Author, Julie Spira Appeared at the New York Public Library
May 31st
As part of the first-annual New York Book Week, Julie Spira, bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online, was selected as the first of ten authors to be featured in the Library’s Meet the Author Series.
Spira talked about why she wrote her book on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 and read excerpts from two chapters. Following her presentation, she answered questions from the audience about the Internet dating industry as well as provided dating advice and tips for singles looking for love online.
“It was an honor to be selected by the New York Public Library at their “Meet the Author Series” during New York Book Week and to engage with the readers,” said Spira.
Spira donated a copy of her book to the New Amsterdam branch. She also signed copies of her book at Book Expo America on May 26, 2010.
New York Book Week was created by Book Expo America (BEA) to coincide with the publishing industry’s largest conference in North America.
New York Book Week included public “main stage” author programs at venues such as Times Talks, the 92nd Street Y, and the main branches of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library, as well as smaller events at other libraries in the NYPL system and chain and independent bookstores throughout New York City and its boroughs.
New York Book Week embraces all literary and book activity, and expands the awareness of authors, books and publishing.
To purchase a copy of The Perils of Cyber-Dating, click here>>>
For media appearances and interviews, visit CyberDatingExpert.com/contact
Sex and the City 2 Week – A Conversation with Stanford, the Broom
May 29th
The Sex and the City 2 Opening Week Celebration was in full force. Starting with the Premiere at Radio City on Monday evening, continuing with a private party for SATC stylist extraordinaire Patricia Field at her swimwear disco soiree and fashion show, and ending with a 9-hour Sex and the City Hotspots Tour on the film’s opening night from On Location Tours. The evening ended with an exclusive interview with Willie Garson, best known for his role as Stanford Blatch, Carrie’s best male friend in the films and television series.
Julie Spira and Patricia Field
Since I was in New York, where Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha frolicked in style, it seemed fitting to spend the evening on the Sex and the City Hotspots Midnight Madness Tour before going to the midnight show.After all, New York is the city that doesn’t sleep. I already knew my favorite scene was the wedding scene with Liza Minnelli singing Beyonce’s All the Ladies.
Our tour guide was as knowledgeable as a Sex and the City encyclopedia, if one did exist. She started by asking how many Samantha’s were on the bus. Only one person raised their hand. It appeared most women thought they were Carrie or Charlotte, or a combination of the two.
The Plaza Hotel
We started in front of the Plaza Hotel, where Carrie had said goodbye to Mr. Big in a scene based on the film The Way We Were. We drove past several locations that one could not forget, including Trey and Charlotte’s visit to Tiffany to pick out her diamond engagement ring.
We had the opportunity to jump off the bus and stop at the Pleasure Chest, where Charlotte bought her first “rabbit” and the trendy Buddakan, the location for Carrie and Big’s rehearsal dinner for the wedding that wasn’t.
Carrie Seim, Melissa Braverman, Julie Spira
It was a hot and humid New York evening, so I was thrilled to stop for a signature Cosmopolitan at O’Neals Grand Street Bar in Little Italy, along with Betty Confidential and New York Post writer, Carrie Seim as well as Single Gal in the City blogger, Melissa Braverman. The bar was known as Scout in the television series.
On the tour, we learned the following:
* SATC 2 had 114 costume changes
* Carrie Bradshaw spent $40,000 on shoes in one year.
* Carrie’s annual salary was estimated at $54,000
* Charlotte York was 32 when she asked a man out for the first time
When Aidan was going to be written out of the series, fans and loyalists around the world sent furniture made out of toothpicks and popsicle sticks to HBO and said, ‘Please don’t let Aidan go out of business”
Willie Garson (Stanford in SATC)
After dinner, I met up with Willie Garson, who had just gotten off the phone with Sarah Jessica Parker in London. Before introducing the film to the crowd, Willie shared with us his thoughts about Sex and the City 2.
I asked the Sex and the City star who came up with the term “broom,” a combination of bride and groom, during the gay marriage wedding scene. Willie replied with, “Michael. We have the best writer in the business. If you asked him right now he’d write ten more movies, he’s so smart.” I have a feeling there will be many more brooms in days to come.
Willie added, “There’s a funnier line in this movie, but we can’t say it on television. It’s Kim’s line about the guy in the desert. My God is that a funny line.”
Of the two weddings, one in the first film and one in the second, I asked him which was his favorite. He replied with, “Oh, wow. That’s hard to say. We don’t have favorites in Sex and the City. It’s all one story about these ten people.”
And finally, I asked, “Should one kiss and tell?” His reply was, “Always. You should kiss and tell someone, you shouldn’t kiss and tell everyone.” I have to agree with Stanford Blatch on this one.
In real life, Willie has been a friend of Sarah Jessica’s for 25 years. They talk almost daily.
If you missed the Midnight Madness tour and are a SATC fan, no need to fret. You can book your Sex and the City Hotspots Tour at your convenience.
Julie Spira is known worldwide as the Cyber-Dating Expert. She is the author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. Visit her at CyberDatingExpert.com
Weekly Flirt – Live from New York, SATC Excitement
May 28th
Click here and let the flirting begin>>>
Love Potions – Sex and the City Inspired Cocktails
May 27th
As part of our Sex and the City 2 Celebration Week, we’re featuring SKYY® Vodka’s SATC-inspired cocktails.
SKYY created recipes in honor of the film’s release which included: “Glamour Gal,” “Red Over Heels,” “Park Avenue Princess,” “Blonde Ambition” and the “Mr. Manhattan.”
Local restaurants and bars nationwide were serving these signature cocktails along with Patricia Field-designed giveaway items.
Rather stay inside and sip? SKYY has shared their specialty drink recipes with us.
GLAMOUR GIRL
2 oz. SKYY® Vodka
.5oz. fresh lemon juice
.5 oz simple Syrup or 1 tsp. sugar
Drop of Crème de Cassis
Rim a martini glass with Crème de Cassis and sugar.
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Strain into the martini glass.
Finish the cocktail with a drop of Crème de Cassis.
PARK AVENUE PRINCESS
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions® Grape Vodka
3 oz. 7 UP®
.25 oz. fresh lemon juice
.25 oz red wine
Squeeze and drop half a lemon into a cocktail shaker.
Add SKYY Infusions Grape Vodka and 7Up with ice and stir.
Strain into a tall Collins glass with fresh ice.
Float red wine over top of drink.
RED OVER HEELS
2 oz. SKYY Infusions® Ginger Vodka
1 oz. honey syrup*
.75oz. fresh lemon juice
Shake ingredients with ice.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.
*Combine .5oz. water with .5oz. honey to make honey syrup.
BLONDE AMBITION
2 oz. SKYY Infusions® Pineapple Vodka
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.75 oz. triple sec
.75 oz. Clear Crème de Cacao
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon peel.
MR. MANHATTAN
2 oz. SKYY Infusions® Cherry Vodka
.5 oz. Wild Turkey®101
.5 oz. cola
Combine ingredients with ice into a cocktail shaker and stir.
Pour into a double rocks glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
To download a printable version of the recipes, click here>>>
Win 2 Tickets to Opening Night of Sex and the City 2
May 25th
New York is filled with excitement for Sex and the City 2 week. On Wednesday night at midnight, you can be one of the first to see the film in New York at the Premiere Experience at the Ziegfeld Theatre.
I’m thrilled to be offering this special to those who stop by the book signing for The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online at Book Expo America. I will be signing free copies of my book from 9:30am – 10:30am at BEA in the Authors Autographing Area at table 21.
The winner will receive:
- Two reserved seating tickets to the midnight show
- Walk the Red Carpet at the Ziegfeld
- Have popcorn and soda delivered to your seat
- Complimentary “cosmopolitan” non-alcoholic drink.
No purchase is necessary. You must register at Book Expo America (BEA) on May 26, 2010 at table 21 from 9:30am-10:30am. Registration to Book Expo America is a separate entry. Winners will be announced by 2:00pm on the day of the show.
Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert Radio Show – Have I Got a Guy for You with Alix Strauss
May 25th
Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert
Join Cyber-Dating Expert Julie Spira as she welcomes Alix Strauss, editor of Have I Got a Guy for You: What Really Happens When Mom Fixes You Up
Alix is social satirist and has been a featured lifestyle and trend writer on national morning and talk shows including ABC, CBS, CNN, and The Today Show. Her articles have also appeared in the New York Times, New York Post, Time Magazine, and Marie Claire.
Call in on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 2pm/ET, 12 noon/CT, 11am/PT at 646-929-0012 for dating advice and to hear more about dating, love and romance in a Web 2.0 World.
Live from New York – Sex and the City 2 World Premiere, BookExpo and more
May 24th
I’m quite excited to be back in New York. This week, the excitement can’t be missed with tonight’s World Premiere of Sex and the City 2.
I’m on my way to Radio City Music Hall to attend the premiere, happily dressed in a Herve Leger dress worn by Kim Cattral in the first film to get in the mood. If you can’t make it to Radio City, make sure you check out the live stream of tonight’s Red Carpet event starting at 6:00pm, ET.
On Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 1:00pm, I hope you can join me at the Meet the Author Series at the New York Public Library during New York Book Week. You’ll hear some of my personal stories from my book, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. I’ll be discussing some of the similarities of Sex and the City and my memoir. A book signing will follow.
Book enthusiasts, publishers, and agents will all be at Book Expo America on May 26-28th. Join me at 9:30am on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in the Authors Autographing Area where you will receive a complimentary signed copy of The Perils of Cyber-Dating. I’ll be at Table 21 from 9:30am – 10:30am. The lines start early, so put it on your calendar now.
On Wednesday evening, join me at the Opening Night for Sex and the City with the Midnight Madness Tour from On Location Tours. Get your tickets before it sells out. You’ll see real sights from the film and tv show, have dinner, and meet Willie Garson, best known as Carrie Bradshaw’s pal, Stanford Blatch from Sex and the City before our midnight screening of the film. Click here for tickets>>>
The excitement will continue all week long, so grab your Skyy Vodka Cosmos and Moet Chandon Champagne and enjoy the week.
Zoosk TV Interview with Online Dating Expert Julie Spira – Part Two
May 24th
In Part Two of my Interview series by Social Dating site Zoosk, I share my tips for creating your irresistible online dating profile and talk about the future of mobile dating.
Click here for Zoosk Interview, Part One>>>
The Wing Girls on Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert Radio Show
May 22nd
Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert
Listen to Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert Radio Show, where Jet and Star – The Wing Girls gave their dating advice for men.
You’ll hear about the Top Ten Facebook Don’ts, Top Ten Online Dating Ad Mistakes, and how guys get can out of the friend zone.
Find out what the most impossible questions women ask men, and learn more about dating, love and romance in a Web 2.0 World.
Cyber Love Story of the Week – Lori and Drew
May 21st
Lori and Drew met on Match.com in 2003. Although Drew called her after their first date, Lori never returned his call. “He’s an old-fashioned guy looking for a woman to stay home and raise a family vs. someone focused on her career like me,” Lori reasoned.
Lori grew up in a rural town outside of Syracuse, New York, determined not to follow the same path as her mother who had given up her business career when she married Lori’s father. Instead, Lori fled to Long Island for college and spent her young adult life escaping into star-studded big city events as a public relations executive in NYC.
In 2006, at the age of 38, Lori was happy with her career but single and lonely at home. After a rejuvenating trip to Argentina that November, she decided to update her online profile with a fresh faced vacation photo. Three days later, a message from Drew appeared in her inbox.
“Lori, do you remember me?” his email said. She responded in a joking manner, “Yes, your birthday is February 5th and you give body adjustments.” They had not spoken in three years, yet she recalled the day he was born (it was also her sister’s birthday) and that he was a chiropractor, both of which were not listed in his profile.
Drew immediately asked Lori out again and this time she accepted. Lori had made some transformational decisions that past year, one of which was to “throw away her list” and be open to date people who she didn’t initially think were her type.
Nine weeks later, Drew whisked Lori away to Los Cabos, Mexico with the intention of proposing to her on Valentine’s Day. They had no idea they would be stuck on the runway for 11 hours due to weather conditions. After 36 hours of traveling and four days of no luggage, the trip ended with a beautiful, serenaded beach proposal. Being in a disastrous situation like this and still being able to laugh was enough proof that Drew was her type after all.
Lori left her career and moved out of the city. The couple had a destination wedding and renewed their vows a month later in a religious ceremony, taking place on the same day as her parent’s 40th anniversary.
The couple now lives in Brooklyn, with their two-year-old daughter, St. Bernard, Thor and a baby girl who will be joining them in July. Lori ended up following a similar path to her mother’s and she couldn’t be happier.
Congratulations to Lori and Drew our Cyber Love Story of the Week who are evidence that you can’t escape your roots or ‘type’ when it comes to love.
Do you have an online dating story to share? Please send us your submissions.
