Old Crone Behaving Badly (Report from the #1 Train)

Being a writer has advantages. One is that you can take an awkward situation, and use words to make it more positive. In this post, I'm able to relieve some of the tension of a really wierd subway ride.

It's pretty hot outside today, but some people are hot under the proverbial collar, all the time. I expect a bit of swagger from young people who think they are "all that," but I wasn't expecting it from a woman old enough to be my grandmother's grandmother!

Here's how it went:

My feet hurt. There was an open seat on the one bench on the downtown platform at 42nd Street. I sunk into it, gratefully. The woman on my right didn't pay any attention, but the woman on my left was taking up two seats and didn't want me to inconvenience her by making her move her packages off the second seat. I began to sit down, and she did move them, but with a sneer. So, she was pissed she had to lift a pinky and move her packages off a seat meant for people. I still didn't think much of it, or her (although I noticed that "Granny" was wearing an inappropriately warm fleece jacket, while I was perspiring, in a cotton blouse). Old people do seem to feel cold more often, so I chalked it up to that.

The train raced into the station. We stood up. Most regular subway riders know that when the train car door opens, it's customary to step to the side so the passengers inside, can exit. Apparently the old woman didn't think that rule applied to her. She stood directly in front of the doors, effectively blocking the exit and the entrance. As she swaggered into the train (as if she owned the subway system), the woman next to me gave me a quizzical, "what the f...? look." I should have done nothing, but what I did, instead was say: "that is so rude!"

Old woman must have had extra-special hearing. She knew I was talking about her. She was already upset that she had to move her package from the bargain store off the seat meant for passengers, not packages. She whirled around with anger, yelling: Who you callin' rude?!" she screamed. "I aint rude. You the rude one! You the rude one!"

Oh Geez! I knew this wasn't going to be a good trip. But I know better than to provoke someone who is already yelling in a public subway, so I simply sat down and looked for my Palm Pilot in my purse. Apparently, the old woman wasn't going to let me get off lightly for my "slight." Granny sat opposite me. I knew she was there, but I tried to keep occupied and avoid eye contact. Finally, I couldn't help but look up. The crone's eyes were locked on my face--I guess she had been staring at me while I was staring at Scrabble on my Palm. "Don't you be lookin at me!" She screamed. Knowing the best thing to do was ignore her, I continued playing Scrabble on my Palm Pilot. When I finally looked up again she was still glaring and staring at me "You the rude one! You the rude one! You the rude one!" she yelled.

It was obvious that granny wasn't wound too tight, or she was angry at something else and I was an easy target, but she wanted a fight, and I didn't want to give her one. If you have any sense (at least a few marbles and a small grip on reality) you let things go in the train. "Please stop." I said rather lamely, since it was the only thing I could think of.

The old woman's nostrils were flaring in hostility, in-out, in-out, in-out (sort of like a buffalo culled from the herd and ready to confront it's attackers). Apparently, my words were "fightn' quality" to granny, becuase when I looked up again, she was out of her seat and standing in front of me. She might have looked like a church-going grandmother, but then again, like the "fake" firefighter" Peter Braunstein, didn't look all that crazy until he decided to snap, dress up on Halloween, and sexually assualt a woman in her own apartment. There are very angry people with a chip on their proverbial shoulders walking freely among us all the time. Granny was apparently one of them, and she wasn't going to let me have a safe or quiet ride home. I couldn't imagine what she palnned to do next, with her glaring nostrils (in-out, in-out, in-out) and her hands on her hip. Was she going to bash me with the Geritol bottle hidden in her purse? Everyone around me was pretending not to notice. "You are a reasonable adult," I said in my best, "we are adults, let's just calm down and I'm not going to be intimidated by an elderly nut" voice. "please sit down!" I added for emphasis (with more courage that I really felt).

Amazingly, she did sit. I felt this had exceeded my comfort level, so I decided to change cars at the next stop. The next stop, of course, was a long one. As I waited for the train to get there, I noticed granny had something in her hand. It was a cell phone. Yes, now this crazy crone was was taking pictures of me! It is illegal to take photos in the train, but who was going to mention this? Instead, I blocked my face from her camera lens with my Palm Pilot (the only thing in my hand) "Don't be blockin yo face from me" yelled granny. I couldn't imagine why this she taking photos of me, but if you see a doll with pins in it that looks like Advice Sister Alison, you'll know who made it.

I could handle the yelling, but the photo session creeped me out! The minute the doors open, I went to the next car, sat down, and thought the rest of my trip home would be tension-free.

But that wasn't going to happen. As Murphy's Law dictates, when things go badly, they tend to get even worse. Halfway to the next stop, the conductor announced that the train was going out of service. That meant "nutty granny" and I were going to on the same platform.

I wondered if she'd try to push me on the tracks, take more photos, put a curse on me, or something worse that I hadn't thought of yet. I didn't want to take any chances butting heads (or anything else) with "crazy crone," so I positioned myself near pole and a bunch of other people, and hoped the train would come quickly. It did, and I got on, grateful to be away from "crone-behaving-badly." As the train pulled out of the station, I saw this crone-behaving badly, her eyes still glaring right at me through the window, her nostrils still flaring: in-out, in-out, in-out.

I've Got The Baby Shower Blues

Love them or not, this is the prime time of year for baby and wedding showers. They're supposed to be joyful occasions, but many guests find these ritualistic "gift trawls" a intimidating, and perhaps, bewildering.

So, since I just got this letter from a reader, so I thought I'd share it here on my blog and on the new Advice Sisters Bulletin Boards. Just for fun (and to get some of you who regularly lurk, but never post a single comment either on this blog, or on the Advice Sisters Bulletin Boards) I thought I'd ask you, my reader, to act as "Advice Sister Alison" on this one and offer some advice to "I've Got the Baby Shower Blues"

Come on...don't stay silent post a comment! (smile

If you want to ask me a question about relationships, life, love, career...just about anything, please contact me: This is one way to get free advice. I promise that if you write me, any identifying information will be removed, and the situation, changed (enough) so that your cheating spouse, irritating boss, or silly sister-in-law won't ever know they're the topic of your email.

Give it a try!

Alison

HERE'S THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM "I'VE GOT THE BABY SHOWER BLUES." HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND? *please comment!


A close co-worker of mine is having a baby. Her sister is giving the baby shower in their backyard. The mommy-to-be, (Emily) and I have lunch together nearly every day. Last week, she told me that she didn’t want people to bring gifts to her shower, only cash or gift cards. My immediate reaction was "how tacky!"

Emily didn't stop there. She continued on, telling me that she'd be really annoyed if her friends bring stuff she doesn't want, and then she has to deal with returning it (what a drag). She also emphasized that the gifts better come from the store she had chosen, so she can consolidate the money and get the expensive stuff she knows her husband probably wouldn't want her to buy.

I was a bit shocked at her attitude, but didn't say anything. When the invitation arrived, it did specifically mention Emily's favorite store as the best place to get her a gift. When I went to see what she had registered for at that store everything was way over my budget. I have to work with this woman and despite what I consider her warped values, she is a friend. I ended up spending double what I had intended because I already knew what Emily would be thinking. In truth, I felt intimidated and manipulated and it's also making me feel less grand about our friendship.

Everyone knows that showers are just “gift trawls," but isn't this getting over the line? In the past, these dreadful “parties” (who really wants to watch an adult woman wear a hat of bows, and play “baby bingo” --without the benefit of alcohol?) were a way to help the new mother get everything she might need for her new baby. At the very least, it was also a way for a mother-to-be to celebrate her new status with her friends and family. But now, these baby showers seems to increasingly just be a way for a woman to get expensive toys and designer strollers she can’t justify any other way.

Am I justified in my feelings? I couldn’t refuse to attend, and I couldn’t come with a small gift or a gift from another store when I already knew Emily dreaded getting cakes made of baby diapers and “one-zee” outfits. What’s the proper way to handle the situation?

Thanks for your help,

(sign me): "I've Got the Baby Shower Blues"

Ace Men's Grooming Products Launch- You've Come A Long Way Baby

Last night I attended the launch of an exciting, new line of products for men from ACE, a venerable purveyor of grooming products. It was the first time I'd been back to Bryant Park since Fashion Week, so I strolled through the park to the events space, Arena, on 41st Street. There were people sitting on the grass, and reading newspapers at tables. It was very cosmopolitan. I wish I could have lingered a bit.

But, I didn't want to be late for the ACE launch. When I arrived, a was ushered into the large (and quite dark) space. After a short cocktail hour featuring ACE signature drinks (one,a delicious dirty martini with three black olives) and a brief presentation, Editors were invited to visit the various "stations" for Trimming Tools, Tweezers, Hair Tools, Nail Gear, Shave Tools, and Travel Tools & Kits. These were "manned" (pun intended) by attractive guys and ACE representatives, alllowing editors to get up-close-and-personal with all the items.

From my view, these tools are so beautifully designed, they will probably cause "girlfriend envy," -- a change from the traditional "guys borrowing beauty tools from the girls." Yes, ladies, you will want to use these ACE men's grooming tools, but they've been specifically designed specifically for men and men's needs. They're beautifully designed with a red and black color scheme, stainless steel construction for durability, man-sized, rubberized (on some items) grips for comfort and control, and simple, ergonomic designs.

I found myself standing in front of the ACE Trimming Tools station first (the adorable guy standing at this station could have been a bit of a magnet). Let's face it, guys have a lot of facial hair to deal with, including nose and ear hair. Therefore, the ACE Trimming Tools include a substantial, Dual Action Trimmer SRP for nose & ear hair, and facial hair grooming), two sets of scissors (Safety and Detail) with huge, man-sized, red, rubberized finger grips, and a Facial Grooming Kit in a ballistic nylon travel case with a facial hair comb and detail scissors.

Clean nails is another way a man can look well groomed. The new line of products for men in the ACE Nail Care Line include two really nice Clippers for toenails and fingernails that are 360 degrees away from the tiny, wimpy clippers generally available in drugstore. These have textured, man-sized grips and clippers, and a built-in clippings catcher. There's also a nifty Nail File Pick that looks like a huge guitar pick, featuring a round, "scrubbing ring" to easily and quickly remove gunk from all sides of his nails, plus a pick (to remove trapped, under-nail dirt), and even a small nail file on the side to smooth out the rough spots. The large-sized Nail Brush with extra-large grip felt great even in my hands. I think it will get even reluctant guys to "clean up their act."

Just as intriguing were the ACE Hair Tools. Of course, there are the iconic, black, ACE pocket combs in two sizes (5" and 7.5") but now they have longer, rubberized grips for comfort and control. For guys who have enough hair to worry about brushing it, there are three brushes with longer handles and rubberized grips, retracting bristles (for easy cleaning), and ComfortFlex design that massage the scarp without snagging hair. The Dandruff Control Brush features copper bristles that we were told kill 88% of the fungus that causes dandruff and dry scalp. I'm not sure about this, but I'll be checking it out.

There are three different Tweezers (also longer and larger than a ladies' version), and a number of "must-have" accessories: my favorite is the clever, Fogless Shower Mirror (SRP $15.99). It has a water reservoir that, when filled, equalizes the mirror and air temperature to eliminate fog (the water slowly drains out into the tub). This mirror is held securely in place with two large suction cups, it is adjustable, and has a flexible razor holder for different razor sizes. For travel and gifts, there's an a ballistic nylon ACE Power Grooming Kit including the Dual Action Trimmer, Fingernail Clippers, and a Dual Action Tweezer); an Essential Grooming Kit featuring Fingernail Clippers, Dual Action Tweezer and Safety Scissors in a ballistic nylon case, and a really nice, ACE Excursion Bag that has a ballistic nylon shell that holds it's shape so his bottles and other fragile items don't break, but it still compresses in a suitcase to safe space.

You won't have to be a Wall Street Whiz Kit to afford these, either. Prices Range from a suggested retail price of $31.99 for the Power Grooming Set, to a low of $6.99 for a nail brush or Fingernail Clippers.

If there's one company that should know about what men want and need in terms of grooming, it's ACE. In fact, when most people think of men's grooming products, the iconic black ACE pocket comb comes to mind. Everyone from Presidents to Elvis, has had at least one. Today, men's grooming no longer just means combed hair and clean fingernails (although those are must-haves). With the rise of the "metrosexual," and "manscaping," this era is the one of the aware male. There are more products and tools for the "average guy" than ever before. 150 years after it's first breakthrough with the classic, black comb, ACE has realized there's an unfilled need for more stuff for the guys. This new and awesome line of grooming tools for men are going to be a huge hit when they arrive in drugstores and mass market retail stores this Fall, just a few short months away! Too bad they're not going to be available this Father's Day. If you're stumped for ideas for Dad, the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column features dozens and dozens and dozens of ideas for gifts for the guys. Watch for it!

Remember Ipana?

I was searching for something on You Tube, and found an Ipana Commercial featuring Bucky Beaver. These early commercials were unsophisticated, but so much fun! I can't help but share this one!

Blues Legend Guitar Shorty Going "Home" (but only for a little while)

Last night we went to see our favorite musician, legendy bluesman and now, WC Handy Award Winner for 2007 Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, Guitar Shorty! If you read my blog, you know that we are not only fans, but friends, of this incredible artist, who also happens to be a really nice man. Shorty has not only influenced other blues guitarists like Jimi Hendrix (they were brothers-in-law) but he has been entertaining appreciative audiences since 1957 with the most incredible guitar playing on the planet!

Shorty is also known for onstage antics. While I have never seen him do one of his famous backflips, he shows no sign of slowing down. Last night, for example, he seemed super-charged (perhaps it was the knowledge that it was his last show for a few weeks). He still plays the guitar with various body parts, he jumps up and down, he is known for leaving the stage, walking around in the audience to treat astonished people to a bit of up-close-and-personal guitar playing, and he likes to go outside and play on the street, while his band waits patiently on stage for him to come back in! We've seen Shorty walk outside and play his guitar in a snowstorm, a rainstorm, and last night, he went outside and played, posing for photos on the sidewalk with two very surprised, ice-cream eating, girls!

We traveled a couple of hours to New Hope, PA, see Shorty at the bar/restaurant, Havana. Sadly, so many of the blues clubs nearby have been turned into other types of venues. When Shorty's within a few hours of us, we'll travel. We've even flown to California to see Shorty (at Harvelle's).

This was Shorty's last concert before he and his band (now called "We the People"--not to be confused with an 60's Garage Band with the same name) go home for a little while, and get some much needed R&R off the road.

Their relaxation won't last for long, though. Shorty spilled the beans that they're working on a DVD, and other exciting projects. Ageless Shorty was absolutely smoking-hot last night! He has a new band (and a new road manager who apparently keeps him to a tight schedule). The drummer is an affable "MC," introducing Shorty and interacting with the crowd. And I particularly like the addition (well, he's been with Shorty about 6 months now) of the keyboard player, Matt, who adds more of a Texas sound to Shorty's rockin blues. As an ensemble, these guys are not only professional, but smooth and comfortable with one another, creating a new style for some of Shorty's classics, such as "I Wonder Who (Has Been Sleeping in my Bed)" and "Hey Joe" (which Shorty did in double-time last night still playing every single ote, to keep to Havana's schedule).

Before Shorty's first song of the night, "We the People" (the title track of his now award-winning album), Shorty did something a bit uncharacteristic: he shared with the audience his dismay about being gouged at the gas pump, especially out West in the desert, and in California. He suggested we "ride a bicycle a few days a week" instead of taking our cars, so that the powers-that-be "feel it." Then he sang "We the People," a powerful, rock/blues song with verses that could have been penned by the likes of an anguished Bruce Sprinsteen, opining about the struggle of the "common man."

Guitar Shorty and We The People will be back on the road in a few weeks. You can visit http://www.guitarshorty.org and http://www.guitarshorty.com to find out more about Shorty. Here's the schedule of tour dates as they stand today for June and July. You're lucky if Shorty is coming to your town! Now, people and clubs are now vying for Guitar Shorty, so there are certain going to be additions:

Sat 06/09/07 Harlingen, TX Blues On The Hill
Fri 06/15/07 Tucson, AZ Old Town Artisans
Sat 06/16/07 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
Fri 06/22/07 Chicago, IL Buddy Guy's Legends
Sat 06/23/07 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's
Mon 06/25/07 Winnipeg, MB Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Tue 06/26/07 Winnipeg, MB Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Thu 06/28/07 Woodruff, WI The Longshot
Fri 06/29/07 Berwyn, IL FitzGerald's
Sat 06/30/07 Cleveland, OH Wilbert's Food & Music
Sat 07/07/07 San Antonio, TX Sam's Burger Joint
Fri 07/13/07 Arcadia, CA Arcadia Blues Club
Sun 07/15/07 Eureka, CA Blues By The Bay
Thu 07/19/07 Omaha, NE Murphy's Lounge
Fri 07/20/07 Des Moines, IA Blues On Grand
Sat 07/21/07 Dodgeville, WI Bluesfest
Fri 07/27/07 Buffalo, NY Lafayette Tap Room
Sat 07/28/07 Owego, NY Hickory Smoked Blues Festival
Tue 07/31/07 Piermont, NY Turning Point

Fat, old, not model-quality? Forget it ladies (american idol thoughts)

I read a brief piece about Melinda Doolittle's elimination from "American Idol." The article wasn't about her talent, which wasn't in dispute, but the writer suggested that if you are a female singer that is out of shape, or at least not young and sexy enough to "work it" in semi-pornographic videos, you probably won't get a record deal (no matter how much talent you have).

Everyone knows that sex sells in the entertainment industry, but the idea that if you are out of shape, unstylish or "old" (over age 30) you can't entertain, is ridiculous! What's worse, I don't see men being put out to pasture by their looks, shape or age (check out Eric Clapton, or Paul McCartney, or Ozzie). There is a double standard for women-- if you're not a "hot" young thing, forget it, ladies.

I wrote a post a while back when this season's American Idol began, as I'd never watched it before, and during the auditions phase of the show, there seemed to be some talented singers in the bunch. While few of the less attractive (in that "Hollywood" sterotype) made it into the actual contest, those that did were gently, quietly, dropped along the way. In the beginning, I wrote in that blog piece that many of the contenders seemed to be virtual "pretty young thing" clones of one Very quickly, I got bored watching them, and the show, and the ascerbic Cowell.

But back to Melinda Doolittle. The other writer's comments really struck a nerve. While these type of reality shows are just a load of well..... and I hope that the public loses it's seemingly insatiable lust for them yesterday, I must have been crazy to think that this really was a talent contest. Why would it surprise me that Ms. Doolittle wasn't eliminated for her lack of talent, but more for her lack of sex appeal (compared to the cutes-y, young Blake Lewis, and 17-year old Jordin Sparks, the "I wanna be a celebutate clone")?

No wonder the record industry is dying. Older teens, forced to listen to the same-old-same-old sexpot singers gyrating in the same barely-there outfits to the same "I've got atti-tude" lyrics, are clamoring for something that really moves them. After all, isn't that the power of music and of the entertainers that interpret the music and lyrics of songs? They're smart enough to know that what is on the radio, is utter crap. They listen to the groups I loved (several decades earlier) because that music moves them and the performers had soul, talent, and weren't recording artists only for their looks. In fact, at J&R Music world in NYC, I was told by a saleperson that turntables were the #1 holiday gift item last year, because everyone is seeking out old vinyl records, and they need something to play them on. I'd be willing to guess that many of those (not necessarily young or beautiful artists) on those records couldn't get a meeting, let alone a contract, in the music industry today.

What's left for the less than gorgeous, especially females? Well, you can play a sterotyped role (eg. Rubenesque Jennifer Hudson got a role in Dreamgirls, and "Fantasia" a former American Idol contestant is now playing a less-than-glam role in the musical, the Color Purple) or you can be ridiculous like Judy Tenuda and her famous accordion. And does no one remember the original talent behind Millie Vanilli, who wasn't young or attractive enough to record his own songs?

With reality shows like American Idol eliminating talent over beauty and youth, the message that if you're out of shape, not 20, or not beautiful, you are not going to be a star, is just reinforced. What kind of message is that?

The day Melinda Doolittle was eliminated from American Idol is, perhaps, the true "day the music died"

Chic, but is it cheap?

This morning I was reading a newspaper, when a Bergdorf Goodman advertisement caught my eye. It was for shoes...stiletto sandals, to be more precise.

These were obviously meant for women who take their car and driver, or a taxi, and don't walk. But still, they were beautiful: sky-high, peep-toe sandals featuring a braided T-strap, black canvas and patent-leather uppers, and cheerful, striped innersole and lining. I was instantly smitten.

I kept reading. My eyes followed to the print below the black and white photo of this pretty sandal. Moschino Cheap and Chic" said the ad, in bold, black type. For a moment, I thought perhaps Moschino really was offering a bargain. For a moment, I thought about playing hookey from my work, and running up to Bergdorfs. I wanted those sandals. I hoped they still had my size. For that moment, I had to have those shoes, even though my lifstyle is more geared towards sneakers, than stilettos.

My enthusiasm was short lived. In small print, I faced reality. I saw the price: $395.00

I know there are plenty of women for whom $400.00 shoes are simply another box in the closet. They buy them without thought. They buy them in every color. They buy lots of styles. I instantly realized that these shoes weren't meant for the average woman for whom $400 is half the rent, or a month's groceries, or the cost of some their child's medical care.

I'm not on the bread line, but cheap and chic? Chic, yes, but cheap??? On what planet?!


I don't know how Moscino ended up with "cheap and chic" as their tag line, but it doesn't fit anymore. Worse, it's really nervy. You have to have serious chutzpah to advertise a pair of $400 sandals as "cheap" and assume that anyone would believe it --or at least not take offense at the implication that if you think it's not cheap, you're simply not chic (or rich) enough. Had Moschino simply said "chic" I would have embraced the concept.

I'm not buying it (the tag line)....or them (the sandals).

Just my thought for the day. If you think $395 is cheap, please leave a comment and let me know about it!

Congrats to Guitar Shorty--Contemporary Blues Album of the Year: Guitar Shorty - We the People --WC Handy Award Winner 2007

I just found out that my favorite bluesman, Guitar Shorty, has won Contemporary Blues Album of the Year at the 2007 Blues Music Awards a few days ago. For Shorty's bio, photos, and even a video of Shorty in his early days, playing "The Thrill Is Gone" while standing on his head, is archived in my blog at: http://www.advicesisters.net/2007/02/last-night-my-friends-and-i-went-to-seeThe most highly regarded award ceremony in the Blues industry for performers, the Blues Music Awards Awards are considered the "Blues Grammys¹." Blues Music Awards are the premier event for Blues professionals, musicians and fans. Held in Memphis, the focus of this celebration is to recognize superior achievements in Blues performances while honoring a cultural tradition.

Learn more about Guitar Shorty, buy his albums, and give him the recognition he deserves: http://www.guitarshorty.com/ and http://www.guitarshorty.org/Here is a complete list of the winners. CONGRATULATIONS, GUITAR SHORTY!

Comeback Album of the Year: Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing
Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year: Robert Lockwood, Jr.
Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year: Etta James
Acoustic Artist of the Year: David "Honeyboy" Edwards
Acoustic Album of the Year: Rory Block - The Lady and Mr. Johnson
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year: Marcia Ball
Instrumentalist-Guitar: Hubert Sumlin
Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year: Bobby Rush
Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year: Irma Thomas
Soul Blues Album of the Year: Irma Thomas - After the Rain
Historical Album of the Year: Shout! Factory - Hooker - John Lee Hooker
Contemporary Blues Album of the Year: Guitar Shorty - We the People
Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year: Janiva Magness
Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year: Tab Benoit
Instrumentalist-Harmonica: Charlie Musselwhite
Instrumentalist-Bass: Mookie Brill
Instrumentalist-Drums: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Instrumentalist-Horn: Eddie Shaw
Instrumentalist-Other: Robert Randolph
Best New Artist Debut: Slick Ballinger- Mississippi Soul
Song of the Year: "Church is Out" - Charlie Musselwhite
Traditional Blues Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Band of the Year: Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year: Tab Benoit

Tom Holmes at Amsterdam Whitney Gallery NYC

Last night at the Amsterdam Whitney Gallery 511 West 25th Street in NYC, ( www.amsterdamwhitneygallery.com ) I attended the opening of a very talented artist, Tom Holmes. He was part of a group show that runs MAY 4 – MAY 29, 2007. His part of the show is called "ENIGMAS from ALPHA to OMEGA."

Holmes is an artist, sculptor and craftsman who lives and works in northeastern Pennsylvania. I am fortunate to own a wooden "star" of Tom's (one of his signature pieces), and also a wooden garden gate.

Although he has varying styles, one of his inspirations is obviously Frank Lloyd Wright. My husband and I have been to Tom (and his lovely wife Carol's) home. It's like a fantasyland of light, rock, wood, and sound. The house is open and modern, the grounds are a 10-year work-in-progress full of huge and amazing structures, including boardwalks through the woods, a firepit that seats a large group of people comfortably on rock benches, and a private sauna.

For this show, Tom brought smaller, metal sculptures (not in a Frank Lloyd Wright style, but more whimsical) made from recycled materials. I didn't get a photo, but hopefully Tom won't mind if I show one of his own, wooden pieces here.


His work can be seen at the Artery Gallery in Milford, Pennsylvania and by appointment. If you want to contact Tom, go to his web site (the photos alone are worth the visit): http://www.tomholmes.com --

Moda Manhattan/Accessories The Show/Fame May 6-8 2007

Back in January, I went to the Moda Manhattan/Fame/Accessories The Show grouping at the Javits Center in New York. The organizer is Business Journals Inc (BJI), a business media company that produces 5 business-to-business magazines, 8 trade shows, and a number of seminars and web sites. They have always been gracious to the press, and I find these shows lively and full of interesting individuals selling everything from evening gowns, to key chains.

Moda Manhattan and Fame offer fashions and accessories, but the Accessories Show is the only juried, all-accessories trade event in the entire USA. The trio of market exhibits are focused on buyers (more than 8000) so almost everything there is wholesale only. When I arrived on Tuesday (the last afternoon for the show), it was still packed with enthusiastic buyers from speciality stores and boutiques, department stores, catalogues, and even duty free shops looking to see what's available for the next season in activewear, special occasion/evening, outerwear/coats, suits/ careerwear, dresses, knitwear/sweaters, sportswear, related separates, soft separates, loungewear/sleepwear, fur/leather, and accessories from belts to bags to hats to tons and tons and tons of jewelry in all price points.
As usual, I got there late, and a bit breathless (I walked cross-town because it was such a nice day). I made a quick stop in the press lounge, and discovered that there were a lot of press materials I would have liked to pick up, but for some reason, the complimentary tote bags (or any type of carry bags) are never offered to the press. Of all the people who really need a tote, you'd think the press would be top of the list? In any case, my purse felt like it weighed about 500 gazillion pounds after toting it around for a couple of hours.

But all gripes aside, as I said in my last post in January, if you can't spot trends here, you're not looking very hard.

So what trends did I see for Fall? As far as the eye could see, the usual earth tones, black, grey and deep greens were in full force, but the mood was somber. They say fashion mirrors the mood of the country, so maybe the war and other troubles at home are influencing designers. There seemed to be lots of soft and drape-y fashions, many in cashmere, velvet, and other luxury fabrics. Styles seemed less structured, softer, a bit more forgiving (that doesn't mean you should chow down on cheeseburgers, but at least you won't need to be model-thin to wear anything trendy). In accessories, wide belts, "ethnic" jewelry, lots of hats (many soft cloches or berets), embellished handbags (with everything from stones to feathers), lots of prints, and lots of embroidery and beading seem to be "in."

Every season, simply by walking around the large exhbit floors, I find a few vendors with something special --something I know my Advice Sisters readers will want to know about. I'll be featuring some of this season's vendors in my monthly "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns, and in my Enews and here on this blog.

I was tired and ready to leave, when I spied a wall of handbags, and had to stop. They were trendy and attractive--and when Anna Maria Blescia and her partner, Gail Mackler-Carlino of Frenz...eee told me that their bags were not leather, but a line of "animal friendly" (in other words, man made materials, not from animals) handbags, I was hooked. Their designs stand out from the rest of the pack (and believe me, at these shows you get to see a LOT of handbags). What also impressed me about the Frenz...eee line are the trendy designs and the fact that while many of the handbags are crafted from synthetics (some are fabric), these faux materials have the look and feel of buttery soft leather. Even better, they're lightweight, easy care and, of course, no animals were used to create them.

I took home a Classic Satchel in ivory....I'm in love with it! I could have taken home half a dozen styles! Oh, and another HUGE plus: the prices are reasonable! I'm not going to tell you ALL about Frenz...eeeright now--you'll have to visit my July/August "What Works" column (first week in July--June is up first week in June) to get the entire story about Anna and Gail, and their awesome assortment of items). These bags offer value, but still, the quality is high. They have all the bells and whistles that more luxury brands offer, down to a dust bag and a signature keychain (two swinging purses) included with every bag. If you can't wait for my column, visit www.frenzeee.com for information!

Also interesting was ArtofCloth, a collection of art-inspired casual clothing made from handmade textiles. The tunics and shawls were not only interesting to look at, but cover a variety of "evils" if your body is less than perfect. I also liked the rhinestone-festooned leather handbags from Ximena Ramirez These are a bit pricey and definitely not for the shy, but if you like the sparkle, the rhinestone-laden bags are perfect day-to-evening choices!

Sleepless Everywhere Writes....what do you think about nasty neighbors?

The Advice Sisters Bulletin Boards have moved to: http://advicesisters.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php

The board is so new, it only has three posts and two forums (one for relationships, one for beauty/fashion/style). There will be more, but for now, I'm hoping that I can entice you to help kick-start this new board off.

The following letter is real. and I'm hoping it will strike a chord with you, my readers. Won't you kindly go to the new Bulletin Board area, sign in, sound off, and give some advice to "Sleepless Everywhere?"

I'm not going to give you the entire letter...you'll have to go to the new bulletin boards first (smile): http://advicesisters.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php

Dear ASA (Advice Sister Alison)

My partner and I have lived in the same apartment building for nearly four decades. About five years ago,a (20-something) couple came to be interviewed to purchase not one, but two apartments in our building. Their plan was to combine them at a (then impressive) cost of over a million dollars. --------The couple stressed to our entrance committee that they were very concerned about noise in the building. They kept saying how they required peace and quiet, and how they were quiet people. Since their purchased apartments were directly next to mine, I assured them that we were quiet adults who didn't even play loud music at home. We were happy to know that they were going to be quiet, too.

Wow, were we mistaken!

The work required to create their new "home" was supposed to take two or three weeks. It took more like three months. We had to endure jackhammers, screaming, banging and other noises for hours on end every day until the work was finally completed. ----About a year later, this woman became pregnant. The minute the baby was born, it screamed with such an impressive set of lungs that we thought the baby might be abused ----We are so discouraged that we are considering leaving our home, even though we have loved it here for a long, long time. ----- We wonder what you think of this situation? Is it more common than we think, or are we alone in this problem? Any advice would be welcome.


*all the details have been removed. If you think you're having a bad day, you've got to read this letter (and then please comment)!

The CEW Beauty Awards--Let's Hear It For The Winners

There are some awards ceremonies that are long, and feel like they're dragging on for hours, but that is never the case with the Cosmetic Executive Women's (CEW) Awards Luncehon at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. This is the second year I've attended this star-studded event, which brings together key players in major cosmetics and fragrance companies, entrepreneurs, and the beauty press. There is an excitement about this event that makes me want to clap and cheer with every winner, as their entire tables do when someone is mentioned, or wins. The "team spirit," the amazing array of products, the collegial atmosphere, and funnyman Mario Cantone, make the two hours, whiz by.

CEW is an organization that is a "must-know" for those in the beauty industry. It's headquartered in New York City, but CEW also has associations in the United Kingdom and France. If you want to learn more about CEW and it's programs and mission, or you want to learn more about the 2007 CEW Beauty Awards, visit their web site http://www.cew.org


Each year, the CEW Beauty Awards honor the developers of the most innovative beauty products of the year. I believe CEW's more than 4,000 members get to vote on the awards, with the Board of CEW making a definitive selection. I don't know how many people or companies submitted individual products, but there were 621 product nominated in 31 different categories with five finalists in each category. That's a LOT of products for consideration. I have tried many of these products personally, and it must be a difficult job to pick just one out of the five, as all have merit (there were a few ties this year).

The CEW Beauty Awards is not a small event in it's actual, physical size, either. The ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria seats hundreds, and tables were crammed into every possible area of the main floor, but two entire balconies were also filled with tables, choc full of beauty professionals. I was in the first balcony, at a table with some of the finalists, including two lovely women from Easy Straight (we have reviewed their products in past What Works columns), three people from Ralph Lauren, Sally Hershberger's Assistant (she was one of the presenters), and representatives from Tractenberg and Smashbox Cosmetics (also up for an award). I arrived early enough to get a seat overlooking the dais, so I was able to take some photos, a few of which appear in this blog, if I did it right (smile).


The ceremony runs about two hours, but the host of the vent, comedian/actor Mario Cantone, a former Sex and the City Star (and the voice of Sunsilk "Hairapy")kept things lively with jokes and comments.

Other "stars" of the beauty business were paired with celebrities such as Ivanka Trump, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, actress Sherri Saum, model Crystal Renn, Pirates of the Caribbean actress Naomi Harris, and Shear Genius judge and celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger, to present the awards in various categories.


The winner's awards are statues are by Lalique, featuring a graceful woman's torso. Winning one of these is a bit like getting an Oscar or an Emmy if you are in the beauty biz. As CEW President Carlotta Jacobson said when she opened the ceremonies, and so many winners mentioned as well, winning a CEW beauty award is a definite recommendation to women and men around the world who want the best-of-the-best at various price-points. It's actually a "big deal." Other sponsors of the awards are: Allure, Givaudan, Arcade Marketing, FreshLook Color Contact Lenses, CVS/pharmacy, Restylane, Crest Whitestrips Daily Multicare, Rohm and Haas, Lalique, WWD Beauty Biz, Suite K, The Royal Promotion Group, KraftWorks, Vidicom, Ma Cher, HBA Global Expo, Alpha Logica, Digital Plus, Rpr Marketing Communications, Raw Media Network and Palmer’s.



So who won? Of course you want to know! The 2007 CEW Beauty Awards winners are:


FACIAL SKINCARE
Acne Treatment $10 and over - MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross All-Over Blemish Solution
Acne Treatment Under $10 -- Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads


Anti-Aging $30 and over -- Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Wexler Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream
Anti-Aging Under $30 - Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer

Cleanser & Scrub $12 and over - Clinique Liquid Facial Soap
Cleanser & Scrub Under $12 - Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser


Eye Treatment $20 and over -- Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift
Eye Treatment Under $20 - Tweezerman After Tweeze Soothing Cream

Lip Treatment $14 and over - FusionBeauty LipFusion XL
Lip Treatment Under $14 - Tarte fRxtion Sugar Exfoliator & Lip Balm Duo

Moisturizer $30 and over - Shiseido Cosmetics Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer Under $30 - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Peel and Mask $25 and over- Shiseido Cosmetics Benefiance Pure Retinol Face Mask
Peel & Mask Under $25 - Lumene Time Freeze Instant Lift Mask


MEN’S SKINCARE

Men's Skincare $15 and over (this was a tie) Kiehl's Eye Alert and The Art of Shaving Body Scrub with Tangerine and Eucalyptus Essential Oils

MAKEUP


Eye Product $15 and over - Chanel Inimitable Mascara
Eye Product Under $15 - CoverGirl LashExact Mascara


Face Product $18 and over - SK-II AirTouch Foundation
Face Product Under $18 - M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Touch-Up Stick

Lip Product $15 and over - Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour
Lip Product Under $15 - Bourjois Paris Effet 3D Mobile Cell Phone Charm *see the review in our latest What Works Column

HAIR CARE

Hair Care & Coloring Product $15 and over - Frédéric Fekkai Ageless Damage-Defense Capsules

Hair Care & Coloring Product Under $15 - John Frieda Professional Hair Care Luminous Color Glaze


BATH & BODY

Body Treatment $15 and over - Origins Natural Resources Modern Friction for the Body
Body Treatment Under $15 - Dove Energy Glow Shimmering Lotion


Scented Bath & Body $15 and over - C.O. Bigelow Lemon Cream Body WashScented Bath & Body Under $15 - Olay Body Wash plus Ribbons

NAILS

Nail Care & Color Under $12 - Avon Instant Manicure


SUN

Sun Product $15 and over (this was a tie) - Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF 30 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX

Sun Product Under $15 - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55


SCENT

Women's Scent $35 and over - Prada Eau de Parfum Tendre by Prada
Women's Scent Under $35 (this was a tie) Grassroots Happily Ever After and Sonia Kashuk Beauty @Target Sonia’s Solid Perfume Palette



Men's Sent $30 and over - Sean John Fragrances / Estée Lauder Unforgivable by Sean John


INDIE BEAUTY AWARD (celebrates innovation in independent companies that have been in existence for less than five years) 2007 Indie Beauty Award Winner: Sskyn ICELAND

Is Our Enews in Your In-Box?

Yesterday, more than 4,500 subscribers received their latest copy of the bi-monthly newsletter, the Advice Sisters Enews. This bulletin is free, and features Advice Sisters news, and links to new content on the Advice Sisters Relationships Web Site , plus informationa bout product launches and events I've attended, book reviews, tips and guest expert advice, information about the latest in style and culture, and more.

Where's YOUR copy? Subscribe at: http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html


This particular issue featured two restaurant reviews, for Social House and the Pinot Brasserie, on the Strip in Las Vegas. Whether you're a local, or planning a visit to Vegas, these are two places you won't want to miss.

This Enews issues also featured eleven book reviews of books that have just hit the bookstore shelves, perfect for holiday reading, Mother's day, or a hostess gift. If you are not a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews, you missed reviews of: The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom by Jo Barrett (Avon A Books 2007); Still Life With Husband by Lauren Fox (Alfred A. Knopf 2007; You Have Cancer by Ronald P. Bazile, Sr., Ellis M. Brossett St., Preston J. Edwards Sr., and Benjamin M. Priestly, with Don Spears (Dominion Developers, Inc. 2007); Chasing Life by Sanjay Gupta (Warner Wellness, April 2007; Winning After Losing by Stacey Halprin (Warner Wellness May 2007; The Bridal Wave: A Survival Guide to the Everyone-I-Know-Is-Getting-Married Years by Erin Torneo and Valerie Cabrera Krause (Villard Books 2007; The Mona Lisa Stratagem by Harriet Rubin (Warner Books May 2007); The Fierce Beauty Club: Girlfriends Discovering Power and Celebrating Body and Soul, by Elizabeth Herron Element Book 2007; When Walls Become Doorways: Creativity and the Transforming Illness by Tobi Zausner, Ph.D. (Harmony Books, February 2007);
The Confetti Cakes Cookbook by Elisa Strauss with Christie Matheson (Little Brown and Company, April 2007)-- and for two new & unique books on beauty and style, visit our latest What Works column at: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html