Lights out in Vegas

Monday night, at 9:30 pm, all of the lights at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas went out for one minute. So, who was responsible for this monumental black out? No, it’s not George Clooney or Brad Pitt from Oceans 11.

Instead, Monday night’s black out was inspired by Absolut’s “Global Cooling” campaign. The campaign aims to “draw attention to the effects of global warming” and was initially launched in January. The campaign is supported by the AOR Public Relations Agency, Ketchum.

“Absolut is encouraging consumers and bar/nightclub owners to save energy,” Sarah Bessette, PR manager for Absolut Spirits. We found this “lights out” PR strategy rather bold and thought we would share. To read more about this PR campaign read Absolut puts out lights for environment from PR Week by Nicole Zerillo.

Media Relations on Novocaine

Okay – so, have you ever tried to conduct a media interview after being injected with Novocaine? I would definitely say that this is something to avoid in public relations! I had a few old mercury fillings removed today and I have to tell you, if I never have Novocaine again, that is fine with me.

Here are just some of the adverse reactions listed on Drugs.com almost all of which I experienced: hypersensitivity, idiosyncrasy, diminished tolerance, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, tremors, and bradycardia … all this just to avoid pain. Who are they kidding?

So, I’m sitting here five hours later wondering to myself, “What did I say on that interview earlier today.” My media relations advice is: don’t ever talk to anyone after having Novocaine. Go home. Shut your door. And go to bed!

Buona notte.

Elephants Eye Studio Tour - Bucks County Must See

So – as many of you may know, I’m a lover of the arts. So I’m sharing with you a must see in Bucks County.

This is the final weekend (May 17 & 18) for the Elephants Eye Studio Tour (www.elephantseyetour.org) where some of our finest local artists will open their private studios to the public to give art lovers an inside peek into their worlds.Whether you are a long time collector or a student anxious to gain access to real artists working in their own spaces, the tour was a perfect opportunity to visit the studios of nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptors, potters, wood turners, photographers and more.Artists included:-Lisa Naples Ceramics -Steven and Pinky Snyder - Cedar Maze-Michael A. Smith and Paula Chamlee -Chris Bonner-David and Wendy Ellsworth (Gloria Kosco visiting)-Steve Tobin-Ken Vavrek

Here are some of the photos that I took at the four studios I visited last Saturday: Lisa Naples, Cedar Maze, Michael A. Smith / Paula Chamlee and Chris Bonner. My goal is to get to the other three studios this weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/furiarubel/sets/72157605035576943/

The tour is truly amazing! I now understand what Lisa Naples means when she says that the tour includes “artists with integrity.” I didn’t really grasp the concept until I went to their studios. To me, the work that I viewed and touched is PURE. Very pure!

P.S. If you do get to Cedar Maze, please drop by and say hello to Gloria Kosco. A large percentage of her work was destroyed last week due to the high winds that whipped through the area. Your support is greatly appreciated!

P.P.S If you want to know where the name "Elephants Eye" came from and how it relates to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just check out the tour website www.elephantseyetour.org.

Furia Rubel Wins Awards for Public Relations Service

The results of a first-of-its-kind Top Corporate Givers in Greater Philadelphia list were debuted on April 30, 2008 which included Furia Rubel among the top 60. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am because this is a true testiment to the core values of every member of the Furia Rubel Team.

We received awards for ranking number one for In-Kind Donations Per Employee and number two among the region’s small companies for Community Impact and Top Volunteer Hours.

The Philadelphia Business Journal hosted the inaugural Partners in Corporate Philanthropy Summit designed to give credit to the region’s companies that give back to the community. As the owner of Furia Rubel, I am thankful for our core team - each member of whom has truly given back.

At the summit we heard an inspiring keynote by Joe Banner, President and COO of the Philadelphia Eagles and Co-chair of the Philadelphia City Year Board. Banner invited a local City Year man on stage who share his awe-inspiring story of being a drug dealer turned community activist, volunteer and college student. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Then, a CEO panel discussion was moderated by Andrew Swinney, President of the Philadelphia Foundation. The panelists included Pamela Browner-Crawley, Senior VP & Director of Public Affairs, Citizens Bank; Chuck Pennoni, Chairman, Pennoni Associates Inc.; Jim Rudolph, CEO, Rita's Water Ice; Rosemary Turner, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Metro Philadelphia District, United Parcel Service (UPS).

Additional sponsors of the event included The Philadelphia Foundation, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Citizens Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, FOX 29, KYW, PECO, Comcast, Deloitte, Sovereign Bank and US Airways; and in association with: Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Grant Makers, Greater Philadelphia Cares, The Nonprofit Center La Salle University, and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

When Community Awareness Efforts are Taken Out of Context

As a public relations firm, we have the opportunity to work with many types of organizations including nonprofits. Today, I was disheartened to read a blog post by Jeff Trexler. In his blog, uncivilsociety dot org, Trexler defames and pokes fun at the Hepatitis B Foundation’s grass roots effort to raise awareness in their hometown community at the monthly First Friday celebration in May. Ignorance is bliss until someone you know gets sick.

Trexler says that the Foundation “hijacked the city’s First Friday celebration of the arts to promote its own health care agenda.” This is far from the truth.

According to Bob Quon, First Friday Doylestown Chairman, “Local well established nonprofit organizations in our immediate region are invited to be showcased during First Friday. Every month features a different cause. The nonprofits have brought education, awareness and a voice to our community and the community has responded very well.” He said, “It is our way of giving back to the community.”

Just some of the nonprofit causes that have been highlighted at First Friday Doylestown include: Autism Awareness, ALS, Breast Cancer Awareness, CB Cares, Tabor Children’s House, Bucks County SPCA, Doylestown Fire Company, Central Bucks YMCA, National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) and Bucks Association for Retarded Citizens (BARC).

Joan Block, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Hepatitis B Foundation said, “The Hepatitis B Foundation truly appreciates the support it receives from the community. We are proud to be a resource for students, scientists, healthcare providers, and especially those families affected by serious liver disease.” She said, “We are honored to participate in First Friday Doylestown since May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month. We have the opportunity to give back to and educate people in our own back yard.”

Trexler also intimates that “he wouldn’t touch [the O’Liver mascot]” leaving one to assume that he fears getting sick. If this is correct, then little does he know.

Hepatitis B is the world's most common liver infection. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks and injures the liver. It is transmitted through blood, unprotected sex, shared or re-used needles, and from an infected mother to her newborn baby during delivery. Hepatitis B is NOT contracted through casual touching.

In fact, worldwide, 2 billion people (1 out of 3 people) have been infected with hepatitis B. 400 million people have become chronically infected (which means they are unable to get rid of the virus). An estimated 1 million people die each year from hepatitis B and its complications. In the United States, over 12 million people have been infected (that’s 1 out of 20 people). Almost 100,000 new people are infected with hepatitis B each year. An estimated 5,000 Americans die each year from hepatitis B and its complications.

The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. Their commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. There is a lot that still needs to be done to improve prevention, education, and access to medical care and treatment.

There are many facts about hepatitis B that Trexler may not be aware of. To learn more go to www.hepb.org.

To learn more about the great things First Friday Doylestown is doing, go to http://firstfridaydoylestown.com.

Muslims "Overtake" Catholics, Become Largest Religion

According to Allessandra Rizzo of the Associated Press in Vatican City, Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion. See National Geographic report.

The article reports that "Catholics are holding steady at about 17.4 percent of the world population," while "Muslims are now at 19.2 percent."

I've included links to news from around the world today (below). I think it's time the Catholic Church invested in the services of a public relations firm . . . .

Today's news:

Minority Report: Mine's no longer bigger than yours - Islam ...Independent, UK - 7 hours ago By Jerome Taylor According to the Vatican, Islam has overtaken Catholicism as the world's largest single religious denomination for the first time. ...

Islam overtakes Catholicism as world's largest religionTimes Online, UK - 11 hours agoIslam has overtaken Roman Catholicism to become the world's largest single religious denomination, according to L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. ...

Vatican says Muslims more numerous than CatholicsReuters UK, UK - 13 hours ago VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The number of Muslims has overtaken the number of Roman Catholics in the world, a Vatican official said on Sunday. ...

Religion's evolution tests toleranceToronto Star, Canada - 17 hours ago If the Vatican looked askance at this religious arriviste three kilometres from St. Peter's Basilica, it made no comment. That sumptuous mosque, opened in ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics, Vatican saysTelegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 18 hours ago By Megan Levy and agencies Muslims now make up 19.2 per cent of the world's population, outnumbering Catholics at 17.2 per cent, according to the Vatican's ...

Number of Muslims ahead of Catholics, says VaticanGuardian, UK - Mar 30, 2008The number of Muslims has overtaken that of Roman Catholics for the first time, the Vatican said yesterday. Muslims account for 19.2% of the world's ...

'Islam world's largest religion'The Press Association - Mar 30, 2008The Vatican acknowledged that Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion. Vittorio Formenti, who compiles the Vatican's yearbook, ...

Muslims More Numerous Than CatholicsABC News - Mar 30, 2008AP By ALESSANDRA RIZZO AP Writer Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, the Vatican newspaper said Sunday. ...

Muslims now outnumber Catholics worldwide, making Islam the most ...Jewish Telegraphic Agency, NY - Mar 30, 2008According to official Vatican figures for 2006, Islam has more than 1.3 billion adherents, comprising 19.2 percent of the global population, ...

Vatican: Muslims outnumber CatholicsRadio Netherlands, Netherlands - Mar 30, 2008Vatican City - A report published by the Vatican says Muslims for the first time outnumber Catholics worldwide. According to the article published in the ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics: Vatican researchTimes of India, India - Mar 29, 2008VATICAN CITY: Muslims outnumber Catholics worldwide, according to the latest count by the Vatican published in its daily newspaper on Saturday. ...

Catholics Outnumbered by Muslims in the World for the First TimeCleveland Leader, OH - 2 hours ago According to the Vatican, for the first time ever, there are more Musliams than Roman Catholics in the world. Monsignor Vittorio Formenti compiled the ...

For the First Time, Muslims Outnumber CatholicsCitizenLink, CO - 4 hours ago The number of Muslims has overtaken the number of Roman Catholics in the world, a Vatican official said Sunday. Muslims make up 19.2 percent of the world's ...

Muslims worldwide outnumber CatholicsFunctionpix, UK - 7 hours ago Figures for 2006 disclose that Muslims comprise 19.2 per cent of the world’s population, and Catholics 17.4 per cent. "For the first time in history we’re ...

Islam Rivals Catholicism as World's Largest FaithAOL News Newsbloggers, VA - 7 hours ago By Justin Paulette The Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, has reported that Muslims now outnumber Catholics. thus ranking Islam as the world's largest ...

Vatican: Muslims Have Outnumbered Catholics AHN - 8 hours ago Vatican City (AHN) - The official Vatican newspaper announced Sunday that for the first time, the number of Islam followers has surpassed that of Roman ...

Muslims now outnumber Catholics but Christians still leadBreaking News, Trinidad and Tobago - 8 hours ago Muslims now outnumber Catholics for the first time in history, the Vatican said in its newspaper L'Osservatore Romano this weekend. ...

Muslims now outnumber CatholicsCatholic World News - 11 hours ago Rome, Mar. 31, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The world's Catholics are now outnumbered by Muslims, according to the editor of the Vatican's statistical yearbook. ...

Vatican official: World has greater number of Muslims than CatholicsCatholic News Service - 11 hours ago By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Vatican official said that, for the first time, the world's Muslim population is greater than the number of Catholics ...

Vatican Says That Muslims Overtake CatholicsEnews 2.0, UK - 12 hours ago By Ted Moore Vatican has learned that the number of Muslims is greater than the number of Roman Catholics in the world. Monsignor Vittorio Formenti ...

Vatican: Islam World’s Largest ReligionThe Media Line, NY - 13 hours ago Islam has now overtaken Roman Catholicism as the world’s largest religion, the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reports. Monsignor Vittorio Formetti ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics across the world: VaticanExpressindia.com, India - 15 hours ago"For the first time in history we are no longer at the top. The Muslims have overtaken us," the media quoted Monsignor Vittorio Formenti, who compiled the ...

World & Nation BrieflyUT The Daily Texan, TX - 18 hours ago By AP HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe's main opposition party claimed an early lead Sunday in elections amid an ominous silence from the Electoral Commission ...

Islam surpasses Roman Catholicism as world's largest religionGulfNews, United Arab Emirates - 18 hours ago Vatican City: Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the largest religion I the world, the Vatican said on Sunday. According to latest statistics compiled ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics in 2006, 1st time ever: Vatican paperAntara, Indonesia - 21 hours ago Rome (ANTARA News/Kyodo) - The Muslim population in the world exceeded that of Catholics in 2006 for the first time in history, the Vatican daily ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics for first timeScopical, Australia - Mar 30, 2008For the first time in modern history, Muslims now outnumber Catholics, with the Vatican today releasing statistics showing their share of religious ...

Islam 'has overtaken Catholicism'Metro, UK - Mar 30, 2008Muslims now outnumber Catholics, making Islam the single biggest religion in the world, the Vatican has said. More than 19 per cent of the world's people ...

Vatican: Muslims Outnumber CatholicsNewsroom America, New Zealand - Mar 30, 2008Vatican officials said Sunday that Islam has more followers than Roman Catholicism, making it the world's largest religious denomination. ...

More Muslims than Roman CatholicsPoliGazette, Netherlands - Mar 30, 2008According to the Vatican, Islam has overtaken Roman Catholicism as the biggest single religious denomination in the world. Of course: there still are more ...

Islam overtakes Catholic population in numbersSpero News - Mar 30, 2008According to the chief statistician of the Vatican, Muslims now outnumber Catholics worldwide. However, Christendom's 33 percent of world population looms ...

Muslims outnumber CatholicsPRESS TV, Iran - Mar 29, 2008Muslims outnumber Catholics worldwide, according to the latest numbers published by the Vatican in its daily newspaper. According to the Sunday edition of ...

Now Islam overtakes Catholicism as the world's biggest faithScotsman, United Kingdom - Mar 30, 2008By CLAIRE GARDNER ISLAM has overtaken Roman Catholicism as the biggest single religious denomination in the world, according to new figures. ...

Vatican: Muslims outnumber CatholicsHEXUS.Lifestyle, UK - 14 hours agoFor the first time in history, Islam has become the most widespread religious denomination, says the Vatican. According to the Vatican's 2008 yearbook of ...

Muslims outnumber Catholics, not ChristiansSunshine Coast Daily, Australia - Mar 30, 2008Roman Catholicism has officially fallen behind Islam as the biggest single religious denomination in the world, according to the Vatican. ...

Vatican: World's Muslims now outnumber CatholicsWBOC TV 16, MD - Mar 30, 2008AP - March 30, 2008 3:33 PM ET VATICAN CITY (AP) - A Vatican official says that for the first time in history, there are more Muslims than Roman Catholics ...

5 Simple Ways to Brighten Your Day

Amidst the hustle and bustle of spring, there is a recent article in PR Tactics that gives great advice on how to enjoy balancing both your personal and professional life. Sometimes it’s the little things: Simple tips to enrich your personal and professional life, written by Chuck Hester, APR provides simple, everyday tips to bask in life’s smallest pleasures that are sure brighten your day.

Here are simple tips from Chuck Hester:

• Make your business trip a pleasure trip: Indulge yourself in new surroundings for some adventure on your business trip.
• Take a mental health day and do nothing: Don't plan anything and do what strikes your interest in the moment; it is bound to invigorate you.
• Say thank you more often: Brighten others' days by expressing your thanks and the gratitude from others will likely brighten your day as well.
• Write a letter: Write someone you love. Reminisce and remember those fond memories with them for good cheer.
• Take a drive to nowhere: Pick up and explore your surrounding; you may be suprised a what you find at the end of your journey.

So no matter what tasks lay ahead in your work day, take a moment for yourself and enjoy your surroundings. You will be bound to have a happier, more satisfying day.

The Lawyer, The Judge and The Ascot

Today, in my blog for The Legal Intelligencer, I wrote about a Lawyer Reprimanded for Fashion Choice where a Milwaukee County courthouse, state prosecutor Warren Zier was reprimanded by Judge William Sosnay for wearing an ascot to court. His rebuke has garnered media attention from the Wall Street Journal to the Chicago Sun-Times -- which I'm sure was not his intention when he tied his ascot that morning.

To read the full post at The Legal Intelligencer Blog - go to http://thelegalintelligencer.wordpress.com.

Gina Rubel Featured In The Bucks County Women's Journal

The Bucks County Women's Journal, an educational and editorial newspaper providing categorized and objective information targeted to women, has featured Gina Rubel in the February/March 2008 issue - Bucks County Women In Profile section.

Published six times a year, the Journal serves its readers with valued information in a wide variety of special columns and features. It also offers local businesses the unique opportunity to reach an important, targeted consumer group through a focused educational and informational approach.

The Bucks County Women’s Journal is an essential resource for business women in Bucks County. For more information on Gina's profile, click here.

McCain and Lawyer Jokes

Until now, I've been quite about the presidential election. I've been listening - not voicing an opinion. However, my friend Rich Klein of Riverside Public Relations forwarded me Peter Lattman's post today from yesterday's Wall Street Journal Law Blog.

John McCain: Not a Lawyer, But Loves a Good Lawyer Joke
Posted by Peter Lattman

The Law Blog hasn’t focused much on John McCain because, well, he’s not a lawyer
and the other leading candidates — click here for Law Blog art — all wield JDs.
Perhaps it’s because he’s emerging as a front runner, but today we’re shining
the spotlight twice on the Arizona senator.A Law Blog reader alerted us to a
lawyer joke that McCain delivered on the stump today in Boston. We checked in
with our WSJ colleagues on the campaign trail, who told us that he delivers the
routine at many events, and even told it on the Tonight Show last week:What is
the difference between a catfish and a lawyer?One is a scum sucking bottom
dweller. The other is a fish.McCain then says, “There goes the lawyer vote.” (We
wonder what Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of his closest confidants, traveling
companions and an Air Force reserve JAG attorney, thinks of the bit?)Law Blog
Question of the Day: Law Blog readers, what should we make of a leading
presidential candidate going after the profession so aggressively? And while
we’re at it, any wannabe presidential speechwriters care to give McCain more
lawyer joke fodder?Update: We just heard from Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for
the McCain campaign. When asked for clarification on the comment, she said,
simply: “It’s a joke.”

Personally, I am so disappointed to read this. In response to Jill Hazelbaker's statement that negative stereotyping is a “joke,” then perhaps McCain’s speech writers should come up with some “jokes” targeted at other professions. While they’re at it, perhaps they want to “joke” about race, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc. There are a lot of great diversity training programs out there - perhaps it’s time the McCain camp invests. Until now, I was on the fence about who I was voting for. This has made up my mind!

The Gratitude Campaign - Thank a Soldier Today

The Gratitude Campaign... have you heard about it yet? If not, check out this amazing public relations awareness video. It's about saying thank you to all the men and women who serve our country.



Can you only imagine if we were able to thank all the parents, spouses, children, other family members and friends of those who have fallen? It is to them I say, "we remember."

Understanding Dosages For Prescription Drugs - Q&A

Over the course of the last fifteen years, I've had a lot of involvement with pharmaceutical compliance and persistence programs. As a matter of fact, I had the pleasure to work with Dr. Dorothy Smith who wrote the book Understanding Prescription Drugs. But before that, as a general consumer, I always had questions like: What does four times a day really mean? Of course, such questions were much harder to have answered quickly without access to the Internet (I didn't have Internet access prior to 1994 and tools like WebMD, the Mayo Clinic Family Handbook Online, the Diabetes Pharmacist Blog, and Consumer-Health didn't exist back then). I do remember being able to chat with my local pharmacist during business hours. We were on a first name basis and he would deliver prescriptions to our door if we were too sick to walk one block to the apothocary.

Today, Joel Shpigel, the Diabetes Pharmacist, answers a number of these questions in his blog. I urge you to check it out! And when you're done, check out his online pharmacy (Focus Express Mail Pharmacy). It's nice to know there's a place to go where you actually get to speak to a friendly pharmacist, ask questions and get your prescriptions filled without the hastle of walking into a giant store only to be confronted with candy, high-calorie snacks, sodas and all the other highly-marketed carbs that contribute to obesity and diabetes!

Save a Tree with Catalog Choice

I was sent a link today to a great resource: Catalog Choice https://www.catalogchoice.org/ The service allow you to eliminate unwanted catalogs that come in the mail. It's an excellent tool to clear the clutter and think green. I'll bet my favorite productivity expert, Neen James, and my favorite cleaning service, Harmony Clean, will love this tool - that's if they don't already know about it....

And to all those Aussie's out there, Happy Australia Day!!! I look forward to celebrating with our Aussie friends here in the U.S.A.....

Philadelphia Bar's Chancellor's Reception Means Great Networking

Last night I had the pleasure to attend the Philadelphia Bar Association's Annual Chancellor's Reception in honor of A. Michael Pratt, only the third African American to serve as Chancellor in the 206-year history of the13,000 member Philadelphia Bar Association.

The event took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue from 5 to 7 p.m. but it went on much longer. When I arrived at 6 p.m. the receiving line was snaked through two hallways and the hotel security were holding individuals on the first floor waiting for the line to subside. I just kept thinking, "Go Michael." It was great to see such a large and diverse turn out at such a great networking event.

Networking is the quintessential public relations tool. And what a night it was. I ran into colleagues that I haven't seen in many years - as far back as grade school!

Some of the other notables that I had the chance to see were Immediate-Past Chancellor Jane Leslie Dalton, Chancellor-Elect Sayde J. Ladov and Vice Chancellor Scott F. Cooper, Past Chancellors Carl Primavera, Abraham C. Reich, and Andrew A. Chirls, my dear friend and legal PR pro, Dan Cirucci, and my loving father Richard F. Furia, just to name a few. Needless to say, it's a must attend event!

According to a press release issued by Mark Tarasiewicz of the Philadelphia Bar Association, "The annual Chancellor's Reception has been a longstanding Philadelphia tradition. Even the city's busiest and most successful legal luminaries as well as community, city and state leaders patiently wait in a long line to wish the Chancellor good luck in the year ahead. At times, the line of nearly1,000 well-wishers will flow through the ballroom foyer, around corridors and down the escalator that leads guests to the ballroom level." How right indeed.

Bill Gates Public Relations Brilliance at It's Best: From Gina Rubel

Okay, so this morning, my husband e-mailed me a link to Bill Gates Last Day CES Clip. It's a seven minute video spoof (toast or roast -- as you will) of Bill Gate's supposed last day at Microsoft which was aired earlier this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The video is public relations brilliance at it's best. . . and what money can buy! I can only imagine how much this video must have cost. It's star studded with Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Brian Williams, Matthew McConaughey, George Clooney, Bono of U-2, Steven Spielberg and Jay-Z! Wow. Now that's power to say the least.

Here's what some others are saying about the video:

Reel Pop (Steve Bryant): http://www.reelpopblog.com/2008/01/what-will-bill.html#trackback

Wired (Jose Fermoso): http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/01/ces-2008-bill-g.html

e-Week (Joe Wilcox): http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/corporate/bill_gates_last_day_at_microsoft.html

Seattle Post (Monica Guzman): http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/archives/128984.asp?source=mypi

Dick Polman Remembers Judge Lisa Richette - A Perfect Tribute

Dick Polman, a national political colomnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer tells the most brilliant story of the life of Judge Lisa Richette in Obit Magazine. He tells the story of Judge Richette who was a trailblazer for women, attorneys, jurists, Italian-Americans, Philadelphia Justinians, children and the homeless! She was truly one of the most brilliant and yet extremely flamboyant women I've had the pleasure to know. She embraced life and law.

I remember a particular homicide case more that a decade ago when I worked for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Jude Conroy was the Philadelphia prosecutor. The case was against a couple who left their disabled young child in a crib inside their house - only heated by kerosene - to go out and sell crack and induldge themselves. The house caught on fire and by the time the child was rescued, he was burned over a large percentage of his body. The child lived for months (perhaps seven if my memory is right) in severe pain and then died. It was a bench trial (no jury) and the judge found the couple guilty of homicide. I remember crying in the back of the room for the child and knowing that the judge did the right thing. She came down so hard on those parents - her words stung deep - but she was right - she was brilliant - she was passionate - and she followed the letter of the law.

Judge Richette was the first woman judge in Philadelphia and an active member of The Justinian Society. As stated so nicely by Rudolph Garcia, Chancellor of The Justinian Society:

"Judge Richette epitomized the ideals of The Justinian Society and was an inspiration to all of us. In 1994, we selected her as the first recipient of the Beccaria Award. Since then, the award has been presented annually by the Justinian Society and the Criminal Justice Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association to a legal jurist, scholar or practitioner for outstanding contributions to the cause of justice and the advancement of legal education. Judge Richette also was the first recipient of The Justinian Society’s Outstanding Women in the Law Award, in June 2000."

Thank you to Dick Polman for remembering Judge Richette. She truly deserves the accolades.

"Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" - KYW 1060 Christmas

If you haven't heard it before, the KYW 1060 Newsradio reading by former Philadelphia anchor Vince Lee in his December 1976 recording of ''Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus,'' is just wonderful. I heard it tonight while my husband and I were driving home from my mother's house. It is so beautiful and truly captures the spirit of Christmas. Her'e the link to the KYW page http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/1375695.php and here's the link to the audiocast: http://www.kyw1060.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=1241068.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Happy Holiday and New Year from Furia Rubel

At Furia Rubel, the holiday season is a time for giving back and showing appreciation and thanks to those who make a difference and impact in our lives; both personally and professionally.

On behalf of the entire Furia Rubel team, we wish you peace, joy and positive publicity in this New Year.

In Memory of DeAnn White - A Special Recognition

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” I can’t agree more – and one of those thoughtful, committed citizens was DeAnn White.

On December 6, 2007, I was honored by my peers in the public relations industry with the PRSA Philadelphia Chapter award named in DeAnn White's memory. I began my acceptance speech with the amazing words of Margaret Mead. I wish to share my thoughts of DeAnn as I am so blessed to have been touched by her story and memory.

My words were as follows:

The DeAnn White Achievement Award honors the memory of a Philadelphia journalist and PR professional whose life was cut short at age 25 in the tragic Pier 34 collapse. DeAnn was not only one of our peers, but she was a trailblazer for African-American women . . . a true role model. She was an advocate for education, children, her Baptist ministry, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society -- to name a few. Just the thought, let alone the reality, of being bestowed this honor humbles me.

And while I am delighted and honored to be the 2007 recipient of the DeAnn White Award, it is not about me – it is about others. It is about the people who work in public service. It is about the countless hours we all donate to our community. It is about remembering the legacy of DeAnn White. And it is about fostering the ideals of giving back in our community. I share this recognition with everyone in this room – as so many of you give back in so many ways. Since this award is only given once a year, I hold it in trust on behalf of our profession.
….

This honor is a true testament to how much local public relations professionals value philanthropy and volunteerism. This is an award in memory of a fallen hero, DeAnn White and of our industry’s shared commitment to giving back.

I will keep DeAnn's family and friends in my prayers as I know that love is a true gift from God and her family's loss is one that is incomprehensible.

Gina Rubel Receives Public Relations Society of America Achievement Award Award

We are proud to announce that Gina F. Rubel has been awarded the DeAnn White Achievement Award by the Public Relations Society of America for utilizing her public relations expertise in the fields of community service and volunteerism.

For more than two decades, Gina has devoted time to helping nonprofits tell their stories. She also encourages all staff to volunteer time during the workday and maintains three nonprofit pro bono accounts per year as a company policy. To her, giving selflessly is her definition of success.

Gina is often overheard saying, "If I were independently wealthy, I'd donate all my time to helping nonprofits raise awareness and money to make this world a better place." In short, that sums up not only why she is so deserving of this award, but that our staff is blessed to be her friend and colleague.

Cheers!