September 10, 2005
Podcast: Los Vegas Magic/Pool Fashion Review
Use this link to listen to the podcast (episode one) and be watching for future podcasts in iTunes under the business (marketing) section.
This episode reviews the project, pool and magic fashion trade-shows in Las Vegas and highlights the trends spotted. You will need the most recent version of Quicktime to listen to this podcast.
Magic Digital Pressroom: Visit
Pool Fashion Tradeshow Photos: Visit
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 06:35 PM
Katrina Fashion Spotted! Good Image Or Bad PR?
A model wears a look from the Imitation of Christ spring 2006 collection, Friday Sept. 9, 2005, during Fashion Week in New York. The quote on the back of the dress, 'Here Lies Vera, God Help Us,' are in reference to a photograph taken of words on a sheet covering a victim of Hurricane Katrina.
Posted by Stephen at 02:57 PM
Dawn Kissi Reports Model Life at Fashion Week
Elite model Alana Bunte has makeup applied during a beauty session at Bumble and Bumble in New York. Bunte was prepared for a week of casting calls for New York's Spring Fashion Week 2005 and made her first New York runway appearance in a show that introduced the New Faces of Elite, a group that she is a part of.
Lanky, long-legged and so pretty she turns heads, Alana Bunte was oblivious to the stares of strangers as she traipsed from audition to audition, hoping to land a modeling job at New York's Fashion Week. The teenager is one of hundreds of wannabe modeling stars, dreaming of being the next Giselle Bundchen, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell. Modeling agency Elite hopes to use Bunte as a major weapon to battle back from difficult financial times and a stint in bankruptcy protection. Once an industry leader, Elite lost a costly lawsuit to an employee over smoking in its offices.
Businessman Eddie Trump, who bought the agency at auction last year and hopes to restore its luster, staged a nationwide scouting effort to find the next generation of super model in his "New Faces of Elite" campaign.
"I intend to build this brand again," said Trump, no relation to real estate mogul Donald Trump. "Elite is legendary."
At the front line is Bunte, who spent the last week getting made up and looked over. She hit as many as 14 auditions in one day.
Just 14 years old, the teen from Laguna Beach, California, stands 5 foot, 8 inches tall and possesses what insiders would call a "couture body."
The industry describes a "couture body" as between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, long, lean and willowy.
Bunte's days typically start at 6 a.m. with hair and makeup sessions. Afternoons are spent in media training and runway classes where Elite staffers help perfect her walk -- the shoulders-back, hips-forward strut that can make or break a modeling career.
ONE COOKIE
En route to her 10th casting call one day, Bunte stopped to do the unthinkable -- eat
"I am having just one cookie," she said, ducking into a pastry shop. "I love to eat."
But, dressed in a denim miniskirt, tight top and cowboy boots, she is all business.
"This is a job for me," she said. "I could be back home on the beach, but this is what I've wanted for a long time."
And even at a young age, she has learned to take the industry's absurdities in stride.
"We've been told we are fat. We all get criticized," she said. "But it's work, you know?"
Amid the bustle, her youth shows. She giggles, and she loves to chat about her three brothers and her dogs back home. She keeps her distance from other models who smoke incessantly and gossip about what late-night parties to attend.
Never far from her side is Bunte's mother, Angela, a former beauty pageant contestant who keeps a sharp and protective eye on her daughter.
Bunte totes her "book," a portfolio of professional photos and editorial layouts where she has appeared.
As the semi-annual gala known as Fashion Week hit full swing, she had landed just two jobs with Gen Art, which showcases new designers.
The big names -- Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Baby Phat -- didn't call back.
Bunte needs to work with a prominent photographer and get her face out there, advises Claudine Ingeneri, bookings editor at Elle magazine.
"When they're young, they tend to get a bit restless, but things take time in this industry," Ingeneri said.
For Bunte's mother, though, it's just as well as she made plans to head home. School started last week, and that's where she wanted her daughter to be, she said.
Posted by Stephen at 02:45 PM
Jess Cartner's Take on Fashion Week - Black is Back - A Fashion PR Update
One glance at the audience of New York fashion week, which began yesterday, confirms what in this industry is the biggest story of the year: black is most definitely back. Fashion editors and buyers have jumped at the chance to dress once more in their favourite colour. While the rest of Manhattan basks in late summer sunshine, the few blocks around the catwalk hub of Bryant Park are peopled by a distinctive black-clad tribe.
In New York and London, where the first two fashion weeks take place, the industry is in sober mood. In New York, the shadow of 9/11 still falls over the September shows, with few big designers choosing to show on tomorrow's fourth anniversary of the attacks. Moreover, in light of the situation in New Orleans, many New York designers have scaled back plans for self-promoting parties, and are supporting fundraising events this week.
London fashion week, which begins next weekend, is struggling to maintain its position as a must-see event on a par with Milan, Paris and New York. Almost all of the city's well-known homegrown designers, including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson, now show abroad, leaving the schedule short on famous names. As a result, many international press and buyers no longer send full teams.
The rising profile of newly established fashion weeks in Sydney and Los Angeles has added to the pressure on London.
Stuart Rose, chairman of the British Fashion Council, denies that London fashion week is in crisis, but concedes that the BFC are taking the problems seriously, and looking at radical changes to the current set-up. Trimming down the current five-day schedule so that London fashion week could be slotted into a weekend between Milan and Paris fashion weeks is one option being considered.
Advocates believe that this would be the best way to entice key US figures such as American Vogue's editor, Anna Wintour, to attend.
With few holding out hope of persuading the likes of McQueen to return to London, Mr Rose intends to focus instead on London as a breeding ground for new talent. "What we do have in London is a fantastic pool of talent coming through the colleges. We are the fashion world's incubator."
Giles Deacon, whose London show will be attended by Donatella Versace (the Milanese designer will also host a dinner in his honour) has competition this season to be the hottest ticket of the week from an unlikely source. Topshop, the high street store beloved of teenage girls and thrifty fashion addicts, this season becomes the first high street retailer to stage a catwalk show alongside the designer names.
The move reflects a power shift in the British fashion industry. Where once catwalk designers were openly snobbish about the likes of Topshop, who they saw as copycats, recent years have seen many designers financing their more outlandish lines by putting their name to "diffusion" lines in high street stores. Thus the high street and designer camps, once at loggerheads, are now closely linked.
Jane Shepherdson, brand director of Topshop, claims that the success of stores like hers has changed the whole culture of fashion in the UK. "The label snobbery that used to exist around designer brands has not just declined - it's been turned on its head. Now, it's considered smarter, more savvy, to have found something fantastic on the high street."
Topshop, she says, employs designers of as high a calibre as many of those fronting their own labels at London fashion week. "We have incredible designers in-house who, had they chosen to, could have had their own companies. We really believe in these designers, so we're happy to put their work alongside the designer names and see how we compare."
Mr Rose is adamant that the designers on the London fashion week schedule have not reacted to the inclusion of Topshop as a kind of sartorial dumbing-down. "On the contrary," he says, "the designers recognise that in Topshop we have a brand that is cutting edge and exciting."
Not content with their London catwalk debut, Topshop also enter the American market today, with a Topshop boutique within the hip Opening Ceremony boutique in Manhattan. "For New Yorkers in the know, Topshop is the first port of call when they arrive [in London]," boutique owner Humberto Leon said of his decision to devote 500 square foot to the British brand.
Topshop joins an ever-growing number of British names making their presence felt in Manhattan. This season, Notting Hill It-girl designer Alice Temperley joins Matthew Williamson, Luella and Roland Mouret. Temperley already has a following among Manhattanites, and her show on Monday night should rival Friday's debut by rock-star-turned-designer Gwen Stefani as one of the week's highlights.
The New York and London shows will be followed by Milan and Paris, where all eyes will be on designer debuts at several established labels.
Former handbag designer Frida Giannini shows her first collection at Gucci, Ivana Omazic takes the reins at Celine, and the young Italian designer Riccardo Tisci begins his quest to make a success of Givenchy - a pursuit in which both Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald have recently been thwarted.
Silver linings in the catwalk season
L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani (New York)
This will be the debut catwalk show for musician-turned-designer Gwen Stefani and her label L.A.M.B., a move that reflects music's growing influence on fashion. The range already has a following among Hollywood alumni including Cameron Diaz, so expect a paparazzi-friendly front row. Stefani is known for her quirky take on glamour: super-tight Alexander McQueen style tailoring mixed with Dior-esque eccentricities is likely.
Topshop Unique (London)
A highly anticipated newcomer to the London fashion week schedule. The collection is designed by an anonymous in-house team, and Topshop is the first high street brand to preview its spring/summer '06 line on the catwalk, as opposed to in a showroom.
Gucci (Milan)
The pressure is certainly on Frida Giannini, who will show her first collection for Gucci in Milan, competing in a design superleague with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Prada. Her predecessor, Alessandra Facchinetti, was heavily criticised for staying within the tight and sexy parameters established by the superstar designer Tom Ford. Giannini has an accessories background: she has designed the label's handbags since 2002. She is expected to take both clothing and accessories in the same - possibly more feminine - direction.
Givenchy - Paris
Riccardo Tisci, a relatively unknown 31-year-old designer from southern Italy, will stage his first ready-to-wear show for the troubled Givenchy. The job had been described as a poisoned chalice: it was vacant for 10 months and several designers were rumoured to have refused it. Givenchy's original muse was Audrey Hepburn, but it is unlikely that Tisci will be too restrained by this heritage, preferring to bring his own modern vision to the label. If his own label holds any clues, the new look could be slightly gothic and avant garde.
Posted by Stephen at 02:38 PM
September 09, 2005
Athlete Salaries; Is the Sky the Limit?
With the start of the NHL season less than one month away, it’s clear that hockey is already showing signs of change. None are more evident and impressive than the salary numbers, recording a team total below the cap of $39 million. If we were to take another sport, say basketball, some teams would exceed the cap after only three player signings.
I may be biased as an avid hockey fan, but wouldn’t it make sense to have salary caps in all sports? The main question that arises when discussing salary caps revolves around who should get the money, the players or the owners.
Well, let’s realistically put the question into perspective. LeBron James as an 18-year old NBA rookie made over $10 million. With the new NHL plan in place, top rookie 18-year old Sidney Crosby will earn $850,000, a salary that can’t be exceeded for a player’s first season. Granted, the NHL can’t even touch the NBA in popularity and viewership in the United States, but the difference in money earnings is tremendous. At what point does a veteran NBA player regardless of skill make less than a player who has no professional experience. Experience and proven professional ability is one thing, but $10 million to a teenager who has never stepped foot into the big leagues, are you kidding?
When you think about poverty and so many other problems facing the U.S. at the moment, the thought of giving a person millions and millions of dollars to play a sport seems anything but money well spent. I’m a die hard sports fan and have been an athlete all my life, but to think what salaries will be like in 10 years with no cap is frightening. And to think, this is all before endorsement deals and promotional perks. Ok, I admit it, I’m jealous.
Posted by Ryan Michael at 05:40 PM
Welcome Back Christie
When Surreal Life on VH1 started this year one could say watching their token talent; Janice Dickenson talk would make your skin crawl. I think anyone who proclaims to be a ‘supermodel’ is well… not one. I even joked with my friends noting; “isn’t a supermodel a girl who has had atleast one large cosmetics contract? Like a Christie Brinkley, she’s a supermodel! ” What do you think Cover Girls direction will be with brining her back after 10 years? Is a Cover Girl client 50+.
Over the past few years they have gone more ethnic and urban with Queen Latifa and country twain like Faith Hill. In the 80’s their models did sku older, take for example; Jennifer O’Neil. Now that's a supermodel. Why can't Janice act like Jennifer? Jennifer and her ministries, she’s a diva that has seen the light. But Janice still acts like a crazy freak on TV. I think she’s attention deprived, but alas we are writing about her. Christie, thank God your back. Please do the rest of these 'girls' a favor, show them what you’re made of. Give them your famous smile and let them know who's boss!
Posted by Pierce at 05:39 PM
Men's Vogue Or Men's Bible?
It was only matter of time before the male well groomed (can we please stop using the word Metrosexuals?) got their bible. Some say "Cargo hasn't been cutting it", and too many women read GQ and Esquire at this point to really call them men's magazines. So it makes sense that the fashion elitists at Vogue got the job to service the style conscious man. From the looks of the advertisers make that the rich male elite (think $120K cars, million-dollar watches, and 30K cell phones, $600 shoes) The best of the best for men who appreciate fashion forward design and style. Check out the ultimate in men‘s razors.
The premiere issue of Men's Vogue, edited by Jay Fielden, a former Vogue editor, is well done, and it definitely hits the more masculine side of the fancy boy trend--although it basically covers the same departments as its sister pub: fashion, beauty, art, food, design, and "rich" people.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 02:26 PM
September 08, 2005
Diamonds Are Nelly's Best Friend
Did anyone see Nelly's teeth tonight at Radio City Music Hall as we kick off fashion week? Diamonds are a hip hop artists best friend. (ta dah!) Singer Nelly, with diamonds on his teeth, arrives to the second annual Fashion Rocks concert, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, which celebrates the relationship between fashion and music. He teeth matched his earings and were laced in diamonds. I wonder which toothpaste he uses?
Posted by Pierce at 11:27 PM
Jessica Simpson launches Jeans Line with Fashion Bug:
Actress Jessica Simpson is all set to launch a jeans line in collaboration with retail chain Fashion Bug.
Jessica’s collection will come in a range of sizes and styles from fashion style, which includes low rose and super low rise fitted jeans, to cowboy range, which is meant to give a looser fit more comfort. It also consists of boot cut range, which is inspired by Western style and are available with special detailing including embroidery.
“Jessica Simpson’s fabulous sense of style and amazing talent have made her one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities. We are so pleased to bring her fashions to our customers in the sizes they seek and at the prices they can afford,” femalefirst quoted Liz Williams of Fashion Bug as saying.
Posted by Pierce at 11:15 PM
"Coldplay Put A Smile Upon My Face"
Right now I’m still high from last night. Coldplay gave an amazing performance at Madison Square Garden that will resonate in my mind and keep me floating for the next couple of weeks. “In My Place” off of the band’s sophomore album “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” strikes a chord so close to my heart it brought me to tears. The fact that our seats were so close to the stage we were practically sprayed with Chris Martin’s saliva only escalated my natural high and made the performance even more intense. At times I felt like a crazy groupie singing every word, dancing (some might not credit my movements with that word, but I had fun) and screaming my adoration for Martin.
I do have to say I was disappointed in the crowd however. For a show where tickets sold out in six minutes, the energy just wasn’t there and I’m surprised the band came back onstage for an encore. Perhaps New Yorkers are just lazy and feel entitled to certain things, but despite the lack of enthusiasm in the audience the band gave an energetic and powerful performance that I will never forget. Aaah, the life of a publicist and it's many perks!
Posted by Constance Wherrity at 06:56 PM
Conde Nast Fall Fashion
Conde Nast Media Group, which supplied this undated photo, will kick off Fall Fashion Week by presenting the second annual Fashion Rocks live concert and collector edition magazine. Shown on the cover of the magazine is Gwen Stefani, left, David Bowie and Alicia Keys. All three will be among the artists who will headline the concert on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Posted by Pierce at 03:04 PM
Hats off to my father George, always my hero!
Hats off to my father; George Rohrmann. This week, on very short notice he packed up and left for Houston Texas to work with the survivors of Katrina. George is a licensed clinical social worker. Currently the director of the domiciliary at VA Medical Center at Bay Pines in Florida. Our agency will be checking in from time to time with George to conduct Podcasting interviews that you can download for free via our website and on i-tunes. Stay tuned for his inside mental health guide on how the New Orleans transplants are adapting to life in Houston. Also, what can we do as a nation that suffers from the guilt of survival.
Posted by Pierce at 02:05 PM
Trumps first "I QUIT"
Rancic, winner of the first season of NBC's "The Apprentice," says he'll stop working for Donald Trump when his contract ends in March. "That will probably be it for me," he said at a global leadership forum Wednesday in Malaysia. He has been overseeing construction of the 90-story Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago.
"I'm gonna go out and start another business of my own," said the former Internet entrepreneur. "That's in my blood." Rancic said he'll leave before Trump's project along the Chicago river is completed. He said there are plans for him to appear in the fourth and fifth seasons of "The Apprentice," in which contestants use their business savvy to compete for a job with Trump. The fourth season premieres Sept. 22. Rancic said he's interested in real estate. "In the years to come, I hope there will be Bill Rancic towers right alongside the Trump towers," he said. He urged Asian entrepreneurs to emulate Trump. "He's a guy who's gonna die in that chair, putting together some big deal. I don't think Donald Trump will ever stop. He truly loves what he's doing."
Posted by Pierce at 12:03 PM
September 07, 2005
Androgynous Fashion
Each year New York Fashion Week becomes more spectacular as classic couture melds with cutting edge collections from newbie designers fresh out of design school. This year is no exception. To kick things off I attended a special preview of the new collection by Stephan Schneider, a designer from Antwerp and alumni of the renowned Royal Academy. Making his New York premiere at Gigantic Brand, an eclectic store with a backdrop of criterion films and Asian-influenced accessories, Schneider’s work stands out as bold though the color palette is muted. To play this off, Schneider creates texture with his combination of fabrics, which bring a visual and physical depth to his pieces that convey a slightly androgynous feel. I shared the evening with friends from amNew York and OUT magazine, as we sipped champagne and talked fashion.
Posted by Lance Buckley at 05:20 PM
September 06, 2005
Alluring Eyes
Each month I go through the magazines looking to see who’s writing about what…its part of the job. Once I’m done reading GQ and Men’s Health I always move onto the Bible of the beauty industry, Allure. At first glance the September issue appears to have the same cover as always; another beautiful celebrity with the standard “smoky eyes.” They even gave a smoky lid to Ellen DeGeneres when she graced the cover.
At second glance though, there seemed to be something different about Mariah Carey’s eyes. Right there, looking back at me is the reflection of the photographer. I wonder if the photographer knew that they would make their national debut as a sparkle in Mariah’s eyes.
Later this same day, on a press clipping for one of our clients, I noticed the same sparkle in Gwen Stefani’s eyes on the May 2003 cover of the same publication. I say kudos to Allure for leading the movement against airbrushing celebrities in magazines. It’s one step toward making women feel better about themselves, even if it was just by accident.
Posted by Lance Buckley at 01:39 PM
September 05, 2005
USDA to allow 'organic' label on cosmetics
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and other natural-cosmetics companies have won their fight against the government for the right to stamp the "USDA Organic" label on lip balms and body lotions.
The Escondido company and an organic-products trade group sued the U.S.
Department of Agriculture in June after the agency directed organic-cosmetics companies to pull the distinctive green seal from packaging.
But in a memorandum issued this week, the USDA changed its stance and said that cosmetics and other personal-care goods that are certified under National Organic Program standards can carry the government designation.
Claims by companies that their products are organic are "rampant" and "don't mean anything unless they have the USDA label" on packaging, said David Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner's.
Bronner said his company spent about $100,000 and two years of planning to bring its lines of Dr. Bronner's & Sun Dog's Magic lip balms, body balms and body lotions into NOP compliance.
The products, which were launched in February, are carried by more than 100 natural-product stores across the country.
In 2000, the government announced standards for the production of organic produce and meat, after 10 years of wrangling among health advocates, agricultural interests, chemical companies and biotechnology firms.
The green, round "USDA Organic" seal made its debut in 2002.
Under the rules, producers of organic food and other products are prohibited from using genetic engineering, sewage sludge or pesticides.
Moreover, antibiotics are banned in organic chicken, beef and other meat, and organic dairy ranchers are required to give cattle access to open land.
In April, the USDA told companies like Dr. Bronner's that their cosmetic goods could not carry the agency's authoritative label.
But on the eve of a deadline requiring the USDA's response to the legal complaint by Dr. Bronner's and the Organic Consumers Association, the USDA reversed itself and said that NOP-certified products could carry the label.
Barbara Robinson, head of the department's National Organic Program, said officials have struggled over the issue, particularly because the program is new.
"We're USDA. We're looking at it from an agricultural perspective. We do agricultural products here. We do food," Robinson said. "We don't do cosmetics here. We're not lipstick. We're not mouthwash. We're not lawn-care products. It takes a while to sit down and look at this and say, all right, how do we make this work?"
In the end, officials determined that it doesn't matter what type of product is labeled, as long as it follows the rules.
In other words, Robinson said, "What difference does it make if you brush your teeth with it or eat it?"
The battle also involved issues of legal liability because some organic- cosmetic companies have been sued for deceptive labeling because they bore the organic claim.
Now it should be clear that "just like food, the federal standards pre-empt any state laws, and if you meet federal standards, the product is organic," said William J. Friedman, an attorney defending the companies in state courts.
Adam Eidinger, a spokesman for the Organic Consumers Association, said its complaint against the USDA is likely to be dropped after settlement talks in the next 30 days.
The department still must comply with a federal court ruling this year in another lawsuit, filed by organic blueberry farmer Arthur Harvey in Maine, and draw up new rules on whether small amounts of non-organic or synthetic substances can go into organic food. The new rules will also govern feed for dairy cows.
Posted by Pierce at 11:09 PM
More Award Winning PR -New York Office
IABC Presents PR Firm, Pierce Mattie Public Relations, with two awards and it's time to "toot our horn" and recognize our brand advocates. We love to brag about them!
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) rewarded Pierce Mattie Public Relations with "Best Publicity Campaign of the Year" and "Best Publicity Placement of the Year."
Pierce Mattie Public Relations is pleased to announce that the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) will present the firm with two Awards for Communication Excellence (ACE) for “Best Publicity Campaign of the Year” and “Best Publicity Placement of the Year.”
Read the full story on PRWeb by clicking on the hyperlink in the above text
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 06:14 PM | TrackBack
September 04, 2005
Abercrombie & Fitch "Erected" Huge, New Billboard
Fashion house Abercrombie & Fitch "Erected" Huge, New Billboard next to the Prada store on 5th Avenue in New York City. The billboard, in the form of a jeans-clad gentleman sporting what many might find to be a nice package. The doorway into his crotch is a nice touch too.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 07:37 PM
September 03, 2005
Hurricane Katrina showed no mercy to Louisiana and Mississippi, but you can.
To donate money, volunteer, and get updates on the Red Cross' efforts in the aftermath of the devastation.
Thank you
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 04:50 PM
September 01, 2005
Serena Likes to Flirt
Tennis superstar Serena Williams teams up courtside and signs as the new Guest Creator for Flirt! cosmetics.
Flirt!, the makeup line with more then 250 colors pushes the boundaries to be a little more daring with makeup. Flirt! enlists the creative talents of favorite personalities from pop culture to express their unique sense of style and creativity in cosmetics. The Guest Creator may work on a new color, a new product, a new accessory or an entire collection.
"I am a complete beauty junkie and being in the fashion business, I stay ahead of the trends," stated Williams. "Now I am able to create makeup that works with what is in style. Creating cosmetics allows me to be glamorous and adventurous plus show off my flirtatious side, a fun contrast to my life on the court."
William's first collection will debut in February 2006 at Kohl's Department Stores nationwide and online at kohls.com.
Posted by Pierce at 11:04 PM
Gwen Stefani: The Bust Out Artist of the Year
Gwen Stefani is definitely a Holla Back Girl! Now 35, the blonde bombshell is blowing up in more places that the top 40. Her rock-hard bod has always garnished more attention that her former NO DOUBT band mates, but she seems to be busting out all over since her solo debut. Rumors are stirring that Gwen may actually have gotten breast implants to round out or thin figure. I say more power to her. Tits sag and at first sight that mine are going south I would definitely consider implants or a lift to perk things up, especially with a hottie beau like Gavin Rossdale!
Posted by Constance Wherrity at 05:08 PM
Common Skin Care Ingredient Actually Linked to Advancing the Aging Process
Researchers from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine reported that methylparaben, an antiseptic agent widely used in cosmetics such as foundation, actually advances the aging process in skin cells when exposed to ultraviolet rays, causing wrinkles and liver spots. Methylparaben is the most commonly used antiseptic agent for cosmetics. It is included in powders, lotion and skin milk for its high anti-bacterial effects and mild stimulation of the skin. The agent, ironically, is also used in products intended to reduce the skin's exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Most food, cosmetic and skin care products are preserved in some way so they don't become rancid or unusable. Parabens have been widely used because they're cheap and effective, but while they preserve and extend shelf life, their synthetic chemicals are ultimately derived from petroleum or crude oil base. There is substantial scientific evidence to suggest that increased exposure to substances that behave like estrogen in the body may elevate an individual's risk of developing cancer and Parabens are among these substances.
For more information on whats in YOUR cosmetics, visit www.safecosmetics.org
Posted by Constance Wherrity at 05:05 PM
Martha Stewart Returns
Martha Stewart’s name is synonymous with fine linens, bunt cakes and white-collar crime, but come September 12th the 64 year-old domestic diva will reclaim her title as America’s favorite homemaker.
With more than half a dozen magazines currently in publication, this month Martha will re-launch her popular daytime show, and join the ranks of Donald Trump with a spin off of NBC’s wildly successful show, The Apprentice.
What’s Next? World domination isn’t out of the question. This week, Martha Stewart Omnimedia saw a market capitalization of $1.6 billion, a major difference from the $167m of shareholders' equity on its June balance sheet.
According to a report in The Economist, “Michael Meltz, an analyst at Bear Stearns, thinks MSO may earn about $10m next year, after three years of losses.”
Considering that Martha’s image accounts for about 90 percent of the company’s market value, this is proof that America is ready to accept Martha back into their living rooms and kitchens.
Posted by Lance Buckley at 04:59 PM
The Thing About My Folks
What does Paul Reiser’s new film have in common with a bottle of soda that has been sitting in the fridge for two weeks? Both are full of sweet goodness, but fall flat on the senses.
I was fortunate enough to see an advanced screening of The Thing About My Folks, a film written by Reiser for his all-time favorite actor, Peter Falk, better known as Columbo. The two former TV stars are joined by Elizabeth Perkins, who play’s Reiser’s wife, and Olympia Dukakis, Reiser’s mother who leaves Falk at the beginning of the film. This is the setup to send Reiser and Falk on an emotional and physical drive through upstate New York as the son comes to terms with his father’s short comings as a husband and dad and the two make up for lost time.
While the movie, directed by Raymond De Felitta, tugs at a few heart-strings, the story is slow and at times the shots elementary. In one scene in particular, if you look closely you can see a reflection of the camera mounted on the hood of the 1940 model Ford, as the car trudges along the country road.
The one redeeming quality to the film was Peter Falk’s compelling performance as a man searching for himself after his wife walks out on him after a 46-year marriage. With that said, I have to recommend skipping over this at the theatre (opening September 16th) and even the video store. Lifetime is bound to run it in a couple years.
Posted by Lance Buckley at 12:27 PM
Reflecting on GQ's Article - Rob Shuck Should be an Event Coordinator0.00
Though I’ve always been drawn to the articles written in GQ, this month’s feature on the eternal college student Rob Shuck had my eyes glued to the pages. It’s not the quality of the article (though written very well), but the story that kept me wanting more. If you’re not familiar with the piece, it can be summed up by saying it’s the story of a man who has spent the last dozen years as an undergrad at Cornell University.
A member of the Greek system for the last twelve years, Shuck has made a name for himself that has people around campus whispering about that guy who lives in the frat house basement. He still parties, dates and attends class all without a care in the world. In a way, he’s living out the dream that every college student at some point or another has who can’t bare the thought of moving on. Rob Shuck is the real National Lampoon's Van Wilder. He's the most popular person on campus, has the most friends and the best late night stories from the fraternity formal 10 years ago. Every weekend he strengthens his relationships over a few kegstands and a game of beer pong. In the PR world, that's just good networking.
Let’s block out the keg parties, sorority girls and meal plans for a moment. Sooner or later his luck that he's had with the stock market will run out and his finances will need replenishment. I’d love to hear the explanation he would share with his future employer (if that ever happens) when he speaks on behalf of his education and prior work experience, or quite simply what he’s been doing for the past several years. This is the point where he takes out his little black book that has accumulated hundreds of names after all these years and asks for assistance as he continues the job search.
I think in some ways, I could have stayed in college for another semester or two, delaying the eventual reality of the “real world,” but an additional eight years? Shuck is stuck in a place that has parents everywhere cringing at the thought of tuition and fraternity houses. Graduation is no longer a goal, but a finish line at the end of a race that he refuses to complete.
Hey, I was stuck on college too for a little while, but mingling with masthead editors over a sponsored open bar at chic night spot Cain beats helping to carry a drunken sorority girl out of the fraterniy house anyday.
Then again, who are we to judge someone that has spent the last dozen years waking up happy each morning and whose biggest dilemma is whether he should purchase Bud or Bud Light for Friday night’s kegger?
Posted by Ryan Michael at 10:15 AM