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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

JP Lizzy Designs Unveils its Latest Collection of Fashion Forward Diaper Bags and Purses - Handbag Marketing

JP Lizzy Designs unveils its latest collection of fashion forward diaper bags and purses Stylish diaper bags and handbags blend practicality with fashion.

JP Lizzy (www.jplizzy.com), a premier maker of classic baby-friendly bags and purses today announced the launch of its newest collection. The line is the perfect blend of form and function with stylish shapes and patterns that meet the needs of fashion-forward mothers. Eight new designs are available and styles include totes, backpacks and handbags.

The collection features a baby blue and chocolate iteration of the popular micro-fiber argyle “Diana” purse and tote that offers mom a chance to sport the latest fashion while toting around her baby necessities. The Wild Side Tote and Sassy Backpack/Messenger bag combo let her stand out in the crowd and feature a zebra print designs with apple green lining. For the woman looking for a more subtle appeal, the Spring Fling Tote set offers sophisticated style with a sage colored linen tote perfect for the mother of a son or daughter in its unisex color scheme. Other designs include the micro-fiber Chocolate Dot totes and purses, the Orange Twist cotton tote set, and the Apple Blossom tote and backpack featuring a classic floral linen design sure to turn heads at the checkout line.

“We are so excited about this collection. All of the designs are completely fashionable while still remaining practical for the modern day mom,” stated Wendy Barry, founder and chief designer for JP Lizzy. “I know from experience that the transition from trendsetter to super mom can leave a woman in a fashion identity crisis. These bags allow moms to express their sense of style and can help boost their confidence while still making their day to day lives with baby easier,” she continued.

The new designs are all made with either wipeable micro-fiber fabric or washable upholstery fabric. All JP Lizzy diaper bags include extras like removable changing pads as well as matching cosmetic cases and coin purses. The JP Lizzy purses are designed in accompanying fabrics to the diaper bags and are made in functional micro-fiber fabrics. For more information or to purchase a JP Lizzy design please visit www.jplizzy.com.

About JP Lizzy Designs
JP Lizzy offers an elegant and functional line of baby-friendly totes and messenger bags for today’s busy but fashionable woman. The JP Lizzy collection blends classic elements with modern flare for a fun and feminine look to match every style and taste. For more information about JP Lizzy’s line of extremely well-made but affordable bags, please visit www.jplizzy.com.

Posted by sergeg at 02:21 AM | TrackBack

June 24, 2005

Go Amy Keller Go! Goodbye Allure Magazine, Hello Shop, Etc.

When I opened my PR firm up in 2001 Amy Keller was the first editor that ever wrote about one our clients back when she worked at Redbook. She has always had a soft spot in my heart as one of my favs, her and Emily Dougherty at Elle and Holly Carter at In-Touch. So when she stepped up and earned the Director of Beauty title as Shop, Etc., this month, we screamed with excitement. You go Amy!

Amy Keller was named beauty director at Shop Etc. Previously, she worked at Allure for a year as the features editor. Prior to that, Keller was the beauty editor at Good Housekeeping and served as Organic Style's first beauty editor. She began her career at Redbook as a copy editor and eventually moved to the beauty department where she worked as an associate beauty editor. Shop, Etc., provides women with a one-stop shop for fashion, home and beauty. The publication aims to help women to be smarter, wiser, more stylish shoppers while helping them save time and money.

Posted by sergeg at 02:17 PM | TrackBack

Ephedra is Back (A Diet Marketing Update)

After a federal juge struck down the FDA's ruling on ephedra diet pills, ephedra products have been poping back up on websites everywhere. One website www.worldclassnutrition.com has 10 diferent ephedra products listed for sale.

The FDA has annouced it will try again to get the weight loss herb removed from the market. The federal judge has required the FDA to provide real proof that ephedra is dangerous to a persons health and not just a handful of complaints.

Ephedra was a ingredient in popular weight loss diet pills until the FDA had it removed last year. The FDA provide no proof that ephedra was the cause in any health promblems that occured in some users.

Posted by sergeg at 01:33 PM | TrackBack

Jackie Chan Opens His First Gym (A Fitness Marketing Update)

Action movie mega star Jackie Chan opened his first signature gym in Hong Kon today, telling people to get off their couches and exercise more.

"I want to use exercises to change people' lives," Chan said at the opening of his "Jackie Chan Sport" club here.

He said young people today "use too much (of their) time surfing the Internet and playing computer games . .They forget that exercising should be a big part of their lives."

"If you don't exercise, your body will keep deteriorating," he said.

He has developed a unique blend of kung fu and boxing called Jackie Chan "Boxercise" for the gym, a partnership with the US-based California Fitness health clu chain.

Chan said the Hong Kong "Jackie Chan Sport" club will only be one of many to come across Asia. He will be opening shops in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore and is eyeing more outlets in the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

Posted by sergeg at 01:28 PM | TrackBack

Stacy for Stila (A Cosmetic Marketing Update)

Stila Cosmetics, Inc., today announced the appointment of Stacy Panagakis to Vice President/General Manager, stila Cosmetics North America. Stacy will replace Claudia Poccia, who will be leaving the Company at the end of June. Stacy will report to Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, Group President, stila Cosmetics, Inc. and The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Stacy was most recently the Vice President Sales, Stila Cosmetics North America. Prior to that, she was Vice President Global Education, Clinique Laboratories, Inc., from July 2001 and previously, Clinique's Vice President, North America Education, from 1999 to 2001. Before Clinique, Stacy was the Executive Director, Education Worldwide, for Origins Natural Resources from 1996 to 1999. She was Manager and then Director, Education Development, for Clinique from 1994 to 1996. Stacy's first experience with Clinique began in 1986, when she became a counter manager at Macy's West in northern California.

"Stacy is the perfect candidate to lead the stila North American business into the future. She possesses all the leadership skills needed to empower the team and take stila to the next level," said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne. "Her sales and marketing experience will only enhance the brand's success in the marketplace."

Stila products are currently available in 283 doors in the United States and in 12 international markets, as well as at sephora.com and gloss.com. stila Cosmetics, Inc., is a subsidiary of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Posted by sergeg at 01:23 PM | TrackBack

Celebrity Justice Reports

Report: Leonardo DiCaprio knew alleged party attacker

Celebrity Justice reports that Leonardo DiCaprio knew the woman who allegedly hit him with a glass last week.

Los Angeles police say DiCaprio was trying to get away from the angry woman.

The star suffered cuts on the ear and neck in the incident, which occurred as he left a party at the home of Paris Hilton's ex-boyfriend, Rick Solomon.

The woman reportedly was the girlfriend of a man who was still at the party.

Friends took DiCaprio to an emergency room, where his wounds were stitched. His spokesman said that his injuries are not expected to delay his return to the set of "The Departed," a Martin Scorsese movie being shot in Boston and New York.

DiCaprio filed a complaint with police by telephone.

Posted by sergeg at 01:09 PM | TrackBack

Hamptons Home & Garden Show This Weekend (A Home Furnishings Event)

Hamptons Home & Garden Show
From: Friday, June 24, 2005
To: Sunday, June 26, 2005
Time(s): Friday, June 24th, 5 PM - 9 PM Saturday, June 25th, 10 AM - 9 PM Sunday, June 26th, 10 AM - 6 PM
Location: Southampton Town Recreation Center, 1370-A Majors Path, Southampton, NY 11968
Town: Southampton

Welcoming over 5000 Hampton homeowners, from all over the Tri-State area, who can visit with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends in home, interior and landscape design. Come meet with the best local business as well as the best national and international products. Visit with over-the-edge local businesses and attend three days of presentations of the home and garden given by our guest speakers -- the most noted East End lifestyle experts.
Food and refreshments will be served.

Posted by sergeg at 12:33 PM | TrackBack

Pierce Mattie & Yushing Foo on The Versace Spiral with Demi Moore "What are they thinking?" (A Fashion Public Relations No-No!)

Could Demi Moore look this good in this dress without the power of Photoshop?

This past weekend me and my beauty bud; Yushing Foo who works for Peter Thomas Roth and I went shopping. We stopped off at the Versace store on 5th Avenue as I was in the mood for some new suits (Hickey Freeman though, was having a huge sale). There we learned that they were closing their Madison Avenue store and putting all of their energies into the 5th Avenue flagship store. The sales person we spoke with said that there were not enough Versace customers in that area of Manhattan to support two stores. But for those of you who live here, you know ... those customers that live up near the Madison store will not come down to the tourist trap we call 5th Avenue.

Then I remembered that the Versace website is always "coming soon" and that Madonna was their spokesperson. A former pop icon who now lives in London and writes children's books. This spawned a huge conversation between me and Ms. Foo. How can a brand that was so hot become so lost so fast. What happened? We concluded that they needed to bring Tom Ford in to save the day and revamp their line up of fashion and bring customers back to their store.

Keeping on this trend and trail to no where, it makes sense that they would appoint Demi Moore to be their new spokesperson. Another celebrity who's time has past and light has dimmed. Donatella, what are you thinking? Our team has some suggestions of who we thought would be a good fit, if your reading this, please reconsider getting rid of Demi.

Our Picks:
Jennifer Aniston
Katie Holmes
Angelina Jolie

Hell even Kelly Ripa or Paula Adbul would have been a better choice. We love Versace, they are the only jeans that fit my long legs, but come on!

After months of speculation, Italian designer DONATELLA VERSACE has finally confirmed Hollywood beauty DEMI MOORE will replace MADONNA as the latest face of the fashion house.

Earlier this year (05), the 42-year-old GHOST actress posed for photographer MARIO TESTINO, who also shot Madonna for the Spring/Summer 2005 campaign.

Moore will appear in a series of print advertisements for Versace's Autumn/Winter 2005-2006 campaign, which will begin appearing in August (05).

Versace enthuses, "I have known Demi Moore for many years and never has she been as beautiful as she is now.

"Her presence is magnetic because it is entirely natural and never forced. Her personality comes shining through."

Posted by sergeg at 11:31 AM | TrackBack

June 23, 2005

France Honors Corum

JCK Reports:

France has awarded its highest award, the Legion of Honor, to Severin Wunderman, owner of Corum, known for its innovative Swiss luxury watches (with U.S. offices in Irvine, Calif.). The honor recognizes his numerous cultural and philanthropic acts, according to a Dec. 31, 2004, decree by Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic.

Wunderman was formally made a Chevalier (or Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honor on June 17 by Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, France’s Minister of Culture and Communication, in a ceremony in Paris attended by many government and cultural dignitaries, including the chief curator of the Museums of France, the director of the department of cultural development at the Centre Georges Pompidou, and the authorities and deputy mayor of the city of Menton.

The Legion of Honor is awarded by the President of France. Instituted by the Emperor Napoleon I in 1802, it is one of the most prestigious French awards and the country's highest civilian honor, regardless of whether or not they are French citizens.

Wunderman, a naturalized American citizen, was born in Belgium but came to the United States during World War II. He is an avid and knowledgeable art collector. His collections include the works of French artist Jean Cocteau, as well as many works of the great artists of the 17th through 20th centuries.

As his business success in the watch industry and personal fortune grew, Wunderman has established or worked with philanthropic and humanitarian interests. They include the Severin Wunderman Family Foundation (which finances research into incurable illnesses); The Severin Wunderman Collection of Child Survivor Testimonies From the Holocaust; and—realizing a longtime dream—establishing a Jean Cocteau Museum (now closed) in Orange County, Calif.

Aware of the ties linking Cocteau to the French city of Menton, Wunderman also helped initiate an ambitious museum project there dedicated to the artist. He has donated more than 200 of his own Cocteau works to Menton to perpetuate the artist’s reputation in his home country of France. These works will reside in an architectural showcase in Menton on the coast of France in the near future

Posted by sergeg at 06:18 PM | TrackBack

Bulgari Gossip

The family that owns luxury jeweler Bulgari is not planning to give up control of the Italian jeweler and has not had any contact with Swiss luxury goods group Richemont over a rumored merger, Bulgari's chief executive Francesco Trapani told French newspaper La Tribune.

Rumors in the market in recent months have suggested that Bulgari and Richemont may have been holding merger talks, although both firms have denied the rumors.

"We have had no direct or indirect contacts with Richemont," Trapani said. "The Bulgari family, which owns 52 percent of the capital has no intention and no need to sell," he added.

Bulgari, which last year signed a diamond supply agreement with Israeli diamond magnate Lev Leviev, aims to diversify in the accessories sector and become one of the world's top 10 brands in that business within the next five years, Trapani told La Tribune.

Posted by sergeg at 06:16 PM | TrackBack

Swiss Luxury House Richemont Goes Up 71%

Richemont profits jump, good year ahead
By Reuters:

Swiss luxury house Richemont reported full-year operating earnings of 505 million euros ($623 million), up 71 percent and in line with market expectations, amid strong demand for expensive gems and watches.

The maker of Cartier watches and Lancel handbags said on Thursday group net income rose 33 percent to 881 million euros in its financial year to the end of March 2005.

The figure includes a 468 million euros contribution from its stake in the world's second-biggest cigarette maker, British American Tobacco Plc, and compares with a group net profit of 660 million euros in the previous year.

"The numbers are positive apart from the two subsidiaries, which are causing a bit of a headache: Dunhill and Lancel," one Swiss trader said.

Speaking on a conference call, Executive Chairman Johann Rupert said the firm needed to expand in the leather goods business as it works to turn around the loss-making Lancel and Dunhill brands, signaling the group does not plan to sell the units.

Richemont also said Simon Critchell, chief executive of Alfred Dunhill, had resigned and would be replaced by Christopher Colfer.

The firm said sales grew 15 percent at actual exchange rates in April and May, helped in particular by the watch business -- but that this rate would not necessarily be sustained in the full year.

"To annualise two months would be misleading but in general the mood is good ... but I would not extrapolate 15 percent," Rupert said on the conference call.

Ten analysts polled by Reuters had on average expected Richemont to report earnings before interest and tax of 502 million euros. Net profit was seen at 845 million euros.

The firm proposed a total payout of one euro per share, made up of a regular dividend of 0.50 euros per share, up 25 percent, and a special dividend funded by the sale of some BAT preference shares of another 0.50 euros per share.

Richemont owned 18.3 percent of BAT at the end of March, compared with 19.6 percent a year earlier.

The maker of Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC watches had already reported full-year revenues of 3.7 billion euros.

Last week, Richemont said it was selling its men's clothing subsidiary, Hackett Ltd., to Spanish investment company Torreal for an undisclosed sum, in what analysts say may be a sign of further divestments to come.

But management poured cold water on the idea Richemont would embark on a selling spree also declining to comment on the conference call on rumors that the firm was eyeing a major acquisition. Rupert said the firm did not plan to sell its stake in BAT after market rumors the firm might do so to fund an acquisition.

"We have no intention of selling BAT shares at the moment," he said.

Richemont, which was built out of a South African tobacco dynasty, competes with the world's biggest luxury-goods maker LVMH, and with Italy's Bulgari.

Richemont's Swiss-listed shares have outperformed the DJ Stoxx European retail index by about four percent since the start of the year, to close at 40.65 francs on Wednesday.

Posted by sergeg at 06:14 PM | TrackBack

U-watch MP3 Player (A Wristwatch PR Launch)

The size of portable MP3 players is furiously being improved on two fronts, storage capacity and dimensions. With their thinking caps on, manufacturers are locked in a race to produce eye-catching devices that are small yet big on features and capacity. Granted the portable flash player market is expected to explode to more than 50 million units being snapped up in retail by 2008, the growth of MP3 players is anything but stagnant. Amongst the many forms of MP3 players available to consumers today, the most exotic looking of all is perhaps watch MP3 players, which as its name suggests are MP3 players disguised to look as inconspicuous as any regular wrist sports watch but with concealed audio functionalities. One such model hoping to make a lasting impression is the aigo F021 U-watch MP3 player.

Available in two different models with the F021 sporting a black face and black strap and the F022 with a white face and either a blue or red strap, aigo's series of U-watch MP3 players are anti-static and resistant to shocks. On both models, time is relayed based on quartz movement and is powered by a regular and dedicated watch battery. To power the audio functions of the U-watch, a built-in 3.7V rechargeable Li-ion battery is dedicated for this purpose. Charging can only be performed by hooking up the F021/F022 to a USB port through a USB wire cleverly blended within the strap of the U-watch and is a process that takes between 1 – 1.5 hours to complete. Playback time for a fully charged U-watch was about 4.5 hours and should be more than enough for any commuter to last through a day's work. Battery life is indicated by the POWER light, which flashes once every second to reflect 1/5 of the remaining charge while quick flashes mean power is depleting in a matter of minutes.

The U-watch is designed as an MP3 player first, timepiece second as there's no date indicator on the face of the U-watch at all. Instead, the face is littered with wordings and tiny LEDs to help users identify/select the mode or equalizer setting that is in use at one swift glance. Even the bezel is etched with words and symbols to indicate the functions of all five buttons located on both flanks of the U-watch. Five equalizer presets are available and each was found to have a perceptible influence on the resultant audio quality to provide different audio environments. The "Rock" preset tested to return the best balance of treble, loudness and bass when paired with the bundled 2.5mm jack earphones. Right next to the 2.5mm earphone jack is a highly sensitive microphone and this enables the U-watch to function as a voice recorder as well. With this many functions packed into a small device that has no LCD display, flipping through the user manual is a mandatory procedure before one starts to utilize the various functions offered by the U-watch.

Although the U-watch is a very functional and convenient audio player in the sense that you do not need to pay extra attention as you would with a separate gadget, its 'plaything' design unfortunately means it might not strike the right chord with consumers who have a strict code of fashion sense. Debatable topic of appearance aside, the U-watch certainly has the audio quality to win over the heart of anyone looking for a capable MP3/Voice Recording/Timepiece device without adding to your gadget count while on the move. The 512MB F021/F022 is currently retailing at S$239.

Posted by sergeg at 06:08 PM | TrackBack

Tumi Luxury Timepiece Collection

from: http://www.gadgetryblog.com/
In keeping with the company's dedication to modern design and high-performance products, Tumi has introduced its first collection of Swiss-made timepieces. Designed for rich discerning customers, the new collection of 10 styles includes three dual-time zone models and seven round and square faced chronograph models. Prices range from $695 for a dual-time zone model with a ballistic nylon and leather trimmed strap to $1350 for a chronograph. All of the watch styles feature quartz movements in stainless steel cases, are scratch resistant, and are water resistant to 100 meters. Chronographs feature day/date indicators, split times capabilities, second and minute indicators and alarm functions. Each style features Tumi's exclusive Tracer program, guaranteeing its return if lost to its owner, and a 2-year warranty.

Posted by at 06:03 PM | TrackBack

EU Cans Coca-Cola's Monopoly

Coca-Cola can no longer negotiate exclusive supply deals for its fizzy soft drinks in the EU and must open its coolers to rival brands as the European Commission tries to improve competition, reports Chris Mercer.

Coca-Cola, which controls about half of Europe’s soft drinks market, has agreed to a Commission ruling that retailers, cafés and restaurants across the EU (plus Norway and Iceland) must remain free to sell the carbonated soft drinks of their choice.
Nor will Coke’s customers be obliged to buy the firm’s less popular brands such as Sprite or Vanilla Coke alongside the top brands, such as regular Coke and Fanta Orange.

Coca-Cola itself will be banned from offering rebates to suppliers who agree to buy its less popular brands or reserve their shelf space exclusively for the Coke family.

On top of this, outlets will be free to use a fifth of their Coca-Cola coolers for any product they like, as long as they have no other chilled beverage capacity and Coke has provided its cooler free of charge.

The new rules will last until 31 December 2010 and Coke could be fined 10 per cent of its worldwide turnover if found shirking its commitment. This would be around $2.2bn (€1.8bn) based on the group’s 2004 results.

The Commission has been investigating Coca-Cola’s market dominance for six years and heralded its decision as a vote for greater consumer choice.

Jeanette Bengtsson, analyst at market research group Euromonitor, said that consumer choice may still remain fairly limited in some categories due to the dominance of PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in the carbonated drinks market.

For example, she said Coca-Cola has about a 62.5 per cent share of Western Europe’s fizzy cola retail market, while Pepsi was number two with a 16.3 per cent. The third biggest player only had a 0.6 per cent stake.

Steve Leroy, Coca-Cola spokesperson, told www.BeverageDaily.com that the group was not expecting a big hit on sales because it had planned for the ruling and had begun implementing some of its requirements already.

He said dialogue with the Commission had remained constructive throughout: “This is about the consumer and what the consumer wants.”

Coca-Cola stopped demanding exclusive distribution deals to cafés and restaurants via its customers in Austria in 2003, and has worked closely with the Commission.

The bigger issues for Coca-Cola in Western Europe over the next year may be how to kick-start stuttering fizzy drink sales generally and tackle consumer trends towards healthier drinks.

Leroy said Diet Coke was generally expected to out-sell the group’s regular Coke in the UK for the first time this year.

Last week the firm launched its Minute Maid juice brand on the fast-growing UK juice market as part of a push to increase its non-carbonated range in-line with the rising popularity of this category.

Posted by at 06:00 PM | TrackBack

Splenda's New Chef

The makers of SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener announce that Juan Vasquez from The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles has been selected as the 2005 “Chef Splendido” winner of its national dessert challenge. Vasquez was selected for his winning remake of Coconut Flan. As part of the grand prize, Vasquez will travel across select cities this summer in the SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener mobile kitchen tour, which is designed to educate U.S. Hispanic families on how easy it is to cook great tasting, nutritious meals at home while reducing overall calories and sugar. The unique bilingual cooking tour, which debuted this spring, is a multi-faceted grassroots mobile marketing program that features a fully equipped kitchen and will visit key retail stores and major Hispanic events throughout the U.S. The “Los Momentos Mas Dulces” (“Moments of Sweetness”) tour enables consumers to learn about SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener and taste free samples of great-tasting treats made with it, including freshly baked cookies, fresh fruit aguas frescas and hot coffee.

“I am very excited to be named ‘Chef Splendido’,” said Vasquez. “It is important for aspiring chefs to have choices when developing recipes for discriminating diners who demand great taste but want to avoid the extra calories that sugar can add. I look forward to sharing my Coconut Flan recipe as the SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener mobile kitchen tour makes its visits at festivals this summer.”

As revealed in a national survey, which polled nearly 1,000 U.S. Hispanics, the top rated Latin desserts are flan, pastel de tres leches, arroz con leche (rice pudding), and pudin de pan (bread pudding).(1) In the “Chef Splendido” contest, culinary students from Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and New York were challenged to re-make these desserts using SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener. Vasquez was selected by a special panel of judges including Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia of Miami’s Food Café (host site of the national finals), and Adrian Leon of New York’s Zona Rosa Restaurant. The judging panel also included media representatives from Despierta America, Buenhogar and La Opinion.

“Through the ‘Chef Splendido’ talent search, our goal was to educate Latinos and Latin food lovers everywhere that they can still enjoy traditional Latin desserts with all the flavor and great taste they’re accustomed to, but with less calories and sugar. We are thrilled to be able to work with these very talented chefs of tomorrow,” said Nipa Shah, Hispanic Marketing Manager for the SPLENDA(R) Brand.

About SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener
SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener is made from sugar so it tastes like sugar and consumers have quickly adopted SPLENDA(R) as their no calorie sweetener of choice. Last year, it became the nation's #1 selling branded sweetener in retail outlets. SPLENDA(R) is available in granular form in a 9.7 oz. Baker's Bag, equivalent in sweetness to 5 lbs. of sugar, which is ideal for cooking and baking, as well as 1- and 2-lb. sweetness equivalent boxes and in packets.

About SPLENDA(R) Brand
SPLENDA(R) Brand products are marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC. SPLENDA(R) Brand Sweetener is used in more than 4,000 products of major food brands worldwide. You can find out more about SPLENDA(R) or get recipes and tips on cooking and baking with SPLENDA(R) Brand products at http://www.SPLENDA.com or by calling 1-800-7-SPLENDA (1-800-777-5363).

About McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is a marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company's mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals markets SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener, SPLENDA(R) Sugar Blend for Baking, VIACTIV(R) Calcium Soft Chews, VIACTIV(R) Multi-Vitamin Soft Chews, LACTAID(R) Milk and Dietary Supplements, and BENECOL(R) Spreads. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.

About The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles
The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles is one of The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu), with 31 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management Corporation (http://www.edmc.com) is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue. Student enrollment exceeded 66,000 as of fall 2004. EDMC has 70 primary campus locations in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. EDMC's education institutions offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts, design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences, education, information technology and business fields, culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. EDMC has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years

Posted by at 05:56 PM | TrackBack

Conair Catches Fire

Alcohol used in manufacturing hair-care products fed a plant fire that killed one person and injured another, officials said.

Firefighters reported at least six explosions after arriving at the Conair Corp. plant in this central Illinois town on Wednesday night. Authorities were investigating the cause of the fire Thursday.

The fire happened in an area where alcohol is used to manufacture aerosols for hair-care products, Mayor Neal Williams said. Firefighters found the victim's body in the fire-damaged area.

Another worker was treated for injuries at the scene, Police Chief Paul Dollins said.

Worker Mike Eskew said he heard the first of two quick explosions in the room next to his, where two large tanks filled with alcohol for cleaning equipment were kept.

"I thought it was thunder, and then it happened again." Eskew said. "By the time I knew it wasn't thunder and it was in the building, I saw flames, and then the alarm went off."

Fifty-eight employees were at work at the time of the fire about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the mayor said. The plant employs 240 people.

Posted by at 05:52 PM | TrackBack

Fitness, fashion and art come together to Fight Breast Cancer.

On June 25 and 26, Totum Life Science brings together fashionistas with fitness fanatics on their weekend to end breast cancer. Everything from Muay Thai Boxing to Ballet Boot Camp and Pilates is on the menu as Totum serves up a buffet of fitness classes while raising funds for Rethink. The best part is, all classes are free with optional donations going to Rethink breast cancer.
"Since our Fight Night [fundraiser for Rethink] two years ago, we've developed a deeper understanding for Rethink's fight to end breast cancer" says Jeremy Foreshew, Director of Marketing at Totum Life Science, "we were really looking for our chance to get involved again and do our part to help find a cure for those suffering from this terrible illness."

On Saturday, June 25 Totum will be holding classes from 9.00 am - 4.30 pm, then between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm drop by their beautiful 445 King St West studio as they host an art exhibit by grandiose artistes AveDeco and fashion from GOTSTYLE - toronto's hip men's clothiers while sampling fantastic wine by Wyndham Estates and food. Sunday fitness classes will resume from 11:30am - 3:30pm.

Those who attend will also receive a ticket for our party at LOFT starting at 9pm (with a few surprises!)

Raffle tickets with all proceeds going to Rethink will be sold on and prior to the event with prizes ranging from:
- Totum memberships including a one year membership and great personal training and nutrition packages.
- A complete outfit, wardrobe consultation and spa package from GOTSTYLE.
- Really great dining experiences from LOFT.
- And much more.

Posted by at 11:56 AM | TrackBack

Sweet Surprises in Dubai from July 1st - 7th

The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, five-star flagship property of Jebel Ali International Hotels, is currently stirring up syrups and sugar delights in preparation for Sweet Surprises, organised by the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing.

As part of the Dubai Summer Surprises, one of Dubai's key tourism events, this week of culinary showcases and fun activities is set to attract hundreds of visitors.

Sweet Surprises, the second week of Dubai Summer Surprises, will see shopping malls across the city come alive with the aromas of sweet surprises, and Dubai's Only True Resort will be at the Mercato Centre in Jumeirah to make the week even more exciting for the little ones.

Activities which have been organised by the chefs of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa include a 'Blindfolded Taster Session' in which children will be blindfolded and taste cakes in an attempt to guess the flavours thereof. One day will also be dedicated to providing children with dough and other decorative items along with the chefs' expertise in order to help them create their own baking sensations. Prizes will be offered to the junior pastry chef with the best cake.

Executive Chef Didier Gusching of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa says he and his team are very much looking forward to being a part of the week's themed activities: 'Our activity schedule will be an exciting way for children to unlock their creativity and discover a wonderful world of skills and crafts with aromas and flavours.'

Sweet Surprises will take place from 1st to 7th July 2005.

Posted by at 11:49 AM | TrackBack

Helene Curtis Qualifies For Governor (Republican Party No Less)

The former president and chief executive officer of Helene Curtis announced Tuesday he'll seek the Republican nomination for governor of Illinois in 2006.

After leaving the cosmetics giant, Ron Gidwitz served as the head of the state Education Department from 1999 to 2004.

Gidwitz, 60, currently leads a coalition of business groups that has been critical of Democratic Gov. Blagojevich's business fee and tax increases. Blagojevich is widely expected to seek a second term.

Gidwitz announced his candidacy in former President Reagan's boyhood home of Dixon.

"We have a governor who doesn't show up at the office in Springfield, doesn't lead the Legislature in a fashion that's going to solve the problems, is fiscally imprudent by borrowing money from the pension funds," Gidwitz said.

Blagojevich spokesman Pete Giangreco said the governor "has been busy cleaning up the mess that Ron Gidwitz left at the State Board of Education."

Conservative dairy owner Jim Oberweis in April became the first Republican to declare his candidacy

Posted by at 11:44 AM | TrackBack

Jewelry Jumper from David Yurman to John Hardy; Terri Eagle Soars

Terri Eagle has left her position as chief operating officer of David Yurman to take a job as president and chief executive officer of John Hardy.

"Terri Eagle's experience and success in the luxury industry, coupled with her vision for our brand, will take its presence in the U.S. market to the next level," Gary D. Oldham, chairman of the Board of Candles of Beeswax, the exclusive U.S. Distributor of John Hardy, said in a statement released Monday. "Sales goals for 2005 target double-digit growth with increased attention to new collections and aggressive marketing initiatives."

Eagle had held her position at Yurman for the past seven years and, prior to that, worked in executive positions at Montblanc and L'Oreal.

Posted by at 11:30 AM | TrackBack

QVC Broadcast Tour

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of QVC's first nationwide product search, the QVC Local tour bus will take to the streets this summer.

From July through September, the 2005 Decade of Discoveries Tour will unveil 100 new products at 10 of America's most popular summer vacation destinations. QVC has selected products from more than 3,000 submissions including jewelry, apparel, food, home décor, electronics and other categories.

Broadcast live and on location each Friday, starting July 8 in Philadelphia, the Decades of Discoveries Tour will introduce 10 new products at every tour stop.

The schedule is as follows:

July 8, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
July 15, Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
July 22, Gateway Arch, St. Louis
July 29, The Alamo, San Antonio
August 5, Grand Old Opry, Nashville, Tenn.
August 12, Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colo.
August 19, Seattle Space Needle, Seattle
August 26, Navy Pier, Chicago
Sept. 2, Red Rocks of Sedona, Sedona, Ariz.
Sept. 9, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Posted by at 11:27 AM | TrackBack

Edgar Ray Killen Should Get the Electric Chair

Former Ku Klux Klansman Edgar Ray Killen was sentenced on Thursday to 60 years in prison for orchestrating the 1964 killings of three civil rights workers who were registering black voters in Mississippi.

A jury convicted the 80-year-old former preacher on Tuesday on three counts of felony manslaughter, finding that he organized a posse to kidnap, beat and shoot the three young men. The notorious crime galvanized the civil rights movement and was dramatized in the 1988 movie "Mississippi Burning."

Posted by at 11:20 AM | TrackBack

Bath & Body Works Takes Over

The team at Pierce Mattie PR noticed our clients last year were suddenly receiving calls from the Limited Corporation. "They want to put us in Bath & Body Works" our clients would sing. This year the notes changed to "They want to put us in their Victoria Secret's Stores". And sure enough we have had brands hold back on their Sephora launches and focus on the Limited group. It's hard not to with private jets that pick you up and take you straight to their door. Their accounts speak major volume for all of our clients. Is this the same company I worked for in college, as a sales associate for Express, when their men's fashion label "Structure" was back then the Abercrombie of the early 90's? And where did I put my stash of employee stocks that I acquired while working there. Limited has evolved today, some say their name should change to Unlimited. The Associated Press reports...

Never heard of triple rose water? The sales associate in the white lab coat can tick off its benefits. Or try something more modern, such as a green-tea-inspired cleanser developed by a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

It's first thing in the morning at C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries, and the conversation you're overhearing could be part of a staff training sessions or just a casual conversation -- people at this store are serious about grooming products.

That attitude is shared by Limited Brands Chairman Leslie Wexner, who says the future of an Ohio-based company he built on women's apparel now lies in beauty products and underwear. Those items are less prone than apparel to seasonal changes in customer taste, are more driven by brand loyalty and offer predictable profit growth.

``We've reinvented ourselves completely. We are now predominantly a personal care, beauty and lingerie company,'' Wexner said in his annual letter to shareholders of Limited Brands, the parent of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works.

Besides C.O. Bigelow, which opened its first store in October near Limited Brand's headquarters in New Albany, the company is also testing a new concept for lingerie stores and expanding the department store brand Henri Bendel into stores that sell home and beauty products.

Personal care products accounted for 30 percent of the company's 2004 revenue, up from 4 percent a decade earlier. In the same period, apparel sales shrank from 71 percent of the company's business to 29 percent, while lingerie grew from 25 percent to 41 percent. Limited Brands wouldn't make its top executives available to discuss the overall company's change in strategy.

Analysts have applauded the company's efforts. They note that a growing number of specialty clothing chains are carving the market into increasingly smaller segments, while the cosmetics market is relatively less crowded.

The experts also note that personal care products are bought more frequently -- people tend to use up hand lotion faster than they wear out jeans -- and customers are often more loyal to grooming products than clothing brands.

What's hot in fashion changes from season to season, making it harder to earn money at selling clothes, say experts.

``You come out with a new line, and the consumer just shrugs her shoulders and goes past that,'' said Kurt Barnard, president of Barnard's Retail Consulting Group in Nutley, N.J. ``It's like playing Russian roulette.''

Apparel drags on profit

It's a game Limited Brands has been losing. Figures show that two-thirds of its $9.4 billion in sales and nearly all its profit in 2004 came from Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, while the apparel division has been a drag on Limited's profit. In the most recent quarter, apparel had a $68 million operating loss, while operating profits at the personal-care and lingerie chains grew over a year earlier.

Limited Brands is far ahead of its traditional rivals in developing stand-alone toiletries stores, but experts say the competition is catching up. Rival Gap announced in January that it was opening 11 Gapbody outlets, which sell lingerie, perfume and cosmetics.

The C.O. Bigelow store exemplifies the strategy of enticing customers to buy pricier, higher-margin products. Unlike the assortment at Bath & Body Works, nearly two-thirds of C.O. Bigelow's products come from outside brands, many of which are more expensive. Items include a 16-ounce bottle of lemon body lotion for $24 and a $100 razor.

``The objective with C.O. Bigelow is to own really the top end of prestige beauty retailing that is the alternative to department store beauty retailing,'' Bath & Body Works CEO Neil Fiske told analysts in March.

Limited Brands plans to open six more C.O. Bigelow stores this year.

The selection at the Columbus store wowed Linda Fogarty, 50, who drove an hour from Springfield to buy a facial cleanser she learned about at a Beverly Hills spa.

``It's fabulous... Just about everything you'd want is here: Brands that you read about and think, `Oh I can't get that in Ohio,' '' she said.

But teacher Carrie Williams of Columbus wasn't thrilled with the prices: ``Some things are very overpriced, but they do have a variety of lines.''

Posted by at 11:02 AM | TrackBack

Plastic Surgery Comes to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills / Los Angeles

The “Rodeo Drive” of Plastic Surgery: Dior, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and now…Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery. This new center sets the trend in plastic surgery, direct from ground zero--Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

There’s a new “boutique” smack in the heart of Rodeo Drive. Among its neighbors are the likes of Chanel, Armani, and Hugo Boss.

“Our medical center looks more like a boutique than a doctor’s office,” explains plastic surgeon Dr. Lloyd Krieger, who has been featured in the local and national media. Dr. Krieger is the founder and medical director of the posh 5,000 square foot facility at 421 North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. “It’s the only cosmetic surgery center on this street of luxury. I therefore made a point of creating an atmosphere that is luxurious, inviting, and soothing.”

Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery is high-end retail medicine, a boutique approach to beauty and well-being. The center offers top of the line medical expertise and, like its neighbors, also provides superb service in a setting of glamour and sophistication.

To quote one of Dr. Krieger’s patients: “Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery has the aesthetic sense of an artist, of someone I’d want to work on me.”

Beyond his skill in performing the nips, tucks and lifts his patients seek, Dr. Krieger encourages them to open up to a new lifestyle to further enhance and maintain their youthfulness for years to come. He has an arrangement with a number of health, beauty and fashion experts including many of the clothiers on his street, who provide their services to his patients after they’ve had a cosmetic procedure.

Plastic surgery is the first step in improving your image. “But why stop there,” he says. “I support my patients in prolonging and improving what I started in the operating room.” Dr. Krieger has established a unique professional network to offer his patients a lifestyle design, which may include a new wardrobe at nearby Rodeo Drive shops, a new hairstyle, spa treatments, and a new fitness regime.

Dr. Krieger, who attended medical school at the University of Chicago and completed his residency at UCLA, maintains operating privileges at UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “Because cosmetic surgery is elective, people are looking for a first-class experience, and that’s what we offer at our center,” Dr. Krieger concludes, “we designed our center to combine the convenience of storefront shopping with what I call the ‘Four Seasons treatment’.”

Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery
(310) 550-6300
www.RodeoDrivePlasticSurgery.com

Posted by at 10:57 AM | TrackBack

New Rampage Clothing Company Website Receives Webby Award for Exhibiting Remarkable Achievement as Business Nearly Doubles in Nine Months

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites and hailed as the “online Oscars” by Time Magazine has recognized web developer A Far Site Better’s technologically advanced website for Rampage Clothing Company for exhibiting remarkable achievement as business nearly doubles in nine months.

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, today recognized Rampage.com as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement. The site was developed by Santa Monica, CA based A Far Site Better.

Hailed as the “online Oscars” by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet,” said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. “Rampage.com’s Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of A Far Site Better.” Other Webby Worthy winners include the corporate brand sites for Ralph Lauren’s Polo, CNN, Disney, CBS, Chrysler and Capitol One.

Rampage’s customer response to the new site has been absolutely fantastic,” states Francheska Anderson, Director of Rampage.com, “not just in sales volume, which has nearly doubled, but in customer satisfaction as well. Our customers are thrilled by the ease of use, intuitive navigation, product presentation, and of course realZOOM.”

realZOOM is A Far Site Better’s patent pending technology that is the fastest, easiest way for online shoppers to get super close-up views on a product without any extra software or browser plug-ins to download. realZOOM allows Rampage customers to simply mouse over an image, and the zoomed-in portion pops up automatically in real time (even on dial-up) giving the user stunning detail of the products. “Our clothing line comes alive with realZOOM and our shoppers feel like they are seeing the merchandise as if they were in a store and it’s fun too!” states Anderson.

Here are a few of the many email comments sent to Rampage about their new website with realZOOM:
• "I love the idea of zooming in on any item, and it's so simple to use. I’ve never seen a website more in-touch with what I need when shopping online. This feature should improve your sales by 100%! I can really see what I'm getting... I love it!"

• "I am amazed at the convention of your website. The pleasant experience provided by your online shopping due to detailed zoom into the product, the descriptions and image, clear, concise navigation tools and headings and the ability to easily locate and maneuver through, allows one to look forward to visiting your site."

• “I think that Rampage is the best consumer website I have ever visited! I love the attention to detail and that I can actually see the detail in the clothing thanks to the zoom feature. The creators must really have focused on what women want to know & see when they are shopping online. Thank you!"

• "I love the zoom on the website. One concern people have when ordering clothing online is what little thing are they not seeing? You all have solved that problem with realZOOM by showing us exactly what we are purchasing. Thank you!"

• “I just wanted to tell you what a fabulous web site you have. I visited for the first time today, and I am very impressed. You make finding the items that you want and need extremely easy. And I love how the items are displayed, being able to see each item up close just by scrolling your mouse of it! Your site well exceeds that of your competition, and I can't wait to make my first purchase because I am sure the quality of your clothes will be just as great!”

About A Far Site Better
A Far Site Better extends the traditional scope of the web experience to improve and revitalize — or in some cases, resuscitate — a company’s existing website and online profile. A Far Site Better’s real strength lies in their ability to deliver personal attention, combined with their unique award-winning platform technology such as realZOOM (www.realZOOM.com). By analyzing a client’s needs, especially in the light of previous experience, A Far Site Better takes their clients to the next level with customized, cost-effective solutions.

About Rampage Clothing Company
Based in Los Angeles since 1982, Rampage’s online clothing outlet augments showrooms and offices in California and New York. Rampage is a recognized leading retailer of young women’s apparel. Rampage also distributes its products throughout the United States and has licenses in Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and Korea.

About The Webby Awards:
Called the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 9th Annual Webby Awards received over 4,000 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune Magazine, The Online Publishing Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS):
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser.

Posted by at 10:51 AM | TrackBack

H&M Get's it Up - Fashion Public Relations

H&M proves it's right in fashion as profit soars 34%

EUROPE'S largest fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz met second-quarter expectations with a 34 per cent rise in pre-tax profit, fuelled by higher sales and improved gross margins.

But the UK was one of its weaker markets for sales over the period.

The Swedish chain, which has two branches on Princes Street and another in Kinnaird Park, reaped a £260 million pre-tax profit, compared to £190m a year earlier.

H&M said May sales were up 18 per cent against a forecast of 15 per cent, showing that not everyone was feeling the effects of the consumer slowdown.

Gross margin was up 1.7 per cent on the same period last year to 60.1 per cent.

In a statement the company attributed this improvement in its second quarter, which runs to the end of May, to "lower quota costs, lower dollar rate and also lower price reductions".

"It is a very good report, especially the sales growth," said Anna-Karin Envall, analyst at Handelsbanken.

H&M said new collections introduced during the second quarter were well received by consumers, and helped boost the quarter's operating margin to 22.8 per cent, a best for the company.

The company's improved clothing sales come after it reported a slowdown at the start of the year.

It said: "Well-received collections have contributed to the group's best operating margin in a second quarter."

Main competitor Inditex, which owns the Zara chain, posted a pre-tax profit in the February-April period of £119.8 million and its gross margin was 55.7 per cent. Inditex blamed a poor choice of designs for its weak start to the second quarter.

Elsewhere in the Swedish market, smaller clothing retailer Lindex said this week it had boosted pre-tax profits to £7.2m in its third quarter, which also ended on May 31.

However, it reported falling sales, down 3.3 per cent compared to growth in the wider Swedish market of 4.9 per cent.

H&M said it would open up to 90 stores during the remainder of the year, mainly in Britain, the United States, Germany, Spain and Poland.

The Swedish fashion giant registered 53 per cent growth in the Spanish market, 18 per cent in Germany, 13 per cent in the US, nine per cent in Sweden - but only six per cent in the UK.

Over the past six months, H&M opened 62 new shops, of which 13 are in Germany, seven are in Poland, five are in the UK and four in Spain, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Italy.

The retailer - whose range extends from underwear to suits and which has featured collections designed by Karl Lagerfeld and shortly by Stella McCartney - said it had enjoyed good development in all its markets this spring.

It recently opened its first branch in Ireland and will open stores in San Francisco and Budapest in the autumn.

H&M opened its first store in 1947 and at the end of May this year had 45,000 employees in 1121 stores in 21 countries.

THE FACTS

H&M was set up in 1947 by Erling Persson in Sweden. It was listed on the stock market in 1974 and owns and runs all its own stores.

Germany is H&M's biggest market, followed by Sweden and the UK.

H&M does not have any factories and works with around 700 independent suppliers. Around 60 per cent of production takes place in Asia. It has around 100 designers who work with a team of pattern designers, buyers and budget controllers to create H&M's collections.

Since 1980 H&M has offered shopping by mail order.

In 1998 H&M began its online shopping service, when e-commerce started as a test activity in Sweden. H&M also sells own-brand cosmetics.

Posted by at 10:42 AM | TrackBack

OK! Magazine Comes to America

OK!, a British magazine that pays celebrities for exclusive coverage and allows them to approve text and photos, launches a U.S. edition this summer.

The Wall Street Journal reports that OK! USA has already offered hotel heiress and TV bad girl Paris Hilton $2 million for exclusive rights to coverage of her wedding to a Greek shipping tycoon. A spokesman for the publisher, Northern & Shell PLC, told the Journal that the approach was right, while he refused to confirm the amount of money involved, and said the magazine had also offered Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise payment.

Magazines already pay for celebrity photographs, but the beneficiaries are generally the photographers, not the subjects.

Some editors also suggest that readers want real news, not pre-packaged puff pieces.

There are also some pitfalls for the magazine. The Journal reports that OK!'s British edition paid Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas $1.4 million for pictures of their wedding five years ago. Hello magazine scooped OK!, getting its own unauthorized story and pictures, only to be sued by Zeta-Jones and OK!

Posted by at 10:33 AM | TrackBack

Ladies Stop Wine-ing

Wine Adventure, the first wine magazine targeted to women, premieres in July. Wine Adventure, to be published bimonthly, focuses on the "softer" side of wine, with a lively mix of articles that will enhance readers' knowledge and enjoyment of wine, without taking the subject too seriously.

"Most women who drink wine don't care about rating systems or amassing their collections -- they simply want to enjoy wine and its related lifestyle," says Michele Ostrove, editor-in-chief of Wine Adventure. "But, until now, no magazine addressed that segment. Wine Adventure is about expanding your wine horizons, both around the world and at home, and having fun as you learn."

Wine Adventure features articles on wine tasting destinations, food and wine pairings, lifestyle enhancements, experts' picks, personality interviews, wine and cooking schools, wine gizmos and gadgets, and more.

Early issues will feature California's Central Coast, Mendocino, Napa/Sonoma and Croatia/Slovenia, as well as picnics, wine storage, tasting groups, wine bars, an interview with Sideways author Rex Pickett, and pairings by well-known chef Bradley Ogden.

The magazine's approachable, non-intimidating style will especially appeal to women, who comprise 53% of U.S. buyers of high-end wine (over $15), according to a 2005 Wine Market Council survey. Of those who say they would purchase a wine costing more than $20 for a casual occasion, 57% are women. Additionally, 80% of women prefer wine to other alcoholic beverages.

"It's so refreshing that a new wine magazine is targeting the largest segment of wine consumers -- women," says Leslie Sbrocco, wine writer and author of "Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing, and Sharing Wine" (William Morrow). "Whether it's content about where to go to taste, tips on wine and food pairings, or entertaining ideas, Wine Adventure is geared towards providing the kind of information women want regarding wine."

New subscribers will get six issues plus one bonus issue for the introductory price of $30.00. An online version of Wine Adventure is also available. For subscription information, visit www.wamagazine.com.

Editors: To interview Michele Ostrove, editor-in-chief of Wine Adventure, or link to a pdf of the entire premier issue, contact Robert Udowitz, (703) 621-8060.

Posted by at 10:28 AM | TrackBack

The National Magazine Awards

Each year at the National Magazine Awards, a panel of judges decides which of the nation's 17,500 periodicals are the best.

NOTE: All nominated issues are dated 2004 unless otherwise specified. The editor whose name appears in connection with finalists for 2005 held that position, or was listed on the masthead, at the time the issue was published in 2004. In some cases, another editor is now in that position.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE
This category recognizes overall excellence in magazines. It honors the effectiveness with which writing, reporting, editing and design all come together to command readers’ attention and fulfill the magazine’s unique editorial mission.

Under 100,000 circulation
Print (Winner): Joyce Rutter Kaye, editor-in-chief, for January/February, July/August, September/October issues.
The American Scholar: Anne Fadiman, editor, for Winter, Spring, Summer issues.
The Believer: Heidi Julavits, Ed Park, and Vendela Vida, co-editors; Andrew Leland, managing editor, for June, September, November issues.
ReadyMade: Shoshana Berger, editor-in-chief, for March/April, May/June, September/October issues.
The Virginia Quarterly Review: Ted Genoways, editor, for Winter, Spring, Fall issues.

100,000 to 250,000 circulation
Dwell (Winner): Allison Arieff, editor-in-chief, for March, October/November, December issues.
Baseline: Tom Steinert-Threlkeld, editor-in-chief, for March, April, December issues.
Foreign Policy: Moisés Naím, editor and publisher, for May/June, July/August, September/October issues.
Los Angeles Magazine: Kit Rachlis, editor-in-chief, for June, September, October issues.
Teacher Magazine: Virginia B. Edwards, editor, for August/September, October, November/December issues.

250,000 to 500,000 circulation
Martha Stewart Weddings (Winner): Darcy Miller, editorial director; Melissa Morgan, executive editor, for Winter, Summer, Fall issues.
The Atlantic Monthly: Cullen Murphy, managing editor, for January/February, July/August, November issues.
Cure: Dr. Vinay K. Jain, editor-in-chief; Melissa Weber, managing editor, for Summer, Fall, Winter issues.
Details: Daniel Peres, editor-in-chief, for March, August, September issues.
New York Magazine: Adam Moss, editor-in-chief, for June 7, November 15, November 22 issues.

500,000 to 1,000,000 circulation
Wired (Winner): Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief, for February, October, November issues.
Cook’s Illustrated: Christopher Kimball, founder and editor, for August, October and December issues.
Esquire: David Granger, editor-in-chief, for March, September, November issues.
Gourmet: Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief, for March, August, October issues.
Vibe: Mimi Valdés, editor-in-chief, for March, May, November issues.

1,000,000 to 2,000,000 circulation
The New Yorker (Winner): David Remnick, editor, for February 16 & 23, May 10, August 30 issues.
Fortune: Rik Kirkland, managing editor, for April 5, April 19, May 31 issues.
Men’s Health: David Zinczenko, vice-president and editor-in-chief, for March, October, November issues.
Real Simple: Kristin van Ogtrop, managing editor, for May, October, December/January issues.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for March, October, December issues.

Over 2,000,000 circulation
Glamour (Winner): Cynthia Leive, editor-in-chief, for October, November, December issues.
Good Housekeeping: Ellen Levine, editor-in-chief, for September, October, November issues.
National Geographic: William L. Allen, editor-in-chief, for June, November, December issues.
Newsweek: Mark Whitaker, editor, for May 31, November 15, December 27-January 3 issues.
Sports Illustrated: Terry McDonell, Managing Editor, for April 26, September 27, December 6 issues.

PERSONAL SERVICE
This category recognizes excellence in service journalism. The advice or instruction presented should help readers improve the quality of their personal lives.

BabyTalk (Winner): Susan Kane, editor-in-chief, for You Can Breastfeed!, by Kristin O’Callaghan, August.
Budget Living: Sarah Gray Miller, editor-in-chief, for Show Me the Way Home, by Dimity McDowell, April/May.
Money: Robert Safian, managing editor, for two packages compiled by the writers and editors of Money, 101 Things Every Investor Should Know!, March; 101 Things Every Consumer Should Know!, July.
Self: Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief, for its breast cancer handbook, Your Breasts, Healthy for Life, October.
U.S. News & World Report: Brian Duffy, editor, for How to Be a Smart Patient, November 8.

LEISURE INTERESTS
This category recognizes excellent service journalism about leisure-time pursuits. The practical advice or instruction presented should help readers enjoy hobbies or other recreational interests.

Sports Illustrated (Winner): Terry McDonell, managing editor, for its 2004 Olympic Preview, August 2.
Golf Digest: Jerry Tarde, chairman and editor-in-chief, for The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Buddies Trip, December.
National Geographic Adventure: John Rasmus, editor-in-chief, for Grail Trails, by Charles Graeber and Jim Gorman, June/July.
O, The Oprah Magazine: Oprah Winfrey, founder and editorial director; Amy Gross, editor-in-chief, for Attention Shoppers!, September.
Runner’s World: David Willey, editor-in-chief, for Fall Shoe Guide, September, and Winter Shoe Guide, December, by Warren Greene and Ray Fredericksen.

REPORTING
This category recognizes excellence in reporting. It honors the enterprise, exclusive reporting and intelligent analysis that a magazine exhibits in covering an event, a situation or a problem of contemporary interest and significance.

The New Yorker (Winner): David Remnick, editor, for Dying in Darfur, by Samantha Power, August 30.
5280 Magazine: Daniel Brogan, editor and publisher, for Conduct Unbecoming, by Maximillian Potter, February/March.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Philip W. Semas, editor-in-chief, for Degrees of Suspicion: Inside the Multimillion-Dollar World of Diploma Mills, by Thomas Bartlett and Scott Smallwood, June 25.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Philip W. Semas, editor-in-chief, for its special report on plagiarism by Thomas Bartlett, Scott Smallwood, David Glenn and Scott McLemee, December 17.
National Geographic Adventure: John Rasmus, editor-in-chief, for Stomping Grounds, by Paul Kvinta, August.

PUBLIC INTEREST
This category recognizes journalism that has the potential to affect national or local policy or lawmaking. It honors investigative reporting or groundbreaking analysis that sheds new light on an issue of public importance.

The New Yorker (Winner): David Remnick, editor, for the three articles by Seymour M. Hersh, Torture at Abu Ghraib; May 10, Chain of Command, May 17; The Gray Zone, May 24.
5280 Magazine: Daniel Brogan, editor and publisher, for Private Stites Should Have Been Saved, by Maximillian Potter, June/July.
Fortune: Rik Kirkland, managing editor, for Why We’re Losing the War on Cancer (and How to Win It), by Clifton Leaf, March 22.
Harper’s Magazine: Lewis H. Lapham, editor, for Gambling with Abortion: Why Both Sides Think They Have Everything to Lose, by Cynthia Gorney, November.
San Francisco: Bruce Kelley, editor-in-chief, for Innocence Lost, by Nina Martin, November.

FEATURE WRITING
This category recognizes excellence in feature writing. It honors the stylishness and originality with which the author treats his or her subject.

Esquire (Winner): David Granger, editor-in-chief, for Home, by Chris Jones, July.
The Atlantic Monthly: Cullen Murphy, managing editor, for A Sea Story, by William Langewiesche, May.
GQ: Jim Nelson, editor-in-chief, for The Wronged Man, by Andrew Corsello, November.
Texas Monthly: Evan Smith, editor, for They Came. They Sawed., by John Bloom, November.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for American Communion, by David Kamp, October.

PROFILE WRITING
This category recognizes excellence in profile writing. It honors the vividness and perceptiveness with which the writer brings his or her subject to life.

The New Yorker (Winner): David Remnick, editor, for The Gift, by Ian Parker, August 2.
Rolling Stone: Jann S. Wenner, editor and publisher, for The Twilight of Bob Guccione, by John Colapinto, April 1.
Sports Illustrated: Terry McDonell, managing editor, for Walking His Life Away, by Gary Smith, July 26.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for The Man Who Loved Grizzlies, by Ned Zeman, May.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for The Making of a Sniper, by Donovan Webster, September.

ESSAYS
This category recognizes excellence in essay writing on topics ranging from the personal to the political. Whatever the subject, it honors the author’s eloquence, perspective, fresh thinking and unique voice.

National Geographic (Winner): William L. Allen, editor-in-chief, for Was Darwin Wrong?, by David Quammen, November.
The Atlantic Monthly: Cullen Murphy, managing editor, for How Serfdom Saved the Women’s Movement, by Caitlin Flanagan, March.
Esquire: David Granger, editor-in-chief, for Please Stand By While the Age of Miracles Is Briefly Suspended, by James McManus, August.
Ms.: Elaine Lafferty, editor-in-chief, for Between a Woman and Her Doctor, by Martha Mendoza, Summer.
The New Yorker: David Remnick, editor, for Last of the Metrozoids, by Adam Gopnik, May 10.

COLUMNS and COMMENTARY
This category recognizes excellence in short-form political, social, economic or humorous commentary. The award honors the eloquence, force of argument and succinctness with which the writer presents his or her views.

National Journal (Winner): Charles Green, editor, for three columns by Jonathan Rauch, On Same-Sex Marriage, Bush Failed the Public and Himself, March 6; Fix the McCain-Feingold Law. Oops—Can I Say That?, September 25; Good Plan, Republicans. But It Didn’t Work In Britain., December 18.
The New Yorker: David Remnick, editor, for three columns by George Packer, Wars and Ideas, July 5; The Political War, September 27; Questions of Greatness, October 25.
SmartMoney: Fleming Meeks, editor, for three columns by Roger Lowenstein, The Wrong Diagnosis, March; How Greedy Was My Valley, April; What Goes Up…, December.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for three columns by Christopher Hitchens, A Prayer for Indonesia, January; I Fought the Law, February; The Gospel According to Mel, March.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for three columns by James Wolcott, The Bush Bunch, July; Color Me Khaki, September; Rummy on the Rocks, October.

REVIEWS and CRITICISM
This category recognizes excellence in criticism of art, books, movies, television, theater, music, dance, food, dining, fashion, products and the like. It honors the knowledge, persuasiveness and original voice that the critic brings to his or her reviews.

The New Yorker (Winner):David Remnick, editor, for three reviews by Adam Gopnik, Times Regained, March 22; The Big One, August 23; Will Power, September 13.
The New Yorker: David Remnick, editor, for three reviews by Louis Menand, Bad Comma, June 28; Nanook and Me, August 9 & 16; The Unpolitical Animal, August 30.
GQ: Jim Nelson, editor-in-chief, for three reviews by Alan Richman, The Restaurant Commandments, July; The Thing That Ate New York, November; Stick a Fork in Jean-Georges, December.
The New Republic: Peter Beinart, editor, for three pieces by Jed Perl, Beyond Belief, February 16; Firings, April 5; Modern Immaturity, November 29 & December 6.
Vanity Fair: Graydon Carter, editor, for three pieces by James Wolcott, Makeover Madness, January; The Laptop Brigade, April; Bland Ambition, August.

MAGAZINE SECTION
This category recognizes excellence of a regular department or editorial section of a magazine, either front- or back-of-book and composed of a variety of elements, both text and visual. Finalists were selected based on the section’s voice, originality, design, and packaging.

Popular Science (Winner): Scott Mowbray, editor-in-chief, for its section How 2.0, April, May, June.
AARP The Magazine: Steven Slon, editor, for its front-of-book section Navigator, March/April, May/June, September/October.
ESPN The Magazine: Gary Hoenig, editor-in-chief, for its front-of-book section The Jump, March 29, May 10, August 2.
New York Magazine: Adam Moss, editor-in-chief, for its Strategist section, October 18, October 25, November 22.
Runner’s World: David Willey, editor-in-chief, for its front-of-book mega-section Warmups, July, September, November.

SINGLE-TOPIC ISSUE
This category recognizes magazines that have devoted an issue to an in-depth examination of one topic. It honors the ambition, comprehensiveness and imagination with which a magazine treats its subject.

Newsweek (Winner): Mark Whitaker, editor, for How He Did It, a special issue on the presidential election, November 15.
Discover: Stephen L. Petranek, editor-in-chief, for its special Einstein issue: 100 Years of Genius Without Limits, September.
Fortune: Richard Kirkland, managing editor, for its 50th anniversary issue on the Fortune 500, April 5.
Gourmet: Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief, for its special issue on New York, March.
Print: Joyce Rutter Kaye, editor-in-chief, for its sex issue, July/August.

DESIGN
This category recognizes excellence in magazine design. It honors the effectiveness of overall design, artwork, graphics and typography in enhancing a magazine’s unique mission and personality.

Kids: Fun Stuff To Do Together: (Winner): Jodi Levine, editorial director; Melissa Morgan, executive editor; Deb Bishop, design director, for July/August, September/October, Winter issues.
Details: Daniel Peres, editor-in-chief; Rockwell Harwood, design director, for January/February, March, September issues.
Everyday Food: Margaret Roach, editor-in-chief; Melissa Morgan, executive editor; Scot Schy, design director, for March, November, December issues.
Ski: Kendall Hamilton, editor-in-chief; Eleanor Williamson, art director, for October, November, December issues.
W: Patrick McCarthy, chairman and editorial director; Dennis Freedman, vice chairman and creative director; Edward Leida, executive vice president and group design director; Kirby Rodriguez, art director, for July, September, October issues.

PHOTOGRAPHY
This category recognizes excellence in magazine photography. It honors the effectiveness of photography, photojournalism and photo illustration in enhancing a magazine’s unique mission and personality.

Gourmet (Winner): Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief; Richard Ferretti, creative director; Erika Oliveira, art director; Amy Koblenzer, photo editor, for October, November, December issues.
Country Home: Carol Sheehan, editor-in-chief; Mary Emmerling, creative director; Susan L Uedelhofen, art director, for September, October, November issues.
Details: Daniel Peres, editor-in-chief; Rockwell Harwood, design director; Judith Puckett-Rinella, photography director, for March, September, November issues.
Kids: Fun Stuff To Do Together: Jodi Levine, editor-in-chief; Melissa Morgan, executive editor; Deb Bishop, design director; Brooke Reynolds and Robin Rosenthal, senior art directors; Stacie McCormick, photo editor, for Winter, July/August, September/October issues.
New York Magazine: Adam Moss, editor-in-chief; Luke Hayman, design director; Jody Quon, photography director; Chris Dixon, art director; Cory Jacobs, photography editor, for August 16, August 23, November 22 issues.

PHOTO PORTFOLIO/PHOTO ESSAY
This category recognizes a distinctive portfolio or photographic essay. It honors either photos that express an idea or a concept, or documentary photojournalism shot in real time.

Time (Winner): James Kelly, managing editor; Arthur Hochstein, art director; Michele Stephenson, director of photography, for The Tragedy of Sudan, by James Nachtwey, October 4.
Aperture: Melissa Harris, editor-in-chief; Yolanda Cuomo, art director, for Loretta Lux’s Changelings, by Loretta Lux, text by Diana C. Stoll, February.
Condé Nast Traveler: Thomas J. Wallace, editor-in-chief; Robert Best, design director; Kathleen Klech, photography director; Kerry Robertson, art director; Esin Ili Göknar, picture editor, for Empire of Ice, by Len Jenshel and Diane Cook, July.
Departures: Richard David Story, editor-in-chief; Bernard Scharf, creative director; Jennifer L. Martin, director of photography; Trent Johnson, art director, for To Catch a Thief, by Torkil Gudnason, November/December.
Los Angeles Magazine: Kit Rachlis, editor-in-chief; Joe Kimberling, art director; Kathleen Clark, photo editor; for City of Ash, by Robert Polidori, April.
The New Yorker: David Remnick, editor; Elisabeth Biondi, director of photography, for Democracy 2004, by Richard Avedon, November 1.

FICTION
This category recognizes excellence in magazine fiction writing. It honors the quality of a publication’s literary selections.

The Atlantic Monthly (Winner): Cullen Murphy, managing editor, for An Incomplete Map of the Northern Polarity, by Nathan Roberts, January/February; Foaling Season, by Aryn Kyle, May; The One in White, by Robert Olen Butler, July/August.
Harper’s Magazine: Lewis H. Lapham, editor, for Natasha, by David Bezmozgis, May; Commission, by Tim Winton, September; Introduction to Speech, by Ron Carlson, December.
The New Yorker: David Remnick, editor, for The Last Words on Earth, by Nicole Krauss, February 9; Passion, by Alice Munro, March 22; Old Boys, Old Girls, by Edward P. Jones, May 3.
The Paris Review: Brigid Hughes, executive editor, for The Fifth Wall, by Malinda McCollum; The Wamsutter Wolf, by Annie Proulx; Everyone Else, by Antoine Wilson, Fall.
The Virginia Quarterly Review: Ted Genoways, editor, for The Immortals, by John McNally, Spring; Happy, by Dean Bakopoulos, Summer; The Futurist, by James P. Othmer, Fall.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE ONLINE
This category recognizes outstanding magazine Internet sites, as well as online-only magazines and Weblogs, that have a significant amount of original content. It honors sites that reflect an outstanding level of interactivity, journalistic integrity, service and innovative visual presentation.

Style.com (www.style.com) (Winner): Jamie Pallot, editorial director, CondeNet
The Atlantic Online (www.theatlantic.com): Sage Stossel, senior editor
BusinessWeek Online (www.businessweek.com): Kathy Rebello, editor
ConsumerReports.org (www.consumerreports.org): Laura R. Bona, editor
Nerve.com (www.nerve.com): Michael Martin, editor-in-chief

Posted by at 10:22 AM | TrackBack

M.A.C. and Pamela Anderson Stress The Aids Test with a Beauty PR Update

M.A.C AIDS Fund (MAF), the charitable arm of M.A.C Cosmetics, announces today the worldwide debut of a Radio Public Service Announcement (RPSA) featuring M.A.C VIVA GLAM V Spokesperson, Pamela Anderson, urging people to get tested for HIV/AIDS. MAF will officially launch the RPSA on Monday, June 27th, declared as National HIV Testing Day, by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US). This nationally recognized annual campaign promotes the importance of HIV testing and counseling. HIV/AIDS is preventable and 95% of people infected with the HIV virus worldwide don't know they have it.

M.A.C. VIVA GLAM superstar Pamela Anderson has adopted the importance of getting tested, getting results, and making informed healthcare decisions as her platform for the M.A.C VIVA GLAM V Campaign and advocates this in the RPSA. Pamela Anderson and MAF encourage everyone to make HIV testing a part of their regular healthcare routine and fully support the National HIV Testing Day annual campaign, its message and importance.

"It was personally important for me to participate in the National HIV Testing Day RPSA with M.A.C AIDS Fund since Getting Tested is my platform for the VIVA GLAM campaign. HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease, but if you don't know your HIV status you can unknowingly pass it along to others. Our greatest defense against the spread of HIV is to know our status and the only way to know is to GET TESTED! A lot of people wonder how they can make a difference; getting tested and buying a M.A.C VIVA GLAM lipstick can really make a difference around the world. So do your part and GET TESTED this Monday, National HIV Testing Day. It's quick and easy and it can make a difference." -- Pam Anderson

Many places offer HIV testing including local health departments, private doctors' offices, hospitals, and sites specifically set up to provide HIV testing. It is important to get tested at a place that also provides counseling about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer any questions that might arise, help understand the meaning of the test results and provide information about local AIDS-related resources. Many places now offer the Rapid HIV Antibody Test that can give results in 5-60 minutes with a simple fingerstick sample of blood.

According to NAPWA-US, across the country on National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), thousands of HIV counseling and testing sites, state and local health departments, and community-based HIV/AIDS service providers will participate in NHTD events, by holding health fairs, providing community and media outreach, hosting special testing-related events or operating extended hours. HIV tests are quick and easy, and at some clinics they are free or can be paid for on a sliding scale, based on income.

In the three RPSA spots (:60, :30 and :15 seconds) Anderson explains that many things can happen in 60 seconds. An estimated three million people worldwide die of AIDS every year which translates to six people dying of AIDS every 60 seconds. Another thing that can happen in 60 seconds is taking an HIV test. She concludes with the reminder that HIV/AIDS has no cure, but its spread can be prevented by getting tested. She then refers listeners to the National AIDS Hotline 800-342-AIDS (2437) and the MAF Website for testing information. The RPSA debuts in America in June and will air internationally thereafter.

M.A.C VIVA GLAM products (Lipstick and Lipglass) are the primary funding sources for the M.A.C AIDS Fund, from which 100 percent of the sales benefit men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. To date the fund has raised over $47 million USD. In just one month after announcing Pamela Anderson as the newest face of VIVA GLAM, almost $1.4 million USD was generated for the M.A.C AIDS Fund.

The M.A.C AIDS Fund

The M.A.C AIDS Fund provides vital support to men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. Founded in 1994 by M.A.C Cosmetics, the fund has raised more than $47 million through the sales of the VIVA GLAM lipstick collection, Kids Helping Kids Cards and the M.A.C Deck of Cards. The proceeds are distributed to organizations worldwide that provide direct care services and daily essentials to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS, and that offer HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention programs and support the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals. 100% of the selling price of VIVA GLAM goes to the M.A.C AIDS Fund and are directed to local and geographic regions where the need for HIV-related care and services are greatest. For more information about the M.A.C AIDS Fund, log on to http://www.macaidsfund.org .

M.A.C (Make-up Art Cosmetics)

M.A.C, the leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in Toronto, Canada in 1985 and is now part of The Estee Lauder Companies. The company's popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M.A.C products are sold in more than 46 countries worldwide. For a M.A.C location or information on our products and services, visit http://www.maccosmetics.com, the recently redesigned site that makes the M.A.C online experience simpler, more informational and faster for the user.

Pamela Anderson Interview Q&A

Q: Tell us about what you are doing with the M.A.C VIVA GLAM Campaign and this Public Service Announcement for National HIV Testing Day.

A: I have been working with VIVA GLAM for a while now, the M.A.C AIDS Fund, I think its great and we've raised a lot of money with the selling of the lipstick. This is part of the GET TESTED platform that I wanted to get involved in, National HIV Testing Day is coming up, the 27th, June 27th and I just want to support them as much as possible because there is no cure for AIDS the only thing we can do is prevent it by not passing it around and I think they only way to know is to GET TESTED. In fact I was tested and found out I have Hepatitis C and I think the worst thing in the world for me would be to pass it onto somebody else, so I just think it's the only responsible choice is to know our health and be responsible for our own health and bodies and the people that we love and try to remove a little bit of the stigma associated with it. AIDS is not just a gay man's disease, it's women and children and people that are dying form AIDS all over the place and I think that it's just really important to stop the spread of it since there is no cure.

Q: Tell us about the M.A.C VIVA GLAM Lipstick.

A: M.A.C AIDS Fund is a worldwide organization, I can buy even one VIVA GLAM lipstick and it can medicate a woman in Africa for an entire month. And they [The M.A.C AIDS Fund] support people living with the disease which I think is great, the money isn't necessarily going to research its going to caring for people and a better quality of life for people living with the disease and their children and childcare and the meals and services all the good services that they have for all these people that are living with the disease which I think is just as important for us.

Q: How involved are you with the M.A.C VIVA GLAM Campaign and National HIV Testing Day?

A: Well I've always found that with charity events and charity things a lot of people go to charity events to maybe get their pictures taken or I think a lot of times you don't even know what you are going for and this was something really close to my heart because of having Hepatitis C and feeling empowered by knowing my health status. I thought more people should do this and so I feel connected to it. And you know like with PETA that something that I have done my whole life and I just saw the awareness and I saw the change that I have been able to make and with Hepatitis C the American Liver Foundation said that four times that amount of people were getting tested since I came out and said I had Hepatitis C and you know I am hoping to make a difference with this as well. And I think they're [M.A.C] clever. M.A.C is terrific it's such a generous sincere company and John Demsey I talked to him and it was like you know I know where the money is going I know that they are making a difference and they are just great people to work with they are just very sincere.

Q: How did you feel when you told your test results for Hepatitis C were positive?

A: Well you know I don't think its ever good news to hear that you are positive for Hepatitis C or AIDS, but there is life after, knowing your health status and its empowering and I think it's the only thing we can do I mean we don't want to pass it onto others since there is no cure um the only thing we can do is prevent it. I think it's just a responsible thing and not to be afraid of it and to feel empowered by knowing your health status instead of being afraid and I just think it's a positive thing.

Q: What would you like to tell everyone on June 27th?

A: Get tested June 27th, its National HIV Testing Day, I am going to get tested again, it's been a year so me and my girlfriends are going to do it and um that's it it's easy as that.

Posted by at 10:13 AM | TrackBack

Neiman Marcus Sells To HSBC

Neiman Marcus Group Inc., the luxury retailer being acquired by two private equity firms, will sell its private-label credit card business to HSBC Retail Services for $640 million.

The purchase price includes approximately $527 million in cash and the assumption or repayment of about $113 million of liabilities, Dallas-based Neiman Marcus said today in a statement.

Posted by at 12:24 AM | TrackBack

Boston magazine drops suit vs. new rival

Boston magazine is dropping its suit against Boston Common, a celebrity magazine due to launch here this fall, over the misappropriation of a list of advertising contacts.

Boston Common Publisher Jason Binn, in a statement released by Boston magazine, acknowledged his publication used a list of advertising contacts belonging to Boston magazine. He said that it occurred without his knowledge and was a violation of company policies and procedures.

Boston magazine's parent company, Metro Corp., had sued Niche Media LLC over the contact flap. Metro claimed that Binn and former Boston magazine employees took the list in an effort to contact and lure away Boston magazine advertisers.

The statement said there was an "amicable" resolution. Terms of the settlement were not released.

Posted by at 12:07 AM | TrackBack

June 22, 2005

Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani in Hawaii Opens

Halekulani, one of the finest and most acclaimed luxury resorts globally, has partnered with the equally distinguished and renowned designer Vera Wang to create the world’s most romantic luxury suite. The debut of the new Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani means both newlyweds and romantics have the perfect setting in which to explore their love in the most sensuous suite located in the most passionate place in the world: Hawaii.

While some people got a sneak peek of the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani on Valentine’s Day, the suite officially opens this month. The suite was unveiled by Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation.

Ms. Wang created the design for the one-of-a-kind luxury suite at the adored hotel. The exceptional 2,135-square-foot Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani sets a new standard in modern elegance by uniting the superb taste and design sensibility of the esteemed designer with the iconic aesthetic and consummate service standards of Halekulani. Ms. Wang personally selected every element in this suite, chosen from her own licensed collections or unique items selected during her global travels.

“The opening of this suite represents the consummation of an exciting relationship that will not only solidify our leadership as an innovative luxury hotel, but creates an unparalleled experience for our guests,” said Mr. Shaindlin. “Both Halekulani and Vera Wang are respected leaders in their industries and this ongoing partnership represents the best of these iconic brands.”

“The opportunity to work with Halekulani was a chance to collaborate with the best. As in fashion, a luxury resort creates an aesthetic and emotional experience. This is what I wanted to capture,” said Ms. Wang, who has designed more than 20 homes for her family and closest friends. “Having traveled all over the world, staying at the most exclusive hotels, resorts and spas, I have a very clear vision of what the ultimate luxury suite should be, both from a design as well as an experiential perspective. Halekulani has given me a wonderful opportunity to express this vision. I am also extremely excited that, for the first time, a selection of my furnishings and accessories will be featured in the suite.”

This wistful hideaway embodies a new “romantic modern” genre that captures, conveys and complements the spirit of comfort, romance and sensuality. Perfect for memorable experiences and the most special of occasions, including weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries or romantic getaways, the 2,135-square-foot suite features the following:

Entryway: Upon entering the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani, guests are whisked away from the everyday into a state of romantic bliss upon seeing the majestic ocean view and a statue of Quan Yin – the feminine incarnation of Buddha who is intended to welcome travelers at the gate and transform the experience from travel to serenity.
Soft white cloth walls and a solid Wenge floor give this entrance a chic, tropical undertone while setting the stage for a relaxing retreat.

Dining Room: An inspiring synthesis of pastoral and modern points of view, the dining room sets the mood for intimate candlelit dinners where couples can enjoy the finest champagnes and culinary seductions on a dark wood Wenge table surrounded by natural cane backed dining chairs. When enjoying en suite dining the table is set with Vera Wang china – Champagne Duchesse for lunch and Blanc Sur Blanc for dinner – as well as crystal and silver selected from the Vera Wang Home collection.

Living Room: Set in natural wood tones and highlighted by saturated tropical colors, the room features comfortable deep sofas in Ms Wang’s signature lavender. Bamboo formed chairs with cane sides are nestled among an eclectic mix of modern and ancient objects from around the world. Inspired by scientific drawings of coral, the accent pillows add bright and patterned punctuation to the room’s calm palette. A 19th Century Chinese writing desk offers space for writing love letters or chronicling your honeymoon or romantic retreat overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific, while an antique Asian moon screen defines the space.

Bedroom: Defined by its unique mix of sophisticated fabric textures and warm neutral tones, this inviting area encourages couples to leave their inhibitions behind. The king-sized bed is accented by a luxe mix of embroidered pillows designed to have the same details that Vera Wang is known for in her gowns and is flanked by side tables made from rare and precious palm wood and shagreen. A mirror above the bed echoing the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age reflects the grandeur of a Hawaiian sunrise.

TV Lounge: This unique lounge, which features a 50” Sony plasma television built into the wall, is the ultimate room for state-of-the-art entertainment. Perfect for snuggling with a loved one, the room centers on a plush blue chaise lounge and dec¬orative pillows incorporating fabrics from the Vera Wang ready-to-wear collection: the designer’s per¬sonal touch to the space. Here you’ll also find a DVD collection of some of Vera Wang’s favorite movies, including “The King And I”, “Love Story”, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, “Lost In Translation,” and “Love Actually.”

Bathroom: For intimate moments alone, or better, together, this room carefully layers similar materials to create the unexpected. There is a mirrored antique dressing table, twin vanities, and a natural limestone floor. Couples looking to luxuriate in the TOTO Clayton airbath, featuring a deep bathing well accentuated with a chrome plated solid brass grab bar and 16 individual air jets creating an unparalled bathing experience when combined with the exclusive signature aromatherapy program and SpaHalekulani’s personal care products.

Lanai: Breathtaking in its splendor, this 642-square-foot oceanfront lanai overlooks Waikiki beach, the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Couples can’t help falling under Eros’ spell as views of one of the most romantic places on earth mingle with a starlit sky, setting the perfect atmosphere for amour. During the day it’s the perfect place for private relaxation and recreation under the tropical sun. In the evening hours, this is the idyllic location to have a leisurely dinner for two.

Suite Technology: Aside from being the preeminent lover’s paradise, technophiles will find their own version of ecstatic bliss with cutting edge audio-video equipment. Halekulani has negotiated with Sony Corporation of Japan to fill the room with electronic comforts that include items not available anywhere in the United States, such as a 12.1” wireless TV featuring an on screen keyboard for e-mail and web browsing, a DVD Wireless Audio Dream System with a five-disc DVD/SACD/CD changer, digital sound and a six-speaker-surround-sound system. Guests will also surf the Internet seamlessly with access to the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi system.

Guests of the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani will enjoy dedicated formal 24-hour butler service catering to their every whim. From an epicurean perspective, arriving guests receive a complimentary bottle of Billecart-Salmon Rosé Champagne as well as special gastronomic delights based upon the guests’ tastes and arrival time. Some items include: Lobster/Crab salad Quenelles topped with Ostera Caviar, Salmon and Ahi Tartar, Foie Gras with Apricot and Mini Lobster Soup and La Mer Chocolates.

In addition, world-renowned mixologist and Halekulani’s Director of Beverage Arts, Dale DeGroff, has created a unique cocktail menu especially for guests of the Vera Wang Suite, which are prepared and served en suite. Mr. DeGroff has created such libations as Kiss of Venus, Aphrodite’s Poison and Cupid’s Arrow, which will only be offered in the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani.

The rate for the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani is $4,000 per night and $5,500 per night to include an adjoining one-bedroom suite. Reservations can be made directly, or by travel professionals through the General Manager’s office. For further information on the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani, please call 808-931-5005 or visit Halekulani’s website at www.halekulani.com

About Halekulani:
Consistently ranked among the world’s best hotels, Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and Okura Hotels & Resorts, two exclusive organizations comprised of the very finest hotels, pursuing service excellence and standards of the highest quality. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Halekulani the number one Pacific Rim resort in the publication’s 2003 “Reader’s Choice Awards.” In 2004, Halekulani again received top honors from Condé Nast Traveler, scoring higher than any other U.S. resort in the publication’s 2004 “Gold List,” which also ranked Halekulani the number one resort in the U.S. for location and the number three resort in the U.S. for food. Readers of Travel + Leisure ranked Halekulani as the number one hotel in Hawaii in the “Top 25 Hawaii” category, fourth in the “Top 100 Overall” category, and “Best Hotel for Service in Hawaii in the publication’s 2003 “World's Best Awards Readers' Survey,” in which Halekulani’s ratings were higher than any other surveyed property in the United States and Canada. In addition, the year-old SpaHalekulani earned the coveted Mobil Four-Star rating in 2004 – the highest rating bestowed upon any spa in the new guidebook from America’s most trusted travel advisor, Mobil Travel Guide, titled America’s Best Hotel & Resort Spas. Halekulani is man¬aged by the Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, a brand management division of the Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, which also manages Waikiki Parc Hotel. For reservations and information contact your travel planner or the hotel at (800) 367-2343 or (808) 923-2311.

About Vera Wang:
Vera Wang Bridal House Ltd. designs, markets and distributes collections of women’s bridal, maids and ready-to-wear apparel under the Vera Wang name. V.E.W. Ltd., the licensing division of the company, has selectively granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of fragrance and beauty-related products (Unilever Cosmetics International), footwear (Giuseppe Zanotti), furs (the Newmont Group), eyewear and sun collections (Couteur Designs, a division of the Kenmark Group), china and crystal (Wedgwood), silver and gifts (Syratech), fine jewelry (Rosy Blue Fine), fine stationery (William Arthur) and intimate apparel (Komar Luxury Brands). In addition, Vera Wang on Weddings was published by Harper Collins in the fall of 2001.

Posted by at 11:51 PM | TrackBack

The Global Garment: Fashion and Accessories Design Scholarship Competition

The Global Garment competition, now at its fifth edition, takes form from the will to strengthen and reveal some of the characteristics that make Domus Academy one of the best known and most active post-graduate vocational centers worldwide: the international origins and multidisciplinary education of the students, the ‘on the field´ working method achieved through seminars organized in collaboration with leading companies and the support of advanced research tools. The strategic cooperation with Future Concept Lab – a research and trend analysis laboratory that has been operating in the area of predictive socio-economics for several years – is now an integral part of the approach to the research methods of Domus Academy.

This year edition is characterized by an important novelty: following the inauguration of the new Master in Accessories Design, this edition is awarding two partial scholarships, one for the Master in Fashion Design and one for the Master in Accessories Design. Global Garment is more than just a competition: it is a research laboratory, aimed at opening new horizons particularly for those cultural environments that, due to geographical reasons, are not at the centre of the international Fashion System, but whose traditions and cultures are of great interest and appeal. The objective is to use and re-elaborate a theme that becomes the core of the project according to personal schemes, inspired by and referring to one’s own culture.

To access the two courses it is important to have previously developed the technical and basic skills needed – in example: Fashion, elements of pattern making and representation, knowledge of the materials (fabrics, yarns), capability to make a prototype – Accessories: elements of pattern making and representation, the knowledge of the materials (leathers, metals) and of the realisation processes. Projects will have to be sent along with curriculum vitae where to specify telephone number and e-mail address; letter of motivation for the participation to the Master in Fashion Design or in Accessories Design
at Domus Academy.

Projects will have to be delivered to Domus Academy “Fashion Design and Accessories Design Scholarship Competition – The Global Garment 2005”, Via Watt 27 – 20143 Milan, by June 30, 2005 (the actual receipt date – not the postmark – will apply). The winner will receive written notice by July 15. The deadline to accept the award is September 6, 2005. In case the winner renounces, the scholarship will be awarded to the candidate ranking second.

Copyright:
Every moral right of paternity as to the project remains property of the author. The projects sent to Domus Academy will not be returned.

Prizes:
The prize is a scholarship for each category equal to 10.000 euro of the overall cost of the Domus Academy Master in Fashion Design (Euro 15.000 + VAT 20%) and of the Domus Academy Master in Accessories Design (Euro 15.000 + VAT 20%). The prizes will be valid only for the Academic year 2006 (January – December).

Jury:
Brunella Caccaviello, Director of the project activity Master in Fashion Design Domus Academy; Francesco Morace, President Future Concept Lab; Barbara Trebitsch, Director Master in Fashion Design Domus Academy. (Judges may change without notice).

Participation:

Master in Fashion Design
Students attending the last year of Fashion Design schools, as well as graduated students and those who have developed professional skills in the sector are entitled to participate in the competition.

Modalities:
Candidates must present an original and unpublished project of one garment meeting the following requirements:
--universal characteristics, proposing wearable
--garments (for man or woman) intended for the
--international market – Spring/Summer 2006;
--strong research elements of innovation of shapes,
--cuts, materials and details;
--a strong creative personality.

This edition also intends to continue with the methodology and design approach through the simultaneous use of three different parameters and sources of inspiration. The participants are asked to express, through the research and the project, a pathway using the following elements:
A - a profoundly personal source of inspiration (an object, a memory...)
B - an “artistic” source of inspiration (in the general sense: literature, cinema, figurative arts, and music...)
C - a source of inspiration referring to a precise time period or a geographical area.

The project should be developed from the interaction of these elements and the research will highlight the steps that characterised the methodological approach.

The material should be structured as follows:
--A4 tables with sketches of the garment or of the accessory and its outfit;
--5/10 sketches coordinated with the main piece to complete the mini-collection (in order to outline the capability of creating the coordinated image of a collection developed around the main piece);
--technical drawings;
--samples of materials (fabrics, yarns, leather, etc.);
--synthetic visual research, including a written text that explains the project (in Italian or English).

The realisation of a prototype is not required, though projects sent with a prototype could receive preferential treatment.

Master in Accessories Design
Students attending the last year of Fashion Design schools, as well as graduated students and those who have developed professional skills in the sector are entitled to participate in the competition.

Modalities:
Candidates must present an original and unpublished project of one garment meeting the following requirements:
--universal characteristics, proposing universally
--recognisable accessories, intended for the international
--market – Spring/Summer 2006;
--strong research and innovation elements in the
--shape, construction, materials and details;
--strong creative personality.

This edition also intends to continue with the methodology and design approach through the simultaneous use of three different parameters
and sources of inspiration. The participants are asked to express, through the research and the project, a pathway using the following elements:

A - a profoundly personal source of inspiration (an object, a memory...)
B - an “artistic” source of inspiration (in the general sense: literature, cinema, figurative arts and music...)
C - a source of inspiration referring to a precise time period or a geographical area.

The project should be developed from the interaction of these elements and the research will highlight the steps that characterised the methodological approach.

The material should be structured as follows:
--A4 tables with the designs of the accessory (the category includes bags, shoes, eyewear, jewels);
--5/10 sketches coordinated with the main piece to complete the mini-collection (in order to outline the capability of creating the coordinated image of a collection developed around the main piece);
--technical drawings;
--samples of materials (leathers, metals, fabrics...);
--synthetic visual research, including a written text
--that explains the project (in Italian or in English).

The realisation of a prototype is not required, though projects sent with a prototype could receive preferential treatment.

For further information
Olimpia Sartorelli
Domus Academy
Via Watt 27
20143 Milano
Italia
mail: infofashion@domusacademy.it
tel. +39 0242414001
fax +39 024222525

Posted by at 11:40 PM | TrackBack

This Week Marks The End of Reflect.com

Procter & Gamble Co. will close its Reflect.com online customized cosmetics business at the end of June, the company announced on the Web site. The company started its online cosmetics business, Reflect.com, in 1999. Reflect.com, based in San Francisco, will take orders until June 13 and ship all products by June 17. According to a report on Yahoo news, P&G invested at least $60 million in Reflect.com in three rounds of funding, and the experiment was a learning experience for P&G. P&G reportedly began the online business as a way to sell directly to consumers rather than through retailers' Web sites and to customize the product's color, packaging and other features to a consumer's specifications.

Posted by at 11:27 PM | TrackBack

L'Oreal Thinks The Beckhams Are Worth It

David and Victoria Beckham are in negotiations with L'Oreal to become the faces of a new advertising campaign for the company's shampoo hair products.They would be the first couple to front the campaign for the "because you're worth it" slogan, and would be seen on both TV and billboards. Prior celebrities who have led L'Oreal's campaign include Natalie Imbruglia, footballer David Ginola, and actors Andie MacDowell and Ben Affleck.

Posted by at 11:24 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Estee Lauder Wants To Buy Yves Saint Laurent

I am convinced that the 80's are back in full swing. My friends at Time Warner Books tell me that their publishing team is getting ready to print out a huge batch of books over the next few years that will make you feel like Daniel Steel and Jackie Collins are new again. That’s right, 800 page novels of love, big diamonds, drama and fast cars are going to the printers to make us forget about what horrible things the Bush party has done to ruin our present tense. Just like the Regan era, escapism in books and luxury brand buying will help our troubles disappear. Luxury is in, black eye liner is back and most importantly, heavy fragrance notes that go beyond the dark musk have returned from the dead. Thank god! No more unisex American notes that make it hard to tell if it’s a fragrance, deodorant or your hairspray. With that said, I never thought I would see the day when YSL would peak the interest of Estee Lauder. But they have.

I have to confess. YSL is my favorite fragrance house in the world. Jazz and Jazz Live, love it. Opium for Men, can't live without it. But Body Kouros is what makes the compliments come through. I spray it on, and heads turn. Every person I have ever been with when I wear Yves Saint Laurent Body Kouros goes nuts! It makes me feel as hot as the guy in the Yves Saint Laurent M7 fragrance ad.

U.S. cosmetics group Estee Lauder Inc may buy the Yves Saint Laurent unit of the PPR Group, the Lettre de l'Expansion newsletter said, without citing sources.

PPR wants to sell the entire YSL division, but Estee Lauder is only interested in the YSL perfumes and other beauty products, the newsletter said. No financial terms were mentioned.

Estee Lauder recently hired Tom Ford, the former designer for PPR's Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci brands, in order to launch a new line of beauty products.

Posted by at 10:53 PM | TrackBack

Hillary Clinton Attacked by Man From Mars

Maybe it's a secret fantasy of girl-on-girl action that makes Ed Klein obsess about Sen. Hillary Clinton's supposed lesbian ethos in his new book "The Truth About Hillary." It's hard to know what else he has to draw on. Yelling "lesbian" at powerful heterosexual women has always been the pathetic projection of the menaced male, but it's especially baffling in Klein's case. As the former editor of the New York Times Magazine, with some bestsellers behind him, Klein used to be a workmanlike scribe with glamour aspirations when he was flat-footing around in the Jackie O crypto-sphere. He's not the usual sniper in the Republican stage army, which is perhaps why such paid-up members as the New York Post's John Podhoretz have elected to play smart and trash the book, too. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that misogyny is a sure boomerang.

In New York, "The Truth About Hillary" is having the unintended result of inspiring female solidarity. At a fancy all-girls lunch party on Fifth Avenue on Tuesday for, in Kleinspeak, the Powerful Network of Women who control the dinner access in Manhattan, "Ed Slime" was a withering topic of conversation, which seems to have been good news for his Amazon listing.

Former U.S. attorney general Janet Reno arrives at the 47th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles February 13, 2005. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (By Robert Galbraith -- Reuters)
Every time Klein describes anyone female in Hillary Clinton's circle, you hear the clump clump clump of stereotype-lesbian footwear. Melanne Verveer, her White House East Wing chief of staff, is "dark haired and mannish-looking." Susan Thomases has "frizzy salt-and-pepper hair, frumpy clothes, down-at-the-heel shoes and an expletive-laden vocabulary." Evelyn Lieberman, the White House deputy chief of staff, is "short, a little overweight with grayish hair," while the orientation of the Hillary-driven picks for Cabinet appointments, Donna Shalala and Janet Reno, "are shrouded in deep ambiguity" (not).

Wellesley in the late '60s, instead of being the uptight, white-gloves institution that other alumnae remember, is depicted as some kind of Sapphic coven of radical feminists, with the buzz cut of Hillary's friend Nancy Wanderer, who did come out two decades after Wellesley, as Exhibit A. Hillary's gag -- at the 25th-anniversary Wellesley class reunion she hostessed at the White House -- that maybe she, too, should get a crop like Nancy's is laid on by Klein as a hint of wishful thinking, instead of what the remark obviously was: a clear tease off the media's obsession with her hair.

Klein's book, published this week, has been seen as an opening shot in the 2008 campaign because it was written for Penguin's new right-wing imprint Sentinel, but this doesn't seem in character for Klein. In my experience when he wrote for me at Vanity Fair, he was motivated only by success. In those days I appreciated his zesty pursuit of headline stories, even when he was totally unqualified to write them. A Klein hazard, however, was a Clouseau-like imperviousness to social temperature. I am afraid it was I who first assigned him to write a cover story about Jackie O in 1989 on the strength of his avowed friendship with the former first lady. Given her closely guarded privacy, it surprised me when Klein reported that Mrs. Onassis was "perfectly amenable" to his writing the piece. "What did she say when you called her?" I asked. "She said, 'Oh Ed, give me a break,' " he replied.

At the Fifth Avenue girls' lunch, the question most asked was: At what point is a successful woman permitted to move on? If George W. Bush can be born again and be absolved for his dopey frat-boy past and eat his National Guard records, when does Hillary get to slough off the ancient scaly legends of her relationship with Bill and the hoary old hide-and-seek of her Rose Law Firm files? Is there a statute of limitations on how long we can go on pondering if the Clintons do or don't have a "real marriage," whatever that may be? Now that Hillary has proved such a creditable senator in her own right, will there ever come a time when she doesn't have to prove that her pain over her husband's infidelities was "authentic"?

There is something so passe about bio-porn, even in the service of political gut-shooting. When Klein makes a three-page laundry list of all the many heinous crimes Hillary is supposed to have committed in her manic grasp for power, it leaves you instead with nostalgia for that raffish old world when White House duplicities were centered on the travel office instead of weapons of mass destruction, and cover-ups were about sex instead of war.

It won't hurt Hillary, of course, because she is now the "Cinderella Man" of American politics. Indeed, you could argue that a serial trashing is the new must-have requirement on the political résumé. Perhaps today, given the ADD American psyche, the best vaccine for a reputation is overexposed "scandal." The fresh faces of new candidates -- and even some old ones -- harbor scary surprises. Sen. John Kerry's dithering, unpracticed response to the Swift boat charges in the last election showed a hopeless lack of suppleness in the face of character assassination.

What Klein doesn't understand is that Hillary's success today depends not on an ability to be aggressively masculine, but on the exact opposite. That black pantsuit is the power woman's burqa -- a disguise for screening out, not extinguishing, distracting gender. All the bipartisan charm she's been wielding -- the assiduous reassuring of schoolboy senatorial egos, the tireless disarmament campaign of sharing the limelight -- comes right out of the female playbook of flattery and compromise. When she plays the attack dog, as she did at a New York fundraiser two weeks ago, it's actually a rare but welcome flash of after-dinner dominatrix. The tone of Ed Klein's book epitomizes the pouting of all the guys she has ever defeated in a contest of intellect. In the Senate Hillary has grown, and, in a way, the public has grown with her. We have absorbed her tribulations. And whether or not we want to vote for her, we share her desire to leave them behind.

by Tina Brown

Posted by at 10:49 PM | TrackBack

Naima is America's Next Top Model

The final days were intensely competitive between the top three: Keenyah, the 19-year-old student from Compton, California, Kahlen, the 21-year-old restaurant hostess from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Naima, the 20-year-old coffee shop waitress from Detroit, Michigan. Following the CoverGirl commercial and photo shoots, Keenyah was eliminated, leaving Naima and Kahlen to fight it out during a fashion show complete with a runway submerged under water. Though both models were strong contenders with differing strengths, in the end, Naima came through with powerful "final exam" results, and she was named the winner of America's Next Top Model.

Posted by at 10:46 PM | TrackBack

Clothing Good Enough For Madonna's Kids; LipStik

If you have a little girl, you will absolutely love clothing by Lipstik. This trendy designer clothing line is geared towards the feminine styles that little girls love. If your child wants to feel like a princess every day, then you must browse through our collection of girls' apparel by Lipstik. This label also includes the English Roses Collection, which was developed in collaboration with Madonna, based on her book, The English Roses.

Dresses come tiered, with layers upon layers of soft ruffles. Does your little girl feel more comfortable in pants than in skirts and dresses? Well, we sell a host of funky pant-sets that come in adorable styles that cater to a girl's sense of fun and fantasy.

At http://www.hugsnkissesboutique.com, we believe that consumers should have access to the best children's clothing labels, without having to travel far and wide. Hugs N Kisses is a work in progress, and we strive to constantly update our selections according to the latest fashions. Lipstik is one of our most popular labels, and for good reason. The clothing is well made and durable, and the designs are whimsical and fresh. You don't have to worry about beads falling off or ribbons coming loose, as great attention is paid to detail and craftsmanship.

Lipstik for Girls
The English Roses collection has become a big hit, as this line of girls' apparel is both romantic and feminine. Fabric designs are soft and contain a host of flirty colors that girls tend to love. If your little girl wants to dress up every day, then Lipstik is the brand of clothing for her. Let us know if you have any trouble finding what you are looking for, and we will gladly assist you. We can be reached at 609-485-0038, should you have any questions.

Posted by at 10:33 PM | TrackBack

Does Your Pussy Scratch

Cat Scratch Away (www.catscratchaway.com), a new and innovative organic product designed to target destructive cat scratching, offers a safe and natural alternative to inhumane declawing. This new patent-pending organic formula is a catalyst for cats. It creates excitement and stimulates cats to scratch. Cat Scratch Away is far more effective than Catnip. It works by simply applying a few drops onto a scratching post.

Not only does it create excitement and stimulate cats to scratch, Cat Scratch Away can assist cat owners searching for a solution to destructive scratching. Cats release natural pheromones when they scratch on an item. This explains why in many instances cats ignore a newly introduced scratching post.

It is well known that cats have a tendency to show natural scratching behavior within the domestic home. Studies have been made as to why cats do this scratching. Many attempts or methods have been proposed for stopping this behavior. However, most of these attempts have proven either completely inadequate or only slightly successful.

In many instances cat owners have even resorted to de-clawing the cats. De-clawing (amputation of two digits in each cat pad) is considered very inhumane and is illegal in many countries. This method causes cats to undergo a life of pain and vulnerability. Many animal welfare groups oppose this controversial method to control unwanted natural cat scratch behavior.

An alarming number of cats are placed for adoption because of damage caused to valuable items within the family home. Cat Scratch Away is a new organic product welcomed by many cat owners dealing with destructive scratching.

This new organic formula is a combination of natural extracts. There are some additional benefits of this new product; it can assist cat owners that are attempting to introduce a cat to a new cat bed. Another benefit is that it can be used to renew a cat’s interest in a long ignored cat toy.

Cat Scratch Away is a user friendly method that redirects natural cat scratching behavior in a positive direction.

More information on this new de-clawing alternative can be found on the web at http://www.catscratchaway.com

About Cat Scratch Away, LLC

Cat Scratch Away, LLC (www.catscratchaway.com) is a family owned business located in Goodyer, Ariz. Founded in May 2005 by inventors Frank and Catherine English, Cat Scratch Away's primary purpose is to provide cat owners a low-cost and effective alternative to de-clawing. Cat Scratch Away is an organic product designed to target destructive cat scratching; it offers a safe and natural alternative to inhumane declawing.

Posted by at 10:23 PM | TrackBack

Shmooze with the Jews on June 29th

After receiving amazing feedback from more than 1000 attendees of last year’s Shmooze, Aish is enthusiastically hosting our second-annual unique cultural festival, giving another opportunity to live it up with fellow Jews. This year, “Summer Shmooze 2005,” will be on Wednesday, June 29th. Aish NY and Discovery host the incredible bash, where young, hip Jewish singles can socialize, eat, drink and be inspired.

You won’t want to miss this exciting array of activities and events planned for this summer’s fantastic urban shmooze, being held at Manhattan’s historic Hammerstein ballroom. World-renowned speaker Lori Palatnik is scheduled to lecture on the “The Kabbalah of You- Soul and Afterlife,” while attendees mingle, nosh and drink among 1000 good-looking, talented young Jewish professionals at the best party of the year.

At “Summer Shmooze 2005” there’s something for everyone. Guests can party in Hammerstein’s beautiful and spacious ballroom, drink-up at the full open-bar, and indulge in a delicious and kosher [true?] sushi buffet, then treat themselves to the exciting Jewish social scene or dive into an exclusive Kabbalah session.

“Go, you never know, you might meet someone!”

The Jewish experience of the year will take place on June 29th, 2005, 6:30 p.m. at the Hammerstein Ballroom, located at 311 West 34th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. Tickets purchased in advance are $18; $36 at the door. To RSVP please call 212-921-9090.

Aish HaTorah is a non-profit, apolitical, international network of Jewish social and educational centers, providing opportunities for thousands of Jews of all backgrounds to discover the wisdom and beauty of their heritage in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect.

Posted by at 10:07 PM | TrackBack

Orange County's New Magazine

Orange County's active lifestyle community heralds the announcement of a new fitness, health and beauty magazine slated to arrive in 92,000 households and 8,000 upscale storefront locations in July 2005.

OC FLAIR magazine, a bimonthly active lifestyle publication, will entertain and inform readers with diverse articles on the latest fitness, health and beauty trends in Southern California. Ranked as one of the nation's most physically fit counties, Orange County is a Mecca for energetic, beautiful people. From exciting and challenging outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, biking and golfing to energetic getaways and breathtaking beaches, the OC has it all. And OC FLAIR has it covered.

The magazine's content will cover indoor and outdoor recreation for solo and group fitness enthusiasts, both male and female, as well as beauty topics ranging from invasive to non-invasive personal care options with an emphasis on educating readers. OC FLAIR will initially be comprised of five departments, Fitness, Lifestyle, Attitude, Image and Results, with plans for expansion over the next year.

"Our primary goal is to bring the image-conscious consumers of Orange County a resource that is both entertaining and relevant to their lifestyle choices," reports Amorena Cervantes, publisher of the enterprising magazine. "Our target audience is both savvy and affluent with average household incomes of $187K +. This market has a demand for the latest information that will make them look and feel their best."

OC FLAIR magazine will be available at select hotels, day spas, doctor offices and many other upscale locations with waiting rooms and lobbies in the Orange County area. The magazine will be direct mailed to 92,000 homes to an audience (identified by a lifestyle data list) with self-reported interests in health, fitness, personal care and self-improvement. Subscriptions will be available on OCFLAIR.com as well as through mail order. Single copies are scheduled to arrive at select newsstands in late 2006.

OCFLAIR.com launched in June 2005, using Infoswell's publication website platform. The site will supplement the print edition with web exclusive articles, interactive message boards, a calendar of events, fitness tools, marketplace directory and much more. In addition, it will serve as an entry point for reader drawings and sweepstakes that are held in conjunction with the bimonthly publishing schedule.

For more information about editorial content, advertising with OC FLAIR Magazine and/or OCFLAIR.com or to reserve your advance copy by subscription, please visit www.ocflair.com.

Posted by at 09:57 PM | TrackBack

Are You A Bad Girl?

This new UPN comedy series is based on the best-selling book series, "The Bad Girl's Guide" by author Cameron Tuttle; she describes a "bad girl" as a woman who is sassy, provocative, questions authority, and knows what she wants in life and how to get it with style, confidence, and humor. These are the exact words and attitude that JJ, Holly and Sarah, three sexy, self-assured, singles living in Chicago, embody as modern bad girls. Although these young women are at different stages in their lives, they pursue their dreams according to their own rules and make no excuses for them. The series stars Jenny McCarthy (Scary Movie 3) as JJ, Marcelle Larice as Holly, Christina Moore (Hyperion Bay) as Sarah, Stephanie Childers as Irene and Johnathan McClain as Patric.

The Bad Girl's Guide is produced by Palm Tree Productions and Flame Television in association with Paramount Network Television. Robin Schiff (Romy and Michele's High School Reunion) is executive producer and showrunner. Tony Krantz (24, Felicity) is executive producer. Cameron Tuttle is co-executive producer and author of the best-selling series "The Bad Girl's Guide" (Chronicle Books).

BROADCASTING INFORMATION:
Season 1 (May 2005-) - Tuesdays at 9:30pm

Posted by at 09:44 PM | TrackBack

June 08, 2005

Condom's Used at the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is famous for its stunts and scandals, and this year was no different. A new party favor has emerged on the Tapis Rouge this year: free condoms. Producer James Hergott and the cast of his reality film, "All That I Need," have become known not only as film promoters, but promoters of safe sex with free condom handouts at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the true Cannes tradition of scandals and publicity buzz, the cast of “All That I Need” has taken to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival to promote the film, handing out free “All That I Need” condoms with the May 20th screening time and location on them to drive more buyers to the screening.

Pursuant to this media blitz, the Company, together with James Hergott, the producer of “All That I Need”, have received initial offers from distributors within Germany and the United Kingdom worth an estimated $350,000 to $700,000, as well as an initial offer for the North American market, in the form of a pay-per-view deal, worth an estimated $1 million. Previous total estimates for the film’s worldwide gross box office receipts range between $6 and $10 million. Soleil Film CEO, Kenneth Eade, remarked, “While It is important not to get overly excited about initial offers for foreign distribution until the film has been fully marketed, we are pleased with the initial interest levels and anticipate more of the same after the second screening.”

Mr. Hergott commented, “In the midst of all this buzz, Roger Ebert, the famous film critic, has requested a copy of the film to review for the Chicago Sun Times, while the distributors we have spoken to feel that the film is well targeted to 16 to 30 year old demographic.” Agreeing with Mr. Eade, Hergott continued, “However, we don’t intend to accept any offers until after we receive feedback from domestic distributors after to the May 20th screening.”
Miramax Pictures, subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS – News), IFC Films, subsidiary of Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC: News) Newmarket Films (The Passion of the Christ), Fox, subsidiary of News Corp. (NYSE: NWS - Quote), Roadside Attractions (Super Size Me), Avex Entertainment, and Think Film Co. are among the distributors who are expected at the May 20th screening. Warner Bros., subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc. (NYSE: TWX - News ), Sony Pictures Classics (NYSE: SNE - News), Lightning Entertainment, and SPG Home Video are among those who have requested a pre-screening, while Paramount Pictures, subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA: News) has already pre-screened the film and has issued a positive response.

About Soleil Film, Inc.
Soleil Film, Inc. (www.soleilfilm.com) is a diversified entertainment production company, primarily focused on driving shareholder value by investing in and producing highly original, television series and full-length feature films. Along with its equity interest in the widely anticipated, soon-to-be-release feature “All That I Need”, the Company has amassed an impressive media library including the award winning "Autograph" television series ( www.autograph.tv ), "Fallacy," a feature film starring John Savage and Stephen Baldwin, and "Say it In Russian," written by award winning director, Jeff Celentano (Gunshy) in collaboration with Hollywood screenwriter, Larry Gross (48 Hours), edited by David Rawlins (Urban Cowboy), and cast by Casting Director, Rosemary Welden (The Kiss.).

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Soleil Film, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

Posted by at 06:15 PM | TrackBack

Can You Wrap That Up For Me?

Woman's World Magazine's Describes In-Home Body Wrap Recipe

In a recent Woman's World Magazine entitled "Hollywood's hot new FAT-MELTING BODY WRAP! Try it at home!", three natural ingredients to create a simple in-home body wrap were listed. The articled explained that you can do your own Spa body wrap in the comfort of your own home inexpensively.

Body wraps have been offered for years by health spas, fitness spas and franchised facilities. Some reported spending as much as $150 for this treatment. After a wrap, spa clients have reported that their skin felt softer, their skin felt tighter,experienced a diminished appearance of cellulite and even a loss of inches. Results varied for each person.

Danielle Sims of WrapYourselfSlim.com has been an advocate of making simple body wrap formulas at home for over 4 years. She provides an ebook titled "Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wraps Exposed" which contains recipes,instructions, and other supporting information to successfully acheive a spa-style body wrap. The book has been available online since October 2000 and has been very popular among health enthusiasts and "do-it-yourselfers".

Danielle says:
"It's wonderful that more and more, people are realizing that they can acheive the same spa body wrap inexpensively at home with a minimum of three simple ingredients. When I first came out with my book in 2000, it was not that well known. Now we are seeing articles in mainstream magazines."

About ten years ago, Danielle explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas. She discovered that some of the natural supplements on the market possessed the same benefits as the body wrap formulas.

"I have always enjoyed creatin and preparing my own cosmetics, lotions, and potions so this was just one more thing that I wanted to learn how to do. It was years before I realized that I can provide others with information to make their own body wrap too." says Danielle.

Wrap Yourself Slim gives detailed information on the body wrap process as well as giving the reader recipes or "formulas" for making them at home. This book describes the readily available natural ingredients that are used in tese body wrap formulas. It contains a quick reference chart that lists each ingredient and charts their properties related to body wrap benefits.

The book is only available via the internet as an electronic book. Two easy to read formats are available; PDF and an executable webpage version. This format allows instant access after purchase. The reader is able to print the book or read it on their computer.

You can find out more information on Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wraps Exposed at http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com.

Posted by at 05:56 PM | TrackBack

Pierce Mattie's Pick for Personal Trainer of the Month

Retired Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Bob Weinstein was selected as "Best Trainer of 2005" in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida by the New Times in the May 12th to 18th issue of 2005 titled "Best of 2005".

The New Times article verbatim: "Surely you've seen him. That guy, dressed in camouflage pants and combat boots who's doing squats on Fort Lauderdale Beach with a bunch of sweaty "recruits" in tow? That's the 53-year-old Health Colonel, a.k.a. retired Army Col. Bob Weinstein.

Never have we met a man so in love with exercise. When he lets his students take a break from doing 100 pushups or lunging down the sand in a maneuver called the "Death Walk," he says, "Go get some water." But if they linger too long, he faux- barks, "This isn't happy hour!" before breaking into a grin and saying, "Oh wait... yes it is! It's always a happy hour when we are making our bodies healthy!"

On his website, www.nomorecrybabies.com, the colonel writes about his quest to "fight the enemy soldiers on American soil" -- like heart disease and obesity. But on the beach on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, he doles out inspirational quotes, dispenses advice to the lovelorn, and leaves his troops laughing -- and buff."

More in on the New Times in Broward-Palm Beach Counties, Florida at http://www.newtimesbpb.com/bestof/2005/bestsport s/bestsports39.html

More about the Health Colonel:
Lt. Colonel Weinstein is a speaker, writer and beach boot camp instructor who resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has served his country with 30 years of service. He was a military instructor for 15 years and is a certified corporate and personal trainer. He has been featured on television, radio and various publications, notably on the History Channel and Fox Sports Net. His primary focus is to help others lead healthier and happier lives.

Website: http://www.NoMoreCryBabies.com

Fountain of Youth Fitness
Lt. Colonel Bob Weinstein, USAR Ret
Speaker, Writer and Beach Boot Camp Instructor
phone: 305-491-3573

Posted by at 05:42 PM | TrackBack

Give Dad a Home Cooking Consultant Personal Chef Service Gift Certificate for Father's Day

Doesn't Dad have enough golf clubs and cigars? A personal chef gift certificate is a unique, healthy, Father's Day gift idea for that special man in your life.

Home Cooking Consultant Personal Chef Service has unique gift ideas for Father's Day. A Personal Chef Service is perfect for dads, grandfathers, uncles, new or single dads and brothers. It is a thoughtful and well-received gift that can be customized for any occasion. If your typical Father’s Day Gift includes a golf club or baseball tickets, think about how happy Dad will be when he gets a break from planning, shopping and cooking meals for a week or more. Or perhaps your Dad wants to learn how to cook better. You can give cooking lessons as a gift to that special man in your life. Chef Lia can also provide a special dinner service for Dad which can include his favorite meal in the comfort of his own home. Gift Certificates are available in any amount. Create your own unique personal chef gift for Father’s Day with the help of Chef Lia Soscia.

Summer is approaching and everyone wants to eat healthier and lose weight. Chef Lia can help plan your meals according to your specific fitness goals. A complete service is offered including menu planning, food shopping, meal preparation, packaging, and cleanup.

Here are just a few of the recent comments from people who have recently received a Home Cooking Consultant Personal Chef Service Gift Certificate.

- My husband was very surprise to receive a personal chef gift certificate for his birthday. He is very excited about his upcoming lesson.
- My mom cried when she saw this personal chef gift certificate. She said it was so thoughtful.
- My mom was so excited about the gift certificate, she passed it around and showed it off to everyone we were with!
- She loved the gift! It was a big hit at the bridal shower.

Chef Lia also provides private cooking classes in your very own kitchen. The cooking lessons are customized for each student to match their culinary tastes. This is a great gift for someone who wants to learn how to cook healthier or to learn a specific cooking technique. To learn more about how you can surprise that special someone with a very special Father's Day Gift from Home Cooking Consultant Personal Chef Service, visit http://cheflia.com/giftcertificate.html or call 516-826-3169. Serving Long Island, NY area.

About Chef Lia
Chef Lia Soscia has been cooking for over 30 years and provides well-seasoned cooking advice and services to her clients. She has Serv-Safe food safety certification from the National Restaurant Association and has completed Professional Culinary training at Wilson Tech in Dix Hills, NY. Chef Lia is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA), Cooking Club of America, Women Chefs & Restauranteurs, and the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce. Home Cooking Consultant Personal Chef Service is dedicated to bringing families and busy individuals back to a healthier dinner table. Serving the Long Island, NY area. For more information visit http://ChefLia.com or call 516-826-3169.

Posted by at 05:32 PM | TrackBack

Avon's Susan J. Kropf to Deliver Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America

Susan J. Kropf, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Avon Products Inc., will deliver the Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America (www.hbaexpo.com) taking place September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Her presentation will be on Tuesday, September 27, at 9:00 a.m.

Susan J. Kropf, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Avon Products Inc., will deliver the Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America (www.hbaexpo.com) taking place September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Her presentation will be on Tuesday, September 27, at 9:00 a.m.

According to Jack Gonzalez, Group Show Director of Beauty & Wellness events, Ms. Kropf’s keynote address will add tremendous value to HBA—the premier health, beauty and personal care product development trade show and conference. “Ms. Kropf has an impressive track record in marketing, product development and corporate leadership for the world’s largest direct seller of women’s beauty and personal care products,” he said. “By sharing her insights on Avon's rich history and the company's successful strategies for sustaining brand power for over a century, Ms. Kropf promises to deliver critical information that will inform - and inspire - everyone who attends.”

Since 2001, Ms. Kropf has full P&L responsibility for Avon’s worldwide business operations that generate $7.7 billion in annual revenues. She is a member of Avon's Board of Directors and she also chairs the Avon Operating Council.

Avon markets to women around the world through 4.9 million independent sales representatives in more than 100 countries. Avon product lines include such recognizable brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon Naturals, Mark and Avon Wellness.

Ms. Kropf started her career at Avon in 1970, and is one of the company’s most experienced executives. During her career she has held key positions in critical areas of the company's operations, including marketing, research and development, product development, customer service, manufacturing and others. In 1999, she was named Chief Operating Officer, North America, with responsibility for global marketing, supply chain, information technology, and the company's business transformation efforts.

Prior to her recent assignments, Ms. Kropf had been executive vice president and president, Avon North America from 1997 to 1999, and prior to that she was president, New and Emerging Markets from 1994 to 1997. Under her leadership, Russia became the fastest-growing new market entry in Avon's history. Central Europe also grew dramatically. In addition, Ms. Kropf had operating responsibility for China, and she led Avon's entry into South Africa.

Ms. Kropf earned a B.A. from St. John's University and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Sherwin Williams Company, MeadWestvaco Corp, the Fragrance Foundation and the Wallace Foundation. In November of 1997, Ms. Kropf was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. She recently received the March of Dimes Beautiful Apple Award for her distinguish career and reputation as a visionary and compassionate philanthropist.

In addition to the keynote address, HBA will feature an extensive educational program addressing a wide range of marketing, product development, and business strategy topics. The exhibit floors will also feature the latest products and services from the top companies in the business. Among the expected 550 international exhibitors at HBA will be formulators, contract fillers, ingredient suppliers and private label manufacturers as well as packaging, dispensing and labeling companies.

HBA is produced by CMP Princeton Inc., and is the largest industry-specific event in North America for the health, beauty and personal care industries. HBA is also launching INSIDE BEAUTY, a new event dedicated to the growing health, beauty and wellness market that will take place concurrently, September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. For more information on the HBA events, go to www.hbaexpo.com or contact 609-452-2800, ext. 118 or e-mail protected from spam bots.

Editor’s Note: To receive press credentials for HBA Health & Beauty America, please contact Annie Scully at 1-845-368-0608 or e-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots.

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Posted by at 05:08 PM | TrackBack

Dillard's Sued for Charging Black Customers More Than Caucasian Customers

Dillard's has been sued for charging Black customers $30 and white customers $20 for the same wash and set. The plaintiff has a taped recording of the conversation.

A class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Alabama (Western Division) against Dillard's, Inc. alleging racial discrimination, deceptive sales practices, and unconscionable conduct relating to the marketing and sale of beauty salon services.

The civil action (No. CV-05-TMP-0305-W) is brought by plaintiff Debbie Deavers Sturvisant, a resident of Springville, Alabama, as a class action on behalf of all African American persons who have purchased over-priced salon services from any one of the Dillard Salons in the United States and who were harmed by the nationwide course of conduct practiced by Dillard's.

The complaint, which has been filed by Attorneys Patrick Cooper and Percy Badham from the Alabama Law Firm of Maynard, Cooper and Gale, PC, states that “Dillard's intentionally discriminated against the plaintiff and class members by charging them higher prices for the same salon service as those charged to similarly situated Caucasian customers and by specifically instructing their employees and agents to charge higher prices for the same salon services based solely on whether the customer was African American or Caucasian. By charging higher prices to African-Americans for the same salon services offered to Caucasian customers, Dillard's violated the rights of plaintiff and class members to make and enforce contracts for products and services on the same terms as Caucasian customers,” the complaint reads.

Debbie Sturvisant went to the Dillard's Salon in Tuscaloosa, AL to have her hair washed and set; she was charged $30 for these services – the price for a wash and set for “ethnic” hair. The price charged for the same service provided to Caucasian customers is $20.00. Vaughan Thomas, another class member, experienced the same mistreatment at Dillard’s in Montgomery (AL) and tape-recorded her conversation with the stylists. Upon questioning the high price charged for service, Thomas was told that it takes longer for ethnic hair to dry and more conditioners are used.

Representing the plaintiff, Attorney Cooper says, “Dillard's knowingly has maintained a fraudulent and unlawful scheme in order to increase its own revenues and profitability to the detriment of class members by utilizing racially discriminatory dual pricing schedules for salon services. At all times in advertising and selling these salon services, Dillard's and its agents did not disclose this fact to African Americans prior to providing the service and products. Dillard's had an affirmative duty to monitor its salon managers and employees to prevent this type of racist activity.

Dillard's, a Delaware Corporation, with its home office in Little Rock, Arkansas, owns and operates approximately 340 retail department stores located in twenty-nine states. With a concentration of stores in the South and Southwest, Dillard’s has faced a least three lawsuits claiming racial discrimination since 1998.

The plaintiff seeks injunctive and equitable relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages and other remedies to compensate class members for Dillard's unlawful and racially discriminatory conduct.

Media Contact:
Bunnie Jackson-Ransom
404-505-8188 (cell 404-226-8000)

Note to the Press:
For interviews with Ms. Sturvisant, Ms. Thomas and their attorney, Patrick Cooper, please contact First Class, Inc. at 404-505-8188.

A full written transcript of the recorded conversation between the plaintiff and two salon employees is available and can be emailed. A DVD of the conversation can be mailed upon request.

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Posted by at 04:48 PM | TrackBack

Beautiful Magazine Fights for Women’s Rights

Beautiful Magazine takes the fight where no publisher has dared to go before. In an effort to get it's readership recognized Beautiful rattles the advertising agency cage.

With an unprecedented move, breaking all print media taboos Beautiful is delivering on their promise to fight for the rights of full figured women. In classic David v.s. Goliath fashion Jack Krosinski the VP of Cortex Publishing - the creators of Beautiful – delivered a formal letter to one of the most prominent advertising and media planning agencies in Toronto. The letter is in response to the apparent discriminatory treatment of full figured women by a portion of the advertising agency establishment. The letter points out that a dismissive attitude towards nearly 70 million women in North America is unacceptable and can have far reaching implication for the business of companies that refuse to accept the existence of this demographic.

For the original correspondence please visit Beautiful’s website at www.beautifulmagazine.net
or
For additional information please contact:

Jack Krosinski
Vice-President
Cortex Publishing
Tel: 416-521-9415
Fax: 416-521-9789
E-Mail: e-mail protected from spam bots
Web: www.beautifulmagazine.net
76 Park Lawn Rd. Suite 300
Toronto, ON, M8Y 3H8

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Posted by at 04:21 PM | TrackBack

Pure Country Pet Boutique Manufactures Small Dog Clothes for the Toy Breed

For the dog that weighs under 10 pounds and needs to be kept warm, safe and cozy. Pure Country Pet Boutique is the most affordable, reliable place to go.

For the dog that weighs under 10 pounds and needs to be kept warm, safe and cozy. Pure Country Pet Boutique is the most affordable, reliable place to go.

For the dog that weighs under 10 pounds and needs to be kept warm, safe and cozy. Pure Country Pet Boutique is the most affordable, reliable place to go.

When the vet told the owner of small 2.5 pound Peanut, that she would need a coat or sweater on those cold days, the owner set out to purchase such an item. To her suprise, all of the extra small dog clothes items were $50 or more! So it began, the sewing machine came out and creations began flowing. 2 years later, we have a factory, employees, a warehouse, and new designs coming out monthly. Our goal is to make it so everyone can afford quality wear for their small dog. Our designs are original. The "fine furry fashion" is hard to find. We have Coats, Sweaters, Tees, Tanks, Fancy Harnesses, Hats, Shoes, Boots etc.. Visit Pure Country Pet Boutique today to start your collection.

Posted by at 04:14 PM | TrackBack