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June 30, 2005

Overnight Celebrity - Confessions of a Video Vixen

Rappers, ballers, and R&B princes beware: Ms. Karrine Steffans, best known in the entertainment industry as the infamous “Superhead”, has finally released her widely anticipated tell-all book Confessions of a Video Vixen through Amistad/HarperCollins Publishing. While being cited as the catalyst in R&B crooner Usher and Chili of TLC’s breakup was her claim to fame, Steffans made her mark as a popular video girl in videos for entertainment power players such as Ja Rule, R. Kelly, and LL Cool J before making a brief foray into film with the 2003's “A Man Apart” starring Vin Diesel.

Steffans teamed up with ghostwriter Karen Hunter (Wendy Brings the Heat, On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of "Straight" Black Men Who Sleep With Men) to tell her “cautionary” tale of her struggles in the sexually charged world of the entertaianment business as a curvaceous and attractive Black woman. An excerpt of the book goes a little something like this:

Glass vases filled with marbles crashed all around us as he began tossing linens from the bed. As the marbles scattered, we laughed in unison ... I remember the exact moment that I first laid on my back for him ... My legs were wrapped around his waist and just before his body was to merge with mine, I noticed his upper right chest. On it was a tattoo with the words "Pain is Love."

Now for those of you who can’t guess the identity of the tattoo’s owner, it’s Mr. Murder, Inc. himself. Ja along with countless others are listed as having affairs with Steffans during her “career” as a video vixen. While this book is filled with more celebrity gossip than one hour of The Wendy Williams Experience, Steffans does point out that the life of a video vixen aside from the jet setting and shopping sprees is not nearly as glamorous. After overcoming homelessness, drug use, rape, and an abusive marriage, Steffans tells aspiring video hoochies that all that glitters really isn’t gold.

While it’s a shame that she’s had to go through so much before her ripe age of 26, there are plenty of other ways to get ahead of the Hollywood game without giving…well…head. There are many beautiful and *ahem* TALENTED women in this industry, so it looks like she had to find her niche. If that niche was in front of Usher on her knees, well so be it. At least she's found something she's good at, right? I wonder how she’s going to tell her five year old son that she’s the one who started calling herself “Superhead”.

What’s interesting is that while Steffans denounces the “hood” and the lifestyle that it stands for, her book is strategically marketed to the hip hop crowd, the market where she has become a notable in. Hmm…is this book truly a cautionary tale or just another way for Steffans to live off of her own hype? I’m sure you can judge for yourselves at Steffans’ book signing on July 6th at the Barnes and Noble on 106 Court Street in Brooklyn Heights.
- By Susan D. Simmons

Posted by at 12:25 PM | TrackBack

June 29, 2005

Personal Fitness Professional magazine needs your help!

We are beginning to plan our 2006 editorial calendar, so we need to know what you have liked this year and what you think we could do better. Please take a moment to complete the survey. Your answers will tell us subjects you would like to see in next year’s issues. Thank you for your time. http://www.fit-pro.com/edsurvey.asp

Posted by sergeg at 08:06 AM | TrackBack

June 28, 2005

Natural Breast Enhancement Products - Do they Work?

According to American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics, last year, 280,401 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in the US. The FDA’s Analysis of the Study of Mentor Saline Breast Implants goes on to report that as a result of their surgeries, forty-three percent of these augmentation patients experienced at least one complication within three years. The most frequent complaints included wrinkling, asymmetry, sagging or scarring of the breast, nipple changes and the need for additional surgery.

How do breast enhancement supplements work? In many cases they do but don’t expect miracles. Breast enhancement ads draw you in with the allure of having much larger breasts in a relatively short period of time at a fraction of the cost of surgery. Don’t believe everything you read as many companies want you to desperately believe in claims that can not be backed up. Ads claiming “ increase your breast size by 3 cups simply are using puffery to entice you into a purchase. The web site http://www.breast-enhancement-options.com is a place to find an extensive chart of popular breast enhancement supplements as well as the obscure and some to be weary of. The site was put up by a woman who had great success and wanted to help educate and inform others in the same pursuit.

The size and shape of a women's breast is determined by hormones. The most central hormone in this process is of course estrogen. Usually during puberty when breasts begin to develop, estrogen and other hormones are released in the proper amounts which cause breasts to grow to what is considered the average cup size of "C" . In many cases, genetics and body chemistry step in and hormones are not released in the proper amounts resulting in breast tissue that does not fully develop. Poor nutrition can also contribute to inadequate regulation of the body's hormones.

Herbal breast enlargement supplements contain a host of ingredients that are reputed to help regulate female hormones. There are also ingredients that aid digestion and skin health in order to make sure the estrogen regulating botanicals can function as efficiently as possible. This of course means that these botanicals can also help lessen symptoms brought on by the menstrual cycle, such as abdominal cramps.

Breast-Enhancement-Options.com supplies great information which offers an all natural alternative to risky plastic surgery and its frequent complications, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional surgical breast augmentation. While the average total cost of breast augmentation plastic surgery exceeds $5,000, a monthly supply of breast enlargement pills cost as little $34.

http://www.breast-enhancement-options.com is a well compiled website full with all the best breast enhancement pills available today. There is a wealth of information on this site from breast exams to breaking news on breast pills, pumps, surgery and more. If you have any questions, the answers are there and we are very responsive to any questions from our years of investigation. Support@breast-enhancement-options.com will respond to any inquiry. Visit http://www.breast-enhancement-options and learn things you may not have been aware of!

Posted by sergeg at 11:18 PM | TrackBack

Spanish Plastic Surgery Firm Starts IPO

Europe's first public share sale by a cosmetic surgery firm opened on Tuesday as Spain's Corporacion Dermoestetica seeks funds to rapidly expand its business of making nips and tucks available to the middle class.

Up to 17.26 million shares in the firm which bills itself as Europe's leading cosmetic surgery company will be sold to the public and institutions at an indicative maximum price of 9.10 euros ($11.03) per share, according to the prospectus filed with Spain's stock market commission on Tuesday.

That would value the 43.3 percent of the company being offered for sale at up to 157.07 million euros, and the entire firm at 362.75 million euros.

Corporacion Dermoestetica says it has made being beautiful more democratic by bringing varicose vein removal and nose sculpting to the middle class, and offering five-year financing plans to pay for it.

The steep price-to-earnings ratio of 173 to 207 times 2004 earnings, based on the indicative price range, reflects a sharp fall in last year's profits as the company expanded, the prospectus said.

The company did not give a profit forecast.

Provisional orders for shares can be made from Tuesday until July 5 for retail investors, the date on which the maximum retail price will be set, while institutions have until July 11.

Small investors have been assigned 20 percent of the initial offer, with Spanish institutions taking another 20 percent and foreign institutions making up the remainder.

Pricing will be on July 11, with stock market trade starting on July 13.

Corporacion Dermoestetica is active in Italy, Britain, Portugal and Spain. It is expanding internationally and plans new openings soon in all those countries.

Dermoestetica, which also offers breast enlargement and treats acne, generated revenues of about 73 million euros in 2004, which includes a British acquisition, 14 percent more than a year earlier.

However, costs rose 24 percent partly due to an advertising campaign, while overall the company reported a net profit of just 1.75 million euros, down 71.6 percent, the prospectus said

Posted by sergeg at 10:46 PM | TrackBack

Sao Paulo Fashion Week

A model wears a creation as part of Osklen's Spring/Summer 2006 collection during the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo June 28, 2005. The Sao Paulo Fashion week runs until July 4.

Posted by sergeg at 10:30 PM | TrackBack

Elite Traveler Insider for Luxury Marketing

Wanna target the rich? Listen up! Douglas D. Gollan, owner of Elite Traveler will tell you how. This information is provided to offer a better understanding of how to target the Elite Affluent market, its impact on your business and other trends that affect you.

The Rich are Getting MUCH RICHER, according to The New York Times…
How are the Elite SPENDING their Summer? New Prince Research…
For sale, a $35 Million Tiara
Business Jet purchases a Big Deal - Over $100 Billion…
Lufthansa again expands program with NetJets private jet transfers….

1. The Rich are Getting MUCH RICHER…
Do you know your customer? Will your customer still be a customer the next time the stock market dives? What about when the interest rate on their adjustable rate mortgage jumps and their monthly payment rises by $1,000? How about when their company announces 25,000 layoffs?

A recent article in The New York Times shows in the U.S. how concentrated wealth and the ability to spend significant amounts of money on luxury goods has become. Draw a line under the top 0.1 percent of income earners - the top one-thousandth. Above that line are about 145,000 taxpayers (as a comparison Nieman Marcus' In-Circle program which accounts for 50% of sales has 103,000 members), each with at least $1.6 million in income and often much more. (Elite Traveler with a Median Household Income of $910,000 and 120,124 readers with a Household Income of over $1,000,000 is the closest media match to this target - Departures for example has a Median Household Income of $189,382 and only 13,000 readers in this category, Town & Country is at $128,194 and 28,000 while Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure are both under $135,000 with 26,000 readers combined who make more than $1 million).

The average income for the top 0.1 percent, according to The Times, was $3 million in 2002, the latest year for which averages are available. That number is two and a half times the $1.2 million, adjusted for inflation, that group reported in 1980. No other income group rose nearly as fast.

The share of the nation's income earned by those in this uppermost category has more than doubled since 1980, to 7.4 percent in 2002. The share of income earned by the rest of the top 10 percent rose far less, and the share earned by the bottom 90 percent fell. Next, examine the net worth of American households. The group with homes, investments and other assets worth more than $10 million comprised 338,400 households in 2001, the last year for which data are available. The number has grown more than 400 percent since 1980, after adjusting for inflation, while the total number of households has grown only 27 percent.

And what's ahead?

The Bush Administration's tax cuts stand to widen the gap between the hyper-rich and the rest of America. The merely rich, making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, will shoulder a disproportionate share of the tax burden.

President Bush said during the third election debate last October that most of the tax cuts went to low- and middle-income Americans. In fact, most - 53 percent - will go to people with incomes in the top 10 percent over the first 15 years of the cuts, which began in 2001 and would have to be reauthorized in 2010. And more than 15 percent will go just to the top 0.1 percent, those 145,000 taxpayers.

2. New Prince Research measures Summer Spending of the Elite Traveler…
The Elite Affluent - those folks with a Net Worth of $10 million + - don't take a vacation - from big spending that is.
In the latest research by Prince and Associates, the Elite Affluent - the primary readership of Elite Traveler showed they will be busy dipping into their pocketbooks this summer

A few highlights on what our readers will be spending on and how much:
$63,000 on watches and jewelry
$79,000 on villa rentals
$98,000 on hotels/resorts/spas
$317,000 on yacht rentals
$71,000 on luxury cruises
$39,000 on summer entertaining (excluding alcohol)
$30,000 on wines and spirits
$16,000 on fashion accessories
$137,000 on redecorating
$14,000 on electronics
$79,000 on experiential excursions

3. For Sale: $35 Million Tiara
This Tiara, almost as expensive as a Gulfstream V jet, is 177 feet long and was docked at Pier 86 in New York City. Israeli entrepreneur and owner Jonathan Leitersdorf and listing agent Wendy Maitland of The Corcoran Group hosted a soirée this month to show the massive sailing yacht. Guests at the party included Julia Stiles, Josh Lucas, Jack Hidary and Michael Hirtenstein, who watched the sun set and admired the décor of the vessel (a Jacuzzi, 5 cabins, rooms for the 10 person crew, a Chagall, tables accented with crocodile skin), sans chaussures, of course. The yacht was designed by Dubois Naval Architects and is only a year old, so for those out there who want to skip the typical 4 year period it takes to design and build a yacht like this, get your checkbooks ready (spending no more than 10% of your net worth on your boat, of course.) There is also a package price available - when you purchase the Tiara in conjunction with Leitersdorf's $20 million triplex in Greenwich Village.

4. Over $100 Billion Projected in New Private Jet Purchases…
Manufacturers of business aircraft are bullish on the private jet market, reflecting new and renewed interest in private transport. Business jet purchases and fractional ownership continue to rise. A leading aircraft manufacturer predicted 8,300 business jet purchases worldwide through 2014, valued at more than $131 billion. The number of private jets flying is booming - on an average day there are over 1,000 private jet movements just to New York City's key private jet airports - Teterboro, White Plains, Morristown and LaGuardia. And with the cost of flying privately $5,000-$10,000 per hour, that's a lot of wealthy folks who can buy luxury products!

5. Lufthansa steps up marketing to private jet travelers…
Lufthansa, which recently partnered with Netjets to offer First and Business Class passengers private jet connections when they arrive in Munich on long-haul flights has now expanded that service to Frankfurt due to very high demand.

A recent report by Travel Weekly noted the airline continues its drive to cater to its highest-paying travelers, even if that means spending hundreds of millions of dollars. Nowhere is that commitment more apparent than in the exclusive terminal Lufthansa opened at Frankfurt Airport in December. Only first-class customers and the most frequent of Lufthansa's frequent flyers can use it.

Those customers get a personal assistant at their disposal throughout their stay and can choose between an individual office with a telephone and laptop connection or a luxuriously furnished room with a bath and shower. When the time comes to catch the flight, the customer can choose to be driven in a Mercedes S-Class or Porsche Cayenne directly to the aircraft, where they climb the stairs to board.

Lufthansa plans to open another first-class terminal at its Munich hub next year and has discussed the possibility of expanding it to other airports, said Thomas Winkelmann, Lufthansa's vice president for the Americas.

"We saw the only chance to stay profitable is if we have the highest possible percentage of business and first-class passengers," Winkelmann said. Private jet statistics show about 70% of those consumers who fly privately within North America fly commercially to Europe, so the tie in with Netjets to attract more private jet passengers on Lufthansa trans-Alantic flights makes sense.

Lufthansa spent more than $36 million to build the first-class terminal and three new lounges at Frankfurt, and it is spending about $100 per customer on the services it provides to about 400 people at the first-class terminal each day. That's on top of the $365 million Lufthansa already spent on its new long-haul business class.

Posted by sergeg at 09:35 PM | TrackBack

Social Life Magazine Party

Just when you thought the heiress craze was over, they have spawned more. More Hampton girls who hang out at Bamboo and ride daddy's wallet. The crew of sociallite's have their act together and are pumping up a new rag that is sure to give Hampton Mag. a run for its money. Ya think? Nah. Social Life Magazine launched last year and has an ad rate of about 7k a page with a readership of 35k. It will be fun for them for a while to run pictures of themselves in their own magazine.

The Place:PM
The Address: 50 Gansevoort Street
Meatpacking District
The Date: Wednesday, June 29th
The Time: 9pm-12pm
The Look: High High Fashion, Please! (that means no H&M)
RSVP a must RSVP Online www.social-mag.com/party.html
or call Lauren 212-725-1860

Posted by sergeg at 11:06 AM | TrackBack

Did Jim Nelson at GQ approve this copy?

In the July issue of GQ Magazine, they kick off Independence Day with an article on “62 Reasons to Love Your Country” with photos from David LaChapelle. I read the article and found some of the “reasons” well, very unreasonable. GQ are you serious? Did Jim Nelson approve this copy?

Let's Look:
#6 Pot Delivery (are we reading GQ or High Times)
#9 is the one that killed me the most, Jenna Bush. Jim Nelson didn’t you mean to say Jenna Jameson, or are you telling your readers that one reason to love our country is because of George’s child? Is this the same girl who is always sticking her tongue out at the camera and looks like she is the long lost daughter to Kirstie Alley – pre Jenny Craig? You put Jenna before Starbucks Coffee which came in at #12 and Joe Namath who came in at #18.
Whether you’re a democrat or a republication I know all of you out there will agree that Starbucks and Joe Namath should be higher up on the list than Miss Bush. PS - Loved the cover of Jessica.

Posted by Stephen at 09:13 AM | TrackBack

Wall Street Writers Do Overtime

I am always shocked when our PR team calls a new publication to pitch a client and come to find out, it's the same staff at a parent magazine doing double the work. It's more common than you think. The team at Shape, often writes for Natural Health. Vogue writers burn the candle for Vogue Homme, Details writers stay up at night to finish Vitals. Heck, even Martha Stewart Living's team is pumping it up with test marketing and focus groups to see how a new publication for 18 - 35 year old women will stack up. And get this, they do this in addition to their daily duties as editors at their holding titles. It can take many test issues and several years before these new hybrid publications get their own staff. Fairchild and Conde Nast are the masters. We usually never hear about it at Hearst. However Fairchild is much more explorative with their new books, where Hearst has a set portfolio. It's not a surprise to us that starting September 15th, the Wall Street Journal will cycle a soft read for Saturdays. The question is, will they get paid overtime? Do they get another day during the week off? Are they staffing it separately? I don't think so....

The Journal's Weekend Edition will include the latest business and financial news and information, through the close of Friday's global markets, and will also feature an entirely new section, "Pursuits," extending the Journal's successful and innovative "Business of Life" franchise, which has grown from Weekend Journal (introduced in 1998) and Personal Journal (introduced in 2002).

Peter R. Kann, chairman and CEO of Dow Jones & Company, publishers of the Journal, said, "The Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition represents a significant profitable growth opportunity for Dow Jones and the Journal. It will further strengthen the Journal's preeminent position as the leading publication for business and expand its franchise to the benefit of readers, advertisers and shareholders."

The launch of the Journal's Weekend Edition is expected to be modestly dilutive of Dow Jones earnings in 2005. Richard F. Zannino, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Dow Jones, said, "Weekend Edition should propel long term revenues and profits for our flagship business and Dow Jones, and will be an integral part of our 2005-2007 strategic plan. By accelerating the momentum the Journal has built in consumer advertising over the past two and a half-years, it should enable us to diversify and moderate cyclicality in Journal ad revenues. We expect the Journal to post impressive earnings gains in 2005 even after the modest dilution of Weekend Edition, due to expected growth in core Journal advertising revenues, and cost containment made possible by initiatives already implemented in 2004."

Karen Elliott House, publisher of The Wall Street Journal, said, "The Journal's Weekend Edition will be the complete weekend guide to business and the business of life. For our readers-and for our advertisers as well-it will be a destination where the power of the Journal meets the pleasure of the weekend."

The Weekend Edition of the Journal will be delivered at no additional charge to all Journal subscribers, and will also be sold at newsstands across the United States. Subscribers will have the option of providing a separate address for weekend delivery; currently, 67% of Wall Street Journal subscribers receive their copy each day at home.

Paul E. Steiger, managing editor of the Journal, said, "My colleagues and I are tremendously excited about the chance to bring Journal-quality reporting and writing to the weekend, and particularly about the new Pursuits section we have in the works. We look forward to the opportunity to serve the most impressive and thoughtful group of readers anywhere even more often." The Wall Street Journal's Business of Life coverage has not only been a success with readers, but has also already enjoyed financial success, even in the challenging advertising climate of recent years. Annualized consumer advertising revenue in the Journal is up 24% from the end of 2001 through June 30 of this year. Personal Journal advertising revenues are up almost 60% so far this year. And Weekend Journal advertising revenues have increased at a compound annual rate of 17% since the section was launched in 1998.

The Wall Street Journal was published six days a week from its founding in 1889 until 1953, when, following the ending of Saturday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, publication was cut back to five days.

Advertisers who are interested in obtaining more information can contact Scott Schulman, senior vice president, sales and marketing of The Wall Street Journal, at 212-597-6044 or Jill Kaplan, general manager, consumer advertising sales, at 212-597-5750.

Posted by Stephen at 12:41 AM | TrackBack

June 27, 2005

M Club Membership Fee 125k "cause your worth it" - Luxury Branding

Marquis Jet (www.marquisjet.com), the recognized global leader in private jet cards, today launched the M CLUBSM, a limited 100-person membership program that provides elite travelers access to the Boeing Business Jet, announced Ken Dichter, CEO of Marquis Jet. The $52 million aircraft has a range of 6,000 miles and accommodates up to 18 passengers. According to Dichter, the M CLUB will redefine family and business travel; an entire family from grandparents to grandchildren, multiple families or groups of friends or an entire management team can all fly together.

The introductory M Club Membership Fee of $125,000 is fully applied to the purchase of flight hours, as scheduled. The Boeing Business Jet, by far the largest aircraft offered by NetJets®, the gold standard in private aviation, boasts an interior nearly triple the size of the most popular large cabin business jets. M CLUB members will be able to travel the world in unsurpassed luxury and comfort with its nearly 1,000 square feet of living space and accommodations. The interior includes a master bedroom suite, a second bedroom/office, 2.5 baths (including two luxury bathrooms with showers), a formal dining area, a roomy galley and separate crew rest area. The Boeing Business Jet boasts a 42" plasma wall monitor, three 21-inch television monitors, multiple DVD and VHS players, stereo audio systems, satellite telecommunications capabilities (TV and telephone) and advanced safety features. Up to three attendants are on board every flight to cater to your every need.

"The M CLUB takes private air travel to the next level by offering a class of service, style and sophistication unavailable anywhere else in the world. We are simply offering the world's most luxurious, ultra-modern aircraft for everyday personal, special holiday or business travel," Dichter said. "Flying on a Boeing Business Jet is the most exclusive way to go on a trip, whether it is with family and friends or for business. The M CLUB is the pinnacle of private jet travel."

The M CLUB program will be operated by NetJets Large Aircraft Company, LLC through an exclusive alliance with Marquis Jet. NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRKa) company, is the worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership. NetJets operates the world's largest and most diverse fleet of more than 500 aircraft, staffs 2,800 highly trained and experienced pilots, and provides the world's safest and most secure private aviation travel solutions.

ABOUT MARQUIS JET
Marquis Jet is the recognized global leader in private jet cards. Through its exclusive alliance with NetJets, Marquis Jet provides the convenience, quality and safety of the world's premier fractional aircraft ownership program 25 hours at a time. The Card is available throughout North America, catering to businesses and individuals who desire access to the world's best fleet and service. Marquis Jet also recently added the M CLUB to its services, offering exclusive access to NetJets fleet of Boeing Business Jets, the most luxurious private jet available today. In 2004, Business Traveler Magazine, Executive Travel Magazine and Flight International recognized the Marquis Jet Card as the best in the industry. For additional information, visit the Company's website at www.marquisjet.com.

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Posted by sergeg at 11:56 PM | TrackBack

Gruner & Jahr USA Sells Pierce Mattie's Favorite Magazine; Fast Company

Gruner & Jahr USA said over the weekend that it had agreed to sell two of its business magazines, Inc. and Fast Company, to Joe Mansueto, the founder and chief executive of Morningstar, a mutual fund information service. The price is about $35 million, according to a person familiar with the deal. Now, am I only the CEO on this planet that loves Fast Company. I really do. The articles are genius, they really do help if you apply them to your practice. The media is too hard on Fast Company.

With the sale, Gruner & Jahr, the publishing arm of the German conglomerate Bertelsmann, exits the publishing side of the United States magazine arena; the company still operates a printing facility here. Last month, Gruner & Jahr announced a deal to sell four of its magazines - Family Circle, Parents, Child and Fitness - to the Meredith Corporation for $350 million.

Under the terms of the deal, according to the person familiar with it, Mr. Mansueto will assume the liabilities of the two magazines - primarily contractual obligations to deliver magazines and other services.

Gruner & Jahr bought Inc. magazine five years ago from Bernard Goldhirsch for about $200 million and Fast Company from Mortimer Zuckerman for $350 million, at the height of the Internet boom. A huge difference in prices compared to what they are selling it for today. Who was the genius that scammed that deal back in 2000. I am sure they are not burned at the stake.

Posted by sergeg at 11:36 PM | TrackBack

5 Regional Escapes For Women

The top five getaway themes for girls who just wanna have fun, according to a Royal Caribbean International survey, are:

• Canyon Ranch, Tucson - Nestled against the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this spa-to-the-stars is a place of extraordinary pampering, cuisine, fitness and ambience. Watsu, too. Reduced prices on the Spa Sampler through Sept. 30. www.canyonranch.com.

• Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Sonora - Live out your own Corona beer commercial: the Gulf of California, good company and the thing we want most: time to do nothing. Don't forget the limes. www.rockypointonline.com.

• Palm Springs - Just a four-hour drive from Phoenix is an astounding shoppers' paradise, the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, west of Palm Springs. Your eyes will pop at the plethora of top-end designer stores: Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Perry Ellis, Versace, etc. www.premiumoutlets.com. Rest your shop-weary bones at the nearby Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, www.morongocasinoresort.com

• Pacific Ocean cruise - Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer three- and four-day cruises to Ensenada, San Diego and Catalina Island for under $500 per person. Food, entertainment and excursions at try-me prices. Elan Travel, (623) 561-1111.

• Lake Tahoe - Wave-running in the summer, snow-skiing in the winter, gambling and shopping year-round, this high-altitude nirvana is ideal for a girls' weekend out. www.gotahoe.com or www.bluelaketahoe.com.

Posted by sergeg at 11:21 PM | TrackBack

Shea Butter, A Woman's New Beauty Tradition (Cosmetic Marketing)

By Kwaku Sakyi-Addo
A woman sells shea butter at a market in Ivory Coast's main city of Abidjan June 23, 2005. In northern Ghana, tradition forbade men to stoop and pick up the fruit that fell from the towering shea nut tree. It was beneath them to do so. But that's not the case anymore. Shea butter is the new 'It' cosmetic in the West, where it is applied to smooth wrinkles and cure blemishes, while nut oil is used more and more in Europe as a cheap substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate.

In northern Ghana, tradition forbade men to stoop and pick up the fruit that fell from the towering shea nut tree. It was beneath them to do so.

But that's not the case anymore. Shea butter is the new 'It' cosmetic in the West, where it is applied to smooth wrinkles and cure blemishes, while nut oil is used more and more in Europe as a cheap substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate.

For generations women gathered the fruit, pounded the nuts, and sold the salve to feed their families. Now foreign firms and home-grown entrepreneurs are scrabbling to boost production capacity and export to lucrative foreign markets.

"We started with cashew nuts but realized there was much more potential with shea nuts and we've been going all guns blazing since we moved over," said Milind Bhat, finance director and operations manager for Blue Mont Ghana, a company which has a factory in the northern Ghanaian town of Tamale.

West Africa usually hits the international headlines when a rebel group blasts its way into a capital or a drought devastates crops in an already impoverished desert nation.

But when the leaders of the world's richest nations discuss African poverty at next month's Group of Eight (G8) summit, Ghana may be held up as an exception.

The government of the former British colony is determined that years of liberal market policies, peace and stability will drive private sector investment and economic growth.

Starting in 2001 and helped by its British-based parent, Blue Mont Ghana now employs 45 full-time staff and is seeking funds to boost capacity at its shea oil plant in northern Ghana to produce more high-value exports.

For Kwesi Abeasi, chief executive of the Ghana Investments Promotion Center, the investment and profits made by companies exporting shea nut butter are "a small slice of the great opportunities that a small country like Ghana can offer."

PLENTIFUL SUPPLY OF NUTS AND LABOUR

The shea nut trees grow easily in the savannah belt that separates the Sahara desert from the verdant, tropical coast of West Africa. They only start to bear fruit after 20 years, reach maturity after 45, but can go on producing for two centuries.
Several countries in the region export 60,000 to 80,000 metric tonnes of shea nuts each year, but the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization says that could increase ten fold.

"Shea nuts could be big business for West Africa. The cosmetic and personal care industry in America is becoming more and more interested in it because consumers have discovered its magic," said Peter Lovett, a shea nut consultant, who advises the West Africa Trade Hub (WATH).

WATH, a U.S.-funded outfit with a regional office in Ghana, supports West African entrepreneurs to export their products to U.S. markets under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Blue Mont's Bhat says the advantage of being in northern Ghana, where the company has 16 permanent collection units, is that there is no shortage of nuts and good labor is plentiful.

"We can always get the cream of the people, who really want to work and make a living for themselves," he said. "Pickers can earn tens of dollars a day" during the peak rainy season. The world market price per metric ton of raw nuts is $190, crude butter sells for $450 dollars and refined butter for $900.

Little known a few years ago in North America, a four-ounce shea butter body balm can retail for $16 in boutiques across the Atlantic and demand for creamy, yellowish butter is growing.

"Shea butter is a high-value product, highly sought after by middle class suburban women," said Kara, who founded Planet Botanicals in New York in 2003 with her sister Michelle Gilfoil.

HURDLES AND RESTRICTIONS

But having a good idea and being fortunate enough to live in a relatively stable African country is not always enough.

Bhat said it was a real struggle to get going in northern Ghana because of poor infrastructure. Getting electricity and water supplies took time and 18 months after asking for a phone line, his plant is still not hooked up to the grid.

For Ghanaian entrepreneur John Hayford, breaking into foreign markets has been the toughest nut to crack.

Hayford, 43, spotted the growing niche market for shea butter in the United States a few years ago. He invested just over $2,000 in 2002 and built a machine from scrap metal in junkyards to mold the butter into cosmetics

He added a boiler to process the nuts and two years later his company, Haymor Natural Cosmetics, had turnover of $38,000 and small contracts to supply in the United States and Norway.
But restrictions in one European country meant every time he bought shea nuts from a different village, his products would have to undergo a strict testing procedure all over again.

"We hadn't anticipated that and we just couldn't keep up," Hayford told Reuters. "I'm not giving up but we've learned to try and walk through this rather than running through it."

Posted by sergeg at 11:08 PM | TrackBack

Men's Fashion Week In Milan Continues Spring/Summer 2006

The Fashion team at Pierce Mattie PR is back from Milan. We have reviewed the shows this month. And there were some really good hits and huge misses. One thing we noticed in common; the males models are meth-thin. Super thin in fact. So thin, that the cloths just hanged on them. They looked like racks at the Prada show. And those see-through, V-neck sweaters with the tie underneath, who is going to wear that? One designer really had their act together. Gianfranco Ferrè's Spring/Summer 2006 men's collection was a hit. The fashions were hot, the models filled out the cloths and best part yet, the collection made sense and were wearable.

Miharayasuhiro collection was to say the least, out there. Great for the Euro-Asian. But American men will never sport it.
Jasper Conran collection was cute, gay but cute. Needless to say; Gianfranco we loved your collection.

Posted by sergeg at 10:27 PM | TrackBack

The Best Self Tanning Idea EVER (Beauty Products We Love)

Being from Tampa, I was excited to see that this product actually comes from my home town. ShowerTan is a revolutionary new product that provides salon quality mist tanning in your shower. The world’s first and only system of its kind, ShowerTan fills a void in the extremely popular sunless tanning market by combining the quality of salon spray-on tanning with the convenience of do-it-yourself home application. Finally, UV-free tanning is easy, convenient, private, and affordable!

Developed and tested by RNJ Enterprises, LLC of Tampa, FL over the past two years, ShowerTan’s patent pending technology evenly coats your entire body with an ultra-fine mist of specially formulated tanning solution in less than thirty seconds! Preparing the system is easy: just fill with ShowerTan’s STC Solution, load a tanning cartridge, stack two poles, and adjust the misting nozzles for height. When ready, a foot pedal activates the high-pressure mist. The solution reacts with the outer layers of skin creating a golden tan within 8 to 12 hours that lasts 5 to 7 days. STC Solution is Aloe Vera based with an FDA approved cosmetic tanning ingredient that has been used safely in tanning lotions and sprays for years. It goes on clear and doesn’t stain your shower, so cleanup is a breeze.

ShowerTan has earned praise since its market debut in January 2005. “ShowerTan is wonderful and easy to use,” says one customer. “It was pretty intimidating at first because I had never used anything like it before. But now, I just love it!” reports another. Sunless.com message board moderator and product tester Vicki Mayhew evaluated ShowerTan in March stating "ShowerTan sprays you completely from head to toe, including your entire back, and is much quicker than applying a lotion or airbrush tan. It takes just 5 minutes and I’m all sprayed and cleaned up. My tan overall looks good and even with nice color and is similar to what I have received from an airbrush spray or booth session. I have a salon spray booth in town but I would much rather use this.”

ShowerTan offers many advantages over traditional tanning options. It’s UV-free so there’s no risk of skin cancer, burning, peeling, or wrinkles as with UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds. It’s cleaner, easier, and faster than home tanning methods such as lotions and aerosols, which often disappoint. ShowerTan yields consistent high quality tanning results comparable to professional airbrush or spray booths, without trips to the salon or high per session costs.

RNJ Enterprises is currently in the process of ramping up production and distribution of ShowerTan. Pictures, additional details, FAQs, and ordering information are available at www.ShowerTan.com.

Posted by sergeg at 09:48 PM | TrackBack

Dunhill Professional Search of New London Is Anything But Professional (PR Recruitment Agencies That Suck)

I have had it up to HERE, with these recruitment agencies that email, call and fax my own employees trying to pursue them to turn in their resumes to come to work for their clients. Yes, we as a PR firm make it known who our talent is, and how fabulous they truly are. But does that give them the right to email them after they read about them from our website? I DON'T THINK SO. This industry has a few, and I mean few recruitment agencies that are professional. And leave it to one with the word; "professional" in their title to be anything but. Here is an email Dunhill Professional Search sent one of my employees. Let me know what you think. And R. J. if you are reading this, you are supposed to find your talent through advertising and searching resumes, not finding a fabulous PR firm online who posts their talents bio's and then solicitation them on their work email.

Constance

I am networking in the consumer products/fashion accessories industry for this confidential search. My client is seeking candidates with experience on the agency and the client side of the business. They are seeking someone who has experience creating an implementing a PR plan. Please contact me to discuss if you are able to recommend a qualified industry peer.
Position location – Southbury CT
Compensation : $90-110k base salary + 15% bonus

R.J. Loeber
Senior Recruiter
Dunhill Professional Search
New London, CT 06320
860-444-9057 x203
rjl@dpsnewlondon.com

My reply:

RJ,

DO NOT CONTACT MY EMPLOYEES TRYING TO RECRUIT THEM, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? THAT IS SO UNPROFESSIONAL.

PIERCE

RJ's relpy:

I want to apologize for emailing your agency. I am sorry you misread my email. I understand you are one of the leading PR firms in NYC and manage several large consumer products accounts. I was emailing your agency for a REFERRAL. With company mergers and acquisitions becoming commonplace, I wanted to see if someone who your firm had worked with was displaced and in a new career search. I do not solicit direct from companies. Networking is a key part of a career search, and not everyone posts their resume on Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com. My apologies for the misunderstanding and I will be sure not to contact your agency as a networking source in the future. With regret, RJ Loeber

Pierce's Respone:

Hey RJ I want to give you some professional advice, when you want to NETWORK with another company, you should contact their CEO or the director of HR with a "letter of request to network" You should NOT contact their staff and account executives directly. I spoke with Constance this morning and she said you have even called our office and left her messages. If she is not responding to your voicemails why would you continue to email? You should be ashamed.

This just in. Dunhill has contacted more than one of our brand advocates. Not only did Constance get them, but Nikki is telling our HR department that she too received solicitation. Just many of my employees did they contact?

Posted by sergeg at 07:53 AM | TrackBack

June 26, 2005

Dubai Marketing Show for Media Professionals

Dubai Media City is proud to be Official Patron of The Media & Marketing Show, a major new trade exhibition and conference taking place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from Nov 7th - 9th 2005.

The event aims to bring together media and marketing companies from all sectors of the media mix, to meet and do business with the ‘client side' of the marketing industry.

Over 10,000 senior executives from every sector of the consumer and b2b markets and government information departments are expected to attend.

Visitors are expected from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Iran, Lebanon, the Indian subcontinent, N. Africa and beyond. The Marketing Forum, an industry conference will be taking place in an adjacent hall on 8th and 9th November.

Posted by sergeg at 11:54 PM | TrackBack

Von Dutch Files Complaint with Christian Audigier

Los Angeles-based fashion company, Von Dutch Originals, LLC, announced today that it filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, against its former Head Designer, Christian Audigier, as well as former employee, Vincent Audigier, and a number of other entities and individuals. The complaint alleges, among other things, Fraud, Conversion, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, and Unfair Competition in connection with the defendants' former relationships with Von Dutch Originals, LLC.
In addition, the complaint alleges that the defendants conspired to obtain unauthorized payments directly from Von Dutch Originals' suppliers and manufacturers.

About Von Dutch Originals, LLC:

Von Dutch Originals, LLC (www.vondutch.com) is an international fashion label with a rock-n-roll attitude rooted in "Kustom Kulture," popularized by America's great car and motorcycle culture. Von Dutch Originals is built on the spirit of "freedom, style, passion, power and motion," and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.

Posted by sergeg at 10:48 PM | TrackBack

Nautilus picks up Pearl iZumi.

Nautilus Inc. announced plans to acquire active-sports brand Pearl iZumi USA, maker of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists, runners and other fitness enthusiasts. Pearl iZumi was founded in Japan in 1951 and launched in the United States in 1981. The company’s U.S. headquarters are in Broomfield, Colo.

Posted by sergeg at 10:07 PM | TrackBack

Varvatos' New Vixen - Fashion Marketing

Peter D. Arnold, executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has joined New York–based menswear label John Varvatos Enterprises Inc. as president, a title previously held by founder and designer John Varvatos. With Arnold at the helm, Varvatos said he will be able to focus on design and marketing. John Varvatos Enterprises is a division of VF Corp.

Posted by sergeg at 10:05 PM | TrackBack

Badgley Mischka's Candie

Badgley Mischka, a division of New York–based Candie’s Inc., struck a licensing agreement with Groupe JS International to launch a new Badgley Mischka bridge apparel collection for Spring 2006. The company opened a showroom at 550 Seventh Ave. in New York for the new collection, which will include eveningwear, cocktail dresses and separates retailing between $500 and $1,500.

Posted by sergeg at 10:02 PM | TrackBack

America Apparel Expands - Los Angeles Fashion Success

Los Angeles–based blank T-shirt maker American Apparel is expanding its retail strategy to include more stores with more square footage. The company will open three new California shops this month with more than 1,800 square feet of space; some will be as large as 3,000 square feet. Stores selling men’s and women’s clothing will be on Melrose Avenue and Westwood Boulevard, and a men’s store will open in West Hollywood. The company also plans to open a shop in San Diego. American Apparel, which operates more than 50 stores worldwide, plans to open 30 more by the end of 2005.

Posted by sergeg at 10:00 PM | TrackBack

PacSun Closes The Gap - LA Fashion Update

Anaheim-based retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. named Reeni Benziger to executive vice president of merchandising. Benziger had been with Gap Inc. for 17 years, most recently as senior vice president of merchandising and planning for Gap Europe.

Posted by sergeg at 09:57 PM | TrackBack

Trump Builds in Vegas, I Need A Roomate, Let's Buy!

The $500 million, 64-story Trump International Hotel and Tower, a nongaming complex, will be built behind the New Frontier Hotel across from the Fashion Show mall.

"It will be a groundbreaking with all the festivities," said Tom Kennedy, a Las Vegas spokesman for Trump International. He said Trump, who has flirted with expanding his business operation to Las Vegas since the early 1990s, will attend.

The project's 1,282 units were 100 percent reserved as of early May, and Trump has said he plans to add an identical 64-story tower to the site. No announcement has been made on when sales for the second tower will open.

Trump, along with New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin, announced plans for the project last summer.

The tower will include 880 studio units and 352 one-bedroom condominiums on floors 16 through 59, and 50 suites of one, two, or three bedrooms on the top five floors. Prices range from $600,000 to $6 million.

Prospective buyers deposited $10,000 or $20,000.

The tower would place Trump's name in lights high above Las Vegas, within walking distance of the Strip and near Wynn Las Vegas.

Trump International's $3 million, 8,100-square foot sales center in front of the New Frontier is still under construction but is expected to open in time for the groundbreaking.

Posted by sergeg at 07:04 PM | TrackBack

Armani's New Hotel and Versace Continue's To Launch More Resorts

Giorgio Armani, who has built his fashion label into a brand that covers anything from flower arrangements to furniture, has signed a deal to open at least 10 hotels and resorts bearing his name.

Armani agreed the joint venture with Dubai's EMAAR Properties which will invest more than $1 billion in the hotels, taking care of the real estate, building and management of the luxury hangouts, both parties said on Tuesday.

Armani will be in charge of the design and style of the hotels, which will be full of his homewear and furniture, fashion and beauty prodcuts.

The first hotel should open by early 2008 in EMAAR's Burj Dubai tower, due to be the world's tallest residential and commercial building. The fashion havens of Milan, London and New York are next on the list.

Armani is just one of a group of top-tier retailers who are betting that fashionistas and luxury lovers will extend their brand loyalty from their wardrobes to their choice of hotels.

Italian jeweller Bulgari (BULG.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) opened a luxury hotel in Milan last year, with rates ranging as high as 3,500 euros ($4,313) a night, with Marriott International's (MAR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Ritz Carlton arm and plans to open a resort in Bali next year.

Versace is also planning to open a second resort in Dubai.

Armani's Dubai hotel will have 175 rooms and suites, restaurants and a spa as well as 160 luxury apartments all in the Italian designer's understated style.

Giorgio Armani, who changed the direction of fashion when he set up his company 30 years ago, said the hotel project was a logical extension of his brand.

"Fashion has expanded to encompass our way of life, not just how we dress but where we live, which restaurants we eat at, which car we drive, where we go on holiday and which hotels we stay in," he said.

New Palazzo Versace Resort in Dubai to commence early 2006

The Versace Group together with Australian Property Developer, Sunland Group Limited, who opened the first Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast in September 2000, identified the Middle East as the next potential region for a Versace resort - the ultimate experience in luxury vacationing. A joint venture was subsequently drawn up between Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings and in December 2004 the centrally located waterfront site on Dubai Creek was identified as the most suitable location. In March 2005 Emirates International Holdings entered into an agreement with Dubai Properties to acquire the land for the development of the resort.

The Palazzo Versace Dubai will include c. 215 suites, restaurants, a spa and 204 luxury villas all conceptualized by the Versace Group and Sunland Group Limited and fully furnished with a specially designed line of products from the Versace Home Collection. Plans for the multi million dollar Palazzo Versace will be refined by September, with the view to commencing construction by early 2006 and to open in 2008.

Managing Director of the Versace Group, Dr. Giancarlo Di Risio said 'The idea of bringing the Versace philosophy of luxury and style to the ultimate in resort vacationing is a natural combination. We were the first luxury group to develop a branded hotel and this is an important part of the Group's strategy for the future'.

President of the Versace Group, Dr. Santo Versace added 'The design of the Palazzo Versace will include all of the trademarks of Versace style and glamour while incorporating the needs of the local environment. Palazzo Versace will provide the ultimate destination for those wanting a taste of the 'Versace' lifestyle within a dynamic and modern environment like Dubai.'

Sunland Joint Managing Director, Mr Soheil Abedian, stated 'As a result of the Versace Group's indelible imprint in the world of fashion, today the 'Versace' name is synonymous for luxury, glamour and above all exceptional quality. These are the attributes that characterize the Palazzo Versace resorts in Australia and in Dubai. It is an ambitious collaboration, but one which is backed by the enthusiasm and passion of two partners with a like-minded commitment to innovation and excellence.'

'With buoyant markets and an enhanced regulatory framework in the UAE, the tourism and hospitality industry has been a major area of growth in recent years. With Dubai at the forefront of development, we are sure that the Palazzo Versace Hotel and Condominium Resort will soon develop into an exclusive location for tourists and residents in the city,' said Reza Jaffar, Managing Director, Emirates International Holdings.

The joint venture of Sunland and Emirates International Holdings, will be known as Emirates Sunland Group and will be responsible for the development and management of Palazzo Versace Dubai. The Versace Group will be responsible for all aspects of content, design and style, including architecture, interiors, furnishings and amenities using specially designed items from the various Versace collections.

Posted by sergeg at 06:36 PM | TrackBack

Plastic Surgery For Your Vagina, Are You Serious? (A HUGE Plastic Surgery Update)

Tummy tucks, facelifts and breast augmentations all have their devotees, but a growing number of women are now also having cosmetic surgery on their genitalia.

It has become the hottest trend in just a few short years, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other sources.

In Canada and the United States, dozens of clinics that offer these surgeries have recently popped up, attracting thousands of clients from around the world.

A handful of companies have signed licensing agreements this year with a California-based physician credited with popularizing cosmetic applications of the surgery, once applied only in dire medical situations, to use his scheme to market designer vaginas in Asia.

And, doctors in France, Sweden, Indonesia, Chile, Australia and the Dominican Republic have started to nip and tuck in this area too.

The most popular surgeries, according to doctors, are tightening the vagina to enhance a woman's sexual gratification, sculpting and cutting sagging or long labia, injecting fat into labia, and re-constructing hymens, primarily for women with a cultural interest in marrying as virgins.

"I've been doing it for four or five years already, but business is suddenly getting much busier," said Roy Jackson, a Vancouver obstetrician and gynecologist who specializes in vaginal and vulvar cosmetic procedures.

The first patients to undergo such procedures were actually being treated for incontinence or complications arising from giving birth. Some returned afterwards cooing that their sex life had improved significantly, Los Angeles-based doctor David Matlock told AFP.

Through word of mouth and some minimal advertising a few years ago, he suddenly became inundated with requests from women for tighter vaginal passages. Other women came in with porn magazines, asking for surgery to make their genitalia look like those pictured, he said.

Since, a range of women from teenage girls to grandmothers, from homemakers to lawyers, have been treated, doctors said.

"I didn't like the way my vagina looked or the way it made me feel," said a 21-year-old college student who asked not to be named and who had her inner labia trimmed six weeks ago. "You see all these girls in Playboy (magazine) and mine didn't really look like that."

Since, she claimed to be "more confident" and "so happy" and her mother later underwent surgery too.

"It's not out there for the world to see, but it's something that deals with my inner being," she said.

Leroy Young, co-chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' emerging trends committee, however, cautioned that vaginal cosmetic surgeries are not without risk.

"Matlock has sort of franchised this like McDonald's (restaurants) at the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute and marketed it as an adjunct to improve your sex life instead of as a gynecological procedure for the repair of a problem, but they don't say much about the downside," he said, adding that the use of the term "laser" is a gimmick. "All you're doing with it is making an incision."

He warned of wound healing problems, painful scars, nerve injuries that could result in less sensation, and even constrictions that might prevent future intercourse. And, like any surgery, bleeding, damage to other organs and complications resulting from anesthetics could occur.

"Someone considering this should also decide, are they doing this for themselves or trying to salvage a bad relationship and make a boyfriend or husband happier. Most gynecologists will tell you that you don't need this," Young said, critical of the upswing in these surgeries.

He noted that societal pressures on women to feel "normal" or "beautiful" are misplaced -- particularly in this area -- because female genital anatomy varies greatly.

Posted by sergeg at 06:22 PM | TrackBack

"The Swan" Fails To Pay Union Wages and Employee Benefits

In this photo released by Fox television, Tuesday, June 21, 2005, an unidentified woman, center, is seenn, during a plastic surgery post operative visit with Dr. Randal Haworth, in a scene from the Fox reality show 'The Swan.' The Writers Guild of America, west, is demanding that companies that produce television reality shows such as 'The Swan' and 'The Apprentice' provide union wages and benefits to people who sift through hundreds of hours of footage to craft story lines. The WGA claims reality shows have become cash cows for the networks in large part because producers don't have to pay union wages and benefits.

Posted by sergeg at 06:17 PM | TrackBack

Milan's Fashion Week For Men (Men's Fashion Marketing We Love)

A model presents a creation from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 2006 men's collection during the Milan Fashion Week June 26, 2005. REUTERS/Daniele La Monaca

Posted by sergeg at 06:06 PM | TrackBack

Everything's Coming Up Roses For Liv Tyler (A Beauty PR Update)

Liv Tyler has had a rose named after her.

The unique flower has been created by French cosmetics giants Givenchy who are using the scent of the flower in their new fragrance Very Irresistible Givenchy Sensual Eau de Parfum.

Liv, who has a six-month old son, Milo, with husband Royston Langdon, is thrilled with the rose and admits she is desperate for the company to let them plant some in her garden.

The actress, who is the advertising face of Givenchy, said: "It's this big, beautiful pink rose. Maybe I can get them to give me a bush so I can plant it in my garden."

Liv has also revealed that her baby son has the same large pouting lips as her. The 27-year-old star, who inherits her famous lips from father Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler, says Milo has inherited the family trait and also shares her good looks.

She said: "He has big lips and blue eyes like I do and blond hair like Roy. "I must say, he's quite a looker. He is amazing and perfect and beautiful."

Posted by sergeg at 05:52 PM | TrackBack

How To Start Your Medical Spa With The Help Of Other Physicians!

Everywhere, physicians are contemplating or engaged in expanding into the “medical spa” market. Seduced by the industry buzz around this hot new phenomenon, many doctors see the medical spa as a means to boost their income and eliminate the grind and countless headaches of their daily practice. They read about growth statistics, see dazzling new equipment at trade shows, watch competitors popping up, and fear that they may be falling behind the times. With pen in hand they’re ready to sign lease agreements, loan documents and lots of checks in order to catch up with a crowd of savvy entrepreneurs who know where the real action is. And the truth is that they may be right. Medical spas are the natural evolution of cosmetic medicine, and those who don’t join the revolution will watch from the sidelines as their fate is decided.

Medical spas are the forerunner of a revolution in cosmetic medicine. From Galen until now, the primary method of care has been through the skilled hands and individual knowledge of a physician. But that’s changing. The default method of care is becoming technology-based. Just as inn every other market, technologies are developed that replace an individual’s knowledge and skill. (www.medicalspasonline.com)

Lasers, IPLs, radio frequency, infrared, personal DNA testing, Pointe Lift™, Liposolve™, Clear², PDT, telomere clipping, recumbent DNA technologies, bio-identical hormone balancing, anti-aging drugs, and a smorgasbord of other technologies in development promise to change medicine in the same way that computers, jet engines, and GPS have changed aviation. Technology now enables a technician (under medical supervision) to perform effective medical treatments and places the physician in a decision making and supervisory roll instead of being the primary practitioner. In the near future, physicians will have more in common with Neil Armstrong than the Wright Brothers.

Changing technology poses very deep problems for physicians. Technology allows easy replication and scalability, forces an unimaginably steep new learning curve on overworked doctors, and eliminates many of the barriers and protections that physicians have relied on in the past. And it’s only going to get worse.

Consider this. The combination of markets that medical spas compete in is huge ($40 - $50 billion per year and growing), highly fragmented (individual practitioner model), completely new (technology-based), and up to now, is free of any meaningful national players (yet). Already there are very deep pockets investigating ways to exploit this emerging marketplace. The Wal-Marts and Home Depots of this new medical marketplace are being built as you read this article.

But there’s opportunity here as well. Technology opens new doors for physicians, who can see and manage this new paradigm. That’s why a ready supply of smart and motivated physicians tired of the daily grind of insurance patients are moving into the marketplace and successfully competing. For the first time, physicians outside the default specialties of plastic surgery (cutting and stitching) and dermatology (diseases of the skin) have the potential to earn the income and lifestyle of these two medical specialties. This new market is inevitably giving rise to a new specialty whose focus will be “non-surgical, cosmetic, medical technologies.” You can see the fragmentation today. Many dermatologists now label themselves as “cosmetic” to distinguish themselves as a subspecialty.

As a physician, you can’t get enough good information fast enough. This is a new business and demands a huge investment of time to make the right decisions. Sales reps will stream into your office armed with charts and graphs with arrows pointed ever upward, advertisers will drop phrases like “top of mind awareness,” and you'll begin to have a creeping suspicion that the market is getting away from you. Go slow. There are a host of land mines in the area and there are some that will be advising you to jump directly on them.

So, how do you build a medical spa inside your existing practice? The good news is it can be done. Surface Medical Spas has three locations (with three more in development), four physicians, master aestheticians, technicians, patient coordinators, managers and office staff. Every treatment at Surface is governed by a set of proprietary protocols. As a business, we have advised dozens of individual physicians, managers, and investors around the world about opening and operating medical spas. Be advised this is not easy, but here are a few suggestions.

Physician heal thyself: This is your business. Consultants make their money by telling others how to run businesses that they don’t or can’t run themselves. Believe me, any medical spa consultant worth hiring would be running their own medical spa. Many of these so-called consultants will tell you that you need to offer massage, retail should be 30%-40% of your gross sales, and you’ll need hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and maybe a juice bar. Wrong. The day that retail is 30% of our gross sales I’ll eat my left foot. Our retail is around 3% because retail is the least effective and profitable thing we do. If it ever gets to 5% we’ll cut back. If this is going to be your business, make your own decisions.

Find someone smarter than you: The most important step is good management. Without that, people can, and have, lost everything. If you don't have good management skills, hire someone from outside the medical world. We get calls from interested physicians, investors and businesses around the world and we take the time to talk to them all for free. Successful businesses will be happy to talk to you and give you some advice.

Franchises: “Turn key solutions.” That’s how almost everything is marketed to physicians. Buy this technology, hire this personnel, run these ad slicks, and everything will fall into place. Sorry. It doesn’t work that way. Most of these franchises are sold as a “we’ve already worked out the kinks” deal. It’s a lie. Franchises focus on the treatments that everybody else will be able to replicate with ease. It’s more a case of, “In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” You don’t need any of the current franchises.

All technology is not created equal: Despite what company reps will tell you, choosing the right technology will create big differences at the end of the year. Efficacy, cost per treatment, initial costs, usage, and a long list of other considerations should go into technology decisions. Many physicians all too quickly jump and then end up with $80,000 towel racks that they still have to make payments on every month. Used medical devices are readily available from the constant stream of bankruptcies and failed medical practices. Choose your technology carefully.

Understand the marketplace: Medical spas are a luxury business. For most physicians, it comes as an unwelcome surprise that their new patients are more demanding. Long waits, shabby offices, poor communication, and ambivalent staff, are all in the past. If you’re touting yourself as a luxury service, you better act like one. Hire top-notch people that are service-oriented, friendly and courteous. Protocols can be taught easier than attitude.

Rein in your ego: This is business. It’s not personal. If you feel you must charge twice as much as your competitors because you “deserve it,” get used to empty appointment book.

Do not use “advanced” or “laser” in your name: The number of “advanced” laser clinics is staggering. Don’t do it. It’s inane, overused, and bland. I actually had a physician ask me if changing his name from Advanced Laser Centers to Advanced Laser Group would get him more business.

Network with successful medical spas: Successful business owners are happy to help newcomers to the industry. We have constant dialogue with physicians and investors who are investigating the marketplace and have advised clinics on four continents. Successful medical spas will be happy to build bridges with smart businesses.

Don't look to day spas to solve your problems: Physicians hear “spa” and immediately think that day spas have the answers they’re looking for. Wrong. Most day spas can’t run themselves. The average net margins for day spas are around 8%. The average physician’s is around 60%. Physicians running day spas are entering a business that they; know nothing about, doesn't make any money, is highly competitive, has no barriers to entry, and is rife with employee and other problems. Don't do it.

Don't base your pay on commission: Commissions sound like a great solution. You save overhead and motivate your staff to grow the business. False. Commissions are used in spas to keep overhead low. But guess what? Staff members working for commission aren’t working for you. Commissions lead to overly aggressive staff, constant drama, and high employee turnover that can hurt your reputation as a luxury business.

Don't gild the Lily: You may have heard that you have to spend a fortune to “build out” your clinic. Nope. You don't have to start with treatment tables that have your clinics name embossed on them. Spend all your money before you open and you won't be able to spend it where you’ll really need it… getting patients in the seats.

Stay lean: Physicians practice medicine based on science. You don't need to offer pedicures and you don't know anything about them anyway. Stick to the basics.

If you’re already in the market of just investigating the possibilities, I hope I've been of some help. Good luck in you new endeavor.

Jeff Barson is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Surface. He is a popular speaker at medical conferences that has advised physicians and investors around the world on addressing this new medical technology based market.

Surface Medical Spas, a multi-location, multi-physician practice that focus’s on advanced cosmetic medical technologies. Surface currently has three locations in the United States with three other locations scheduled to open in Brazil this year.

More information is available online at www.surface-med.com and www.medicalspasonline.com

Posted by sergeg at 05:31 PM | TrackBack

Can Someone Duck Tape Tom Cruise's Mouth Shut

Matt should have booked Brooke Shields for the "Today" show.

Tom, you may have a hit movie, and a hot arm charm, but you are not a doctor, nor can you preach your anti-pill perscription to America. Shame on the "Today" show for wasting valuable airtime for such a load of bull.

Tom Cruise appeared on the "Today" show and made his thoughts known on psychiatry and drugs, although his appearance was mainly to talk about his latest film "War of the Worlds" and his engagement to Katie Holmes.

Matt Lauer, the host of the NBC morning show, asked Tom Cruise about the comments he had made concerning actress Brooke Shields, who he criticized for for taking anti-depressants to overcome postpartum depression. Cruise feels that she was wrong to use drugs as a solution and that "vitamins, exercise and various things" can also help mood disorders.

Cruise also attacked psychiatry, calling it a "pseudoscience", which naturally upset the American Psychiatric Association. But then this is no surprise, as psychiatry is big business in the United States (although not so much in other countries). Just think how many psychiatrists would go out of business if American's found a more natural cure for their problems? Unfortunately, American's seem to be encouraged to visit psychiatrists for the smallest of matters, when perhaps all they need to do is think through the problem themselves (like average people do).

Obviously, psychiatry can be of some help in certain cases, but people should also be guided into trying to solve the problems themselves. This will make them stronger and more able to cope with the realities of life. Letting other people tell them what decisions to make is not always the answer (especially when you have to pay a lot of money for it!).

We are not sure why Tom Cruise has become such a target for peoples hatred, he is a successful Star, has made some good films and is not such a bad human being. Yet an article written in the New York Daily News by Tracy Connor (Tom a pill on TV) seemed very critical in a personal way.

The article opens by asking the question is "Tom Cruise lost in space?" and that he "flipped out" on the show. But perhaps the comment "The high school dropout" was a little under the belt? Maybe the author of the article was not aware that Tom Cruise's parents moved around a great deal when he was younger and he was forced to attend 15 different schools in the US and Canada. He also suffered from dyslexia, which he claims Scientology teachings helped him to cure.

The author of the article made the following comment on Scientology "the religion that says humans are plagued by the souls of dead aliens who invaded the planet 75 million years ago."

Isn't it strange how the word "aliens" is used to ridicule people, as if our planet is the only one that could possibly have life on it? The aims of Scientology (according to their website) are a world without insanity, without criminals, without war, where the able can prosper and where Man is free to rise to greater heights. This doesn't sound such a bad aim to us, although it is unlikely to appeal to the Bush administration!

Perhaps there is something to Scientology? Tom Cruise, despite being a "high school dropout" and suffering with "dyslexia", is one of the highest paid actors in the world earning an average 15 million dollars a picture!

In this world of "free speech" even actors like Tom Cruise should be allowed to offer their opinions, just as the New York Daily News reporter has done, and as we are doing now. But is it really necessary to get that personal? There is nothing wrong in being critical of his acting abilities (if that is the case), or questioning someones opinion, but we think this can be done without resorting to "personal" insults that are not relevant to the argument.

Posted by sergeg at 05:17 PM | TrackBack

Hearst Magazine Launches Weekend Magazine

For those of you who leave work early on Friday and don't play "catch up" on Saturday or Sunday, here is a publication for you 9 to 5'ers.

Media Post Reports:
HEARST MAGAZINES MONDAY UNVEILED PLANS for a new publication that targets the most coveted and sacred part of most people's week: the weekend.

The aptly named Weekend magazine will target 35-year-old affluent women, and will focus exclusively on the time of the week when most of our activities are related to leisure, recreation, home improvement, and just doing things that we cannot do during the week.

The new magazine, ironically, won't publish weekly--but will come out on a bimonthly schedule, starting with an initial distribution of 500,000 at a cover price of $3.99. The July/August edition will be available on newsstands starting June 14, with a second edition due in mid-August.

The new magazine will include two sections: "Weekend at Home" and "Weekend Away", including a feature well. The "Home" section will include shopping, cooking, easy weekend projects, technology, organizing, and how to learn to do something new. The "Away" section features great getaways around the country, day trips, road trips, three-day adventures, real estate, and fashion.

Susan Wyland, a veteran editor of other lifestyle magazines such as Lifetime, Real Simple and Martha Stewart Living, will be the editor in chief of Weekend.

Charter advertisers include Banana Republic, Carnival Cruise Lines, Home Depot, Kraft, Ford, Revlon, Target, and Toyota.

Posted by sergeg at 05:06 PM | TrackBack

Vogue goes to China, GQ will soon follow

Conde Nast International is investigating a launch of GQ in China as its director of planning James Woolhouse relocates to Hong Kong to oversee August's launch of Chinese Vogue.

Conde Nast said that Woolhouse, also a vice-president of Conde Nast International, will move to Hong Kong in the next few months to supervise Chinese Vogue and develop further launches in the country.

Permission to publish Chinese Vogue was secured last year from the Chinese state's administrative body for the press in a joint venture with domestic publisher China Pictorial.

Access to the world's most populous country gives Conde Nast access to magazine adspend worth $412m (£226m) in 2004 and predicted to be worth $906m in 2007, according to ZenithOptimedia figures.

Earlier this year, the Chinese government relaxed the restriction on foreign media companies operating in the country without conducting joint ventures with domestic companies.

Conde Nast would need to secure further permission to launch GQ, joining Emap's FHM and Dennis Publishing's Maxim, which began publishing last year. It is already published in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, meaning resources could more easily be extended to a Chinese version. GQ is also published in the UK, US, Italy, Germany, Russia, and Spain.

Woolhouse has also been entrusted with managing 14 other Conde Nast magazines in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Australia, while Nicholas Coleridge is to help Woolhouse with developing India.

Coleridge, managing director of Conde Nast Britain and a vice-president of Conde Nast International, knows the Indian market well, having visited the country more than 25 times.

Posted by sergeg at 05:00 PM | TrackBack

Budget Living Editor Calls It Quits

Alex, we hear Martha's new magazine (title TBD) is looking for fresh talent. If Don Welsch is not your cup of tea, Martha's team, mostly defunked "Real Simple" editors may be your new found juice.

Budget Living Editor Alex Bhattacharji is leaving the magazine in mid-July, after about two months in the position.

Angela Matusik, a former features editor for In Style, will replace Mr. Bhattacharji in mid-July making her the magazine’s third editor this year. Mr. Bhattacharji has worked for the title since before its launch three years ago.

Ms. Matusik was most recently a consulting editor for Condé Nast’s home shopping title Domino, where she oversaw the launch of the magazine’s Web site. Last year, she helped launch Hearst’s Shop Etc. as deputy editor.

Ms. Matusik spent nine years working at In Style, starting in 1994, when the magazine launched. When she left the title in 2003, she had risen to the post of features editor.

Last month, there was speculation that Budget Living owner Don Welch may be looking for a buyer, especially in the wake of the abrupt resignation in April of Budget Living founding Editor Sarah Gray Miller.

A spokeswoman for the magazine denied the rumors, saying, “it’s not for sale, that’s just market speculation.”

Posted by sergeg at 04:52 PM | TrackBack

June 25, 2005

Paw Luxuries Magazine, the Lifestyle Publication of Pampered Dogs and Cats, Featured on Dateline Special About Pets - Luxury Marketing

Spring Issue

Paw Luxuries Magazine, the only magazine devoted to the world high-end pet products and luxury pet services, was featured on a Dateline NBC special entitled “Pets Nation.” Publisher Lauren Halperin spoke about the bond between people and their pets.

“People are treating their pets like they are worth their weight in gold,” Halperin said on the special, which aired on Sunday, June 12, 2005. “Pets do not care who you are, where you come from, what color skin you have or what religious background you have. When you walk in the door they are happy to see you.”

Paw Luxuries Magazine was also featured on entertainment news programs Access Hollywood, E! News Live, Extra, and Good Day Live from their participation in the Silver Spoon Dog and Baby Buffet event in Los Angeles, California in April, 2005. The event brought out celebrity pet owners and their four-legged counterparts like Kimberly Steweart, Tara Reid, Jesse Metcalfe, Kelly Hu, Virginia Madsen, Melissa Rivers, Lacey Chabert, Debbie Matenopolous and more. The magazine was the sponsor of the event, which raised more than $10,000 for the Amanda Foundation. (Please contact for images of the event.)

“People are definitely taking note of Paw Luxuries,” Halperin said of her publication. “It’s easy to see the impact that pets have in the lives of those who own them and for many, that unlimited supply of affection and unconditional love is being rewarded with a fabulous lifestyle filled with beautiful accessories."

One thing Halperin is extremely proud of is the commitment to raising funds for animals in need and shedding light on those who accomplish the task through charity and events. At the Paw Luxuries launch event, the 2005 Walk for the Animals for the Broward County Humane Society, Florida, the event raised a jaw dropping $385,000 for pets in South Florida. In the summer issue of Paw Luxuries, the Paws for a Cause section featured notable names like Bob Barker and Michael Bloomberg and their efforts in the animal community, as well as events held by various animal sanctuaries and networks which raised close to $1 million for animals together.

Look for the following features in the Fall 2005 issue of Paw Luxuries:

• First Class – profiles of dog-enthusiastic destinations at five-star spas throughout the country.
• Pawfiles– the latest buzz on everything from fashion and home décor, to grooming treatments and jewelry for your pet, with an emphasis on this season’s fall fashion.

• Petropolitan – a stylish photographic essay, showcasing dazzling designs from the trendsetters of the pet world.

• News Bites – an inside look at topics addressing your pet’s standing in society.

• Paws for a Cause – a look at manufacturers, boutiques and events raising awareness for different charitable causes.

• Pet Astrology – what the future holds for your pet is written in the stars.

The magazine and its affiliated website, www.PawLuxuries.com also offer a wide variety of pet-related resources and shopping for readers.

Posted by sergeg at 02:31 AM | TrackBack