Press

Still Working in Your 70s? You’re Not Alone

By Kenneth Terrell, AARP

April 14, 2023

When he was 9 years old, Frank Lieberman sneaked into the Mount Eden Theatre in the Bronx and walked out with his first job, earning a $20 tip to pick up sandwiches for a film crew that was working there. Decades later, at age 78, Lieberman is still working in the entertainment industry as president of NY2C, a website and app that offers videos highlighting New York City’s best restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Lieberman started the company in 2017, when he already was older than 70 with a long, successful career as a consultant and dealmaker in film, music and other industries. And he has no intention of slowing down now, making plans to expand his video guide industry to perhaps as many as 30 cities. He notes that working with the college-age students he employs boosts his energy.

“It’s amazing. I’m becoming younger,” he says. “I never thought I was going to get younger, but I am. I come from a long history of work, and it helps you stay young. The minute you go sit in a rocking chair or somewhere on a bench, it’s over.”

Lieberman is not alone in his ongoing enthusiasm for employment past traditional retirement age. A growing share of the nation’s oldest workers are staying on the job longer. While the labor force participation rate — the percentage of the population either working or actively looking for work — is projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to decline for everyone 16 and older to 60.4 percent in 2030, from 61.7 percent in 2020, the share of workers 75 and older is expected to grow from 8.9 percent in 2020 to 11.7 percent in 2030. It’s the only age group tracked by BLS that’s estimated to expand over the 10-year period.

Better health later in life is the primary reason that the numbers of oldest workers are increasing. “COVID notwithstanding, older workers are healthier than they used to be, and that plays a big role,” says Geoffrey Sanzenbacher, an associate professor of economics and a research fellow with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. “People are able to work longer because they’re healthier longer.”

The need to increase savings for retirement also is driving the trend. Sanzenbacher notes that prior to 1978, when the 401(k) plan was created, previous generations depended on pensions for their retirement income.

“We’re getting into the generations of people who didn’t have pensions, unless they were in the public sector, and I think that really matters for two reasons,” he says. “One is that the way pensions used to operate was there were a lot of built-in retirement dates. There was either a mandate or a strong suggestion to retire at a certain age. And, secondly, I just think people worry more about running out of [401(k) savings in retirement], so they tend to work longer to kind of keep saving longer.”

Sanzenbacher notes that working longer also enables people to delay claiming their Social Security retirement benefits, which can have significant financial advantages. Each month you can wait to claim between age 62, when people first become eligible, and age 70, when the benefit amount maxes out, will result in a bigger monthly Social Security check.

“Every year you delay, that’s a raise you’re giving yourself forever,” he says.

Physical demands make some jobs harder for the oldest workers

The opportunity to work past age 70 often depends on the job responsibilities. From warehouses to construction sites to home health care, many workers are employed in jobs that are difficult for them to continue to do as they age.

“If you’re a blue-collar worker, working in your late 60s may not be feasible, physically,” Sanzenbacher says. “If those folks financially need to work longer, that’s not great.”

For example, white men with college degrees in age-friendly jobs often continue working past 65, while those in physically demanding jobs are more likely to retire. The share of white men in physically demanding jobs drops from 29.5 percent for ages 55 to 64 to 15.9 percent for 65 and older, according to research from the Retirement Equity Lab (ReLab) at the New School’s Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis.

Black and Hispanic older workers are more likely than white workers to be employed in physically demanding jobs, a disparity that can limit their opportunities to continue to earn income and save for retirement later in life.

“We haven’t had enough advances in making jobs more accommodating for a workforce that’s aging,” says Siavash Radpour, associate director of the ReLab. “Think about all the people who have to stop working because of health issues or because they have to do caregiving at home. So, the main issue is who can actually afford to continue to work.”

Employers will need to adjust the physical demands of some jobs and offer workers more opportunities to build new skills to make the most of the rising numbers of workers who are older than traditional retirement ages.

“These people were not born yesterday,” Radpour says. “If someone is 70, we knew 70 years ago that this person would age, and we knew a long time ago that our labor force was going to look like this today. The solution is to invest more in technology to make workers more productive and reduce the physical demands of jobs, but that hasn’t happened.”

Bill Maher and Drew Barrymore are returning to work - it’s all about greed

By Charles Passy

September 14, 2023

Bill Maher and Drew Barrymore recently announced plans to resume their shows amid the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike — drawing backlash from union officials and public figures alike.

Maher hosts “Real Time with Bill Maher” on HBO, while Barrymore is behind the syndicated “Drew Barrymore Show.”

Maher, who announced his decision Wednesday, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that “it is time to bring people back to work” and that “much of [his] staff is struggling mightily.” But Maher also said that he “will honor the spirit of the strike” by not doing a monologue or his popular New Rules segment — in other words, elements of the show that require writers.

Barrymore, whose show resumes airing on Sept. 18, struck a similar tone. She said in an Instagram post earlier this week that her show “may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me.” But she also indicated that she will be in “compliance” with the strike terms — in her case she didn’t mention anything about writers, but noted that she will not be “discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind.”

Still, union leadership didn’t take kindly to Maher and Barrymore’s decisions.

The Writers Guild said Wednesday that Maher’s plan to return was “disappointing.” And the union has already picketed tapings of Barrymore’s show.

The strikes by writers and actors, which center on several issues, including protections against the use of artificial intelligence, have now gone on for several months and have vastly interrupted the industry. Hollywood insiders and experts say the moves by Maher and Barrymore could signal a turning of the tide — that is, a desire to get back to work in spite of the unions — and may result in other boldface names making similar calls to resume production.  

Frank Lieberman, an entertainment executive, told MarketWatch that there is no question that some people in the industry are indeed hurting financially and need to find work. But he also thinks the decisions by Maher and Barrymore go beyond that.

“It’s all about greed,” he said.

But either way, it’s about getting back in the game. And either way, Lieberman said “it definitely weakens the strike” effort.

Others in the industry have found their own workarounds to, well, return to work in some shape or fashion. In certain instances, those involved in independent films or television productions have been granted strike waivers, for example.

Of course, the strike affects Hollywood studios and executives, too. And as the work stoppage continues, it may be forcing their hand to reach an agreement with the writer and actor unions.

“We have to get back to work,” said Warner Bros. Discovery Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels at the Bank of America Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference on Thursday. 

Presuming the strike ends eventually, the question remains whether those in the industry will hold a grudge against Maher, Barrymore and any others who make similar calls to return to work. Amy Palmer, an entertainment executive, told MarketWatch she doubts that will be the case.

“Hollywood has short memories for things,” Palmer said.

MarketWatch reached out to representatives for Maher and Barrymore for comment, but didn’t receive an immediate response.

Q&A With Fashion Journalist Ariana Rebello

By overdressedforlife

June 1, 2023

Ariana Rebello is fashion journalist based in New York City. As a first-generation American of Indian descent, she has been motivated to encourage South Asian representation in fashion. She currently produces her own fashion talk show, I Don’t Have Style Either, on NY2C, a video guide on what’s new and exciting in NYC. Originally from Northern Virginia, Ariana studied music business at Hofstra University with a concentration in PR and accelerated law.

Ariana was kind enough to fill us in on her journey with a Q&A.

What attracted you to fashion journalism? 

My interest for journalism started because my dad was a journalist in DC. Aside from that, I would watch shows like Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and the Drew Barrymore show and be completely mesmerized with the hosts’ charming personality and the deep, and moving conversations they could bring out of their guests. Because of this, I started my own women’s talk show at my college radio station. This show focused specifically on talking about trailblazing women in entertainment and their stories of success. I was connected to NY2C through that show and decided to change paths into fashion. Fashion was an outlet for me to be creative in a way that I loved. 

I have enjoyed watching I Don’t Have Style Either. Would you please tell us the premise behind the series? 

I Don’t Have Style Either is a show about using fashion and style to personalize yourself and creating an open space for difficult dialogues in the fashion industry. We usually shoot a sit down interview with our guest and then ask the guest to show us the method behind their skills. If it’s a model, we are learning to pose for pictures. If it’s a stylist, we are learning how colors and certain patterns work for different people.

What do you look for in a potential interviewee? 

I always look for someone I personally admire. I am lucky to say that every one of my guests are people that I consider friends and role models of mine. In the future I will be looking for guests with unconventional origin stories and guests that teach the viewers a skill they can use forever. 

A lack of diversity in fashion has always been an issue, but do you think we’ve made any progress in recent years? What changes would you like to see? 

I do believe the fashion industry has changed for the better in the last decade, however, there is always more that can be done. Designers such as Claudia Li and Collina Strada have started that conversation through using models of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds to showcase their collections.

When you’re not working and want some fashion fun, what’s your go-to fashion media platform? 

I am a tiktok girl until I die. I have so many favorite tiktok creators that influenced me to not only work in fashion journalism, but also to move to the city three years ago. I would say some that inspired me are Davis Burleson, Kit Price, Lacey Tanner and, Arabella Bartelloni. 

How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style changes all of the time! I love goth and emo influences from the early 2000’s and I had to force myself not to get a bunch of tattoos and paint my room black. But I also love the classic styles of Jackie Kennedy and Grace of Monaco. And on a Saturday night I just want to wear a super business pantsuit with a sheet mesh top underneath. 

A role model of mine told me that you don’t need to pick a niche for personal style, you can wear whatever you want and make your own “core style.” Ariana Core is large t shirts, boy shorts and blazers with high heel boots and ribbons in your hair. 

Do you have a favorite South Asian designer?  Do you see cultural references in their designs? 

I have too many to count. My dream is to one day work with Prabal Gurung. But this year I loved seeing Rahul Mishra’s spring couture collection. He has made it a point to employ over a thousand artisans from Indian craft communities. His collection was based off of the Ghandian philosophies such as cultural sustainability. I can’t wait to see more South Asian designers during the second season of South Asian New York Fashion Week.

What’s up for you style-wise this summer? 

Though the summer is a time to relax, there is a lot to do.  I have been in Europe all spring and I have adored it, but there is nothing better than NYC in the summer. This summer will be the time for one piece swimsuits, new balances in the office, and vests of every color, texture and size.

I’m with you on vests! I think they have been an underappreciated accessory, but to add color, interest, and sometimes a little needed warmth in air-conditioning, vests are an excellent choice for summer.

Thank you, Ariana! Enjoy your summer style and I look forward to seeing you on I Don’t Have Style Either.

Changing The Narrative W/ Ariana Rebello

By Z. Cross

May 31, 2023

“Inclusivity and Representation in the Media and Fashion Industry: Ariana Rebello’s Journey”

Ariana Rebello an Indian-American working in media and fashion, Ariana is passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all. She believes that representation matters, and strives to ensure that everyone is seen and heard. She is constantly looking for ways to make the industry more accessible and open to diverse voices. She is actively working to create more inclusivity in the media and fashion industries. 

Ariana is also a strong believer in the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. She uses her platform to create a more inclusive environment and to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds and is committed to making sure that everyone is represented.

1.)Where did your love of fashion start?

My love for fashion began with my mother. She was a designer in Goa, India during the 90’s and when I was a kid, she made my dresses for all of the big moments in my life.

2.)Can you tell me about your journey in fashion and what made you create your own lane with your series “I Don’t Have Style Either”?

I noticed that the fashion industry was not as inclusive I thought it was. I grew up as a first generation American with no ties to the fashion industry in the US and I wanted to be involved in it. I decided that the only was to be included was to force my way in or create my own space and welcome others in myself. I Don’t Have Style Either gave me the opportunity to promote an ethnic and cultural mosaic for everyone to be a part of.

3). The representation of South Asians and Asian Pacific Americans in the fashion industry is lacking, whether it is on the runway or behind the scenes. There has been some improvement with more South Asian models such as Aishwarya Gupa, Ashley Radjarame, and Neil Varel being on the runway of some of this season’s more prestigious shows. What are some of the steps you feel can help put more South Asians at the forefront?

I believe that South Asian New York Fashion Week has been a key change in the way South Asians will be included in the fashion industry. Gold House has also done so much good for promoting and advocating for passionate Asian creators.

4.) No one has the same story in this industry, but many people of color share the similarities when it comes to being the only one represented in a room. Can you tell me about your journey as an American of Indian descent in this industry?

I have been lucky to have grown up feeling like I didn’t fit in anywhere. I felt too American for my Indian family and too Indian for my high school in Virginia. However, every micro aggression and every backhanded comment fueled my passion to change the way South Asians are viewed in media. I personally remember feeling particularly lost in my senior year of High School and reading Mindy Kaling’s debut autobiography. Her book made me feel seen in ways no one had. I realized that I wanted other kids to one day have that same drive to make the change they wanted to see in the world.

5.) Can you tell me who some of your role models in this industry or people you admire in the fashion world are?

My role models change monthly because there are so many inspiring people. This month I would love to shine a light on model, Nidhi Sunil who has been paving the way for Indian models for years. My newest role model would be Priya Kansara. She started acting very recently during the pandemic because she realized she needed to live out her true passions. She is now in a brilliant new movie, Polite Society, out now. 

6.) Your series “I Don’t Have Style Either” is just fabulous with the range of guests with lively but very different personalities and range of different topics. Where do you see this season going? How are you using your platform to create a space for South Asians and Asian Pacific Americans?

This new season is going to be something a little different than everything you’ve seen before. Our message of inclusion and community is the same, but we will be really focusing on broadening the way fashion is used in EVERY field! I can’t give too much away but we are shooting a new episode with an influential and trailblazing South Asian podcast host coming soon!

7.) What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the fashion industry?

This advice was passed down to me by another role model of mine who hosts one of my favorite shows. He said “ keep your head down, work hard and be kind to everyone”. In any industry you’re in, but especially in fashion, that advice goes a long way.

You can find Ariana Rebello on her online series “I Don’t Have Style Either,” which is on Ny2C. The show is also available on TikTok and Instagram.

NY2C’s Immersive Entertainment Company Showcases the Best of New York

During the pandemic, NY2C added hundreds of 4K quality content – including, vignettes and New York City trivia – that tells stories of the nation’s largest city, its people, and the local businesses that are essential to communities.

By Neil A. Carousso, Carousso Enterprises, LLC

November 3, 2021

NEW YORK CITY – New York is back, but this content platform never left even during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic

NY2C tells the story of New York through entertaining videos. It’s flagship program “What’s Up New York” has become appointment viewing for New Yorkers and tourists who are making their weekend plans. Host Alycia Powers looks at unique places, shops, and restaurants throughout the five boroughs. Powers is also a reporter and producer at Inside Edition.

“After growing up in New Hampshire, finding exciting places to visit in New York City has become a personal journey,” said Powers. “I feel connected to the audience because I feel like I’m telling a friend about the cool place I discovered on my way home from work.”

The company has created job opportunities, itself, by hiring and training young producers, directors, and writers. NY2C interns get on-the-job training and have the creative freedom to conceptualize and execute projects with mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.

The company has created job opportunities, itself, by hiring and training young producers, directors, and writers. NY2C interns get on-the-job training and have the creative freedom to conceptualize and execute projects with mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.

NY2C has a stunning library of New York City trivia and hundreds of vignettes from famous places and people to untold stories.

In August 2021, the company launched a new sports podcast titled “On The Call” with Derek Futterman and Joey Rinaldi – two major New York sports fans with polar opposite personalities. Futterman, the buttoned-up sports insider, can rattle off any statistic on cue, whereas Rinaldi shoots from the mouth like he does in his stand-up routines at New York City comedy clubs.

“Our goal is to tell the stories of New York sports in an entertaining way,” said Futterman. “We pride ourselves at going beyond the headlines and introducing unique figures from our area to our audience.”

Two of the most premier play-by-play announcers, Kenny Albert and Wayne Randazzo, have joined the podcast as guests. On The Call also recently got a behind-the -scenes tour of UBS Arena at Belmont Park while construction crews were putting on final touches. UBS Arena is the new home of the New York Islanders. It will officially open on November 20 when the Isles host the Calgary Flames. The new venue is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the area – something NY2C plans to follow.

“We do this out of a labor of love,” said Frank Lieberman, president and CEO of NY2C Entertainment Corp. “This is a way for us to give back to the city that gives us so much with free content audiences can enjoy and look to as a digital tour guide.”

NY2C plans to livestream comedy, music and competitions at Sour Mouse – a Lower East side club that the company is working to make the ultimate destination for New York City professionals to blow off steam and network after hours.

Frank Lieberman of NY2C: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder

“5 things I wish someone told me before I started leading my company” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

By Frank Lieberman, global city streaming network

Jan 23rd, 2022

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
We are not trying to make money from sales; we are trying to create a library and are looking to create an entertainment platform for the long haul. Our platform allows us to have no limits, and we produce what an audience wants. We are creating for a viewer, not for a sponsor, building a whole new kind of asset base.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Follow your dreams; you have to follow your dreams. The minute someone pulls away from that dream, you fail. So dig into that passion and focus on what you believe in, and it will all come together.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I have to thank the people who are with me, especially James Dukas. You have to hire good people who know a little more than you. I always appreciate that. We found the best people and the best interns. I love to give interns a chance by paying them and letting them get creative. They are all pros in their own disciplines.
There were also those who I follow and inspire me, such as Adolph Zukor, the president of Paramount Pictures; he lived until he was 102, and I admire that, so that’s my longevity. Michael Todd was another man I followed; he was also an innovator in the entertainment industry. I have every book about him. He created things that no one else would take a chance on, such as Cinerama, “Around the World in 80 Days,” and “Hot Mokato” on Broadway. He was a visionary in the entertainment field of movies and Broadway. Robert Stigwood, a man who went from music to movies and created hits like “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever.” David Geffen, was an absolute winner in the music business. In terms of my inspiration in business, I take Adolph Zukor for my longevity. I take Michael Todd for his vision and creativity in feature films and Broadway, I take Robert Stigwood from the music business to film and getting hits. I take Geffen, in that anything he touches is a winner. These are the guys I idolize.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I’m giving people a chance who otherwise would not have had the chance to display their talents.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started leading my company” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. Pushback and Major Obstacles — There are bigger players behind every aspect of business and in the distribution of companies. They control everything and make it tough to get around, so don’t let them discourage you. You just have to keep pushing forward anyway. It’s a tough road, but if you keep pushing forward, you can break through it eventually.

2. Pushback and Major Obstacles — There are bigger players behind every aspect of business and in the distribution of companies. They control everything and make it tough to get around, so don’t let them discourage you. You just have to keep pushing forward anyway. It’s a tough road, but if you keep pushing forward, you can break through it eventually.

3. Prepare for technical issues- we had that issue with Verizon, which was incredibly frustrating and set us back a year.

4. Map out what materials and equipment you will need — we learned that we needed to amp up the quality of our broadcast equipment to create the ultimate show experience.

5. The best location for your business — it’s tough finding the ultimate location for a thriving business, especially in a place like New York City. When we found Sour Mouse, we learned that Delancy Street was up-and-coming and the perfect spot for underground entertainment.

The Hidden Entertainment Gems of New York

People from all over the world come to New York City to see the best entertainment offers. Lincoln Center, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and so many more. But did you know there are hidden gems of entertainment that many people still don’t know about that are perfect for locals and tourists alike?

Wire staff, in Entertainment

Wednesday, Feb 23rd, 2023

As a longtime New Yorker and the founder of the web channel NY2C, I wanted to create a hub for those looking to learn more about New York City tourist attractions, nightlife, and all that New York has to offer besides the standard cookie-cutter responses. New York is a melting pot of culture, food, and those with different upbringings, beliefs, and forms of amusement all in one place.

That’s one of the main reasons I partnered with the local downtown underground bar, Sour Mouse, located right on 110 Delaney Street, a site most known to be up-and-coming for entertainment. Sour Mouse operating partner and owner Aaron Ho has set the mood to transport you back to a time when love, music, art, and community were freely expressed, making this a unique venue to enjoy up-and-coming entertainment.

There are two reasons it’s important for me to support New York’s entertainment industry and create a home for this “underground entertainment.” First, this NYC arts and entertainment sector gets little opportunity from anyone else, and they need a voice, especially after what we went through as a city during the pandemic.

There are two reasons it’s important for me to support New York’s entertainment industry and create a home for this “underground entertainment.” First, this NYC arts and entertainment sector gets little opportunity from anyone else, and they need a voice, especially after what we went through as a city during the pandemic.

Underground entertainment is a new and developing industry with a diversity of talented performers and entertainers who otherwise would not have a place to showcase their skills. I needed to provide the opportunity to give them a voice, and I did this with my two main guys, James Dukas, Head of Production and Creative, and Benedict Manlapz, Director of Cinematography. James and Ben also host a weekly NY2C show called “What’s Up New York,” further promoting the eccentric culture and entertainment of the city.

Some so many people have creative abilities but have yet to be heard. And then, to top it off, the world loves New York City entertainment. It brings many people to New York, and it’s the essence of what makes this city, bringing in funds and jobs for the city.

So how’s all of Manhattan’s entertainment doing in this post-covid phase? The pandemic left New Yorkers emotionally and financially traumatized. The city is still in recovery mode, with a multitude of needs as it grows back into the industry it once was. Audiences remain below pre-pandemic levels, but we see crowds growing with each new show’s attendance.

About the Author

Frank Lieberman is the founder of NY2C, an online library consisting of NYC trivia, vignettes of NYC, a two-year weekly show titled “What’s Up New York,” sports content, and soon-to-be fashion content. In addition, NY2C has a state-of-the-art studio on the lower east side to stream the latest and upcoming live “underground” entertainment that is taking New York City by storm. The content will feature live shows of undiscovered rock bands, smooth jazz bands, singers, drag magic shows, children’s magic shows, poetry slams, art battles, and DJ battles, just to name a few, and all for free! NY2C is the first of a global city streaming network; others to soon follow will be Washington, D.C., and London.