New York Cool

What's Up For Today?

New York Cool - You Report

The Buzz -
Media Bits and Pieces

Written by Wendy R. Williams

Opposite Photo Credot: Jose Vibar

If it's hot, we're hot after it.

Click here for the New York Cool November Edition!


 

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.



 

 




 


© New York Cool 2004-2008