Monthly Archives: November 2013

GBK New York Fashion Week Gift Lounge Event on September 6th and 7th 2013

In honor of New York Fashion Week, GBK and Sparkling Hill Resort hosted a Luxury Gift Lounge on September 6th and 7th. Attending celebrities included: Jay Manuel, Miss J and Nole Marin of “America’s Next Top Model”, Ice-T and Coco,”Big Ang” of VH1’s “Mob Wives”, Adrienne Bailon, Matt Letscher, Katie Findlay and Chloe Bridges of “The Carrie Diaries”, Ryan Serhant of “Million Dollar Listing NYC” and more.

This year’s Title Sponsor was Sparkling Hill Resort – a European-inspired wellness resort known for its Swarovski crystal design elements. Additional presenting Sponsors included Hard Candy and Pilot Pen.

Other must-have brands included: Tibolli ® , youthH2O, D’Mademoiselle ® Pure Mineral Makeup and Skincare Product™; EcoGenics Active Botanical Skin Care, Nikki’s Magic Wand, Lashem, Cynthia Gale Jewelry, d’andrea handbags, Lulu Avenue by Jude Frances, Visit San Luis Obispo County and Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, Rive, Viva Diva Wines by Christina Milian, Connecticut Cookie Company, Oasis Mediterranean, Prima Dolce, and Latta Russian Kefir.

Artistic Rive water bottles transformed colorless, odorless, tasteless substance into an experience that excites the senses. Wild Soul Sunglasses gifted exotic sunglasses; The Artisan Group® provided a collection of handcrafted gifts; and cause-driven hats were given by Gratitude Couture – intent on eradicating hate and bullying via charity donation. Special event sponsor, Supima – an American luxury cotton, displayed two evening gowns made for the event.

ABOUT GBK:
GBK is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment.

Three Phases of Transforming Madison Square Garden , in the World’s Greatest arena, 2013

The three-year historic Transformation of Madison Square Garden was officially completed on October 24th, 2013, providing a significantly enhanced experience for customers, athletes, entertainers, suite holders and marketing partners, from the fist row to the last. The transformed Garden is expected to attract even more high profile sports and entertainment events, major concerts and awards shows, as well as provide new and unique opportunities for marketing partners to drive their business objectives.

The project’s architect is Brisbin Brook Beynon, Construction Manager is Turner and Project Manager is JLL. Extensive research and focus groups were conducted and the feedback was used to develop the plans for the Transformation. The project involved over 2.6 million man hours of union labor, the equivalent of at least 1,300 full-time jobs, creating as many as 3,700 union construction jobs. An estimate of 2,851 tons of steel was used in the completion of the project. There is a 22% increase in the number of restrooms now available, as well as a 26% increase on concessions offered. The number of suites increased from 89 to 96 and both the Madison and Garden Concourses, as well as the Chase Square have more than doubled in size. For the Chase Bridges, 880 steel pieces were used for their erection and a total of 150 yards of concrete was installed.

The Transformation Project consisted of three phases, one phase for each year of construction.
Phase I of the Garden Transformation debuted for the 2011-12 season and included new Lower Bowl seating area, an expanded Madison Concourse, 20 new Nespresso Event Level Suites, New Delta Sky360 Club, New 1879 Club, open areas on the Garden Concourse and new West Balcony and new Knicks and Rangers locker and dressing rooms.
Phase II of the Transformation debuted for the 2012-13 season and included new Upper Bowl seating area, expanded Garden Concourse with city views and more restrooms, new Lexus Madison Suite Level, new all-inclusive Madison Club, return of the beloved Blue Seats and homages to The Garden’s storied history on the Madison Concourse with new “Garden 366” and “Defining Moments” exhibits.
Phase III, which marks the completion of the Transformation debuted for the 2013-14 season and included a doubled in size new Chase Square 7th Avenue entrance, 2 new first-of-their-kind Chase Bridges, new EIGHTEEN/76 Balcony, new state-of-the-art GardenVision, new Signature Suite Level and restoration of the iconic Garden ceiling.

Madison Square Garden Unveils Completely Transformed Arena, 2013

Madison Square Garden unveils a completely transformed arena reopening just in time for the Knicks Pre-Season Game. October 24th, 2013 marked the completion of Madison Square Garden’s three-year, top-to-bottom Transformation, which significantly enhanced every aspect of the historic Arena, from the first row to the last. The completed Transformation, which has been designed to improve the experience of fans, partners, suite holders, athletes and entertainers, was unveiled at a star-studded, standing-room-only press event in the Garden’s re-imagined 7th Avenue entrance, Chase Square.

Featured at the event were New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, The Madison Square Garden Company’s Executive Chairman, Jim Dolan and its President and Chief Executive Officer, Hank Ratner. Also on hand for the unveiling were Knicks legend, Willis Reed and New York Rangers’ great, Mark Messier, among many others.

Madison Square Garden’s self-funded, $1 billion, comprehensive Transformation saw the Garden shut down for three consecutive off-seasons (2011, 2012, 2013,) with construction continuing behind-the-scenes during a full slate of NBA and NHL games, sold-out concerts and other sporting and entertainment events.

The newly transformed Arena boasts new additions such as First-Class food offerings, a “Defining Moments” special exhibit honoring MSG’s unparalleled history, and restoration on the corridors on the entry level of the Arena to replicate the look of the building when the doors first opened 45 years ago. The 1968 North and 1968 South corridors not only replicate the floors, walls, ceiling and lighting of the original Garden, but also feature authentic advertisements and event promotional posters from that commemorative year. New first-class culinary additions include offerings from some of the world’s greatest chefs such as Jean-Georges with Cocina Tacos. Two other restaurants to join The Garden’s unrivaled lineup of food options include La Esquina and Casa Nonna. In homage of Madison Square Garden’s illustrious 134 year history, the remaining 10 “Defining Moments presented by SAP” exhibit will feature special photo displays and memorabilia throughout the Arena that showcase some of the moments that have solidified The Garden’s position as The World’s Most Famous Arena.

An estimate of 2,851 tons of steel was used in the completion of the project. There is a 22% increase in the number of restrooms now available, as well as a 26% increase on concessions offered. The number of suites increased from 89 to 96 and both the Madison and Garden Concourses, as well as the Chase Square have more than doubled in size. Fans will see a return of the 1,000 beloved Blue Seats that were removed in 1990. For the Chase Bridges, 880 steel pieces were used for their erection and a total of 150 yards of concrete was installed. The new state-of-the-art GardenVision, the Arena’s center-hung multimedia display saw an increase from 1,120 square feet to 3,400.

In addition to signaling a new era for the celebrated venue, the Transformation of Madison Square Garden was an important source of union jobs during a difficult time in both the local and national economies. Supported by the Building and Construction Trades Council, the project created 3,700 union construction jobs and required 2.6 million man hours of labor. The project’s architect is Brisbin Brook Beynon, Construction Manager is Turner and Project Manager is JLL.

3rd Annual Shopping Night Out Fundraiser Benefiting The Organization “Beating Cancer in Heels”, 2013

Shopping Night Out (SNO) is a signature event created to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month while giving back to the organization “Beating Cancer in Heels.” The success of Tené Nícole’s Second Annual Shopping Night Out is credited largely to the sponsors and retailers who lend their name, brand and financial support to this event. The money raised not only contributes to this being a successful event but it lends tremendous support and gives back to “Beating Cancer in Heels” an organization dedicated to the fight against cancer, encouraging women to embrace their inner and outer beauty while never forgetting to embrace their femininity.
Shopping Night Out is geared towards fashion and beauty enthusiasts, celebrities, entertainers, media and top industry executives. Shopping Night Out is a free event for exclusively invited guests, although all are encouraged to make the minimum donation.

ABOUT TENÉ NÍCOLE
Tené Nícole Marketing and Public Relations is an emerging fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand design public relations company with a host of amazing clients. They specialize in providing their clients with a platform to expand their business to a diverse global market catapulting their brand vision to the forefront of competitors. Tené Nícole works closely with their clients to develop an exceptional and personalized brand. They do this by developing effective marketing, advertising and public relations strategies using cutting edge media. Tené Nicole’s goal is to build each clients brand through understanding their vision, consumer needs and wants and awareness of the global market. Tené Nícole will not stop until each client’s goals and aspirations are met.

Interview with Tara Lipinski, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist 2013

Tara Lipinski was born on June 10th, 1982 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began roller skating at the early age of three and won several championships. At six years old, Tara began figure skating. Since her talent showed so much promise, her mother decided to relocate to Detroit in 1993 so Tara could seriously train for international competitions with Coach Richard Callaghan. She became the youngest person to win a gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Festival at age 12 and in 1997 she became the youngest person ever to win both the U.S. National Championship and the World Championships. In 1998, she became the youngest skater to win the Olympic gold medal at age fifteen. After the 1998 Olympics, Tara decided to turn professional.

In the spring and summer of 1998, she toured with Champions on Ice then went on to enjoy four seasons touring with Stars on Ice. Today, she skates in professional competitions and is now a sports commentator in figure skating for Universal Sports. Tara has also been active in the acting community for years, appearing in several television shows, such as Touched by an Angel, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Malcolm in the Middle, 7th Heaven and The Young & the Restless. She has stated that she would like to continue to act in the future.

The World Liberty TV team had the pleasure of interviewing Tara Lipinski at Times Square New York at the Road to Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, 2014.

Steve Holcomb, 2010 Bobsled ,Olympic Gold Medalist ,2013

Steven Holcomb was born on April 14th, 1980 in Park City, Utah. He is an American bobsledder who has been competing since 1998. Prior to bobsleigh, Steve was involved in alpine skiing for twelve years. He also served in the Utah Army National Guard for seven years, leaving the military with an honorable discharge in June of 2006. In the 2007 World Cup season, Steve won the overall two-man World Cup Championship. As he began making a name for himself and rising in the ranks of American bobsledders, a degenerative eye condition began to affect his competitive skills. A non-invasive surgical procedure provided a temporary measure of correction during the 2007-08 Season, allowing him to earn seven medals, three of which were gold. However, before the start of 2008-09 Season, the condition worsened and a revolutionary procedure was called upon to restore Steve’s 20/20 vision. With the procedure behind him, Holcomb and his two & four man teams took home seven medals. At the FIBT World Championships, Steve won four medals, one gold and three bronzes. He became the first American man to win the Two-man World Cup title. Steve won both the 2007 and 2010 Combined World Cup titles and the 2010 4-man World Cup title. He made the US team in both the two-man and four-man events for the 2010 Winter Olympics and led the four-man US bobsled team to a gold medal victory, ending a 62-year gold medal drought in US Olympic four-man bobsled competition.

The World Liberty TV team was on hand to interview Steve Holcomb at Times Square New York at the Road to Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, 2014.

Vanguard Tripods and Gem Oro Jewelry Cleaner Product Reviews 2013

Vanguard Abeo 243AV
The Vanguard Abeo 243AV is a lightweight, aluminum video tripod, ideally suited to work in the field or in the studio with lighter weight equipment. Its legs adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles with an ergonomic release button – ultra fast and securely. Quick-flip leg locks enable fast setup. The Abeo enables unique shots with an easy-to-set-up low-angle adaptor. The Abeo 243AV comes with PH113V smooth two-way pan head, thick foam grips and an anti-spin central column. The extended height rounds off near 62 inches, minimum extended height averaging 53 inches and a folded height of approximately 27 inches, with the total weight of the tripod equaling 4½ pounds.

Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT
Vanguard’s top-of-the-line Auctus Plus tripod is loved by photographers for its stability and flexibility. It’s designed to go from a studio to an outdoor shoot in a snap. Its ultra-smooth Extreme Support Height Positioning (ESHP) Wheel System is a dual-function wheel gear that adjusts central column height securely while supporting heavy gear. This advanced gear wheel also enables precise height fine tuning, while holding an extreme loading weight. Auctus Plus’ leg locks are exceptionally solid, secure and seal out dust and sand to provide impressive reliability. Setup is quick with one-twist-to-loosen locks. Unique All-terrain Feet convert from anti-rust spikes to angled, textured rubber for use on an array of terrains. It’s flexible with legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles for use on uneven terrain and for low-angle photography. Other features include a large bubble level, anti-shock ring, leg scales for precise height adjustment, rubber foam grips and bonus snow shoes.

GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro
The GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro is the top of the line of advanced, digital, true professional grade personal ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. It is designed for fine couture jewelry, diamonds, gold, silver and platinum that needs to be cleaned and maintained to a bright, gleaming shine. The machine safely cleans most jewelry using regular tap water. With the Sparkle Spa Pro’s powerful ultrasonic sound waves scrubbing your fine jewelry, this is the ultimate cleaner to keep them always looking amazing and showroom new from the convenience of your own home. The GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro features an elegant black European contoured design with chrome accents, a bright blue LED illuminated stainless steel tank, a transparent evaporation free cover and a digital timer with auto shut-off. The machine offers 5 cleaning cycles ranging from 90 seconds to 8 minutes with 42,000 energy producing sound waves per second. A removable basket and bracelet holder is also included with the product.

GemOro UltraSpa™ – Combination Ultrasonic & Steamer
The GemOro UltraSpa™ is the world’s only personal combination jewelry cleaning system utilizing both an ultrasonic cleaner and steam cleaner in one specially designed appliance for the home or jewelry store.
 The UltraSpa™ is a professional quality machine that provides ultimate cleaning results for sparkling diamonds, gold, silver, platinum jewelry, metal watch bands and more. In a class by itself, the UltraSpa has both powerful ultrasonic cleaning and high-pressure steam cleaning in a single appliance. With a two-stage cleaning process, scrub dirt and grime with intense ultrasonic sound waves and then with the steamer blast away hidden dirt and the remaining residue from all hard to reach areas with results like no other jewelry cleaner. Features include an approximate 1-pint tank capacity ultrasonic and steam cleaner, a basket and evaporation resistant transparent cover with bright blue built-in LED tank illumination, easy lift handles and a 6-minute timed ultrasonic cleaning cycle that automatically shuts off when completed. The product comes with a steam residue mat, measuring fill cup, jewelry holding tweezers, and 2 sizes of handheld mesh baskets for holding diamond ear studs, charms, rings, bracelets that both store in a clever rear compartment.

BCA’S Global 20th Anniversary Gala, 2013

The BCA is a nationwide non-profit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and food service professionals. Their mission is to create exposure and provide educational and professional opportunities for culinary and hospitality professionals of color. The BCA accomplish this objective by providing quality educational and employment resources, job coaching, mentoring and assistance with placement and networking support. Additionally, the BCA exposes inner-city high school students to the culinary arts through a series of workshops that serve to introduce culinary arts as a viable career option. The BCA is poised to become the nation’s principal link between corporate America and all ethic groups seeking employment and careers in the culinary/hospitality profession and foodservice industry.

The 20th Anniversary Cultural Awareness Salute Gala was held on November 8th, 2013 at Guastavino’s Midtown in New York City. Food Network president Brooke Johnson and Lourdes Diaz, Vice president of Diversity Relations for Sodexo will be among the presenters. The Black Tie Gala event honors the achievements of diversity in the Hospitality & Culinary industries. This year’s theme of “Global Immersion” focuses on providing a space for networking and dialogue on the advancement of global diversity. It also offers culinary students from around the country the opportunity to hone their skills in a real life environment.