AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

Friday Favorites in Beautiful Weather

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I’m enjoying a lot of things in this “episode” of Friday Favorites. Also, it is beautiful outside here in Los Angeles and I can’t wait to venture out of my apartment an enjoy it. What will you be doing to make the most of the weekend?

WHAT I READ

  • I finished Hillary Clinton’s book, What Happened, and I hate to tell you that I wasn’t that enamored with it. We all know how the election turned out so every page of the book felt like salt in an ever-expanding wound. The other issue is that, quite frankly, the book is written very stoically. Perhaps with the exact lack of warmth and emotion Clinton’s opponents often accuser her of. I also felt that much of the book was, accidentally, too self-aggrandizing, without taking the accountability she should have at certain points. I don’t know how else to explain. It just wasn’t what I needed.
  • I also read, believe it or not, some Snagglepuss comics (“The Snagglepuss Chronicles”) from Hanna Barbera that were SUPER enjoyable. Would you believe they’re about LGBT rights in the McCarthyism era? Shockingly profound.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • My friends have a really funny podcast called “So is HE Captain America?” that you should give a listen. Click here for their episodes that break down super hero movies for the ignorant.
  • And speaking of podcasts, Media Mandy has some show suggestions for you, too.
  • The Takeout put a spotlight on an eggs benedict, tomato soup and grilled cheese combo that – I’m not gonna lie – I would totally eat. Would you?

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • A film I am working on, Wanderland, got a great review from The Village Voice!
  • I will never shut-up about this. Facebook DOES offer a TON of custom privacy settings. You just have to get up the courage to use them! I wrote a great little piece to help you.
  • Rob Lowe was hanging out with Dylan McDermott and Dermot Mulroney. I don’t know why, but I find this highly enjoyable. And not just because it’s the most handsome photo ever. Dylan and Dermot are notoriously oft confused for one another.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Did you like the movie John Wick? I did and I am TOTALLY excited for Hotel Artemis.

  • Obviously Dave Grohl is awesome. And he continues to excel at being awesome by introducing us to “Kiss Guy.”

  • If you haven’t caught it yet on social media, let me also share with you the incredible Prince track of “Nothing Compares 2 U” from 1984, just released:

Making Facebook Private

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Facebook Privacy! Believe it! They actually provide it

Oh Facebook privacy, you saucy, evasive minx. I understand why everyone is super upset with Facebook; no one wants their private information shared with strangers. I get it. And clearly Facebook is not winning at this game — there are flaws in their system and, if you ask this publicist, their CEO’s response to the crisis.

But I feel the need to remind everybody that Facebook actually provides rather comprehensive privacy settings. The problem is, they can be a little hard to find if you don’t know where they live and frankly, consumers are lazy, so they don’t bother.

Using Facebook Privacy Settings

So here’s this average person’s short list of tips. I highly recommend getting to know these tools so when moments like this make headlines, you don’t feel this mass panic and also so I don’t have to see posts like “OMG I AM SOOOOOOO LEAVING FACEBOOK.”

App Permissions

This is the biggie, right? On a desktop, go to the little dropdown arrow in the upper-right corner, and click on Settings. This is a magical land where many things happen. In the settings area, in the lefthand column, you want to select Apps, and now you’ve unlocked all the goodies. Definitely look for the box on the bottom left that says “Apps Others Use.” That’s where you probably rushed through setting up an account somewhere and gave Facebook and/or a third-party permission to dig through your private things.

Using Facebook Privacy Settings

And let’s go back to that third party issue. Guys, when you sign up for a game or use Facebook to login to a shopping site or anything at all, you always get a pop-up asking for you to consent. You CAN edit your permissions. Look for it and use it.

Using Facebook Privacy Settings

For example, when a vendor asks if they have the right to get my and my friends‘ information? I ALWAYS uncheck that. Because NO, YOU CANNOT.

Your Profile and status

If you head back into that settings area, you can also adjust how easily you can be found on Facebook. You can adjust your login security, who can tag you, if you have to approve it — seriously, there is a wealth of wonders in here. But let’s talk about your everyday posting; your Facebook status.

If you take advantage of Facebook lists…..

Using Facebook Privacy Settings

…. You can consequently customize who sees your posts! It’s TRUE!

Using Facebook Privacy Settings

I have a good amount of lists. There are some posts I don’t need my co-workers to see! Same goes for my family, my high school friends, people under 21, etc. But if I’m just posting a puppy video? That’s public because everyone needs PUPPIES.

I hope this post opened a whole new world of Facebook privacy to you. If you have any questions, you can drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to help!

Introducing: AJ Feuerman Communications

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As some of you may know, I’ve recently begun freelancing full-time as a publicist and social media strategist.

After more than a dozen years working alongside some of television, music and film’s most talented artists and executives, I am proud to announce the launch of my own full-service public relations and social media consultancy, working with content creators, networks, distributors and more. I’m thrilled that I have already had the opportunity to work on some terrific independent films in 2018. It’s been a really fast and exhilarating turnaround and I am so blessed to have the support of so many.

I’ve been surrounded by many talented professionals in diverse fields that have all contributed to my past projects’ successes as well as my own professional growth and it is my hope those relationships will continue as I move forward with this next stage of my career. 

Please also know I am working on a website revamp (see that “New Business” menu item up there?) but did not want to wait on that to reach out to all of you lovely readers and share this news!  

 

Friday Favorites – Foodie Forever

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I have to tell you up front, tickets are on sale NOW for one of my favorite events of the year, MASTERS OF TASTE. The May 6 fest, which takes over the football field at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, includes the finest fare from over 40 Culinary Masters and restaurants, sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line cocktail bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more. It’s a blast and I look forward to it always. Please come out and join!

P.S. (ALL of the proceeds from the event always go to Union Station Homeless Services.)

WHAT I READ

  • Inc finally validates my bad habit of buying too many books: “Why you should surround yourself with more books than you’ll ever have time to read.” Read here.
  • A new study says cats would kill you if they were bigger. No one is shocked. Least of all me.

Friday Favorites - Foodie Forever

  • I appreciated this article about the stigma of doing things alone. I love doing things alone more and more as I get older. I especially love going to the movies alone. I’ve been thinking about more solo trips.
  • “Roses Are Red” poetry for the Trump Administration. You guys, I read these to myself in a doctors office waiting room, unabashedly laughing my ass off.
  • AXE THROWING, guys. In a BAR. I am totally in. Well, except that it’s in Brooklyn.

Friday Favorites - Foodie Forever

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Friday Favorites - Foodie Forever

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Frank Ocean interviewed Timothee Chalamet and it is quite delightful.
  • I had the BEST truffle fries EVER. Just wanted you to know.
  • Twitter gave us a way to bookmark tweets. Which is terrific.
  • I attended a great Social Media Club event — my first as just a member in several years (I was a Board member for seven) — and they had a delicious spread from Kite Hill, which I am now in love with.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • This girl followed her father around, continually scaring the shit out of him and it is QUITE. ENJOYABLE. I asked my mom if I could do this to my Grandfather, but she shot me down. Alas.

The Mother of All Indulgence – Fat Sal’s Deli

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Truly, Fat Sal’s Deli can only be described as indulgent. It’s the mothership of food-crazy. With locations in Hollywood, Westwood, San Diego, Austin, and Encino, Fat Sal’s does everything to put their customers first with over-the-top service and an over-the-top menu, built from only the freshest and best ingredients. Their shops are super inviting and fun — their staff is the same. Do not go here if you’re on a health kick, my friends. You go here for nothing but comfort food on crack and good times.

Fat Sal's Deli

I came to know of Sal’s through Instagram. Their menu is made for it. At a place where items on the menu includes a “Pastrami Western Burger,” “Bacon Cheeseburger Fries” and the “Big Fat Fatty” (this is a $50 food challenge you have to down in 40 minutes or less), you can imagine what kinds of things show up in photos online. So at the risk of crossing my arteries, I have just always wanted to try it. But I took it “easy” on my first visit.

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of French fries, I gravitated toward the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries which, in addition to fries, has chopped chicken fingers, melted cheddar and mozzarella, buffalo hot sauce and blue cheese dressing. I had to make sure the hot sauce wouldn’t be too spicy (I’m a pansy) and I was thankful it was more of a tangy wing sauce than something that’d burn my tongue off. And as much as I love fries, I gotta tell ya, what really got me on this dish was the chicken! It was cubed chunks, perfectly cooked, very tasty and if it was just those with the sauces, I’d be perfectly happy.

Fat Sal's Deli

They’re smart to serve it in a to-go container. Lord knows I could never finish that in one sitting (but kudos to those who can). But I was quite happy to come back to it the next day and find all the pieces of chicken I’d missed beforehand.

I did require a tasty beverage to wash it down with, too, of course. And they are rather famous for their milkshakes so I did not mess around. I leaned right over that counter and asked for whatever is the most popular. The #5 was alluring purely because it comes with a “whole slice of cheesecake” but I was secretly relieved when they told me the #4 is the most popular — it’s vanilla ice cream, oreo cookies, caramel and sea salt. Put sea salt on caramel on anything and I’m here for it.

Fat Sal's Deli

But ish is gettin’ real crazy, cause Sal done gone added this madness to his menu: The “Fat Fuhgettaboutit.” A sandwich to end all sandwiches with (and I am not joking) cheeseburger, chicken fingers, bacon, mozzarella sticks, French fries, ranch dressing ON A SLICE OF PIZZA. I did not try it, guys, but it’s like an accident on the 405 freeway. I should not slow down but dammit, I can’t help it. I have to stare at it for just a second. (And when I have finally recovered from the buffalo fries and milkshake combo of glory, I will recruit five to 10 of you to come try this thing with me. I will not go it alone.)

Fat Sal's Deli

Uncle Paulie’s Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

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We all enjoy the occasional visit to Subway or Jersey Mike’s but where do you stop in for your real Italian sub? The one with warmth and charm; with the amazing bread and bold flavors? I’ve come across joints like this from time to time but they really are few and far between in Los Angeles. They’re either fast food or divey but then I got to know Uncle Paulie’s.

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

I won’t try to convince you it feels like you’re sitting in a cafe in Italy – I’ve lived there, I know – but Paulie’s doing a lot to bring authenticity to his menu. With his red and white checkered tablecloths and robust, colorful deli counter, you feel transported off of Beverly Blvd. And with added, custom touches like an incredible black truffle hot sauce (I’m a pansy but I had to try it!) and yummy, fresh, baked goods, they’re distinguishing themselves from anyone else in the game.

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

But hey, let’s even put all that aside, because as the sandwich board on the sidewalk out front says, “let’s talk turkey.”

They blew my mind with TWO subs and some homemade potato salad. The first sub was their “Italian Combo” with mixed italian cold cuts, aged provolone, roasted red peppers and italian dressing. I personally requested the second one because I have a love affair with prosciutto and it did not disappoint — the “Prosciutto di Parma” with their very own house made mozzarella cheese (I mean…. HOUSE MADE?), arugula, balsamic and a little EVOO.

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

I know it’s become virtually clichéd to say so in blogger food reviews but everything was just delicious. Later and into the next day, I was quite findable on my couch still eating the leftovers I took home, unable to resist knowing they were in my fridge. I wanted to determine what made it so delicious and I arrived at two enlightening details.

First, the bread. Not only was it fresh and riding right on that line between too soft and too hard (read: perfect) but I noticed that the two sandwiches I ordered did not have the same bread. That is key. That tells me they care about pairing the exact right type of bread with the sub they are serving. It also tells me they’re not cheaping out on ingredients — think about that. Think about how it would save them money to just order or make one type of bread and put it with every sandwich. RIGHT?

Second, the meat. Or, specifically, the slicing of the meat. I swear, I’ve never had deli meat on a sandwich sliced so thin. It was unreal precision. And it left the food very chewable — you know how sometimes you bite into prosciutto and the whole slice comes out of the sandwich in the bite? You know what I mean? Slicing the meat the way they do and preparing the cheese on site, means that truly, every bite of every sandwich is their “perfect bite.” For the win.

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

So please, go meet Uncle Paulie. He’s not what you expect. I mean, even their curb is charming.

Uncle Paulie's Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

Friday Favorites – Happy Olympics!

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I LOVE THE OLYMPICS, guys! Every two years, I sit glued to the television and also, I compile a photo album of the sexiest athletes. It is now up and you may go peruse. In it’s infancy, many years back, it was just hot guys, but I have since altered it to include all the genders and sexual orientations because the point I’m really trying to make is, WE ARE ALL SEXY. Never forget what Ashton Kutcher said (I’m not kidding, it’s a great quote).

Friday Favorites - Happy Olympics! WHAT I READ

  • MY GOD. DID YOU READ THE QUINCY JONES INTERVIEW? Stop what you’re doing and read it. Now. Quincy is spilling ALL THE TEA.
  • And speaking of tea, Uma Thurman is also dishing with the New York Times. It’s riveting.
  • Not quite as scandalous but still very fascinating to me, this interview with Broadway legend Bernadette Peters.
  • Glamour Magazine asks “How Should We Watch the Olympics in a Post-Nassar World?” It’s a good essay. (H/T to Anne for tweeting it.)
  • If you are super into chicken nuggets, there may actually be a career opportunity out there for you. No joke.
  • A Joan Jett documentary is coming. Everyone should see this — I think she is such a badass.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Friday Favorites - Happy Olympics! Carry On Cocktails

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I never dreamed about visiting Milwaukee, but now I do…..
  • John Mulaney, who’s currently my favorite stand-up comedian, was on Seth Meyers and it was delightful. (I swear, not a week goes by where I don’t put on one of his Netflix specials.)
  • I spoke at a PR class at USC and had a BLAST. I love speaking to students but this one was just especially fun for some reason.
  • One of my new clients premiered their film’s trailer (Los Angeles Overnight) — check it out!

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I would say I am a semi-Whovian. Which means I love “Doctor Who” when I get around to watching it (I would say a REAL “Whovian” is like obsessive and never misses it). My favorite “Doctor” is David Tennant and wouldn’t you know he plays SUCH a strong bad guy. The trailer for Bad Samaritan is CHILLING, y’all:

 

  • I don’t know if you’ve seen The Greatest Showman. My two cents: it’s an okay movie with an absolutely gorgeous musical soundtrack. Rebecca Hall stars as “the most wonderful singer in the world” but her singing is actually voiced by Loren Allred, whose Instagram account has been a delight lately. She’s been regramming folks lip-synching her song. Enjoy.

Friday Favorites

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As the Fresh Prince said “my world got flipped turned upside down” this month! While many of my friends and colleagues have encouraged me to take my business freelance for years now, I’ve always hesitated. But in 2018, opportunity kicked me square in the gut so here I am, up and running, with clients and projects and the whole thing. It’s been a whirlwind, but an exciting one, and I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying this way of working and all the collaborating I’ve already been able to enjoy. (Not to mention not sitting in the car for three hours every weekday — the money I am saving on gas alone and the time I’ve earned back for sleeping? Worth it.) And on with the latest “Friday Favorites,” boys and girls!

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • I thought this was interesting. Airlines are empowering their flight attendants to reward guests with miles in flight. Are they doing so as a conciliatory gesture or to thank people for putting up with the jerk in the seat next to them?
  • HBO is releasing an Elvis documentary. I was surprised there hasn’t been a commercially successful one about him yet.
  • A very cool bar looks to be opening in Burbank soon and I can’t wait to check it out!

Friday Favorites

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Social Media Club is kicking off 2018 with a big bash. COME JOIN US! The food and drinks are free!
  • Lindsay is nailing down her goals for 2018 and I am a fan. I can also relate.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I participated in Forces of Geek’s “Best of” for 2017. Check out my picks here.
  • I also wrote a piece for ConnectHER’s in-house magazine. I’m pretty proud of it. Check out the issue here — I’m on page eight.
  • Guardians Director James Gunn liked my tweet about him. I died of happiness to know that.
  • Donald Trump was declared healthy at 6’3″ and 239 lbs. Fun fact: One inch shorter than that would have him deemed “obese.” Here are some other people who are 6’3″ and between 235 and 245 lbs.:

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • But anyway, PANDAS, guys. PANDAS. In IMAX. Cute alert on HIGH. (Oh and let’s not forget “Pick of the Litter” about PUPPIES.)

 

2018: A Continuation of the “Year of NO”

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“New Years Resolutions” is like a dirty word at this point, right? I have seen a lot of the trends that bloggers latch onto continue into this new year. People choosing a “word of the year” or “phrase of the year.” I’ve also noticed a lot of “anti resolutions” pledges such as “I will NOT fly on a plane in 2018 because I’m afraid if flying.” I guess it is easier to predict what you won’t do than to commit to what you will?

Thus my 2018 resolve is a continuation of sorts as well. In 2017 I promised to more often practice using the word “NO.” This was not about being negative, it was about self-care and not being a pushover. About standing up for myself. Sometimes I was successful but sometimes I was not and I am not satisfied with that — I feel in my heart that I still need a little more “no” in my life. So (!) it made no sense to move onto a new vow for this year when I felt so tepid about last year.

In addition, I have made a list of goals for the year as I’ve always done in years prior. Don’t expect these to be life-changing acts or profound philosophical efforts. They are just for fun. In 2018, I have picked out 8 things I want to do:

  1. See ALL of the FAST & FURIOUS movies. I saw the first one many, many years ago and never saw another. All of my friends love this series so I may have to host a marathon. (Or two. Or three. There’s like 19 of those movies.)
  2. Read more. The Goodreads goal on record is 20 books in 2018. I only read a dozen books in 2017. Abysmal.
  3. Clean out my g.d. apartment. My tiny one bedroom is becoming far too cramped with crap.
  4. Make a great soup. I have a crockpot I don’t use enough. This recipe from Spoon, Fork, Bacon sure looks tasty.
  5. I named a number of brunch spots I want to try this year, so these.
  6. Take a solo vacation. I did that last year — it was the BEST.
  7. See an eye doctor to update my prescription and wear my glasses more before the migraines take me away forever.
  8. Visit museums.
2018: A Continuation of the "Year of NO"

Yes, I deliberately used an image from F&F EIGHT.

 

Friday Favorites – 2018: Chapter One

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Happy new year, everybody! I think we can all agree 2017 was the worst and so I have no choice but to conclude this year can only be BETTER. Seems sound, right? If 2010 was “The Year of Suck” (that’s what I always refer to it as), then I hereby proclaim 2017 as “The Year of the Dumpster Fire.” You’re welcome. But I am still bookmarking odds and ends for these “Friday Favorites” and here is 2018: Chapter One for you.

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • YOU GUYS. The Animaniacs are COMING BACK. I am SO EXCITED. In tribute, enjoy my all-time favorite segment, “Yakko’s World” featuring the incredible voice stylings of Rob Paulsen:

  • And one more thing, speaking of Dumpster Fires, this nonsense about “Fire and Fury” is astounding. So watch the video of the author, Michael Wolff, on ‘TODAY’ this morning and that is all.

  • And because I refuse to end on that note, here:

 

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