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BUZZ - Trends, News and Views
By Editor: February 2008
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Our quick (and unscientific) look at some of the trends and news we find interesting and relevant.
This Years Best Picture Nominees - from the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hilton
Thanks to Gawker.com for reminding us that each year the Beverly Hills Hilton pays tribute to the five "Best Picture" nominees with signature drinks in its famous Polo Lounge. This years nominees are
No Country for Old Men - "Blood and Sand" Johnny Walker Red, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and a splash of OJ served strained in martini glass.
Juno - "Blue Slushee" Stoli raspberry, blue curacao, and lemonade, blended with ice.
There Will Be Blood - ' Texas Tea" gin, vodka, rum, tequila, Cointreau. OJ, sour mix, and a splash of Coke, served on the rocks.
Michael Clayton - "Fixer" amaretto, cognac, cherry brandy and cream. Strained over ice and served in a martini glass.
Atonement - "Bound by Love" sloe gin, Chambord, lemon juice and an egg white, shaken with ice
Valentine’s Day tips for the newly single
Recently split from your significant other? Divorce360.com offers 10 ways to deal with the “couples fest” that is Valentine’s Day. One suggestion: Instead of feeling badly about not receiving any gifts, become a giver. Make a list of people you love and surprise them with something thoughtful. Plan to hand-deliver as many gifts as you can so your day is busy and full of good feelings. Other ideas include planning a night out with other single friends, hosting a get-together at your place, or treating yourself to a solo evening of pampering. Click here for the full list.
"Don’t lick the walls"
An all-chocolate room was unveiled in Manhattan in late January -- a pre-Valentine’s Day creation complete with furniture and artwork made of the sweet stuff. This year, anyone who buys the winning box of Godiva chocolates — for $23 and up — may win the chocolate room as part of the Belgian chocolatier’s Valentine’s Day promotion contest. It is to be re-created in a suite of Manhattan’s Bryant Park Hotel for a pampered getaway weekend for two in May. The winning box – sold only in North America -- will contain a note informing the buyer of his or her good luck. The demo chocolate room set up on the sixth floor of an East Village building packed a tasteful, artsy punch, and included chocolate reproductions of famous paintings, chocolate walls, and a chocolate-sided plush sofa. (from canoe.ca)
Consumers opt for quality time over traditional gifts this Valentine’s Day
This year, it really will be the thought that counts. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2008 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, traditional gifts, such as candy, flowers and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this Valentine’s Day with more consumers preferring gifts of experience and gift cards. Almost half of all consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special night out, compared to 45.3 per cent last year, and 12.3 per cent will give a gift card, compared to 11.3 percent last year. Greeting cards still remain the most popular choice, though the number of people planning to purchase one is down from last year (56.8% vs. 62.8% last year). Nearly 48.0 per cent of consumers will buy candy, 35.9 will buy flowers and 11.8 percent will buy clothing. Not surprisingly, men will again dish out the most this year, spending an average of $163.37 on gifts and cards, compared to an average of $84.72 spent by women. Total spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to reach $17.02 billion.
Julianne Moore announces Save the Children Valentine's Day campaign in U.S.
Actress, author and mother Julianne Moore has launched a special initiative with U.S.-based Save the Children that will allow Americans to print and e-mail custom cards to friends and loved ones this Valentine's Day in return for a donation to the charity. The initiative comes on the heels of Moore's visit to see Save the Children's work in one of the poorest, most remote communities in the mountains of Appalachia, where Save the Children has worked for more than 75 years. By logging on to www.savethechildren.org and making a donation to Save the Children between Friday, Feb. 1st and Thursday, Feb. 14th, you can print or e-mail custom Valentine's cards, featuring children's artwork, to give to classmates, friends and family. Donations will support Save the Children’s programs in some of the poorest communities in the U.S.
