to without warning (that I can tell, or find) decided that brands no longer needed to be able to read or see who was following them. Previously a brand page (my team manages a few beyond our company page) could view who had "liked" them. You could see the profiles and some information about your "followers." Now--instead, and without any warning (I've looked on the Facebook Blog, itself not exactly easy to get to with the "forever scroll" on the right side of your newsfeed (which sucks btw)) Facebook chose to only provide their own Metric Statistics when you clicked on the "likes" page.

This means, that if you're advertising on Facebook, the onus is even stronger on you to manage to whom you are advertising via their own ad metrics tools. But once again, instead of engagement, shared information or transparency (much like how they approach users #Privacy), Facebook has chosen to decree their approach to the way brands must use their services. Facebook has a more-than-lousy approach to ham-handed adjustments to their privacy settings according to what they deem necessary for the user, and now they've done it to brands.

For whatever reason, I've found no mention of this anywhere. Which leads me to think that developers or social media managers aren't monitoring their audience and haven't noticed the change (I received only one DM msg on Twitter from TheXJetLife in response to a post about this to another company that noticed the change this week). This of course leads to a larger question of the numbers game that Facebook represents, and the age-old question of quantity vs. quality.

***UPDATE*** As of Monday December, 5th, you can view your "likes" by changing to "view as page" and look under the Friends tab at the top of the blue banner, as opposed to under the "likes" section on the left hand side.***

If we as brand managers can't actually "see" the followers/those-that-like-us and only the aggregate statistical data that Facebook provides, is this allowing us to manage our brands online--or are we simply putting all our marketing POV in the hands of the programmers in Palo Alto? And why hasn't this come up on Mashable, or AllThingsD or Social Media Today?

Twitter does a much better job of this, allowing you to see your followers and engage with them, while they lag in measurement, at least third parties have stepped into the fray to provide more details, although don't get me started on the stupidity of Klout being the "one" when it comes to influence (great Boycott piece from Hollis Tibbetts HERE). And while it took them awhile to integrate brands onto their platform, even Google+ has its own issues related a poorly designed app interface and the question of validity of profiles, written up interestingly by Gary Walker HERE.

With #OWS changing the way we view corporate entities, its alarming to me that the 24hr news feed hasn't picked up on this at all. Instead we are spoon fed puff pieces from Mashable on how wonderful TIMELINE will be for brands (you want me to share MORE with whom exactly?), the expansion of the character limits of your posts (good news?!) and the FTC slap on the wrist for Zuckerberg's hubris. Amazing to me that in our micro-world of news reportage and meme's how something like this can be left behind. Am I missing a link here? Please, share what you know.

Dining: Just Desserts Served Up Sweetly

2011-11-28T21:57:00.001-05:00

From my NYC: Food & Drink column in the current fall edition of h Magazine from Los Angeles

William GreenbergJr. Desserts

1100 Madison Avenue (82nd &83rd St.)

212861-1340

www.wmgreenbergdesserts.com

Having called Manhattan home for the better part oftwenty years, I’ve reconciled that this city is a living breathing organismthat morphs and changes right before my very eyes. For instance, one minute themeat packing district is filled with after-hours haunts, hookers and thelegendary 24hr diner Florent filled with the oddest mix of drag queens andclub-goers; the next, the only high heels in the nabe are teetering bridge andtunnel folk on their way to find the nearest bottle service.

Myown backyard, the Upper East Side, is one area of the city that is not want tochange easily; their zoning and high-priced zip codes simply don’t allow for theebb and flow that downtown is known for. There are icons amongst the tree-linedstreets here, some you know, and other’s only available to a lucky cognoscenti.The best spots simply quietly evolve from decade to decade and quality isappreciated. The great ones are passed down, and the smart ones are sold topurveyors for whom tradition is revered. William Greenberg Jr. Desserts, whichfirst opened its doors in 1946, is a New York City icon that’s survived andthrived in the 21^st Century using all its original recipes.

Aslegend has it, the bakery was founded on a bit of luck. At the end of World WarII, soldiers crossing liberated France on a transport train spent their finaldays in Europe playing cards to pass the time. The games continued aboard a troopship heading across the Atlantic. One sergeant, whose tags read WilliamGreenberg Jr., had a little more luck with the cards than his Army buddies andearned enough winnings to start the business he'd always dreamed of: a familybakery.

Today,hidden like a confectionary gem high up on Madison Avenue, the bakery is adestination that welcomes patrons from far and wide seeking fresh baked breads,cakes and their signature claim to fame, the iconic New York Black & Whitecookie. Stepping into this colorful oasis your senses are heightened with thewafting smell of sweet baked goods. You’ve arrived at a petite enclave thatwill sate the sweetest of sweet tooth.

Thebuttery cookies, moistly rich brownies, and exquisite custom cakes here aredecorated with what would become the Greenberg trademark artistry that lives onvividly today. Almond cookies are slivers of baked delight topped with freshnutty shavings. Fresh fruit tarts alight with color and flavorful layers ofcake and cream. While faddish deserts thrive downtown, and cupcake trucks linethe streets of lesser zip codes, this bakery has willfully marched online andnow ships to displaced New Yorkers who’ve spread the gospel from far and wide,from LA to Miami and every point in between.

Youcan see why they’ve built such a loyal following the minute to bite into one ofthe Black and White’s here. Is it a cookie or a fluffy little cake? Whethervanilla or chocolate floats your fancy, this cookie has it all. The sublimesweetness is lickably good, yet remarkably filling. They come in all sizes andcolors too which change with the seasons, for instance Halloween saw Orange andBlack, or Orange and White…you see each side has a following and the choice isprovided here for whichever side you fall on; choose both if you ask me,they’ll leave you only wanting more.

Post Fashion Week Wrap Up & Commentary for S/S 2012

2011-11-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

Fashion Group International (FGI) took the time this week to host a their bi-annual Ready To Wear trend over-view at the Time Life building. Always an enjoyable journey down the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan, this Spring/Summer 2012 season was a delight, all presented with the velvety voice of the esteemed Mary Lou Luther. The post-presentation panel brought up several topics we also covered in the panel I moderated recently for The Round Table Creative Media Group, this one had the effervescent Isaac Mizrahi wrangling the kittens of conversation.

From FGI: “If fashion really is a barometer of the times, we’re in a colorful, spirited, happy-go-lucky S/S 2012…or, we’re in denial. By ignoring the economic downturn, the European monetary crisis, Arab revolutions, hurricanes…etc, designers are either telling us to eat-drink-and-be-merry or to escape to the safety of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s or 70’s."

At the Round Table Salon’s discussion on Fashion & Culture, designer Joseph Altuzzura, who’s name came up in several images from FGI, commented on the fact that his collections are evolutionary each season, that women dress differently today and are looking to evolve their wardrobes.

Jenne Lombardo, from The Terminal Presents, had an interesting take on the fact that, “Technology has changed the way designers buy and sell and show. The cycle of ready to wear is antiquated. We have to look at it and change it…buyers are becoming editors, editors are becoming buyers and designers are becoming retailers.” The advent of editorial from stores like Barney’s and Bergdorf’s, the rise of ready-to-buy apps from magazines like Lucky, and the ability for brands to sell the clothing directly from the runway show has changed the way we look at fashion. This evolution will only continue as new apps are introduced and the consumer's hunger for information and access will continue to pervade the industry.

From FGI, Best Bets for S/S include, Bright Colors including Tangerine, Whites and Chalky Pastels; prints in Geo, Fusion, Florals and Photo. Laser like pleats in all shapes returned, couture touches were highlighted, sport, ease and full skirts returned. In accessories, the wedge was back, the loafer returned, a smaller day bag was highlighted and the bag that matches the clothes were trends to buy. Jewelry saw vintage, pearls and crosses.

In Beauty, “Bold, Brooke Shields-like brows, frame the face for spring; more refined were also present; scarlet lips included Jason Wu, with outlined lips from MAC Redd pencil then applying Scarlet lbis lipstick with a dash of MAC pigment in Neo Orange on top.

Lots to look forward to as we all brace for a chilly winter...

Images: Yeohlee, Joseph Altuzarra (Imaxtree), Gucci (TeamPeterStigter.com)

The Correlation Between Fashion & Culture: A Creative Minds Salon

2011-10-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

You're invited to the next Creative Minds Salon panel I'm moderating this week!
The Correlation between Fashion & Culture - a Creative Minds Salon

An evening of inspired conversation and insights from industry
creatives

Panelists include:

Joseph Altuzarra, Fashion Designer, Altuzarra
Pierre Rougier, Founder, PR Consulting
Jenne Lombardo, Founder, The Terminal Presents
David Armstrong, Fashion Photographer, 615 Jefferson Avenue
Simon Collins, Creative Director / Dean of The School Of Fashion, Parsons

Moderated by Glenn Johnson, VP & Creative Director, Evins Communications

Wednesday, November 2nd

Tribeca Grand Hotel
2 Avenue of the Amercias
(between White & Walker)

7pm - cocktails in Church Bar
8pm - discussion starts in Screening Room

Advance Tickets - $65

(also LIKE "the Round Table CMG" on Facebook for a discount code)

Purchase at: www.creativemindsalon.eventbrite.com

For more info on the Round Table Creative Media Group,
go to www.theroundtablecmg.com.

Please note that new website will be coming
very soon.

Hope to see you for an evening of lively debate!

Things I Love

2011-10-08T10:47:00.002-04:00

Things I love...in fact J'Adore

Kudos to Dior for beautiful and fun filmaking from director Jean-Jacque Annaud celebrating the updated fragrance. Charlize Theron makes a luxurious statement in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles alongside Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich. Of the shoot, the actress said, "It was incredibly glamorous and fantastic. I don't think I'll experience something like that again in my lifetime."

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2034382/Marilyn-Monroe-Grace-Kelly-Marlene-Dietrich-join-Charlize-Theron-new-Dior-JAdore-advert.html#ixzz1aCYwuQBP

Managing Expectations: Revered Apple Stumbles With iPhone 4S

2011-10-05T00:27:00.000-04:00

Today we saw the introduction of the long-awaited upgrade to the iPhone family.

"I love apple, and I consider it a privilege of a lifetime...."and so began Tim Cook's first product introduction. "Apple has enormous momentum..." he continued and rolled off the remarkable numbers that their retail stores have garnered, including welcoming 100,000 people in one week in China (vs. one month when they opened LA).

And Tim continued with the accolades from consumers and media alike:

OS Lion: the reviews have been incredible: "best computer operating system out there..." NYT with over 6 million downloads to date.

#1 desktop and laptop in the US. The mac outgrew the PC market by almost 6 times last year. Now approaching 60 million users around the world.

#1 music store in the world. 16 billion songs downloaded

The #1 smartphone in the world. iPhone 4 has sold over half of the total iPhones sold since they've been introduced.

#1 top selling tablet in the world. Three out of four tablets sold are iPads. "Consumers don't want tablets, they want iPads" All Things Digital he cited.

And then we saw it...the *new* iPhone 4S...."Playing up the remarkable graphics of the new A5 chip first seen on the iPad, the team built some terrific excitement. The new atennae allows for 2x download speed...."

And more than anything, there's our new friend Siri, the voice activated "humble assistant" that is now integrated into the phone. A remarkable addition to the tools and the new iOS5, truly ground breaking artificial inteligence. Siri not only understands the words you say, but the meaning of those words. A masterful feat for sure.

But as a true Apple devotee, I am disappointed that Apple did not manage expectations against the introduction of the better, bigger, different phone they're known for. Sadly, there was no iPhone 5 today. While the addition of CDMA and GSM into one phone will appeal to a wide swath of people, the fact that Jonathan Ive was absent today let down millions who were anticipating a new redesign.

Sure, we can say that if we'd looked thru the message, and believed half the rumors, and measured the timing (only new designs every two years) we'd have come to the logical conclusion. But as appealing as logic is to us, and as sexy as the design continues to be for the beautiful iPhone 4 (yes, I own one), Apple missed the boat today. The brand let us down, in the most elegant, let's be friends kind of way.

Tim Cook and his team need to get in front of the messaging on Wednesday and explain exactly why this iteration was delayed. The world expects it, or the mac world at least (and some may say the stock world as well, since the stock dropped on this announcement, although its done that before).

Yes, we'll love the iPhone 4S, yes some will upgrade from the 4 (as they did from 3G to 3GS before her), but to many others we'll be left with baited breath adrift in disappointment...hoping things get back on track for a June 2012 iPhone 5 announcement. Apple, I hope you're listening, after all no one likes the feeling of once bitten, twice shy.

Pre-orders start October 7th, and on sale October 14th with the fastest global rollout ever...considering it's late, why not? Oh and yeah, there's the Sprint thing too...welcome aboard.

Watch the full (long) announcement here: VIDEO

Dining: Sicilian Italian Fare @eolorestaurant

2011-10-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

Eolo

190 Seventh Ave (21^st St.)

646-225-6606

www.eolonewyork.com

From my NY Food & Drinks column

in the the current issue of h Magazine LA:

You don’t have to look far and wide for Italian fare in NYC, finding a fresh take on a true Sicilian menu is however surprisingly something you don’t find easily in Manhattan. Chef and Proprietor Melissa Muller Daka has opened up a charming spot smack in the middle of Chelsea that will surprise and definitely delight your palate; she calls it her love letter to Sicily.

Eolo, Italian for Aeolus, whom according to mythology is ruler of the wind. As the story goes, Eolo lived on a small, volcanic island off the coast of Sicily and was a favorite among the Greek gods. He gave Odysseus a wine bag ﬁlled with wind to speed his historic voyage home. Nearly there, Odysseus’s curious crew opened the bag, the winds escaped and their ship was pulled back to the Sicilian archipelago.

Wandering off of seventh avenue south on a windy rainy evening, the warm glow of this family friendly rustic destination had me relaxed and enjoying the fresh dishes here faster than I could ask, where’s my umbrella? With a menu that varies monthly according to the Sicilian cultural calendar & seasonal availability, the dishes are rich and satisfying without being too heavily sauced.

The seasonal drinks list has a bevy of fresh puree’s, infusions and syrups made daily; a remarkable feat for a small dining spot like this, kudos to the chef’s husband who was tending bar the evening I arrived. The Sangria was fruity and full bodied with a blend of fresh fruits that change daily.

Salads are artfully plated, including the Arugla salad, which comes with shaved radish, walnuts, shaved Parmigiano in a cup of lettuce. Dishes are easily shared and come in two sizes, which afford you the chance to sample a wide range of the ample menu here. Starting with a sampler, their Polpettini Giuggiulena of seared lamb & beef meatballs with cauliﬂower, onions and sesame seed cream are meaty with familiar spices that happily melt in your mouth. The grilled octopus is a heavenly delight that is slowly braised with black olive tampenade and chili oil, which adds a subtle kick, leaving the fish tender and rich.

Tagliatelle al Ragù , with their signature fresh pasta has a richly sublime short rib ragù, with ragusano cheese foam that blends effortlessly on the plate. Truffle oil adds a lingering smoky smoldering after-effect that rounds out the flavors perfectly.

The menu here is a fresh take on all things Sicilian, a journey for the soul and the palate brought to life in such tender loving hands of the chef that you can tell she’s aiming to transport you beyond the plate to a world of flavorful enjoyment; her passion is palpable here.

The enjoyment builds to a nice crescendo for the deserts offered here created at the hands of pastry chef Tony Marcos, they’re not to be missed. The fresh ricotta sampler is a plate of sweet hedonism for the eyes and the stomach. Their signature Sfinci are incredible little Sicilian treat; ricotta cheese, flour, and sugar fried to an elegant golden brown with a delicious vanilla-orange pastry cream and comes with rich chocolate dipping sauce.

Taking a step off the bustling streets of Manhattan here transports you to the

shores of Sicily, drink in the flavors and enjoy the journey.

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October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Inspires Chic Designs

2011-09-25T21:03:00.000-04:00

My friends at the luxe Manhattan Magazine, sent over the following feature from Katie Kiefner, which I've excerpted here:

"Founded by Evelyn Lauder in 1993, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation rallies influential brands to publicize and donate for the cause. Lacoste is on board with a limited-edition line of pink crocodile gear, and Tory Birch has reinvented her classic Eddie ballet flats in a striking magenta hue. Pictured here also, Van Cleef & Arpels is releasing a vintage edition of its timeless Alhambra earring in 18k pink gold with white mother-of-pearl.

On the furniture front, designers Jonathan Adler and Margherita Missoni are customizing 19 of Arne Jacobsen's revolutionary Swan chairs for auction with proceed's going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To bid log on at www.charitybuzz.com"

The Foundation is quite busy this month as you can imagine, and is hosting their Annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon on the 26th in NYC: Attending The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's signature event will be 1,200 guests, including 150+ of the world's leading breast cancer researchers, in addition to New York area opinion leaders, philanthropists, and members of the press.

Look for Manhattan Magazine on your local newsstand. Stay tuned for more luxe updates here soon!

Photos and content courtesy of Manhattan Magazine a Modern Luxury publication

Evolution Of Social Media: Creative Minds Salon Tuesday Sept 20th NYC

2011-09-13T08:45:00.002-04:00

Join the Round Table Creative Minds Salons with a lively and informative discussion exploring how creatives are using social media to further build their brand into global digital platforms. This event features a unique opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of top industry creatives from leading agencies and social media innovators from the world of fashion and music, who have redefined marketing success using Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Livestream, Google + and beyond - and the new digital platforms and opportunites you can leverage.

Panelists include:

Damien Claassens ~Creative Director, Publicis Modem US
Nima Abbasi ~Founding Partner, Syndicate Media Group
Brian Moroz ~Senior Creative Agency Lead, Google +
Jordan Walker ~Consultant, RootMusic, former Head Of Digital, The Artists Organization

The Round Table Creative Media Group (CMG) is a network of intellectual, creative visionaries who

have established a relevant and authentic point of view within their industry.

Our members include producers and directors in fashion, ﬁlm & music, designers working in graphics, jewelry, furniture, stylists, photographers, make-up artists, sculptors, choreographers, artist management as well as industry executives working in various mediums.

For Tickets, click HERE the event has limited tickets and will sell out! I am a co-founder of the group and will be moderating the panel, this is the fall 2011 kickoff event.

Our mission is to:

Produce curated events and programs to engage creatives to share ideas, career experience and insights
Build a global network for creatives to connect, share and inspire each other
Provide an opportunity for business connecting and creative collaborations within a global network
Create a community that supports the next generation of emerging talent through mentorship education & promotion

Our programs consists of a series of live events where RTCMG members and guests have an opportunity to hear from a diverse line-up of industry professionals and icons. Our speakers and panelists are made up of top creative agencies, fashion, music and design industry entrepreneurs and executives, and established and emerging talent.

Produced in conjunction our strategic partner: LOOKBOOKS MEDIA, Inc. is the online marketing and management solution that connects leading companies with influential talent. It’s groundbreaking software product, LKBKS PRO, and two media properties www.Lookbooks.com and www.FashionIndie.com, cater to every facet of the creative industry from photographers, stylists, models and casting professionals to the agencies that represent them. Its professional site www.lookbooks.com is industry-centric and targets its community of creative and art directors, design enthusiasts, artists as well as PR and ad agency executives in the fashion industry.

Lacoste La Machine L.12.12 launch in NYC, Enter To Win A Trip To NYC

2011-09-12T23:48:00.001-04:00

LACOSTE’s announcing its biggest celebration – the US launch of the men’s fragrance collection, EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12. This exciting collection will be brought to life with an audacious, high-tech campaign featuring La Machine L.12.12, a spectacular mechanical and virtual art installation that will be on display at the heart of New York’s Grand Central Station Terminal, September 19th – 27^th—and you have a chance to win!

The fragrance collection, EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12 Blanc, Bleu and Vert Editions speak to the heritage and innovation of the LACOSTE brand as they transform the iconic shirt that launched the LACOSTE Empire, the L.12.12, into a trio of simple, elegant, and timeless scents.

In 1927 a stifling blazer was worn, Rene Lacoste re-imagined the way to play tennis…the collection was named for, L for Lacoste, 1 for the unique fabric, 2 for the short sleeved design, and 12 for the number version Rene chose.

Fresh and clean describe the trio of scents which marry remarkably well with the brand image. The packaging is smartly sporty and the scent experience is crisp and light.

Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc / White ~ simplicity, freshness and elegance, with notes of grapefruit, cardamom, rosemary, tuberose, ylang-ylang, leather, suede and cedar.
Lacoste L.12.12 Bleu / Blue ~ strength, aquatic life and masculinity, featuring mint, grapefruit, sage, orange blossom, patchouli, oak moss and fern.
Lacoste L.12.12 Vert / Green ~ nature and well-being. The notes include bergamot, grapefruit, melon, verbena, fig, lavender, thyme and birch leaves.
The Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 collection will be available in 30 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette

La Machine L.12.12 is a unique interactive visual installation which shows that transformation of the shirt into a fragrance both mechanically (you can watch as a polo shirt is magically transformed into a bottle of EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12), and virtually through special user generated videos – 35,000 people around the globe will become part of the La Machine L.12.12 instillation for the world to see.

Their site is pretty fun too, all interactive with lots of visuals, and a cool upload for images, here’s ME http://www.lacoste.com/l1212/#/l1212me

On 19th September 2011, LA MACHINE L.12.12 will be revealed in Grand Central Terminal, NYC - and now LACOSTE Facebook fans have the exclusive chance to be there.

LACOSTE is hosting a worldwide competition that you, my faithful readers can win a chance to be flown to New York attend the La Machine L.12.12 launch party. Here is the link

CELEBRATED COUNTRY SINGER GLEN CAMPBELL SPEAKS: FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE BEING DIAGOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S

2011-08-22T20:18:00.001-04:00

Interview to Air Tuesday, August 23 on “World News with Diane Sawyer” and “Nightline”

Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Women make up 2/3rds of those diagnosed, and also those who are caregivers.

In his first television interview since being diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, legendary country musician Glen Campbell sits down for a conversation with “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran. They discuss Campbell’s illustrious career and how the star is dealing with the realities of the degenerative disease while preparing to embark on a final tour to say thank you to his fans. The concert tour, dubbed “The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour,” is happening in conjunction with the release of Campbell’s final studio album Ghost on the Canvason August 30. Campbell's career spans five decades. He's had 81 songs on the charts and has made his mark on music history with such hits as "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Galveston."

This story has personal significance for Terry Moran. He, like millions of Americans, knows the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's runs in his family; both his mother and grandmother died of the disease. In 2009, Moran decided to take action and get his DNA tested to see whether he carried any of the genetic markers that have been linked to Alzheimer's.

Read Moran’s Reporter’s Notebook -- Facing Alzheimer's: A Personal Story

The interview airs on “World News with Diane Sawyer” on Tuesday, August 23. Portions of the interview will also air Tuesday on “Good Morning America” and “Nightline.”

Watch Maria Shriver's excellent first-account account on the disease 'A Woman's Nation Take On Alzheimer's,' early intervention is key--and an important note for Women age 40 and above: HERE

Please support the work of the tireless caregivers in your community; support the work of important research as well via the FIsher Center For Alzheimer's Research Foundation, an organization I worked at to create this important portal of information on the disease. http://alzinfo.org/

Support the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org

NYC Drinks & Dining: Serafina B'way

2011-08-07T20:49:00.002-04:00

From the current issue of h Magazine www.hmonthly.com
available at select Barnes/Nobles in Manhattan

Serafina Broadway
210 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019-5467
(212) 315-1700
www.serafinarestaurant.com

This chic sprawling restaurant at the foot of the Night Hotel sits at the top of Broadway and offers great views of all the lights and hullabaloo a few short blocks south from its ample outdoor seating. With heaters and cozy blankets for chilly nights, the service is friendly and swift to attend to your every need. Attracting a unique crowd of native Italians on vacation and local business folk from the music industry nearby, the mix is cosmopolitan and unique.

By far, the food here is the reason to stop by any time. Fresh Italian fare is prepared daily and served up from breakfast to late night dining. The ample list of options here may make your head swim, but they’ve culled together a menu that is sublimely presented with nuanced flavors and old-world friendly sophistication. You can do no wrong with your choices here, and the wait staff offers friendly advice.

Starters include Proscuiutto & Bufaline, slivers of sweetly salty Parma ham is sublimely plated with the freshest succulent buffalo mozzarella flown in from Italy each week. In fact, several carpaccio’s are offered here and include fresh tuna, salmon or beef with aged parmesan. Customers here are known to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. While specials abound, the familiarity here with a strong standard menu will have you sampling and choosing favorites every day of the week.

Entrée’s are not to be missed. Serafina is renowned for their fresh brick oven pizza’s baked in a special oven to ensure a moisture-free crisp crust with fresh mozzarella made daily and are unmatched in Manhattan. The mix of standard choices stand out here, while a gourmet selection includes fresh sushi-grade tuna, Norwegian smoked salmon and caviar.

The Tartufo Nero features robiola cheese baked with a blend of fontina, truffle cheese and topped with ample shavings of rich truffles. This baked delight brings rich flavors that melt effortlessly together and will both surprise and delight your palate.

Enjoy a glass of vino from their sizeable wine list or choose one of their signature cocktails, which offer a sweet accompaniment to your meal. The Strawberry Martini is a rich drink of vodka, strawberry puree with a splash of berry liqueur. The Litchi Martini has citron vodka mixed perfectly with litchi juice and liqueur. Take your time enjoying your meal, and save room for the desserts. Their tiramisu is hedonistically sweet and perfectly rich. The fresh fruit tart is made to order for you and well worth the wait. Fresh cream and berries float delightfully in a perfectly baked torte; a must!

Things We Like, Which Is Something I like...Blog: Design Week

2011-07-28T20:31:00.002-04:00

Since its conception in print and now exclusively online, Design Week has been a unique source of exclusive news, sharp commentary and top design jobs. Read by designers the world over, the depth of experience found in Design Week is unparalleled in print or on the web.

"For twenty years we have been reporting on every aspect of the design industry - breaking news, uncovering the big stories and showcasing the best new international work."

CLICK through for their brilliant "weekly round-up of things we like on the Design Week news desk"...

Things We Like | Blog | Design Week

The Hour, BBC

Design Week news desk...or The Hour, BBC
(left-right: Emily Gosling, Tom Banks, Angus Montgomery)

"Serum Versus Venom is A Brooklyn-based fashion brand with pieces as edgy as its impenetrable name. The brands debut self-published book, A System of Objects, draws together the brand’s original designs, photography, collaborative art, and ‘unique philosophy toward the business of fashion'"

Apple Announcements: NEW Mac's and Lion This Week

2011-07-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

New things are afoot for Apple this week, here are my predictions based upon the buzz out there:

Prediction: Lion (finally) launches (this week for $29.99) According to Apple, "Your Mac must have an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor to run Lion. Find out if your current Mac has one of these processors by clicking the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then choosing About This Mac."

Prediction: New MacBook Airs announced with Lion. AllThingsD says to “look for an announcement Thursday or Friday and that the new MacBook Airs will sport a Thunderbolt port, backlit keyboards, and 128GB and 256GB storage options up from the previous 64GB solid state drives.” (MacRumors 7.15)

(also) “that all new 11.6- and 13.3-inch models will include 4GB of RAM as standard via Apple Insider which should continue to boost sales for this ultrabook, which sold over a million units last fall when it was introduced in October.”

Prediction: 70% chance that white Macbooks will get a refresh likely with Thunderbolt ports and faster processors according to 9to5 Mac

Prediction: look for new Mac Mini’s next week

Prediction: updated Thunderbolt-capable LED Cinema Display monitor. From Apple, “Thunderbolt is a revolutionary I/O technology that supports high-resolution displays and high-performance data devices through a single, compact port. It sets new standards for speed, flexibility, and simplicity.”

Fall Prediction: iPhone will be 4S or something similarly named, and will be an upgrade not a major change, and not an iPhone 5 and will be announced in September, available in October. iPhone 5 to release in 2012.

Fall Guess: new iTouch and Ipod upgrades coming with iPhone 4S announcement in September.

(image via www.techblu.com via google)

5th Annual New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show Opens July 22nd

2011-07-07T21:35:00.001-04:00

The New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, one of the most well attended shows by both dealers and consumers alike opens one day before the JA show in New York City.

The show, already near its maximum for exhibit space, was able to add new

exhibitors to this year’s list of established dealers. The new exhibitors include: Marlene Alvarado of Corpus Christi, Texas; Provockative Gems, Lucky Diamond, FEI, Hays Worthington and Phenomenal Jewels, all of New York. Anatoly Cherkassky of Lucky Diamonds stated “In today’s depressed retail market, the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show is a great outlet for us for selling and buying.” Additionally, more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished and prominent dealers from around the world come from as far away as Uruguay, France, England, Switzerland & Canada.

1920s line bracelet in platinum

40 carats of sapphires & diamonds

Represented by Excalibur Booth 4001

Show attendees, which have been known to include celebrities and well-known socialites from around the globe, will have the opportunity to view and purchase highly sought after rare and signed pieces, a wide variety of antique jewelry, including exceptional gemstones and pearls, estate jewels and unique designer pieces, as well as exquisite personal timepieces representing multiple periods throughout history. Some of the designer pieces include well-known brands such as Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Patek Philippe, Tiffany & Co, Rolex, and many others.

“Our location in the jewelry capital of the world, makes this show extremely popular amongst dealers. We are proud to welcome new dealers to the show this year.” stated Andrea Canady, Fair Director. “This show provides an intimate setting for dealers and buyers to converge and conduct business. The show sees heavy public traffic as they enjoy this rare opportunity to shop where the dealers buy.”

(image left) Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire earrings

Represented by Yafa Signed Jewels Booth 1005

(opening image) Van Cleef & Arpels necklace

Represented by Yafa

Show hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, from 11:00 am -7:00 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday, July 23-24th and from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25th at The Metropolitan Pavilion located @ 125 West 18th Street, NYC.

Admission fee is $15 to attend all four days of the show. For more information about the show, or to purchase tickets, call (239) 732-6642 or visit The New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show .

Restaurants With A View: Beaumarchais

2011-06-26T17:27:00.000-04:00

From the current issue of h Magazine www.hmonthly.com
available at select Barnes/Nobles in Manhattan

Brasserie Beaumarchais

409 West 13th Street

Washington Street & Ninth Avenue

212-675-2400

www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com

Is your name on the list? Do you have a reservation? Yes, I know its 1pm on Sunday….but stepping across the threshold here for Le Grand Brunch transports you to the finest scene west of Les Caves du Roy in Saint Tropez. Champagne magnums pop in a pomp and ceremony of lit fireworks and involves your magnum held high by a waitress being flat-out carried to the table by two waiters flying across the room…the music crescendo makes the room tremble with excitement; now this is service, is that the score from star wars remixed or 2001 a space odyssey? No matter, dining here brings you delicious food and super-sized fantasy chicly played out steps from the highline and cobblestone streets of the charming meat packing district. Bring your black card, or at least your platinum and be prepared to be impressed.

Chef Nicholas Cantrel who’s honed his skills at Daniel, Country and Bobo amongst others takes simplicity and adds a level of sophistication that speaks volumes in fashionable flavor unlike any destination on the island of Manhattan. Dining on their ample outdoor seating gives you a front row seat on the right side of the velvet rope. You’ve arrived to enjoy the playful scene inside and out at Beaumarchais, whose name is inspired after the 18th century French dramatist and inventor.

Dishes like the Gnocchi à la Parisienne are refreshingly light and use flour instead of potatoes. These tiny clouds made with black truffles and finished with an exquisite truffle butter sauce alight the plate in flavor.

The Tartare de Thon is a deliciously diced tuna served atop a creamy citrus avocado salad with grape seed oil.

Their pancakes are the lightest little cakes that almost float off the plate were it not for the accompanying nutella, maple syrup, peanut butter, fresh fruit or candied walnuts. The hearty truffled roast chicken with country style potatoes, onions and mushrooms updates a peasant dish to new heights of seasoned subtle flavors.

Dinner is recommended for a late seating as the festivities really kick in for late night flare. “Le Grand Brunch” every Saturday and Sunday from11:30am is a must for those who dare to dress to impress and bring an attitude for fun and a smile to match. By 230pm, the black-out curtains are drawn in the main dining room, the DJ has pumped up the volume to club-decimal levels and people are dancing on their chairs. Is it 4am on the cote d'azur or 4pm in Manhattan? No matter, after sipping their signature cocktails, including the remarkable La Sangria Rouge and the smoky Maple Hill with Woodford Reserve, Maple Syrup and peach bitters you’ll be smiling all the way home.

Make Life Your Daily Habit; Share It With Everyone

2011-06-12T10:04:00.001-04:00

It’s time for us to approach life as a balance of everything we know and love. Imagine yourself taking away one negative part of your day and adding something that may enlighten or alleviate the suffering of others. Imagine if each of us just did one nice thing each day to spread some love, respect and perhaps raise the awareness of others. Each of us. Every one of us. We may not be able to make the change we want, but sharing what we see with others can help to motivate us to see where positive change can come from. It may be you, it may be your neighbor, it may be your family. Every day share something. Find your passion. Share your passion. Every day, inch a little closer to the world you want to live in.

The time is now to start sharing our thoughts, our passion and our knowledge both locally and globally. It’s time that we redefine glocalalization to include all of us. The world is shifting too quickly not to pay attention. Technology has brought us the ability to communicate with the world in real time, yet our governments continue to be mired in the morass of special interests and we see our planet suffer. You can help be the change that our collective universe needs. One small step at a time.

It’s time to stand up for yourself, for your friends and for your families. Stand up for your planet. Start with the little things that we all do every day—read one article online you didn’t yesterday, forward along more news stories, share the information that piques your interest and will benefit the positive conversation in our lives. Send an email that will both educate and motivate: it could affect the way we speak to each other, it could affect how we engage our families, our co-workers or even our government.

Technology is here to stay, and the time is now to empower ourselves to spread positive change. The world is moving all too quickly today, don’t let it get away from you; let it allow you to feel like you’ve made a positive change today. No matter how small. Spread the words of others that inspire or awaken you and find the actions in your life you can change. Spread awareness, spread some love and think about others as much as we think of ourselves.

Start now. Send someone you care about some love. It could be as simple as an image or a story that made you think of that person. Send me something that interests you. Send me something more people should be aware of. It could be as simple as sharing this post, or as complex as writing your congressman, it can be about the environment, about politics or news from half a world away; but do it today~ and tomorrow choose to do it again. We can all help each other, we can all gain from knowledge.

Make life your daily habit.

glennluxe.blog@gmail.com

Serum Versus Venom (SVSV) Approaches Fashion From Creativity & Craft

2011-06-05T12:50:00.001-04:00

The creative masterminds behind The Keystone Design Union, a remarkable global community of creatives based in brooklyn have introduced a line clothing, Serum Versus Venom (SVSV), which was created in 2003 as a long-term study into the interconnectedness of craft and utility focused on the pursuit of creating a new luxury.

While ultimately focused on creating Bespoke, Made to Measure and short run garments, SVSV also explores home goods, jewelry, media and art as platforms for expression. For them, luxury is cliché, consumption is salvation. All SVSV items are designed exclusively for their NYC

showroom & workshop.

SVSV is rooted in the philosophy of Futurecraft™ - an ideological framework for creating high and sustainable value in an over-saturated consumer landscape by colliding elements of hype modernity with traditional product development philosophies, techniques and values.

SVSV proudly stands in opposition of mass-marketed, mass-produced, mass-consumed fashion. Each garment and object they create sits proudly outside the normal boundaries of institutionalized fashion and design.

Excerpt from an interview with David Gensler in ArtnHustle:

What's the inspiration behind this new collection?

Semantics aside, but there are no new collections, just a new beginning point. We will begin to make garments again, and focus on producing, what we consider to be the highest quality product we can produce. I challenge the idea of “a collection” and think it is language and thinking of the old guard. In terms of where we are pulling inspiration from…

I would say the same as before, just seen through older and hopefully wiser eyes. I am attracted to utility. I like military spec gar, extreme outdoor gear, colliding with workwear, glued together with timeless tailoring tradition. Some pieces in the new offering are simple at first glance, then reveal more and more complexity. I have always been, in all my work, very aware and concerned about “collisions” and nothing has changed this time around.

...Creativity is freedom. Creativity is bravery. Creativity is sometimes lonely and often frustrating. Creativity is never subjective. See the full interview HERE

SVSV Website

Taste Of The Nation LA Charity Event

2011-06-05T12:16:00.001-04:00

Taste of the Nation Los Angeles 2011 takes place on June 12, 2011 in Culver City, CA’s Media Park, showcasing 46 of the city’s top chefs, restaurants, and, for the first time ever, bars, mixologists, and local craft breweries. The city’s premiere tasting event features restaurants and chefs ranging from Michelin-star rated Patina, to lauded newcomer Public Kitchen & Bar, to some of the year’s most highly anticipated restaurants such as Michael Voltaggio’s ink. and Food & Wine Best New Chef 2011 Ricardo Zarate’sPicca.

This year, Taste of the Nation Los Angeles spotlights even more local culinary and beverage talent through the addition of individual dessert and bar booths for bakeries such as Fōnuts and Pazzo Gelato, and bars such as1886 at The Raymond, Basement Tavern, The Spare Room, and La Descarga. Additionally, 2011 marks the first ever Taste of the Nation Los Angeles Craft Beer Tent, sampling out drafts from Duvel, Brewery Ommegang, The Bruery, Eagle Rock Brewery, and Firestone Walker. Tickets for the event are $25 for children 12-18 years, $100 for adults ($125 at the door), and $150 for VIP admission, including access to the VIP Tent and Valet Parking ($200 at the door), and are available through the Taste of the Nation Los Angeles blog.

100% of ticket proceeds from Taste of the Nation Los Angeles 2011 will benefit Share Our Strength’s support of Los Angeles area food banks. Games and silent and live auctions will help raise additional funds to feed our local children, with fantastic items including the first opportunity to book the eight omakase seats for dinner and drink pairings one evening at Michael Voltaggio’s ink. upon opening in July/August 2011.

The day kicks off with a soundtrack provided by Food Blogger Bill Esparza, aka @streetgourmetla, and his bossa nova trio Cachaça Nova. Comedians Randy and Jason Sklar will emcee the day’s festivities, including the 2 p.m. Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown in which two amateur chefs go head-to-head in a cook-off featuring Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, judged by Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, Top Chef Masters), Pulitzer Prize-winning Food Writer Jonathan Gold, and Comedian Kathy Griffin; a LIVE auction at 2:30 p.m. featuring fantastic travel and culinary experiences; and wrapping the day with the annual Waiter Race!

Generous support for Taste of the Nation Los Angeles is provided by partners and sponsors such as Fōnuts, Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, American Express OPEN, Culver City, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, LA Specialty, California Olive Ranch, Infiniti USA. http://tasteofthenationla.org/blog/

Hectic Spring...

2011-05-19T23:07:00.002-04:00

Well my friends, it's been a hectic Spring in NYC with lots of new events for The Round Table Creative Media Group, including the recent panel I moderated on the Future of Advertising and Marketing, the launch of a new ultra-premium delicious spirit from peru, www.piscoporton.com the Summer issue of h magazine coming out shortly on spots with a fun view...and much, much more...

I haven't had a chance to write of late, but I'll be back very soon, in the mean time...enjoy some recent images from NYC, follow me on Instagram (I'm loving it!):

Brunch In The City: David Burke Kitchen

2011-03-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

From my NYC Food & Drinks Column in the current issue of h Magazine from Los Angeles, available at select Barnes & Nobles and specialty magazine stores in NYC...

David Burke Kitchen

The James New York

23 Grand Street (at 6th Avenue)

New York, NY 10013

Phone: 212.201.9119

Brunch, 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday

http://www.davidburkekitchen.com

The charmingly creative chef David Burke has at long last made his mark on downtown Manhattan with this western Soho outpost at The James Hotel. The David Burke Kitchen is terrific destination to find wholesome modern American food with the unique whimsy that Burke is known for. The subterranean restaurant is uniquely filled with natural light from above and includes a cool two-story glass atrium in the café/bar area.

The restaurant has several cool spaces, including the Tree house bar with bespoke cocktails and a “toast” bar, and opening in April—a sprawling outdoor garden will feature all the menu items. Chef’s menu emphasizes the highest quality vegetables, seafood and game from purveyors land-marked on the walls in beautiful photography by Bill Milne.

Brunch here offers an extensive number of creative and playful dining options. It’s the kind of menu that begs for exploration, as you are pleasantly surprised at every turn. Starting from their Snacks menu, The Maple Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with peanut butter come in a petit quartet packed with rich creamy flavors and a delicious fried grape speared for fun. Burke’s signature-exclusive Salmon Pastrami is a sublimely peppery and spiced sliver of fish around fun pretzel sticks and a subtle hint of mustard, a divine little dish!

Entrée’s run the gamut from healthy to hearty. The Lobster Scramble is a rich dish of eggs, fresh garlic, horseradish and lobster with tarragon and the tasty salsify, a/k/a the oyster plant that adds a subtle nuance here. Served in an Ostrich Eggshell balanced on a dish of peppercorns, the dish makes a statement before you ever taste it.

Chef’s sense of humor comes through tastefully with their Can O’ Pancakes, their chic take on a Grand Slam, with a fluffy pancake baked with slivers of fresh sausage topped with fresh ham and hearty slabs of bacon topped with two creamy eggs.

If you can’t finish the dish, it comes with a lid for easy take-home leftovers you’ll enjoy all over again. Chicken and Cheddar Waffles is a towering feast if you’re appetite is on fire.

The Escarole and Carrot Salad is fulfilling on many levels, textures of savory and sweet crunch across your palate. Toasted hazelnuts swim amongst apricots and slow roasted vegetables into a sumptuous plate topped with fresh shavings of parmigiano. The black olive crumble of tiny dots-of-flavor adds a surreal depth to the dish; taste them alone to experience their bewitching flavor.

Sweets are not to be missed here, their take on Monkey Bread also comes in the fun can, baked with the traditional cake, shredded with cinnamon and fresh fruit, all lightly slathered in a divinely sweet caramel sauce with fresh whipped cream in an enormous can. The Chocolate mousse layered cake comes with smooth as silk olive-oil ice cream with olive oil glaze and a sweet dark pool of candied olives in chocolate sauce with toasted pine nuts. You won’t leave hungry at this charming and affordably chic destination on the lower west side.

Enjoy!

The Remarkable Pema Chodren, On Peace

2011-02-23T21:19:00.001-05:00

If we want there to be peace in the world, we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s the true practice of peace. ~Practicing Peace in Times of War

Pema Chödrön (born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown) is an American woman who was ordained as a Buddhist nun in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in 1981,^[1] and a teacher in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa.

Pema Chödrön was born in or around 1936 in New York City. She attended Miss Porters School in Farmington, Connecticut and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. She worked as an elementary school teacher in California and New Mexico before her conversion to Buddhism.

I've been enjoying her words lately. As the world seems to speed up, it's a pleasure to slow down and let her words unravel before me. Cool stuff, this universe, enjoy!

Photos taken in West Chelsea, New York City 2010

Upstairs At The Kimberly Hotel: Drinks & Dining

2011-02-13T17:37:00.001-05:00

Upstairs at The Kimberly

Penthouse, 145 East 50th Street

www.upstairsnyc.com
From the Fall Issue of my NYC Food & Drink column in h Magazine from LA available at select Barnes & Nobles:

We all have our regular haunts for cocktails and food that we visit often, and other times we make elaborate plans to meet friends or loved ones at a specific location at a specific time on the hopes of a specific experience. Not being a denizon of the corporate cubicles that hover in the east 50’s, it’s been awhile since I made it past Third Avenue, but Upstair’s at the Kimberly Hotel is well worth the effort.

I’m told to beware the after work suits here, and there is a dress code (no sneakers I learned the hard way, sorry LA) but don’t let that put you off. Entering the hotel isn’t much to look at, but stepping off the elevator 30 floors up gives you a passport to a spectacular skyline not often seen from this perspective. Cocktailing and small plates never tasted so good as you’re gazing at the top of the Chrysler Building while seated in B&B Italia furnishings that elegantly dot the place.

I’ve had the luck to experience this spot on the waning days of summer, and while they’ve got a fully retractable tinted-glass roof which will make snowy days a must up here, I encourage you to visit on the days the roof is open, the heated floors here will keep you toasty too. The design here is such that you literally feel like you’re inside/out. There’s an optical effect that makes you feel like you’re in a room…with no roof, I can’t quite explain it but it’s different than other rooftop’s I’ve been to, the cocktails here may help the effect too!

Master mixologist Alex Ott has whipped up a list of drinks that aim to please with several standouts. The Rum Service, with a tobacco-infused honey, fresh pear and lime juice is smooth and sweet. The squared lime garnish delights the eye while the flavors will roll over your tongue all too easily—this drink is fantastic! The Midtown blends Maker’s Mark bourbon with fresh raspberry’s and chamomile served up in a hefty snifter, it’s an interesting almost tropical looking concoction that’s sweet enough to enjoy more than one without guilt. Available anytime, but most likely your new brunch favorite, the Electrolyte is an easy, pretty and light mix of Svedka Vodka with watermelon, fresh pineapple and lemon. The drinks are pricey at $18 a pop, take your time enjoying them, they’re worth lingering over while you enjoy the complimentary flavored popcorns that change each day.

Hearing from chef Gwenael Le Pape that the menu was a year in the making is no surprise. The small dishes are easily shared and contain just enough flavors to combine seamlessly across your palate. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare has a spicy avocado added to the succulent base with a mirin and rice wine vinegar reduction for a layered taste, the addition of pickled ginger adds a tangy bite. The Lump Crab Salad with green mango, papaya and spicy Thai dressing has a toasted sesame oil, which I thought added a bit of smokiness to the sweetness of the ample crustacean.

I’d heard about their Grilled Lamp Lollipops and wanted them badly when I arrived, waiting for these two plump New Zealand bites was worth my hearty appreciation. Apparently Colorado Lamb is known to be the fattiest and Australian the biggest, New Zealand…the finest! The length to which the meat is pampered before it arrives on your plate will only astound you, the flavors here speak volumes—the meat is succulent and substantial; no tiny lambscicle here—this is meaty! The diced ratatouille that accompanies the meat is an updated twist on a classic, all the flavors you’d expect but in a presentation that is deliciously surprising. Crispy baby artichokes come in little brown bag perfectly folded to make you feel like a giant digging deep into this savory dish. The Grilled Calamari is handled with care, sliced after grilling to reveal a tender taste with a melt-in-your-mouth lemon-tarragon emulsion bathed in aged balsamic; I’m getting hungry just typing this!

Drinks, dinner and dessert are meant to be savored here, the chill DJ-beat won’t push you to dance, but it may make you sway…and the food will make you swoon just a bit. Try their desserts, new on the seasonal menu; the Strawberry Souffe is baked to perfection. The Chocolate Molten melts across your plate and the Lavendar Ice cream that comes with it is creamy and complex, eat them together. Make this spot a late destination during the week or an early one on weekends, I’d avoid the crowds and claim it all your own.

Beauty & The Beat...Winter Skin

2011-01-31T23:05:00.002-05:00

I get pitched a lot of information, books and products. I have a rich history working with beauty, grooming and spa brands and I'm a beauty junkie at heart. I'm remiss in talking about the remarkably powerful Personal Microderm System I'm test driving with good results from Age Sciences. It's strong but recommended-be careful using it, watch the CD and use with caution and gently. It's remarkable how advanced the home science of skincare has come lately!

I'm also receiving raves of the remarkable BABOR Biogen Cellular "Ultimate Repair Serum" with extremely highly concentrated BIOGEN Plant Extract, that "Intensively regenerates the skin overnight." Their unique AHA peel treatment I've tested from their facial treatments has left my skin aglow with many compliments just this past weekend. It's definitely a brand to check out and get aquanted with, their men's line is masculine and effective as well (GREAT Shave Cream!).

This winter I've also taken to the about-to-be released SENSAI Silky Purifying Silk Peeling Mask, (truthfully a client at my agency) but I'm partial to the high level of perfection that the Kanebo brand SENSAI is known for, the key ingredient of precious Koishimaru Silk sets this brand apart by leaps and bounds; the fact that your skin is left gently exfoliated AND moisturized with this new product is beyond reproach, a complete WIN!

But...tonight I got this release and I thought I'd share it with you...a new book on Beauty is upon us that looks interesting (I've only read what I'm posting here--have not received an advance copy). Oddly though, I had to Google the author to include a link to this Hollywood Derm's new book: www.FeedYourFace.com strange how publicists aren't quite yet up to date on including hashtags, URL's and Facebook profiles in all releases (c'mon guys, let's get to work!)

While I agree with some parts of the release, I don't see this as any cure-all, I would like to try the book diet on for size (any publicists reading this?!) as I still struggle with the occassional breakout for example. I know for one thing, one of the "celebrities" mentioned isn't afraid of visiting a certain kind of "facial" doctor in the building I work in...and am sure that her good looks aren't from any "diet" alone...but I won't say which one! Dr. Wu's gotten a few good reviews on Yelp! for her LA practice HERE and she's appeared on countless TV shows touting skincare. Interesting:

PRESS RELEASE: "Think about it—the entire first floor of most department stores is devoted to what you put on your face. So is a huge section of your local drugstore. Pages and pages of magazine ads sell creams that promise to get rid of your crow’s feet or give you an ethereal glow. Each year the average American woman spends upwards of $600 on personal care products, only to be disappointed when the hype outplays the performance."

"Enter Dr. Jessica Wu. Empowering women to break the cycle, she shares the secrets that turned her into one of Hollywood’s most sought after beauty experts—no needles, creams, or prescriptions required."

"Based on the latest research, and proven on Dr. Wu’s patients (both the famous and not-so-famous), FEED YOUR FACE is a 28-day diet plan that will help you banish blemishes, wipe out wrinkles, shed unwanted pounds, and generally feel better—in your clothes and in your skin. Along the way, readers will learn how to separate skincare fact from fiction, as Dr. Wu explains why:

A slice of pizza can protect your skin from sunburn
Green beans can boost your hair’s strength and shine
Milk and dairy products can contribute to acne
Almonds can ward off grays

"Packed with patient testimonials, flirty illustrations, un-retouched before and after photos, celebrity anecdotes from stars like Kimora Lee Simmons, Maria Bello, Kat Von D, and Cougartown’s Christa Miller, and juicy blind items (which hip-hop mogul has a major fear of needles?), FEED YOUR FACE also chronicles Dr. Wu’s personal journey from pimply-faced bookworm to fashion-obsessed dermatologist."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from the release)

JESSICA WU, M.D., a graduate of Harvard Medical School, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist in Los Angeles and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the USC Medical School. When she’s not helping Hollywood’s A-list get red carpet-ready, she’s dishing up advice as the Skin and Beauty Expert on EverydayHealth.com and on her daily e-Newsletter (with 250,000 loyal readers) Dr. Wu is also a frequent medical expert featured on television and print.

Would love to hear your thoughts, am looking forward to checking it out!

The Power Of The Influencer: A Round Table Discussion

2011-01-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

I am moderating the next in a series of Salon Conversations at Soho House NYC:

“The Power Of The Influencer,” an Evening With Top Creative Industry Leaders Discussing the Evolving Role of Influencers and Their Effect on the Business Culture.

Tuesday, January 25th

At Soho House NYC

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Complimentary Cocktails provided by Tequila Avion

Discussion begins at 8pm

Tickets $55 http://creativemindsalon.eventbrite.com/,

The influence of individuals, artists, creatives and groups has evolved. The Round Table CMG will dissect the power Influencers play in leading the cultural zeitgeist.

Our panel of leading fashion, music and lifestyle industry insiders, will discuss the role of the influencer and explore how brands identify, communicate and engage them including the difference between an Innovator, an Influencer and a Follower.

Topics to be discussed include: What is an influencer, How do you identify them, who are today’s influencers and innovators, What is the link between trends and influence and how are individuals and brands evolving to adapt to the break neck speed of the zeitgeist?

Panel members will include:

David Gensler, Founder and President of The Keystone Design Union, a private design network and consultancy whose clients include LVMH, Coke, Nike, Adidas, Reebok and MTV

Ville Tikka, Future Specialist and Creative Strategist for Nokia, who is responsible for identify trends and new opportunities for breakthrough product innovation and creative growth

Ilana Bryant, Chief Strategy Officer of Strawberryfrog, a Cultural Movement agency, who has consulted for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Diageo, Morgan Stanley, Sony Ericsson, Unilever, Frito-lay PepsiCo, M&M Mars and Wal-Mart;

and Jason Campbell, Editor in Chief of JC Report, an online fashion magazine that uncovers key trends and movements to an international audience. In 1994 Mr. Campbell assisted in launching Alexander McQueen and Antonio Berardi to the U.S. market. He has also been a consultant to companies such as AMEX, The Limited and the NFL.

The panel was curated and produced by President Blu Ellis along with Round Table CMG Board of Directors. The Round Table CMG would also like to thank Tequila Avión for hosting the complimentary cocktail hour before and after the event.

About The Round Table Creative Media Group

The Round Table CMG is a network of creative visionaries who have established a relevant and authentic point of view within their industry. Their membership is made up of a group of influential, creative thought-leaders, industry visionaries, and entrepreneurs, who strive to motivate and inspire not just each other but the next generation of emerging talent. For more information visit:www.theroundtablecmg.com or find us on Facebook.

I look forward to a lively and engaging conversation. Let me know any questions you’d like me to address with the panel!

New Year New Places

2011-01-20T23:08:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity for a spectacular visit to Peru this month on behalf of a new brand of delicous Pisco coming to the US in a few short months, more on that soon! What follows are some images from Lima, Paracas, Pisco and Ica.

I will follow up with the incredible journey I enjoyed with the remarkable Johnny Schuller, the King of Pisco. Peru through his eyes was walking along with a true gentleman enrapt with all of life's great richness. With more to come from additional posts...here are the gardens at the Museo Larco, El Hornero restaurant with hedonistically delicious meats brought sizzling to your table, the artifacts, cocktails and scenery along the way....stories to tell, this is only a glimpse...enjoy!

REWIND: Grace Jones Rocks NYC

2010-12-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

From my archive old blog on Typepad, let's revisit a stunning performance from the inimitable Grace Jones and the summer of '09 in NYC:

After an 18 year absence, last night saw the glorious return of a true living legend! Proving once and for all that this woman is a force to be reckoned with, Grace Jones took the stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom to the roar of her adoring fans. A mix of old skool cool and metro-mix of personalities filled the Hammerstein to capacity as Bette Midler was rumored to be somewhere watching too...how deliciously juxtaposed.

The line slinked down to 9th Avenue on 34th as the street came alive with fans decked out in their finest fair of dress that would only pale in comparison when the diva took to the stage. With a generous pour at the bar, fans enjoyed the conversation and the fun DJ set while waiting...not too long at all in Grace time, for the lights to dim and the stage to tremble in anticipation of what was to come.

The black scrim rose to a figure writhing in a metallic sheath under a keen spotlight...the crowd screamed as the figure twitched and twisted and her voice rose singing This Is Life and the thundering beat trembled across the capacity crowd at the Hammerstein, and Grace had arrived. Unleashing herself her first outfit best described as the love child of a zebra and Alien with a Gieger-esque Phillip Tracy hat she dedicated William's Blood to Michael Jackson and the night was set.

Belting out flawless songs with engaging stories in between, Grace owned the stage the way only a self-proclaimed Diva should, saying as much in one of her prolonged tales told off-stage as she kept us enrapt waiting to see what would happen next. Her Love is a Drug number set an eery sheen to her besparkled ballon pants and bowler cap as she seemed to be beamed in from above, the light of the lasers alighting on her like icy rays of sheer synchronicity.

As she left the stage in a flurry of confetti, this awestruck writer only hopes Grace doesn't wait another 18 years to return to rule the Big Apple if only for another night.

The Social Graph Evolves In Front Of Us: Social Media

2010-11-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

The world of Social Media is evolving at a quickened pace and it is a melding of earned (that's PR), owned (what the brand creates) and paid (Ad Agency) media into a "Social Graph" of how and what we see or seek online.

I work in marketing and communications, and public relations will continue to evolve as messages blend in a soup of content and comments surrounding the brand we represent. Our jobs as publicists will become more complex and nuanced to manage messages in Earned and Owned media with a keener understanding of what the Paid Media looks like and how it compliments the overall brand message to "push" the message out to niche audiences who seek knowledge and content to "like" and "share". As a marketing person its fascinating to see how far and nuanced this will become. As a consumer, I’m more aloof to the idea of how I get my information on line. Recommendation has become a stronger filter as I look to leaders online with clear opinions and interesting points of view.

The following recommended articles appeared this week on the evolution of Paid or Promoted Tweets and Facebook's new "email" (it isn't). Note the jury is still out, and I'm not a proponent yet of paid placements--but the big boys like Coke are leading the way which will lead to greater awareness for the consumer as adoption of Twitter and other platforms like Gowalla and Foursquare attract new users. Regarding Facebook--beware, to me there are too-too many privacy issues and their growth is moving too quickly to manage my information.

Read on and let me know your thoughts!

“We are at what is nothing short of transformative for an advertising industry that is both starting to show and act its age. We are realizing that the shift from marketing to social graphs to interest graphs sets the stage for a more welcome audience. Connecting with people where their attention is focused, when it’s focused, and aimed at what moves them, we can not only open the consumer’s attention aperture, we can inspire desirable actions and perceptions that carry benefits for all sides of this developing advertising exchange.

Much of a brand’s success on Twitter is defined by its ability to lift awareness and drive desired outcomes or clicks to action. Promoted strategies are designed to offer the presence of engagement with the reach of advertising. Brands managers and advertisers have questions and concerns, naturally, about performance. And, there is also genuine sympathy towards consumers and whether or not Promoted activities introduce unwelcome and disingenuous participation.”

This article shows the emergence of paid or promoted tweets, but also the conflict inherent in whether its really effective or not: http://om.ly/BBvpw

And from Social Media wunderkind, Brian Solis on the evolution of Twitter and search:

“Twitter is introducing a new Tab to its redesigned social dashboard. Depending on which test you’re part of, you may already see “People” or “Find People” just to the right of the Messages link at the top. This new feature is the culmination of Twitter’s work to enhance your experience within the rapid-fire micro information exchange. While this isn’t Tweet-stopping news, it is important.

By clicking through, we open a window that allows us to look beyond our egosystem to explore the topics and tweeple who also contribute to the Twitterverse. Doing so reveals that our world is in fact, not flat. And, we also discover parallel universes that could benefit from our connection as well as benefit our social existence.

This is about who we know and who we should know.

We teach.
We learn.
We grow.

As a result…the magnetism of the network grows stronger, until it becomes part of our human nature, an extension of who we are and what we do. Indeed, Twitter is gradually migrating us from social graphs to interest graphs. Why? Because Twitter needs us to grow and shape our connections to keep us focused on our attention streams and to cultivate a rich landscape of contextual networks or nicheworks around interests, topics and memes. Aside from creating a valuable exchange for information commerce, interest graphs improve how people learn, discover, share and communicate.”

http://www.briansolis.com/2010/11/from-social-graph-to-interest-graph-twitter-tells-you-who-to-follow/

ALSO OF NOTE: Facebook Announced it will be offering @Facebook.com "email" to its members, but it is a place to aggregate all your messages into one @Facebook location and communicate across multiple platforms. With all of Facebook's recent, and on-going (there were issues last week of women being kicked off and asked for ID)--I am not convinced this will scale easily, although it will make a splash when initially introduced. I wouldn't trust them, and I will not be giving Facebook ALL my content to share with their advertisers personally:

From Forbes: “Users can send and respond to messages using different platforms, e.g. SMS text message, Instant Message/Chat, and yes, via the new Facebook email address users will be given. All of this occurs within the existing messaging center on a user’s page.

As Director of Engineering Andrew Bosworth (or ‘Boz,’ as he prefers) said, “Context is meaningful.” The new messaging system hyperthreads all of the correspondence between two parties – whether it be a user and another single user, or a user and an entire group of others. The idea, says Bosworth, “is to have one history,” not multiple. “Individually, these messages aren’t particularly profound,” Bosworth said. “But in conversation, in context, they’re meaningful.”

http://blogs.forbes.com/mikeisaac/2010/11/15/facebook-email-announcement-by-the-numbers/

Fashion Group International Attracts A Constellation Of Stars

2010-11-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

Fashion Group International feted the fashion elite at last week’s annual “Night of Stars” gala. With a remarkable list of members since it was officially organized in 1930 after an informal luncheon two years prior, members have included icons and legends like Hollywood’s Edith Head, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein.

Today, the organization attracts a constellation of powerful fashion phenoms. With a mission that includes encouraging men and women to seek career opportunities in fashion and related industries, they provide activities and programs which encourage interpersonal contacts to further the professional, social and personal development of members.

The annual gala awards lived up to its ambitions as Vogue's Anna Wintour, Harper's Bazaar's Glenda Bailey, W's Stefano Tonchi, Calvin Klein, Derek Lam, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Amanda Brooks, Leighton Meester (in creamyGiambattista Valli), Michael Kors, Vanessa Traina (in Balenciaga), Evelyn Lauder, Pat McGrath and Grace Coddington rubbed shoulders with Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Connelly and Richard Gere.

The ceremonies go to promote The Fashion Group Foundation which promotes educational programs devoted to fashion and to the study of fashion related businesses through the creation and awarding of scholarships; establishment of internship programs; provision of career counseling services. Doling out awards to a short list of remarkable individuals over the years, 2010 saw Pierre Cardin receiving the “Legend” award from Ms. Berenson, herself a mythic character of style.

Barney’s own Simon Doonan carried the event with his spritely quips and this year injecting witticisms that proferred Jersey Shore namesakes upon all of the awardees’including Balenciega’s Nicolas ghesquière dubbed the “Prince of Paramus.”

Ms. Wintour and her lovely daughter Bee made a touching presentation to Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. Mayor Bloomberg recognized the work of Evelyn Lauder on behalf of women as she received a much deserved standing ovation.

Having run the red carpet for years when this event was held at the uptown Cipriani, it was my pleasure to be on the attending end of things with board member Louise Evins and see my friend Simone Delfino handing the duties just fine!

www.fgi.org

Andaz's Wall & Water Open Kitchen Delights

2010-11-02T22:01:00.000-04:00

From the Fall Issue of my NYC Food & Drink column in h Magazine from LA available at select Barnes & Nobles:

FiDi as the Financial District is known amongst Manhattanites is a burgeoning neighborhood that has shaken its mantle of a netherworld after the exchange closes each day. Having called New York home for going on two decades (ouch!) I’ve seen first-hand how this neighborhood has grown up. Now host to a growing list of destination dining establishments from the casual Les Halles to the Michelin starred SHO at the nearby Setai Wall Street, today it’s a pleasure to wander the tiny streets here in search of an excellent cocktail and accompanying food.

Set at the Eastern most edge of Wall Street stands the new Andaz Hotel and Residences that elegantly bookends this venerable street. Designed by the remarkable team at David Rockwell, entering the space transports you to a world-class dining destination that pleases the palate with an unpretentious yet supremely elegant environment. Andaz, which means “personal style” in Hindi has created an open layout for their separate bar and kitchen that is remarkably subtle and inviting in the most sublime way.

There is no traditional “bar” per se here, but rather the Bar Seven Five is built around floating islands manned by bar chefs that tend to fresh ingredients and spirits that will leave you to enjoy your conversation in a most unconventional setting. They’ve elevated the experience of enjoying a cocktail in your home here, the kitchen is always the most packed place at a party for a reason, and you’ll want to hang out at this swanky spot simply to soak up the coolness that pervades the space. Enjoy their signature 75 Mash of Laird’s Applejack Brandy, old fashioned bitters and fresh mint garnish atop a mountain of crushed ice and you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Climbing the glacial white staircase here brings you up to Wall & Water and reminds you you’re in the heart of civilized commerce. The architecture expands into a crisscrossed metal and wood ceiling that envelope you with a chill, frenetic energy. You’re greeted by their open cold-kitchen station, a marble island of delight that shifts from breakfast waffles and pancakes to raw bar for dinner and is a vibrant mixing station for build-your-own bloody mary’s over weekend brunch. I love this idea—why don’t more restaurants do this? Weekends also offer incredibly reasonable cooking classes with chef Maximo Lopez May. You begin at the greenmarket they’ve installed for the neighborhood on the property and chef brings you upstairs to cook your fixings and learn from this Argentinean maestro. Friendly and affable, he’s a super-star in his native land with a top-rated TV show and velvet touch at the stove; which here is set open as well.

Cool weather brings a sublime Manhattan clam chowder of hearty ingredients and ample mollusks swimming in a gently spiced tomato base. Accompanying fresh farm-style breads are baked on premise and come with a choice of butter or simply fresh goat cheese, which like all the ingredients here, are culled from local sustainable Hudson Valley farms.

Learning from chef that “Argentinean’s grill everything,” I was delighted to sample their smoked pheasant sausages, a sweetly gamey dish of nuanced flavors. The mussels here come in an elegant black terrine shaped like the bivalve itself, uncovering it releases a fragrant steam of white wine, lemon and garlic that will have you reaching for more bread to sop up the broth when you’re done with the shellfish. Sweet and flavorful, I was dipping my shells in to get more. Playing with the table architecture, the wegu beef burger comes atop a thick chopping block of square wood set down with all the components of a build-your-own entrée including bib lettuce, home-made pickles and perfectly crisp hand-cut fries. Your condiments are one-time use only adorably sized mustard, ketchup et al and create a little party around this hearty “plate.”

Desserts are not to be missed so save room for their perfectly moist flourless cake, a chocolate decadence accompanied by homemade icy vanilla frozen yogurt. Each dessert comes in its own cast iron dish, the Berry Crumble lives up to its name perfectly and the vanilla sauce anglaise offers you a hedonistic sauce to drape your plate with.

Prada's Capsule Collection: MADE IN To Debut In 2011

2010-10-23T10:30:00.003-04:00

For a Century, the Prada name has meant innovation. Mario Prada began making a series of handmade leather goods for travel, and in Italy in 1913, opening of a Prada Prada boutique. Following their creative innovation in this century under the direction of Miuccia Prada, who took the reins of the company from her mother Luisa after a stint as a mime at Teatro Piccolo in Milan and a leader in the women's rights movement in Milan.

Today, the brand continues to set trends using their global resources to tap into the needs of today's luxury consumer. With their current Yo-Yo Bag short film campaign featured on www.prada.com the masterminds behind Miuccia Prada's eponymous label are taking the global brand local with their "...Made in" line of fashion. Brilliantly keeping apace of the desire of today's luxury consumer to find unique fashion finds the "PRADA MADE IN..." campaign.

In the early decades of the twentieth century, Miuccia Prada’s grandfather, the visionary Mario Prada, travelled the world in tireless pursuit of ideas and inspiration. His goal was not only to discover the most luxurious materials, exotic skins and sumptuous fabrics, but also to locate sophisticated craftsmen and manufacturers to realize his revolutionary designs. His adventures uncovered Alsatian and Austrian leatherwork, Bohemian crystals, Asian “galuscià”, English silver-smithing, as well as rare ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony and precious stones from every corner of the globe.

Mario Prada became the ultimate gentleman-connoisseur: a man of exquisite taste and unflagging curiosity who knew exactly how, where, and by whom, a specific design could be perfectly produced.

This spirit of the curious connoisseur remains at the heart of Prada, especially in the age of globalization, where geographic and cultural borders disappear. Remaining faithful to these ideals, the company continues to identify those specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivaled standard of excellence. Using Mario Prada’s time-honed strategy, Prada collaborates with these exquisite artisans to produce modern, innovative designs utilizing the traditional craftsmanship, materials, and manufacturing techniques of a specific region.

In an unceasing quest for excellence, Prada continues to transcend geographical boundaries. Rather than restrictive, such “barriers” offer new ways to think and work.

This approach has led naturally to the new “Made in …” project. The first results can be seen in the following projects available in 2011:

“PRADA Made in Scotland”

A collection of traditional tartan wool kilts from the original UK workshops that

utilize centuries-old manufacturing and weaving techniques.

“PRADA Made in Peru”

A collection of alpaca wool knitwear using artisanal techniques from the most traditional workshops of the Peruvian “campesinos”.

“PRADA Made in India”

A collection of entirely handmade garments from the workshops that specialize in Chikan -- the most ancient and refined type of Indian embroidery -- and handmade, multicoloured ballerina flats, sandals and handbags that employ an equally-sophisticated traditional weaving technique.

“PRADA Made in Japan”

A collection of jeans produced by Dova, the world’s most sophisticated denim manufacturer. The “PRADA Made in Japan” jeans can be custom ordered in four different varieties of cloth and seven different washes, meaning that every article is one-of-a-kind.

These collections are identified by special labels dedicated to each country of origin. Keep an eye on www.prada.com

Ranking: NYT Leads US Newspapers With More Twitter Followers Than Print Circulation

2010-10-20T22:13:00.005-04:00

Jeremy Porter of Journalistics, which is “dedicated to cover all topics at the intersection of public relations and journalism today” has ranked the Top Newspapers. Ranking intitially by Print Circulation and Unique Visitors By Month but more interestingly, in Social-World, Mr. Porter also looked at “Authority” by the newspaper’s Google-Page-Ranking in search (on a 10 out of 10 Scale), and also at the number of Facebook “Likes” they have on their pages and the number of Twitter Followers for their main @publication account (excluding any super-star journalists on staff’s own twitter feeds).

With these remarkable results separated by various posts--I compiled the individual rankings into the chart below, initially using the CIRCULATION RANKING and added in the other metrics in to the chart (he’s broken them out individually on the site). A few STAND OUT findings come up:

New York Times leads on Authority, Facebook and on Twitter (by a wide-margin, and they were first adaptors).
The NYT is the ONLY publication in the Top 25 with MORE Twitter Followers than print circulation (I think this helps awareness and authority)
While the WSJ leads on circulation in print---they fall FAR behind the Chicago Tribune on Twitter (this is old media vs. new media and authority)
While NYPost and NYDaily News compete almost equally on print circ, the News beats them online both in visits but also in Google Authority (the number our outbound links to their articles/references)
Newsday ranks below the Tampa Tribune in online visitors and on Twitter, although the Tribune does not make it to the Top 25 in Circ
The Detroit Free Press ranks closely to The Chicago Sun Times on Twitter and equal on Google Authority
The survey excludes other online pubs like the Huffington Post which have huge online readership and followers (new, new-media)

PUBLICATION	PRINT CIRCULATION	UNIQUE VISITORS/MONTH	AUTHORITY= Google Page-Ranking on 10/10 Scale*	Facebook "Likes" (valued at $2/per)	Twitter Followers (main account)
1. Wall Street Journal	2,092,523	122,397,004	8/10	140,515	464,591
2. USA Today	1,826,622	239,425,560	8/10	28,332	72,929
3. New York Times	951,063	217,513,400	9/10	781,655	2,668,948
4. Los Angeles Times	616,606	94,889,543	8/10	20,715	83,335
5. Washington Post	578,482	91,758,837	8/10	68,152	204,514
6. Daily News	535,059	82,225,690	8/10	7,376	15,744
7. New York Post	525,004	45,903,055	5/10	8,087	57,605
8. San Jose Mercury News / Contra Costa Times / Oakland Tribune	516,701	28,391,971	5/10 (Mercury News) 4/10 (Contra)	5417 (Mercury News) 971 (Contra)	2,705 (Contra) 2,536 (Mercury News)
9. Chicago Tribune	516,032	33,230,030	8/10	19,448	845,000
10. Houston Chronicle	494,131	23,203,975	7/10	5,486	14,108
11. Arizona Republic	433,731	20,598,071	7/10	18,002	10,407
12. Philadelphia Inquirer / Philadelphia Daily News	356,189	23,797,570	8/10	2,100	9,819
13. Newsday	334,809	11,443,807	7/10	5,092	2,302
14. Denver Post	333,675	20,058,704	4/10	30,690	32,755
15. Star Tribune	295,438	20,537,048	8/10	3,563	7,008
16. St. Petersburg Times	278,888	1,069,173	6/10	4,538	N/A
17. Chicago Sun-Times	268,803	27,351,047	7/10	1,837	18,952
18. The Plain Dealer	267,888	18,755,471	6/10	5,996	38,863
19. The Oregonian	263,600	17,421,959	7/10	1,890	10,338
20. The Seattle Times	263,468	21,878,532	6/10	3,112	22,286
21. Dallas Morning News	260,659	22,858,507	7/10	3,498	24,726
22. Detroit Free Press	252,017	15,522,009	7/10	5,379	18,851
23. San Diego Union-Tribune	249,630	10,928,313	7/10	2,822	5,886
24. San Francisco Chronicle	241,330	46,696,844	8/10	8,051	9,508
25. The Star-Ledger	236,017	31,836,326	7/10	372	6,181
Other: Tampa Tribune	159,813	13,280,440	N/A	625	3,168
Other: Oakland Tribune	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	2,810

We are working in a world of Social Media—where news is no longer just reported in print, or even read online and consumers are gathering their news from more online sources, including Facebook feeds and through Twitter Follows. Public relations professional will need to work harder to find the outlets that are appropriate for clients to create engagement, conversations and sharing of information. The internet is becoming more engaged and more localized (hyper-local), you only need look at Google’s addition of localized results or AOL’s Patch.com network to realize this. Agencies should think a little outside the box regarding print publications, there is a world outside the top 10 DMA’s and their big newspapers. Dig Deeper!

*= When comparing newspaper to newspaper, PageRank seems like a good measure of a newspaper’s authority. Once you get outside of an apples to apples comparison – or in this case, newspaper to newspaper – it gets harder to determine influence or authority. Take popular blogs like The Huffington Post or TechCrunch for example. Both blogs have a Google PageRank of 8/10 – do those blogs have the same authority as The Wall Street Journal or USA Today? As far as Google is concerned they do

**= When it comes to Twitter followers, The New York Times is the top bird with more than 2.6 million followers. To illustrate how impressive this follower number is, The Wall Street Journal only has 464,591 followers in the #2 spot. The New York Times is the ONLY newspaper from the Top 25 with more Twitter followers than print circulation.

Maybe The New York Times has such a huge Twitter following because it was the first of the Top 25 to join Twitter, way back in March 2, 2007. Probably not, since The Contra Costa Times, The Washington Post and The Oregonian all joined later that month.

***=Verified Account. 3 out of 25 Top Newspapers have Verified Accounts. As a credible source of information, you would think having a verified account would be a high priority for all the organizations on this list

Note: $2/Like referenced from Brian Carter's post: http://www.searchenginejournal.com/pay-per-fan-what-big-brands-are-paying-for-facebook-fans/23791/#ixzz0zhqNypLH @BrianCarter

New INXS Album Back The Future w/ ORIGINAL SIN Remake

2010-10-19T23:21:00.001-04:00

I never do this, but this release is just too tempting...the album was MAJOR back in college in the...'80's, and a personal favorite for many wonderful and wacky memories, The Swing was a remarkable album that ranked up there with Violent Femmes, Psychedelic Furs, OMD, and Squeeze.

Los Angeles, CA - October 19, 2010 - INXS has announced they will release their new album titledOriginal Sin on January 11, 2011. The first musical project between INXS and original manager CM Murphy in over a decade, the band has recorded several of their signature hits re-imagined by some of the world's finest musicians including Ben Harper, Rob Thomas, Tricky, Nikka Costa and more. A partnership between Murphy's own Petrol Electric label and Rhino Entertainment, Original Sin will mark the first INXS album release on the revived Atco Records imprint, INXS's original label home, since the band's 1984 platinum selling album The Swing.

"We're thrilled to welcome INXS back to Atco. This album will reunite the band and their great music with their significant fanbase, and by way of some very special guests, to a new audience," said Kevin Gore, President & CEO of Rhino Entertainment.

An ambitious project two years in the making, Original Sin teams the band with musicians from around the globe, from superstars like Ben Harper, Train's Pat Monahan, Rob Thomas, and Nikka Costa to up and comer DJ Yaleidys of Cuba, to reinterpret and revitalize their own classics for a whole new generation. An eclectic mix of music including Thomas and Yaleidys' sultry take on "Original Sin" and trip-hop superstar Tricky's electrifying version of "Mediate" to Pat Monahans' emotional "Beautiful Girl" and French pop artist Loane's take on "Mystify" with John Mayer & Kirk Pengilly on guitar, INXS boldly embrace their past and future on one album.

Original Sin, the first new musical project between INXS and CM Murphy in over 15 years, is not just typical re-recordings of the band's original songs. INXS along with artists from all over the world are paying tribute to the songs themselves and to the songwriters Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence. "INXS's material, specifically INXS's songs, set the table for singers," said Ben Harper. "In my opinion, they're any singer's dream songs to sing. Covering, 'Never Tear Us Apart' is like covering 'Dock Of The Bay.' I'm not here to make grandiose overstatements; it's just a fact, that is one of the greatest soul songs ever written."

Original Sin - INXS
Uploaded by val6210. - Explore more music videos.

To have so many of their peers want to perform INXS songs is a testament to the songwriting and something that INXS keyboardist/guitarist and main songwriter Andrew Farriss is immensely proud of. "I'm truly flattered that we have so many artists interested in working with us reimaging these songs. In a sense, it's been re-energizing for us to look at ourselves differently in the context of being in 2010 rather than, you know, 30 years ago. I feel we're very much doing something that's now and significant." Agreed lead guitarist Tim Farriss, "Original Sin is just, for me, so exciting. I know certain people might sort of perceive it as why aren't you doing new material, but the fact of the matter is we're getting to play some of our favorite songs from our history and play them the way we want them to be heard today."

For drummer Jon Farriss, it's all about the music. "We wanted to celebrate the songs, they're such great songs," he says. "I think initially there was a mixed bag of emotions and feelings, which was probably a good thing because we realized how much the songs meant to us. But at the end of the day we started to realize that this is actually cathartic for us and it might be for everyone else as well."

"This is the most beautiful and heart wrenching musical project I have ever had the pleasure to be involved in," said CM Murphy, INXS creative director and global business strategist. "Every track is played with emotion and conviction by the wonderful musicians within INXS. Every artist who performed on this album did so with heartfelt connection to the songs and to Michael's original vocals as well as his soul and his love for music. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for 15 dynamic years and I know for a fact he would love every performer on this album. This is a very special album."

One of the most notable and successful rock bands of all time, INXS has sold over 35 million albums worldwide with the group's music remaining in constant radio rotation and in DJ sets nightly across the globe. To this day, the group's multi-platinum landmark albums Listen Like Thieves, Kick, and Xare all widely regarded as music collection staples. Huge chart-topping hit singles including "What You Need," "Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside," "Never Tear Us Apart," "New Sensation" and "Suicide Blonde" have been featured in numerous films, advertising campaigns and video games, earning the band countless accolades and awards around the world, including several Grammy nominations, and is the driving force behind selling over 15 million albums in the U.S. alone. With a career spanning three decades, first as the Farriss Brothers, then as INXS, brothers Tim, Jon, and Andrew Farriss, along with Kirk Pengilly and Garry Gary Beers have created some of the most enduring music in rock.

www.inxs.com
Follow the band on Facebook HERE and Twitter HERE