AJ, Author at AJ Feuerman

Subject Matters I Absolutely Will Not Blog About

June 26, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

Like, for reals, don’t even try it.

I’m taking my PR hat off for a minute because sometimes, empathy just doesn’t enter into it. I get at least a dozen pitches a week that turn my stomach or simply just annoy me. And that’s not counting the countless mom-targeted pitches I get (no, I will not write about your revolutionary, recyclable cloth diaper). I’m talking about the tacky, baseless, gratuitous and often exploitive pitches.

So here they are — a few topics, subjects and themes I will absolutely, never ever write about, cover or respond to.

A political candidate’s swell new logo.
A comprehensive speculation about what a political candidate’s logo might look like.
Your client who may or may not be an expert on: transgendered celebrities, suicide, racism or whatever hot button topic is trending in the news.
What your client thinks about the untimely and tragic death of [insert celebrity name here].
Selena Gomez was spotted wearing your client’s jewelry? Don’t care.
An event that happened that I did not attend and wasn’t even invited to.
Your store opening in Dubuque, Iowa.
Your Kickstarter/Indiegogo/GoFundMe. Stoppit.
“Can I call you to talk about this?” Nope.
Anything about or related to urinating or menstruating. Sooooo not my thing, guys.
Your site published this amazing video! Will I drive traffic off of my site to yours so more people will watch it? No, I won’t.
Cameron Diaz is on the cover of Cosmo next month! (Clarification: That is a sarcastic exclamation point.)
Anything addressed to a name that isn’t mine.
Jamberry nails. Or any multilevel marketing (MLM) product for that matter.

I was not content to stop there, either. I asked some other bloggers what pitches turn them off.

“Supplements that promise weight loss, fat burning, energy or any other miraculous claim.” – Melissa, The Valentine RD
“Trying to get pregnant products, experts, tips, et al.” -Chris, What I Run Into
“Your client’s infographic.” -Lindsay, Fit & Awesome
“Bodies need to be cold before your expert talks about why they killed themselves…” -Jessica, The Other PTA

Today we celebrate a monumental Supreme Court ruling that reverses bans on same-sex marriage. By Monday I have no doubt my inbox will be cluttered with “expert” pitches, celebrity wedding planners, etc.

So tell me, fellow bloggers, what else chaps your hide the second it hits your inbox?

What’s in my Pocket Friday

June 19, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Pocket enables users to save something they find online for later. I find it especially handy as a Google Chrome extension — I only have to click a button to immediately save something to my pocket. Once something is saved, the content is visible on any device — phone, tablet, computer, and even offline.

Helpful: Ultimate guide to social media image sizes
Did anyone catch Jeff Ross’ latest Comedy Central special? It’s not only funny — it’s actually brilliant.
I was captivated by the Rachel Dolezal story. Awesomely Luvvie put it perfectly.
Zookeepers around the world are recreating Chris Pratt “Jurassic World” moments. It is glorious.

I don’t like to blog about politics but really, the GOP presidential candidate pool is out of control. We’re “this close” to an Oprah situation (please imagine Oprah at the convention podium shouting “YOU GET A PRESIDENT! AND YOU GET A PRESIDENT!….”) Best of all, Donald Trump has done late night hosts everywhere a huge favor by throwing his hat into the ring.

The Daily Show

A comprehensive guide to all of the best cookies in Los Angeles.
Have you heard of this? “MasterClass” offers amazing online courses – yours to download an keep for a reasonable price – by teachers like Dustin Hoffman, Serena Williams, James Patterson and Usher. Who doesn’t want to learn “The Art of Performance” from Usher?
Channing Tatum did a Reddit AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) and it was fantastic. Among the many revelations he offered were Matt Bomer’s eyes being made of “dreams and rainbows and amazingness” and that he absolutely loves Chili’s chicken crisps (I don’t blame him – they’re delicious).
SNL Head Writer Colin Jost has a little twitter feud with Time Warner Cable and it even earned press coverage. But I felt oddly proud since I follow Jost and actually watched it go down live. In fact….

Earlier This Week….

I had a Churro Ice Cream Sandwich for lunch.
I confessed some Twitter pet peeves.
The selfie stick won me over.
I had amazing sushi at Kifune in Venice.
A movie called “Stealing Cars” blew me away at LA Film Fest.

Twitter Pet Peeves

June 16, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

Twitter may be imploding just a little – and we’re not helping

Get it together, guys!

Sigh. Friends, we need to talk about Twitter. The company is currently battling challenges that include buzzwords like “IPO,” “profitability,” and “stock price,” as it bids adieu to supposedly beloved CEO Dick Costolo and welcomes back, if only temporarily, one of its co-founders, Jack Dorsey, as interim CEO. (You heard it here first: Jack is totally sticking around. Also, I love Jack Dorsey.)

(Left to right) Costolo and Twitter co-founders Dorsey, Evan Williams and Biz Stone

In any case, it may or may not be kind of a mess over there, right? I tweet several times a day — how often do people RT or reply? Sometimes. Often. Seldom. Who cares? I always say Twitter is the platform you have to make work for you. I don’t know how many of my followers are really seeing what I put out there, but I keep trying. I do try my best to engage with others, and lists help, but it’s rough out there.

– PRO TIP! To better manager Twitter lists: TwitListManager –

In any case, while the company tries to sort themselves out and find a way to bring the community feel back (and they will!), I polled Social Media Club for their twitter pet peeves. I agree with every. single. one.

“I will almost never follow-back an egg (no profile picture), a profile that is all hashtags, or anyone who’s fixated on asking for a follow-back before any other interaction.” -@Stevens1, Swimmer Media
“Gurus, ninjas, disruptors and game-changers.” -@JeniferVides
“When they start a tweet with @jessicagottlieb because that ensures like eight people will see it….” -@JessicaGottlieb
“Blatant in-line hashtag overuse.” -@JessiSanfilippo, Shuggilippo

Hey. Don't be a hash-hole. http://t.co/BmUIhjGHb2

— Jess Sanfilippo (@JessSanfilippo) June 15, 2015

“PR pitch via tweet. I’m finding this is happening a lot lately especially from mobile app companies. I can’t think of a less personal form of initial contact.” -@cbaccus
“Accounts that only post from other platforms. i.e. Facebook.” -@busybeeblogger
“Auto DM is the worst ever.” -@LTSurf, Fit & Awesome (Note: this was , far and away, the overwhelming, top, top complaint from people about Twitter. Pay attention, tweeple.)

Yes, this is really how I answered.

“Corporate/company do-nothing customer service departments. Pretty useless.” -@MrJonBurk
“People who just tweet constantly – 100 or so times a day – just grabbing clips or what not and posting them. Just clogs my stream when I’m trying to get something good.” -@datatv
And a great article shared by @jspepper: “U.S. Companies ignore 80% of Twitter questions from customers… Brands are tired of responding to dumb questions on Twitter.” [more]

I also really dislike “laddering.” Never heard that term? Imagine 500 bloggers in a Facebook group. One posts “put a link to your twitter account here and let’s all follow each other!” Does it make your follow count go up? Sure. Does it earn you the engaged followers that brands who work with bloggers and influencers want you to have? Absolutely not. Do a lot of those bloggers go back and unfollow you later? Absolutely yes. Should you use an application like Crowdfire to methodically add and subtract your follows? I beg you not to.

Which brings me to the case of the curiously desperate blogger. A blogger who follows and unfollows me weekly. I assumed it was a pursuit to get me to follow her back but I wouldn’t. Eventually realized it was an auto thing via Crowdfire. Really irritating to me.

Fun spin, though: I declared I’d donate $20 to a charity every time she followed me again — so far charities have netted $160 out of me. I get to stick it to her and feel really good about myself. 😉

How to eat a churro ice cream sandwich

June 15, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

Happy days indeed.

To best tackle a Churro Ice Cream Sandwich you will need the following:

A big appetite – it looks small, but it’s really filling.
A spoon – you’re not actually going to be able to eat it like a sandwich.
Wipes – your fingers are going to get sticky. Don’t even try to fight it.
Several napkins — see #3.
If possible, a shirt you don’t care about. It drips.

It is a decadent, delicious, super sweet treat!

Of course, there is plenty else to love at the charming Happy Days Cafe in Sherman Oaks. It is a light, airy space with some outdoor seating, perfect for people watching on Ventura Blvd. The staff is super friendly — they know they’re selling you a unique item and love to talk about it. And there is also a menu of coffees, teas and other beverages.

Solid tip: Get a hot chocolate and dunk your churros in it.

I loved everything but I think if I had to choose a least favorite I’d throw the churro waffles under the bus, if only because they were the least churro-y item. And yes, I really just used “churro-y” as an adjective….

But is a waffle covered in a chocolate syrup ever bad? No. No it’s not.

It was a fun, indulgent treat and a good time with a group of friends. You won’t do it every weekend but you should do it at least once. They opened at noon yesterday and it was not crowded but I hope they’re all the rage soon so that they stay around a long time. In any case, grab some friends you haven’t seen in a while, drop $10 on some churros for the table, order a tea, and enjoy a great space for Sunday chit chat. It also happens to be a great part of the boulevard — there are some cute shops nearby you could walk down to after.

A note about parking — you’ll want to try to score a spot on the street first. There are also a couple spots right behind the cafe, off the alley. Otherwise, there are a couple public lots that charge.

Happy Days Cafe knew what they were doing with that name.

What’s in my Pocket Friday

June 12, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Enjoyable: 13 Fun Things You Didn’t Know Siri Could Do!
Apparently there is a restaurant in Los Angeles that serve Churro ice cream sandwiches. I must go there.
Some delicious, new brunches in LA – check ’em out! Adding them to my database…. (Yes, I have one just for brunch.)
I thought this was great — a YouTube series that breaks down Pinterest ideas. Pin-trusted or Pin-busted?

Betty White prank called James Corden!
I enjoy this time of year when all the networks roll out their new shows and schedules for Fall.
I got some fabulously comfy new flats that I may now buy in every color. I cannot recommend them enough. Check out Corso Como’s Ballasox! (Especially awesome for travel – they fold up into a little pouch.)

I’m not trying to be ass but guys, come on. Rue McClanahan died five years ago. Be smarter.
I’m seeing Sutton Foster in concert on Sunday! Do you watch her show, “Younger?” It’s pretty great but I’ve been a fan for years. If you watch one performance from her, watch “Anything Goes.”
Had a great time leading round table discussions at EAMC yesterday! Post on that subject (Managing Your Social Media Calendar) to come soon!

What’s in my Pocket Friday

June 5, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

The Best of the web

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Ready to feel old? Here are 15 common expressions young people will not understand.
A great article in USA Today about PR Pros.
Christian Siriano is going to design a line for plus size retailer Lane Bryant. That is pretty cool.
This rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier” by Elon University’s A Capella group, Twisted Measure, is breathtaking.

If you have any curiosity about 3D printing – hell, even if you don’t – you have to see the impact it’s making on lives like this. I am so proud of my friends and Matter Hackers for being a part of this.

Captain America and his brother, Scott, attempted a duet. It is undeniably adorable and all too brief. They’re pretty ridiculous and while I’m at it, you need to see their joint interview on Fallon.

Earlier this week…

Anne and I tried the new menu at CPK.
I gushed about my bestie, Diane Keaton.
I pinned THIS.
I posted a video of an adorable kitten. You’re welcome.

My New Best Friend, Diane Keaton

June 1, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

I went to see “Mad Max: Fury Road” last night (excellent, by the way) and as I turned away from the concessions counter and weaved through the crowd, I found myself turning around and nearly crashing into Diane Keaton.

Early last week, the morning radio show I listen to asked people to call in and talk about celebrities they’d spotted but not had the courage to go up to. I thought of this immediately as I walked by Ms. Keaton, my jaw hanging down, my eyes wide. I would never go up to her. First because I wouldn’t even know what to say, but mostly because in my imagination she is the most wonderful, charming, kindest human being alive and god forbid she is not in fact just so, I think I’d curl up and weep.

We saw her after the movie as well. Again, I could not go up to her. I thought I might — especially after I saw a couple ask to take a photo with her and she didn’t seem to mind obliging — but I just couldn’t. Instead I hung out in the movie theater lobby, pretending to text, and really just watching her. I was positively elated she was not even hiding who she is. She was dressed as you would likely imagine, in a fitted navy pantsuit, a thick black belt tight around her waist, black wedges, a black bowler hat (with a skull and crossbones embroidered on the side of it!).

There was absolutely no way to be cool when I nearly walked into Diane Keaton at the Arclight.

— ((( AJ Feuerman ))) (@ajfeuerman) June 1, 2015

I have a very strange career. I am privileged to work with all kinds of people I admire and respect and I have learned to shove personal feelings aside to appear professional. It’s become fairly easy to do, in fact, and it’s allowed me to have some really special relationships and create some remarkable memories. But there will just always be a few people I’ve put on very tall pedestal (Dave Grohl also comes to mind) who will reduce me to a gooey fangirl.

If you’re Diane-curious, allow me to make some recommendations.

If you’re already a Woody Allen fan (let’s face it, he’s his own genre), and you haven’t seen her most iconic role ever, you clearly need to see “Annie Hall.” If you’re not an Allen fan, you can skip it. I enjoy it but it’s not one of her performances I can watch over and over for some reason.
“Baby Boom.” It’s pretty eighties but OMG, I love this movie. (And it’s only $2.99 to rent on Amazon so COME ON.)
“The First Wives Club.” Because not just Diane — see also Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler. (Dear god, how is it only $4.50?! Go buy this. You will watch it repeatedly.)
“Something’s Gotta Give.” She gets to make out with Keanu Reeves and I think that’s pretty rad. And she looks radiant in this movie.
Her book, “Then Again.” It’s brilliant. It made me a much bigger fan of hers. It also lead to me following her on Twitter and Pinterest where she is, of course, delightful.

If you haven’t seen “The Godfather” or “Father of the Bride,” you most certainly should. They are fabulous for different reasons. But Keaton is more of a supporting player in these flicks.

She’s so terrific, guys. I always especially enjoy her visits to “Ellen.” Here’s a great moment — guess who she’d like to marry? And then they talk about the mile-high club….

Anyway, I geeked out yesterday because I shared space with the fabulous Diane Keaton. I’m still geeking out. Thank you for indulging me!

What’s In My Pocket Friday

May 29, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

The Best of the web

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Do you guys read “Job Seeker Tips” on Tumblr? I may or may not have submitted this one.
This article from PopSugar about 80s babies vs. Millennials is accurate. Great read!
I’ve become irrationally obsessed with OUTLANDER on Starz. A friend persuaded me to check it out. I started it this past weekend and now I’m caught up. The Season One finale airs this weekend.

A very resourceful young man figured out “National Good Day.” You’re welcome, Ice Cube. Also, who has this much free time?
Robert Scoble posted a long but terrific set of guidelines to make your Facebook experience optimal. Check it out when you have a few minutes.
Blogger Marla, from Marlita on the Run, tweeted about these sunglasses — they’re ART! I love them. I’d never wear most of them, but a couple I would… Who’s gonna loan me $800?
Is it weird that I love a really scathing movie review? Entertainment Weekly did NOT like Aloha. Not that I blame them. It looks pretty terrible.
BIRTHDAY. CAKE. WAFFLES. Enjoy.
In case you haven’t noticed, it seems like Facebook is allowing animated gifs in posts. If they start allowing us to post midi files and customize our “top eight,” I’m packing it in.

Earlier this week…

The company I worked for announced a new acquisition.
I professed my love for a backpack.
I felt lust for french fries.
Screener season officially began when I got a package from AMC.

When a Backpack Isn’t Just a Backpack

May 27, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

When a Herschel Supply Co. Backpack is magic.

I have been wanting a new laptop backpack for quite some time — I typically go for a backpack rather than a shoulder bag or cross-body. I typically buy a 15 – 17″ laptop and even the lightest ones are heavy on just one shoulder. My old, reliable, plain black laptop Targus Backpack has held up well over the years but a while ago I got fixated on something snazzier.

You know how it is. Sometimes you just see a product you like and obsess.

So I obsessed over the Herschel Supply Co. Mid-Volume Rubber Backpack you see over yonder. It comes in a b’zillion colors and patterns but of course, I gravitated toward something gray and black. And when I felt like I could splurge on it, I ordered it from Amazon. It arrived shortly thereafter and I brought the box into my bedroom, tore it open and was excited I loved it as much in person as I did the photo. (I’d seen the bag in person in several of the other shades, but not the one I picked out on the web.)

I had no immediate need to use it, though, so I put it down, back in the box, with its protective plastic and tissue paper. And there it sat for a week or so.

It was then that, unfortunately, I got laid off from my job.

Once I was past the initial devastation that comes with such a thing, the box containing the backpack tortured me further. I felt horrible guilt for spending on it and more so because I still loved it and could not bring myself to return it. Yet it stayed in the box and long went unused.

It’s amazing how complicated a relationship with a simple backpack can be. Amazing what it ultimately represented.

Complicated indeed. At last, this morning, before I began my fourth week at my new(ish) job, I went for the backpack feeling much like a child on the first day of school with shiny new pencils and such. School supplies, whether or not we realized it, always represented fresh beginnings, a clean slate and maybe even triumph. Again I say, it’s amazing what this backpack ultimately represented.

I put all my things into it and, at last, walked out of the house with it over my shoulders, smiling and feeling very happy.

Obligatory disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click on them and happen to make a purchase, I’ll make about 25 cents. A true embarrassment of riches.

The Corner Door in Culver City

May 26, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

Listen up, please. This is important to me.

Everything about The Corner Door in Culver City is delicious and wonderful. From the neighborhood to the staff to the food on down.

But don’t go there.

The cocktails my friend and I enjoyed were sweet… but not too sweet. We had a a “Topless Mermaid” which is composed of vodka, pineapple, banana rose, blue curacao and lime, as well as a “House French 75” which has gin, lillet rose, lemon, sugar, peach bitters and sparkling wine. They were served quite chilled and were very refreshing.

But you need not concern yourself with these divine libations.

To start, we had the French Fries “Carbonade.” It is HANDS DOWN the best french fry dish I’ve ever had. Crispy spuds topped with beer-braised beef, farmhouse cheese and a roasted garlic aioli made of garlic, Dijon, egg yolks, malt vinegar, and garlic oil.

It’s an amazing dish but you don’t want it. Even if you had it, you’d eat it quickly and be so full, you’d not be able to enjoy anything else! That would be so sad.

Also, you definitely don’t want the Brussels Sprouts. Just skip right past those.

With apologies to my friend, I happily ate most of them. It was a shameful thing to do so I ask you not to stand in the same position. I must warn you against ordering the tasty dish.

Moving on from there, we had absurdly good entrees. The lobster and shrimp bolognese with squid ink capellini as well as a braised short rib special — the meat just fell onto my fork and melted in my mouth with every bite. The sauce on the pasta was good enough to drink.

Terrible. Stuffing my belly this way. A real crime. Don’t even think about doing it to yourself.

And whatever you do, do not ask to sit in Patrick’s section. You’ll end up falling in love with him and who needs a broken heart? Plus, he’ll talk you into ordering dessert, even when you’re full, and you’ll end up with something atrocious like sticky toffee pudding.

Just look at it. Taunting me from deep in it’s lair.

I ate every single last bite just to spite it. They won’t beat me at The Corner Door.

You see, the food is wonderful, the environment warm and inviting and the people are friendly.

But it’s a fairly small place. And I want to go back there so really, do me a favor and don’t go there. If you all go, then it will be harder for me to get a seat. You’ll only end up eating all their delicious eats too quickly, getting a nice buzz off their hand crafted cocktails or great wine list. You’ll end up spending too much on their small plates and weep over your empty wallet. I’m doing you a favor, in truth. Let me go. Let me take this one for the team.

I will keep going to The Corner Door so you don’t have to. 😉

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Located at 12477 Washington Blvd. in Culver City
Parking on the street is fairly easy there
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