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.

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.