My Namesake!

I keep apologizing for my hiatus for one reason or another but please be kind and forgive me. This wonderful animal has my namesake, Sam but my full name is Samuil Shashenka. I am a Russian Siberian cat and quite the companion. Never heard of a Siberian cat, the waiting is over and you can learn more about me here www.russiansiberian.com

I am a handsome chap at that, and living a great life. I have heard I was named after this incredible person, Sam Bushman and hope I can live up to his standards. From what I understand I am not doing such a bad job and hopefully can keep up these high standards. I do love to lounge on a piece of equipment, a Royal Standard Typewriter that I also understand my namesake used for many a task. For some reason it is comforting to sit on the Royal and find many peaceful moments.

Look for some interesting news coming up. I cannot promise I will be diligent in my musings but again, it is not quantity, but quality which is the important mix in the scheme of things!

Back From Hiatus

This never intended to be such a long hiatus from my journey but always remember, I never left. Amidst this new technology I have had to find my way again and the "old", rather than the "new", suits me just fine. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it or something similar. Most likely, the momentum that started with my return has faded somewhat, but there is always today, tomorrow and the future.

December is almost over and the New Year will be upon us shortly and I can make my New Year's Resolution to post on a regular basis, but Resolutions are not etched in stone. While on hiatus, I rummaged through the archives and found items, those little unknown treasures to share here. Look for new items appearing on a regular basis.

Although December almost gone, I have some birthday wishes for a few people. Most of you remember getting cards on your birthday and kept these records in my birthday calendar. Above is a sample page from the Birthday Calendar. If you notice the names crossed out, most would think they were ex-girlfriends, clients or other people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once in the Birthday Book a person remained for life and you were crossed out at your death. A simple enough explanation.

December brings only two entries (although there may be more people celebrating this month). Happy Birthday to Bill Curry December 24, proprietor of Copabannana and Bob Pantano, legendary DJ.
Bill Curry has opened Copa Miami at 1716 Chestnut Street so all you West of Broad Street people can enjoy one of Philadelphia's favorite and famous spots 365 days a year. Remember that when you are looking for someplace to imbibe on a holiday.

People today use all kinds of electronic devices to keep track of birthdays, but Sam never needed those bells and whistles. If you were on Sam's Birthday List, every year a card arrived. For all those forgotten since I have been gone, as the saying goes; Happy Birthday and many happy returns or goings of the day!


Speaking of South Street.....

Meet Me on South Street later this week or at least sometime in the next year or two. Look for the rich history this famous Philadelphia Street has endured and the many changes over the years. However, one constant remains; South Street is unique and has remained so throughout the years.

Item of the Week

Today is a day filled with surprises and Item of the Week is launched. Hopefully, Tuesdays will be "Item of the Week" but in this business you need to be prepared, at a moment's notice, to get an important item from a client into the papers with an imposing deadline.

So, getting back to the item as you are feeling nostalgic, as you look at the picture to your right. How many remember this famed restaurant and where was it located? Take a look at the inside of the menu listed below.
Incidentally, I am still getting used to all this technology so please bear with me as I try to figure things out. With my trusty "Royal", there is nothing to figure out, just type and go! Of course, I must admit and will admit without embarrassment, I could never change those typewriter ribbons. It may have been one of the reasons I finally gave in and got married. After all, having a faithful companion who can change typewriter ribbons is not only an asset, but a requirement for this Master of the "Royal".

Hint: People Went Nutz Over this Place!

Now I do expect you to figure this one out with the hint above? After all, I made my living with words and no different today. So, if you have any answer, post a comment and you may receive some of Sam's Swag arriving shortly.

Tools of the Trade: Part 1

The Steps to Successful Publicity
It all started here with the trustworthy Royal Standard Typewriter whose keys typed thousands, if not millions of words during its lifetime. No computers or electric typewriters for Sam Bushman. His press releases were legendary. He was from the old school of Proofreader's Marks.

Could the modern day publicist, newspaper columnist or editor read these proof marks? As modern technology advanced and more people switched to new devices, Sam continued to get as much press for his clients without the aid of all these electronic wonders. It all went with his practical style and beliefs, but he did not like change, a fact only known by few, but rarely missed a deadline or failed to get his clients mentioned in the columns.

Look familiar?
Many people were witness to the familiar style of a Sam Bushman Press Release. Note the Proofreader's Marks throughout the document. If you need a reference, follow the link above to see these marks and what they indicate and if you cannot figure what in the world to do with this Release, you have an assignment. You might be sorry when the day arrives and a similar document passes your work station with an imposing, impending deadline.

Sam did relent to having his press releases typed on a computer after his wife Brenda insisted he could not be sending the "Sam Bushman Release" as more people were switching to computers and word processing. Word processing to Sam was ingesting a thought later turned into words on his most valuable possession and top notch office companion, "The Royal".

Some things never changed about Sam's Tools of the trade which became his trademark. He was known for carrying his office everywhere which consisted of press releases, a few newspapers, file folders and his "little black book".


Office on the Go
Pictured left are canvas bags from his collection. He used each one until they were frayed, worn, dirty and would not part with any bag until it could no longer hold contents or be carried. You would often see Sam carrying a few bags; one for his office and the other for his newspapers. There were his daily newspapers, papers for his clients, magazines and usually a book he was currently reading.

Sam, an avid reader, absorbed everything he read and stored it in his photographic memory. Sam Bushman was synonymous with total recall and not the infamous Governor of California's version of Total Recall.

The Little Black Book
Sam's little black book was the envy of everyone who knew him. Immediately what might come to mind people not knowing this dapper, sophisticated gentleman, and one of Philadelphia's most eligible bachelors for decades, would be its contents of intriguing female companions. However, this envy was misplaced because it contained the phone numbers of all his clients, columnists past and present, unlisted numbers and just about anyone you might want to find in Philadelphia. His book was sacred, however, and numbers were not given out oh a whim or to anyone who wanted information. Sam Bushman had principles and as everything else, it was all about information and his network of calling who for what to tell them who was where with who or what celebrity was in one of his client's establishments. Oh did I mention, there were quite a number of celebrities listed as well, and was of no consequence when a celebrity heard Sam Bushman's voice on the other end of the line. It was always a welcome call and in typical fashion related stories long forgotten. How many of you remember getting a call from Sam asking if he left his phone book and could be any place from the newspapers to a client. There was never a time he could not locate or remember where he misplaced this valuable tool of his trade.


Speaking of celebrities and not well known today, is Sam handled Janis Joplin when she played Philadelphia in the late 1960's. Sam almost never used the words "I did publicity for", but would say "I handled so and so with his usual, casual manner as if handling just about every celebrity to come through Philadelphia was just part of his job and nothing more than a day's work.

Yahoo Time Capsule

The Yahoo Time Capsule was open for 30 days so content cannot be added now but hopefully because of the overwhelming response of people there will be another opportunity to add content. A project of this sort with many people contributing is worthy of some additional input, but perhaps in the next hundred years or so another opportunity will exist to add content. By the year 3006, almost all content will hopefully be digitized, lost forever or sitting somewhere in storage to where these articles have passed. In the year 2020, the 25th Anniversary of Yahoo, the time capsule will be reopened. It was given to Folkways Recordings Archives of the Smithsonian.

For now, you can enjoy the entertainment scene in Philadelphia and other places from times past here in my corner of cyber space.

A Busy Week

It has been almost a week since any news has appeared here on my blog but has been a busy week finally setting up the scanner and begin to dig into the 70 plus year archives. Imagine, who would have thought back in the 1930's material would show up to live forever in 2006. It reminds me of a time capsule waiting to be opened and explored for the first time from another time and place. As I search this vast universe of information online I am more amazed each day at the unlimited potential for clients for useful information. Today I found a time capsule from Yahoo, well worth the time to investigate. It is a compilation of ages of people from teens to 70 plus and the 70 plus category is sparse to say the least so it is important to get my archives scanned and online.

An added feature to this time capsule project is Yahoo's charitable arm with commitment to donate $100,000 among seven organizations when you add content to the project. You choose the organization when you adding content among the seven listed. A worthy project to add content from past generations, as well as helping present and future global organizations. Kudos to Yahoo for developing this project and to Time Capsule artist Jonathan Harris. Started in 2006, the project is new and urge any and all of you to add some content to the project.

Kal Rudman Publisher, Philanthropist

Kal Rudman, Publisher and well known Philanthropist pictured center was Sam Bushman's primary client for a number of years, but most of all, he made possible for Sam to work until the end of his career. What comes to mind when using the term philanthropist is usually of a financial nature giving money to organizations, and although true of Kal Rudman and his Foundation, he is to be recognized publicly for keeping Sam as his Publicist until the time when he traveled to another place and time. Sam kept Kal in the media almost on a daily basis. If there was some organization needing help you could be sure Kal was involved and it was Sam's job to organize all events for media coverage. Some may have thought of them as an odd pairing of souls, but these two individuals shared a bond not often seen today. Sam was recommended to Kal after Mike Goffredo, a giant among Philadelphia Press Agents passed away and where this journey started.

Pictured with Kal Rudman is Bob Pantano, a legend in his own right and The Honorable Lynne Abraham, District Attorney of Philadelphia. Both these people are big supporters of Kal Rudman as Kal is of them. Kal Rudman's name enjoys instant recognition for all his work and contributions and Sam Bushman continued the legacy. Sam not only supported Kal in his endeavors, but came to be known as someone Kal could seek advice and in typical fashion, Sam was always honest as he was never one to gloss over words or concepts. If he thought an idea not worthy, that cool, calm manner could disappear in a flash! Just ask Kal the next time you see him. He has many stories to tell about Sam and all of them good I may add (another famous Sam Bushman line).

Kal and his wife Lucille through their Foundation established the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies at Drexel University. Both Kal and his wife Lucille are dedicated to education and public safety and their generosity is well known not only in Philadelphia, but the surrounding area.

Sam Bushman no doubt wrote the book on how to be a Press Agent and Kal Rudman, client and friend , the best example of putting this practice into action.

What Was Wrong with the Old Look

There are several new looks for me but do not understand why my original persona needs to be altered. I am and shall remain the same. Sam would then go on to tell you he probably had "suits older than you". This was not a line of any sort, but the truth. Sam was for all practical purposes just that, practical, but to the extreme. If Sam Bushman had a motto it would go something like this: "I never spent a dime I did not make," . Can you say the same about yourselves? Have you ever spent a dime you did not make?

I could get used to this image of me. What do you think? Should we stick with this or go with something else. We can do a comparison and vote on what image you like best.

I have been procrastinating and am still not ready to get these archives of mine so many people are interested in viewing online, but promise to try and get something up this week. Remember, this has been a long journey and still need to get my bearings. Are you sick of seeing my image here, if so, just let me know. I can take rejection. I have always been good at taking rejection. I like this image and once I figure it out may keep it as my image to the world!

Rumor Central:
I heard the following: Sam's SWAG. What in the world is Sam's Swag! I certainly am not a drapery or other type of wall adornment. I will just have to wait with the rest of you for Sam's Swag.

We're In Print!

Early yesterday an email was waiting to inform yet again I was being featured, and this time, in print. Those of you reading or perusing headlines for interesting stories, should find this attention getting headline:

"Press Agent Files From Beyond" featured in the Saturday, November 18 Weekend Section of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

All this attention in the same week is usually reserved for clients. However, not much I am able to do about it now, except make sure all is in order, everything spelled correctly and no mistakes describing the Philadelphia landscape.

What is Philadelphia landscape you ask? Philadelphia Landscape: Anything pertaining to or about Philadelphia geography including but not limited to people, places and things. Some of these might be street or neighborhood names or some other information relating to the geography of the City. If you are talking about Center City and 18th and Walnut; you would say, "On Rittenhouse Square today....", and 2nd and Pine would be "Society Hill." Not sure, just ask. My meter is never running. I have a pet peeve of everything being lumped together as in "generic terms" such as Center City. It is just plain laziness on the part of people not doing their homework. Don't forget to get your facts straight or you might just get an early morning phone call.

I tend to get lost in all this rambling but there are so many stories to tell no doubt one word always leads to another and so on and so forth.

Getting Noticed: Getting A Plug!

A publicity tip from the wise one, Sam Bushman, a few secrets along the way and a lesson about integrity. A creature of habit in almost every way imaginable, the start of a Sam Bushman day consisted of getting up, going to the door and picking up his delivered newspapers; The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News. It was tradition for Sam only to have one paper delivered, until it was pointed out delivery of both papers could be a convenience. He would then sit down and first check the columnists to see if any of his "items" got a plug and then moved on to the rest of the paper. At one time Sam read over 50 newspapers a week, from first to last page and absorbed every detail to store in that photographic memory. Any errors or important facts omitted meant a phone call, placed immediately to the person writing the article. Sam was not a make a list to do later about these types of things. So early in the am, many people can fondly recall (or not) a phone call from Sam Bushman. Never condescending and always with a modicum of manners, Sam would give you a hearing should you be wrong about something written or to give additional information. His reputation for knowing everything about everything and everyone made him a legend. Sam's sacred world consisted of getting the word out and getting it right. A side note about getting the word out. This has nothing to do with "hype" a favorite of this jovial press agent. It all had to do with his integrity and respect for the written word. Hype was always an acceptable method of getting his clients exposure. A no from one columnist never deterred him and he went through his contacts until he found a place for an item.

His next phone call was to his client when there was a mention in a column or a feature story due to appear on a certain date. For years he used his reliable rotary phone and an answering service to field his calls while away from the office. He finally submitted to using an answering machine, but involved bidding adieu to rotary phones and entry into the digital arena. Step by step he learned how to use this new fangled technology. Not happy to give up reliable means of communication, he truly was amazed that first day when receiving double the amount of calls normally received. Sam had arrived to the 21st Century! He admitted he had a long way to go and witness the story of trying to add channels to his cable lineup. Another story for another time but the short version was trying to add channels with the TV remote.

This Just In:

Kudos and a thank you to Daniel Rubin, for giving Sam's Blog its first "plug". Read all about it here. Daniel Rubin's Blog is a fascinating and interesting collection of stories brilliantly put together and a "must" read.

There is also a rumor going around online I am going to have my own store soon with all kinds of swag. Oh, do you love my grasp of all this new terminology. Swag, in my generation was related to draperies. Who knew swag would come to define what the well dressed person, entity or being would proudly wear or display in the Digital Age.

Getting late and time to comb the papers for information. You never know who might call and need some background for an article. Hey did you hear about the one.....

Living at the Top

Sam's humble abode atop Rittenhouse Square. He
not only knew every inch of the City, there were few people who didn't know him and would stop and say hello, throw a big wave from across the Square or risk crossing on red to have a few words with the man. You could not walk but a few feet and there was someone saying hello to Sam or stopping to pass along some gossip.

Sam never sat behind the wheel of a car and his famous line was "I always went with girls who drove" and he used Public Transportation until he could no longer ride the buses of SEPTA. Oh and don't forget his canvas bags. He was legendary for carrying his "office" everywhere he went in those bags. None of that disappeared and will live on in cyberspace and will make an appearance here in the near future.

Sam just hanging around in his apartment on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. All this blogging and what it is called; Cyberspace? Sam was always amazed at what could be done online. A little stubborn (gross exaggeration), Sam did things his way and in his time. For those of you who have wondered about his last days, he was working right up until the end as clients always came first and he was a true professional and a trooper. Never forget the Sam Bushman Mantra:

"For Immediate Release, Cash Flow and Tearsheets"

What more can a person want from life!

Just remember, I am never far away and you can just log onto my blog and see me and leave me comments. The fun has only just begun. You will never know what to expect but you can be sure it will bring back the memories.


This Just In:
I have heard there may be some celebrities from the past visiting my blog as early as this weekend. No details yet so come back to check to see who might show up.

Hear Sam Live Spinning Stories at Broadcast Pioneers

"On Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at the Bala Golf Club in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honored fellow member Sam Bushman for his years of service to the organization. At the age of 87, Sam is still pursuing his career as a Publicist. Sam considers himself a Publicity man and not a Public Relations person. To him, there's a huge difference. We have complete audio of Sam's remarks".

This is the only available recording of Sam's voice online. He always enjoyed helping Broadcast Pioneers promote their activities and was one of the few times he allowed himself to be honored by an organization. He always wanted the spotlight for his clients and not himself.

Sam Factoid:

Did you know Sam once had a TV show that was broadcast from the Benson East in Jenkintown.

Link

Election 2006: The D's Are Back Arnold!

The two pictured to your left were the best of friends even though one was a "D" and the other an "R". Now those of you familiar with these two gentlemen would surely know the only time that guy on the left would become completely exasperated with that guy on the right was when the "R" enjoyed rubbing in a fact or two about the administration.

So who are these guys? Of course there may be people who are younger, reading this for the first time or perhaps don't care at all about who they were and what they did, let alone their political affiliations.

Sam Bushman is on the left and Arnold Stark on the right in this photograph.

This past election comments from Sam to Arnold might go like this:

"It's about time the people came to their senses" to which Arnold might reply, "This is just the temoporary insanity of the American Public". And so it would go on and on, but never interfered with their lifelong friendship. Arnold and Sam were part of a breed of Press Agents that do not exist today. They were unique personalities who led the entertainment and restaurant scene in a different time and place and there is no doubt both were equally loved by people that knew them.

Many of you may may not know that Arnold used to bring cheesecakes from Bookbinders to all the Presidents (at least the Republican Presidents). It was nothing for him to get in his car and drive to the Whitehouse for a delivery. You never knew where Arnold might end up as you look at the postmark from some clipping he sent to you. With Arnold it could be anyplace in the United States. Sam on the other hand was more your "stay close to home type" who rarely traveled and liked to stay close to his home base and clients.

Okay, time is up and time for you to talk about these two pals. Post some of your stories about Sam and Arnold or about either one individually. Another walk down memory lane.

And So It Begins......

It has taken me a long time to get here but I finally have arrived ! To most of you I am a collection of memories; who was where with who and all of the usual rhetoric. Maybe you needed some information on people, places and establishments in the year I have been gone but am sure all of you are doing just fine these days.

I had forgotten all about doing this Blog thing and seems as though everyone has something to say these days but as you all know, that Royal Standard Typewriter just didn't know how to Blog. My archives will be scanned shortly and you can take a walk down memory lane with me as I revisit the Philadelphia Entertainment Scene from the 1930's to 2005. I know many of you will have comments and be sure to leave them for me. I will be talking about many things and hopefully you all will take the nostalgic trip with me.

See you all soon and remember I am watching you!