Sharapova Crotch Shot Begets Canon A New Tagline

sharapova_crotch.jpg

While we thought our Maria Sharapova/Dentsu lawsuit headline, "Maria Sharapova's Crotch A Key Element in Dentsu Lawsuit" was good, this one, "Make Every Shot, a Crotch Shot," is pretty good too. We think Canon might like that word play on its "Make Every Shot A Powershot" tagline. Oddly, the Sharapova photo that has the world all aflutter was taken during a Canon photo shoot.

This is just too much fun. And it's over nothing at all. It's a stupid photo originally shared among co-workers and a cultural misunderstanding of what passes for normal behavior in Japan. We're told the whole hot tub thing is as normal as being invited to play golf with your boss. And the crotch shot? It's hardly a celebrity snatch shot the likes of Britney Spears or Paris Hilton sans underwear. Sharapova was fully clothed in tennis attire when the shot was taken. If she was worried about anyone seeing her underwear, she wouldn't have been sitting the way she was in the photo. This is about as racy as a picture of a woman wearing a bikini while sitting on the beach.

Either there's a part of the story that hasn't been revealed yet or Steve Biegel is broke and needs some money. Before everyone labels us a sexist chauvinist, no, Dentsu' Toyo Shigeta should not have taken the picture without Sharapova's consent. No, Shigeta should not have forced Biegel to "get naked" for the hot tub. It seems clear, according to the suit, Shigeta did put Biegel in some awkward situations and then, because of Biegel's complaints about being placed in those uncomfortable positions, basically ostracized the guy and, reportedly, fired him. Of course, Dentsu says the firing was based on performance, not the steamy details spelled out in the lawsuit.

Messy stuff but it's not like there was any Shona Siefert-style invoicing trickery or other serious wrong doing. This is a simple case of possibly creepy boss offending possibly embarrassed subordinate. It happens all the time. This time it involved a celebrity. If it didn't, would anyone really care about some old Japanese guy taking crotch shots and asking his subordinates to take a bath with him?

by Steve Hall    Nov- 2-07   Click to Comment   
Topic: Agencies, Policy, Racy, Strange   

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Comments



Comments

Steve, I think you're being flippant here. Having your boss 'force' you naked into a hot tub is a big deal. Going to a brothel is a big deal if you don't want to do it. Just because these practices are going on in Japan or elsehwere, doesn't make them acceptable. And just because Maria S. was sitting in an awkward position doesn't make it any more acceptable to take a photo of her and distribute it. Whether Biegel needs the money or not is irrelevant - this is in exactly the same league as women suing Walmart or Salomon Bros for distrimination and harassment. It wasn't acceptable then and isn't acceptable now.

Posted by: Notanexcuse on November 2, 2007 1:01 PM

Lawsuit aside. Shigeta gives me the creeps.

Posted by: Mo P on November 2, 2007 2:08 PM

this biegel dude should just have told his boss to f**k off. how hard would that have been? he's a grown up.

Posted by: veedub on November 2, 2007 2:18 PM

Shigeta is an ego maniac and a major PIG.

I have witnessed his ascent to power at Dentsu.

He rose from a shameless brown noser to the next Caesar.

He has no idea about this business and has never really embraced American culture even after years of living in the US.

His American wife must be feeling quite disgraced.

Posted by: Just Desserts on November 2, 2007 3:28 PM

Shigeta is an ego maniac and a major PIG.

I have witnessed his ascent to power at Dentsu.

He rose from a shameless brown noser to the next Caesar.

He has no idea about this business and has never really embraced American culture even after years of living in the US.

His American wife must be feeling quite disgraced.

Posted by: Just Desserts on November 2, 2007 4:33 PM

I worked with Steve. He is the consumate professional. He has won awards everywhere he's been. I witnessed him come up with amazing ideas. And he inspired young copywriters. He has worked at the top agencies, look at his portfolio before you criticize his work. He is passionate about his work and passionate with clients. Think what you want about the case. But, Steve is an honorable guy, who is extremely talented. But, it's not about him. It's about his boss who should not have treated him like that. And what's wrong with wearing sunglasses on your head? You got a beef, that's all. And it is David vs. Goliath. It's brave for this guy to singlehandedly stand up against that mysterious Japanese firm. I guarentee you are an account guy who wishes he wasn't. And who looks at everyone creative as swarmy or slick. Get a life.

You sound like a plant that Dentsu hired to badmouth Steve's character. Which is probably their only defense. Are you Japanese?

Posted by: rourke on November 2, 2007 11:30 PM

Oh I know Shigeta. He is well described in the suit, the little worm. Sic Semper Tyrannis. I wondered how long this would take. The bizarre club-style management of Japanese expats who control Dentsu America or DCA or whatever the **** they call it this week has little to do with advertising. Talent or ad smarts not required. You simply need to make the equally clubby (but infinitely more competent) Canon USA Japanese managers happy.

Toyo: I'll be gloating in your face soon.

Posted by: pooky on November 3, 2007 12:34 AM

I worked with Toyo and Andree. What a bunch of idiots. Their treatment of employees is shameful. It makes me laugh when they say they are the "world's largest advertising agency" very funny -- ad age ranked them at something like number 133 in the US last year. They have been groveling for Toyota business for years and have yet to win any so far, except for overpaying for Oasis and Attik and then changing the names to Dentsu America. Pathetic. They are done, clients are going to drop them like a box of rocks.

When Andree took over in Santa Monica, most of the creative department quit. And the biggest account fired them. Watching this unfold will be a lot of fun.

Posted by: surferguy286 on November 3, 2007 1:43 AM

Rourke, it's Smarmy, not Swarmy. Get it straight.

Anyone with any business sense who worked with Biegel would laugh out loud at the "consummate professional" description. Steve Biegel was Mr. free-lance. Everytime the work would threaten to keep him working past 4, he went to management saying he needed freelance help. Translation: someone who could come up with ideas.

His work? I hope you're not a creative person saying that guy's portfolio is good. Did you see that godforsaken spot with the tennis balls bouncing all over creation? It makes my hair hurt to watch that.

I'm a plant? No. I can give you plenty that would make you realize that I know Steve.

Understand this: my interest is not in making Dentsu look good. I suspect that Steve's allegations are true. Shigeta may be a lecherous cad. But I also suspect that Steve was a willing participant who is now seizing the opportunity because he...well...had his gravy train job taken away. The one where he wandered in at 11, pontificated endlessly about how the agency needed to do better work, and then left with a flourish. And the exodus of junior creative people from that place prior to his firing was largely driven by Biegel. I know. They came to me and told me: Steve does no work, and he's an ass to boot.

You've clearly accepted Steve's allegations as fact, which certainly calls into question your bias (Steve, is that you?)

Posted by: Rufus on November 3, 2007 8:43 AM

All these allegations against Steve or Toyo, I will just speak for all the women that had to deal with Biegel for even just a day at Dentsu. The lawsuit was entertaining for the most part. As much as I'd like to believe the incidents didn't happen, but it's not just a "Japanese" culture. Koreans do it. Americans do it. Look who's at Hustlers or Scores or Penthouse day in day out? Business men! Clients! Who cares what culture Dentsu belongs to.. It's everywhere!

However, the bathhouse thing is just understandable that it happened in Japan. Would you rather having your boss exclude you from everything, or welcome you to their culture and experience something on a BUSINESS TRIP? All expenses paid!??!

Get a grip.

And (none court related) if all women were to testify the sleaziness of Steve Biegel, the unwelcomed starring and uncalled for comments at work, this "lawsuit" is just an entertainment of the month for all that know Biegel.

Posted by: somebody on November 3, 2007 10:14 AM

These blogs are stupid! It doesn't surprise me that a lawsuit involving ad people would bring out all the highly-opinionated jerks like Rufus, "Somebody", Rourke, etc.
As a former ad exec, it still amazes me that the people in that business still think it's all about them. Doesn't matter if you are an account person or creative person or janitor. This is not about your opinions, whether you knew Biegel or not. It's not about his sunglasses or Shigeta's thousand dollar silk shirt. It's about the facts of this case! Period. If the guy was humiliated and then fired for suggesting he'd go to HR, then nothing he did before that is relevant, including his "smarmy" attitude. If Shigeta thinks he can treat people with little to no respect b/c they are not on his level, then he's going to be called to task. If it didn't happen now, eventually it would have. Let the courts figure it out. Now all you losers can go back to thinking what you do at work really matters. Go call six meetings to decide whether the client would want the word "could" or "should" in their tagline, and be sure to spend $5,000 of their money at lunches to make that big decision. Have a nice day!
-- Paulie the former ad guy.

Posted by: Pauly on November 3, 2007 1:02 PM

I used to work at Dentsu and know Toyo (and Biegel) . I have no idea what happened on those business trips, nor do I want to know. I find it interesting, though, that I have not read one quote from Dentsu categorically denying any of the allegations. They simply released a statement, claiming that they will counter sue for libel. Boy, what a novel idea. Last time I checked, that is standard operating procedure...go on the offensive. If I were Toyo I would be really worried that Sharipova was going to tell Canon she does not want to work with this ad agncy any longer. And if I were Biegel, I would not walk into court wearing those sunglasses.

Posted by: JPgal on November 3, 2007 3:06 PM

Where is Ron Rosen during all this? Why isn't he suing? Wasn't he forced to go into the bubble bath too?

Posted by: bongmaster on November 3, 2007 3:10 PM

Wow, Paulie seems to have some serious rejection issues that need working through. Must be writing a book now. And waitering.

Posted by: Rufus on November 3, 2007 10:37 PM

JPgal:
The suit is without merit.
It's crap.
It's Steve stabbing a guy he called a friend in the back with the hope of getting some money out of it.

I wasn't there but I know people who were and Steve is no victim. (Ron wasn't as far as I have heard.)
Steve was more like a ringleader.

Steve is a well known porn fan and the master of leading the charge to strip clubs, whatever.

Lawyers (the real evil here) don't let people make absolute statements and confirm or deny anything.

The truth will come out and Mr. Shigeta will be vindicated. Steve will be exposed.
I just feel sorry for his family

Actually, I feel bad for everyone involved.
This is greed and lawyers run amok.

Oh, and Pauly,
You are clearly out of the business because you don't get it. And it sounds like you're kind of a dick anyway. Those are the facts as I see them.

FZ

Posted by: forantazaz on November 3, 2007 11:05 PM

This photo doesn't bode well for the quality of the Canon camera.

It's all blurry.

Posted by: Thom on November 4, 2007 1:00 AM

Thom
now thats funny

Posted by: forantazaz on November 4, 2007 9:16 AM

FZ: How do you know the suit is without merit. As you said, you weren't there. It's sooo easy to say you know people who were there. What are their names?
And did I hear you right? You said Steve is stabbing a friend in the back? You suggesting Toyo was his friend? Do you know Toyo? He doesn't have any friends. He makes everyone's skin crawl. He's a filthy little man with perverted behavior that makes everyone uncomfortable. It's people like you, who fear him, that enables him to continue to take advantage of employers. YOU should be sued for being such an asshole.
As for you saying that lawyers don't let people make absolute statements...are you kidding me?? You ever hear of a guy named O.J. Simpson. Made several absolute statements. Something about not killing his wife. And didn't Michael Vick categorically deny not having tortured or killed dogs. Then when Nike and others dropped him, he suddenly admitted his guilt. I suspect that you are from another country...probably somewhere in Asia.
JPGal

Posted by: JPgal on November 4, 2007 3:07 PM

RUFUS: No rejection issues, friend, I voluntarily left the ad world b/c it was full of egomaniacal piss heads who sound eerily similar to you. Not a bad guess about waitering, though. I actually work at school for handicapped children. Serving drinks...serving disabled kids - what's the difference?

FZ: Oh, I get it. Only too well. It's the difference btwn people like me and you. I'm gonna guess that you probably have an earing, tattoo, wear a wool hat in the summer, sport a soul patch and attached yourself to a partner who came up with one ad campaign that got produced and have been riding the success of that single triumph for the last ten years. You're on borrowed time.
-Paulie

Posted by: paul on November 4, 2007 3:21 PM

I have never posted to a blog before. Or a message board, or whatever this thing is. (I like the site just fine, btw. It serves its purpose quite well). I just came out here to read what people are saying about all of this insanity, because like at least some of you, I was there.

I worked with Steve Biegel and the rest for a few years. And while there are some things involving this case about which I don't have personal factual knowledge, there are other things I experienced and bore sad mute witness to, and it is to these points I'll speak on. No one needs to wonder if things I speak about here are true (unless I am offering an opinion, of which I suppose I have many). They are true, and I was there.

Whether Steve Biegel has or ever had any talent is moot in regards to his contributions at Dentsu - I can factually tell you he did almost nothing there. I guess he was part of a team that won an EFFIE, but despite the current clueless trial PR Biegel media hullabaloo over this award, we all know its not that big a deal. Certainly, it speaks neither to effort or efficacy, especially on the part of a senior creative who crafted the embarrassingly lifeless Canon Sharipova Powershot work. Anyway, in the 2 plus years I worked alongside Steve Biegel, I personally witnessed him watching porn at the Dentsu office, yes, that's right porn (both straight and gay porn, by the way, which I always found curious). Not only would Biegel delight in watching pornography, he would further delight in attempting to share said porn with various female co-workers, mostly horrified young women in their twenties, just trying to survive in an office that was not so much "sexually charged", as Biegel's lawsuit claims, but asexually limp.

Many of these women quite rightly complained to HR, and nothing ever happened? Why, you might ask, in outrage, shock and confusion. Well, no one was exactly sure, but it seemed clear that Steve was "in" with the whole sad management bunch - lonely, bloated, odd little ad men, who slapped each others backs as much as they covered each others asses. And before anyone says I'm bitter, I assure you, I'm not. This all happened. The relevant facts and opinions are held by many people who were there for this circus. By the way, I'm talking 30-40 people here, not 3 or 4.

There are so many more things I could tell you to clarify just how spurious and freakish this lawsuit really is - like all the "nipple" and "camel toe" shots Steve kept on his computer, of Sharipova, of other actresses and models and porno bees buzzing about. As they swallowed giant loads in a drug induced stupors Biegel would cackle anew. He showed me and many shocked others such um, "content." Many of whom, were, again, women, Yes, women. As the cum would hit the faces on screen Steve would giggle and say something like, "I better not show you too much, I could get in trouble! Giggle snort giggle!" This, ladies and gentlemen, is your outraged family man, your, according to what I read online in Time yesterday, "brave hero." Ew and shudder shudder. These are not valued memories, so I'll spare us both further unpleasantness.

Few other things. Ron Rosen is not a bad person. He may well be talented, and although he did very little to demonstrate that when I worked with him, all evidence suggests that once he was very talented. Ron was just a very bad creative director in a very bad situation, and I think if shove came to push, he'd admit as much.

Tim Andree is hardly an advertising genius. He's a businessman, trying to wake a sleeping semi-retarded mouse, Dentsu America, whose parents just happen to be justifiably impatient elephants, Dentsu Worldwide. He's doing the best he can, and this litigious PR nightmare-nonsense can't make it any easier fro him. I don't love Tim, but he's a saint compared to Steve.

Toyo, now he's a bit of mystery. A boring mystery, but a mystery all the same. Is a Bond B villain, a sweet family man, a Japanese goofball, or a secret teen panty pervert? I cannot say, though taking a steam bath in Japan and inviting others to join him and possessing a picture of a jailbait blond in these morally mortgaged times makes him a pretty minor league perv in my ledger.

Steve? What's the real truth about the man causing all this nutty fuss? Well, I never thought of Biegel as evil - more, like everyone else who has ever worked with the man for more than a month knows, I thought of him as a joke. A sometimes funny, sometimes perverse, sometimes lame but always never-ending joke. And I'll admit, at times it was fun to watch the Biegel top spin. Certainly we all laughed and wondered just how much longer Steve could get away with doing nothing as he pseudo-sexually harassed younger female staffers and spent the agencies waning coffers on elaborate trips to LA for no apparent reason. But ultimately, Steve Biegel is a silly and sad advertising cautionary tale.

Oh, and those others charges, the Toyo Hooker Peer Pressure Jaunts. Yeah, no, that didn't happen. At least not the way the suit claims...but that's for a judge to decide I guess...

Let's tell the real truth here - advertising has always been hard and weird. And if you are both cursed and blessed enough to be a moderately successful creative, it can be a soul crushing gig, especially as we all begin our meteoric rise to the compromised middle. And God knows these days, in this ever-changing media business fickle new blah blah blah ad millennium, any and all of these feelings are increased tenfold. Yes, it's damn scary out there. If we're to be at all honest, we don't know what's going to become of us or this business or our place in it. And Steve may have well have had a very hard time supporting his family in such a crazy and lawless climate, especially because his aging fraternity boy charm just ain't cutting it anymore, and rumor has it he hasn't done too many honest days work in years - unless you count his short films and his script writing attempts. Yes, Steve may well be scared and desperate. For Steve Biegel and for all of us working in this business it's become damn hard to know what's right. I sympathize with that, I really do. But you know, it's still pretty easy to know what's wrong. And this, all of this, is just plain wrong.

Thanks for letting me speak at your party.


Posted by: EX DENTSU STAFFER on November 4, 2007 4:53 PM

Well said, Martin Luther Olgilvy.

We all know what a stanky ass near sex-offender Biegel really is.

Posted by: Biegel Hater on November 4, 2007 5:25 PM

Am I the only one who liked those sunglasses?

Posted by: biegeler on November 4, 2007 6:37 PM

Now THAT'S funny.

Posted by: Biegel Lover on November 4, 2007 6:43 PM

The world has gone crazy, boys and girls.
Why not take your mind off all of this Steve madness and try my CD, it's pretty darn good.

http://www.amazon.com/Lovers-Other-Strangers-Neal-Gomberg/dp/B000T2P8RO/ref=sr_1_1/102-7505593-9276169?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194221604&sr=1-1

Tract 11, I STAND CORRECTED, speaks nicely to this entire situation. As to Steve's guilt or innocence, I was in a meeting that year. Or I don't remember. I plead the fifth. Steve Biegel is not a crook!

Posted by: Neal on November 4, 2007 7:21 PM

The world has gone crazy, boys and girls.
Why not take your mind off all of this Steve madness and try my CD, it's pretty darn good.

http://www.amazon.com/Lovers-Other-Strangers-Neal-Gomberg/dp/B000T2P8RO/ref=sr_1_1/102-7505593-9276169?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194221604&sr=1-1

Tract 11, I STAND CORRECTED, speaks nicely to this entire situation. As to Steve's guilt or innocence, I was in a meeting that year. Or I don't remember. I plead the fifth. Steve Biegel is not a crook!

Posted by: Neal on November 4, 2007 7:24 PM

What I liked about Steve's sunglasses is that, when they were on his face, they covered up the leering. So thank you, sunglasses.

Posted by: ivebeenbiegled on November 4, 2007 7:53 PM


Steve wasn't leering. He was crying, because he was so sad and hurt and offended at all the terrible sexual misconduct that he was so grossly exposed to. He's a family man, for Christ sake!

Posted by: Biegel Lover on November 4, 2007 8:37 PM


Reading all this, methinks this is just the first lawsuit of many...

Posted by: Wow on November 4, 2007 10:07 PM

When did Ron Rosen get shoulders?

Posted by: Rick M on November 4, 2007 10:14 PM

I worked with Steve. He is the consumate professional. He has won awards everywhere he's been... And he inspired young copywriters. He has worked at the top agencies...Steve is an honorable guy, who is extremely talented...And what's wrong with wearing sunglasses on your head? ... It's brave for this guy to singlehandedly stand up against that mysterious Japanese firm.

IF STEVE BIEGEL DIDN'T RIGHT THIS I WILL BLOW TOYO MYSELF. HE WON'T EVEN HAVE TO ORDER ME. BONZAI!!

Posted by: Steve Biegel Wrote That on November 4, 2007 10:23 PM

Fuckn' Hilarious.

Posted by: Boycott Dentsu on November 5, 2007 1:08 AM

Bongmaster (of the 3;10pm comment) asks a good question. Ron, where are you?

Posted by: Doug on November 5, 2007 1:22 AM

Shigeta is a fucking sick perv (who by the way has another family back in Japan he supposedly never divorced from)
Andree has disappointed everyone since he got there (remember the big party announcing his arrival that would have clients coming from near and far? Hows that going so far you seven foot walking abortion? Go spend Dentsu money to buy another agency and mask your incompetance.
Fidoten is a lying little spineless Account Guy who never had the balls to stand up to the Japanese. (Word on the street is your next to get your ass kicked out the door. Time to dye your hair that funky shoe polish brown)
Prahbat and his full crew somehow manage to survive. Sleeping well knowing how many people you screwed financially?
Pankuck wherever you are. Have you been able to get all the shit off your head yet since they dragged you out of Tim's ass and tossed you on yours? Want a drink?

Posted by: Wilson on November 5, 2007 2:09 AM

Sour grapes, anyone? Steve, pipe down.

Posted by: dontbemean on November 5, 2007 6:51 AM

This whole Steve Biegel mess is a real shitstorm, I tell ya.

Posted by: Rick M on November 5, 2007 9:29 AM

Wilson speaks the truth. I was there and I've seen it all. Shigeta deserves the mud raking he is getting in the press. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has probably been a spoiled brat bastard since he was a kid. It's time for him to grovel. Doug Fidoten is a very bright guy who could have made much more of himself. Instead he acts like he's in a POW camp allowing the master to take him from behind on a daily basis. The man has never had a set of balls in his life. Straighten up and move on asshole! As for Prabhat..you made more money there than you will ever need. Retire and spend some time as a Grandpa and stop acting like you care.

Posted by: just desserts on November 5, 2007 9:57 AM

I'd like to thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:05 AM

I'd like to thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:07 AM

I'd like to thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:07 AM

I'd like to personally thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:08 AM

I'd like to personally thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:16 AM

I'd like to personally thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:16 AM

I'd like to personally thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:16 AM

I'd like to personally thank whoever it was who claimed to be me and plugged my CD.

Posted by: neal on November 5, 2007 10:16 AM

Neal,

Your music is the perfect accompaniment to the death rattles of Steve's career. Well done, as always.

Posted by: Future Dentsu Staffer on November 5, 2007 12:18 PM

How can someone sue an employee for taking him to a house of prostitution when he already works at one?

Posted by: shallow throat on November 5, 2007 1:27 PM

That should have read:
How can someone sue an employer for taking him to a house of prostitution when he already works at one.

Posted by: shallow throat on November 5, 2007 1:31 PM

Biegel is a major sex offender to most women he has worked with throughout his career. I've had first-hand experience, and if he wins even a fraction of a penny from his case against Dentsu, I will sue him for the legitimate sexual harassment I was subjected to and also witnessed. And I would encourage the other women (yes that is plural many, many times over) to do the same. Steve, if you are reading this, consider it a major threat.

Posted by: vengeance on November 6, 2007 11:17 AM

IP address captured
Wilson on November 5, 2007 02:09 AM
host smtp-mx1.mac.com
admin access

Posted by: Admin on November 6, 2007 11:42 PM

Steve Biegel this....Steve Biegel that...bottom line is the man has the balls to stand up to these arrogant assholes, while all you loser bloggers hide behind your computers and criticize him. I say bravo to biegel!! He is doing what you all wish you had the courage to do. So keep your slanted uninformed opinions to yourselves and give the guy some credit.

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 12:12 AM

Steve Biegel this....Steve Biegel that...bottom line is the man has the balls to stand up to these arrogant assholes, while all you loser bloggers hide behind your computers and criticize him. I say bravo to biegel!! He is doing what you all wish you had the courage to do. So keep your slanted uninformed opinions to yourselves and give the guy some credit.

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 12:12 AM

Steve Biegel this....Steve Biegel that...bottom line is the man has the balls to stand up to these arrogant assholes, while all you loser bloggers hide behind your computers and criticize him. I say bravo to biegel!! He is doing what you all wish you had the courage to do. So keep your slanted uninformed opinions to yourselves and give the guy some credit.

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 12:13 AM

Steve Biegel this....Steve Biegel that...bottom line is the man has the balls to stand up to these arrogant assholes, while all you loser bloggers hide behind your computers and criticize him. I say bravo to biegel!! He is doing what you all wish you had the courage to do. So keep your slanted uninformed opinions to yourselves and give the guy some credit.

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 12:15 AM

woof, you've clearly never had to work for him.

Posted by: meow on November 7, 2007 11:56 AM

woof, you've clearly never had to work for him.

Posted by: meow on November 7, 2007 11:57 AM

woof, you've clearly never had to work for him.

Posted by: meow on November 7, 2007 11:59 AM

Oh PLEASE! Stop your whining and go back to work!
Whether I've worked for him or not (which I haven't!)....the point is...The man is standing up for himself. None of us knows what truly happened, but it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that SOMETHING really did happen, or Biegel wouldn't be going thru this "shitstorm" if it didn't. GO BIEGEL GO!!

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 3:41 PM

Oh PLEASE! Stop your whining and go back to work!
Whether I've worked for him or not (which I haven't!)....the point is...The man is standing up for himself. None of us knows what truly happened, but it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that SOMETHING really did happen, or Biegel wouldn't be going thru this "shitstorm" if it didn't. GO BIEGEL GO!!

Posted by: woof on November 7, 2007 3:42 PM

Woof, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? I know what happened, Woof. I was there. And for the parts I wasn't there for, friends of mine were. LITERALLY THERE. I don't know if you are STEVE or not Woof, but if you aren't, you are way out of line here. Steve Beigel has been sexually harassing women and lying his ever burdegeing jockstrap off for years. This is not sour grapes. This is not salacious gossip. These are facts, my friend. How many people can attest to these facts. Try hundreds, woof. HUDNREDS. This isn't whining either. This is a legitimate response to the outrageous actions of a lascivious man who is finally about to get his. Like everyone else, I feel sorry for his family, but the guy has been sowing sin for years. He really, really has. And if you are truly convinced otherwise, I'll gladly contact you privately and provide proof. But please, Woof, please get real and stop with these denials. Unless you are Steve, here is my advice if you are so determined to celebrate unreality. Give the Neal Gomberg CD a listen. It's called "Lovers and Other Strangers", and since that the man hasn't made love in years, and since he treats everyone in fashion that makes them truly wish they were strangers to him, it's quite the fantastical bit of business.

Posted by: BARKING AT WOOF on November 7, 2007 4:05 PM

Woof, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? I know what happened, Woof. I was there. And for the parts I wasn't there for, friends of mine were. LITERALLY THERE. I don't know if you are STEVE or not Woof, but if you aren't, you are way out of line here. Steve Beigel has been sexually harassing women and lying his ever burdegeing jockstrap off for years. This is not sour grapes. This is not salacious gossip. These are facts, my friend. How many people can attest to these facts. Try hundreds, woof. HUDNREDS. This isn't whining either. This is a legitimate response to the outrageous actions of a lascivious man who is finally about to get his. Like everyone else, I feel sorry for his family, but the guy has been sowing sin for years. He really, really has. And if you are truly convinced otherwise, I'll gladly contact you privately and provide proof. But please, Woof, please get real and stop with these denials. Unless you are Steve, here is my advice if you are so determined to celebrate unreality. Give the Neal Gomberg CD a listen. It's called "Lovers and Other Strangers", and since that the man hasn't made love in years, and since he treats everyone in fashion that makes them truly wish they were strangers to him, it's quite the fantastical bit of business.

Posted by: BARKING AT WOOF on November 7, 2007 4:08 PM

NEAL GOMBERG

LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS
© 2006 Neal Gomberg

CD price: $14.99
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SUMMARY
Finely crafted, timeless, hook-laden songs for people who wonder why they don't write songs like that anymore.

NOTES
Neal Gomberg didn't know he was a singer-songwriter until Rob Stoner told him he was. And Rob Stoner should know. He's played and recorded with Chuck Berry, Don McLean, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, to name a few. Neal had been quietly writing songs for years, when he went to Rob for guitar lessons and played Rob a few of his original songs. The next thing Neal knew he was in Grammy-Award-winner John Guth's studio, recording his debut CD, with, Guth, Stoner, Luther Rix, Dylan's former percussionist and fellow songwriter-recording artist, Lisa Jane Lipkin The result of those sessions is the sixteen tracks that comprise, "Lovers and Other Strangers", an eclectic collection of finely-crafted, melodic, hook-laden, timeless songs, with lyrics that range from clever and insightful, to achingly poignant. Neal has created something truly rare here: a mature, fully-realized debut. Mixing literate lyrics and an obvious gift for melody, Neal has been compared both vocally and stylistically to Elvis Costello, Paul Simon and Freedy Johnston. His song "Juliet" from the CD, has already won an honorary award in "The Great American Song Contest". While the recurring themes of "Lovers and Other Strangers" center around the universal struggles within relationships, Neal's songs aren't without wit, subtle humor and, above all, hope, which is why they truly resonate with the listener. Ultimately, these songs were written for people who wonder why they don't write songs like they used to.

REVIEWS
Please log in to review this album.

Great guy, great music.
author: Annonymous
I saw Neal last night in the city. Man, is he good! I can't begin to say how talented and unbelievable this guy is.

Neal Gomberg is filled with great talent.
author: R.J
Where has Neil been all these years? This guy shows off his amazing talent in this great CD.

Bought it and loved it ever since.
author: Annonomous
Neal Gomberg shows his inner talent with his inspiring CD.

Heard it on internet radio, bought it, love it.
author: hummingbird8
If there were justice in this world, Neal Gomberg would be a household name. I don't know if he tours at all, but I'd love to see him live. Simply put: this is much more of a classic album than just another collection of songs on a CD. I wish him the best.

Thoughtful and persuasive music and lyrics.
author: Annonomous
This is one of those rare gems that takes you by surprise and then leaves you wanting more to add to your playlist.

I MADE AN ERROR!
author: Annonomous
You'll have to forgive me Neal, I meant to give you FIVE stars, not FOUR. I am planning on buying your CD. I showed it to some of my co-workers and they enjoyed it too! I'm so sorry about my error, you'll have to forgive me. I really enjoy your CD! Are you planning on making a new CD eventually? You have great taste in rhythm and beat! I am very satisfied with your songs, especially for this being your first CD.

I really enjoy the lyrics and the harmony is pretty good...
author: Annonomous
Wow. This is your first CD? It sounds like you've been in the music business for a long time. I have to say it is pretty good! Personally, my favorite song is "Juliet", especially the lyrics. Is that you on the cover? It's pretty cool. The songs are nice to listen when your driving in your car to work. I really enjoyed it! You should record another CD!

The rare new singer songwriter who's the real thing.
author: matthew882
I saw Neal live the other night and heard him and his songs for the first time. I was impressed enough to buy his CD . I'm now hooked on Neal's terrific melodies and lyrics, not to mention his vocals and his band. I've listened to way too many uneven albums. Here you get 16 tracks without a clinker in the bunch.

Posted by: Neal is legit on November 7, 2007 4:28 PM

Neal, when can we expect a follow-up?

Posted by: Maria S. on November 7, 2007 4:56 PM

Woof, what about the allegations that Steve and the rest of the lot were fired because they're Jewish? I think that the people who were there when they were fired can all agree that they were fired for their lousey work, not their religion.

Posted by: GROWL on November 7, 2007 5:26 PM

At this point, I really could care less whether or not Beigel flirted with women in the office. What's important here is that he is publicly trouncing that twisted maniac, Toyo Shigeta. I always knew that one day he would fall like a dead tree. He was never worthy of his position and got there by being a slimy snake. Before joining DCA, his career was failure upon failure. His "claim to fame" is by way of only Japanese nepotism at it's worst. We can only hope that Shigeta magically vanishes to save face. (It's a Jap thing ! ) Beigel, may the force be with you !

Posted by: Just desserts on November 8, 2007 12:26 AM

Dentsu Philosophy

Influence by telling the truth in new ways.

That's our philosophy. And our mission.
We recognize that today consumers hold marketers to an increasingly rigid standard because they can.
That's why we dig deeply and search relentlessly for the most tangible truth about a brand by making our American employees get naked and jump into a hot bath with each other without warning them.
The Dentsu way of unleashing the truth has always been to photograph the asses of teenage girls in thongs on Brazilian beaches.
Shooting pictures up the skirt of a 17 year old female Tennis Player is just one way we create compelling marketing communication, not just advertising.
Taking our employees to Prague Whore Houses and pressuring them to pick one is just one way we influence our employees.
Double penetration to a Mexican hooker with another Japanese Business Man is why we have some of the longest client-agency relationships in the business, and some of the most successful brands.

Posted by: Another Happy Dentsu Employee on November 8, 2007 12:56 AM

HOLY SHIT
THIS IS SO OBVIOUSLY BIEGEL
At this point, I really could care less whether or not Beigel flirted with women in the office. What's important here is that he is publicly trouncing that twisted maniac, Toyo Shigeta. I always knew that one day he would fall like a dead tree. ETC

BIEGEL DID NOT "FLIRT" WITH WOMEN IN THE OFFICE. HE HARASSED
THEM UNTIL THEY FELT SICK INSIDE. STEVE, YOU BASTARD, YOU ARE ABOUT TO GET YOUR ASS HANDED TO YOU.

Posted by: STEVE POSTS ON HERE EVERY DAY on November 8, 2007 12:10 PM


Neal, you may be strange (we never really "talked"), but I would love to be your lover. This is not a joke, but earnest lust. My cavern is ready, Neal. Time to go spelunking.

ps: I'm very cute

Posted by: Hot 4 It Girl on November 8, 2007 12:46 PM


i wasn't there so i don't know what's the truth. but i have worked with him. and the guy is a notorious sexist. and i'm a GUY! no, he didn't harass me. but his rude, demeaning behavior towards women is legendary. what's motivating him to bring this suit? i can only guess it's money. he must feel he has nothing to lose.

Posted by: witness on November 8, 2007 1:01 PM


if reincarnation is real, i'd like to come back as neal gomberg. he has nice clothes

Posted by: witness on November 8, 2007 1:06 PM


Holy cow, kids! Now Neal is posting on here! Who else would claim that such a fatuous bald pseudo-hipster dandy owned "nice clothes" - much less postulate that a state of reincarnation as The Neal is anything less than Satanic Karma most cruel, a lower level of Dante run amuck - if they were not in fact, the GOMBberg?

Posted by: Now Neal is Posting on November 8, 2007 2:43 PM

Hey Barking at woof: If you were "THERE" "LITERALLY THERE" then why are you hiding behind your anonomyus computer and not speaking out in the proper forum? imm-hmmm...just as I thought. Yet another person who lives their life on the sidelines, criticizing and judging the actions of others while never stepping up to the plate themselves. And if it is true what you say about Biegel harrassing women for years, where are they? Where are the HUNDREDS of complaints that surely must have been filed against him? Listen dude, I am NOT BIEGEL! I don't even know the guy. I'm just saying that there MUST be truth to his claims or he would never have taken this on. Let's call a spade a spade.

Posted by: woof on November 8, 2007 4:37 PM

Me no think Steve do wrong. He good man wear many many nice scarf. Why boobies problem? Once Steve say me he like beachy-beachy girl for whiff of lime. How not understand?!? Maria Sharapova have fun make go-go commercial for Canon important client. She wear small pant for all to view in air after ball-court. Not Toyo bad man! Photo find home on website for burning guns for all to view pant with catty.

Sometime the door is turning not underneath with many times feeling fresh.

Posted by: Taka on November 8, 2007 5:26 PM

WHOA Taka, try and calm down. You seewieouswy at- a-contwol.

Posted by: Maka on November 9, 2007 12:22 AM

WHOA Taka, try and calm down. You seewieouswy at- a-contwol.

Posted by: Maka on November 9, 2007 12:22 AM

WHOA Taka, twy and calm down. You seewieouswy at- a-contwol.

Posted by: Maka on November 9, 2007 12:24 AM

WHOA Taka, twy and calm down. You seewieouswy at- a-contwol.

Posted by: Maka on November 9, 2007 12:25 AM

WHOA Taka, twy and calm down. You seewieouswy at- a-contwol.

Posted by: Maka on November 9, 2007 12:25 AM

I'm just saying that there MUST be truth to his claims or he would never have taken this on. Let's call a spade a spade.

Posted by: woof on November 8, 2007 04:37 PM


"There MUST be truth to his claims." Huh. Um, no. That's not how the world works. If you aren't Biegle, you are stuid enough to be him.

and in case you miss the point, everyone who knows the man knows he is more than foolish enough to make a play this boneheaded. The history of the world is built on the ashes of just such fools. Duh.

Posted by: Wow Are You Dumb on November 9, 2007 10:23 AM

Just for the record ...I am not Beigel. When I worked over at that Sushi Bar (DCA), I always thought Beigel was an asshole. However, I truly disdain Toyo Shigeta. He is bad guy, always was. You could never turn your back on him because there is no limit to how vile this individual can be. I take great pleasure in seeing him publically humiliated. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to witness the squirming myself !Where there's smoke there's fire !

Posted by: Just Desserts on November 9, 2007 8:11 PM

Aha, hahahaha

Posted by: Aha, hahahaha on November 10, 2007 8:52 AM

this is all the same 3 people talking to each other. And here's the most shocking thing of all, the thing no one knows about steve but maybe me and his wife and ron. last year, around this time, steve biegel, oh, shoot, the kettle is boiling! sorry, will try to write more after the kids go down

Posted by: shocking evidence on November 10, 2007 9:19 AM


LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS RULES. I PLAYED IT AT MY WEDDING, AND I KNOW I WILL STILL LISTEN TO IT LONG AFTER WE ARE DIVORCED.

Posted by: GREAT CD! on November 10, 2007 9:25 AM


When I find myself in times of trouble, Brother Gomberg sings to me, speaking words of wisdom, "Prosecute Steve."

Posted by: Let it Biegel on November 10, 2007 9:51 AM

You know what I always say. Stupid is as stupid does.

Posted by: forrest gump on November 13, 2007 10:25 AM