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Friday, December 20, 2013
Forestdale Fathering Initiative
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Ugly Sweater Party in Bayside
Beer belly’s boasts a relaxed atmosphere with 50 beers on tap and over 70 Bourbons & Whiskies. And when you’re hungry Beer Belly’s puts a contemporary culinary twist on the traditional bar and grill. Beer Belly’s offers comfortable, stylish space that blends natural elements with sleek, modern design.
The space, complete with exposed beams, natural brick and raw steel exudes a speakeasy warehouse feel. The upstairs dining area offers casual dining; self serve tap beer tables and high def flat screen televisions.
Beer Belly’s provides the perfect atmosphere to go for great food and to get all of your sports needs covered. We have MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA sports packages and UFC fight coverage to catch all of the action.
Beer belly’s offers outstanding casual American cuisine, using the freshest ingredients available in a mouthwatering menu that features traditional BBQ, specialty sandwiches and gourmet salads as well as your bar favorites like wings, burgers, and nachos.
Our philosophy is simple: well-made drinks, reasonable prices, good music, a comfortable setting, great food and great service.
Do you have an upcoming special event? Beer Belly’s is a perfect place to host your birthday parties, corporate events, etc.
An extensive draft beer list, seasonal craft cocktails, an unparalleled bourbon and whiskey selection.
An atmosphere that Bell Blvd has never seen before.
An atmosphere that Bell Blvd has never seen before.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
It’s In Queens! (Dec. 19 to Dec. 25)
Surprise,
surprise. Many upcoming events -- including an art show, various concerts, a
wreath workshop and a special screening -- have Christmas themes. Other options
include an FBI demonstration, comedy and an adventure with a pirate. Here’s the
rundown.
Dec. 19, O Sole Trio, 7 pm. David Shenton, Erin Shields and Giuseppe Spoletini
perform a wide range of music. Shenton is a very talented piano and violin
player. Shields has tremendous vocal versatility and has performed leading
roles for many reputable music festivals and opera companies. Spoletini is a
baritone who performs opera and other genres. Free with donations accepted. Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside,
Dec. 19, New Sounds of
East and West, 7 pm.
Project Hansori presents original music centered on Asian-infused jazz.
Donations accepted. All Saints Church, 43-12 46th St., Sunnyside,
www.nysunnysaints.org.
Dec. 20, The David Leonhardt Trio: A Winter Holiday
Jazz Concert, 8 pm. This
internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes
tapping as they present a winter holiday concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms.
$15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing,
www.flushingtownhall.org.
Dec. 20, Christmas Art Show, 2 pm to 9 pm (show runs
until Dec. 26). Archana Santra’s art
depicts movement from place to place and relationship to relationship,
searching for depth and meaning, sometimes struck by the intensity of change,
sometimes awed by the experience of learning.
Free. Gear Art Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812
Dec. 20,
Children of Men, 7 pm.
Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See
It Big! presents films on a huge screen. Emmanuel Lubezki lends some of his
virtuoso camerawork to Alfonso Cuarón’s tale of future dystopia in Children of Men. Clive Owen is a
bureaucrat tasked with escorting the world’s last pregnant woman to safety amid
a devastating civil war. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us
Dec. 21, The 5th Annual Jackson
Heights Winter Holiday Sing-A-Long, 7 pm. Sing winter and holiday songs from all faiths,
languages and cultures as a group, while walking through Jackson Heights.
Small, acoustic, portable instruments are welcome. Meet on the corner of 31st
Avenue and 75th Street, in front of Cassidy’s Ale House. Free,
www.facebook.com/holiday.carol.9?fref=ts.
Dec. 21, History
Roundtable: The FBI, 1 pm.
Watch rare footage of the FBI in action, explore the agency’s history, and hear
from agents who share personal experiences. Then participate in a roundtable
discussion on the latest controversies surrounding the FBI’s
domestic surveillance. Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building,
35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Astoria, www.astorialic.org.
Dec. 21, Christmas Workshop: Season of Giving, 1 pm. Create beautiful Christmas wreaths with up-cycled
fabrics, beads and ribbons. The wreaths will be donated to local senior
centers. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.
Dec. 21, Pirate Pete’s
Parrot, 11 am. In
the tradition of the English pantomime shows from the 1700s, this play promises
music, mischief and for children and adults starring Pirate Pete, a lovable
rogue on a mission to find his beloved runaway parrot, Polly, who prefers
pancakes to birdseed. $10-$40. The Secret Theatre,
44-02 23rd St., LIC, www.secrettheatre.com
Dec. 21, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band
Christmas: Part of Jim Henson’s World, 1 pm. The screening of a beloved TV special about Ma Otter
and her son, Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money to
buy each other’s Christmas presents. The screening includes Kermit the Frog’s
segments, rare outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Museum of the Moving
Image, 36-01 35 Ave., LIC, www.movingimage.us
Dec. 21, Kwanzaa Workshop: African Adornment, 3 pm. Honor the values of African cultures and celebrate
Kwanzaa in style. Experts talk about the importance of dress and personal style
as per the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia or Self-Determination. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35
Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org
Dec. 22, Oratorio Society of Queens Holiday Concert, 4
pm. The society, which has a 125-plus
member chorus under the direction of Maestro David Close, performs portions of
Handel’s “Messiah,” as well as traditional Christmas and Hanukkah favorites.
$30/$25 seniors and students with ID. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.queensoratorio.org
Dec. 22, Laughing
Devil Presents, 8 pm. This show
features a rotating cast of comedians with a healthy mix of celebrities and the
next-big-thing. There is always something new, and you never know who is going
to show up. $10. The Laughing Devil, 47-38 Vernon Blvd., LIC,
www.laughingdevil.com
The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens
Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful
attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.
This Week At Bourbon Street
This upcoming week at Bourbon Street located at 40-12 Bell Boulevard in Bayside is a busy one. Bourbon Street always has something going on and is a warm and friendly place to have a drink or two and a quality meal.
Monday, December 16, 2013
5 Ways to Enhance Your Marketing for 2014
Ken Mueller from B2C breaks down the 5 things you need to focus on next year to enhance your marketing.
5 Ways to Enhance Your Marketing for 2014
5 Ways to Enhance Your Marketing for 2014
The Power of the #HASHTAG
Andrea Parker wrote a blog post and included a Huffington Post infographic to go along with the article about the power of the # symbol, now referred to as a "hashtag" and the way to use it in your social media marketing.
Big Ideas Blog
Big Ideas Blog
Friday, December 13, 2013
Twist and Smash’d Comes to Forest Hills
New Restaurant
Concept Offers A Unique Twist on
Fast Casual
Dining
Twist and Smash’d, a
new fast casual restaurant, officially opened its doors at 72-06 Austin Street,
Forest Hills on Black Friday (November 29th, 2013). Twist and Smash’d
was formed by a father and daughter(s) team after a family vacation in Ecuador.
Enchanted by a local restaurant that served twisted potatoes on a stick, the
idea of Twist and Smash’d was born.
Twist
and Smash’d offers a variety of ‘smash’d specialities’ including the Chicken and
Waffles and the Italian burger. Each burger is prepared with 100% Premium
Natural Black Angus Beef. Short rib, chicken and veggie options are also
available. Early morning breakfast options are also available in addition to
the lunch, dinner and late night menu.
The
twisted potato is a unique spin on traditional French Fries. Twist and Smash’d
uses state of the art equipment that turns any size potato into a twisted potato
on a stick. After a quick dip in the fryer, the twisted potatoes can be topped
with any choice of seasoning—salt, cheddar, chipotle, lemon pepper and more.
Specialty drinks are also available to accompany any meal including strawberry
lemonade and mango iced tea.
The fun
and inviting atmosphere makes Twist and Smash’d a great new hotspot in Forest
Hills, an area full of fantastic restaurants, some named the best in Queens.
Like the food, the environment is unique. The inside is decorated with lots of
orange and a wall with five boards that stretch along side the interior
featuring the menu and a life size picture of the restaurant’s specialty, the
twisted potato. Consumers have the option to grab and go, dine inside or eat
outside on the outdoor patio.
Twist
and Smash’d is committed to green practices. The kitchen was built with energy
star products, plus composting is part of the daily routine and eco friendly
packaging is used.
"We are
ecstatic to bring Twist and Smash’d to Forest Hills," said Brianna Cano and
Robert Cano, owners of Twist and Smash’d. “This area is the perfect backdrop
for our first location and we think this neighborhood and those visiting will
enjoy this new restaurant.”
Twist and Smash’d will be open:
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday 8 am -12 am
Sunday 9 am - 8 pm
ABOUT Twist and
Smash’d:
Twist and Smash’d was created by
chef Robert Cano and his daughters while on a family vacation to Ecuador in
2010. In Ecuador the family found a small café that sold twisted potatoes.
Enchanted by this idea of a potato on a stick, they brought it back to New York
and Twist and Smash’d was born. Twist and Smash'd is owned by Cano Ventures
Corp, a sister Corporation to Rcano Group which owns and operates Rcano Events.
Robert Cano is the president of RCano Events off premise catering company. He
is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, which means he knows (and
loves) food and has led the field in incorporating organic, seasonal, and
locally grown ingredients. For information please call 718-261-4527 or visit:
www.twistandsmashd.comThursday, December 12, 2013
Be Thankful for Social Networking
This post is a little late for Thanksgiving but never too late for the next holiday. Remember the 5 P's:
Proper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance
Take the time to revamp your social media profiles and understand your customer enough to anticipate their needs and make your next holiday a successful one using social media.
Read the full article from "business 2 community" here:
Ready to Upgrade? Not So Fast
It looks like mobile providers like AT&T and T-Mobile are moving away from the "free phone just sign a contract" business model. "Device Subsidies" as they are called are no longer an efffective business model according AT&T CEO Randall Stevenson. According to CNET : "Last week, AT&T introduced a new pricing plan that offers an incentive to customers who keep their older phones, allowing them to save $15 a month on their service bill." Is this the new wave?
Read more from this article on CNET from Marguerite Reardon:
Mobile Companies Changing Strategies
Read more from this article on CNET from Marguerite Reardon:
Mobile Companies Changing Strategies
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
It’s In Queens! (Dec. 12 to Dec. 18)
’Tis the
season to be jolly…and enjoy countless holiday concerts by local orchestras.
There are also opportunities to take in art, watch African and classic films,
check out experimental dance and laugh for a good cause. Here’s the rundown.
Dec. 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe Art Show, 10 am to 9
pm. Outsider artist Joseph Gagliano’s
work often has religious themes. Free. Gear Art
Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812.
Dec 13, Carols and
Car Races, 8 pm. Grammy-nominated jazz
guitarist and composer Amanda Monaco brings her quartet Formula One, which
plays original compositions inspired by car racing. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing,
www.flushingtownhall.org.
Dec. 13,
The Big Combo, 7 pm. Museum
of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See
It Big! presents films on a huge screen. One of the last great noirs, The Big Combo blends violence and morbid
sexuality, as an obsessive detective pursues a savage mob boss. MMI, 36-01 35th
Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 13 (and 14), Take Root with Isis Movement
Company, 8 pm. The NYC-based Isis
Movement Company presents a full, diverse evening of dance, including a piece
inspired by the complexities and varied elements of the solar system. $15. Green Space,
37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org.
Dec 14, Master Gye Ok
Kim & Project World Music Ensemble, 7 pm. A night of Korean
traditional folk music with the Gayakeum Ensemble led by Master Gayakeum
(Korean native stringed instrument) player and composer Gye Ok Kim. $15.
Flushing Town Hall, 137-35
Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.
Dec. 14, Hands-on History:
Snowflakes are Falling, noon to 3 pm. Learn about
historic winter fun, read stories and make snowflakes and other seasonal
decorations. Free. King Manor, King Park, Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org.
Dec. 14, Valerie Simpson, 8 pm. Half of the sensational duo Ashford and Simpson,
Valerie Simpson takes the stage for a night of song. LeFrak Concert Hall, 65-30
Kissena Blvd., Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.
Dec. 14, Karaoke at the Movies, 7:30 pm. Aladdin,
truly one of Disney’s best-loved animated films, screens as part of a
one-of-a-kind, interactive, family-oriented film series. The crowd sings (and
dances) along with their favorite characters. The most enthusiastic participant
wins $100. $5. Error!
Hyperlink reference not valid.,
222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.visitQPAC.org.
Dec. 14, Temple of Comedy, 8 pm. Four jokesters associated with LIC’s Laughing Devil
Comedy Club perform as part of a fundraiser for the historic, 90-year-old Astoria Center of Israel. A wine bar opens at 7 pm. $20. ACI, 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria, www.laughingdevil.com.
Dec. 14, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du commerce, 1080
Bruxelles, 2 pm. Museum of the Moving
Image’s ongoing series See It Big!
presents films on a huge screen. Jean
Dielman surveys with unprecedented detail the mundane daily routine of a
mother and prostitute. The film creates a portrait of an enigmatic woman’s
inner life by focusing on her chores (cooking, cleaning, letter-writing) and
then watches as her perfectly structured life gradually unravels. MMI, 36-01 35th
Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 14, Return to Gorée, 2
pm. This
musical road movie follows Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour’s historical
journey tracing the trail left by African slaves. Black Spectrum Theatre, Baisley Boulevard at
177th Street, Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, www.blackspectrum.com.
Dec. 14, The
Pirogue, 4:30 pm. An epic
African film about the captain of a fishing pirogue. Black
Spectrum Theatre, Baisley Boulevard at
177th Street, Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, www.blackspectrum.com.
Dec. 15, Messiah and
Christmas Favorites, 4 pm. The Sacred
Music Society joins with the Oratorio Society of Queens to perform a concert
featuring highlights from the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and songs
of the season. $25/$10 for children 12 and under. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 110-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills,
www.queensoratorio.org.
Dec. 15,
Queens Symphony Orchestra, 3 pm. QSO takes the audience on a world tour through music
emblematic of various cultural traditions, all bound by the common theme of
joy, unity and winter. $20/$10 children under 13 and adults over 64. LeFrak
Concert Hall, Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, www.queenssymphony.org.
Dec. 15, Noël!, 5 pm.
The Astoria Symphonic Choir and Orchestra
celebrate the holiday season with music by two great French masters: the
Bach-inspired Oratorio de Noël by Camille Saint-Saëns and Francis
Poulenc’s Gloria. $20/$15 seniors and children. St. Joseph Church, 43-19 30th
Ave., Astoria, www.astoriamusic.org.
Dec. 15, Down by Law, 2 pm; The Night of the Hunter,
4:30 pm; Suspiria, 7 pm. The
“neo-beat-noir-comedy” Down by Law follows
a disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist from a jailbreak into Louisiana
bayou country. Part horror film, part fairy tale, The Night of the Hunter tells the story of a creepy preacher who
offers a naive widow a fresh start, but her kids rightly worry his intentions
are less than pure. Set in a gothic ballet school for girls that turns out to
be run by demonic witches, Suspiria
goes from gory to gorgeous. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 15, Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: A Discussion
on Muslim-Jewish Relations, 2 pm.
Rabbi Marc Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali discuss their new book, Sons of Abraham. $15/$20. Forest Hills
Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, www.cqy.org.
Dec. 15, Fertile Ground, 7 pm. This monthly new works showcase for emerging and
established artists features roughly five choreographers and includes a
post-performance discussion with wine and cheese. $10. Green Space,
37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Keys to A Good Facebook Post
"I have to be on Facebook" something that most business owners have said to themselves at one time or another. Its a phrase that has almost replaced "I have to get a website". Well its all true.
Facebook pages and websites may not lead to direct sales but it certainly can lead to lost sales. We have all been on a poorly constructed website and decided that this would not be a business we would patronize. The same thing applies to being a "fan" or "liking" a company on Facebook.
If you control your own Facebook profile and posts, you need to know that what you're putting up is being judged so post carefully and here is a great article from Melissa Leiter on Social Media Today on how to stay relevant on Facebook:
Keys To A Good Facebook Post
Facebook pages and websites may not lead to direct sales but it certainly can lead to lost sales. We have all been on a poorly constructed website and decided that this would not be a business we would patronize. The same thing applies to being a "fan" or "liking" a company on Facebook.
If you control your own Facebook profile and posts, you need to know that what you're putting up is being judged so post carefully and here is a great article from Melissa Leiter on Social Media Today on how to stay relevant on Facebook:
Keys To A Good Facebook Post
Friday, December 6, 2013
Central Astoria LDC Tree Lighting
The Central
Astoria Local Development Coalition proudly announces the arrival of a brand
new holiday tradition to be enjoyed by generations to come, the Astoria Park
Holiday Tree Lighting.
George Stamatiades, President of
Central Astoria LDC, sums it up best stating, “We’re thrilled to be able to
begin a new tradition in beautiful Astoria Park. Astoria’s great wealth of cultures, a
microcosm of the world, coming together for a traditional tree lighting symbolizes
what makes Astoria the great place that it is.”
He expressed his gratitude to others involved in the project saying, “I
want to thank Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and the NYC Department of Parks
and Recreation for their collaborative cooperation, without which we would not
have been able to get this idea off the ground.” Marie Torniali, Executive Director of Central
Astoria LDC, adds, “We would also like to thank Thomas M.
Quinn and Sons for their generous support
that enables us to bring this new
community event to Astoria Park.”
In addition to the lighting of a
beautiful, newly planted Douglas Fir, which will only grow more beautiful in
years to come, the sounds of the holiday season will fill the air as carols are
played throughout the night. One of the
highlights of the evening will be a reading of “Twas the Night Before
Christmas” by a special guest that is sure to be a can’t miss experience.
Be sure to mark this event down on
your calendars and come out to join family, friends, and neighbors in enjoying
a wonderful night of celebration in Astoria Park. The inaugural Astoria Park Holiday Tree
Lighting will be held onWednesday,
December 18th, at 6:30
p.m. on Astoria Park Lawn near the corner of 19th Street and 23rd
Avenue. For more information visit www.centralastoria.comor call the
Central Astoria LDC at (718) 728-7820.
Meet Dr.Basil K Bryan Author of "The Jamaicans: Children of God in the Promised Land"
.
Dr. Basil K Bryan will be at VP Records at 170-21 Jamaica Avenue on Saturday December 6th from 3PM - 5PM signing copies of his book. He will also be at Jamaica Council in New York city on Tuesday the 10th from 6 to 9 pm .
Ambassador Dr. Basil K. Bryan was Jamaica's Consul General to New York (1998-2007) and Deputy Chief of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) in the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. (1991-1998). A Diplomat and academic, Dr. Bryan is highly regarded for his work in the Jamaican Diaspora. He has received numerous awards from organizations throughout the United States, as well as from the United States Congress, and is the recipient of the "Marcus Garvey Bridge Builder Award" for his role in forging relationships between the Jamaican/Caribbean communities and the United States. He is the recipient of Jamaica's Order of Distinction. He served on the faculty of Howard University and holds a Ph.D. degree in African Studies, Economic Development and International Relations
Ambassador Dr. Basil K. Bryan was Jamaica's Consul General to New York (1998-2007) and Deputy Chief of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) in the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. (1991-1998). A Diplomat and academic, Dr. Bryan is highly regarded for his work in the Jamaican Diaspora. He has received numerous awards from organizations throughout the United States, as well as from the United States Congress, and is the recipient of the "Marcus Garvey Bridge Builder Award" for his role in forging relationships between the Jamaican/Caribbean communities and the United States. He is the recipient of Jamaica's Order of Distinction. He served on the faculty of Howard University and holds a Ph.D. degree in African Studies, Economic Development and International Relations
U.S. unemployment falls to five-year low of 7%, as 203,000 jobs added
It's always good news when the unemployment rate lowers. More income equals more spending. This can be beyond helpful for business owners!
Daily News Article
Daily News Article
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Santa on Steinway
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Santa is making his yearly visit to Steinway Street and he will be there three days in December, because like us Santa loves Astoria. Check out the website for more details and deals from local merchants:
Steinway Astoria Partnership
Don't Get Scammed This Holiday Season
The holidays always bring out the best in people as everywhere you turn you hear a heartwarming story of extraordinary kindness happening throughout the globe, but unfortunately, there are a select few who choose to take advantage of people when they are in the generous mood.
I thought about this yesterday as I heard reports that Facebook and other sites were hacked for user passwords and then I came across this article on USA Today that I thought I would share:
Top 5 Holiday Scams
I thought about this yesterday as I heard reports that Facebook and other sites were hacked for user passwords and then I came across this article on USA Today that I thought I would share:
Top 5 Holiday Scams
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Celebrate LIC
Long Island City is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in NYC. The LIC Partnership has a long history of working with the businesses in the area to help facilitate growth and they have partnered with Modern Spaces, the premiere real estate company in Western Queens to kick off the holiday season of the uber successful LIC Food and Flea market. Stop by and say hello.
Cyber Monday hits record sales
Check out this article regarding Cyber Monday. It looks like Cyber Monday is definitely here to stay. If you don't have a website, it should definitely be on your 2014 To Do list.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-02/cyber-monday-sales-increase-19-percent-aided-by-mobile-ibm-says.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-02/cyber-monday-sales-increase-19-percent-aided-by-mobile-ibm-says.html
Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition Program - Sales and Marketing Strategies
Do you have the next big idea? Do you have a product or service people want or need but you don't know how to get it to the marketplace? The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) has a class for you.
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REGISTER NOW!
This training session will go over what you will need to grow sales and creating your Marketing Plan. This session will go over the following topics:
- Developing sales and marketing strategies
- Developing a marketing schedule
- Gathering metrics
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REGISTER NOW!
Could your business survive a manual or algorithmic Google penalty?
I found this article on how to keep your website search engine (Google) friendly. There are some key mistakes that people can make that would actually get them penalized by Google and in return end up much lower in search engine results and therefore have a negative affect on their bottom line.
Craig Charley is a Digital Marketing Manager for Silicon Beach Training and he breaks it down for you:
Silicon Beach Training Article
Craig Charley is a Digital Marketing Manager for Silicon Beach Training and he breaks it down for you:
Silicon Beach Training Article
Monday, December 2, 2013
It’s In Queens! (Dec. 5 to Dec. 11)
Holiday
season magic is in the air. So are classic concerts, Irish ballads, the
Marimba, doo woop and the Boston Pops. In addition to the wonderful sounds,
Queens hosts a brand new play, various throwback movies, a historic house tour,
tree lightings and the opportunity to edit Wikipedia entries about the borough.
Here’s the rundown.
Dec. 6, The Dublin City Ramblers, 7:30 pm. This Irish band has thrilled audiences worldwide with
ballads, folk, humor and foot-tapping music for over 35 years. $15 to $27. New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., LIC, www.newyorkirishcenter.org.
Dec. 6, Performances by Judith Sloan and Warren
Lehrer, 7 pm. Famous for their
award-winning book on Queens Crossing the
Boulevard, Sloan and Lehrer’s performance fuses theatre, radio and poetry.
A Q&A follows. $5. Queens Council on the Arts, 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria, www.queenscouncilarts.org.
Dec. 6, Boogie
Woogie, Ragtime & Stride Piano, 8 pm.
Multi-instrumentalist Ayodele Maakheru & The Windsong String Ensemble
perform an ode to Ragtime, Boogie Woogie and Stride. $15/$10 students. Flushing
Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.
Dec. 6, Help Queens Library Enrich Topics on Wikipedia,
10 am to 7 pm. Drop in at any time to
write and edit Wiki entries about Queens for accuracy and style. Free. Queens
Library-Central, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.
Dec. 6, Bach & Brew, 6 pm. Pianist Dongsok Shin performs on King Manor’s
fortepiano with accompaniment by violinist Leah Nelson. The program includes
Johann Christian Bach and Muzio Clementi. Sample craft beer similar to what
would have been enjoyed during Rufus King’s lifetime. KM, King Manor Park,
Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org.
Dec. 6, Routes: The Spiritual
Odyssey of Chinese American Artists, 5 pm to 8 pm. Noguchi
Museum screens two episodes of the 12-part documentary Routes, featuring
interviews with Shen Ruijin and Zheng Lianjie, taking the audience through each
China-born artist’s working process. Free. NM, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC,
www.noguchi.org.
Dec. 6, Sweet Smell of Success, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents 22 films on a huge
screen. One of the great New York movies of the 1950s, Sweet Smell of Success, pits Burt Lancaster’s ruthless columnist J.
J. Hunsecker against Tony Curtis’s desperate publicist Sidney Falco in a
noirish morality play. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 6, The Re-Gift of the Magi (Opening), 8 pm. This comedic play reveals why the Wise Men made their
perilous journey. Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar give Joshua an education in
the shul of real life. Shows run until Dec. 21. $10. The Chain Theatre,
21-28 45th Rd., LIC, www.chain-theatre.org.
Dec. 6, Maspeth’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 pm. A huge tree, a visit from Santa,
entertainment by local musicians and a free raffle for a bicycle. Free. Maspeth Memorial Plaza, 69th Street and Grand
Avenue, Maspeth, www.maspethchamberofcommerce.org.
Dec.
7, Making Music with the Marimba, 7:30 pm.
International percussion virtuoso and
Queens resident Makoto Nakura plays
with violinist Jesse Mills and
pianist Barbara Podgurski. The
program includes Nakura’s own transcriptions of Bach’s Solo Partita in E major and Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo
Capriccioso; the pyrotechnic display of Paganini’s Caprice no. 24 and Stravinsky’s Three Movements from Petrushka; and
more recent works by Japanese composers Toshi Ichiyanagi and Toshio Mashima.
$20 adults/$15 seniors/$10 students/free children under 12. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave.,
Forest Hills, www.musicareginae.org.
Dec. 7,
Jay & the Americans, 8 pm. A nostalgic evening with the icons of the 1950s and
1960s, starring Jay & the Americans, The Brooklyn Bridge, Vito Picone &
the Elegants and the Del Satins. $35, $45 and $55. Queens College Colden
Center, Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing,
www.kupferbergcenter.org.
Dec. 7, La Collectionneuse, 1:30 pm; My Night at
Maud’s (Ma Nuit Chez Maud), 3:30 pm; The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford, 6 pm. Museum of
the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It
Big! presents 22 films on a huge screen. La Collectionneuse mixes the ethical and erotic dilemmas of two
male friends from the avant-garde art world who try to resist the charms of a
bikini-clad young “collector” of men in St. Tropez. In My Night at Maud’s, a pious Catholic finds his beliefs challenged
when a beautiful divorcee invites him to spend a platonic night in her
apartment. The Assassination of Jesse
James by the Coward Robert Ford is a reinvention of the Western genre with
Casey Affleck as an awkward young acolyte whose life becomes dramatically
intertwined with a charismatic criminal played by Brad Pitt. MMI, 36-01 35th
Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 7, Cabaret Night, 8 pm. Community theater and indy film actress and singer
Jean Ann Kump and singer, impressionist and actor Barry Feterman mix charm, wit
and velvet tunes in an intimate cabaret club-like setting. $22 to $25. Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209th St., Bayside, www.theatrebythebayny.com.
Dec. 7, Queens World Film Festival Goes to Queens
Museum, 6 pm. Two films — Way by Elizabeth Pasieczny and Welcome to Nowhere (Bullet Hole Road) by
William Cusick (Founder’s Choice QWFF 2013). QM,
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.queensmuseum.org.
Dec. 7, Gifted 2013. The Rockaway Artists Alliance’s final show of 2013 is a juried
exhibition including drawing, mixed media, photography, painting, watercolor,
video, textile work and sculpture. Show runs until Jan. 19, 2014. Fort
Tilden, www.rockawayartistsalliance.org.
Dec. 8, Holiday Historic House Tour, 1 pm to 5 pm. Visit seven landmarked properties in the Flushing
area — Kingsland Homestead, Voelker Orth Museum, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum,
Friends Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, Bowne House and Louis Armstrong
House Museum. Each one will offer special activities, refreshments and a
glimpse at what life was once like during the holidays. $10. For more
information, try www.queenshistoricalsociety.org or 718-939-0647.
Dec. 8, Holiday Pops with the Boston Pops Esplanade
Orchestra, 7:30 pm. Conductor Keith
Lockhart and the Boston Pops perform their signature Sleigh Ride, other
classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Santa Claus makes a guest
appearance during the finale followed by the traditional sing-a-long. , Colden Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing,
www.kupferbergcenter.org.
Dec. 8, Winter Solstice Celebration, 12:30 pm to 5 pm. Live musical performances, botanical craft workshops,
photos with Santa, seasonal refreshments, a garden tour, special sales and a
tree lighting. Free. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.
Dec. 8, Emmet Otter’s
Jug-Band Christmas and Tribute to “Faz” Fazakas and Diana Birkenfield, 1 pm. Screening of TV
special about Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, who secretly enter a talent
contest to win money for each other’s Christmas presents. This program includes
Kermit the Frog segments, rare outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and tributes
to two Jim Henson
colleagues who died in the past year: puppeteer and special effects designer
Franz “Faz” Fazakas; and Diana Birkenfield, whose work with Henson dates to The Jimmy Dean Show. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th
Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
Dec. 8,
Holiday Market, 9 am to 4 pm. Local
food artisans and crafters sell their products. Plus, the organizers
participate in the Sandy Claus Project, collecting new, unwrapped toys for
children affected by Hurricane Sandy. St.
Francis of Assisi School, 46th Street and Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria.
Dec. 8, The Marriage of Maria Braun, 4pm; The
Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents 22 films on a huge
screen. The Assassination of Jesse James
by the Coward Robert Ford is a reinvention of the Western genre with Casey
Affleck as an awkward young acolyte whose life becomes dramatically intertwined
with a charismatic criminal played by Brad Pitt. The Marriage of Maria Braun stars the commanding Hannah Schygulla
in her signature performance as an ambitious woman in devastated postwar
Germany. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.
The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens
Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful
attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.
Holiday Market in Queens
Facebook page for Holiday Market
Cyber Monday Deal
Use the code CYBER40 for 40% discount on tickets to the Queens Theatre in the Park
How To: Improve Your Mobile Marketing Strategy
We found this article on Mashable about optimizing your website for all screen sizes. What most businesses don't understand is that people have little to no patience when navigating websites that are not optimized for their mobile device.Get your website right and then track your success
Mashable Article
Mashable Article
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Social Media Contest Tips
If you are even a casual Facebook user, and really who isn't, then you've probably come across a contest encouraging you to interact with a brand or a store for a prize. However, not all contests are created equal. Some fail to live up to expectations of the potential customer, which tarnishes your brand and some do not achieve the goals that the business set to achieve by implementing the contest. So, if you are a business owner and you are looking to implement a contest we have found a great piece on socialmediatoday.com on:
How To Run A Facebook Contest
How To Run A Facebook Contest
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Why Mobile is a key part of your strategy : Infographic
Is your website mobile optimized? By this I mean if I am on my phone or tablet and I search for your business will I see a site that's easy to read on my device or will I land on your normal homepage? If you don't know the answer or if the answer is my regular webpage, take a look at this info graphic from the folks at social media today. If I can't read your website from my phone I am moving on to the next business and that's another reason why having a mobile strategy and a mobile site is key.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tis the Season
The NY Daily News puts out 2 gift guides each year. Each edition has unique gift ideas from local businesses we published this on Thursday November 21st and now its available to view online as well.
Daily News Holiday Gift Guide
A Review of "Coin" - Virtual Wallet
We are always on the lookout for the next big thing, but we haven't had a chance to check out the new Coin virtual wallet so we are linking you to a review of it from an expert in the field. Rachel Pasqua is a bona fide expert in all things digital and she wrote a comprehensive review on her blog: Mobile Marketing: An Hour a Day
Rachel Pasqua
Strategist, Writer & Speaker
Strategist, Writer & Speaker
Rachel Pasqua is a digital strategist, author, speaker, and consultant with expertise in mobile marketing, social media and omnichannel content strategy. She works directly with US and international brands, helping them transform their marketing strategies to meet the demands of a multi-screen, always-on world. At present, she collaborates closely with NYC-based design studioToken as a strategic partner, developing content for responsive web experiences, mobile apps, wearable technology, and gestural interfaces. From 2005 to early 2013, she founded and managed the mobile group at iCrossing, a global digital marketing company owned by the Hearst Corporation and has held executive roles at Organic and several other digital agencies. Rachel is a well-known industry analyst, speaking at numerous events including the Mobile Marketing Forum, Ad:tech, eMetrics, and Digiday and served as a judge for the 2010 Communication Arts Interactive Design Annual. A 15-year industry veteran, she writes regularly about digital innovation on her personal blogs, Mobile, Social, Ambient and Mobile Marketing: An Hour a Day and is co-author, with Noah Elkin, of the books Mobile Marketing: An Hour a Day published by Wiley Sybex in December 2012 and the upcoming The Responsive Brand, slated for publication in early 2014.
Daily News Special Reprint
The NY Daily News is reprinting the 11/22/63 edition of the Daily News remembering the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination. Pick up todays paper for your copy or order one online:
Thursday, November 21, 2013
New Website assists in "local grown" movement
Farm fresh has always been a feature that you figured would be tough to pull off in New York. NY1 news reports of a newly revamped website that aims to make it easier for you to shop locally.
The state-run "Pride of New York" website allows consumers, chefs and business owners to find locally grown produce.
It was recently updated to make it more user-friendly, including information on where to find markets, farms, breweries and wineries.
It also includes a new mapping feature.
Growers and restaurant owners can use it to be a part of "Pride of New York" program.
For more information, call 1-800-554-4501 or visit www.prideofny.com
See the full story on NY1 here:
http://www.ny1.com/content/news/199142/newly-revamped-website-makes-it-easier-to-shop-locally
Using Instagram Images to create art
We found this on Mashable:
French filmmaker Thomas Jullien has taken 852 Instagram photos, from 852 different Instagram users and turned the shots into one impressive stop-motion video.
Jullien crowdsourced the images, which takes viewers around the world on bikes, planes, trains and automobiles all to the tune of The Black Keys.
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