Friday, October 28, 2005

The Anti-Violence Project presents the Courage Awards

* November 7, 2005 ~ The Anti-Violence Project presents the Courage Awards.
The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project’s 9th annual gala event
This year’s event will kick-off the 25th Anniversary Celebration. The Courage Awards event raises greatly needed funds to support the Anti-Violence Project’s critical victim services, and we hope that you will honor us by being a part of this stellar evening. Sam Champion and B.D. Wong host the event, joined by special guest, Julianne Moore. Richard Haymes, outgoing Executive Director of the Anti-Violence Project, will be honored at this year’s event, celebrating seven years of outstanding service to the Anti Violence Project and over 20 years of service to the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and HIV-affected community. Other honorees are Deutsche Bank, New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane & New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Safe Horizon.

VIP cocktail reception, in the balcony, 6:00 pm
General cocktail reception, on main floor, opens at 6:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
Awards 8:30 pm
Gotham Hall in New York City

Sponsored by Altria, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Deutsche Bank, Mercedes-Benz USA, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, the Gill Foundation, People of Color in Crisis, Safe Horizon, Basil Walter Architects, and WABC-TV (list in formation).

Chamber Dance Project Upcoming Projects

* November 1, 2, 4, 10 12 ~ Chamber Dance Project ~ www.chamberdance.org
November 1 ~ Open Rehearsal for Patrons. Joan Weill Center For Dance 405 W. 55th
November 2 ~ Open Rehearsal with Carnegie Hall Notables by invitation only.
November 4 ~ Private Recital by CDP's Violinist Christopher C. Lee (Irvington, NY)
November 10 – 12 ~ Fall Repertory Performances at the Citigroup Theatre
November 10 ~ Opening Night Gala. 7:30pm. $125 ($75 is a tax-deductible donation) includes priority seating and post- performance reception and cocktail party with the artists.

~ Works by 4 choreographers, performed by 8 dancers, featuring the Chamber Dance Project Quartet led by internationally acclaimed violinist Christopher C. Lee. All CDP donors will receive two complementary passes. We depend entirely on active support and participation and we are off to a phenomenal start. $25 general admission. $20 per person apply to groups of 10 or more.

BizBash.com's Trade Show

* Party Central Incorporated for the web, BizBash.com hosted their trade show :The 2005 BiZBash/M&C Meeting and Event Style Show” at Pier 94 on October 20-21, 2005. The first night they had a hall of fame cocktail honoring some great people including: Joel A. Dolci, C.A.E., president and C.E.O. of the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE) and organizer of "I Love New York" Day; Ellin Delsener and Dorothy Aschkenasy of Event Associates Inc.,; producers of the Robin Hood Event, New York's top fund-raiser; Suzanne Tobak of Tobak-Lawrence Company, producer of more Broadway events than anyone else in New York; Elyse Kroll, president of ENK International and one of New York's biggest producers of fashion events; Jean McFaddin, founder of McFaddin Event Associates and Macy's former event chief and Pilobolus, a choreographic experience celebrating its 35th anniversary. The show featured a number of sessions catered to even planners and related-service people alike.

And on that note....

* Remember your first? I do. My first freelance HTML project was for Felix Kramer. And he wrote me letting me know that his car project is “going great guns.” Hybrid cars are all the rage, you know. My favorite comedienne Ellen (http://www.toyota.com/html/hybridsynergyview/2005/spring/ellen.html) also drives one. NY reporter Chuck Scarborough even flew out to do a story on them. And what’s it all about anyway? The future, my dear! The California Cars Initiative http://www.calcars.org. And while you’re at it, check out these sites as well.
CalCars-PHEV Newsletter http://groups.yahoo.com/group/calcars-news
Power, Plugs and People Blog http://www.hybridcars.com/blogs/power/
PRIUS+ PHEV Conversion Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/priusplus/

Chick lit, meets trick lit

That’s what “Time Out” magazine said about Tracy Quan’s new book “Diary of a Married Call Girl: A Nancy Chan Novel.” And I got to hear for myself “straight from the (w)horses mouth,” so to speak. Ahem. Ms. Quan was demure and bookish as she read passages from her newest book on October 26th at Rocky Sullivan’s on Lexington Avenue. Her first one, “Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl,” has been translated into more than six foreign languages! Well, you know what they say, “sex sells.” And boy does it! I bought two copies that night after hearing the steamy snippets she carefully doled out to us. She’s actually pretty good at tantalizing people...getting us to beg for more...hmmm....makes one wonder.

I’d innocently (“oh, yeah...I know this woman...yeah, she’s having this book reading...”) invited my friend, Bobby Spillane (http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/main.adp?sid=344223), a writer, actor and producer, to come along. We sat next to each other on little black leather stools, staring straight ahead as Tracy nonchalantly began reading about erections, spiked heels, manacles and dominatrix scenarios. I had second thoughts whether this was the best thing to do for only our second time hanging out.

Tracy continued, “As I hooked a smooth black garter belt around my waist, I felt like a superhero sprouting magical powers. In my high-heeled slingbacks and push-up bra, I was suddenly sleek yet curvy and my suit had not wrinkled: the finishing touch. I loosened my ponytail and played with my hair, stuffed my clothes into the tote, and hid my wedding ring in a change purse...

... Trisha's weekend regular was put out by my solo arrival but did his best to couch things in submissive terms. "Thank you for coming, Mistress." He paused and looked around....Colin was wearing gold-rimmed glasses, silk boxer shorts, and nothing else. Despite a round, childlike face, he looked rather virile. It was that salt-and-pepper chest hair, much thicker than the hair on his head. I could feel steam from the shower seeping out of the bathroom. "Of course," I said sharply. "Thalia is definitely on her way." "May I offer you a drink, Mistress . . . ?" "Sabrina," I reminded him. "You may." I nodded at a row of bottles on the dresser. Five bottles of mineral water! This guy is more than prepared...I could hear my cell phone chiming in my pocket. "Mistress Thalia" stuck in traffic, no doubt. "It's me! I've been trying to get some privacy so I can call. What a disaster! You're gonna kill me! Let me talk to him, then I'll talk to you." What? Why didn't she talk to me first? I was doing my best to look imperious while feeling somewhat unnerved when I summoned Colin to the phone. "Yes. Yes, I will," I heard him saying in that flat monotone that slaves like to use. "Yes, Mistress. Of course, Mistress. No, I promise. One moment, Mistress. Right away." Slinking off to the bathroom, he looked both dejected and turned on. Trisha was apologetic and panicky. "I told him to wait in the bathroom. My daughter's playdate was canceled! At the very last minute! Do you have a ball gag?" "Um, no." "You'll have to improvise. Put some of your underwear in his mouth. Okay? Later on. Don't do it right away."

When Tracy finished she entertained questions from guests like Guy Gonzales, who was recently featured in “Time Out” magazine’s Porn issue. Having about all the titillation I could handle on a weeknight, Bobby and I made a hasty retreat. As I unraveled my big heavy steel chain from a pole and prepared to...ride my bike home...Bobby and I chatted about the discourse of the evening. I agreed with him when he commented, “erotica’s fine...just in the right place.”

Publisher's Note ~ October 28, 2005

Greetings My Ghouley Ghostly Ghastlies! Here is an especially spooky edition. Well, not really--you know I can’t be spooky even if I tried! No, it’s still sunny ol’ me bearing good tidings of wholesome, hearty events. Alright, it isn’t scary, but there is some sex smattered between some glorious bits--so beware and behave!

Monday, October 24, 2005

BREATHE*STRONG* and long, and proud

Asthma is a problem in cities and the country alike. But what would you do if your lungs didn’t work efficiently ever--at all! Six degrees of separation is at work again, as I tell you the story of Scott Roth, who is Kim Buchheit’s brother. I met Kim, as you may recall, through Tery Spataro on our Canyon Adventures in April 2005.

Kim's brother Scott has Cystic Fibrosis and had a miracle double lung transplant. Now, Kim and Mike put together an amazing program to help Scott out with all those incredible medical bills. Yes, the wristband phenomenon is going strong -- but purchases of the BREATHESTRONG wristband is one that is really, truly is going to directly benefit the beneficiary. Please, if you do anything this week, check out their sites and purchase a wristband. Love makes the world go ‘round and you’ll be helping out your Karma Bank too!

BREATHE*STRONG* Wristbands -- The BREATHE*STRONG* fundraising campaign is our family’s effort to help Scott and his family manage this financial burden and get their lives back to normal. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Scott and his family.

These exclusive BREATHE*STRONG* wristbands are now *available online*
at http://www.grandcanyonprints.com/pages/wristbands.htm for *$3.00 each*, and available directly from a seller for just $2.00 each!!
(Note: The higher online cost is due to Paypal processing fees and
shipping costs.)

Scott’s wife Sally's web site -- http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=scottroth

The Business and Romance of Quebec and Montreal ~ by Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Are you tired of the same old destinations for business travel? Some cities are so played out, you don't feel special for having taken yourself and your company away from the office. If you want to feel like you've been to an exotic locale, but like the convenience of a short flight or even train/car options, then head up to Quebec Province in Canada. I recently explored two very different jewels in their crown: Quebec City (or, "Vielle Quebec") and Montreal.

My trip began out of BWI airport on Air Canada Jazz. The service was very friendly - not phony. The people of Quebec speak French, but do learn English in school; people in the hospitality industry and retail tend to be fluent in both. After arriving in Quebec, I took a short cab ride to the fabled Chateau Frontenac. The Chateau Frontenac is the most visible symbol of Quebec; it is the castle-like hotel built over a hundred years ago by the Canadian Pacific railroad. It overlooks the grand St. Lawrence River. The railroad still owns the hotel to this day, but administration duties are handled by the luxury hotel chain, Fairmont.

The Chateau Frontenac prides itself on having royal service for its guests and is very hospitable to the business traveler. At the Chateau Frontenac, some rooms have dial-up service for the Internet, some high speed, so ask when you make reservations. If you aren't a member of the hotel's Gold Club, Internet use is $13.95 CD. You do get a 24-hour help line with your rental, which I used. The service was excellent. There is wireless access in public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby and in the lounges. If you didn't bring your laptop (or your secretary), the hotel has a business center in the lobby that's open during the day.

For relaxation, the hotel has an indoor pool, complete with hot tub and many chaise lounges. During warmer weather, there's a sun deck to catch some rays.

While the Chateau Frontenac has four restaurants to suit all your dining desires, Le Champlain is one of the most famous restaurants in the world. From the moment you walk in, you know that your dinner will be a special event, not just a meal. The waiters are outfitted in French Renaissance costumes, a Three Musketeers effect. Chef Jean Soulard is in charge of things (his fabulous cookbook is for sale in the gift shop) and he is obsessed by having the best. That means he has his own rooftop garden at the hotel to grow his own herbs, edible flowers and specialty vegetables. He uses local ingredients in both modern and historic ways; lobster, venison and even caribou grace his menus regularly. The wine list includes some of the most venerated, most famous wines in the world.

Of course, outside the hotel are fabulous restaurants, as well. For a fascinating sampling of regional cuisine, you must try Aux Anciens Canadiens. It is housed in the oldest standing home in North America, serving cuisine that has been a favorite for centuries. This is the place to sample wild game, such as partridge, buffalo and caribou, as well as try local wines and beers. Dress is "dressy casual" and reservations are highly suggested. Another enjoyable place that has fine dining without a dress code is Le Continental. Le Continental is like a classic 1950's steak house, complete with salads, steaks and desserts that are prepared table-side. They have an extensive wine list. For late night repasts, I would suggest one of the many creperies that dot the city. If you're more in the mood for drinks, Pub Saint-Alexandre seems to be a favorite haunt of business people.

Through the Quebec Office of Tourism, I had a a fantastic tour guide. I never had a private tour guide before. If you are in town for business, your free time is even more precious -- a private guide becomes indispensable! My guide showed me places and things that I might not have seen on my own; pamphlets don't always do an attraction justice. I was able to learn all kinds of insider things about the city's history and visited off- the-beaten-track places such as Iles d'Orleans.

Quebec is a very athletic and outdoorsy city, regardless of the weather. Locals walk up and down the cliff the city is built upon, but there is a ski-lift type of transportation called the "Funiculaire". It'll set you back $1.50 CD per ride. You can score a free ride if you get a coupon book, called the "Passport", available at the tourist centers, that also includes museum passes and other great discounts.

If you have friends who are members of the Garrison Club, they can host you in one of the oldest private clubs in North America, which used to be the British Officers' Club.

Then, it was on to Montreal, via Rail Canada, First Class! This is the type of comfortable travel that my dad used to speak of, the kind that I assumed disappeared decades ago. You start your trip in the First Class lounge, where you can help yourself to some soft drinks, coffee or juice and there are plenty of copies of today's paper. When you do board the train, the seats are comparable to First Class airline recliners. Then, you are offered a complimentary cocktail and snacks right away.. "Bloody Ceasars," Bloody Marys with clam juice, are a popular local drink. For lunch, you will be offered a selection of upscale meals, along with wines. Relaxing! And, just like in the finest restaurants, you are offered a hot scented towel and chocolate truffles are passed after your meal. The picture windows give you a complete view of the countryside.

For a completely different feel, I stayed at the Hotel Place D'Armes in Old Montreal. A boutique hotel ensconced in what used to be the Scottish National Life Building, it is hip without being too hard-edged. The ceilings are high and many rooms have pillars and exposed brick. My room had a walk-in double headed shower, electric fireplace, sound system and many other special amenities. Some of these included Frette slippers, Swiss chocolates for turndown service and Essential Elements toiletries. Guests receive a coupon for a free glass of wine at Happy Hour. There was a fitness center right on my floor. The hotel's modern bar that is such a local hot spot at night becomes the breakfast center by light of day; it is quite extensive for a continental breakfast. Along with toast and bagels, there were all kinds of local Canadian cheeses, yogurt, fruit and juices. Many business people were filling up on a substantial morning repast before their workday. No doubt, many were taking advantage of the free shuttle service to the business center, that runs from 7 to 7 on weekdays.

The business center section of town features many buildings with underground tunnels, perfect for some of the fierce winters in that part of the world. I also got a chance to peek at the new W hotel, which is a popular hangout as well as place to lay your head at night.

Old Montreal is easily navigable, with art galleries, museums, restaurants and a mix of old and new architecture. There are also lots of street vendors and performers. I went to the river to check out the area that had been the site of the World's Fair Expo that put the city on the global awareness map.

In Montreal, I again had the luxury (or my new "necessity"?) of a private tour guide. Montreal has many different sections with different vibes, so this was a great way to get the total view, see how things are laid out and see things that I would not normally see. Montreal's natural beauty is stunning; going to the top of the actual mountain for which the city is named is a must. The city also has many ethnic neighborhoods laid out one after another, including a robust Chinatown. Get out your comfy walking shoes and explore. Another site that I was introduced to was the Jean-Talon Farmer's Market. If you are staying in Montreal for any kind of extended time, this is a MUST-SEE! There are rows upon rows of gorgeous fresh produce, meats and products from many cultures: French, Italian, Arabic, etc. The prices are good and you can easily fix yourself a fabulous repast in your hotel room/long term residence. It was so tempting to load up on baby artichokes, fresh figs and other goodies, but you can't bring fresh produce across the border into the U.S.

Another section that is popular is St. Catherine's Street, for some serious shopping. On that street and some of the side streets, you will enjoy a little break from the working grind with such world-famous stores as the Hudson Bay Company, Holt-Renfew and La Senza.

Asking around, I found out that a top restaurant in Montreal was right in my hotel! Aix Cuisine du Terroir prides itself on using local ingredients in a modern ways. It is a quiet, intimate place, perfect for couples or if your are traveling by yourself ... not many restaurants can boast this. As a starter, please try the memorable Fois Gras Terrine, with sun dried cherries. The service was impeccable; the server was able to give a clear description of the "gaminess" factor for each of the meats listed, such as venison, bison and caribou. With your meal or afterwards, enjoy a glass of cider glace', which is a local syrupy apple liqueur that goes so well with game.

For some late night fun, I took an inexpensive cab ride to the Casino de Montreal, located on an island. There is a doorman who opens your car door, for that VIP feeling. The casino is a full casino, with slots, baccarat, several kinds of poker, Keno etc. You can even watch horse races from Hong Kong! I understand that there are some topnotch restaurants on site, as well. The Montreal Casino is a place you can dress up or down and is perfect for night-owls. It's open 24 hours a day, with free parking, coat room and is handicapped-accessible

Special thanks to Air Canada; Genevieve Parent and the Chateau Frontenac; Yves Gentil, Bard Nordby and Bonjour Quebec/Ministere du Tourisme du Quebec; Richard Seguin from Quebec City Tourism and his great staff; Via Rail Canada; Hotel Place D'Armes; Tourisme Montreal and their lovely staff.

Legal Eagle David Leffler's Entreprenerial Support

David Leffler of Leffler Marcus & McCaffrey LLC just became a member of the Financial Women's Association (www.fwa.org). It's an interesting organization which sponsors a lot of events, and their members tend to be interesting people. Another thing he’s working on does not involve women, per se, but New York lawyers. Ever the eventful and inventive man, he created a listserv discussion group for New York lawyers, which can be read at www.attorneyoasis.com. It's off to a nice start so you should all check it out! www.lefflerlawfirm.com

The Executive Life at the Greenbrier by Tamar Alexia Fleishman

If you are an executive or captain of industry, philanthropist or other high-profile person, you have either been to the Greenbrier or dreamed of going to the Greenbrier. White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia's posh resort has hosted everyone from CEO's to Presidents to kings. Today's busy leader often has to combine R & R with real work. So, what does the Greenbrier offer for the harried exec? As it turns out, plenty.

_Spa_ - For over 200 years, people have been flocking to White Sulphur Springs for the healing waters. These days, the Greenbrier runs a plush spa on site. Even before the exec's arrival, when appointments are being made, they will get information on your lifestyle, to set up a program for you. Many executives combine their annual insurance medical exam at the on-site clinic with their spa visits. The Greenbrier knows that most of your prominent business people are familiar with spas and make a morning workout or run a top priority. But, there's more to executive relaxation than simply heading to a gym. The spa creates a special "breathe oil" to bring on the plane -- it enters the blood stream through the olfactory system and helps you to relax. Director of Spa Services Marie Baumuller has also created a clever deck of business cards with relaxation mantras on the back. That way, when you are at that boring meeting, you can thumb through them and still retain your professionalism!

The Greenbrier recommends for most executives a special muscle gel to use on your hands, to help with the aches associated with mouse-clicking. Other important treatments for the CEO are the mineral sulphur baths, which are naturally 84 - 86 degrees, but can be adjusted if you have circulatory problems.

Lots of companies flock to the Greenbrier for some R & R. Many companies have the spa create special aromatherapy diffusers to use in their meetings. The spa can organize private classes, such as yoga classes or hikes on the newly created Meditation Trail for groups of 12 to 550 employees. Corporations such as West Virginia Coal and PriceWaterhouse enjoy the Greenbrier's spa.

_Team Building in the Kitchen_ - A favorite corporate retreat activity at the Greenbrier is their Culinary team building program. They have a new director, Maria Battaglia, who spent many years as an executive at Kraft Foods. When people from work get involved in outside of their work environment for a special project, it fosters stronger relationships. The culinary school at the Greenbrier was located in the famed underground bunker, but that's under repair. In the meantime, colleagues create goodies at the "Howard's Creek" facility, a gorgeous lodge that has a Medieval feel. Different programs include making fresh pasta together, chili, the ins and outs of entertaining, barbecue and even custom team building. When people are cooking together, it levels the playing field of the coworkers in a casual, non-athletic way. That way, people of all ages and physical conditions can really develop during the retreat.

_Golf_ - If you ask a little kid to draw executives in their free time, that kid will probably sketch people playing golf. It may be cliché, but it's true. At the Greenbrier, their "Business Class" golf school is run by Golf Digest Schools. Whether your company is looking to reward its employees or customers, the world-renowned courses at the Greenbrier fit the bill.

Andrew Dawes, Director of Instruction can deal with the gamut when it comes to lessons. He can work with you whether you are a Type A personality that wants to challenge him, or you are the person who tugs his sleeve and begs, "Please teach me how to hold a club so I don't completely humiliate myself!!" While they used to administer a personality test to find out exactly how you learn, Andrew can size you up pretty well without the paperwork. After talking to you, he will know if you are an auditory or physical learner, for example. He says that in the IT world, the player will want to build up to the climax of a lesson with plenty of details, and does not like to be touched. A more standard CEO wants to come to the point of the lesson immediately.

The Greenbrier has individual lessons and packages that last for 3 days. If you take a 3 days package, Andrew says he can get you from absolute beginner to where you can go out on the course with your colleagues and have an equally good time. Many execs will do just that, right before their company arrives for a retreat.

By the way, with all the teaching tools and equipment out there, it's hard to know what to buy. Andrew says that if you are using your dad's clubs, you are missing out on the newest technology. He says it's especially important for women to use the latest equipment, because golf heads are now adjusted to give them more loft and they are lighter, too.

_Greenbrier Outfitters_ - While people know the Greenbrier for its luxurious amenities, they are still surprised to see the level of corporate expertise exhibited by owner Duane Zobrist. He has an MPA and is completing his Ph.D. in Work Theory. If you are coming with your company, the Outfitters will do an initial needs assessment to custom-create physical team building opportunities. They can do a one time event or even an ongoing service that involves them coming to your office to help with skills progress. Duane can create activities that run the gamut of a scavenger hunt (for the less physically inclined) to rock climbing, to crossing a river. The events can go from 2 to 8 hours, with groups of 8 to 200 participants.

When he says your company needs help, you'd better believe him! He's worked with the biggest corporations in the world, doing an average of 200 programs a year. He knows if you are only paying lip-service to build esprit de corps. He can spot the bullies or the passive-aggressive folks in your group and give you sound advice to fix things.

_Business Center_ - It's so hard to get away from work, isn't it? At the business center, you can get any kind of supplies you may have left behind, rent cell phones, laptops, pagers and even a secretary. They'll even help you re-create that visual aid that got busted on the plane!

For more information about the Greenbrier, please check out www.greenbrier.com. Many thanks to Lynn Swann, the Greenbrier's fabulous Director of Public Relations!