Last year, as the National Book Foundation staff engaged in preparations for the November ceremony announcing the Winners of the National Book Awards, they were dealt a formidable obstacle when Hurricane Sandy swept through the Lower Manhattan area where they have their offices. Not only did the flooding downtown make usage of the building housing their facilities impossible for a matter of months, it also jeopardized the ceremony itself, as the grand bank building they customarily host the awards at was also within the flood zone; even after the waters receded its availability was uncertain due to prolonged cleanup operations made necessary once the storm rendered the financial district a disaster area. Thus, with their organization homeless for an incalculable duration extending beyond the set date of the annual Gala, an extraordinary diligence and persistence were demanded of NBF personnel while continuing their planning in absentia – which made the festivities-as-usual atmosphere at the Awards on November 14th all the more remarkable once the Cipriani Wall Street Ballroom was once again habitable by that evening.
Category: Books
2013 FATHER’S DAY GIFT & TRAVEL GUIDE
It is impossible to truly thank the person who most shaped your life but Father’s Day is certainly an occasion to express appreciation for dad.
BOOKEXPO AMERICA 2013
Having temporarily abandoned the rotating host-city format in 2009 (until 2016, when the annual event will be held in Chicago), once again BookExpo America will take place at the Javits Convention Center in New York from May 29 through June 1. The seven-year stint in what is unarguably the capital of publishing in the US has certainly been welcomed by many in the industry, as it has simplified arrangements regarding travel, shipping and the like, matters which otherwise can often unduly complicate schedules publishing professionals would rather dedicate to the business, networking and socializing at hand.
BOOK BEAT: UP ALL NIGHT
Any baby boomer that grew up listening to rock radio clearly knows Carol Miller who was a fixture on WPLJ and WNEW-FM in the 1970s and 1980s. Although, female air personalities are common in radio these days, Miller was a pioneer. Ironically, it was the late Alison Steele, the best-known female rock DJ, who tried to get Miller fired from WNEW according to the author.
BOOK BEAT: THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE
There is no argument that Clive Davis the most famous record company executive of all-time. The former head of Columbia, Arista and J Records, Davis has been in the industry over 50 years and at age 80 he shows no sign of slowing down. His just released memoir, “The Soundtrack of My Life” (Simon & Schuster), coming in at nearly 600 pages, exemplifies both his energy and sharp mind.
2012 HOLIDAY GIFT & TRAVEL GUIDE
If you’ve been procrastinating about what to get the special people in your life or simply want to reward yourself, here are some last minute ideas.
25 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Gifts that keep on giving are ones that recipients can enjoy year round and will go back and visit long after the morning of wrapping paper destruction frenzy. DVDs, books and cds are cost effective gifts that your loved ones will cherish far longer than hats, scarves, socks and grandma’s secret brittle recipe.
2012 MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
It’s almost impossible to express the love for the woman who most shaped our lives with a mere present but here are a few ideas for showing appreciation to mom.
HOLIDAY GIFT & TRAVEL GUIDE 2011
Shopping is always stressful. Even though the advent of the Internet has theoretically reduced the need to battle it out at the mall, the age-old question of what to get someone has not changed. Here are some conventional and some offbeat gift ideas.
BOOK BEAT: THE HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA
Today, there are people who think that American independent cinema began in 1989 with SEX LIES AND VIDEOTAPE; or in 1992 with RESERVOIR DOGS; or even in 1999 with THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.??