Latest news with #TeaRoom
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Mattel suing ‘Coffee with Ken' podcast is some David vs. Goliath-style bullying
ANOTHER nice little story. Mattel is suing political podster Ken Biberaj, Realtor and former Manhattan Chamber of Commerce chair. Why? Such a good question. Because Ken is using his name, Ken — his own legal name — hung on him in the hospital incubator by his own birth mother, but not allowed as per Mattel. Why, you ask? His show is 'Coffee With Ken.' Mattel insists Ken's name is associated with Barbie's squeaky clean boyfriend. And could cause 'confusion.' This gigantic cockamamie company — in whose movie 'Ken' was Ryan Gosling — is suing, saying Biberaj's Ken would 'damage' its brand. What it might damage is their brain. Lawyers need something to do besides defending the Menendez brothers. Mattel hit Biberaj with the lawsuit over his podcast titled 'Coffee with Ken.' Robert – Advertisement I have spoken with Biberaj who is forging ahead despite its David vs. Goliath bullying. Biberaj's family owns the Russian Tea Room. If Mattel doesn't back off, Putin could send his troops over for some chicken Kiev. A man with killer instincts Physician and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden is reissuing his updated 2023 book 'American Autopsy.' Advertisement Former NY chief medical examiner and chief forensic pathologist, he's consulted on the autopsies of George Floyd, Eric Garner, O.J. Simpson, Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, Medgar Evers and hosted HBO's 'Autopsy' for 14 years. Baden: 'AI will have big input into future diagnoses by utilizing the genetic table. That's new science.' About NYC: 'Cultural and socioeconomic changes hit everyone. The city's changed. Moves to the suburbs left behind the working class who struggled to make a living. Some turned to drugs to lighten their burden while landlords stopped making costly repairs to old buildings. Advertisement 'Police claimed illicit drug abuse was a problem. It's not new drugs. Six thousand years ago, Neolithic people knew that sap of the poppy seed capsule — opium — killed pain.' Crime scene: 'Plastic body bags are a problem. A body in a bag? Trace evidence — like blood drops on O.J.'s wife Nicole's back — rub off. Reused bags contaminate newer evidence.' Baden met Marlon Brando when his son Christian was charged with murder: 'Marlon was then not the young, cool Method actor of the '50s when I saw him. He weighed about 300, wore a muumuu and kept eating a carton of vanilla ice cream.' JFK, age 46, who died at Dallas' Parkland Memorial Hospital. 'There were conspiracy theories. Like the hit was ordered by mob bosses at JFK and on his brother Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy for cracking down on organized crime. Or, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, seething over plans to overthrow his communist regime, ordered the hit.' Advertisement 'American Autopsy.' Nice little bedtime read. Heading out of town? A summer retreat perhaps. Need an upgrade? Call the mayor, he has some miles left over. Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
Style Blueprint
22-07-2025
- General
- Style Blueprint
The Woman's Exchange of Memphis: Tea Room, Gift Shop, Enduring Legacy
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit The Woman's Exchange of Memphis is a symbol of women's empowerment, creative resilience, and community stewardship. Established in 1885, this local outpost is one of the oldest continually operating nonprofit organizations in the city and remains part of a broader national movement that dates back to 1832. Its mission, 'helping others help themselves,' has endured for nearly a century and a half, offering economic opportunity and personal growth to women, youth, and local artisans. Pin Established in 1855 The Woman's Exchange movement got its start in Philadelphia, born out of necessity when women with limited means needed a respectable way to earn a living. By selling handmade goods (like clothing, linens, and crafts) on consignment, they could support themselves and their families while staying within the strict social norms of the Victorian era. When the Memphis branch opened in 1855, it quickly became a vital part of this growing national network, offering Southern women a reliable outlet for their skills, especially during the tough economic times following the Civil War. Since its inception, the Woman's Exchange of Memphis has operated with a distinctive sense of purpose and independence. It remains primarily volunteer-run, with over 250 members dedicating their time to help run the gift shop, sewing rooms, tea room, and various outreach programs. Often multi-generational and deeply invested in the Exchange's legacy, these volunteers ensure the organization remains deeply tied to its community. Their commitment allows the Exchange to funnel its proceeds directly into the hands of local women and youth and sustain its educational and mentoring initiatives. The Tea Room & Gift Shop The Exchange's two most visible pillars are the Tea Room and the gift shop. The Tea Room opened in 1962 and has become a cherished Midtown Memphis tradition. Guests come for the Southern comfort food, such as catfish, roast beef, seasonal specials, and the sense of warmth and hospitality that the space exudes. Pin Under the guidance of Chef Rev Bailey, the menu continues to evolve while honoring its classic roots. More than a dining spot, the Tea Room is a training ground for high school interns who gain hands-on experience in hospitality, customer service, and teamwork. Pin Adjacent to the Tea Room is the gift shop and sewing atelier, highlighting the enduring tradition of handmade excellence. Visitors can find a curated selection of items, including pottery, gourmet foods, hand-knitted garments, heirloom children's clothing, toys, and home decor. Many of these products are consigned by local women who receive income and business mentorship from the Exchange. Pin Particularly notable is the Exchange's line of children's garments, handcrafted in traditional styles and often passed down as family heirlooms. These garments, some of which have been made by the same seamstresses for decades, reflect a commitment to quality, legacy, and tradition. Pin A Lasting Legacy The Woman's Exchange of Memphis is a quiet force of transformation in many ways. It doesn't rely on splashy marketing or grand campaigns. Instead, it depends on the daily work of women supporting women, the steady mentorship of youth, and the beauty of handcrafted goods passed from generation to generation. Its model of operation, which is volunteer-led, community-centered, and mission-driven, is a rare gem in today's fast-paced nonprofit landscape. As it approaches its 140th year, the Woman's Exchange continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its founding ideals. It embraces tradition and innovation, pairing the elegance of heirloom sewing with the energy of entrepreneurial mentorship. More than a shop or a lunch spot, it is a legacy of service, creativity, and hope that invites every visitor to participate in its meaningful work. In a city celebrating grit and grace, the Woman's Exchange of Memphis offers a place where skill, purpose, and compassion intersect. Whether dining at the Tea Room, shopping for handmade gifts, volunteering, or consigning original work, each act of participation supports a powerful legacy built by women and sustained by community. ********** Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves — subscribe to our daily emails! About the Author Dita Faulkner Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Dita Faulkner is a professional writer of over 13 years with a passion for exploring health, wellness, and lifestyle topics. When she's not writing, Dita loves to travel, cook, read, paint, and spend time with friends and family.
