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July 30, 2005

Pierce Mattie Goes to Jenny Craig for Help (confessions of a diet obsessed beauty/fashion publicist)

Yes, I did it! After a year on Zone Chefs, I had to stop. The food at Zone Chefs is fresh, made daily just for you. But you know when you have been eating at the same diner or cooking at home for a long time, it really all starts to taste the same. Watching Kirstie Alley on TV last week rave about the pasta dishes I really couldn't resist.

How does it work? I met with a Jenny Craig advisor for about 25 minutes, was weighed and measured. Then picked out my meals and here I am. I am a bit hungry though. The 2,000 calories a day is hard. They said that I could actually get down to 185lbs, from the 227 that I am at today. We shall see. I am however going to encourage the Pierce Mattie team to do this also. It gives you more energy and who doesn’t want to look their best. We have fashion week next month, so the carpet, we will be walking. I will check back with you in a week and give you my progress notes.

If your a diet junkie like me, please hit me up on this blog with your success stories.

Posted by at 03:52 PM | TrackBack

July 29, 2005

JOLIE times Three!

So, blogging is all about what you know, right? Well, as the resident Black Beauty at the fabulous Pierce Mattie PR, I blog about (you guessed it) Black Beauty. So this week it’s all about 3 Beautifully Black JOLIEs!!!

Black and Beautiful JOLIE #1
Angelina’s New Baby Girl, Zahra Marley JOLIE is an angel from heaven. I tried to convince a few of my “insider friends” to give me a sneak peek at the pics, but alas when it comes to one of B. Fuller’s magazines, we are all bottom feeders destined to salivate at the Hudson News stand each and every Thursday morning praying for the arrival of the new mags before the 9:00 bell beckons us to the nearest Starbucks and then off to the office for daily grind. So, as it happens, I missed the Thursday morning crack head act and calmly waited until the faithful ride home to pick up my favorite rag…and there she was, little Miss Jolie, wide eyed and ready for her close-up. I hated that I had to wait three week to see the photos… (Don’t act like you’re not obsessed with the Celebs. Embrace your obsession, love your harmless addiction) but they were amazing and if that little girl isn’t the epitome of “black beauty” than I don’t know what is.

Black and Beautiful JOLIE #2
If you happen to be lying in the bed of this fabulous suite that we call “the beauty industry” than consider me the director of housekeeping ringing you for your 6:00am wakeup call. Wake up and smell the (not-so-fresh) controversy. Now while she is certainly Beautiful both inside and out, she is certainly NOT Black. On the other hand, however she is (sort of) BLACK Listed…so it is not a stretch (NO, IT’S NOT) to briefly touch on another favorite JOLIE Nadine Haobsh. Talk about putting a spin on a story. I’ve got to give it to her publicist…Jessica Fuller. A sister in need is a sister indeed seems to be her philosophy. Hopefully this amazing turn of events launches her status as a PR Professional to new height (c’mon, any opportunity to be nice to a fellow publicist must be taken. Didn’t you know that it was part of our PR Oath?) For those of you who are slow…here’s the rundown on jolienyc:
Beauty editor writes a blog. Blog is bluntly honest and as witty as it gets. Uncouth PR chick sends blast email outing our fair, fair JOLIE. Magazine not happy. JOLIE gets a pink slip (At least it’s a pretty color. Pink is still the new black, you know). A second magazine turns its back on our fair, fair JOLIE. JOLIE calls out to her sorority sister. Sister answers. JOLIE hits the media circuit (I’m talking CNBC not to mention the coverage in the Post, NY Sun and WWD)! JOLIE lands lucrative book deal. Now all she has to do is live happily ever after. You go, girl!

Black and Beautiful JOLIE #3
Boy, oh boy…I really miss Suede magazine. The pretty colors, the eclectic coverage, etcetera, etcetera. But never fear, my girl Alicia Marie Rivers, CEO of Fabulush, Inc. is here to save the day. She is an amazing woman with the editorial abilities of a 10 woman beauty staff. Her new magazine JOLIE hits the stand on September 20, 2005 and features one of black America’s most fabulous personalities as its EIC…hold onto your seats…Ms. Vivica A. Fox. Now, that, darlings, is how you set out a launch! Ms. Rivers you KNOW I want the PR job. But this post is just because I love you. You are my most favorite JOLIE!

Posted by at 05:19 PM | TrackBack

Rachael Ray Rocks: A New Weekly Spotlight on the Perky Cook

I’m a huge fan of Rachael Ray, so when I hear negative comments about the vivacious host of three of Food Network’s highest rated shows being too perky, I have to come to her defense. Anyone who can balance a bag of groceries, a mixing bowl, some wine and a knife (on 30 Minute Meals) in her arms all at the same time is pretty talented in my book. The woman can cook too. So the real question is do people not like Rachael’s energy, or do they just hate the fact that she gets paid a lot of money to cook and talk? I’d be pretty perky too if I got to cook, eat and chat all day. All those Rachael Ray dissenters obviously have a sour taste in their mouth from a too-tart instant lemonade. They should try Rachel’s homemade Honey-Vanilla version, the recipe for which can be found at www.foodnetwork.com.

Now the bubbly host and best-selling author is turning her sights to the world of magazine publishing with her own magazine, Everyday with Rachael Ray, due out in October. The original launch date was August, but due to the firing of the head chef, or editor in this case, the release date was pushed back. According to Ray, “Some people just don’t fit into certain positions, and every magazine that I’ve ever heard of starting up has had bumps along the way.”

In the meantime, we can all get our daily serving of Miss Ray with new episodes of 30 Minute Meals, $40 A Day and Inside Dish. A complete schedule can be found at www.foodnetwork.com.

Posted by Lance Buckley at 01:04 PM | TrackBack

YAMUNA Supports NIKE FREE Footwear

We, as sneaker consumers, have been convinced that with the right air pockets, extra padding or fancy shock absorbers, we can magically jump higher, run faster and perform better. But it would be wrong to give all the credit to our footwear when our feet trapped inside are what really make the magic happen. According to Yamuna Zake, best-selling author and creator of Yamuna Body Rolling/Foot Fitness, “Too many seemingly fit and toned athletes are neglecting their feet and seeing consequences as a result.” That’s why after years spent experimenting in the Nike Sports Research Lab, Nike has come out with a shoe that goes hand in hand, or foot in foot, with Yamuna’s philosophy, which has evolved from more than two decades of experience, during which Yamuna has healed tens of thousands of athletes. Yamuna adds, “NIKE FREE provides maximum movement in your feet, which increases muscle tone and flexibility.”

Yamuna, Foot and Fitness Expert, Tells us the Benefits of Going Free:
 A bare foot that is educated can distribute pressure over a greater area, therefore reducing the stress on the legs and creating better body alignment.
 Our foot muscles are at the end of a muscle chain which begins at the thigh. Locking feet up in shoes limits the full range of motion of our leg muscles, cutting off our range of motion and disrupting the muscle chain.
 There are more bones in our feet than in any other part of the body. All of these tiny bones allow the foot to move freely from the heel all the way to the ball of the foot. Most footwear prevents the wearer from stimulating these bones which decreases range of motion and results in other joints (i.e. knees and hips) in your body absorbing excess pressure, causing them to wear out.
 Barefoot training leads to stronger feet, which leads to a stronger body that enhances natural movement and agility.

About Nike Free
Yamuna Zake has been at the forefront of foot fitness with best-selling books and a series of customized, patent-pending foot exercises that implement Foot Savers and Foot Wakers, two powerful tools designed by Yamuna to improve foot function and prevent restrictions in the feet. Nike, a company long founded on the idea that extra cushion and “fad” air pockets help protect the feet, is now in tune with Yamuna’s philosophy, and the company was quick to rethink their whole footwear design by introducing the highly flexible Nike Free outsole.

The deep segmented grooves in the Nike Free design allow the foot to move naturally, mimicking the pressure patterns of a barefoot landing. The forefoot area allows the toes to flex and extend so they can grip the ground with their natural control. According to Yamuna, “this action leads to well-developed foot muscles and strong arches that are essential to supporting the rest of your body.” With Nike Free, your foot controls the shoe, not the other way around. With this new foundation of strength, the rest of your body becomes healthier, improving your overall range of motion and flexibility.

About Yamuna
Yamuna Zake, the director of Yamuna Studios and creator of Yamuna Body Logic, Yamuna Body Rolling and Yamuna Foot Fitness, is an innovator, body therapist and renowned teacher of the unique concepts that she developed to help her clients realize their maximum natural potential, freeing restrictions, easing pain and improving performance. With 25 years of experience as a yoga practitioner and teacher, Yamuna' s light touch and easy manner guide you to strength and fitness with a unique addition to the typical routine - a small inflatable ball. Realign your spine and joints, relieve pain and muscle tension and experience a unique workout and self-directed lifelong wellness.

Posted by Lance Buckley at 10:22 AM | TrackBack

July 28, 2005

True Religion Apparel Inc. Reports Fiscal Second Quarter Financial Results

For the three month period ended June 30, 2005, net sales increased to $22.0 million compared to $20.1 million in the fiscal first quarter and $4.1 million in the second quarter of the prior year. Net income increased to $4.2 million, or $0.18 per diluted share compared to the year-ago level of $470,000, or $0.02 per diluted share. The Company's results compare favorably to its original second quarter guidance of $0.16 to $0.17 per share on $20 to $22 million of revenue.

Gross profit in the second quarter increased to $10.9 million compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter last year. Second quarter gross margins were 49.7% compared to the year ago second quarter level of 46.3%. Operating income increased to $6.7 million, or 30.3% of sales, compared to $800,000, or 19.7% of sales for the same period last year.

"We continued to make excellent progress in the second quarter," commented Jeff Lubell, President and CEO. "Our increased sales results were a result of strong sell-throughs of both denim and non-denim products among U.S.-based department store and specialty store customers. Our customers continued to be drawn to the high end of our product offering which carry higher average selling prices. As demand for our brand continues to build among our U.S. customer store base, we expect to increase our product penetration in these store locations."

Mr. Lubell continued, "We are encouraged by the growing awareness and appeal of our brand in many of our international markets. We are working diligently to become a leading denim brand in Europe and are seeing good growth in many of these markets. In Asia, we continue to see demand for our product in Japan and hope to further develop our brand in key markets such as China and Korea that have a strong affinity for upscale U.S. fashion brands. We expect the results in our international business to accelerate in the second half of the year."

As of the end of the fiscal 2005 second quarter, the Company reported a backlog of $40.0 million, its highest backlog to date.

Fiscal 2005 Operating Forecast

For the 2005 fiscal year, the Company anticipates total sales of $92 to $95 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.74 to $0.77. This compares to prior guidance of revenues between $84 to $88 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.66 to $0.70. For the 2005 fiscal third quarter, the Company currently anticipates sales of $29 to $30 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.22 to 0.24. The Company's weighted average shares outstanding at the end of the second quarter was 23,062,500 shares.

Fiscal 2006 Operating Forecast

For the first time, the Company is issuing preliminary projected guidance for the 2006 fiscal year. Based on current product demand, the Company anticipates total sales of $128 to $138 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.10 to $1.15.

Mr. Lubell concluded, "We see exciting growth opportunities in all aspects of our business. Our bookings once again remain at an all time high, our balance sheet continues to improve and our inventories are growing responsibly in anticipation of strong product demand ahead. Our current guidance for the second half of fiscal 2005 as well as our preliminary guidance for 2006 indicate that the overall business opportunity for True Religion products, both in the U.S. and abroad, is stronger than ever. We remain incredibly excited about the direction of our business and remain focused on increasing our profitability in all channels of distribution. We look forward to continued success for the second half of the fiscal year."

The Company will hold a conference call with senior management to discuss the financial results at 4:30 p.m. ET today. A live webcast of the conference call will be available at www.truereligionbrandjeans.com. Please visit the Web site at least 15 minutes early to register for the teleconference webcast and download any necessary software.

About True Religion Apparel Inc.

True Religion Apparel, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Guru Denim, Inc. manufactures, markets, distributes and sells "True Religion Brand Jeans" in the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa and Australia. True Religion Brand Jeans can be found at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Barney's, Urban Outfitters, Ron Herman, Henri Bendel, and approximately 600 fashion boutique clothing stores throughout the United States and Canada. True Religion Brand Jeans can also be found at fine stores in Japan, including Barneys Japan and Isetan; in England, including Selfridges, Harrod's and Harvey Nichols and in France including Galleries Lafayette.

Posted by Stephen at 10:13 PM | TrackBack

Federate Swaps Out Filenes for Macy's

Federated (NYSE: FD) said Thursday that 68 stores will close following the merger and 330 May stores will be converted to the Macy's brand.

Federated (NYSE: FD), which is based in New York City and operates Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores, is buying St. Louis-based May in a cash and stock deal worth $17 billion. May operates Filene's, Hecht's, Lord & Taylor, Strawbridge's and other stores.

Shareholders of both companies have approved the merger and the deal is expected to close this fall, pending regulatory approval.

The stores that will be closed are in markets where the companies have other stores. In the Albany, N.Y. market there is a Filene's and Macy's in Crossgates Mall and a Macy's in Colonie Center. Federated said it will start closing the "duplicate" stores in 2006.

In closing the stores, the company will comply with existing lease agreements and will offer the stores for sale to the landlords, developers or other parties. Federated expects to continue to employ management from the closed stores and many associates.

The Filene's store in Rotterdam Square Mall is set to become a Macy's following the merger. The store will continue operating under its current name at least through the 2005 holiday season. The company will start converting stores to the Macy's name in the fall of 2006.

Following the conversions, the company will operate approximately 730 Macy's stores, as well as Bloomingdale's stores. The company is still deciding what to do with the Marshall Field and Lord & Taylor brands.

"Customers have told us they want the fashion and affordable luxury they find in Macy's stores," said Terry Lundgren, Federated's chairman, president and CEO, in a press release. "With this expanded geographic coverage, we now will be positioned to nationally advertise the Macy's brand."

Posted by Stephen at 10:07 PM | TrackBack

Though Retired, Lance is Still Immortal

Arguably the greatest conditioned athlete to ever walk the earth, Lance Armstrong woke up this morning four days into his retirement. Now, when he heads out for his morning ride, he really is in fact riding for recreation. A recreational trip that leads into a future dedicated to his family and his foundation.

Though the headlines have slowed and the praising of Armstrong is all but over, his efforts and accomplishments on and off the bike are composed of timeless acts. When excitement over such an astounding feat takes place, does its impact fade after just a few days? Well, we’re hoping not. Contrary to other great accomplishments, Lance Armstrong’s achievements will hopefully stand out inside the minds of those looking for that inner strength, hope and optimism in their lives.

When we look back onto a career that truly saw tragedy crumble into triumph, we gaze in awe, at a person’s soul whose hopefulness and mental stability reign rock steady over physical capabilities. And yes, his physical capabilities are quite impressive, but Armstrong has changed what it means to prevail over misfortune and expanded the limits of possible successes. The rough terrain, tight bends, problematic weather and even the Alps are mere ant hills in a life of mental and physical obstacles.

Every so often, we, as normal human beings face adversity that pushes our willingness to the brink. We take daily stressors, exaggerate the consequences and collapse at the hands of opportunity. The problems that we encounter are sheer opportunities to strive and display our power and perseverance as capable people. Take what Lance Armstrong achieved and use it for motivation, inspiration the next time questions arise to whether or not we can go on.

Right after he won his seventh consecutive Tour de France, Armstrong said “We’re fanatics of cycling”. Well, Lance, you’ve made us fanatics of Lance Armstrong.

Posted by Ryan Michael at 05:29 PM | TrackBack

Spa Finder Event Hosts ISPA Members - Spa Marketing Update

July 27th marked the annual Summer Spa Celebration from Luxury Spa Finder at the company’s new digs on Park Avenue, designed by Clodagh. Spotted in attendance were fashion designer Cat Swanson, celebrity make-up artist Charlie Green, media representatives from Newsday, Parade and Jack as well as spa directors of some of the most well-known destination resorts in the country in town for the IPSA Convention. Some of the hottest brands in the industry were in attendance and able to display products and services in private rooms, including Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Decleor and Pevonia.

Minglers received full makeovers and facial treatments and participated in wine tastings throughout the evening. Catering was provided by Susan Lawrence and the enormous goodie bags included a full manicure set from Creative Nail, Alpha-Beta Peels from MD Skincare and H\E men’s products.

Posted by Constance Wherrity at 05:24 PM | TrackBack

Italian Fashion Show in New York Today - Fashion PR & Fashion Marketing Event

An Italian Fashion Show in New York is set to go on July 28. The show will feature the best in dresses and jewels from Naples.

An Italian fashion show and gala dinner will present dresses and jewels by contemporary Italian designers residing in the Province of Naples, on July 28th at Cipriani on 42nd Street, New York.

The presentation is under the patronage of the President of Italy, Carlo Azelio Ciampi; the Campania Region; the Province of Naples; The European Union; The Mondragone Foundation; The Commission of Tourism and Productivity of the Province of Naples, and the Italy America Chamber of Commerce of New York.

Among the dignitaries from Naples, The President of the Province of Naples, Dr. Riccardo di Palma, The commissioner of Tourism and Productivity, Dr. Giovanna Martano, Dr. Giacinto Russo, Commissioner of Industry, Dr. Claudio Pomella, Director of International Affairs.

Media interested in more information, please contact:

In New York:
Italy America Chamber of Commerce of New York:
Aime Servino
212-459-0044

Italian American Network:
Carmen Gallo
212-780-7526

In Naples:
Provincia di Napoli:
0817949947
0817949949
fax 0817949948

Posted by Stephen at 09:37 AM | TrackBack

July 21, 2005

Update on Mariah Carey’s Six-Pack: Pierce Mattie PR Scoops US Weekly Story

In an article that ran nearly 21 days after the fact, and 20 days after I first reported the news, US Weekly (in the July 25th issue) asks, “Did Mariah Fake Her Six-Pack?” At the Macy’s Fourth of July celebration in NYC, Mariah Carey sported an airbrushed midsection that gave the illusion that she has a six-pack. Unfortunately, the botched bronze job was even worse than her lip-singing.

In response to the so-called rumors of Mariah’s fake abs, her rep responded, “This is ridiculous! She has been eating right and working out three hours a day with her personal trainer.” Are you kidding me? Her rep went on to say, “Mariah has never looked or felt better.” And while I agree that Mariah has an amazing body, and an even more spectacular voice, her rep is off their rocker if they honestly think that the public would believe these remarks. What’s next, a statement from “Tomkat’s” publicists saying that it’s just a coincidence that their engagement was announced just when their two highly publicized movies started to trail off at the box office? Either way, keep up the good reporting US Weekly.

Posted by Lance Buckley at 08:11 AM | TrackBack

July 18, 2005

Out of the Box

If you’re not a Boston Red Sox fan, then you may not know about the latest lotto drawing that seemed to have flown under the radar outside of Boston for the past three months. Now, we’ve heard of holding raffles to win autographed jerseys or a tour of the ballpark, but this is almost as unbelievable as Boston actually winning the World Series. The drawing, though monumental in its prize offering and generous in its cause, only tempted a mere 200,000 people in which three winners were chosen. The raffle was held to raise money, $2 million in fact, for New England charities. So without further or due, on Thursday, July 14, the second World Series ring presentation ceremony was held at Fenway Park before the Red Sox hosted none other than the New York Yankees.

When an item so coveted, yet foreign to the average Joe like a sports championship ring becomes their own, is it something that becomes part of your work attire or does it fall into non-existence as a dust collector in the drawer? Do nostalgic feelings of little league greatness bring about slouching remembrance that the only ring you’d be receiving at the ball park was the one in the Cracker Jack box?

No matter what these elite Bostonians do with the 2004 World Series Championship ring, there will be those moments as they stare into the champagne celebration and ticker tape parade through the $20,000 rock on their finger, they’ll realize that they are one of three to achieve sports nirvana, even if they never did step foot onto the field.

Posted by Ryan Michael at 12:14 PM | TrackBack

July 15, 2005

Junk Drawer With A Strap

Women have too much junk in their purses. And these oversize purses just make the whole thing worse. It’s like telling women, who have too much junk in their normal size purse as it is to put more junk in. Here's my scenario:

You're at a party with your new oversize purse when Brad Pitt approaches.

Brad Pitt: You're sexy.

Girl: Really?? I mean, what about Angelina??

Brad Pitt: She wants to save the world; I just want to stay in bed all day with you.

Girl: Anytime, anywhere.

Brad Pitt: Can I get your number??

Girl: Sure, let me give you my card. (rummaging in oversize purse) It's in here somewhere ... hold on ...Oh, why can’t I find it? (Girl asks Brad to hold her purse, which he obliges, and she sticks her head in her oversize purse. Girl has half her body inside the purse rummaging.)

Brad Pitt: (Turns to nerdy guy standing nearby) This bag weighs a ton and this is taking too long. Can you hold this?

Nerdy Guy: Sure (taking purse eagerly. Brad spots Jessica Alba, who comes over to say hi).

Jessica Alba: Can I buy you a drink?

Brad Pitt: Sure. (Their eyes lock and they walk off together).

Girl: I’ve got it! (Girl emerges from purse disheveled to find nerdy guy standing there smiling as she sees Brad walk out with Jessica Alba.)

Why am I so fired up about over-size, 2 ton purses? Well, I have a particular aversion to women with big purses with too much in them. I grew up with a mother with a bad neck and couldn’t carry her own purse. So at the age of ten I was walking around malls carrying my mother’s purse (and she wonders why I’m gay). By the age of 14, before going out, I would dump out her purse and pull out everything she didn’t need. This didn’t go over so well at first, especially on a trip to Italy when I literally threw her suitcase on a train because I was so angry that it was so big and so heavy. “Be careful, there are gifts for the relatives in there,” she exclaimed. I retorted back curtly, “If you can’t carry it, DON’T PACK IT!”

So to all those women out there with too many cosmetics, brushes, compacts, deodorants, lipsticks, keys, maps, mini-pharmacies, notepads, business cards, mail, and tchotchkys in their over-size purses with boyfriends, husbands and sons tired of carrying all that crap: skip the oversize purse, and just take all the unnecessary crap out. And to all the men in these women’s lives, tough love might be hard, but it works. And if she really loves you, she’ll keep you around.

So be patient, it might take a while (maybe years). The tough love finally worked on mom when, by the time I was 22, she came to visit me and had a very small and very light bag. She gleamed like a child pleasing her parent when she said, “I did good, didn’t I?” And she did.

PS: Girls, I allowed mom one extraneous item, so I will let you all do the same. But only one!

Posted by Michael Rogers at 02:53 PM | TrackBack

Nuts For Animals

Pet owners, I believe we’ve officially crossed the line. I’ve recently been reading up on plastic surgery options for pets out of the pure disgust and curiosity that a pet owner would unnecessarily subject their animal to pain, simply for vanity reasons. During this research I came across botox, liposuction and face lift options for animals and the available procedures became increasingly horrifying. Then I came across Neuticles.

According to the manufacturer, “patented Neuticles are testicular implants for pets. Neuticles are available for canines, felines, equine, bulls or any pet which is neutered… allowing your pet to retain his natural look, self esteem and aids in the trauma associated with neutering.” They even come in different models for size, shape, firmness and feel!

It took me a minute to actually process the idea because I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Do dogs really size each other up in passing or when playing at the dog park? I thought that was left to insecure heterosexual men who can’t get a date.

Frankly, I don’t think animals could really give a damn about their appearance. I love my 18.5 pound four-year-old Tabby named Myles, fat rolls and all and I would never suggest to him to have liposuction because his belly is practically touching the floor. Nor would I suggest for him to have testicular implants because he’s lacking when up against my other Tabby, Kirby. I don’t think it affects his self esteem one way or another. He’s not depressed because he’s missing his man parts and he’s certainly not traumatized by the experience of having them removed.

Pet love is supposed to be unconditional – one of the reasons us singles are so attached. They love you when you wake up in the morning no matter how you look and we should love them even if they’re lacking in the nether region. Have we become so vain with ourselves that we genuinely believe our pets esteem suffers on a daily basis because their testicles have been removed or they have a wrinkly face? Perhaps we’ve just gone nuts.

Posted by Constance Wherrity at 02:45 PM | TrackBack

Nuts For Animals

Pet owners, I believe we’ve officially crossed the line. I’ve recently been reading up on plastic surgery options for pets out of the pure disgust and curiosity that a pet owner would unnecessarily subject their animal to pain, simply for vanity reasons. During this research I came across botox, liposuction and face lift options for animals and the available procedures became increasingly horrifying. Then I came across Neuticles.

According to the manufacturer, “patented Neuticles are testicular implants for pets. Neuticles are available for canines, felines, equine, bulls or any pet which is neutered… allowing your pet to retain his natural look, self esteem and aids in the trauma associated with neutering.” They even come in different models for size, shape, firmness and feel!

It took me a minute to actually process the idea because I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Do dogs really size each other up in passing or when playing at the dog park? I thought that was left to insecure heterosexual men who can’t get a date.

Frankly, I don’t think animals could really give a damn about their appearance. I love my 18.5 pound four-year-old Tabby named Myles, fat rolls and all and I would never suggest to him to have liposuction because his belly is practically touching the floor. Nor would I suggest for him to have testicular implants because he’s lacking when up against my other Tabby, Kirby. I don’t think it affects his self esteem one way or another. He’s not depressed because he’s missing his man parts and he’s certainly not traumatized by the experience of having them removed.

Pet love is supposed to be unconditional – one of the reasons us singles are so attached. They love you when you wake up in the morning no matter how you look and we should love them even if they’re lacking in the nether region. Have we become so vain with ourselves that we genuinely believe our pets esteem suffers on a daily basis because their testicles have been removed or they have a wrinkly face? Perhaps we’ve just gone nuts.

Posted by Constance Wherrity at 02:30 PM | TrackBack

July 12, 2005

The Magic of the Number Six

Just when you thought you couldn’t wait any longer, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth installment in the bestselling Harry Potter series, launches this Saturday, July 16, at 12:01 a.m. In a joint statement, Barbara Marcus, President of Scholastic Children's Books in the United States, and Nigel Newton, Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing in Britain, said, "J.K. Rowling has written a brilliant story that will dazzle her fans in a marvelous book that takes the series to yet greater heights. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince delivers all the excitement and wonder of her bestselling previous Harry Potter novels."

The highly secretive plotline of the new book is under heavy security, and guards are posted outside bookstores as shipments arrive. The only information the publishers have released about the books are the names of three chapters; Chapter Two: "Spinners End," Chapter Six: "Draco's Detour," and Chapter Fourteen: "Felix Felicis." The world is under the charm of Harry Potter, and this Saturday a spell will be cast over children and adults as they fly to their local bookstores. Already, more than one million pre-orders have been made at Barnes & Noble stores and at Barnes & Noble.com, making it the best-selling pre-order book of all time, according to Yahoo news.

If the book isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the forth film in the series, launches November 18, 2005.

Posted by Lance Buckley at 10:01 AM | TrackBack

July 07, 2005

Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) Board of Directors announced the selection of the 2005 honorees for The DMA Hall of Fame

The Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) Board of Directors announced the selection of the 2005 honorees for The DMA Hall of Fame. This year, three direct marketing leaders are being honored: Martin "Marty" Edelston, who built Boardroom, Inc. into a multimillion-dollar publishing empire; Tim Litle, principal, Litle & Co., a leading payment processor for direct marketers and the e-commerce industry; and Ted Spiegel, who helped cement Spiegel's reputation as one of America's leading catalog marketers.

All three honorees will be formally inducted at DMA05, The DMA's Annual Conference & Exhibition this October 15-19 in Atlanta, GA.

The Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) Board of Directors today announced the selection of the 2005 honorees for The DMA Hall of Fame. This year, three direct marketing leaders are being honored: Martin "Marty" Edelston, who built Boardroom, Inc. into a multimillion-dollar publishing empire; Tim Litle, principal, Litle & Co., a leading payment processor for direct marketers and the e-commerce industry; and Ted Spiegel, who helped cement Spiegel's reputation as one of America's leading catalog marketers.

All three honorees will be formally inducted at DMA05, The DMA's Annual Conference & Exhibition this October 15-19 in Atlanta, GA.

"We honor the contributions and commitment to direct marketing that these three giants have made," said John A. Greco, Jr., president & CEO, The DMA. "While today we honor their work, it is the entire direct marketing community who stands to benefit most from the decades of service and support that Marty, Tim, and Ted have given to legions of colleagues and peers. Their work lives beyond today in the many professionals they have touched throughout the years. On behalf of the entire direct marketing community, for their past work, their present commitment, and the future they have helped to shape for us, I want to publicly thank Marty, Tim, and Ted."

Established in 1978, The DMA Hall of Fame honors direct marketing professionals' outstanding career contributions to the practice, growth, and stature of the direct marketing discipline. With the induction of the 2005 honorees, the Hall of Fame will have 87 inductees.

Martin Edelston

From a business in his basement 30 years ago, Marty Edelston built Boardroom, Inc. into a multimillion-dollar publishing empire responsible for newsletters such as Bottom Line/Personal, Bottom Line/Health, Tax Hotline, and Bottom Line/Tomorrow. Bottom Line Books, the company's book division, is recognized as one of the largest sellers of one-shot mail order books in the country. His innovations in creative, editorial, and product development have earned him widespread recognition among his peers. But it is his generosity with guidance, information, and private tutorials that rank him as one of the industry's great teachers. His "I-Power" management incentive program serves as a model for many companies, including Kodak, Ford Motor Company, and Rubbermaid. "I-Power Seminars" have been given to thousands of individuals from hundreds of companies, large and small, across the country. A generous supporter of political and educational causes focused on direct marketing, he has also encouraged several Boardroom, Inc. staff to hold leadership positions on various DMA councils and committees.

Tim Litle

For more than 35 years, Tim Litle has played a critical role in the growth and evolution of direct marketing. As the founder of Litle & Co., he was a pioneer in the development of payment processing and e-commerce systems for direct marketers, and played a key role in the creation of what eventually became the USPS Carrier Route Presort System. Litle is a past member of the DMA Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. He helped found the DMA's Privacy Task Force, and is past chairman of The DMA's Committee on Ethical Business Practice, and a Board member of the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation. A recognized direct marketing expert, Litle is frequently invited to speak before industry groups and professional organizations. His expertise has also been called upon by the International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the White House during hearings on privacy issues. During his tenure, Litle & Co. was featured twice in Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest growing private companies, and Litle himself has been honored with many entrepreneurial awards for his contributions to the direct marketing practice.

Ted Spiegel

One of America's most-recognized direct marketer brands, Spiegel mailed its first catalog in 1905. From 1957 to 1987, Ted Spiegel served in a variety of roles in the "family business," starting out as a women's sportswear buyer and rising to leadership roles in helping change the company's image from budget-minded chain store-type catalog to one that represented an upscale "department store in print." As the founder and president of Spiegel Marketing Associates and a current partner with the Callahan Group, he has worked as a consultant to businesses, government entities, and nonprofits since 1987. His expertise in catalog marketing and business strategy has helped clients ranging from Walt Disney to Reader's Digest to the Library of Congress. Spiegel also currently serves as professor emeritus in integrated marketing communication at Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism. An active participant in The DMA, Spiegel has also served on the advisory board of Direct magazine and the U.S. Postal Service's marketing advisory board.

Posted by Stephen at 11:00 PM | TrackBack

9 ways to look rich but live cheap

Rise above your measly income and worn-out shoes. You can live the Simply Fabulous lifestyle and enjoy cushy perks even without being adopted by the Rockefellers.

By MP Dunleavey

Want to look as if you’re living a wealthier lifestyle than you actually are? Me too! In fact, I come from a long line of frugal women who obeyed the motto: “Live well, look rich and never let the world know how little you're really paid.” An excellent philosophy, which can be summed up as “Live cheap, look rich.”

Sure, I daydream about having millions to throw around -- and so do you. (Americans spend about $25 billion each year on lottery tickets in fruitless pursuit of this dream.) But people who have mastered the Live Cheap, Look Rich way of life know that it’s not about having more money, it’s about getting more out of life for the money you have.

And looking (and feeling) well-heeled while you do it. “Just because you don’t have a fat wallet means you have to go without life’s pleasures,” says Shel Horowitz, author of “The Penny-Pinching Hedonist” and founder of the FrugalFun.com Web site. Here is a quick boot camp on how to cultivate a more affluent way of life without actually spending a lot of money on it.

The art of affluence
One thing masters of the Live Cheap, Look Rich lifestyle will tell you is that wealth is just as much about your mindset as it is about your bank account. So learning to live a richer life may require you to start by thinking differently.Don't let retirement
sneak up on you.

Create a perfect plan.

Buy classics. At first this sounds like an expensive move; classics always cost more. But for certain purchases, spending more may be a better investment in the long run. Take cashmere. It’s ridiculously expensive. And yet I rely on my small hoard of cashmere sweaters because they not only look smashing, but they will last long after that GAP wool-blend sweater falls apart. Same with cars. “I decided to buy a five-year-old BMW this year,” says Sandy deNicolais, former fashion and beauty editor of Women’s Day. “The payments for a brand-new Honda were the same. But in five years, that Honda won’t be worth as much as my BMW. The BMW will last longer, it’s higher quality, it’s got more style.”

Travel creatively. As I learned at my upscale women’s liberal arts college, wealthy people are always just coming back from somewhere fabulous and far away. And you can too, with a little ingenuity. By logging onto Luxury Link, a luxury travel auction site, one friend of mine bought a five-night stay at swanky Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands for about $900. No, that didn’t include airfare, but she and her partner didn’t spend any more than they would have on a dull stateside getaway. If you can travel at the last-minute, remaindered airline seats are sold for cheap on the Smarter Living Web site. Or you can consider the many options that let you stay somewhere princely for nothing -- international hosting or home-swapping services. Some of these networks charge a fee to join, but it’s usually reasonable. Horowitz says that he and his wife and daughter stayed for 12 nights in Wales last year and paid a total of $50 for lodging, thanks to the generosity of a SERVAS host. (For more on home swapping, see "Home swaps: The ticket for vacation savings.")

Vicarious wealth by volunteering. Major charities always need volunteers, and they often hold a yearly bash where you can meet and mingle with the rich and famous. Or you can volunteer at a local theater or arts organization and gain access to pricey cultural events without paying a dime. Black-tie events are not only for those who can afford the $500 door ticket. It’s for those who hold the doors, too. Horowitz ushers at a local music venue, and in the last few years has attended concerts by Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry. “Those tickets would have cost me $500 to $600 out of pocket.”

Giving the appearance of wealth. It’s far easier to acquire the kind of manners and good breeding that come along with a wealthy upbringing than it is to go back and change the way you were raised. Some pointers from Jill Spiegel, author of “Flirting for Success: The Art of Building Rapport.”

Always be well-groomed. Pay attention to your hair, nails and shoes.
Be gracious. To everyone. Speak calmly and kindly, says Spiegel, the great-great granddaughter of catalog merchant Joseph Spiegel. “Rich people are too well-bred to be rude.”

Don’t discuss money. People with money don’t need to mention what things cost, nor do they appear to care.

Purge the poverty from your life. Hard-core Feng Shui believers will tell you that a plant in a certain place and a mirror in another will bring you lifelong prosperity. (I know because I have “The Feng Shui of Wealth" at home.) All I know is that cleaning out the clutter in your life, moving the furniture so that it feels more harmonious, not only feels good, it forces you to admit that the end table is broken and the lamp shade needs replacing and yes, it’s time to buy a new refrigerator. In other words, pay attention to all the ways that poverty has crept into your home -- and make a point of fixing or upgrading each one. Living a life of affluence doesn’t mean buying hand-burnished leather couches from Uzbekistan. It means taking the stains out of your carpet, oiling the squeaky door. Living in comfort, ease and beauty. That may not cost much more than elbow grease.

Never pay retail. Given how many discount stores and Web sites there are, it’s ridiculous to pay full price for anything. You can dress like Vogue editor Anna Wintour for a fraction of what she pays, just by shopping at Target, which features super-cheap but trendy duds by high fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi.

Other ways to enrich your wardrobe: shop at consignment (aka “secondhand”) stores, but only in tony areas. Christine Sparta, a free-lance writer in New Jersey, bought a Christian Dior suit at just such a place for $58. No, I didn’t forget a zero.

Learn to work the Web. “If I see a pair of designer shoes at Bloomingdales,” says deNicolais, “I know I can find the same exact pair for $50 or $60 less at SHOEbuy.com.” I like to go straight to the “clearance” section of my favorite retailers online -- from L.L. Bean to Victoria’s Secret to Crate & Barrel. I’ve gotten amazing deals.

And learn to time your purchases. National retail chains like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and others have a merchandise cycle of about 6 to 8 weeks. After about four weeks of being out on the floor, the chain then rotates full-price items to discounted tables. Keep your eye on the cycle at your favorite stores so that you’re always buying at a discount.

Learn to hobnob. Be part of the society set without a trust fund. Look up charitable events in your area. (Usually they're listed in the local paper, and charities often post their calendars online.) And go schmooze -- I mean, hobnob. Want to attend a benefit for the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation, featuring performances by Liza Minelli and the New York Pops at schmancy Carnegie Hall? Tickets start at $15.

Make a bid for luxury items. Even upscale auction houses like Christie’s or Sotheby’s may offer good deals on unique items for your home, and most are free and open to the public for previewing merchandise. You’ll want to skip the Italian Renaissance footstools. But sometimes a group of worthwhile items from an estate sale will be sold as a lot, with bids starting as low as $700, says Michel Witmer, an art historian and lecturer in New York. “Auction houses are a treasure trove.” Of course, most treasure requires some digging, and arcade sales -- lower-priced auctions at big houses -- are a great place to start if you want furnishings with the air of old money.

Get married, but don’t have kids. According to Andrew Oswald, an economist at the University of Warwick in England and something of an expert on the intersection of money and happiness, getting married adds a happiness factor that’s equivalent to having $100,000 added to your household income. This is not true of having children, Oswald says. His surveys have found that adding kids to your life (or not having them at all) didn’t seem to change people’s happiness one way or the other. Which is good. Kids are expensive, and since most rich people just send theirs away to boarding school anyway, you could argue that the best thing for your Live Cheap, Look Rich lifestyle is not to have the little darlings in the first place.

Posted by Stephen at 10:55 PM | TrackBack

Charming Shoppes Provides Revised Earnings Guidance for the Fiscal Year

Charming Shoppes, Inc., (Nasdaq: CHRS - News), a leading multi-channel specialty apparel retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel, today provided upwardly revised earnings guidance for the current fiscal quarter ending July 30, 2005 and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. The revisions include the impact of the Company's acquisition of Crosstown Traders, Inc., which was completed on June 2, 2005.

Charming Shoppes, Inc., (Nasdaq: CHRS - News), a leading multi-channel specialty apparel retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel, today provided upwardly revised earnings guidance for the current fiscal quarter ending July 30, 2005 and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. The revisions include the impact of the Company's acquisition of Crosstown Traders, Inc., which was completed on June 2, 2005.

Commenting on the Company's current quarter, Dorrit J. Bern, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Charming Shoppes, Inc., said, "Stronger than planned June sales and solid improvement in gross margins at our retail store brands are the drivers of our upward revision of projected earnings per share for the second quarter. We are enjoying healthy performance in Summer product classifications at our Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherines Plus Size businesses.

"For the full year, both our retail store brands' strong performance and the addition of Crosstown Traders are contributing to our upwardly revised earnings outlook. Through the first half of the year, Lane Bryant, Catherines and Fashion Bug are each expected to contribute to our improved profitability versus a year ago. The revision to our earnings projections in the latter half of the year is primarily attributable to the projected accretion from our acquisition of Crosstown Traders."

Revised Outlook for Fiscal Year ending January 28, 2006:

Projected Earnings Per Share for Fiscal Year 2006: For the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006, the Company has provided an upwardly revised projection for diluted earnings per share in the range of $0.69 - $0.73. This compares to $0.52 per diluted share for the corresponding period ended January 29, 2005. The Company's previous guidance for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006 was in the range of $0.58 - $0.62 per diluted share. During the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006, the Company projects approximately $0.07 per diluted share accretion from the acquisition of Crosstown Traders, Inc.

The revision to the Company's full year earnings expectations is driven by improved performance in the second quarter from our retail store brands and the expected accretion from the acquisition of Crosstown Traders. The two major components of the Company's Crosstown Traders business, apparel and gifts, each operate with higher operating margins than Charming Shoppes' retail store brands. The gift business achieves the majority of its sales and earnings during the Christmas holiday season, resulting in an upwardly revised projection for diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter ending January 28, 2006.

Projected Sales Revenue: For the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006, the Company projects total sales in a range of $2.72 to $2.75 billion, an increase of 17% - 18% from fiscal year 2005. This projection assumes comparable store sales increases of low single digits for the Company's retail store brands. The increase in projected sales is primarily a result of the addition of partial year revenues from Crosstown Traders of approximately $320 million. Additionally, through June the Company is experiencing year over year sales gains at its retail store brands as a result of improved merchandise assortments. Continuing growth in e-commerce for each of the Company's retail store brands also contributes to the Company's year over year increase in projected sales.

Gross Margin: The Company projects expansion in its reported gross margin to a range of 30.0% - 30.4% of sales for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006, primarily as a result of continued improvement at Lane Bryant and improving margins at Catherines Plus Sizes.

Expenses: The Company estimates that Selling, General and Administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, will be approximately 24.0% - 24.4% for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. The expense plan for the year includes increases in store payroll, occupancy, healthcare benefits, and information technology, as well as expenses related to the operation of Crosstown Traders, Inc.

Additional Data: Interest expense is projected at approximately $23 million for the year. The increase in interest expense is related to the Company's borrowings on its revolving line of credit in connection with the acquisition of Crosstown Traders, Inc. Depreciation and Amortization (D&A) is projected in a range of $80 - $85 million for the year. Capital Expenditures are projected at $95 - $105 million. Approximately three-quarters of the Company's capital expenditure plan supports store development, including openings, relocations, and store improvements. The remainder is primarily planned for improvements in the Company's information technology and corporate infrastructure. The Company's revised projection includes estimated weighted average diluted shares of 137 million and a tax rate in a range of 36% to 37%.

Revised Outlook for the Second Quarter ending July 30, 2005:

For the second quarter ending July 30, 2005, the Company has upwardly revised its projections for diluted earnings per share to a range of $0.26 - $0.28. This projection includes operating activity from Crosstown Traders beginning June 2, 2005, assumes total consolidated sales in a range of $700 to $705 million and comparable store sales increases of low single digits for the Company's retail store brands. For the corresponding period ended July 31, 2004, diluted earnings per share were $0.21. During the second quarter ending July 30, 2005, the Company projects no accretive effect on earnings per share from the acquisition of Crosstown Traders.

Outlook for the Third Quarter ending October 29, 2005:

For the third quarter ending October 29, 2005, the Company has projected diluted earnings per share in the range of $0.07 - $0.08. This projection assumes total consolidated sales in a range of $650 to $660 million and comparable store sales increases of low single digits for the Company's retail store brands. For the corresponding period ended October 30, 2004, diluted earnings per share were $0.05. During the third quarter ending October 29, 2005, the Company projects minimal accretive effect on earnings per share from the acquisition of Crosstown Traders.

Outlook for the Fourth Quarter ending January 28, 2006:

For the fourth quarter ending January 28, 2006, the Company has projected diluted earnings per share in the range of $0.13 - $0.14. This projection assumes total consolidated sales in a range of $770 to $780 million and comparable store sales increases of low single digits for the Company's retail store brands. For the corresponding period ended January 29, 2005, diluted earnings per share were $0.04. During the fourth quarter ending January 28, 2006, the Company projects approximately $0.07 per diluted share accretion from the acquisition of Crosstown Traders.

Change in Sales Reporting Schedule for Fiscal Year 2007

Charming Shoppes, Inc. also announced today that, beginning with next year's first fiscal quarter, the Company will commence reporting consolidated sales and comparative store sales on a quarterly basis, and will discontinue reporting consolidated sales and comparative store sales on a monthly basis. With the addition of Crosstown Traders, the Company's Direct-To-Consumer businesses (e-commerce and catalog) have grown significantly, to approximately 20% of Charming Shoppes' total revenues. These rapidly growing Direct-To- Consumer sales revenues, which are not generally reported in the same-store sales calculation within the retail industry, have led the Company to conclude that as a multi-channel retailer, the single metric of monthly same-stores sales is not sufficiently representative of the longer-term sales trends and profitability of the Company's businesses.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. operates 2,235 stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT®, FASHION BUG®, FASHION BUG PLUS®, and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES®. Additionally, the following apparel, accessories, footwear and gift catalogs are operated by Charming Shoppes' Crosstown Traders: Old Pueblo Traders, Bedford Fair, Willow Ridge, Lew Magram, Brownstone Studio, Regalia, Intimate Appeal, Monterey Bay Clothing Company, Coward Shoe and Figi's.

Please visit http://www.charmingshoppes.com for additional information about Charming Shoppes, Inc.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company's operations, performance, and financial condition. Such forward- looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: failure to successfully integrate the operations of Crosstown Traders, Inc. with Charming Shoppes, Inc., the failure to implement the Company's business plan for increased profitability and growth in the plus-size women's apparel business, the failure to successfully implement the Company's business plan for Crosstown Traders, Inc., changes in or miscalculation of fashion trends, extreme or unseasonable weather conditions, economic downturns, a weakness in overall consumer demand, failure to find suitable store locations, the ability to hire and train associates, trade restrictions and political or financial instability in countries where goods are manufactured, the interruption of merchandise flow from its centralized distribution facilities, competitive pressures, and the adverse effects of acts or threats of war, terrorism, or other armed conflict on the United States and international economies. These, and other risks and uncertainties, are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 and other Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charming Shoppes assumes no duty to update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

Posted by Stephen at 10:39 PM | TrackBack

Linda Evangelista Has Still Got it And So Does John Galliano For Christian Dior

Linda Evangelista walks the runway for the Dior Couture 2006 Spring Collection on display in Paris

Part Tim Burton, part centennial celebration, part technical tour de force and, above all, part brilliant display of beautiful clothes,

Wednesday's haute couture collection by John Galliano for Christian Dior will go down in fashion history as one of those fashion moments of rare and outlandish beauty.

Opening and closing with a Burtonian thunderstorm lit backdrop, horse drawn carriage and coachman, first exited by Erin O'Connor who appeared in superlative embroidered tulle dress in faded gray, and lastly with Galliano himself in a raver meets Peruvian peasant get-up, this show had the audience of some 1,500 on the edge of their seats throughout.

Let's start by awarding a shiny medal to Bureau Betak, the production company which created the opulently wrecked runway consisting of black sand, ivy covered decayed statures and fallen chandeliers covered in spiderwebs, i.e. reminiscent of this critic's favorite ever fashion show, Galliano's early nineties "comeback" capsule collection in Sao Schlumberger's St. Germain townhouse.

Next, a huge pat on the back for DJ Jeremy Healy, whose funeral pre-show music and bizarre mixing of Latin American flutes and bombastic orchestral works perfectly set the scene.

But, clearly, the hero of the piece was Galliano himself, whose elegantly penned note in the program made clear the homage to Dior's New Look and his unique sense of construction to us lesser mortals.

A recent visit to Peru, John explained, revealed "surprising similarities in the famous silhouette of Dior's New Look and traditional Peruvian dress," leading to an exploration into construction and the utterly brilliant idea of creating a "trompe l'oeil nude corset." That sounds complicated, and it was, but the result was a remarkable series of garments where the corset construction was seen through tulle and taffeta, creating a stunning lesson in fashion forms and some truly memorable images.

One series of five looks was simply entitled "the making of a dress," where degrade taffeta or flesh colored tulle were swathed around the corset, an effect which drew oooohs and ahs from the mega chic crowd that included Drew Barrymore, Dita von Teese and Charlize Theron sitting beside Dior's owner Bernard Arnault.

"I'm obliged to follow certain rules of the architecture of fashion," explained Christian Dior himself in an old radio interview, a crafty piece of sampling on the excellent soundtrack. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Dior's birth.

Dior's famed 1947 New Look collection was given a new spin with distinctive mélanges of Peruvian flower embroidery and multicolored raffia. Later, a grouping of five "Debutantes" looks, while elegant, were also a wonderful takeoff of Cecil Beaton's photos of British Society including the late Princess Margaret.

But the highlight for many, were seven "Hollywood" outfits with names like Ava, Ginger and Rita, worn by iconic models like Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Shalom Harlow, in a great mixture of tongue-in-cheek humor and high glamour.

There was a time when certain French souls contested Galliano's freak show staging and over-the-top choice of makeup. But after Wednesday, Galliano can only be judged as Dior's most legitimate successor – no mean claim given that Yves Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Ferre were also couturiers at Dior.

And in a moment of striking irony, this was a huge triumph by a British designer for a great French brand, staged in the Polo Club of Paris just minutes after the Olympic Committee announced that London and not Paris had been awarded the 2012 games.

Posted by Stephen at 10:31 PM | TrackBack

Pierce Mattie's Birthday July 10th (I LOVE White Roses - hint hint)

As our team gears up for my big birthday bash this year, you may wonder ... what other celebrities (yes I am one) have birthdays coming up. Here goes:

July 10: "Mr. Wizard" Don Herbert is 88. Singer Mavis Staples is 66. Guitarist Jerry Miller of Moby Grape is 62. Actor Ron Glass ("Barney Miller") is 60. Actress Sue Lyon is 59. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is 58. Singer Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys is 51. Banjo player Bela Fleck of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is 47. Drummer Shaw Wilson of BR549 is 45. Guitarist Peter DiStefano of Porno for Pyros is 40. Country singer Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts is 35. Actor Adrian Grenier ("Cecil B. DeMented") is 29. Actor Thomas Ian Nicholas ("American Pie") is 25. Singer Jessica Simpson is 25.

July 11: Actor Tab Hunter is 74. Singer Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is 58. Actor Bruce McGill ("Animal House") is 55. Singer Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 55. Actor Stephen Lang is 53. Actress Mindy Sterling ("Austin Powers") is 52. Actress Sela Ward is 49. Singer Peter Murphy of Bauhaus is 48. Reggae singer Michael Rose of Black Uhuru is 48. Child star Mark Lester ("Oliver") is 47. Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi is 46. Singer Suzanne Vega is 46. Bassist Scott Shriner of Weezer is 40. Actress Debbe Dunning ("Home Improvement") is 39. Actor Michael Rosenbaum ("Smallville") is 33. Rapper Lil Kim is 30. Rapper Lil' Zane is 23.

July 12: Actor-comedian Bill Cosby is 68. Singer Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 62. Actress Denise Nicholas ("In the Heat of the Night") is 61. Actor Jay Thomas is 57. Fitness guru Richard Simmons is 57. Actress Cheryl Ladd is 54. Gospel singer Sandi Patty is 49. Actress Mel Harris ("thirtysomething") is 48. Guitarist Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum is 43. Singer Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms is 40. Actress Lisa Nicole Carson ("Ally McBeal") is 36. Country singer Shannon Lawson is 32. Rapper Magoo is 32. Singer Tracie Spencer is 29. Actor Topher Grace is 27. Actor Erik Per Sullivan ("Malcolm in the Middle") is 14.

July 13: Actor Patrick Stewart is 65. Actor Robert Forster ("Banyon") is 64. Singer-guitarist Roger McGuinn of The Byrds is 63. Actor Harrison Ford is 63. Actor-comedian Cheech Marin is 59. Country singer Louise Mandrell is 51. Actor-director Cameron Crowe is 48. R&B singer Gerald Levert is 39. Singer Deborah Cox is 32. Drummer Will Champion of Coldplay is 27.

July 14: Actress Gloria Stuart ("Titanic") is 95. Movie and stage director Ingmar Bergman is 87. Actor Dale Robertson is 82. Actor Harry Dean Stanton is 79. Country singer Del Reeves is 73. Actor Matthew Fox ("Lost") is 39. Keyboardist Ellen Reid of Crash Test Dummies is 39. Singer-guitarist Tonya Donelly (Belly) is 39. Actress Missy Gold ("Benson") is 35. Singer Tameka Cottle of Xscape is 30. Musician "taboo" of Black Eyed Peas is 30.

July 15: Actor Alex Karras ("Webster") is 70. Actor Ken Kercheval ("Dallas") is 70. Actor Jan-Michael Vincent is 61. R&B singer Millie Jackson is 61. Guitarist-singer Peter Lewis of Moby Grape is 60. Singer Linda Ronstadt is 59. Actor Terry O'Quinn ("Lost") is 53. Drummer Marky Ramone (The Ramones) is 49. Guitarist Joe Satriani is 49. Actor Willie Aames ("Eight Is Enough," "Charles in Charge") is 45. Model Kim Alexis is 45. Actress Lolita Davidovich is 44. Actor-director Forest Whitaker is 44. Actress Brigitte Nielsen is 42. Actor-comedian Eddie Griffin ("Malcolm and Eddie") is 37. Drummer John Dolmayan of System of a Down is 33. Actor Scott Foley ("Felicity") is 33. Actor Brian Austin Green is 32. Singer Kia Thornton of Divine is 24.

July 16: Actor Barnard Hughes is 90. Actor-singer Ruben Blades is 57. Drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) is 53. Dancer Michael Flatley is 47. Actress Phoebe Cates is 42. Actor Will Ferrell is 38. Actress Rain Pryor ("Head of the Class") is 36. Actor Corey Feldman is 34. Singer-guitarist Ed Kowalczyk of Live is 34.

Posted by at 10:13 PM | TrackBack

Glacéau Vitaminwater Sells For 50 Cent

Rapper 50 Cent wants you to see a different side of him - the pitchman. Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent's real name, will step away from the microphone and start being the face behind Glacéau Vitaminwater in new ads. The ad campaign will run in men's magazines, on billboards and as bus wraps.

Reebok ads for the Gxt II Cross Trainer featuring 50 cent were just pulled from the air in Britain after complaints that the commercial glorified gun crime. Ads in the U.S. show him with athletes like Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who also stars in Campbell's commercials with both of his parents.

Jackson will also be busy in the coming months as he launches his own brand of watches through Jacob and Company. The timing of 50 Cent's face time also coincides with the release of a book and movie about his life as well as his tour with Eminem kicking off.

Posted by sergeg at 10:04 PM | TrackBack

Destiny's Child Prepaid ATM/Debit Card and VIP Launch Party Tour

Celebrity Entertainment Marketing Corporation (CEMC) announces the launch of the latest stored value celebrity prepaid ATM/debit card featuring the number one, highest selling female band of all time, Destiny's Child. To celebrate the release of the prepaid cards, CEMC will also host its own tour of VIP Launch Parties in cities corresponding with the upcoming Destiny's Child summer tour.

Celebrity Entertainment Marketing Corporation (CEMC), a pioneer in the use of multi-media penetration into targeted markets, announces the launch of their latest stored value celebrity prepaid ATM/debit card featuring the number one, highest selling female band of all time, Destiny's Child.

To celebrate the release of the Destiny's Child Prepaid ATM/Debit Cards, CEMC, in association with Smooth Grooves Productions, is hosting its own tour of VIP Launch Parties in corresponding cities along the highly anticipated Destiny's Child summer concert tour, "Destiny's Child, Destiny Fulfilled…and lovin' it." These launch parties will feature surprise appearances by the women of Destiny's Child at various locations throughout North America, schedule permitting.

CEMC has created the Destiny's Child Prepaid ATM/Debit Card in three distinctly unique designs all featuring the images of Destiny's Child. CEMC will be traveling the entire summer concert schedule in a motor coach promoting the card, their advertising sponsors and providing information and details about how each fan can receive their very own card. With the recent announcement that the upcoming tour will be serving as a “Farewell Tour” for the time being, the card stands to be a highly valued collectible for even the most die-hard fan, in addition to its fantastic banking capabilities.

The cards' target demographic includes teens and young adults through the audience and loyal fans of Destiny's Child. Mike Maunu, the CEO and founder of CEMC said, “We are very excited to be working in conjunction with the ladies of Destiny's Child. For the past couple years, we have been assembling the right pieces to the puzzle, in order to develop a celebrity-branded card that will thrive in today's market. We have added a number of exciting elements to the program, including an affinity program that enables the cardholder to actually save money while shopping!” CEMC is working in conjunction with the patented Loyaltyshare Score® Rewards Network to offer cardholders additional benefits for shopping with the Destiny's Child Prepaid ATM/Debit Card, including discounts, rewards and rebates. The card is conveniently priced and is available to anyone age 13 and older meeting certain parental and ID requirements; no credit is needed. Please visit www.destinyscard.com for more details.

Posted by Stephen at 09:56 PM | TrackBack

Our Prayers Are With You Zsa Zsa

Celebrated celebrity; Zsa Zsa Gabor was in critical, but stable condition at a Los Angeles hospital following a stroke, her husband said Thursday.

Gabor was felled Wednesday afternoon and admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her husband, Frederic von Anhalt, said Gabor needed emergency surgery to clear a "completely blocked" artery.

To the Associated Press, von Anhalt called the surgery a success, and said his wife might be sent home from the hospital within three days.
Depending on the source, Gabor is either 86, 88 or even 89.

The former Miss Hungary recently made headlines for suing her only child for allegedly forging her signature to secure a $2 million loan. The daughter, Francesca Hilton, has denied any wrongdoing.

Best known for being well known, Gabor is the last surviving Gabor sister, which in the 1940s and 1950s was rather like being a Hilton sister, minus the explicit camcorder footage. Fittingly, Gabor is a great-aunt of Paris and Nicky Hilton.

Gabor came by her Hilton connection the old-fashioned way--she married one. Hotelier Conrad Hilton was the second of her nine husbands. Gabor's current marriage, to von Anhalt, is her longest lived. The couple have been wed since 1986.

As an actress, Gabor's career was undistinguished. Aside from a costarring role in director John Huston's 1950 rendering of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Moulin Rouge, and a bit in Orson Welles' noir classic Touch of Evil, Gabor mainly was relegated to B-movies (Queen of Outer Space) and self-parodying cameos (A Very Brady Sequel).

No single film credit gave Gabor the kind of notoriety she achieved in 1989 when she was arrested for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer following a traffic stop. She, in turn, was slapped with a three-day jail sentence for her transgression.

In 2002, Gabor was seriously injured when the car she riding in, driven by her hairdresser, crashed into a light pole on L.A.'s famed Sunset Strip. A subsequent lawsuit battle was settled just this past March, with Gabor receiving a $2 million settlement. Additionally, her husband received $250,000 for a loss of companionship claim.

Posted by sergeg at 09:43 PM | TrackBack

Davidoff Sees A Silver Shadow

After Cool Water and Echo, the Lancaster Group-owned Davidoff fragrance brand is building a third pillar with men’s fragrance Silver Shadow. “We expect it to enter the top-15 ranking worldwide and the top-10 in our main markets,” Lancaster Group senior vice president of marketing, fragrances Françoise Mariez tells Cosmeticnews.com.

Silver Shadow, which targets men over 35, will be supported by a multi-media campaign, created by the Select agency, comprising TV spots (20, 15, 10 and 5”) and press visuals (single and double pages). Part of the media planning will involve specialized support such as stock pages in daily newspapers where fragrances usually do not advertise. Visuals, shot by black-and-white master Peter Lindbergh, feature American model Matt Norklun.

The woody oriental scent, conceived by Francis Kurkdjian of Quest International, starts with bitter orange and cedar leaves, while its heart mixes cedar wood and saffron, and the drydown includes patchouli and amber. The Pure Blend EdT has the same structure with two main ingredients added: cinnamon leaves in the top and Benzoin in the base.

The scent comes in a simple rectangular bottle made of three blocks of glass and created by Thierry de Baschmakoff (Aesthète).

The line will launch in September in Europe and Asia, followed by the US one year later.

Posted by sergeg at 09:17 PM | TrackBack

David Beckham Hits A Note With Coty

Football star David Beckham's signature perfume 'Instinct' will be sold throughout Europe from September and is expected to generate sales of 23-28 million pounds in the first year.

According to Femalefirst, a huge promotional campaign is expected to launch the fragrance by cosmetic giant Coty, which already has successful perfume ranges endorsed by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The Real Madrid star currently endorses Coty's sister company Adidas, as well as Gillette and Vodafone.

Posted by sergeg at 09:13 PM | TrackBack

There Goes the Neighborhood – ABC Cancels Highly Publicized reality show “Welcome to the Neighborhood”

Reality bites - just when you thought Reality Television wasn’t real enough, ABC’s hyped reality show “Welcome to the Neighborhood” got the ax just two weeks before its’ July 10th premiere. The controversial “Welcome to the Neighborhood” was centered around three white conservative families in an Austin, Texas cul de sac who were given the opportunity to choose new neighbors to live in a beautiful new 3,300 square foot home in their neighborhood.

Sounds safe enough right? I’m sure that’s what the families thought until they heard about candidates who were aiming to gain residence within their little piece of suburbia – a Black family, a Hispanic family, a gay couple with an adopted black child, a family who practices witch craft, and a white family with a mother who slides down poles in her spare time (and she doesn’t live in a firehouse, folks) just to name a few.

The original premise of the show was to get the three families to eliminate one of the contending families each episode in accordance to what they felt were the “standards” for their neighborhood. For a gun totin’, confederate flag wavin’ Texan, that usually means that none of the above stated families would ever set foot in their cul de sac if they had their way. Which is the precise reason why the National Fair Housing Alliance began to pressure ABC to yank the show from its’ summer lineup.

Civil Right lawyers have stated that “Welcome to the Neighborhood” displays discriminatory acts that shouldn’t be glorified on national television. Shanna Smith, president of the National Fair Housing Alliance stated, "Why should people of color and others ... be humiliated and degraded to teach white people not to be bigots,”. While Smith is very accurate in her deduction, there is an upside to this issue. The controversy surrounding the show can do a lot good for those who have been victims of housing discrimination. The “Welcome to the Neighborhood” fiasco has now led many of us to wonder, “Is reality TV too real?”

On a lighter note, one lucky family did manage to win the home in the Austin, Texas neighborhood but the new family will not be moving in until the end of August. The move had already been scheduled for the end of the summer so that the identity of the winning family would not be revealed until the close of the show.

-By Susan D. Simmons

Posted by at 11:41 AM | TrackBack

July 06, 2005

Beauty Editor Changes From The UK

Sarah Joan Ross has been made beauty director of B, replacing Emma Hill who is leaving to go freelance.

Ross is currently assistant beauty editor at Elle, where she began her career as a beauty intern.

Fiona Cowood has been appointed senior features writer. She replaces Charlotte Northedge, who has been made features editor of Hachette's new launch, Psychologies.

Posted by Stephen at 10:21 PM | TrackBack

Bloodbath at G+J USA Publishing

Meredith Corp. last week began informing via e-mail those G+J USA Publishing staffers who will join its team following the $350 million sale of G+J's Family Circle, Parents, Child and Fitness. (Morningstar's Joe Mansueto last week acquired Fast Company and Inc.)

While Meredith offered 315 G+J staffers permanent jobs, G+J had the unfortunate task of notifying 75 employees that they could join Meredith on a temporary basis (up to six months), and then had to tell an additional 75 staffers that there was no job for them at all (Fast Company and Inc. employees were not affected).

The highest profile editor not to make the cut was Family Circle's editor in chief, Susan Ungaro. Ungaro, who has spent 25 years at the women's service title (under five CEOs), and the past 11 years as its top editor, had also held the post of president of the Amercian Society of Magazine Editors.

Replacing Ungaro will be Linda Fears, former editor of YM and Parents, and most recently acting editor in chief of business development at G+J. Fears, also a veteran of Meredith's Ladies' Home Journal, was named acting editor in chief of Family Circle, and was among those offered a permanent position at Meredith.

Though highly regarded in the industry, Ungaro has had a tough challenge of keeping a traditional women's service magazine vital in a changing marketplace. Increasingly, the tide has been turning in favor of so-called women's lifestyle magazines such as Time Inc.'s Real Simple and O, The Oprah Magazine, published by Hearst Magazines and Oprah Winfrey.

Family Circle's paid circulation in 2004's second half fell 10.6 percent to 4.27 million over the year prior. Newsstand sales plunged 25.2 percent to 811,000. Holding steady, however, is rival Ladies' Home Journal, which saw paid circ stay flat at 4.1 million. Newsstand sales dipped 5.8 percent to 291,500.

"I've had an unbelievably great run here at Family Circle, working with great people," said Ungaro. "I'm surprised at the decision. We're up 36 percent on newsstand in the first half of this year. I'm surprised [Meredith] did not see that my team under my leadership is on the road to success after a tough 2004."

Also exiting will be Peg Farrell, senior vp, publisher of Family Circle. Farrell will be replaced by Jim Carr, formerly publisher of Meredith's Midwest Living. And succeeding Carr will be Peter Gross, most recently Midwest Living's director of travel advertising.

Jack Griffin, Meredith Publishing Group president explained the company's moves as strategic. "As a company, we are making an enormous commitment to Family Circle," he said. "There is no way of getting around it. The magazine needs to be reinvigorated. We have great respect for Susan Ungaro. She leaves a great legacy. But at the same time, we need to approach Family Circle with a fresh set of eyes."

As of now, Griffin continued, there are no plans to move to the company's headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

And finally, Sue Geramian, vp, corporate communications for G+J, who loyally stood by three CEOs over the course of eight years, will be leaving.

In terms of good G+J news, one noteworthy G+J exec staying on will be Jack Bamberger, vp, corporate sales and marketing, who will move to Meredith as vp, corporate sales. Bamberger will report to Tom Harty, senior vp, general manager, and publishing director of Meredith.

Posted by Stephen at 10:07 PM | TrackBack

Coolest Teen Magazine Joins the Leader of the Manga Revolution

In a bold move that marks an industry first, two powerful entertainment giants -- TOKYOPOP, the largest English-language publisher of manga in the world, and CosmoGIRL!, the fastest-selling teen magazine on newsstands -- join forces to deliver to teens a monthly dose of manga with an-all new version of "The Adventures of CG!" Written and drawn by Svetlana Chmakova (creator of TOKYOPOP's upcoming release of Dramacon), this visionary and cutting-edge manga strip features a monthly snapshot of our spunky, every-girl hipster heroine, CG, a sophomore in college studying abroad in Tokyo. Adventure ensues when CG runs into cultural challenges, crowded subways, exciting city life, new friends, and maybe even love. Packed with humor, drama and emotion, all rendered beautifully in Svetlana's unique style, "The Adventures of CG!" will introduce a whole new audience to manga, the fastest-growing segment of the publishing business.

"Our six million CosmoGIRL! readers always have their fingers on the pulse," said Susan Schulz, editor in chief, CosmoGIRL! "They're spot-on in determining what's hot and what's not -- and what's hot is most definitely shojo manga. It's already struck a chord with a significant segment of our readers which is why we're so thrilled to partner with TOKYOPOP, the leader in the manga field."

"Since we sell hundreds of thousands of manga to teen girls every year, we are confident that the CosmoGIRL! readers will be drawn to this exciting manga," says Julie Taylor, senior editor of shojo manga at TOKYOPOP. "Shojo (girl-oriented) manga is definitely hot -- and it's just going to get hotter now that it's appearing in the pages of CosmoGIRL!"

Russian-born Svetlana Chmakova is no stranger to making manga. She has lent her artistry to how-to-draw-manga books, toy designs, animation, book covers and illustrations. Her current works include two manga-style online comics: "Chasing Rainbows" on http://www.girlamatic.com and "Night Silver" at http://www.wirepop.com. Svetlana's very first TOKYOPOP project, Dramacon, a romantic dramedy about love in bloom set in the lively and colorful world of anime conventions, debuts in bookstores nationwide in October 2005.

About CosmoGIRL!

CosmoGIRL! is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of The Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with a total of 18 U.S. titles and 142 international editions. Hearst's magazines are read by more U.S. adult women than any other monthly magazine publisher. The company also publishes 19 magazines in the United Kingdom through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited.

About TOKYOPOP®

As the largest English-language publisher of manga in the world, TOKYOPOP is hailed as a leading youth-oriented entertainment brand. TOKYOPOP's innovative product extensions include its pioneering Cine-Manga® book format, which features colorful flavors of pop culture's hottest films, television shows and music videos. The company has expanded its property reach beyond publishing -- TOKYOPOP's television series have been broadcast in the United States on Cartoon Network, Showtime and G4Media, and are released on DVD, with consumer products available at all major retail outlets. The company's global reach has recently expanded to Europe, with new offices in the UK and Germany, in addition to its Los Angeles and Tokyo operations. With nearly 28 million books in print, TOKYOPOP's award-winning catalogue of licensed and original properties features more than 200,000 pages of manga compiled over nearly 1,000 manga volumes. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.

Posted by Stephen at 10:03 PM | TrackBack

Britney Spears Keeps Her Legs Crossed For Elle Magazine This October

Pregnant pop star Britney Spears will be the October cover girl for Elle magazine, but will not follow actress Demi Moore's footsteps and pose nude.

Spears reportedly was planning to copy Moore's famous fleshy Vanity Fair cover when Moore was pregnant in 1991, World Entertainment News Network reported.

However, a spokeswoman told the New York Post's PageSix while Spears will be Elle's October cover girl, Spears will be keeping all of her clothes on. Thank God! That Demi Moore cover was a PR No No!

Posted by Stephen at 09:52 PM | TrackBack

New York Times Writer Goes To Jail While Time Magazine Writer Gets Off - The Miller Cooper Case Continues

For all the journalists who read our blog, I have a question for you. Do you think you should reserve the right to protect your source for a story at all times? Even if it means jail? I do. You have a journalistic obligation to keep your sources hidden and kept secret. Let us know your thoughts, go ahead and post a comment. Judith if your reading this from prison and you need beauty products or some fun fragrances to make you feel good while behind bars, let us know. We are more than happy to send you a care package and we'll charge back The New York Times for you if you like.

Peter Yost with the AP reports - New York Times reporter Judith Miller was jailed Wednesday for refusing to divulge a confidential source to a grand jury investigating the Bush administration's leak of an undercover CIA operative's name. Another reporter, Matthew Cooper of Time magazine, agreed to talk and avoided jail.

Cooper agreed to cooperate with prosecutors after disclosing that his source had given him permission to do so hours earlier. The about-face came after nearly two years of refusals to disclose the information.

The developments added further intrigue to what already was one of the most closely watched press freedom cases in recent history.

"I do not view myself as above the law," Miller told U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan. "You are right to send me to prison."

But she said she had an obligation to protect a confidential source: "I do not make confidentiality pledges lightly, but when I do I must honor them."

Hogan was adamant that Miller comply with the court's order to testify.

"If she was given a pass on this, the next person who comes up" might refuse to cooperate as well, Hogan said. "There is still a realistic possibility that confinement might cause her to testify."

Cooper said his source had given him a waiver just before the court session, enabling the journalist to cooperate with the probe into who leaked the name of CIA officer Valerie Plame. Cooper said that he had been prepared to go to jail and that on Tuesday night, "I hugged my son goodbye and told him it might be a long time before I see him again."

Hogan held the reporters in civil contempt of court in October, rejecting their argument that the First Amendment shielded them from revealing their sources. Last month the Supreme Court refused to intervene.

The use of anonymous sources has long been debated. News organizations say they seek to balance a need to promise confidentiality — to elicit key information — against a desire to be open about their sources to readers, viewers and listeners.

The Miller-Cooper case has been seen as a test of press freedom, and numerous media groups have lined up behind the reporters. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have shield laws protecting reporters from having to identify their confidential sources, though there is no federal protection. Congress is considering a bill, however, and Cooper and others involved in the case have urged passage.

Unless she decides to talk, Miller will be jailed until the grand jury ends its work in October. Hogan speculated Miller's confinement might cause her source to give her a more specific waiver of confidentiality, as Cooper's source had.

The judge did not say where she would be incarcerated, but she was seen entering the Alexandria Detention Center. The Virginia facility's best-known resident is convicted terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui.

Special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald is investigating the question of who leaked the identity of CIA officer Plame. Disclosure of an undercover intelligence officer's identity can be a federal crime if prosecutors can show the leak was intentional and the person who released that information knew of the officer's secret status.

Plame's name was disclosed in a column by Robert Novak days after her husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, questioned part of President Bush's justification for invading Iraq.

Wilson was sent to Africa by the Bush administration to investigate an intelligence claim that Saddam Hussein may have purchased yellowcake uranium from Niger in the late 1990s for use in nuclear weapons. Wilson said he could not verify the claim and accused the administration for manipulating the intelligence to "exaggerate the Iraqi threat."

Novak, whose column cited as sources two unidentified senior Bush administration officials, has refused to say whether he has testified before the grand jury or has been subpoenaed. Cooper's story mentioning Plame's name appeared after Novak's column. Miller did some reporting, but never wrote a story.

Among the witnesses Fitzgerald's investigators have questioned are Bush; Vice President Dick Cheney; Bush political adviser Karl Rove; Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis Libby, and former White House counsel Alberto Gonzales, who is now the attorney general. Fitzgerald has said his probe is finished except for hearing from Miller and Cooper.

"If somebody broke the law to get back at Mr. Wilson, every eyewitness should come forward to testify," Fitzgerald told Hogan. "The grand jury wants to know the truth. We are having the whole thing derailed by one person."

Pointing to broader implications, Fitzgerald said that "we can't have 50,000 journalists" making their own decisions about whether to reveal sources.

After Hogan passed judgment, Miller stood up, hugged her lawyers and was escorted from the courtroom, touching Cooper on the hand as she passed by.

The executive editor of the Times, Bill Keller, said outside the courthouse that Miller's decision was a "brave and principled choice." He called the jailing "a chilling conclusion to an utterly confounding case."

Asked why prosecutors sought Miller's testimony when she never wrote a story about Plame, Times attorney Floyd Abrams said, "We don't know, but most likely somebody testified to the grand jury that he or she had spoken to Judy."

Keller said he did not know why Miller never wrote a story, adding, "I guess she didn't feel she had enough to go with at the time."

Posted by sergeg at 09:43 PM | TrackBack

Vince Vaughn Please Marry Jennifer Aniston

Once at breakfast with my client Jane Iredale at The Four Seasons we sat across the restaurant from Vince Vaughn. He is one tall handsome piece of loveliness. Jane and I both sat in silence with a grin on our face and said, that's nice.

Actor Vince Vaughn denies reports that he and new co-star Jennifer Aniston are an item.

Vaughn and Aniston have been photographed cuddling on the set of the The Break Up, but Vaughn says the two are just friends. He said he is furious that people think he would take advantage of the 36-year-old beauty so soon after her split from husband Brad Pitt, World Entertainment News reported Wednesday.

We're making a film together, man. he said. Jennifer's a sweet girl, but she's very vulnerable right now and has been through a really hard time. I know people would love it if we were dating, but we're not. She doesn't need to cry on my shoulder.

Aniston has also denied reports of a romance

Posted by Stephen at 09:32 PM | TrackBack

Madonna Is Bitter Over Mariah's Crew

Madonna, SHUSH UP! When I was a teen I confess, you rocked. And now, well now... you live in England, write kids books and just got fired from being the Versace model with Demi Moore taking your place. That isn't saying much, is it Madonna? Your recent press litter touting that you went too far with your Sex book back in the 90's and now to say you don't like Mariah. Honey - Mariah is all that and a bag of chips. We love to slam her air brushed abs. But when was the last time you did a concert in Times Square? Maybe 20 years ago. Mariah still has it. Her album came in at #1.

It is reported that pop diva Madonna can't stand Mariah Carey and gave precise instructions to the Live 8 organizers to keep Mariah away from her backstage. Britain's Sun newspaper reports that Madonna wants a changing room near Sir Paul McCartney

A source revealed: "There is no love lost between them”. "Madonna doesn't want to see Mariah - or her massive entourage".

Rumors about a duet between Sting and Madonna were denied yesterday by the English rocker himself. Sting declared he was too busy preparing for the show to worry about working alongside the pop queen.

He says, "There was a rumor that I was to do a duet with Madonna but it's completely untrue.

"I don't know where that came from. I'm singing three songs, the main one being Every Breath You Take.

"There'll be footage of the world's leaders playing on screens and I've changed the words to 'We'll be watching you'."

Posted by Stephen at 09:22 PM | TrackBack

Valentino Fashion Merchandising and Marketing

Valentino offered a lesson in the art of haute couture, turning out a series of crystal-encrusted evening suits and gowns for next winter that showcased the fine craftsmanship of high fashion.

After paying tribute to the world's greatest cities with his spring-summer 2005 collection, the legendary Italian couturier went back to basics for autumn-winter 2005-06, using a simple, feminine bow as his focal point.

A model presents this wedding gown creation by British designer John Galliano, for French fashion house Christian Dior, at the Autumn/Winter 2005-2006 Haute Couture fashion collections in Paris

Sequined bows snaked around the shoulder of a purple silk dress, adorned the bodice and hips of a midnight blue satin number to create a three-dimensional effect or made a statement in white on the back of a lavish black evening gown.

Embroidery is one of the hallmarks of haute couture, and so cascades of crystals tumbled down jacket fronts and cocktail dresses. Raised ribbon flowers gave skirts a bit of texture.

Valentino is synonymous with luxurious fabrics -- for next winter, he edged slinky purple silk trousers with sable and trimmed a short wool jacket with snow-white mink. For evening gowns, silk taffeta and satin are a must.

As for his choice of colors, black, white and ivory dominated the catwalk, but jewel tones like ruby and amethyst -- and, of course, Valentino's signature red -- also will be de rigueur next winter for his glamourous A-list clientele.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, rocker Sheryl Crow -- in town to cheer on boyfriend Lance Armstrong in his hunt for a seventh Tour de France title -- and France's first lady Bernadette Chirac turned up to applaud the Italian designer.

Britain's Adam Jones, staging his first couture show as an invited member of the selective French fashion federation, displayed his talent for fine knitwear in a collection influenced by the Wild West and Native-American culture.

Studded jeans and leather rancher skirts harkened back to the days of frontier saloons, while a crocheted leather mini-dress with feather and bead accents recalled Native American handicrafts.

Jones -- who usually stages showroom presentations to draw attention to his detailed work -- was most effective with his knits, like a grey dress with lace insets or a petrol blue halter dress with macrame fringe at the hem.

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Christian Lacroix will hit the catwalk on Thursday, along with Givenchy's new designer Riccardo Tisci.

The three days of couture shows in Paris will wrap up on Friday with shows from Jean-Paul Gaultier and Lebanon's Elie Saab.

Posted by Stephen at 09:08 PM | TrackBack

Pierce Mattie Returns from Men's Fashion Week In Paris

Top fashion designers showed off their menswear collections for spring summer 2006 during Paris Fashion Week.

All the big names are there including Givenchy, Christian Dior, Louis Vuttion, Paul Smith and YSL Rive Gauche. Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane took inspiration from bad boy rocker Pete Doherty and showed skinny pants, tight fitting shirts and military jackets.

Louis Vuttion designer Mark Jacobs went for the luxury look with silk shorts, shirts, accessorised with the famous LV logo on holdalls.

British men are not as experimental as their European cousins but Paul Smith collection attempted to redress the balance.
He showed floral designs, bright pastels and bright orange sweaters teamed with white trousers. There were also superbly cut suits and classic Paul Smith shoes.

Posted by sergeg at 09:02 PM | TrackBack

McDonalds Goes Hip Hop With P Diddy's Sean Jean Clothing

P Diddy's Sean Jean clothing line is among a list of some of America's top fashion houses being considered to redesign new uniforms for staff at McDonalds.

The burger chain plans to make over its employees' uniforms which the company sees as outdated.

Tommy Hilfiger and Rocawear are amongst the other fashion houses McDonalds is said to be checking out for the redesign.

Posted by sergeg at 08:58 PM | TrackBack

July 05, 2005

Mariah, You’re Fired!

It’s one thing to airbrush a celebrity on the cover of a magazine, but to airbrush their fat on national TV…what was Mariah Carey thinking?

At Macy's Fireworks Spectacular (2005), Mariah stepped out on the stage to plug her new album and show off her sultry body in another one of her trademark, barely-there dresses. At first glance I thought, “Damn, she has a six-pack like Miss Jackson.” But after cameras did a close-up I realized that her abs were the result of a botched air bronzing procedure, which when applied correctly can give the appearance of a more defined midsection. It was as if a child, or someone who recently had a “mental breakdown,” had applied the sunless tanner. Doesn’t Mariah pay people a lot of money to make sure she is always camera ready? If I were her, I’d have to take Mr. Trump’s lead and say “you’re fired." But we still LOVE you Mariah, even if Madonna thinks otherwise.

Posted by Lance Buckley at 02:36 PM | TrackBack