Benjamin’s Desk | Philadelphia’s Premier Shared Office is having a grand opening event for their “8th Floor”
if you’d like to attend RSVP@BenjaminsDesk.com by Monday Jan 27th
I was tapped to cover this event last week at Drexel University at 8AM, yes 8AM. You know how I feel about that hour now that I am self employed, but I couldn’t pass up a really unique event, one that brought the five big news directors together for a panel discussing the latest strategies our local media use to stay on top of news.
With this 24/7 news cycle that is now our norm, stations scramble to fill the time via the traditional over the air news programs, as well as on the internet, via traditional live broadbasts, as well as on the internet, especially social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Susan Buehler, Bellevue Communications Group, Anzio Williams, NBC10/Telemundo, Jim Driscoll, Fox 29, Lori Doyle, Drexel University, Guest, Susan Schiller, CBS3/CW Philly, Chris Satullo, WHYY and Tom Davis, 6ABC
Lori Doyle, Drexel University welcomes the guests and the audience members, most are students who are planning to go into broadcasting
Susan Buehler, Bellevue Communications Group moderates the panel, feeding questions to them to ascertain the most important information that will give the audience an understanding of the diversity of news coverage demanded by audiences today.
Jim Driscoll, Fox 29, Susan Schiller, CBS3/CW Philly, Tom Davis, 6ABC and Chris Satullo, WHYY. There was a discussion on a little know publicized service, that I’m fascinating with, called L&S, where news channels use the footage from the same source camera crew. It was started by NBC 10 Philadelphia and Fox 29. Later CBS3 joined.
This is an example of the footage from L&S, which is tv news using the same footage. This is from the tragic fire in Center City yesterday which a man in his 60s passed away from a smoky fire on the 10th floor. Above CBS3 shot from L&S.
Here is Fox 29’s footage. The photos are the same, but the news sent out to the viewer is specific to each of the news stations. At this time NBC10 has broken off from L&S and decided to go with their own crew, and helicopter – SkyForce10
A still from the video from a NBC10 reporter.
Jim Driscoll, Fox 29 and Susan Schiller, CBS3, told the crowd that they engage the community to find share their voice on the news. They are involved in a lot of community affairs organizations. Driscoll says his team goes out to schools and events to hear what the people have to say, sometimes weather gal Sue Serio will do the weather from local schools, and every Thursday on Fox 29, she does a Fursday event where pets are highlighted. Schiller talked about phone banking to raise money for organizations, and in October the reporters and station are very involved with the LIGHTS FOR THE CURE, a joint effort by CBS 3 and Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.
Anzio Williams explains why his station exited L&S, they really wanted to be on their own, covering stories from their angle, getting the footage they really needed. Everyone on the panel praised their camera people, relying heavily on them to capture things that maybe the reporter doesn’t always pick up on; which is good because even if some reporters are required to carry pocket video camera’s or IPhone’s to capture a story, the quality will never be at the high standard as a seasoned camera man.
Social Media ie FB, Twitter, etc is an important aspect in getting the news to the viewer these days, but the entire panel stressed that getting the story right, was much more important than getting the story first.
Susan Buehler and Jim Donovan, CBS3
LUSH brought their LUSH Spa concept to North America by
opening two spas in New York City and Philadelphia. Last week they held a
grand opening party, and gave tours of the new space.
The LUSH Spa celebrates what it truly means to have an indulgent
spa treatment, it’s also the ultimate LUSH experience. They’ve
incorporated some of their most loved inventions, like the massage bar,
into the treatments, and each of the spa products is handmade with fresh
ingredients.
spa treatment, it’s also the ultimate LUSH experience. They’ve
incorporated some of their most loved inventions, like the massage bar,
into the treatments, and each of the spa products is handmade with fresh
ingredients.
The guest list varied and included lifestyle bloggers, local media and loyal Lush clients including Rachael Perry, Michele Whitehouse and Leyla Papazian
Lifestyle blogger Emily Tharp and Shen Dove
Men’s fashion blogger Ian M Crumm and blogger Melody Wright
Jamill James, TheFashionableJoe.com, Marisa Peal and Brandi
Hall, Lush Director of Brand Communications
Hall, Lush Director of Brand Communications
I think it’s a requirement for the Lush employees to have very intricate, lush tattoos, I tweeted from the party
Pamela Harper, Allen Barkus and Susan Rontarte
Elizabeth Wellington, Fashion Writer for Philadelphia Inquirer and Jenice Armstrong, Phila. Daily News Columnist
Sarah McCleary and Ian Bogus
Mary Morelli, Lauren Morihana and Brenda Brown
As Reese Witherspoon says “There’s a baby in the bar.” The Lush Bar that is.
Shawna Yahr, Stacie Spiegel and Kim Czajka, Lush Manager
Desiree Cocco and Molly Napolitano – Slim Belly
Nicole Chetwynd, Lisa Appelbaum and Roxy White
Most everyone I talked to loved the soaps that are sold at Lush
Lush
These gals recommend the Dragon Baum bath oil
The kitchen at the LUSH Spa is reminiscence of an English Kitchen. It’s here where you will choose from a menu of massages to achieve the end feeling you want to have that day – Enlightened, Peaceful, Relaxed, Energized etc,
Synaesthesia Treatment with hot rock chakra placements – 80 minutes for $240
With each massage, customers can pick one behavioral trait to reflect how they want to feel and then
each treatment is tailored to that trait.
each treatment is tailored to that trait.
The Good Hour Treatment. A deep tissue massage in a nautical themed room
with music to make you feel like you are on the high seas.
Validation Facial $140 for 60 minutes
30 minutes for a Tailormade massage $120
Beka, Laura, Jacklyn, Alexa, and Ashley
Gregory McKemma, Natalie Torriero and Wendy Grant
Maria Z, Jessica Lopez, editor where Magazine and blogger Jade Barnes
The other night I stopped by the Cesacaphe Employee Holiday Party. Yes, holiday party. When you’re in the executing the most fabulous holiday parties for others, you’re employee has the holiday party in the slow month of January. (Yesterday I tried to go to R2L for lunch, and they were closed for their holiday party, it’s a trend.)
The party was held at a warehouse in Northern Liberties; the theme:
Speakeasy, which has been on everybody’s lips these days with the success of Franklin Mtg & Company, Hopsing Laundry and The Great Gatsby movie.
Speakeasy, which has been on everybody’s lips these days with the success of Franklin Mtg & Company, Hopsing Laundry and The Great Gatsby movie.
Musician Earnest Stewart (he also plays at Time) with fire dancer
Luc Garant and Tad Myers
Colleen Ianni, Fritz Jenlouis and Justin Hoffman
Max Hensen Catering did the catering for the Cescaphe catering company’s Holiday Party
Ryan Herting and Megan Kearney
So many shy employees – Guests
Raya Stearn and Davina Williamson
Many of the employees I spoke to said it was fun catching up with the people they don’t see often, as it’s such a big company.
Others like seeing their co-workers dressed to the nines at their fancy event.
Gretchen, Lisa and Nicky
Jim Hummel, Ray Burg (Shipley Enterprises Event Planning & Event Services. They do all that great drapery at the Cescaphe events. I love what they do at the Curtis Center.) and Lilly Lozano
Oh like this drapery
Andrew, Joanne and Sarah
Tyone Biotton and Ibn Keys
Sara Fernandez (Beautiful Blooms) and Megan Kearney
Ed Eberto Fernandez
Towards the end of 2013, Fristrust Bank announced
the start of its 2nd Annual Philly’s Business First Awards which shines a
spotlight on local businesses making a positive difference, as
nominated and voted on by the public. Through this competition,
Firstrust recognizes businesses that have displayed excellent business
values. The nominations have closed and the final 20 finalists have been
announced – and chief among them is Philadelphia-based law firm Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C.!
the start of its 2nd Annual Philly’s Business First Awards which shines a
spotlight on local businesses making a positive difference, as
nominated and voted on by the public. Through this competition,
Firstrust recognizes businesses that have displayed excellent business
values. The nominations have closed and the final 20 finalists have been
announced – and chief among them is Philadelphia-based law firm Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C.!
From now until January 17, Zarwin Baum encourages individuals across the region to cast a vote for the firm here: www.bizfirstawards.com. Of the law firms in the region, Zarwin Baum is arguably the most creative at giving back to the community it serves. Annually, to kick off the NCAA’s March Madness, Zarwin
Baum hosts its annual March Madness event at the Crystal Tea Room – 9
hours of tournament watching that brings out over 2500 guests, and in
2013, raised $40,000 for Philabundance and collected 1000 pounds of
food. In 2013, the firm hosted the first ever PHILAlympics – a 90-minute
competition held at the Wells Fargo Center in which the twelve (12)
companies battled wits, athleticism, and general Philadelphia knowledge,
all for the title of ‘Philadelphia’s Phunnest Company’ – and to raise
$20,000 for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. And to usher in
Fall, the firm annually hosts its Celebrity Casino Night, which raises
money for the Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, the
event raised $15,000.
Baum hosts its annual March Madness event at the Crystal Tea Room – 9
hours of tournament watching that brings out over 2500 guests, and in
2013, raised $40,000 for Philabundance and collected 1000 pounds of
food. In 2013, the firm hosted the first ever PHILAlympics – a 90-minute
competition held at the Wells Fargo Center in which the twelve (12)
companies battled wits, athleticism, and general Philadelphia knowledge,
all for the title of ‘Philadelphia’s Phunnest Company’ – and to raise
$20,000 for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. And to usher in
Fall, the firm annually hosts its Celebrity Casino Night, which raises
money for the Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, the
event raised $15,000.
What’s more, every first Friday of the month, the
firm hosts Denim Days in which attorneys are allowed to dress down and
donate at least $1 to the charity chosen for that month. Charities that
have benefited from Zarwin Baum’s Denim Days
include the Sara’s Smiles Foundation, The Sierra Group Academy of
Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania SPCA, the American Red Cross, and
Mustaches for Kids.
firm hosts Denim Days in which attorneys are allowed to dress down and
donate at least $1 to the charity chosen for that month. Charities that
have benefited from Zarwin Baum’s Denim Days
include the Sara’s Smiles Foundation, The Sierra Group Academy of
Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania SPCA, the American Red Cross, and
Mustaches for Kids.
Voting for the 2nd Annual Philly’s Business First Awards ends on January 17, after which the winners will be announced. Zarwin
Baum is competing for the ultimate first place prize of $15,000.
Instead of ‘splitting’ the money with a local charity per the award
guidelines, Zarwin Baum will be donating the
full $15,000 to the Fresh Smiles Foundation. It gets no more
charity-minded than that! Cast your vote now for Zarwin Baum: www.bizfirstawards.com – and follow @ZarwinBaum on Twitter to stay up to date on the contest!
Baum is competing for the ultimate first place prize of $15,000.
Instead of ‘splitting’ the money with a local charity per the award
guidelines, Zarwin Baum will be donating the
full $15,000 to the Fresh Smiles Foundation. It gets no more
charity-minded than that! Cast your vote now for Zarwin Baum: www.bizfirstawards.com – and follow @ZarwinBaum on Twitter to stay up to date on the contest!
So many celebs in town this past week. Check out who went where below:
Dave Matthews and family were staying at the Four Seasons and popped over to Logan Square Cafe, where he gladly posed with big fan Jarrod Williams. Update,: The Matthews family was in town to attend a friend s wedding a friend just told me.
Check out with restauranteur VH1 Philly Mob wife is having an affair with...HERE
On January 8, the entire Flyers Team celebrated their victory at McGillin’s. They drank, ate,
sang karaoke and watched replays on the big screens. They even posed for
photos with guests, including this Flyer Jay Rosehill with Susan Oudshoorn and Gaby
Gock-Rubery, McGillin’s manager.
This past weekend Drunk History at McGillin’s with Derek Waters and GENO’s, check out the story HERE
Below are the promotional, food truck and movie line-up specials for the week of January 13, 2014 at the Piazza at Schmidts pop-up skating rink, Skate at The Piazza:
- Tuesday January 14, 2014 – Date Night, two-for-one skate
- Wednesday January 15, 2014 – Film on the Big Screen, Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview
- Friday January 17, 2014– Party on Ice with Hip Philly and DJ Caution starting 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Saturday January 18, 2014 – Food Trucks (Sum Pig and Sweet Box Cupcakes) 11am-7pm, Hip Philly Guest DJ 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Sunday January 19, 2014 – Family Day, kids 10 and under skate for free.
- Everyday Uber Special– enjoy $20 towards your first ride when you sign up with
promotional code UBERSKATE.
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Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Official Hashtag: #skatethepiazza – Twitter and Instagram: @thepiazza
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/thepiazzaatschmidts
www.facebook.com/thepiazzaatschmidts
ABOUT THE PIAZZA:
The Piazza is an 80,000 square foot, multi-purpose
outdoor plaza with retail at ground level and luxury apartments above.
The community is centrally located in the heart of Northern Liberties,
approximately eight blocks North of Independence
Hall. The Piazza is within walking distance to restaurants, shops, a
grocery store and public transportation. The 20,000 square foot
courtyard is a destination for the community to interact and for
one-of-a-kind events to take place. Well known events at
The Piazza include the 104.5 Concert Series, Lululemon Yoga Series,
Living Social Beer Festival and Wanderlust Philadelphia. Visit on the
web at
www.skateatthepiazza.com, and
www.liveatthepiazza.com.
In December, I referenced a story that appear on Page Six, about VH1’s Mob Wives breakout star Alicia DiMichele having an affair with a local Philly restaurateur, who
was unnamed in the article. Since that time a tipster told me the name. I wrote Alicia
to ask her about it and to meet with her to discuss how the impact of
the show on her life is going, and just about life in general. She wrote me to tell me she’d be at her store on Saturday and we arranged a time in her busy schedule. (Tomorrow check out my Philly Mag column to see what else she did on her busy Saturday.) We chatted a bit at her
East Passyunk Avenue store, Addiction, in
South Philly, and strolled around the neighborhood. It turns out that
the story is not as salacious as Page Six would like you to believe, the
man in question is Robert Lascala, LaScala Restaurant, a family friend for the past 10 years. The Lascala kids are friends with the Garofalo children. Alycia tells me “How do you cheat on someone you’re not even with anymore. Alicia and
Edward Garofalo, Jr. have been separated for awhile now.
was unnamed in the article. Since that time a tipster told me the name. I wrote Alicia
to ask her about it and to meet with her to discuss how the impact of
the show on her life is going, and just about life in general. She wrote me to tell me she’d be at her store on Saturday and we arranged a time in her busy schedule. (Tomorrow check out my Philly Mag column to see what else she did on her busy Saturday.) We chatted a bit at her
East Passyunk Avenue store, Addiction, in
South Philly, and strolled around the neighborhood. It turns out that
the story is not as salacious as Page Six would like you to believe, the
man in question is Robert Lascala, LaScala Restaurant, a family friend for the past 10 years. The Lascala kids are friends with the Garofalo children. Alycia tells me “How do you cheat on someone you’re not even with anymore. Alicia and
Edward Garofalo, Jr. have been separated for awhile now.
During the show
you can see Alicia is not wearing her wedding ring from the very
beginning, as well as when I photographed the opening of her store,
Addiction back in June (Here) She also no longer uses the Garofalo last name. The breakup of the marriage is basically revealed in episode 2 Caught On Tape
you can see Alicia is not wearing her wedding ring from the very
beginning, as well as when I photographed the opening of her store,
Addiction back in June (Here) She also no longer uses the Garofalo last name. The breakup of the marriage is basically revealed in episode 2 Caught On Tape
where Alicia discuss listening to the FBI taps and
finding out that her husband was seeing his ex-girlfriend. The story
line continues into episode 3 “You Smell Delicious”, and will no doubt
become an interesting topic through out the show as a few of the other
Mob Wives knew about the dalliance. As for Alicia, she is moving on
with her life. She has her kids to think of, she has businesses to run.
She has Addiction in Cherry Hill, NJ, South Philly and you can imagine her online store
is keeping her busy as well.
And I know why, during our stroll on East
Passyunk, we stopped every half a block by people who recognized her,
they wanted photos, autographs, or just to tell her she was their
inspiration as a strong women, and a mother, someone who was betrayed
and survived. In December Alicia’s former husband Edward (Tall Guy) Garofalo, Jr.
was sent to jail at his Brooklyn Federal Court for 7 years, on the day
after Alicia made her debut on the VH1 reality show.
She is also waiting
for sentencing for embezzling union funds from a trucking company she
and her husband once owned. Last Monday she had a hearing for the
sentencing, but it was postponed. “The judge postponed my sentencing
because my restitution issue is not yet resolved,” Alicia shared.
“Therefore, she cannot sentence me until that part is settled. They
think maybe some time in March I’ll be sentenced, but they are not
sure.”
Philadelphia born and raised comedian, Kevin Hart, and rap and movie star Ice Cube were making the rounds yesterday, after walking the red carpet for the screening of their new movie “Ride Along” . Kevin took Ice on a tour of his Philadelphia, watching a Sixers practice, then went on a shopping spree at Mitchell & Ness, then cheese steaks at Jim’s on South Street.
after video plays hit stop, I can’t figure out how to unlink them. Anyone know?
Kevin Hart waves to the crowd
As if he were running passed the Eagles defensive line, Kevin Hart is protecting his junk
Kevin Hart says hi to the Jim’s Steak Crew as media surrounds him.
Happy Birthday to QDEEZYDOTCOM today with Sheinelle Jones. Those two were doing a mini “Ride Along” with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart today.
Arriving separately, Ice Cube Makes his way through the crowd at Jim’s Steaks on South Street.
Kevin Hart and Ice Cube get psyched to serve the fans
In Theaters January 17th
Kevin
Hart and Ice Cube lead the lineup in Ride Along, the new film from the
director and the producer of the blockbuster comedy Think Like a Man.
When a fast-talking guy joins his girlfriend’s brother—a hot-tempered
cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer’s
latest case. Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride,
he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life.
Ice Cube and Kevin Hart meet the fans
I love how the fans are taking selfies
Head on over to my PhillyMag.com column, for a funny video & more pixs. Give it a Like, if you like it. i would like that. Thanks CLICK HERE
Last month in preparation for the New Year, New You resolutions, About Face Skin Care joined with Noelle Zane owner of Pure Barre to host a party at the Pure Barre studios for women interested in taking care of their bodies, face and soul.
Owners Naomi Fenlin and Anya Bado from About Face Skin Care.
Naomi Fenlin, About Face and Noelle Zane owner of Pure Barre
A class at the very popular Pure Barre
Naomi Fenlin, About Face applies a treatment, One of the treatments they supply is a Porification Potion is a concentrated acne treatment designed to eliminate AND prevent clogged pores.
They have an easy, painless way to reduce fat! The TruSculpt
system, a breakthrough radio frequency technology for non-invasive body
contouring and sculpting, is now available at About Face Skin Care!
Becky Fenlin and Stacey Benedetti, Principal of SRBpr.
Kim Nguyen gets a cleaning.
Everyone got a gift bag, with discounts to come back again.
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About face has a highly trained, licensed staff
Kim Nguyen gets a consultation.
Other popular treatments at About Face Skin Care
include:
Amazing new light based technology works to erase many of the
unwanted signs of sun damage. This revolutionary new technology allows
light to pass through superficial pigment containing cells, destroying
unwanted pigmentation. The end result of this laser skin treatment
is a noticeable decrease of unwanted signs of aging; freckles, sun
spots, age spots, and brown spots disappear from your face in front of
your eyes.
Permanent Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive light-based technology
which permanently destroys undesirable hair follicles on your body for men and women.
Utilizing a vacuum with carefully controlled light therapy, the Isolaz
is able to painlessly clean, disinfect, and heal all current acne lesions, while simultaneously helping prevent future break-outs.