The
Buzz -
Media Bits and Pieces
Written by Wendy R. Williams
Opposite Photo Credot:
Jose Vibar |
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If it's hot,
we're hot after it.
Since we are New
York Cool, and well....cool, we receive loads of
tips from media mavens and have decided to pass
them on to you. So check back often, it's The
Buzz.
November 18, 2008
This is just in from
Reshma Patel from Think Publications regarding Supima:
November 5, 2008
Salman Rushdie and Deepa
Mehta
Photo Credit: Michael Toolan
Salman Rushdie and
Deepa Mehta held a press conference today at the
new Museum of Arts and Design Auditorium at 2 Columbus
Circle, New York City. (The museum is housed in
the old "cottage cheese" building on Columbus
Circle.) Mehta and Rushdie announced that Mehta
will make the film version of Rushdie's "Booker
of Booker's" prize-winning novel, Midnight's
Children. Mehta will start filming in March
of 2009.
The
8th Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film Festival
is in full swing, running November 5-9th at various
venues around town. Deepa Mehta's Heaven on
Earth was the opening night film. Log onto
the festival's website at www.iaac.us
for more information and/or click here for our film
listing page for the festival.
October 27, 2008
This is just in from Nina Flowers at The Apollo
Theater:
Postponement of
Open Audition for Dreamgirls Out of Respect for
Jenifer Hudson and Her Family - This Week's Casting
for the 2009 National Tour at the Apollo Theater
is Rescheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2008
John Breglio, producer
of the upcoming production of Dreamgirls,
announced today the open casting call for the 2009
national tour of the musical Dreamgirls is being
postponed out of respect for Jennifer Hudson and
her family. The talent search scheduled for the
Apollo Theater on Saturday, November 1, 2008 has
been rescheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2008.
“Our prayers
and thoughts are with Ms. Hudson and her family
at this tragic time,” said producer John Breglio.
“Due to this horrific tragedy we feel this
is not the time for a talent search for a role that
is so closely connected with Ms. Hudson.”
For further information
about the Apollo Theater, visit the website at www.apollotheater.org.
October 21, 2008
This is just in
from Susan Norget Film Promotion:
After a long absence,
the Beekman Theatre, located at 1271 Second Avenue
between East 66th and East 67th Street, is reopening
on Friday, October 24. The cinema has two screens,
each with 435 seats. Programming will be a mix of
art and commercial films.
Starting October
24, the theatre will be playing WHAT JUST HAPPENED?,
directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert De
Niro, Robin Wright Penn, Sean Penn, Bruce Willis
and Stanley Tucci. Also playing will be TELL NO
ONE, featuring Kristin Scott Thomas, and ELEGY,
with Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz.
Kevin Smith's R-rated
comedy, ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO, opens on October
31. It stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks and
was a recent hit at the Toronto Film Festival.
A CHRISTMAS TALE,
which was an official selection at the Cannes, Toronto
and New York film festivals, opens on November 21.
It stars Catherine Deneuve and Mathieu Amalric.
The theatre
took its name from the famed east side cinema that
closed a few years ago, one block to the south of
the present location. It is being programmed and
managed by Jeffrey Jacobs, president of Jacobs Entertainment
Inc., the same company that manages and programs
the Paris Theatre at 4 West 58th Street.
October 18, 2008
This is just in from
Crystal Method:
THE CRYSTAL METHOD
REMAKE
“NOW IS THE TIME”
IN HONOR OF THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
SONG AVAILABLE NOW AS A FREE DOWNLOAD FOR FANS
VIA www.thecrystalmethod.com
In 1994, THE CRYSTAL
METHOD released their first single “Now Is
The Time” which sampled the title, a prominent
slogan of the 1960’s civil rights movement.
More than a decade later, the same slogan was used
throughout Democratic presidential nominee Senator
Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic convention
held in Denver, CO last month.
As election time
nears, THE CRYSTAL METHOD—who are Ken Jordan
and Scott Kirkland—have remade the song utilizing
a sample of Obama’s “Now is the time…”
statement from his speech. Fans will be able to
obtain the song as a free download through The Crystal
Method’s website at: thecrystalmethod.com
Corresponding artwork for the song by Shepard Fairey,
a revision of his popular Obama portrait logo, can
also be viewed at the site.
“Like 38 million
other Americans, we were transfixed listening to
Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National
Convention. It reminded us of the creative process
we went through all those years ago, listening to
samples of inspiring old civil rights speeches and
creating the original ‘Now Is Time,’"
states THE CRYSTAL METHOD. “We don't often
revisit old songs but we've been spending so much
time looking forward as we work on our new album
it seemed appropriate to take a minute to look back
at the beginning. Plus, right now no American could
be hurt by hearing another inspiring message, whether
it's on the morning news or at the club later that
night. This is a song we just want people to hear.”
WWW.THECRYSTALMETHOD.COM
www.myspace.com/thecrystalmethod
The Crystal Method on tour…
October 7,
2008
This is just in
from American Express:
Fresh off the heels
of Paris Fashion Week, American Express is offering
special access to a fabulous fashion event for Card
members – some of whom are also your readers
and may be interested in hearing the details.
A complimentary private
shopping experience at the Blanc de Chine flagship
store located on Fifth Avenue in New York City is
currently being offered through the Premium Access
program, a benefit offered to Gold and Platinum
Card members. The event will take place on Thursday,
October 16 from 6-8pm.
During the private
shopping event, Card members will be treated to
cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity
to shop Blanc de Chine’s Fall 2008 collection
with the help of dedicated store staff. Card members
will receive a 20% discount on all store merchandise
purchased with the Card and have the opportunity
to check out the brand-new third-floor space featuring
the “blue de chine” collection; a younger,
sportier line from Blanc de Chine.
Blanc de Chine, known
for their ability to blend ancient with modern,
uses cultural inspirations from the East to create
modern designs that are elegant and unique, yet
wearable. Blanc de Chine is also acclaimed for the
luxurious quality of their garments, from the attention
to the interior as well as the exterior of the garment,
to producing their own silks.
Space is limited
to this private shopping event so Card members should
click
here to RSVP and mention “Premium Access”
in the subject line.
October 4, 2008
This just in from
Sean “Diddy” Combs; Shawn “Jay-Z”
Carter; Mary J. Blige; and Kevin Liles
AN OPEN LETTER TO
YOUNG AMERICA
FROM DIDDY, SHAWN “JAY-Z” CARTER, MARY
J. BLIGE AND KEVIN LILES
WE ARE IN A STATE
OF EMERGENCY!!! YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY
OCTOBER 6, 2008!!!!! We are only 31 days from the
most important election of our lifetime. MONDAY
OCTOBER 6, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE. We are at war,
banks are closing, people are losing their jobs
and houses every day. It is our responsibility to
protect our futures. Time is running out. You must
register by Monday October 6th. Barack Obama cannot
win this election on his own; he needs our help.
This election is about us. This election is about
our children’s future. If you have not registered
to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed
their lives for you to have this right. You are
also disrespecting your future.
The time is NOW for
us to use the voices with which God has blessed
us. We need you to do all you can. Here is what
we need to do:
1. Register to vote
BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th 2008
2. Get as many people
as you can to register with you
3. Go to the poll
and vote on November 4th
Barack Obama said
it best, “Eight is Enough.” No longer
will we stand by and follow leadership with no regard
for us and no accountability to us. We can be the
deciding factor in this election, but you must register
to vote to make your voice heard. Who are we? We
are young America. This is our moment of truth.
Are you registered for change? October 6th is only
a few days away.
Make sure that on
November 4th, we are able to say that we did everything
in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes
the next President of the United States. We owe
this to our children, our parents, our grandparents
and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team
Obama. This is the most important election in our
lifetime.
REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6th and VOTE
TO MAKE HISTORY ON NOVEMBER 4th!!!! Visit
www.VoteForChange.com
to register to vote TODAY!! It is our duty to make
our voices heard. STOP what you’re doing right
now and lets REGISTER TO VOTE. Time is running out!!!!!!!!!
God Bless,
Sean “Diddy”
Combs
Shawn “Jay-Z”
Carter
Mary J. Blige
Kevin Liles
September
18, 1008
This is just
in from RJ ROMERO of Manhattan Media:
NYC Nightclub boss has BIG
MAC ATTACK. Philippe Starck, Shvo, Bovis and Douglas
Elliman all WANT BEEF??
New York City nightclub
boss JE Englebert, the co-owner of Prime nightclub
and Suzie Wong lounge is again pissed off..
For years, Englebert
lived at the pristine "Downtown by Philippe
Starck" building at 15 Broad Street in the
Wall Street area. When the club owner heard the
distinguished designer Philippe Starck, one of the
most famous designers in the world had started to
design a new building in the Gramercy Park area
he jumped on the opportunity to buy in early. He
bought another condo this time at the sumptuous
"Gramercy Starck" 340 E 23rd Street high
rise while it was under pre construction. Englebert
figured the new location would be ideal, closer
to his hot nightspots in West Chelsea. His elation
turned to dismay quickly when the building's management
allowed a storefront McDonald's to open. Is a tacky
fast food joint the right image for a high end luxury
building? Englebert thinks not. "McDonald's
is a great American institution but does not belong
at Gramercy Starck, a far star building. I've often
come home, any time of the day and have found riff
raff hanging outside the McDonald's. The sidewalk
is littered with McDonald's wrappers. Plus the space
reeks, you can smell burger grease."
Englebert has consulted a high priced lawyer and
will be suing the building's sales, owners and management
including Michael Shvo Real Estate, developer Bovis
Lend Lease and Douglas Elliman Property Management
for allowing this most unwelcome tenant to set-up
shop. Englebert says "I have solid evidence
that the building reps portrayed this as a high
end building at the time of sale then allowing McDonald's
in without disclosing this to any of the buildings
buyers. The management was not acting in the best
interest of the building by letting them in the
commercial space. It was a shady move! If I knew
about Mc Donald's before I closed on the unit I
would have never bought there. All my neighbors
are upset." Englebert has a lot of tenants
behind him and is planning a class action suit.
Media already speaking about this:
Follow Suit
By Braden Keil todays NY Post Happy Meal Anyone??
www.nypost.com
This is just in
from designer Mal Sirrah:
Designer brand John
“McSame” McCain Campaign T-Shirt
New York based fashion designer,
Mal Sirrah (Malcolm Harris), has released a limited
edition parody t-shirt on behalf of the John “McSame“
McCain Campaign.
The designer says, “Recently I found myself
completely and utterly offended after seeing a Republican
endorsed parody entitled Obama Waffles, and therefore
I felt compelled to repay the GOP’s kindness
by designing a limited-edition John McSame t-shirt.”
This 100% cotton limited edition t-shirt actually
depicts John “McSame” McCain as a modern
day “Ronald McDonald” as he champions
four more years of the Bush administration. The
t-shirt also comes with a full disclaimer stating,
“This message has not been approved by Barack
Obama.”
The designer goes on to say, “As I routinely
walk the city streets of New York, I am often moved
by people of all races, genders, and views collectively
showing their support for Barack Obama by donning
cool t-shirts, pins, etc. Therefore, I simply felt
it was my civic duty to create something special
and befitting of Senator McCain in honor of his
party’s affinity for parody.”
The t-shirts have only been up for a few days and
have already created quite a stir in the blogosphere.
The designer and his team have now been forced to
increase the production of the t-shirts that were
originally only supposed to be printed as a limited
edition. However, as we all now know, the internet
and the blogging community have a way of changing
one’s course.
Designer Mal Sirrah now hopes they will be able
to raise enough money to support Senator Obama in
his run for the White House as well as to continue
producing other t-shirts lampooning Senator John
“McSame” McCain in his soon-to-be thwarted
run for President of the United States.
T-shirts are available for US$29.99 at
(http://www.johnmcsametshirt.mybisi.com).
This just in from
the New York International Independent Film &
Video Festival:
"Legendary entertainer
Dick Van Dyke makes a rare appearance in New York
City to promote his latest documentary, "The
Wonder Kids" screening as part of The New York
International Independent Film & Video Festival
"
The New York International
Independent Film and Video Festival is very pleased
to announce that legendary entertainer Dick Van
Dyke will make a special appearance at the “The
Wonder Kids” East Coast Premiere, which will
be held on Friday September 19th at 8pm at Village
E ast cinema (181 2nd Ave. and 12th Street). Mr.
Van Dyke narrated the documentary which scooped
the prestigious Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary
at the NYIIFVF in LA. The legendary performer is
expected to be joined in a pre-show dance with Savion
Glover, and an All-Star cast of dancers featured
in the film.
Written, produced
and directed by Jim Petersen and Pamela J. Richardson,
"The Wonder Kids" is the inspiring story
of a tiny dance studio that set out to save the
art-form of tap-dancing, and not only produced many
of the world's greatest dancers, but saved the lives
of thousands of inner-city kids in the process.
Tickets are $12 in
advance (www.nyfilmvideo.com) and $15 at the door.
For all press requests and an invitation to the
screening,=2 0please contact Briege McGarrity at
917 783-4042, or email her at BMcGarrityPR@aol.com.
For further information about "The Wonder Kids,"
contact Brass Ring Productions at 323 559-1882 or
323 667-2922.
Patricia Field is
selling an Obama tee shirt for $38. There's a unisex
v-neck tee for guys and gals and a little thermal
top for the ladies. ***Completely designed and made
in the U.S.A.*** Both are
available at the boutique at 302 Bowery or Online
at www.patriciafield.com.
And from Peanuts and Rock the Vote:
It may well be the
most historic Presidential campaign since the first
U.S. Presidential election of 1789. Who would ever
have thought that one day voters could cast their
ballots for…a brazen beagle who plays multiple
roles? A lovable loser who never quits? Or a contemplative
intellectual who craves security?
In partnership with
Rock the Vote, Peanuts invites fans to vote for
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy or Sally for
President at www.peanutsrocksthevote.com.
Voters in the mock election can review the candidates’
bios, read their platforms, cast a vote—and
even register to vote in the actual 2008 election
using Rock the Vote’s custom online voter
registration tool.
“A mock election
campaign allows Peanuts fans of all ages to have
some fun and take a break from the serious side
of politics,” said Jeannie Schulz, widow of
the cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. “We hope
this partnership with Rock the Vote will encourage
all citizens of voting age to go out and take part
in the electoral process.”
“We’re
excited to partner with Peanuts to give young people
a chance to vote for their favorite Peanuts candidate
while learning more about the democratic process
along the way and registering to vote in the Presidential
election in November,” said Heather Smith,
Executive Director, Rock the Vote.
It’s Time
to Vote, Charlie Brown
Peanuts has a long
and memorable history with elections. Charles Schulz
endured twelve presidential campaigns during his
50 years of creating Peanuts, and the presidential
election years of 1960, 1964, 1968, and 1990 all
found the Peanuts Gang contemplating a run for office
or actively involved in an election of one kind
or another in the strip. In fact, Snoopy became
so popular as a write-in candidate in the real elections
of 1968 and 1972 that the California legislature
passed a law making it illegal to enter the name
of a fictional character on the ballot.
Candidates in the
new mock election include:
Charlie
Brown: The good ol’ candidate who never
stops trying to succeed—and who’s guaranteed
to win the wishy-washy vote.
Lucy:
The outspoken female candidate—a little bossy,
but happy to give you her five cents’ worth
of advice.
Linus:
The thoughtful candidate who places a high
value on security—in the form of a warm blanket.
Sally:
The precocious candidate who would certainly
find a place in her administration for her “Sweet
Babboo” (a/k/a Linus).
Snoopy:
The first beagle in a national election aka Joe
Cool, the World War I Flying Ace and the Easter
Beagle.
For nearly 20 years,
Rock the Vote has been using music, popular culture
and new technologies to engage and incite young
people to register and vote. Rock the Vote gives
young people the tools to identify, learn about,
and take action on the issues that affect their
lives—empowering the 45 million young people
in America who want to step up, claim their voice
in the political process, and change the way politics
is done.
“Political
Peanuts” Museum Exhibit Offers a Trip Through
Peanuts History
Although Charles
Schulz was opposed to injecting politics into the
Peanuts comic strip in an overt manner, there were
times when he subtly or slyly commented on the process.
The “Political Peanuts” exhibition at
the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California,
takes a light-hearted look at the political process
in 30 Peanuts strips and politically-themed artifacts.
The exhibit runs July 16 through December 1, 2008.
www.schulzmuseum.org.
Consumers Vote Thumbs-Up
on Peanuts Merchandise
A remastered, deluxe
edition DVD, “You’re Not Elected, Charlie
Brown” from Warner Home Video arrives on October
7, 2008, just in time to cast your vote. When Linus
campaigns for student body president, he’s
looking like a shoe-in…until he starts talking
about the Great Pumpkin. Bonus material includes
“He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown,”
an original, new episode created especially for
this release and all-new behind-the-scenes content
featuring interviews with the Schulz family.
JoJo Wearing Snoopy Tee
Shirt
Photo Courtesy of E.W. Scripps Company
Non-partisan Peanuts
tees from Mighty Fine and Junk Food make a political
and fashion statement. No matter their political
party, geography or gender, all citizens can relate
to the sentiment, “Don’t Blame Me—I
Voted for Snoopy.” Retro-fashion tees for
men and women also urge everyone to “Back
the Beagle,” “Fight Pollution”
and vote “Charlie Brown for President”
or “Snoopy for President.”
Peanuts is licensed
and syndicated by United Media. United Media is
wholly owned subsidiary of the E.W. Scripps Company.
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