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    GBK New York Fashion Week Gift Lounge Event on September 6th and 7th

    GBK New York Fashion Week Gift Lounge Event on September 6th and 7th

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    In honor of New York Fashion Week, GBK and Sparkling Hill Resort hosted a Luxury Gift Lounge on September 6th and 7th. Attending celebrities included: Jay Manuel, Miss J and Nole Marin of “America’s Next Top Model”, Ice-T and Coco,”Big Ang” of VH1’s “Mob Wives”, Adrienne Bailon, Matt Letscher, Katie Findlay and Chloe Bridges of “The Carrie Diaries”, Ryan Serhant of “Million Dollar Listing NYC” and more.

    This year’s Title Sponsor was Sparkling Hill Resort – a European-inspired wellness resort known for its Swarovski crystal design elements. Additional presenting Sponsors included Hard Candy and Pilot Pen.

    Other must-have brands included: Tibolli ® , youthH2O, D’Mademoiselle ® Pure Mineral Makeup and Skincare Product™; EcoGenics Active Botanical Skin Care, Nikki’s Magic Wand, Lashem, Cynthia Gale Jewelry, d’andrea handbags, Lulu Avenue by Jude Frances, Visit San Luis Obispo County and Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, Rive, Viva Diva Wines by Christina Milian, Connecticut Cookie Company, Oasis Mediterranean, Prima Dolce, and Latta Russian Kefir.

    Artistic Rive water bottles transformed colorless, odorless, tasteless substance into an experience that excites the senses. Wild Soul Sunglasses gifted exotic sunglasses; The Artisan Group® provided a collection of handcrafted gifts; and cause-driven hats were given by Gratitude Couture – intent on eradicating hate and bullying via charity donation. Special event sponsor, Supima – an American luxury cotton, displayed two evening gowns made for the event.

    ABOUT GBK:
    GBK is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment.

    Three Phases of Transforming Madison Square Garden , in the World’s Greatest arena, 2013

    Three Phases of Transforming Madison Square Garden , in the World’s Greatest arena, 2013

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    The three-year historic Transformation of Madison Square Garden was officially completed on October 24th, 2013, providing a significantly enhanced experience for customers, athletes, entertainers, suite holders and marketing partners, from the fist row to the last. The transformed Garden is expected to attract even more high profile sports and entertainment events, major concerts and awards shows, as well as provide new and unique opportunities for marketing partners to drive their business objectives.

    The project’s architect is Brisbin Brook Beynon, Construction Manager is Turner and Project Manager is JLL. Extensive research and focus groups were conducted and the feedback was used to develop the plans for the Transformation. The project involved over 2.6 million man hours of union labor, the equivalent of at least 1,300 full-time jobs, creating as many as 3,700 union construction jobs. An estimate of 2,851 tons of steel was used in the completion of the project. There is a 22% increase in the number of restrooms now available, as well as a 26% increase on concessions offered. The number of suites increased from 89 to 96 and both the Madison and Garden Concourses, as well as the Chase Square have more than doubled in size. For the Chase Bridges, 880 steel pieces were used for their erection and a total of 150 yards of concrete was installed.

    The Transformation Project consisted of three phases, one phase for each year of construction.
    Phase I of the Garden Transformation debuted for the 2011-12 season and included new Lower Bowl seating area, an expanded Madison Concourse, 20 new Nespresso Event Level Suites, New Delta Sky360 Club, New 1879 Club, open areas on the Garden Concourse and new West Balcony and new Knicks and Rangers locker and dressing rooms.
    Phase II of the Transformation debuted for the 2012-13 season and included new Upper Bowl seating area, expanded Garden Concourse with city views and more restrooms, new Lexus Madison Suite Level, new all-inclusive Madison Club, return of the beloved Blue Seats and homages to The Garden’s storied history on the Madison Concourse with new “Garden 366” and “Defining Moments” exhibits.
    Phase III, which marks the completion of the Transformation debuted for the 2013-14 season and included a doubled in size new Chase Square 7th Avenue entrance, 2 new first-of-their-kind Chase Bridges, new EIGHTEEN/76 Balcony, new state-of-the-art GardenVision, new Signature Suite Level and restoration of the iconic Garden ceiling.

    Madison Square Garden Unveils Completely Transformed Arena, 2013

    Madison Square Garden Unveils Completely Transformed Arena, 2013

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    Madison Square Garden unveils a completely transformed arena reopening just in time for the Knicks Pre-Season Game. October 24th, 2013 marked the completion of Madison Square Garden’s three-year, top-to-bottom Transformation, which significantly enhanced every aspect of the historic Arena, from the first row to the last. The completed Transformation, which has been designed to improve the experience of fans, partners, suite holders, athletes and entertainers, was unveiled at a star-studded, standing-room-only press event in the Garden’s re-imagined 7th Avenue entrance, Chase Square.

    Featured at the event were New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, The Madison Square Garden Company’s Executive Chairman, Jim Dolan and its President and Chief Executive Officer, Hank Ratner. Also on hand for the unveiling were Knicks legend, Willis Reed and New York Rangers’ great, Mark Messier, among many others.

    Madison Square Garden’s self-funded, $1 billion, comprehensive Transformation saw the Garden shut down for three consecutive off-seasons (2011, 2012, 2013,) with construction continuing behind-the-scenes during a full slate of NBA and NHL games, sold-out concerts and other sporting and entertainment events.

    The newly transformed Arena boasts new additions such as First-Class food offerings, a “Defining Moments” special exhibit honoring MSG’s unparalleled history, and restoration on the corridors on the entry level of the Arena to replicate the look of the building when the doors first opened 45 years ago. The 1968 North and 1968 South corridors not only replicate the floors, walls, ceiling and lighting of the original Garden, but also feature authentic advertisements and event promotional posters from that commemorative year. New first-class culinary additions include offerings from some of the world’s greatest chefs such as Jean-Georges with Cocina Tacos. Two other restaurants to join The Garden’s unrivaled lineup of food options include La Esquina and Casa Nonna. In homage of Madison Square Garden’s illustrious 134 year history, the remaining 10 “Defining Moments presented by SAP” exhibit will feature special photo displays and memorabilia throughout the Arena that showcase some of the moments that have solidified The Garden’s position as The World’s Most Famous Arena.

    An estimate of 2,851 tons of steel was used in the completion of the project. There is a 22% increase in the number of restrooms now available, as well as a 26% increase on concessions offered. The number of suites increased from 89 to 96 and both the Madison and Garden Concourses, as well as the Chase Square have more than doubled in size. Fans will see a return of the 1,000 beloved Blue Seats that were removed in 1990. For the Chase Bridges, 880 steel pieces were used for their erection and a total of 150 yards of concrete was installed. The new state-of-the-art GardenVision, the Arena’s center-hung multimedia display saw an increase from 1,120 square feet to 3,400.

    In addition to signaling a new era for the celebrated venue, the Transformation of Madison Square Garden was an important source of union jobs during a difficult time in both the local and national economies. Supported by the Building and Construction Trades Council, the project created 3,700 union construction jobs and required 2.6 million man hours of labor. The project’s architect is Brisbin Brook Beynon, Construction Manager is Turner and Project Manager is JLL.

    Interview with Tara Lipinski, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist 2013

    Interview with Tara Lipinski, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist 2013

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    Tara Lipinski was born on June 10th, 1982 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began roller skating at the early age of three and won several championships. At six years old, Tara began figure skating. Since her talent showed so much promise, her mother decided to relocate to Detroit in 1993 so Tara could seriously train for international competitions with Coach Richard Callaghan. She became the youngest person to win a gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Festival at age 12 and in 1997 she became the youngest person ever to win both the U.S. National Championship and the World Championships. In 1998, she became the youngest skater to win the Olympic gold medal at age fifteen. After the 1998 Olympics, Tara decided to turn professional.

    In the spring and summer of 1998, she toured with Champions on Ice then went on to enjoy four seasons touring with Stars on Ice. Today, she skates in professional competitions and is now a sports commentator in figure skating for Universal Sports. Tara has also been active in the acting community for years, appearing in several television shows, such as Touched by an Angel, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Malcolm in the Middle, 7th Heaven and The Young & the Restless. She has stated that she would like to continue to act in the future.

    The World Liberty TV team had the pleasure of interviewing Tara Lipinski at Times Square New York at the Road to Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, 2014.

    Steve Holcomb, 2010 Bobsled ,Olympic Gold Medalist ,2013

    Steve Holcomb, 2010 Bobsled ,Olympic Gold Medalist ,2013

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    Steven Holcomb was born on April 14th, 1980 in Park City, Utah. He is an American bobsledder who has been competing since 1998. Prior to bobsleigh, Steve was involved in alpine skiing for twelve years. He also served in the Utah Army National Guard for seven years, leaving the military with an honorable discharge in June of 2006. In the 2007 World Cup season, Steve won the overall two-man World Cup Championship. As he began making a name for himself and rising in the ranks of American bobsledders, a degenerative eye condition began to affect his competitive skills. A non-invasive surgical procedure provided a temporary measure of correction during the 2007-08 Season, allowing him to earn seven medals, three of which were gold. However, before the start of 2008-09 Season, the condition worsened and a revolutionary procedure was called upon to restore Steve’s 20/20 vision. With the procedure behind him, Holcomb and his two & four man teams took home seven medals. At the FIBT World Championships, Steve won four medals, one gold and three bronzes. He became the first American man to win the Two-man World Cup title. Steve won both the 2007 and 2010 Combined World Cup titles and the 2010 4-man World Cup title. He made the US team in both the two-man and four-man events for the 2010 Winter Olympics and led the four-man US bobsled team to a gold medal victory, ending a 62-year gold medal drought in US Olympic four-man bobsled competition.

    The World Liberty TV team was on hand to interview Steve Holcomb at Times Square New York at the Road to Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, 2014.

    Vanguard Tripods and Gem Oro Jewelry Cleaner Product Reviews

    Vanguard Tripods and Gem Oro Jewelry Cleaner Product Reviews

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    Vanguard Abeo 243AV
    The Vanguard Abeo 243AV is a lightweight, aluminum video tripod, ideally suited to work in the field or in the studio with lighter weight equipment. Its legs adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles with an ergonomic release button – ultra fast and securely. Quick-flip leg locks enable fast setup. The Abeo enables unique shots with an easy-to-set-up low-angle adaptor. The Abeo 243AV comes with PH113V smooth two-way pan head, thick foam grips and an anti-spin central column. The extended height rounds off near 62 inches, minimum extended height averaging 53 inches and a folded height of approximately 27 inches, with the total weight of the tripod equaling 4½ pounds.

    Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT
    Vanguard’s top-of-the-line Auctus Plus tripod is loved by photographers for its stability and flexibility. It’s designed to go from a studio to an outdoor shoot in a snap. Its ultra-smooth Extreme Support Height Positioning (ESHP) Wheel System is a dual-function wheel gear that adjusts central column height securely while supporting heavy gear. This advanced gear wheel also enables precise height fine tuning, while holding an extreme loading weight. Auctus Plus’ leg locks are exceptionally solid, secure and seal out dust and sand to provide impressive reliability. Setup is quick with one-twist-to-loosen locks. Unique All-terrain Feet convert from anti-rust spikes to angled, textured rubber for use on an array of terrains. It’s flexible with legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles for use on uneven terrain and for low-angle photography. Other features include a large bubble level, anti-shock ring, leg scales for precise height adjustment, rubber foam grips and bonus snow shoes.

    GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro
    The GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro is the top of the line of advanced, digital, true professional grade personal ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. It is designed for fine couture jewelry, diamonds, gold, silver and platinum that needs to be cleaned and maintained to a bright, gleaming shine. The machine safely cleans most jewelry using regular tap water. With the Sparkle Spa Pro’s powerful ultrasonic sound waves scrubbing your fine jewelry, this is the ultimate cleaner to keep them always looking amazing and showroom new from the convenience of your own home. The GemOro Sparkle Spa Pro features an elegant black European contoured design with chrome accents, a bright blue LED illuminated stainless steel tank, a transparent evaporation free cover and a digital timer with auto shut-off. The machine offers 5 cleaning cycles ranging from 90 seconds to 8 minutes with 42,000 energy producing sound waves per second. A removable basket and bracelet holder is also included with the product.

    GemOro UltraSpa™ – Combination Ultrasonic & Steamer
    The GemOro UltraSpa™ is the world’s only personal combination jewelry cleaning system utilizing both an ultrasonic cleaner and steam cleaner in one specially designed appliance for the home or jewelry store.
 The UltraSpa™ is a professional quality machine that provides ultimate cleaning results for sparkling diamonds, gold, silver, platinum jewelry, metal watch bands and more. In a class by itself, the UltraSpa has both powerful ultrasonic cleaning and high-pressure steam cleaning in a single appliance. With a two-stage cleaning process, scrub dirt and grime with intense ultrasonic sound waves and then with the steamer blast away hidden dirt and the remaining residue from all hard to reach areas with results like no other jewelry cleaner. Features include an approximate 1-pint tank capacity ultrasonic and steam cleaner, a basket and evaporation resistant transparent cover with bright blue built-in LED tank illumination, easy lift handles and a 6-minute timed ultrasonic cleaning cycle that automatically shuts off when completed. The product comes with a steam residue mat, measuring fill cup, jewelry holding tweezers, and 2 sizes of handheld mesh baskets for holding diamond ear studs, charms, rings, bracelets that both store in a clever rear compartment.

    Tony Perez: One of the Greatest Boxing Referees of All Time – 2013

    Tony Perez: One of the Greatest Boxing Referees of All Time – 2013

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    Tony Perez is considered one of the great referees. His career began in 1968. That bout was at Madison Square Garden that had Buster Mathis TKO James Woody in the 6th Round. He was the third man in the ring for Frazier VS Ellis, Ali vs Frazier, Ali vs Wepner, Ali vs Quarry, Mancini vs Arguello and so many more bouts. Tony was honored with the acclaimed Jose Torres Renaissance Man Award for 2013.

    World Liberty TV team was on hand to interview Mr. Perez at the 3rd Annual Ring 10 Gala.

    Marlon “Magic Man” Starling 2 time World Welterweight Boxing Champion, 2013

    Marlon “Magic Man” Starling 2 time World Welterweight Boxing Champion, 2013

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    Marlon “Magic Man” Starling was a two-time US world champion boxer.

    Starling was born in Hartford, CT in 1959. He turned professional in 1979. After 25 straight wins, he lost his first fight. He lost a 12 round decision to Donald Curry in 1982. Starling had a rematch with Curry in 1984, challenging for the WBA and IBF welterweight titles. Starling lost by a 15 round decision.

    Starling’s second world title fight came in 1987. He knocked out Mark Breland in the 11th round to win the WBA welterweight title. In his third title defense, Starling lost the title in controversial fashion to Tomas Molinares. Molinares hit Starling with a punch that was clearly thrown after the bell. Starling went down for the only time in his career, and the referee counted him out. Molinares was declared the new champion by knock out. However, the decision was later changed to a no contest but the Colombian kept the title.

    In 1989, Starling knocked out Lloyd Honeyghan to win the WBC welterweight titles. The following year, Starling challenged Michael Nunn for the IBF middleweight title, but lost by decision. In his next fight, Starling lost his welterweight titles on a close decision to Maurice Blocker. That was Starling’s last fight. He retired with a record of 45-6-1-1 (27 KOs).

    Exclusive interview with Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini former World Lightweight Boxing Champion – 2013

    Exclusive interview with Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini former World Lightweight Boxing Champion – 2013

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    Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini is a retired American boxer. He held the World Boxing Association lightweight championship from 1982 to 1984. Mancini inherited his distinctive nickname from his father, veteran boxer Lenny “Boom Boom” Mancini, who laid the foundation for his son’s career.

    On May 8, 1982, in a match held in Las Vegas, he challenged the new World Boxing Association lightweight champion, Arturo Frias. Fifteen seconds into the fight, Frias caught Mancini with a left hook to the chin. Another combination made Mancini start bleeding from his eyebrow. Mancini recovered and dropped Frias right in the center of the ring with a combination. Dazed, Frias got back up but Mancini went on the offensive and was on top of Frias the moment the referee said they could go on. Mancini trapped Frias against the ropes. After many unanswered blows, the referee stopped the fight at 2:54 in the first round, and the Mancini family finally had a world champion.

    Mancini’s first defense, against former world champion Ernesto España, went smoothly with a Mancini knockout win in the 6th round.

    His next defense would change both his life and the face of boxing: On November 13, 1982, a 21-year-old Mancini met 23-year-old South Korean challenger Duk Koo Kim. Kim had to go through the process of losing several pounds immediately before the fight to make the weight. The title bout, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, was televised live at 1pm PST on CBS Sports. It was, according to many observers, a fight filled with action, but Mancini had an easy time hitting Kim during the 14 rounds the fight lasted. Kim suffered brain injuries that led to his death four days later. The week after his death, the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine showed Mancini and Kim battling, under the title “Tragedy in the Ring”.

    Mancini went to the funeral in South Korea, but he fell into a deep depression afterwards. He has said that the hardest moments came when people approached him and asked if he was the boxer who “killed” Duk Koo Kim. Mancini went through a period of reflection, as he blamed himself for Kim’s death. In addition, Kim’s mother committed suicide four months after the fight, and the bout’s referee, Richard Green, killed himself in July 1983.

    As a result of this bout, the WBC took steps to shorten its title bouts to a maximum of 12 rounds. The WBA and WBO followed in 1988, and the IBF in 1989.

    Mancini retired officially in 1985, but continued to fight unofficially until 1992, leaving a record of 29–5, with 23 knockouts. A made-for-television movie based on Mancini’s life aired in the 1980s. The former champion was able to keep 75 percent of his $12 million in purse money, which enabled him to pursue a broad range of interests in retirement.

    Mancini appeared in and produced a handful of films, and became a fight analyst for the Fox reality series Celebrity Boxing. Mancini, who as of 2007 resides in Los Angeles, California, owns the El Campeon Cigar Company and operates two movie production companies. He also owns a wine-tasting shop in his native Youngstown, Ohio.

    NY Now: The Market for Home style and Lifestyle at NY Javits Center and Pier 94 – 2013

    NY Now: The Market for Home style and Lifestyle at NY Javits Center and Pier 94 – 2013

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    Drawing 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 80+ countries, NY NOW is produced twice annually by GLM Markets and is open to the trade only. Held in January and August in New York City, the Fair hosts 2,800 exhibiting companies showcasing the very best lines across the home, lifestyle, and gift spectrum.
    NY NOW HOME presents a comprehensive collection of 1,200 home furnishings, home textiles, decorative accessories, tabletop and gourmet housewares on Level 3 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. A juried cross-category collection of contemporary design resources will continue to be presented under the renowned Accent on Design® banner and within NY NOW HOME.
    NY NOW LIFESTYLE will showcase a broad spectrum of merchandise categories, including giftware, personal care, stationery, fashion accessories and children’s products. NY NOW LIFESTYLE’s 1,100 exhibitors will be located on Level 1 of the Javits Center, with an exhibit floor layout engineered to maximize synergies and cross-category shopping opportunities.
    NY NOW HANDMADE offers nearly 500 handcrafted resources – representing all home and lifestyle categories and crafted in all types of media – with distinct groupings of designer-makers and global import resources. Handmade® Designer Maker will continue to be presented in the Javits Center North and Handmade Global Design will continue to be presented in the Javits Center’s Level 4 Galleria.
    NY NOW NEW! spotlights newcomers to the New York market in a cross-category collection of home and lifestyle products. Some 250 new-to-market exhibitors will be grouped together at Passenger Ship Terminal Pier.
    Co-located with NY NOW, Artisan Resource is a first-of-its-kind artisan production-sourcing event for U.S.-based importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers. Presented semi-annually alongside NY NOW, this new trade event also offers programming for exhibitors and attendees, including seminars on topics such as importing basics, FOB pricing, customs, warehousing and distribution.

    The World Liberty TV team was on hand and interviewed the following companies: Scratch Tracks, AR Trading Industrial Co. Ltd, ACGS, Brand Management and Distribution, GemOro Superior Instruments, DCI Gift, and Faye (UK) Ltd.

    Night of a Thousand Gowns Annual Gala , Twenty Twelve

    Night of a Thousand Gowns Annual Gala , Twenty Twelve

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    The Imperial Court of New York’s 26th Annual Night of A Thousand Gowns hit the Marriott Marquee this past Saturday and brought a whirlwind of fun and excitement to anyone attending.

    The night’s theme of “Wonderland” was taken to the extremes of camp with a royal flare. The costumes by reigning Emperor and Empress Pepperica Swirl and Vanity Society alone were enough to call home about. The amount of creativity behind their brains is incredible. With probably more than seven costume changes each, this duo could have done a full show on their own.

    The rest of the show’s performances had highs and lulls, highlights including Lisa -Lampinelli’s stand up, a performance from the cast of Chicago, and the opening/closing performances by the court.

    The new Emperor and Empress, Ritz Kracker and Witti Repartee, were crowned towards the end of the evening to cheers and hollers from the audience.

    The 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns – Twenty Thirteen

    The 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns – Twenty Thirteen

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    Their Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesties, Emperor XXI Ritz Kraka and Empress XXVI Witti Repartee, are excited to invite you to join them at the 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns, held this year on April 6, 2013 in New York!

    Join the entire Imperial Court of New York for a glittering and joyous celebration as we raise funds for GLAAD and GMHC, are entertained by Broadway Favorite Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Wonderland), RuPaul’s All Star Drag Diva Chad Michaels (with more yet to be announced!) and attend the midnight coronation of Imperial Crown Prince Royal Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhouse, and Imperial Crown Princess Royale Gracie Steeles.

    Personalities and entertainers abound! Last year, audiences were dazzled by comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, Olympic Skater and Reality star Johnny Weir, Amra Faye-Wright and the cast of Chicago, drag sensation Ebonee Excell and many others!

    Who will show up for this year’s fabulous ball? Come and find out!

    The Imperial Court of New York is excited to announce that the 2013 Imperial Diamond Award will be presented that night to Elvis Duran, one of last year’s Honorary Chars, and award winning host of the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, heard locally on Z100.

    The Imperial Diamond Award is ICNY’s most prestigious way of recognizing a member of the greater community whose service to LGBT and HIV related causes is exemplary. Previous winners include Political Author and Activist David Mixner, Speaker of the New York City Council Christine Quinn and Celebrity Photographer Mike Ruiz.

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