Sunday, May 28, 2006

Interview with Mark Jeffrey

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Jeffrey, who talks about his writing, books and entrepreneurial life. Mark's second book "The Two Travelers" will be published soon.

http://www.dailyeats.com/2006/05/daily-eats-interview-mark-jeffrey.html

Thursday, May 25, 2006

The Cyber Scene #1


Gabcast! The Cyber Scene #1


World Trade Week Global Branding

While Al Gore was discussing being socially responsbile on a personal, national and global level as he promoted his movie "An Inconvient Truth" on Thursday, May 25th, the AIGA hosted a discussion of social responsibility in the corporate world at Parson's School of Design's Teresa & Eugene Student Center.

Co-produced with the Center of Global Brand Leadership at Columbia Business School, Christopher Liechty, president of the AIGA Center for Cross-Cultural Design moderated a discussion after presentations by two key figures in this world. First Enoch Palmer, vp of design for Aveda gave an insider view into how environmental responsibility permates the Aveda brand and its corporate culture. Then, branding and identity extraordinaire (and a former boss of mine!) David Boorstin spoke on how social responsbility in corporate branding can create a bond between company and consumer. We see this every day with the ads for hybrid cars and goods from recycled and organic materials.

Inconvenient but True

ibiblio.org ((MetaLab, SunSITE) director (and UNC Office of the Vice Chancellor, Information Technology Service) Paul Jones sent me an email stating he couldn't go to Wired Magazine's Town Hall with Al Gore on May 25 in New York City's Town Hall. He was busy in Ames, Iowa for the World Finals of the Odyssey of the Mind. So, together with Ubercool Michael Tchong and NY Charities.org president Christine Cronin I went to Town Hall and took my seat in the full auditorium. As Wired Mag's Chris Anderson was discussing the "rise of the neo-greens," I noticed Personal Democracy founder & publisher Andrew Rasiej stroll in to take his seat. Chris went on to mention that this night was an opportunity to look for solutions in response to why we were there. After a bit more glorification about the speakers, Chris introduced Mr. Gore who took the stage after a dramatic pause and to a rounding applause.

Al told us about how he geeked out with SGI programmers early in the 90s at a Super Computer hearing in DC. He went into discussing the beginning of the internet birth and how no one but him recognized how important the network was in 1991, 1992. The scientists were recognizing global warming and he painted the picture of these smart men, huddled around a computer and seeing the effects of human development.

Like the smooth talkin' professional politican (and all-around-seasoned speaker) that he is, Al then mentioned thanks to his devoted wife Tipper and Chelsea Clinton, both of whom were in the audience. To help get momentum for the movie going, Al mentioned Laurie David, who hosted parties at the Ethical Culture Society in NY and LA.

"We're operating like a business in liquidation," stated Al, getting back to discussing the problem at hand. "Population has quadrupled, there is more CO2, the ocean is getting more acidic...Our country is in Category 5 denial...We're in desperate denial, now despair," he emphasized.

He listed five points to bring the point home, those points being:
  • it's real
  • we're primarily responsible
  • it's good & bad, tending toward catastrophe
  • we need to fix it

He ended with a positive...
  • we have time


Bringing up one of my great interests, China, Al mentioned that the Chinese character for "danger" is also the character for "opportunity." His next comment was that we "need to change the pattern of borrowing from China to buy oil in Saudi Arabia to destroy the earth." And that we need to develop a shared moral mutual common purpose.

Then there was the shared mutual common purpose of eating, as it was past dinnertime for me and my compatriots, so we snuck out to forage for food.

Thankfully, our concrete jungle has many nuts (yeah, yeah, i know) and berries, and plenty of meat around too. Speaking of meat, it was Fleet Week in Manhattan too! The sea of white-uniformed men (and women) who risk their lives so we could indulge in our meager desires, was not met without thanks, as Michael and Christine will confirm my shouts of "thanks for your service!" baffled them.

We decided upon The District in the Muse Hotel for some savory mini-burgers and salads. Michael told us about McCartney.com's new blogging service among many other ubercool trends he's spotting here and abroad. And Christine was full of that tired-enthusiasm of one who's running a successful non-profit. Helping others in need, helping others indeed and helping ourselves as Al goes on, trying to save the world! That's the truth, for sure. Go see THE INCONVIENT TRUTH!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Kevin Heaphy Studios - Ole!

In the day and age of personalized everything, yet another personal-branded fitness studio has propelled itself into the fitness space. This one I like, though, first because they're in my 'hood and second because of their philosophy.

The Kevin Heaphy Fitness Studio opened in a vast 1st-floor converted warehouse space in Soho on May 24th. While stretching our limbs in the gloriously sparsely laid-out studio with clever color touches and comforts (like the orange daisies and chocolate-brown sofa) we sipped on vitally equally vibrant Juices by Melvin (http://newyorkmetro.com/restaurants/features/15920/) and fresh delicious handy hors d'oeuvres by MyBefana.com. Melvin was up front spinning the juicer while Chef Daniele was wrapping the wraps in back.

Fitness guru Kevin was helping others who wanted a more intoxicating fruit (that'd be wine from grapes) and his fiancé Valerie Leeds charmed everyone who entered with her big, warm gracious smile. She'd worked for a while in "dotcom" too, at DailyCandy, but has since moved into a far more rewarding space.

Among the many neighborhoodies and friends who came out to see about the workout, the most entertaining were designer Jay Shin and Jon Rothstein of The Hillary Step (http://thehillarystep.com/indexXpl.html), whom you can see perform yourself on September 22nd at the Baggott Inn.

I even took Valerie and Kevin up on their 1-week free workout offer and I must say it was fantastic. Working out each morning with a trainer for just 30-minutes works well with my schedule and each day they focused on something different. Their point was for me to gradually get stronger and toner and not feel like I had to have a "blow-out" 2-hour routine--something that'd be unrealistic for me and for most busy professionals. Of course, the fact that they'd let me bring my dog Teddy, who never had such a large playroom to run around chasing his ball in before, well—that was the clincher! Their payment plan is ala country club: you pay for points and then each workout counts as a "point" so you don't have to worry about money and all those pedestrian issues. You can just workout, enjoy the delicious juices, or luxuriate a Red Flower (redflower.com) product--in one the most amazing product lines I'd seen in a while. Gwan, check it out!

Friday, May 19, 2006

Construktion Celebration

Each quarter, not only do taxes get paid, but (something much more fun) Construkt celebrates the cutting-edge fashion of Marithe+Francois Girbaud through releasing limited-edition objects created by the most excellent product designers. Each object pays homage to a different aspect of Marithe+Francois Girbaud's innovation in design. And on May 19 on perennially uber-hip Wooster Street, they blew out the night in true fashionista style. Music by DJ James "F**king" Friedman, the "Urban Cast-Away" by Dror Benshetrit and with Stephanie Marin & Clair Hecquet-Chaut was sensory overload.

Monday, May 15, 2006

The Cyber Scene in Boston - Tamar Alexia Fleishman


If you are contemplating hosting a conference or perhaps a smaller meeting, you will find world-class amenities and historic charm in Boston. Robbie and I started our journey to investigate business opportunities by checking into the Langham Hotel. If your business is of a financial nature, you couldn't find a more perfect location, right in the heart of the banking district. This Langham was decorated with a contemporary Asian decor, with Chuan Spa toiletries and professional quality hairdryers in the bathrooms. In the spacious bedrooms lay bathrobes, slippers and satin padded hangers in the closet. The beds have very silky linens and fluffy comforters are slipped on during turndown service. Business services are available by contacting the front desk and wireless Internet is available in the room. You will be supplied with a copy of the Financial Times daily. The indoor pool/spa/fitness center is beautiful and invigorating; it certainly will perk up your spirits after jet lag or a long meeting. If you really need to clear your head, the hotel is located right next door to beautiful Levanthal Park.

The absolute pride and joy of the Langham is their 4-star restaurant, Julien. This restaurant is considered by many to be Boston's finest and you will absolutely impress any client that you take here. Chef Mark Sapienza takes classic French cuisine and gives it a contemporary presentation. At Julien, you can order a la carte or do the 3,4, 5, 7 or when you really want to win over your business associate -- the 10 course tasting meal! We tried the 10 course meal and I think it would be perfect for those times when you are just getting to know your business associate/dining companion. The anticipation and talk about the gorgeous courses (and if you pair it with accompanying wines) will give you lots of discussion points and will break the ice in no time, I promise! You will be able to find common ground in your learning experience. The sinfully delicious plates included fois gras, escargot, poached salmon, beef, pork, two desserts (!), as well as a cheese course. Order the matching wines; they will pick out expertly selected flavor nuances better than you can. The wait staff was so knowledgeable! It was like having your own dining scholar to lead you through the adventure. Since the restaurant is in a hotel, jackets aren't required; you'll be enjoying luxury with a more comfortable attitude. The restaurant is what used to be the Governors of the Federal Reserve Board's reception area, so it's stately and elegant.

Even if you are going to be in Boston for just a couple of days, I would suggest you pick up a City Pass at www.citypass.com. Boston's City Pass gets you admission to some of the best museums and even a free lobster ravioli appetizer at The Union Oyster House!

For those of you in graphic arts, media, etc., I would highly recommend the Boston Movie Tour. During a mile long brisk walk through the famous Beacon Hill neighborhood, you will be seeing the sites and hearing insider information about some of television's and cinema's favorites filmed in Boston. The tour is entertaining and interactive. We even got a chance to stand outside John Kerry's townhouse. Another great site you will see is the Robert Shaw monument, honoring the Union officer and his African-American troops depicted in the movie, "Glory". Check this tour out at www.bostonmovietours.net. By the way, when cruising around Beacon Hill, I highly recommend the cafe called Panificio. The homemade escarole soup is to die for.

No matter what your age or who you are, there is something for everybody at Boston's Museum of Science (www.mos.org). The museum, which has an IMAX theater, is particularly careful to include exhibits that involve all the senses. This makes everything accessible for people who may have special disabilities. They are also very environmentally sensitive; their taxidermy exhibits are from animals that the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife teams found as road kill. I got to see all kinds of neat exhibits while there, including a massively popular Star Wars exhibit. I suspect a bunch of you would enjoy the Friday night happy hour at the cafe, run by the world famous Wolfgang Puck. They have special cocktails for the occasion and other specials, starting at 6 pm.

Using some of our passes, we took a gander at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (www.mfa.org). You could spend days there! Some of the most famous paintings in the world are housed at the museum, including Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington.

Just a short cab ride down the road from the museum is Brasserie Jo (www.colonnadehotel.com). We had a wonderful, relaxed, classic French brunch there. You will feel like you stepped into a Toulouse-Lautrec painting, with the flair and flourishes that the waiters do, the food and the ambiance. They have a WI-FI connection and I would say that they are a perfect place to go whether in a group or if you are traveling by yourself. In fact, their manager's motto is, "You are never alone once you step in my doors." Of course, if you need a little extra privacy, they have two private rooms as well. At Brasserie Jo, everything is done with panache. Even if you aren't normally a champagne drinker, you should order a glass just to experience the little ceremony that goes with that. Everything is fresh and beautifully presented, from the stone crab claws with French cocktail sauce to the house onion tart. It really is a delightful dining experience.

All around Boston, you will see Dig, a free alternative paper. I was glad I picked one up; in it, I read their reviews of the best ice cream in town. Well, trust me on this: take yourself a cab to PICCO's (Pizza and Ice Cream Company) at 513 Tremont in the South End. They have WIFI as well as scrumptious homemade unique ice-cream flavors and house-made fudge sauce.

Whether you are taking a cab or walking the famous Freedom Trail, your path will (and you must make it) take you to The Union Oyster House. This is the oldest standing restaurant in America. This is the place to go for classic New England-style seafood, fresh and buttery. You can go completely local here, from the beers to their famous clam chowder and baked beans. Remarkably, they have retained the tavern ambiance from days gone by. They also have rooms that can be reserved for private meetings and parties. The Union Oyster House is extremely popular with locals and tourists; the quality is top-notch and it's not kitchy. Dress is casual.

Cheers, what used to be the Bull and Finch bar, is the bar that the television series was based on. Located at the foot of Beacon Hill. There's also a replica of the Hollywood stage set bar at Faneuil Hall. You can pick up pub grub, lots of Cheers souvenirs and catch some live music in their back room. I had the Cheers Bloody Mary, which has won many best drink awards in the area.

If you have some extra time on your hands, I highly recommend the GoBoston card (www.GoBostonCard.com). Not only does it give you discounts on lots of local attractions, but also sites all over New England, including Newport and places in Maine. We took advantage of the card by taking a commuter train to Salem, Massachusetts. Famed for the witch trials, it is now a charming sea port. There's something for everybody here, from Laurie Cabot's famous store to pirate museums, the Witch Museum of Salem and a terrific homemade soup cafe. Salem was also the home of author Nathaniel Hawthorne. We took a tour of the actual House of Seven Gables and we knew that we had a truly dedicated tour guide when I noticed the scarlet "A" tattooed on his forearm.

There's so much to do in Boston that time just ran out on us. There were a couple of things that we'd squeeze in for next time, including the Aquarium/IMAX and also, the North Shore Culinary Tour.

Special thanks to: Leslie Keller at the Langham Hotel (and Julien) 250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 (617) 451-1900 www.langhamhotels.com/langham/boston/; Brasserie Jo 120 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02116 (617) 425-3240 www.colonnadehotel.com; Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 723-2500 www.mos.com; Union Oyster House 31 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 227-2750; GoBostonCard (617) 671-1001 www.GoBostonCard.com; City Pass (888) 330-5008 www.citypass.com; Cheers, 85 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 227-9605 www.cheersboston.com; Boston Movie Tours (866) MOVIE45 (www.bostonmovietours.net).

INTERVIEW WITH E.J. RIDINGS, CEO OF TRUMP MORTGAGE ~ T.A.Fleishman

E.J. Ridings is the CEO of Donald Trump's latest business venture, Trump Mortgage. A down-to-earth and very approachable executive, Ridings wants to bring luxury and "white-glove" service to everyone -- whether they are taking out a $200,000 home mortgage or a $500 million commercial loan. A graduate of Georgia State University, Ridings started his own company just after college and has been going full throttle ever since. He has worked in all aspects of finance, from Wall Street to private banks. Ridings got the nod to work with "The Donald" after gaining the full support of his friend, who just happened to be Donald Trump, Jr. He now works side-by-side with Don and also Don's sister, Ivanka Trump.

How will this company be more consumer friendly than other companies?

Our goal is really to educate and consult, not just to sell. It's been cost-effective for banks to farm out over 70% of mortgages to mortgage brokers. We'll provide a safe haven for residential and commercial mortgages.

How do you use technology to benefit your business, both in-house and for the consumer?

Actually, technology is enormous for our business. The Internet is where industry is going. People want to go someplace safe. On our end, it'll make for a paper-less process. The consumer will have an access code to their file on our web site.

What do you think of Walmart getting into the banking and presumably, the mortgage business?

I'm not really certain Walmart will be allowed to do mortgages. Our concept is about the consumer. We are getting our national banking license. We don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole. If our client doesn't fit our lending niche, we will broker the mortgage to someone who can help them. Walmart wants worldwide dominance over the entire financial industry. I'm all for competition, but if they control banking, it'll effect Wall Street and everything.

People have been taking out 40 year mortgages and zero-interest loans. Is that something you will get involved with?

We're going to offer every single client the best product that fits them. I happen to believe that it's better to pass on the loan if it's something the client can't afford. With those zero-interest loans, those are really bait and switch. The majority of people don't qualify for them and then get trapped into negative interest loans where it's like a credit card -- they're racking up more and more interest. It might fit somebody who's about to come into an inheritance or end of year bonus. But a school teacher on a regular salary? No.

Do people who take out mortgages for Trump properties get a discount?

Everyone gets the same discount. Everyone deserves the same white-glove treatment. We are putting the suit and tie back in mortgage lending, whether it's for a $50,000 mortgage or for a $500 million loan to build a resort in the Bahamas. I'm of the belief that people who have credit issues, I like to call them people "in credit repair, need our help the most. They don't like to shop around and have many people run their credit.

What's it like working with the boss' kids?

Actually, it's one of the greatest things -- I got to know Don, Jr. and his work ethic. Same with Ivanka. In a documentary I watched, she was the only one who said, "I'm going to work, I'm going to work for my dad." We work, the three of us, side by side. That speaks volumes about Mr. and Mrs. Trump, how they raised them. I feel like I'm one of the cousins!

What locations do you plan to invest in?

There are not many areas that don't need us. We've been requested to absorb companies in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California and New Mexico. We have to do due diligence on them, though -- they go through a very stringent background check.

Who is your target customer?

Ultimately, luxury is what Mr. Trump is about. 95% of people know who he is. But there are a lot more people needing a $200,000 mortgage than a $2 million mortgage.

Update on New Orleans ~ David Saperstein

Every two years my father’s side of my family holds a family reunion in New Orleans. My grandfather, Simon Benjamin, was the oldest of twelve and the only one born in St. Louis. The rest were born in either White Castle, LA or New Orleans, where they all grew up. Simon was the only one to move away, and he went to New York City to make money to send back to the family so they could survive during the depression. Now we are scattered all over the United States, like many modern familys. While I didn’t make it to the reunion this year, due to neck and shoulder problems and a slew of physical therapy, my cousin, David Saperstein, who’s also an attorney with Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller , P.C. in Southfield, MI, had this to say about what things are like in the Crescent City:

“New Orleans is trying to put its best face forward, but is still devastated. As most people know, there are portions of the city (both rich and poor) that no longer have residents. Houses are off their foundations everywhere, caved in. Tarps on rooftops signal where people cut a hole in their roofs to climb up and get rescued. Painted x's on the houses show when a house was searched, by whom, and whether anyone died. Also painted on homes and businesses are notes for the next rescue unit, e.g. Dog under porch (first team); searched but did not find dog (second team); or HELP! HELP! HELP! Abandoned cars lie waiting to be picked up underneath the freeways. Boats are seen in neighborhoods miles away from the lakes.

What is less well known is the chronic labor shortage. For those with damage to their homes, minor or major, contractors are next to impossible to find. As a result, many residents who have returned live in trailers in front of their home. The logistical challenge in finding the manpower to tear down entire sections of a city and then finding land to dump the debris can only be described as overwhelming.

Visitors need to be ready for longer waits and less support staff in restaurants and hotels as well as difficulties finding a cab. On the plus side, most of the downtown, French Quarter, Central Business District, as well as Uptown, are open for business. Music is back with Jazz Fest expected to be great this year. Although not all restaurants are open yet (in large part because of labor shortages), most have reopened and the food is wonderful. We had a sneak preview of what is likely to be New Orleans' next signature restaurant, The Cellar. It is located in a former home (a la Commander's Palace) off St. Charles uptown. Incredible food and wonderful house.

The entire city is terrified about what the upcoming hurricane season will bring. However, residents seem determined to revive the city, and want the word to get out both that they are open for visitors as well as not to forget New Orleans as it lobbies for critical funds needed for rebuilding.
DMS@maddinhauser.com

Thursday, May 11, 2006

40 on 40

Well, parts of May were a quite noisy... Noisy Le Grand, to be exact! Not only the name of a quaint town in France, this band featured sexy birthday-boy Steve Masur, who didn't look a day over 39, for a special show at Siberia.

Before the band got started, and we could all still hear, I got to chat for a bit with Mission Assurance Corporation's Henry Bar-levav and Michael Tiffany. Meanwhile, Steve Filler was filling the time talking with attorney Deborah Newman as Bonnie Halper was hanging out with other old-timer, old-school new media people.

I briefly spotted Mark Palermo and he wrote me the next day telling me about his friend Michele Cortese (cor-tay-see), a graduate of Columbia Law school who has spent the last 20+ years in public interest law, is now Deputy Director at the Center for Family Representation, Inc. This very worthy organization speaks to a cause close to my heart. He writes, "They provide legal and other support to families at risk when a government agency is investigating possible removal of children to foster care. Too many children get stuck in the foster care system, indefinitely, which isn't good for a child's development. This can be avoided by intervention before crisis point. That's where CFR steps in with parent advocates, social workers and legal help, to ensure that a family that's able to stay together has the chance to. Even the city agencies that CFR sometimes has to litigate against recognize that CFR is addressing a real problem in an innovative and effective way." I felt it was important enough to even mention here.

Otheriwse, it was like "the gang's all here," just a darker version of it! Happy Birthday Steve!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Fotolog.book

After walking gingerly down a street peppered with litter and small pools of putrid puddles, you climb up old, steel steps and are transported into a vast (yet cozy feeling) old-styled book store. It's a book store like they used to be, where there are dark wood banisters leading up to second floor balconies and the walls are lined with mahogany-colored shelves, and those are lined with the colored spines of gloriously unique book titles. Such was the setting, at the Housing Works Used Bookstore for the Fotolog book launch party on Wednesday, May 10th.

Fotolog, yet another photo-sharing website, has crossed into old-school photo sharing with its very own book made up of photos from the website. Fotolog was founded in 2002 for New Yorkers to share photos, and like most things on the 'net, grew to global proportions. Chatting with CEO Michael Crotty I learned that they get 400,000 hits a day from 3.2 million users (of course, that number's probably different today...). Among one of the main contributors to the book, and guests at the party, was Meetup.com's Scott Heiferman who was there with his girlfriend and her UN-coworker. Andrew Weinrich (who's up to some new projects), Major League Baseball Advanced Media's director of operations (that's Director of Special Ops to you!) Ryan Nelson and I caught up on about six years worth of news. Meanwhile, Fotolog CEO Michael Crotty, Bzzbe's Jack Welde and Monitor110's Jeff Stewart (who started Mimeo) were talking bidnez as two other fellows hovered in the corner, peering at books of all things!

It was like the old days, cocktails were flowing, sponsors banners were flying and the spirits were high. And yet, so many new people. Do I sound old?! Yikes!

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Artful Barlow Projecting Arts

Just days after the Brooklyn Warehouse fire, and with a great view of the site, Projectile Arts (PA) was "on fire" itself at its red-hot, steamy soiree (although the temperature was freezing outside) on Saturday, May 6th. As much as I love Brooklyn, it takes a lot to get this Manhattan-girl to the outtah burroughs. However, John Perry Barlow's BARLOWFRENZY/PROJECTILIZATON was compelling enough for me to trek there (in my far-too-summery skirt and top).

He drew artists, hipsters, musicians, actors and other creative dissidents to Greenpoint to the art collective that Barlow terms "is a circus for the senses." Co-host and director (or ring leader) of PA is Casey Meade. PA's makes "revelatory films, invokes inexplicable phenomena and divines profound meaning in the ordinary," which I'd say was evident by exploring and divining why there was an enormous catfish in an all-too-small-fish tank. Several of us commented on the tortured screams that must've been coming from this poor amphibian as the ambiant rock music thundered in the duplex space.

Upstairs, on the roof. people were smoking legal and illegal substances. There were beds where a few had staked their claim and demonstrated what appeared to be a preview for something more intimate (and perhaps exhibtionist).

I left before the (ahem) dancing started, but not before getting a "Women Are Smarter. Sister Sticker" from a dude and observing John finishing off a Dove Bar and Red Bull.

Of course, those who did stay for the three-day frenzy most likely indulged in anything that people brought to drink, eat, smoke, snort, inhale, or absorb via patches. Perhaps next time I'll have more courage to wait it out and see what comes as I pick up a hula hoop and dance like no one's watching! Barlow always promises a good time for those that indulge and inspire, like the man himself.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Masurlaw's Math-You Namie Art

Back in the 1840's the Union Square Savings Bank stood stately on the corner of 15th Street and Broadway. Today, it still does but instead of financial transactions the interactions are more entertainment-based. Home to the popular De La Guarda show and other compelling theater-pieces, it is also right around the corner from Steve Masur's popular law firm! And on May 1st, Steve opened the doors of his old-school swanky offices for viewing of Math-You Namie's pop art work and refreshments.

First of all, let me just say I have always been a big fan of Steve's--everything about him just oozes cool, class and hip style. He's one cool cat! From the wood-paneled offices to the old apothecary cabinets to the mega-chocolate fondue, this was definitely the place I wanted to be this May Day. And, he's got the perfect sense of style whether it's surfing on Montauk beach to playing in his band in a grungy bar (more on that later) to cruisin' in SF in a hot red convertible to business networking. Gentlemen--take note! He's the kind of man that gets involved with businesses and causes because he really cares, and, he not only knows his chops (in both business and music) but when he breaks out in a smile (or in a serious drum-solo), well, it'll warm up the whole room (or bar) depending on if you're listening to him discuss digital rights or beat out a kick-ass tune.

Okay, enough about Steve! ;) So the artwork was good too. Okay, back to the chocolate...when I could tear myself away from the totally succulent fruits (dipped in chocolate), I found myself chatting it up with entertainment, copyright and mediation attorney Alise Baldwin and Go-Cottage's Sharon Middendorf-Carter. UPOC's newish CEO (former Bigstar CEO) David Friedensohn was popping in cheese cubes as he showed me pics of his adorable dog on his cell phone. Moi? Je n'ai pas les photos de mon chien sur ma cell.

Towering against one of the walls was equally impeccably attired Henry Bar-Levav, co-founder of the incredible media design house Oven Digital and now CEO of Mission Assurance. He and Wi-fi Salon Marshall Brown CEO and founder were discussing advancements in the wireless field. We all had a little mini-reunion and apres, it was time for this reporter to head home and walk her cute little doggie.