McCartney Multimedia :: Newsletter

Welcome to the Volume 12 edition of the McCartney Newsletter.

This summer has been, thank heavens, one of the busiest for McCartney Multimedia in our 17 years. From Las Vegas to Denver, The McCartney Brand Empire took the show on the road, whilst meanwhile, back at HQ, Christian and the team held the fort and kept the production and web-building business running!

With a million things running through all of our minds on a daily basis, this issue of our newsletter is best enjoyed with a nice cup of tea. Mrs. Angie McCartney's Teas, of course! So take a minute to relax and join us on this past month's journey!

Paul Mitchell - "The Gathering 2011"
Aria Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Remember in our last issue that delightful afternoon with John Paul and Eloise DeJoria.

Well, he came up with the idea of putting boxes of tea in all the goodie bags at the Paul Mitchell Gathering 2011, held at The Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, 19th/20th July, and attended by over 3,000 hairdressers, beauticians and stylists. The plan was put into furious motion, and Angie and Ruth got busy organizing a delivery of 3,100 boxes of variety flavours of her organic teas in time for this exciting event.

They flew Angie up there in style. Ruth and I drove, as we intended to do some other client visits in the Vegas and Palm Springs areas. Plus, ummmm, someone's got to schlep Madame's wardrobe, autograph cards, video badges (more next issue about that) and so on. In Angie's words: "I was treated like Royalty, with my own "minder" a lovely lady named Anja Schrewe, a high level Paul Mitchell Executive in from Germany, who even organized 2 hunky security men to escort me from my sumptuous suite to the various Ballroom events, taking me through the service elevator and kitchens whilst my 007s talked into their wrist watches (just like the CIA do in the movies when they accompany the President.)

The first morning was a very early start, with me having my hair and make-up done by some of Paul Mitchell's world-class talented and artistic team, and the end result was pretty amazing. Then it was showtime! John Paul actually flew in to the Ballroom (like a modern day Batman), and opened the show with a talk about his upcoming eco friendly website: www.johnpaulselects.com. The products are all hand selected, sustainable, mostly organic and most of all good for YOU and good for the WORLD. I am beyond honoured to have been chosen as official brand #1.

He gave me a rousing welcome, brought me up on stage, and as I was wearing my Salespoint video badge, complete with my own Mrs. McC Tea App (which Martin designed), I treated the crowd to a first look at this new technology! All in all, it was a rattling good time. That evening, we celebrated at the Paul Mitchell Annual White Party, and again, John Paul and Eloise introduced me onstage. (I could get used to this!), and then Ruth, Martin and I mingled and partied until around 4 a.m. with hundreds of the delightful young people, some of whom had flown in from Japan, China, Europe, Australia, etc. It was one of the most memorable nights I have ever experienced.

We were very happy to also meet lots of the folks from the Paul Mitchell team, and various other businesses, including John Paul Pet, which is of particular interest to me, being the mad cat woman that I am. I hope to tell you more about that in the next newsletter.

And to download my app. just scan my ConnectCode with your smartphone and let's connect! If you need a FREE reader app, on your phone's browser just go to GetReader.com and they will suggest the right reader for your phone.

AAA Denver 2011

Ruth was the keynote luncheon speaker at the annual event of the American Accounting Association. Her presentation was about the effects of social media on business and education. In front of 1800 accounting faculty and attendees from all over the world. Ruth was introduced by the omnipresent, accomplished and always articulate Julie Smith David. Special thanks to Julie and Kevin Stocks as well as their fantastic team, which made this, frankly, much more fun than one would imagine! Ruth's presentation is now online at McCartney Studios, please see the links below to view the video.

After the luncheon event, Ruth was presented with a beautiful custom glass art piece by sculptor Csaba Osvath, which represents the Colorado State elements and skyline. Additional custom pieces were also presented to the prizewinners of this year's internationally attended convention. Following the speech, we were invited to a fascinating evening called "The WOW Event" held this year at the Denver Art Museum, featuring Dr. Richard J. Light, Walter H. Gale Professor of Education, Kennedy School of Government, at Harvard. We had the opportunity to enjoy the museum galleries and refreshments with colleagues, and Dick lead three interactive exercises throughout the evening in the museum auditorium, demonstrating how Harvard is using those activities with students to focus on core values.

Dick Light has been invited by four Harvard presidents — Derek Bok, Neil Rudenstine, Lawrence Summers, and now Drew Faust — to lead a team of faculty and students to explore the effectiveness of undergraduate education, and how to strengthen it. His most recent book, "Making the Most of College," won the Stone Award for the best book of the year on education and society.

Saturday 19th August, we three were entertained at a lovely Summer Beach party at The Malibu Inn, hosted by Virgin Produced.

We spent time with Carlos Amezcua of www.MyFoxLA.com, and a splendid time was had by all. David Cush, President and CEO of Virgin America was there, and we hadn't seen him since the Virgin Fort Lauderdale launch some months back, but he too was in fine form, as usual.

Why?
Well, the “W” web is designed to display on PC, Macs and laptops horizontally and
the “M” web – the mobile web – is specifically designed to load content quickly, burn less data plan dollars and is displayed on the smaller mostly vertical screens of smartphones.

How?
McCartney Mobile can create a mobile-optimized “Applet” hosted on our M.mobile cloud. With our partners ConnectCode Media, Inc., we can also generate your very own, guaranteed mobile-optimized, "QR" or now as they're known, ConnectCode. Think of it as your digital fingerprint. Never re-print a card or campaign again. Simply change the page it lands on.

Where?
Place the ConnectCode on your business card, current website, flyers, PDFs, Powerpoints, menus, CD Covers – even make bumper stickers to mobilize your message.

How Do I See One?
On your phone's browser, go to: www.getreader.com (we deliberately didn't link it here so you'll actually get your phone out and go there on your mobile).

Extras:
Add a registration form to develop a relationship with mobile users.
Incentivize them with a coupon, free ringtone, book chapter, white paper or music download. Get analytic tracking on customer behavior.

1. By 2014, the mobile internet will take over desktop internet usage.
2. Of the world's 4 billion mobile phones in use, 1.08 billion are smartphones.
3. 86% of mobile internet users are using their devices while watching TV.
4. 200 million Facebook users are using Facebook Mobile to interact in social media.
5. Twitter has 165 million users. 50% of them use Twitter Mobile.
6. 200 Million YouTube views occur on mobile devices per day.
7. 29% of mobile users are open to scanning a ConnectCode to get coupons.
8. On average, Americans spend 2.7 hours per day socializing on their mobile devices.
9. Women aged 35-54 are the most active group in mobile specialization.
10. One half of all local searches are performed on mobile devices.

Nowadays, you can see them everywhere in magazines, movie trailers and more. The use of QR codes (ConnectCodes) is growing at 800% per month, so now is the time to put this new technology to work for you. Don't get left behind the incredible growth of the "M" or mobile web. Understanding how to utilize the codes correctly in your marketing toolbox can turn your static signs, flyers, ads and marketing materials into professionally displayed mobile multi-media presentations.

Sure, you can grab a freebie code and link it to your website but it won't be mobile optimized, fast to load, thrifty on data plans or even guaranteed to display correctly if you have certain Flash or Java elements on the landing site.

It's easy, it's affordable and it's now! As a RE/MAX agent, you can take advantage of affordable & flexible pricing plans from just $1 per listing per month, to bring this leading edge technology into your real estate business with a few clicks of a mouse.
In a matter of minutes you'll be generating unique digital ConnectCodes® that can immediately be included in your marketing materials. No IT cost. No programmer or web designer expense. Our turnkey low cost, high tech system is ready for you now. Visit www.connectcode.mobi/remax to get started today.

Sold the property? No problem, just log back in to your account and change the details. Keep the code. Keep the sign. Just change the page it lands on.

If you are a RE/MAX office and would like to arrange a FREE WEBEX training on best practices for the use of Quick Response codes, and the difference between auto-generated free codes and the ConnectCode mobile-optimized system, - please contact us.

A brilliant idea for special occasion or Indian wedding. Don't BUY it - BORROW it. Men can rent tuxedos - now ladies can rent a fabulous exotic look by the day or the weekend - all delivered straight to your door.

Bindaas: “BINDAAS” the word itself means to be carefree, signifying a simpler approach towards life. “BINDAAS” means not sweating the small stuff. We want you, the customer, to be able to wear these fabulous fashions with a Bindaas attitude, meaning care-free and hassle free.

Saree:The Saree is a long piece of fabric which is approximately 6 to 9 yards in length. It's comprised of 3 parts:

The first part is the Pallu, which is the end piece of the Saree. Its usually the most fancy part of the Saree and is draped over the shoulder.

The second part is the body of the Saree (middle part). From the middle part is where the pleats are folded into the petticoat.

The last part is the inner end/edge of the Saree. This part is the first part of the Saree that should be tucked into the petticoat.

Petticoat: Petticoats have many different names in throughout the different regions of India a such as “Underskirt” or “Chaniyo”. Petticoats are straight skirts worn under the Saree. The petticoats are worn to not only give the Saree structure around your body, but it also holds up the entire Saree as you are tucking it into the petticoat.

Site engine, rental system and inventory management structure designed by McCartney Multimedia.com

PLANET EARTH ECO CAFE
Planet Earth Eco Cafe has been serving Hermosa Beach with wonderful vegetarian and vegan treats, direct trade and organic coffees, and a lot of love since 2007.

THE ORIGINS OF PLANET EARTH ECO CAFE
Planet Earth Eco Cafe is the brainchild of Christina Carano. Aiming to create a community based coffee shop, focused on serving only the very best fair and direct trade coffees and teas, organic vegetarian and vegan pastries, and through the highest environmentally friendly standards of operation, Planet Earth was born.

Since opening in 2007, Planet Earth has been constantly evolving, forever aiming to revitalize itself through Christina’s dedication to make the cafe truly all it can be...

Most importantly, they serve Mrs. Angie McCartney's Teas!

The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo Di Caprio... and McClient Callan McAuliffe

Directed by the iconic Baz Luhrmann. Now in pre production in Sydney. The feature will shoot at Fox Studios, Sydney and on location in Los Angeles. The Great Gatsby will star Leonardo Di Caprio, Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher. Callan will play the young Gatsby to Leonardo's adult Gatsby.

Story Line
An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Long Island-set novel, where Midwesterner Nick Carraway is lured into the lavish world of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Soon enough, however, Carraway will see through the cracks of Gatsby's nouveau riche existence, where obsession, madness, and tragedy await.

Corbin Bleu twirls Diana DeGarmo around on stage as they perform during opening night of Hairspray on Friday (August 5) at the Hollywood Bowl.
The 22-year-old actor plays Seaweed J. Stubbs in the play and he opened up to LA Stage Times about playing the iconic character.

“I feel he has the coolest songs in the show. I love him. First of all, this project itself is a revolutionary piece because of what the time period stands for and how it’s fighting segregation.

The character is a force with that. Even throughout the fight, he keeps his cool the whole time. He’s so soulful and brings everyone together,” Corbin shared.

Jackson started learning about photography as soon as he could talk. He started assisting his dad (Jack Potts) on professional shoots in 2007. By 2008 he became one of his dad's main assistants, and after going on over 40 shoots he went with his dad to photograph Ruth McCartney (Paul's sister) for a magazine.

When they showed up, everyone was taken by surprise, feeling it was unusual to bring an 8 year old to a photo shoot. They didn't feel that way for long, as they watched him setting up lights and making adjustments on his own. Other than being too short to reach some of the lights once they were set up, he handled himself very professionally. Ruth was endeared with him, and actually made him a sandwich between images.

After he had gone on over 100 shoots as an assistant he began shooting on his own. He shot his first wedding at age 9 in 2009. As his interest continued to grow and more people became aware of his talent in photography Jackson was invited to participate in a group gallery show during FotoFest in Houston. His image became controversial and attracted media attention from The Houston Chronicle, Associated Press, and the Wall Street Journal, as well as other publications and radio.

He also participated in the annual Imago show that same year. In May 2010 he was asked to start his own column for a local Magazine "002 Houston." The column is called "Mini Me," and it features extraordinary kids with interesting talents and accomplishments. He conducts all the interviews and of course does the photography for the bi-monthly column. He is currently preparing for his first solo gallery show scheduled for the end of summer 2011, titled "Rock and Roll Portraits."

Roseanne's Nuts

Our dear friend and neighbor, Roseanne Barr has moved out to Hawaii to handle a 40-acre macadamia nut farm, then she decided to make it a reality show!

"Where in the world is Roseanne Barr?” Lifetime answered the question with the premiere of the all-new docu-series “Roseanne’s Nuts,” marking the Emmy Award–winning actress, comedienne and best-selling author’s eagerly awaited return to television. Following Barr’s decision to manage a fully functional 40-acre macadamia and livestock farm in Hawaii after a long, self-imposed sabbatical from series television, “Roseanne’s Nuts” debuted with back-to-back episodes.

Viewers of “Roseanne’s Nuts” saw Barr, who, after tiring of living in frenzied Los Angeles and everything associated with the city, abandoned Southern California to experience the newfound tranquility of farm life on the Big Island alongside her longtime writer-musician boyfriend, Johnny Argent, and son Jake. Never one to back down from any challenge throughout her life, she responded as only Roseanne Barr would: She came out of hiding to use the take-no-prisoners approach to life that catapulted her to stardom, and shape a purer and more utopian dream she envisions for herself and her loved ones. What is captured is a funny, outrageous and unfiltered look at why Barr left behind the massive success and power afforded to her in order to transition into an adventurous new life that is a far, far cry from Los Angeles and the entertainment business. Lifetime has initially produced 16 half-hour episodes of “Roseanne’s Nuts.”

Check for TV schedules on LifeTime.

Carmageddon

You all probably now by now that we live in Los Angeles, CA. There was a most dreaded weekend in July when the City and Caltrans actually had to shut down one of the busiest freeways in the world: The 405.

Our dear friend, writer and director Kevin Smith took advantage of the unique situation to see if he could sneaky slide on to the empty freeway to take a snapshot of a "completely deserted" 405. No, it's not Photoshop. It's Kevin.

Millions of people drive on this freeway every day and the inconvenience had City officials worried that this could result in: "Carmageddon." Fortunately, they finished the tear down of the old overpass just in time for Monday morning rush hour. Phew!

Recipe of The Month

Ruth’s “Which Came First?” Soup

The Chicken or the Egg?

I like to cook by colour. Yellow and green things go together. Red and brown things go together.

This soup is my own take on the Greek Avgolemono in a mash-up with Italian Stracciatella.

Avgolemono is a family of Mediterranean sauces and soups made with egg and lemon juice mixed with broth, heated until they thicken. Avgolémono 'egg-lemon' is the Greek name; in Arabic, it is called tarbiya or beida bi-lemoune 'egg with lemon'; and in Turkish terbiye. In Sephardic Jewish cuisine, it is called agristada or salsa blanco, and in Italian cuisine, bagna brusca, brodettato, or brodo brusco.

Stracciatella (from Italian) stracciato, "torn apart") is an Italiam egg-drop soup. It is prepared by beating eggs and adding grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and then adding this mixture to boiling broth. The broth is set whirling first with a whisk, and the beaten egg mixture added in a slow stream to produce the stracciatelle ("little shreds") of cooked egg in the broth, which is clarified by the process.

So here goes:

Ingredients:
Use quantities to fit your # of guests – the following serves 4
3-4 cups of warm but NOT boiling chicken broth, (I like to make my own from pressure cooking or poaching chicken), or you can use a store bought one – preferably organic
Olive oil
Small knob of butter
1 medium yellow onion : diced
Thyme
Sage
SMALL amount (3 or 4 leaves) of Tarragon (also goes GREAT in egg salad)
Sea or kosher salt
Ground black pepper
3 stalks Celery : rough chopped
3 medium Carrots : cut the same size as the celery
Cooked : 2 small diced chicken breasts (diced same size) – you can use leftover roast chicken or just poach a breast or two in broth
1 or 2 large organic eggs
Fresh frozen spinach (no cream – just good ol’ spinach)
2 lemons and their juice
Cup of plain steamed rice (fluffy)
Frozen peas if desired

Method:
Step 1
Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy bottomed Dutch oven, bring to heat and turn down to medium.
Add the Thyme. Sage and Tarragon to flavour the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the onions and turn heat lower.
Allow to simmer until translucent (brown is not a good sign- your heat is too hot)
Add sea salt and pepper to season

Add the celery and carrot and cook for 4-5 minutes also at low to medium heat until the vegetables have absorbed all the spices, oil and butter.

Step 2
Beat the eggs in a blender, Magic Bullet or with a whisk until fluffy and add to a saucepan with HALF of the WARM BUT NOT BOILING chicken broth. Stir and allow to thicken without curdling. Set aside.

Step 3
Add the remainder of the chicken broth to the vegetable mixture, bring to a boil and add the diced chicken and cooked rice. Simmer until warmed thru. Add the juice of the lemons as well as the actual lemons (we’ll fish these out later).

Final Assembly: Step 4
Combine the chicken, vegetable mixture with the egg broth mixture and turn the heat OFF.
Fish out the lemons, add the frozen chopped spinach (and frozen peas if desired) and allow to thaw in the broth so as to preserve their green colour.
Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty garlic bread and a nice glass of whatever you fancy!
THEN figure out which came first – the chicken or the egg?!

Angie's One Liners

I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can't remember his name, it's P something T something R.

I was reading this book today, The History Of Glue. I couldn't put it down.

I bought some Armageddon cheese today, and it said on the packet. 'Best Before End'

I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said 'Analogue.' I said 'No, just a watch.'

This policeman came up to me with a pencil and a piece of very thin paper. He said, 'I want you to trace someone for me.'