Does history repeat itself?
Never literally…..but always conceptually

It’s always wise to look at the past,
Learn,
And relate the past to current circumstances.

How we acted
How we reacted
How we innovated
How we were defeated
How we responded

The MTA is taking us on a ride back in history on vintage subways and bus rides
every Sunday until the end of 2010.

I look forward to the day my children will be going on a historic tour of electric cars that their parents’ generation once used.

Looking for a great Sunday brunch? Aquavit, which is located at 65 East 55th St, will satisfy your craving, with their Julbord Brunch. The Christmas themed brunch is truly a smorgasbord of delectable foods. If you like Scandinavian cuisine in a comfortable setting, this is the spot for you. For more information, check out Aquavit’s official website.

For all of you music enthusiasts, we have the perfect plan for your Saturday: The John Lennon and the Beatles walking tour. The tour starts at 11:45 am and takes you around to all the New York City spots that are associated with Lennon. Wednesday, the 8th of December, marks the 30th anniversary of the musician’s death and this tour will bring insight to his life and career. Also, make sure to check out all of The Beatles hits on iTunes, which were recently added to the library. This is a great weekend adventure for the entire family, so check it out. To make reservations or for more details, call 212-465-3331.

What would you change about the NYC Taxi Cab? New Yorkers, commuters and visitors all have personal opinions regarding the service of the New York City cabs. However, they all agree that a new design wouldn’t hurt. Mayor Bloomberg and TLC Commissioner David Yassky caught wind of the debate and decided to create the “Taxi of Tomorrow” contest. Auto manufacturers and designers submitted designs they believed embody the culture of New York City for the contest. Yesterday, three finalists were selected and now the public has the opportunity to vote on their favorite design. Who better to select the new design than New Yorkers who spend their days riding and running from these cabs?

The fashion empire, Ralph Lauren, has opened yet another storefront, RL at 888 Madison Avenue. The launch held last night featured a 3D light show projected onto the building. Target did something similar at the Standard Hotel this past July; this kind of dynamic, sensory-oriented, experiential marketing is no doubt spreading like wild fire. As it becomes more difficult for retailers to capture the attention and loyalty of their consumers – art and digital innovation are becoming vital marketing partners.

Berlin based artist Aram Bartholl has started a project called “Dead Drops”. This is an anonymous, offline, peer-to-peer file-sharing network in public space. USB flash drives are embedded into the walls, buildings and curbs of NYC and people can bring their computers to these flash drives and connect to the “Dead Drops” community. The project is still in progress, however will be spreading to other cities. People can experience this project in a few different locations in NYC. To find the one nearest you, click here.

Carnegie Hall is known for its rich history of making the world’s most incredible performers accessible to New Yorkers. Carnegie Hall, the massive and iconic New York historical monument, is built entirely of masonry, without a steel frame. While millions have sat in the theater and enjoyed the experience, few are aware of the 133 artists’ work-live studios housed above the building. The residences have become home to some incredibly talented and iconic New Yorkers, many of whom we know and love to this day including notable Broadway star, Jeanne Beauvais, Donald Shirley, an 83-year-old jazz pianist who played with Duke Ellington, and my personal favorite, Bill Cunningham, the man who started the global trend of “street style” and continues to inspire and create to this day. In late 2007, the Carnegie Hill Corporation decided to demolish the studios to create an Educational/Rehearsal space, The 200 Million Project, which pushed the residences out earlier this year. “Lost Bohemia”, which premieres on Friday at the Doc NYC film festival is a glimpse into the lives and journeys of these artists, directed by Josef Birdman Astor, who was also a resident of the space.

“Lost Bohemia”will be shown this Friday at New York University’s Kimmel Center and then on Monday at the IFC Center. For tickets and show times, visit docnyc.net.

Every New Yorker knows that “hidden treasures” don’t stay hidden for long. Once someone discovers a hip new spot, almost instantly it becomes the “it” place of the moment. The “Underbelly Project” gives new meaning to “exclusive”. It is an illegal underground street art instillation that is located in an abandoned NYC subway station. Featuring 103 street artists, the installation’s address is top secret and is not available to the general public. Those able to find the exhibit are urban explorers who are willing to delve deep into the city’s underworld. The installation is a combination of adventure and art. Whoever dares to embark on this search must remember to proceed with caution because with such adventures comes risk. The Underbelly Project truly brings a new meaning to the term “underground art”. For more information on this project, click here.

Plant a seed now…

and it will germinate later!

I received a call last week from a person I met many moons ago.

I had forgotten completely about this person, but clearly had done something right (all those moons ago) to leave an impression on them.

They were calling me to give me business and made reference to something that impressed them about me when we met all those years ago.

That’s pretty powerful.

It doesn’t take much to plant a seed that will germinate.

Common sense and good business practice are usually enough.

- be responsive

- be patient

- think of the big picture and the long term

- if there isn’t an immediate gain – wait

- share your expertise with no expectations

- remain professional in moments of discord

- keep your integrity

If you make a strong enough first impression, you will have a fan forever and this will lead to pleasant surprises when you least expect them.

Be an innovator.

There is more at stake if you imitate.

Create!