In one of the most loveliest of theater venues, The Colony in Burbank, NoHo’s very own Nancy Bianconi was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nancy is founder and president of NoHo Communications Group, Inc., an arts, education and marketing management company. This historical event had a record-breaking crowd of theater owners, actors, musicians, and invited guests cheering as Nancy took the stage to accept this coveted award. This annual award is given to those who help promote and preserve the arts in Los Angeles. As an outstanding member of the San Fernando Valley Theater community, Nancy has accepted this well-deserved honor. The Valley Theater Awards (VTA) is produced by Paul Storiale, a multiple theater director in NoHo, as well as President of the NoHo Neighborhood Council. Gifted co-hosts Bree Pavey and Rick Shaw set the tone for laughter and warmth as they gleefully gave out all the well-deserved awards. In its fourth year, this event is a place for fun, humor, recognition of talent as well as connections to the wonderful NoHo Arts District community.
If you don’t know Nancy Bianconi, here is a little background about the person who has worked to put NoHo Arts on the map. As a child, her interest in theater and the arts led her to dance, music and stage performances at a very young age. Nancy was born in Baltimore, MD, but found herself in New York City and eventually Los Angeles, where her uncanny talent in marketing and love of the arts in its entirety took a different direction. The City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency tapped her to head the NoHo Arts Festival in 2000, and with this monumental success came the development of the NoHo Arts District. Knowing that this was an opportunity to make a huge difference; she moved to NoHo and continued to pursue the successful development of arts in this area. The goal was to make a strong and financially independent theater and arts district in her neighborhood. Her marketing skills and theater background led to an overwhelming renewal of an area that had seen better days. Not surprisingly, with her daughter Lisa’s contributions, their online publication NoHo Arts District.com boasts 300,000 visits each month, a site for theater lovers and everything NoHo.
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Located at the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley, this one square-mile neighborhood is a cultural haven for 20 theaters, many restaurants, and emerging retail. As a tourist attraction, the NoHo Arts district is beaming with energy and talent. In fact, this is the largest concentration of theaters outside of New York City in the United States. Therefore, it is not surprising that Nancy would be honored by this fantastic community of admirers and peers.
It was an honor to see such a deserving person as Nancy recognized for her enthusiasm and devotion to the continued development of the arts. Among all the shimmering evening gowns, tight fancy outfits and interesting head gear, the one and only Ms.Nancy Bianconi sparkled the most. The award was presented by long-time friend Taylor Gilbert, artistic director of The Road Theatre Company and the show was co-produced by Linda Fulton, executive director of Improv for Kids.
Congratulations, Nancy, on your award, and for being a role model. Your vision and determination has helped so many. This award is well deserved and we thank you.
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
I had a painful class this week. The assignment was for each actor to prepare a Personal Monologue.
At The Actors Workout Studio, that means a personal sharing of a private emotional event in one’s life that was life-changing. Their assignment was to bring in an emotional recall of something poignant that changed them forever. It was powerful. Each actor needed to dig deep into their experiences, and painful ones at that. The emotional lives and expressions of the actors were brilliant; tears, raw emotions and personal experiences on the table. Each one was unique, personal, and an expression of who they were. I was moved for days as the class was filled with deep, rich, raw, emotional life.
Sometimes it seems so glamorous and hip to be an actor. That’s what the media does with it, but many don’t know the details, specifics and deep emotional requirements that actors have to get in touch with.
Not only do they need to access them, but they need to do it on “action”, exactly when it’s needed. Therefore, they need to be emotionally free and available. When I experienced the depth of those feelings in class, my heart was touched and I once again got in touch with the respect I have for this work. Acting isn’t easy, it just looks easy. This inspired me to look up notes that I keep to remind myself and my actors of what we do. I’d like to share one. It is an email recently sent to a class. It is a reminder of the commitment and journey of the creative artist. This is from Tanya Smith, one of our teachers. Thank you Tanya.
Hey Everyone,
Great class last week for those of you who attended. The risks you are taking are astounding. I know it isn’t easy but this career demands all of you. Every single fear has to be dealt with. Your insecurities have to be looked at . It doesn’t mean you won’t be insecure or afraid but it means you will stare it straight in the face and say ““Here I am… come get me!”
There is no such thing as being fearless. It’s about being terrified and doing it anyway .
This class is on fear. It can be an external or internal fear. This class is designed to be uncomfortable. It will be uncomfortable. We are going to push on your boundaries. For those of you with body image concerns we are going to hit it hard this week. If you have intimacy issues there is no easy way out . No agendas allowed. All truth. You must stay in Repetition. You know this work… don’t take the easy way out. There are so many shows right now that really push the envelope. You will be called in on these auditions. Let’s deal with it in class so you aren’t dealing with it on set.
Rules.
-No shoving each other
-If clothing comes off your under garments stay on.
– no throwing things at each other, no throwing the furniture around. This is dangerous if it isn’t scripted.
– if something is uncomfortable with your partner you simply say stop. The other person will respect this.
– do not leave the stage. We will deal with all emotions together.
– what happens in class stays in class.
I can’t wait to see you.
Tanya
I have such respect for actors who are working this hard on themselves. By doing so, they get to express deep sensitivity through the characters they play and thus connect with their audience to heal, change, educate, and entertain.
Before Cream and The Jeff Beck Group, there was The Yardbirds. This is an immutable fact that cannot be rewritten to suit another’s version of rock n’ roll history. The Yardbirds were the proving grounds for some of rock’s legendary guitarists…Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.
This petrie dish of rock innovation brought to my generation some of the best music to come out of The British Invasion of the Sixties. That innovation includes Jimmy Page playing his guitar with a violin bow. Page was ahead of his time when it came to bringing unusual progressions to the table. Double guitars, the theremin and very old British madrigals from the 1600s (Stairway To Heaven) to name just a few.
The Yardbirds
When The Yardbirds played Catalina Island’s Avalon Ballroom and Casino in 1966, I did manage to see them, but a lot of that show and its details have been lost over the decades. During the tour of 1967, The Yardbirds were managed by the future manager of Led Zeppelin…Peter Grant.
What does remain is the sounds of this phenomenal band which play in my head anytime there is a lull in my activities where I have to wait in line for something or take a train or airplane.
I can remember many a squabble in college over the evolution of The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin, and the squabble would always be brought to me to settle. Yes, Jimmy Page played with The Yardbirds before pulling Led Zeppelin together. In fact, Page had inherited The New Yardbirds and was working on filling already booked gigs with a new line-up. Yes, Eric Clapton did something to Jeff Beck’s sister that caused a huge rift between the musicians. Thankfully, there was never the scandal with this legacy as there was with the death of The Rolling Stones’ bass player Brian Jones where there is much lore still circulated about his “murder” over other band members’ desire to take control of the band and change its direction. Jones’ death is on the books as a drowning and not murder.
On June 7, 2018, L.A. was gifted with a gig provided by The Yardbirds at The Fonda Theater in Hollywood that was one for the books.
I almost was guilty of selling this groundbreaking band short due to its age and various line-ups over the decades. After listening to the chatter on social media of fans and musicians telling how this current line-up is the best since the original band hit the road, I had to go and check it out. Jim McCarty and I have been chatting back and forth for a few years on social media and I have gotten to know the veteran drummer for The Yardbirds in a more personal way. This led to my getting permission to video them at this show.
I’m glad that I didn’t underestimate them, as this show rocked the building. It didn’t make the plaster fall off of the ceiling like they did at their Catalina gig, but this was an exceptional interpretation of original material by The Yardbirds 2018.
All around me, people were saying that they had been following this particular version of The Yardbirds around the country and it was the best one since the originals. Also, after the show, many people said it was the best show yet on this tour. When the doors first opened it was pretty thin in the theatre and I was getting pretty nervous. The security guards said that there had only been 200 tickets sold. As the clocked inched closer to showtime The Fonda began filling up. I’m told that there were around 100 people in the lobby sitting as well and listening to them.
This stellar line-up for the 2018 version of The Yardbirds are Kenny Aaronson on bass; John Idan vocals and guitar; Jim McCarty on drums; Myke Scavone percussion and backing vocals; Johnny Antonopoulos on lead guitar. Granted that McCarty is the only original member of The Yardbirds, but this particular line-up are seasoned musicians in their own right which blends well with the bangin’ drums that McCarty brings to the table. There are no extended drum solos, and endless jamming from these guys, but that’s ok because I didn’t come to hear that. I wanted and expected tunes from the original line-up of Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, Chris Dreja and the revolving door of lead guitar maestros. That is what I got. I closed my eyes and note for note it nearly registered perfectly. There were a few variations and a bit of panache that could not be duplicated, but that was to be expected because all musicians bring with them their own particular style which is just what these rock n’ roll veterans did.
“Smokestack Lightin,” “Dazed and Confused” and “The Train Kept A Rollin’” demonstrated the influence of the original members while wonderfully executed by this current line-up. All are guitar-driven songs which is what The Yardbirds are well known for given who their former guitar players are.
A faithful interpretation of “Shapes of Things,” “For Your Love,” “Evil Hearted You,” “I’m Not Talking,” “You’re A Better Man Than I,” “Heart Full Of Soul,” “I’m A Man” was not possible, but it came as close as it could. Keep in mind that I own The Yardbirds on CD and on my iPod and I have had many an opportunity to memorize each song as I am sure their other fans have done as well as many musicians that were in attendance. On the cover of “The Best Of Yardbirds” has a cover photo of McCarty, Page, Beck, Relf and Dreja which I’m guessing are the ones featured playing on this 2008 release which is the one I listen to the most when I am home.
Johnny Antonopoulos intrigued me with his personification of a seasoned road warrior much the same as Jeff Beck did back in the day when I saw him. I loved that he came onto the stage wearing a black vest and a white t-shirt. Not wanting to sell the other members of this ensemble short, I will add that Aaronson and Scavone added a dash of cool and hepcat attitudes matched by the younger Idan’s wanting to blend in with the others’ brilliance, but seemed to be afraid to cut loose and actually play with the others as they did amongst themselves. While the others would move in close to each other and in front of McCarty’s drum kit, Idan just hung by the right side of the stage. Also, the vocals were hard to make out a lot of the time and was wondering about the sound person and their ability to mix the vocals better. Idan did come close to Relf with the vocals and I didn’t feel let down when the band broke into their encore song of “I’m A Man.” I think that Idan is the youngest member of this line-up.
I think perhaps Facebook friend and musician Bil “Wild Bil” McCombe said it best for all of the concert goers. “This is the litmus test for sure, my first concert was seeing The Yardbirds in 1967. I’ve seen every line-up since 2000 and I think this is the best overall crew of great players who are also fans of the music.”
When the show was over I wandered over to the merchandise table and purchased McCarty’s book “Nobody Told Me!” which has an introduction by The Yardbirds’ guitarist Jimmy Page. The book is very interesting and chronicles McCarty’s life and features lots of photos which lends more to the interest of the book. McCarty autographed my copy and did remember that I wrote for the NoHo Arts District. McCarty is in his 70s now, but apparently, still has it because on his way to the merchandise table a younger female fan jumped out and grabbed at him. I think she even planted a kiss on him.
A shout out to my BFF friend “Lennie” for allowing me to convince her to come to meet me at the theatre and enjoy the show.
While traveling around the area to attend my favorite street artist Teachr and one of my favorite writing subjects, I’ve met a multi-talented young man by the name of James Shen. He’s a DJ, a promoter, art enthusiast and now host of a podcast he calls “Paint The Town” on Soundcloud. Some might recognize his name as he has DJed at The Federal.
He recently hosted Teachr and Colette Miller whose “Wings” Street Art can be seen all around L.A. as well as the world. Miller has been traveling the globe with her “Global Wings Project” and has had some pretty harrowing experiences most notably in Mexico where the cartels’ are a scary proposition. Miller has also traveled to Africa, Egypt, China, France and Japan to pursue her “Global Wings Project.” Miller has also performed in the punk rock genre.
Miller’s intent behind the wings is to put up life-size wings to inspire people to find their inner angel.
At the close of the show, Shen gave the NoHo Arts District a shout out as always being supportive.
Cuddling up with a bowl of chicken soup is the best cure for cold this season. The soul of a good soup comes from a rich selection of fresh, all natural ingredients, and cooked in a traditional way – slowly. We hope our soup passes warmth and comfort to you.
TAMASHII…”great food, great service and great prices” – Nohoartsdistrict.com Staff
If you enjoyed the relatively recent Ocean’s 11 or Ocean’s 13, you should enjoy Ocean’s 8, as director Gary Ross (who co-wrote the script with Olivia Milch) preserves the light, breezy tone of the previous Steven Soderbergh-directed heist films (Soderbergh is on board here as a producer). In this female-driven entry in the Ocean’s endeavors, Sandra Bullock is Danny’s larcenous sister Debbie, just released from prison and with no desire to give up her thieving ways—or ignore a certain gent whose betrayal led to her recent stay behind bars. Ocean’s scheme involves a jewel heist during the yearly ball at the Metropolitan Museum, with the major bauble dangling from the neck of the “Belle of the Ball,” an uptight, needy actress played by a scene-stealing Anne Hathaway.
Of course, acquiring the $150,000,000 diamond necklace in question involves assembling a willing and able team, including Ocean’s former partners (Cate Blanchett—who may have been a partner in more than one way—and Sarah Paulson, now selling questionably obtained goods out of her garage), a talented computer hacker (Rhianna), a very slippery pickpocket (Awkwafina, who also hijacks a scene or two), an eccentric, seemingly past her prime fashion designer (Helena Bonham-Carter), and a jeweler (Mindy Kaling) with an artistry all her own.
This revamp of the Ocean’s series has star power to spare, with engaging performances, not only by the female leads, but also James Corden as an insurance investigator. The prep for the heist is peppered with amusing exchanges and occasional (if slight) character development, but it’s the chemistry among the leads that certainly carries the day. The plotting is a little light in terms of the stakes involved (though ingenious, there is little doubt where the heist is headed,)—and Bullock’s personal nemesis is nowhere near as menacing as Andy Garcia’s deserving hotel owner in the Clooney films. Yet Ocean’s 8 is jaunty, escapist fun, complete with a couple of cameos and a satisfying third-act twist or two.
Hereditary is a creepy affair, especially in the first two-thirds, as it centers on a somewhat isolated family dealing with all kinds of grief—both imaginable and unimaginable. The viewer knows something is amiss from the first image of the family, photographed as if they are inhabitants in a dollhouse. For this family’s existence is anything but idyllic, with this melancholy brood consisting of parents Steve and Annie (Gabriel Byrne and Toni Colette), troubled thirteen-year-old misfit Charlie (Milly Shapiro–quiet, withdrawn, and excellent) and her older, pot-smoking brother Peter (Alex Wolff). In the aftermath of Annie’s mother’s death, the family slowly, inexorably deteriorates. Annie and Charlie initially bear the brunt of it, as Annie seeks counseling and understanding (and perhaps vindication?), while daughter Charlie acts out in other ways (her interaction with a bird and her “cluck” sound rank as some of the more unnerving moments of the year.) Yet this loss pales in terms of what lies ahead…
Though Hereditary has its share of overt shares and shocks, the really unsettling nature of the piece lies within this imploding family dynamic. Toni Colette’s Annie, who has issues too numerous to record here, is given the opportunity for several bravura turns, as well as ample opportunity to express inner anguish and turmoil. Her outburst in a grief-counseling session, as well as her later confession to son Peter, namely that she didn’t want him, contain some of the most effective and disturbing acting on display this year. Gabriel Byrne is also effective as the father who is at a loss with this wife’s inability to cope (and then there’s that dollhouse she’s making), and Alex Wolff is heartbreaking as the grief-stricken, guilt-ridden son. Ari Aster’s script and direction both get under your skin, especially in the first two-thirds; as certain mysteries become clearer, Hereditary becomes a tad less powerful (though it does retain its power to shock), but it still keeps a hold on your attention until the bitter end.
There are numerous daily habits you have and that simply destroy your hair. As time passes it is often seen that hair loses shine and is no longer as healthy as it used to be. This is all because we take our hair for granted. According to top hair extensions experts in Denver, more and more people each day opt for extensions and try to regain their natural shine. If you do care about your hair’s health, make sure you learn why your hair is not looking as great as it used to. Some very common reasons are presented below.
Improper Diet
Most people do not realize the fact that what we eat affects our entire health, including that of our hair. Your diet is important because hair follicles are actual living organisms. Nourishment is necessary in order to thrive. As the body becomes deficient in important nutrients, it decides where available nutrients are sent. The vital organs are those that are the top priority. Your hair follicles simply receive what is left.
Be sure that you focus on foods that are as natural as possible. Try to avoid nutrient-light, high-calorie foods, sugary treats, grains and processed foods. Some of the best foods for hair health are fruits, organic animal protein and vegetables.
Stress
They do not call stress a silent killer for nothing. The rumors that stress turns hair gray are not that far away from the truth as you might expect. Physiological stress will affect hair health, even if you think this is not true. As the body is affected by stress, hair suffers. One of the reasons why this is correct is that kidneys and adrenal glands are very important in removing the toxins from your body. When stress levels are high, these parts of the body simply work way too hard and cannot properly process toxins. At the same time, psychological or emotional stress can easily lead to increased physiological stress.
If you cannot reduce stress factors in your life, at least make sure that you rest as much as the body needs.
Using Conventional Conditioners And Shampoos
One thing most people do not know is that most hair care products in stores are filled with highly dangerous chemicals like parabens, ammonia, sulfates and even plastics. In fact, you can find sulfates in over 90% of the modern body washes and shampoos. Because they are so common most think they are not harmful. In reality, these substances create various side effects that the hair feels like brittleness, dryness and dulling.
Try to get rid of the regular conditioners and shampoos and use products that are at least sulfate-free. These automatically make your hair better-looking.
Heat Damage
Last but not least, we should mention that most people expose their hair to excessive heat way too often. This does not include just the sun. It also includes flat irons, hot oil treatments and blow dryers. It is really important that you are smart with all the heat that you expose your hair too. Consider alternatives and make sure you never overdo it.
We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.
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This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
It is always fun to learn how to play the guitar but many mistakes can be made during this time. If you want to speed up the learning process, let’s talk about the common mistakes you do want to avoid. Denver Folklore, currently selling the best Santa Cruz, Collings, Taylor and Martin acoustic guitar selection, identifies the following as the most common mistakes beginners make.
Improperly Holding The Guitar
For beginners it is not at all easy to properly hold the guitar. It is really important to learn how to use guitar curves so the instrument hugs the body. When seated, you can easily use knee curve and the rib cage. When you stand, guitar curves can be used to hug the rib cage. If you hold the guitar right, arms are freed and you can focus more on the technique you use while playing.
Not Tuning Every Single Time The Guitar Is Played
Tuning can be altered every single time the guitar is set down. This is why you want to be sure you do minor tuning adjustments every time you pick up your instrument to play. Electric tuners are obviously highly recommended.
Not Using The Services Of A Teacher
There are so many that start learning how to play the guitar by reading some tutorials. They just think there is no need of a teacher but such a thought process is completely incorrect. It is really challenging to learn how to properly use strumming and picking techniques if there is not a professional teacher that is showing you what to do. At least tame some lessons since they are going to make you feel a lot more confident. Your technique will be better and you can learn a lot faster.
Improperly Holding The Chords
A proper fingering technique is absolutely necessary as you play your guitar. If you use it, chords are going to be quite simple to play. You will also feel a lot more comfortable as you are strumming on your guitar.
Not Using Barre Chords
You use the barre chord by holding a finger across frets and placing your other fingers in the appropriate position. Something like this does feel awkward, especially for beginners. However, after you get used to using barre chords, playing is going to exponentially improve, which is definitely what you want as a guitar player.
Trying To Learn From Everyone
After you learn the basics of playing the guitar, you are tempted to start getting lessons from many different teachers. It is important to be careful as you choose who to learn playing from. What works really well for someone else might not be great in your case. Practice what is learned and become completely comfortable with every single concept before you move to another teacher or something else to learn.
Not Playing The Guitar In Front Of Others
Last but not least, the beginner is often nervous and does not want to play the guitar in front of others. Remember that when you perform you build confidence. If a mistake is made you should not dwell on it. Just show off the hard work you put into learning to play the guitar and enjoy it.
DOPE MUSIC. DOPE BEER. DOPE VIBES. The Federal NoHo. June 22.
On June 22, from 6 – 10PM, Dope & Dank, in partnership with Lord Hobo Brewing Company, will host their second annual L.A. Beer Week event, “The Take Over.” The tap list will include Lord Hobo Brewing Company staples, Boomsauce, Glorious, Consolation Prize and Angelica along with a few other Dope & Dank favorites. The event will be held at The Federal in North Hollywood, closing out a week of amazing craft beer festivities. Join the Dope & Dank crew as they show the city of L.A. the beauty that diversity brings to the craft beer community. The event includes special live performances by Grammy award-winning drummer Taylor Gordon, “The Pocket Queen,” rapper/actor ENIMAL, SoCal native rapper MOSAICC and DJ Lyriks spinning on the 1s & 2s. Attendees will have access to the Dope & Dank pop-up store featuring D&D merch and the Black and Brown People Love Beer collections. Come celebrate with as we listen to incredible music, watch art activations and connect through the great neutral of independent craft beer.
Dope & Dank
Dope & Dank was founded by Teo Hunter and Beny Ashburn who were recently named “Beer People Of The Year 2018” by Imbibe Magazine. D&D is a craft beer lifestyle brand whose mission is to bridge diversity, “Dope” culture and the “Dank” world of craft beer. D&D curates events and produces content that speaks directly to black and brown audiences. They make the experience of craft beer culture feel authentic, engaging and meaningful, while forging a space for new audiences.
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“Creativity and authenticity is at the core of Dope & Dank,” -Beny Ashburn
“Let’s fit as many asses at this table of Dope & Dank as possible. If there isn’t enough room at the table, lets build a bigger fucking table!” -Teo Hunter
The brand has been showcased in nationally distributed publications along with being featured as one of the best experiences in LA on BRAVO’s “Going Off The Menu” hosted by super star chef Graham Elliot. ope & Dank partnered with El Segundo Brewing Co, for a craft beer collaboration releasing two beers; “Gotta Get It” Hazy IPA with Mango and a West Coast IPA which was distributed throughout California and Nevada.
With beer on a pedestal and adventure up their sleeve, Lord Hobo Brewing Co. set out to craft style-defining New England beers that highlight paramount traits of quality ingredients. Their beers are elegant yet raw, free-spirited yet sophisticated. Beer has a unique ability to bring all kinds of people together, from the Lords that only enjoy the finer things in life, to the Hobos that work hard to earn their small pleasures, great beer is an accessible luxury. Proudly brewed in Massachusetts, they bring the New England beer experience to thirsty fans everywhere. They relish in the connection and find sanctuary in the beers that unite us. — Lords and Hobos alike, they believe we all deserve to drink like royalty.
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
If you’re ready to break away from city life and decompress a little, Ohio’s Amish Country is the perfect place to visit for a weekend get-a-away that will soothe your senses and make you appreciate the simple things in life again.
Ohio’s Amish Country is actually the largest Amish settlement in the world. It’s located in the rolling hills of east-central Ohio in towns such as Berlin, Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek and Millersburg. While most of the population is either Amish or Mennonite (very similar to the Amish, but they sometimes may use some more modern technology), there are non-Amish people that live in the area as well.
A great first stop from either airport is Lehman’s Hardware Store. It’s like the Costco for the Amish community! It was like going to a museum, but being able to buy the exhibits: Oil lamps, old-time stoves, old-time remedy products for aches, pains and common illnesses, leather belts and Amish hats and bonnets, old-fashioned toys and game, and more! There is a lady that sells homemade fudge inside, a little café area, and tons of flavored sodas. (No beer or wine as the Amish do not consume alcohol.)
For accommodations, I’d recommend staying in Berlin, Ohio. It’s very well situated in the center of all three counties that make up Amish Country. It’s a little touristy with a main street and lots of little shops and restaurants, but it’s fun and lively. There are plenty of hotels in the area. We rented a charming Airbnbhouse right smack in the middle of Main Street in Berlin.
After you get settled, head on over to the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center to learn about the history and culture of the Amish, and be sure to check out the Behalt – a 10 foot by 265 foot circular mural painting that illustrates who these people were who upset the European religious community, both Catholic and Protestant, by teaching about adult baptism, and why in the face of trials and persecution, they choose non-violence as a response.
Afterwards, visit Heini’s Cheese Chaletwhere you can enjoy free samples of more than 50 different varieties of natural cheeses and see how the cheese is made.
Head over to the town of Sugarcreek, “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” and check out the world’s largest Cuckoo Clock! Have dinner at Dutch Valley Restaurant. (The homemade pies are to die for!)
Saturday-Day 2:
Start the day with a relaxing Amish Horse and Buggy ride. In Walnut Creek, in front of the Carlisle Inn there’s an Amish guy named Lester. You can arrange a ride for up to six people through the front desk.
Afterwards, head on over to The Farm at Walnut Creek, a working Amish farm where you can experience a bit of Amish lifestyle. Ride a horse-drawn wagon to feed exotic animals in Ohio.
After lunch is a great time to sample some chocolate at Coblentz Chocolate Company, where you can watch chocolate being made.
This evening is the ultimate in cultural immersion. You’re going to have dinner with an Amish Family! Twila and her husband and teenage daughter will cook and serve you at their home. They are very friendly and will answer any questions you have about being Amish. You can contact me privately for their telephone number to arrange your lunch or dinner.
Sunday-Day 3
After all of that hearty Amish food, cheeses and chocolates it’s a good time to do some walking or jogging. Head over to nearby Millersburg, a quaint little historic town near Amish Country and walk the Rails-to-Trails path. Here it is not unusual to find cyclists, walkers, runners, horseback riders and horse-drawn buggies utilizing the trail for exercise, fun, or transportation. This part of the trail in Holmes County consists of 12 miles of paved trail from Killbuck to Fredericksburg. It is the only dual purpose trail in the United States, half of it consisting of chipped limestone for horse traffic. You can jump on the trail just off of Grant Street at the historic Hipp Station Train Depot in Downtown Millersburg. Bicycles are available to rent.
Afterwards, visit the Victorian House Museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 28-room, Queen Anne style home serves as the society’s museum of Victoriana and collection of Holmes County history.
Since most places in Amish Country are closed on Sundays, the very unique Warther Musuem should be your main goal for Sunday. It showcases sixty-four of Ernest Warther’s ebony, ivory, and walnut hand-carved masterpieces (many of them finely detailed historic trains). In addition to his carvings, the collection contains his wife Frieda’s 73,000 piece button collection, Swiss-style gardens, and 5,500 piece Native American arrowhead collection.
This museum truly blew my mind. This guy could name the exact day when he would finish a carving. The trains are so detailed, featuring thousands of tiny pieces. He even carved a steel factory where he worked, featuring actual co-workers and moving parts.
Another amazing exhibit is the Plier Tree – a tree he created from a single block of wood that now has 511 interconnected little pliers. To make it, he did 31,000 cuts and each branch can fully articulate like a functional pair of pliers all the way down to the base of the trunk. Mr. Warther knew how many cuts it would take before he even started the project!
Ohio’s Amish Country is a truly unique American cultural experience. The best times to visit are in the spring when the flowers begin to bloom and the rolling green hills come to life; and in the autumn, when the fall foliage explodes on the scene and makes an artist looking canvass of yellow, orange and red colors to behold.
The 6th Act Theatre Company Presents “An Evening of Betrayal” at Theatre 68.
Directed by Elizabeth Swain
Betrayal written by Harold Pinter and Othello written by William Shakespeare
What a masterful idea. To take two such iconic and powerful plays and perform them together, with the same cast, back to back and also…fascinatingly enough….in reverse.
Confused? You would think so wouldn’t you? But actually, it makes such perfect sense. Particularly with “Othello,” which was mercifully shortened. It is brilliant, but it is also a very long play. But if we already know the outcome, which of course we do, unless you are from another planet, then isn’t the journey all the more interesting when we see the line drawn so clearly in reverse?
We are all so much the wiser when the journey is behinds us. It’s far easier to see where we took the wrong turn, who we took on faith when every indication was clear that we should not, and how things fell apart. We can examine our own disasters inch by inch, moment by moment when we lie alone in the darkness…and we all do. And this is precisely why this remarkable production works so brilliantly. Because instead of watching a plot unfurl, by beginning at the end, we can examine so much more closely the ‘why.’ The ‘why’ of how each character relates to one another, the ‘why’ of who chooses which path and the ‘why’ of how on earth they didn’t see what was right before their eyes.
“Betrayal” – Cast Liza Seneca and William DeMeritt
Harold Pinter is an English god of a writer, and I was a little nervous considering we are in LA and everyone speaks “American.” However, the actors were absolutely breathtaking in their Britishness. Pinter simply cannot be done without the accent. Apparently, their fabulous English director, Elizabeth Swain, is quite the taskmaster, to great effect. I actually had to ask at intermission if they were really English! Don’t tell the Queen.
“Betrayal” is a brilliant revelatory play. So in reverse, the revelations are delightfully twisted around and we discover more ‘whys’…fascinating. I think I will begin to re-read all the plays in my library but in reverse.
This is a brilliant production, I have already recommended it to several friends. The performances are excellent and the fierceness of the relationships between each character is a beauty to behold.
This is a very short run, but well worth your time, so please, don’t dawdle. Pinter is a rarity in LA so take the opportunity to get in touch with your British roots and learn to speak English!!!
“Next to Normal” is one of only eight musicals to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize. So any production really has an awful lot to live up to.
Panic Productions clearly rises to the occasion with their latest version of this unique and heartbreaking show.
As a subject for a musical, mental illness doesn’t immediately spring to mind, but therein lies its brilliance. To take something so difficult, so unspoken of and not only speak of it but sing it, is absolutely genius. Yet it does pose some obvious difficulties for a company. There’s nothing to hide behind, no gimmicks or camp, and no trickery. Right away we know what’s going on, within the first number even, it’s out there, the ‘crazy’ of the family and the rest of the show is about how everyone deals with it…or doesn’t as the case may be.
So this brutal honesty is why it becomes a daunting task, anyone attempting it must be prepared to be perfect. To be dazzling in their vocal abilities, their honest, open acting and oh the harmonies. Panic productions pulls out all the stops and is more than equal to the task. The cast is all just fantastic.
It’s a tough show, full of sadness and struggle, but somehow there is joy throughout, such is our human quirkiness to find the funny in the sorrow. If you don’t know the show I won’t say too much about the plot, suffice it to say it’s about a family struggling with a mother’s mental decline and finding a way forward through the pain. It really is such a wonderful show.
The actors are truly flawless, their beautiful, strong, heart-filled voices soaring in this lovely theatre. Their energy fills the songs with power and truth and they just don’t ever step away from the driving force of the piece, their collective dream to be well while trying to live with the consequences of a broken mind.
I wept through most of it to be honest. I’m a sap, I know. But the songs are so incredibly able to slice through to the bone of this family’s life. Through the pretense and the affectation, straight through to the core of each and every character. The story’s fierce and bold, yet the songs are heartbreaking and profound. And the performances are equally excellent. Each of their magical voices supports the other, harmonizing and blending and twisting around each other in fluid and magical passion.
Without the actors voices’ depth and truth these songs would have much less meaning. This cast pays full homage to the brilliance of the words and the heartache of the music.
I cannot recommend this production of “Next to Normal” highly enough. It really is a joy, all be it a sorrowful one. It’s a terribly short run, so please make an effort and get out and see this show.
Fiona Goodwin is: “A Very British Lesbian,” written and performed by Fiona Goodwin at the Zephyr Theatre at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
As a British woman living in LA, I cannot tell you how I thirst for British humor. I don’t obsess over it of course, or pine, or even mention it…I am British after all. But, when given the chance to get my fix, so to speak, I am thrilled, ecstatic and very, very grateful.
Now that I have set the scene, on to the play, and what a treasure of a play it is. Fiona Goodwin is perhaps an unlikely superstar. She is adorable and warmly and wisely beautiful, but not flashy and naturally bold. She skillfully and hilariously relates her fascinating life journey. From born-again Christian to teaching in inner city schools in the UK, wandering the South American jungles as part of an acting troupe, training to become a nun in the Alps and trying every kind of therapy imaginable – even a Monty Pythonesque exorcism – all in an attempt to “cure” her from her love for her glorious own fair sex.
She has lived her life with the kind of classic British stiff upper lip that has prevented her from embracing her true self until quite recently, despite one secret love affair that lasted years. Oh, how the British love their closeted lives. The repression, the clinging to “what’s normal” as if that has ever even existed, especially in the UK, the kingdom of the kinky.
Fiona Goodwin is a hero quite frankly.
How she has survived her wandering and her passionate and mostly unreciprocated love affairs with her marbles intact is a bit of a miracle. But thank goodness she has or we would never be able to share in her brilliant, touching, poignant and absolutely hilarious stories.
It’s all so cleverly put together too, with helpful images projected behind her like some wonderful holiday slideshow of her crazy and inspiring life. Fiona gamely acts out certain iconic and life-changing moments, which is magical and preciously funny. Her dry delivery and brittle observational humor draw the audience in from the moment she begins to speak. In short, I loved it.
A Very British Lesbian is exactly what a solo show ought to be…deeply personal, revelatory, funny and engaging with an actor who is willing to share everything.
Fiona Goodwin does all this and the result is absolutely fabulous…Bravo!!
Fiona is touring nationally and internationally with her show and I wish her the very best of British luck, although she needs none, I’m positive that everyone will love her as much as I do.
This year they expect to exhibit more than 100 ceramic pieces in their Main Gallery Exhibition. All pieces are for sale. In our Upper Gallery Exhibition they show and sell the ceramic designs of McGroarty’s students.
This year’s featured artist and juror is Melody Cooper. She is a ceramic artist and educator, who creates highly textured and festooned boxes and teapots inspired by influences that range from Chaco Canyon to Echo Park. Her narrative, entrenched in storytelling and taken from the pages of her sketchbook, is based on day-to-day experiences as an artist. She is a Professor of Art at Pierce College and Department Chair of Art and Architecture, and instructs fine silver basics at Barnsdall Art Center.
WHEN:
GALLERY HOURS Monday through Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM CLOSED SUNDAYS
Ray Yocum, one of our long tenured ceramics instructors, saying that the annual June ceramics show was originally created to educate and inspire our ceramic students, and our community at large, by showing them a wide variety of ceramics works by masterful ceramic artists. They also hoped that by enlarging awareness of what was possible with ceramics, more people in our community would get excited about taking ceramic classes at McGroarty.
What can folks expect to see at the exhibit?
The deliciously creative ceramic pieces on exhibit can range from realistic to imaginative sculpture, and ceramic vessels of different shapes and sizes made using a large variety of clays, glazes and firing techniques.
Tell us more about each of your ceramics workshops.
McGroarty Arts Center offers ceramics classes for kids, teens and adults.
“Hi, I’m Edie Jacobs and I have been teaching here at McGroarty for 10 years. My approach has been to actually teach ceramic art, not just play with clay. I do want the kids to have fun, but I also want them to come away with the thought that ceramics is a centuries old discipline, multi-cultural, and an activity that requires thought and patience. I hope that the children appreciate that I try to incorporate, humor with learning. Class usually includes a vocabulary word, or two, for the day, and some small life lesson, respect for others and their artwork.”
McGroarty Arts Center History
McGroarty Arts Center was founded in 1953 in the historic home of John Steven McGroarty. Mr. McGroarty was born in Pennsylvania in 1862. Before moving to Tujunga in 1901, Mr. McGroarty had already worked as a school teacher, a journalist, served as a justice of the peace and Treasurer of Luzerne County, and had been admitted to the Bar and started his own legal practice. In 1901, John and his wife, Ida Lubrecht McGroarty, settled in Tujunga, California in hopes that the clean air would ease John’s asthma. That same year, Mr. McGroarty joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times. McGroarty wrote for the LA Times for more than 40 years, authoring the weekly comment column, “Seen from the Green Verdugo Hills,” which he continued to write during his two terms in the House of Representatives (1935-1939).
Mr. McGroarty wrote several poems and plays, most notably the Mission Play, which was a three-hour pageant portraying the history of the California missions. The play ran for twenty years and was seen by over two million people. In 1933, Mr. McGroarty was appointed Poet Laureate of California, a position which he held until he died in 1944, at the age of 82.
The McGroarty home was built in 1923-1924 on the same foundation of the McGroartys’ previous house that had burned down. The McGroartys had no children. After Mr. McGroarty’s death, his niece inherited the home and surrounding grounds – an estimated 12 acres of undisturbed native chaparral. McGroarty’s neice, with encouragement from several local community groups, sold the McGroarty property to the City of Los Angeles in 1953. The house was declared a City of Los Angeles historic-cultural monument (#63) in 1970.
The Department of Recreation and Parks managed McGroarty Arts Center from 1953 until 1974, when management was transferred to the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. In 1995, McGroarty Arts Center was privatized, and since then it has been operated by a non-profit organization (known as McGroarty Arts Center), in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. In the years since its privatization, the Center has developed into a bustling community arts center, boasting programs that are enjoyed by more than 7500 people each year.
We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.
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This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
The Garland is taking it to the max with a groovy summer music series! Boogie down with them this summer!
The Garland’s Songs of Summer Concert Series comes to North Hollywood.
Enjoy an evening under the stars at The Garland’s outdoor private event venue, Beverly Park, for a free summer concert series this summer! Each month, guests and locals alike (21+) can enjoy inventive drinks, bites (think: taco carts!) from @thefrontyardla. and live music beginning at dusk. The monthly concerts take place from 7-10PM; Entrance to the event is 21+ and free, bites + beverages are available for purchase.
The Garland 4222 Vineland Avenue North Hollywood, CA 91602
Welcome to The Garland, an urban oasis where you can enjoy the casual comforts of home and immerse yourself in the action of LA, all in our backyard. Your experience is made complete with a welcoming vibe and modern amenities to keep you plugged in, yet completely relaxed. We’re perfectly situated minutes away from LA’s best attractions, large entertainment and production studios.
And with our restaurant, The Front Yard, you can find yourself sharing a meal on the stunning outdoor patio or sipping perfect cocktails by the fireplace. The approachable menu celebrates the Los Angeles food scene.
It’s all happening here — check in and check us out.
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
I have to be honest – when I heard that Nicole Anderson was showing at Junior High, I literally thought the exhibition space was at a Junior High.
Increasingly cynical over the last several months, I was not thrilled to be going to a Middle School to see Anderson’s work. I’m happy to report that the art space is only called ‘Junior High’ (and situated in close proximity to a Junior High). I’m happier to announce that Nicole’s show was the most intimate and honest art exhibition I’ve been to in a long time.
Anderson sent an artist’s statement to me which gave me a greater understanding of her work. While normally artist’s statements explain the artwork to me, Anderson’s artist’s statement supplemented the work (which still isn’t overly obvious or plattitudinal). She collaborates with herself in both past and present, and she emphasizes ownership, belonging, and transience in location and mentality.
Anderson’s work focuses on transition, space, individual journey, and she has the best use of artist’s plaques I’ve ever seen. While most artists rely on the traditional binder of work titles to explain the artwork, Anderson brings the content to the viewer in the plaques adjacent to the work.
She’s relatable but not pretentious, self-aware but not self-indulgent, clever but humble, and I’ve never met her but I’m able to intuit this all from her artwork. Anderson successfully bridges herself as an artist into the work, which I think is particularly difficult to do without prior fame, family lineage, previous press, or “pedigree”, as Anderson would assert.
Anderson’s content resonates with me on a personal level. In a transitionary period of my life, I’ve recently reflected on space and the inhabitance of spaces in my own life. While Anderson is chronicling her own inhabited spaces, she gives us enough leeway to map our own lives onto her work. I felt as though Anderson was trying to get us to take stock of a larger life journey, but still wants us to focus on leaps, or ‘chapters’, if you will. Anderson’s focus isn’t on the minutia of daily life, but of encompassing swatches in our own lives.
There’s a thread through Nicole’s work that brings together her work as relevant to much of LA’s population, but relates to LA itself. I’m thinking of her series of photography featuring tents in various locations – which range from the farfetched and metaphorical to all-too realistic.
At first glance, Anderson’s exhibition looks disjointed (since all of her artwork can –and does- stand alone). However, it becomes apparent that Anderson has a strong voice and direction in her collection.
Anderson is clever in her work, but honest and relatable without being self-indulgent or arrogant. I would love to see Anderson have a solo exhibition with a large budget. Altogether this is a brilliant exhibition that is well-deserving of both the Junior High space – and I would urge, a larger, better-recognized venue.
NoHo’s Actors Workout Studio premiered Today’s The Day
A crowd-pleasing collection of seven diverse original short plays written by members of their creative and inventive Sunday morning group called The Writers Workshop.
The short plays feature talented thesps in dramatic and comedic pieces.
Opening the show was a dark moody World War ll drama called The Sugar Lottery written by April Littlejohn and directed by Roxanne Jaeckel featuring Jenna Newstrom, Heather Boothby, Rich Warren and Vincent Giovanni about German immigrants in America in 1940 struggling with multiple challenges they never foresaw before coming to America for a better life.
Next up literally shifting gears and taking place entirely in a car was Running In The Family a fun contemporary light comedy written and directed by Steven Reveles featured a charismatic young couple played by Jim Marsilio and Jeni Wu.
Throwin’ Junk
Throwin’ Junk written by Roger Gutierrez and directed by D.B. Levin featured Mr. Gutierrez and Robert Rochester in a tension-filled unexpected high school reunion in a cyber cafe with startling twists and turns.
Shotgun Encounters a quirky comedy written and directed by Daniel B. Weisman hit the funny bone and featured Bobby Williams and Carlene Olson as 2 Southern hicks who must deal with a mysterious Alien visitor.
This is Junior
Following intermission was another quirky comedy called This is Junior written by Roger Gutierrez and directed by Tim Simek featuring Bobby Williams and Jason Waszak about a boozing Southern singer who proclaims to be the son of Elvis Presley and the surprisingly helpful cop who tries to give him a hand.
Saying Goodbye, a resonating drama written by Paul Surace and directed by Conrad Dunn featured Mr. Surace and Holger Moncada, Jr. in a very poignant and powerful reunion of an estranged father and son.
Shifting gears again was the fun over the top farce Ten Minutes! written by Chris Karmiol and directed by Conrad Dunn featuring Jylian Sy, Jonah Weiland and Ian Stanley about an EXTREMELY amorous interior designer who makes very personal house calls as her unsuspecting husband waits for her in the car.
Today’s the Day runs for the next two Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm at Actors Workout Studio located at 4735 Lankershim Boulevard in Noho. Next up for AWS is Tonight’s The Night opening June 29th for a three week run. Visit www.actorsworkout.com for more information.
The Cast Jenna Newstrom Heather Boothby Rich Warren Vincent Giovanni Jim Marsilio Jenni Wu Roger Gutierrez Robert Rochester Bobby Williams Carlene Olson Jason Waszak Paul Surace Holger Moncada, Jr. Jylian Sy Jonah Weiland Ian Stanley
Written By Roger Gutierrez Chris Karmiol April Littlejohn Steve Reveles Paul Surace Daniel B. Weisman
Directed By Conrad Dunn Roxanne Jaeckel D.B. Levin Steve Reveles Tim Simek Daniel B. Weisman
The fourth annual gala Valley Theatre Awards Gala was celebrated on Monday June 4, 2018 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.
Hosted by Bree Pavey and Rick Shaw and produced by Fulton Entertainment, the 2018 Valley Theatre Awards gala was an evening to enjoy food and wine, fun performances, meet Valley theatre folks and a time to acknowledge and award the “best artists” on this side of the hill. Our publisher Nancy Bianconi was also honored with a Lifetime Acheivement Award for her work in the NoHo and Valley theatre community.
The Valley Theatre Awards was created to bring recognition to the great work being done in the NoHo Arts District and San Fernando Valley, to honor its artistic heritage, and to provide a meeting ground for this extensive community.
The Awards focus on intimate theatre and recognizes the unique and essential role it plays in contributing to our culture. We believe that publicly recognizing excellence in intimate theater will expand audience awareness and appreciation of a wonderful theatre experience in our community.
Congratulations to those who took home an award. The biggest award is being part of this community.
THEATRE WEST | June Schreiner – The Night Forlorn (or, Waitin’ on Godsford)
BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
ABOVE THE CURVE | Brittney Wheeler | Vote! the Musical FOOTHILL PAC
BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
FOOTHILL PAC | Ron Truppa | The Spitfire Grill
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDED TO NANCY BIANCONI
BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY
THEATRE 68 | Bechir Sylvain | The Meeting
BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY
ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO | Marissa Fennell | All New People
BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
CUPCAKE THEATRE | Matthew Latkiewicz | Into The Woods
BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
FOOTHILL PAC | Tiffany Oliver | The Spitfire Grill
BEST ONE PERSON PERFORMANCE
THEATRE 68 | Ronnie Marmo | I’m Not a Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce THEATRE WEST | Dina Morrone | The Italian in Me WHITEFIRE THEATRE | Christina Carlisi | Martha
BEST WRITER OF AN ORIGINAL PLAY OR MUSICAL
SECRET ROSE THEATRE | Jeff Gould | The Marriage Zone
BEST IMPROV/SKETCH ENSEMBLE
ACME THEATRE | The Captains of Industry
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL
DEFIANCE THEATRE CO. | My Big Gay Italian Funeral
BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
CUPCAKE THEATRE | Michael Pettenato | Into the Woods
BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
WHITEFIRE THEATRE | Bobby Moresco | Working 2017
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ADAM CHAMBERS – LOFT ENSEMBLE
BEST MUSICAL
CUPCAKE THEATRE | Legally Blonde
BEST PLAY
THEATRE WEST | The Night Forlorn (or, Waitin’ on Godsford)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS AND NOMINEES!
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
If you’re considering changing jobs, you’re not alone.
Today, few people stay with one employer until retirement. It’s likely that at some point during your career, you’ll be looking for a new job. You may be looking to make more money or seeking greater career opportunities. Or, you may be forced to look for new employment if your company restructures. Whatever the reason, you’ll eventually be faced with an important decision: When you receive an offer, should you take it? You can find the job that’s right for you by following a few sensible steps.
How does the salary offer stack up?
What if the salary you’ve been offered is less than you expected? First, find out how frequently you can expect performance reviews and/or pay increases. Expect the company to increase your salary at least annually. To fully evaluate the salary being offered, compare it with the average pay of other professionals working in the same field. You can do this by talking to others who hold similar jobs, calling a recruiter (i.e., a headhunter), or doing research at your local library or on the Internet. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good source for this information.
Bonuses and other benefits
Next, ask about bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing plans that can increase your total income. Find out what benefits the company offers and how much of the cost you’ll bear as an employee. Don’t overlook the value of good employee benefits. They can add the equivalent of thousands of dollars to your base pay. Ask to look over the benefits package available to new employees. Also, find out what opportunities exist for you to move up in the company. This includes determining what the company’s goals are and the type of employee that the company values.
Personal and professional consequences
Will you be better off financially if you take the job? Will you work a lot of overtime, and is the scheduling somewhat flexible? Must you travel extensively? Consider the related costs of taking the job, including the cost of transportation, new clothes, a cell phone, increased day-care expenses, and the cost of your spouse leaving his or her job if you are required to relocate. Also, take a look at the company’s work environment. You may be getting a good salary and great benefits, but you may still be unhappy if the work environment doesn’t suit you. Try to meet the individuals you will be closely working with. It may also be helpful to find out something about the company’s key executives and to read a copy of the mission statement.
Deciding whether to accept the job offer
You’ve spent a lot of time and energy researching and evaluating a potential job, but the hardest part is yet to come: Now that you have received a job offer, you must decide whether to accept it. Review the information you’ve gathered. Think back to the interview, paying close attention to your feelings and intuition about the company, the position, and the people you came in contact with. Consider not only the salary and benefits you’ve been offered, but also the future opportunities you might expect with the company. How strong is the company financially, and is it part of a growing industry? Decide if you would be happy and excited working there. If you’re having trouble making a decision, make a list of the pros and cons. It may soon become clear whether the positives outweigh the negatives, or vice versa.
Negotiating a better offer
Sometimes you really want the job you’ve been offered, but you find the salary, benefits, or hours unfavorable. In this case, it’s time to negotiate. You may be reluctant to negotiate because you fear that the company will rescind the offer or respond negatively. However, if you truly want the job but find the offer unacceptable, you may as well negotiate for a better offer rather than walk away from a great opportunity without trying. The first step in negotiating is to tell your potential employer specifically what it is that you want. State the amount of money you want or the exact hours you wish to work. Make it clear that if the company accepts your terms, you are willing and able to accept its offer immediately.
What happens next? It’s possible that the company will accept your counteroffer. Or, the company may reject it, because either company policy does not allow negotiation or the company is unwilling to move from its original offer. The company may make you a second offer, typically a compromise between its first offer and your counteroffer. In either case, the ball is back in your court. If you still can’t decide whether to take the job, ask for a day or two to think about it. Take your time. Accepting a new job is a big step.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.
To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018.
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Dog breed development is ongoing and several new breeds have grown in popularity in the last decade.
One such new breed is the Shorkie a hybrid of a Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu. As the two parents breeds are known for being good companion animals the idea was to create a companion dog well suited for a variety of living environments. While there is no shortage of pictures of cute Shorkies it’s important to know more about a breed before adopting.
Shorkies A Brief Breed Profile
Overall Appearance
Shorkies come in a variety of colors (there is no common color standard) with the most seen ones being brown and white, being black and tan, red, and gold. Their coat can mimic either one of the parent breeds and can be slightly wavy or have the straight fur found in a Yorkshire Terrier. They have rounded heads, larger eyes, a short muzzle, short ears, short legs, and an overall compact but muscular body type. In terms of size, a Shorkie is commonly 6 to 14 inches tall and weighs 7 to 15 lbs.
Health
Sadly, both parent breeds are known for having specific health concerns which can be passed down to Shorkie pups. Health concerns to look out for include the following:
Dental ailments such as tooth loss.
Glaucoma and other eye issues which are found in Yorkshire Terriers and mixes.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome a nose development issue that causes narrow nostrils and causes trouble in breathing. Inherited from the Shih Tzu.
Patellar Luxation joint issues with the hindlimbs that affect the knee.
Hypoglycemia low blood sugar is an issue often faced by small dog breeds.
Portosystemic Shunt a deformity of liver blood vessels which prevents the liver from detoxifying the dog’s body.
In terms of lifespan as Shorkies are a new breed it can be hard to estimate without more information. However, they should have a lifespan in line with that of their parent breeds of 12 to 15 years.
Personality
Shorkies are affable, social, loving, and gentle dogs. However, they are also energetic and playful dogs who are also alert and attentive. From their parent breeds, Shorkies have inherited a watchdog personality and are prone to barking. While very loyal to their families Shorkies can develop separation anxiety if overly ignored or mistreated.
Can They Be Trained Easily?
Dog trainability varies between breed and Shorkies present a bit of a challenge as they can be stubborn dogs and have a short attention span. Crate training is advised as this will help in future vet trips, transport, and give your dog a place they feel safe. Socialization training is especially important as Shorkies can be wary of strange animals and people. By exposing your Shorkie to a wide variety of people and animals they develop a calmer more well-adjusted personality.
Food And Diet
Shorkies should be fed a diet of dry kibble due to their issues with dental health. In addition to this, the kibble should be formulated for active small dogs. Despite being bred as a companion Shorkies have a lot of energy and a big personality in a small dog package.
Grooming
Shorkies have a type of fine fur that can be prone to matting and knotting if not well maintained. You should brush them one a day to prevent this and also bath them once a month using a specialized dog shampoo. As noted above dental concerns are a common issue so be sure to brush your dog’s teeth to prevent a buildup of tartar and plaque.
Final Thoughts
Shorkies are an excellent companion animal. Devoted to their families they can also surprise you as they often don’t realize they are a smaller dog. Their loyalty also makes them a surprisingly effective watchdog as they will alert you to anything out of the ordinary. They are playful and make a good dog for families with both young and older children.
Metro is looking for ways to better connect the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. The transit agency is conducting a feasibility study for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project to identify and evaluate a range of high-capacity transit alternatives between the Valley and LAX, with possible connections to existing and planned Metro bus and rail lines, including the Orange, Purple and Expo Lines. Come to the community meeting to learn more about the project and initial concepts for the San Fernando Valley-Westside connection. This is your opportunity to find a better alternative than the 405.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 9, 2018, 10AM-12PM
WHERE:
Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91401
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.
Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>
This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
We tend to draw a firm line between the worlds of science and art, often to the detriment of both, so you might be surprised to hear that the art world and one of America’s hottest new technological buzzwords – Bitcoin – have more overlap than you might anticipate. Having already penetrated surprising areas of life like the restaurant business and the entertainment industry, it’s not too unusual that the cryptocurrency now looks set to disrupt the $45 billion art industry too.
Add to this the fact that venues like Model Printing in the NoHo Arts district have started to accept the cryptocurrency, and you’ll see it’s no longer possible for North Hollywood to avoid the reality the rest of the world has woken up to: Bitcoin is here to stay.
Still, though popular culture may imagine Bitcoin as the reserve of Silicon Valley billionaires and reclusive computer whizzes, these works of art from around the world prove that even the more artistic among us have not only been embracing Bitcoin but also incorporating it into their work.
The Last (Bitcoin) Supper
French artist Youl created an intricate and perhaps controversial work, which depicts a Jesus-like figure intended to represent the cryptocurrency surrounded by people from all walks of life as the disciples. The young, old, rich and poor are all represented, alongside even a figure from shadowy internet anarchist group Anonymous. This milieu symbolises the variety of people worldwide who have already invested in Bitcoin, ranging from individuals who have chosen to invest in the crypto-currency to the new businesses seeking to accommodate it, such as Bitcoin-only casinos like Vegas Casino, who use it as the only currency on the site to play games such as roulette, blackjack and slots.
In this way, just as different sects of Christianity can squabble over the correct interpretation of the scripture, as embodied by Jesus, Youl seems to be suggesting that ownership over and the very nature of Bitcoin is still up for debate. Is it an investment opportunity for pleasant old ladies, a means to make the super-rich richer or funding for internet anarchists?
True to the very modern nature of its subject matter, this painting was recently sold in an incredibly modern way: via eBay, for almost three thousand dollars.
Untitled Mining Installation
German artist Peter Frölich has created a pointed reflection on the connection between art and monetary value in this fully operational piece, apparently inspired by Banksy’s love of Bitcoin mining.
This piece, a functioning mining rig mounted in a baroque gold-plated frame questions the way our relationship to art – and particularly modern art – has become increasingly commercialised. Are artistic works worthwhile because they are beautiful and speak to us or merely as a financial investment? Does something perhaps ugly to many, such as exposed circuitry, become more attractive once we know it is actively creating value?
The artist outlines the hardware involved on his blog, alongside his own conflicted thoughts on the piece since, in his own words, he doesn’t like artworks made “solely for the purpose of making money”.
Silk Road Prison Art
A user of the website Reddit identified only by his username, YesterdaysNews2, created this piece of protest art in response to the incarceration of alleged Silk Road leader Ross Ulbricht, who is charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and computer hacking crimes. Silk Road was a website on the “dark web” frequently used to purchase drugs or other contraband. Ulbricht, who set the website up in 2011, is still fighting for his freedom in the Supreme Court.
The work’s response to this is attractively understated in a way that matches its monochrome aesthetic: it features the Bitcoin wallet address which formerly held the currency seized from Ulbricht before it was auctioned off by the FBI, alongside the Brooklyn prison where Ulbricht is being held.
Copies of the work are being sold for 1 BTC.
Bitcoin, despite the amount of media hub-bub it has attracted, has not been in the public eye for long, meaning that for now the range of artworks drawing on it as a direct inspiration is still relatively small. As it grows in the public consciousness, regardless of whether the currency collapses as some experts predict it will, it is likely we will begin to see more and more artists incorporate this cultural touchstone into the work they produce.
Morrison 14 in the NoHo Arts District, New Homes for Our Urban Future
WCH Communities, LP is pleased to present Morrison 14, a new collection of modern homes that are far ahead of the curve. Situated in the heart of the NoHo Arts District, the spacious residences combine style and energy efficiency with an unparalleled level of urban access. The homes are structurally independent with no shared walls, providing a more complete form of ownership than condominiums with low monthly fees. Unique floor plans, designed by innovative LA architect Modative, provide 2 or 3 bedrooms, up to 3.5 bathrooms, and living area ranging from 1,530 to 1,805 square feet. The impressive list of finishes include European Oak plank flooring, exquisite tile work, designer fixtures and a GE appliance suite. Each home has an attached two-car garage and private roof deck, the perfect spot to relax and entertain against a backdrop of colorful sunsets and gorgeous views.
The NoHo Arts District has grown into one of LA’s best urban villages, humming with outdoor cafes, stylish boutiques and a renown live theater district.
Main thoroughfares Lankershim and Vineland intersect with sunny tree-lined side streets, offering an eclectic array of restaurants, nightlife, cinemas, galleries and more. Owners at Morrison 14 have so much at their fingertips, and are seamlessly integrated into a lively scene happening right outside their door. Coffee, restaurants, bars, boutiques and services are nearby. There’s a neighborhood Ralphs market and a Whole Foods 365 coming soon just blocks away. Weekends offer the Saturday Farmers Market, and for quality time outdoors there are nearby parks and the Chandler Bikeway. For commuters, Morrison 14 is dream come true, just a few short blocks from the Metro Red Line. Access is easy to nearby Glendale, Burbank, Studio City and Universal Studios; local freeways make it easy to reach Hollywood and Downtown LA.
Increasing numbers of LA residents seek the earth-friendly and low-maintenance lifestyle of ‘small footprint’ homes, where modern convenience and social responsibility embrace without compromise. WCH Communities, LP is at the vanguard of this movement, and has previously developed successful small lot communities, including Strata in Eagle Rock, Panorama in Hollywood, The Hampshire in Los Feliz, and Gallery in Valley Village, among others. For sales management at Morrison 14 they have partnered with Tracy Do and her team at Compass, leaders in the marketing of small lot homes. “We have sold hundreds of homes in LA,” says Tracy. “And none have been quite like these. This transit-oriented development represents the future of homeownership in our city, with stunning modern design and easy access to everything including mass transit. Interest is already running high, and we know that Morrison 14 will be a huge success.”
Morrison 14 is priced from the high $800,000s and located at 11037 Morrison Street, North Hollywood 91601. To learn more visit www.morrison14.com. For information about WCH Communities, LP visit www.wchcommunities.com.
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
While Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington & Christie Brinkley dominated the women’s worldwide Supermodel catwalk, one man, single-handedly, defined the Super Male Model!
His name stands above all: Brian Buzzini.
I caught up with Brian at the NoHo Arts District Headquarters recently and chatted in length about his meteoric rise to fame in the mid-1980s, modeling for Calvin Klein & Versace, posing for Herb Ritts & Bruce Weber, his affection for gay men, and of course, the notorious Playgirl Man of The Year Centerfold with full erection (which he’s very proud of).
Today, at 55, Mr. Buzzini contemplates his next moves. His entrepreneurial instincts are always on autopilot. Creating and branding a unique fitness plan for men 50+, designing Buzzini Essentials, a men’s underwear line for the active and on-the-go guy… and, then, there’s his four daughters… which makes him emotional and often times breaking down into silence. His daughter, Sophie, is a heroin addict, and this breaks his heart…
Brian was very specific when we got together for this interview. It was easier for him to express himself by WRITING it all down. Taking pen to paper… you know, the old-fashion way… then presenting it to me. OK. I now give you Brian Buzzini in his own words. With his own truth.
by Waide Riddle
***********
By most accounts, in the fashion world, Brian Buzzini was the first male model to achieve ‘Supermodel’ status. Although, it wasn’t fashion and clothing that caught the attention of celebrity photographers, agents and art directors back in 1985, it was the chiseled facial features and perfect athletic body of a self-described ‘Country Boy’ from the farmlands of Central California, as featured in the centerfold in the June issue of Playgirl magazine.
Brian had decided long before, he was going to pose naked despite the advice of a couple of his modeling agents.
“I didn’t see this decision to pose completely nude as risky. I viewed it as an obvious way to stir-up controversy. Just ask Madonna, who was proving it during the same time period.”
This wasn’t a fluke. Brian had set a goal two years earlier after being discovered by agent and Owner of EliteModel Management/San Francisco, Gary Loftus, while scouting 90 miles east of the city, in the town of Modesto, California.
Brian’s frame was a jaw-dropping 6’2, 205 pounds, broad shoulders and muscles. Mr. Loftus had his concerns. Laughable now, isn’t it?!
“Gary would stand in front of the modeling board containing all the modeling composites of his male models and tell me, ‘You’ve got to trim down and look like this,’ as he’d show me some examples of some male model wearing a 40 regular jacket. My young cocky self would just laugh and respond, ‘I’m a broad-shouldered, athletic guy! I can’t trim down to that size, nor would I want to look like that skinny dude!'”
With that said, Brian began testing. Various ‘clothed’ photo shoots with local photographers. But, it was one photographer in particular that took a special interest in Brian: Martin Ryter; who worked as an agent along side Gary Loftus. He was also pursuing photography. Martin and Brian would get-together and shoot several times a month. Brian was now living part time in San Francisco. They would collaborate shooting a collection of Brian’s very first nudes. Traveling to Santa Cruz, and back home to Brian’s hometown of Hilmar, California, to utilize the beauty of the agricultural backdrop; Rivers, cornfields and barns all made for some stunning- and, shocking- photos.
After some local work in the San Francisco market during 1984, it was time from Brian to set sail across the Atlantic and try his hand in the European markets.
He connected to Models 1 Men in London and booked Burberry clothing- clothed! Brain would book several other jobs before heading back to the states at the end of ’84.’
But, prior to leaving, he had a call from Martin Ryter. Martin informed him that he had submitted nudes to Playgirl and the response was ‘overwhelming!’ Playgirl wanted to know who he was and would love to use him as a centerfold.
And so, the interesting journey to the next stage of Brian’s life would begin..shooting his Playgirl spread in SoCal with famed photographer Richard Armas. Richard and Brian would become great friends and shoot often, including the centerfold of all centerfolds, The Man of The Year Issue, January 1986, which would be their most controversial issue ever. There was a ‘bonus’ in this issue, a bonus Brian had intended for the June issue, but the owners and publishers of Playgirl rejected it in the beginning. For the January issue, Brian and Richard didn’t give them another choice as far as the centerfold photo this time. It would be the first full erection shot in Playgirl magazine history.
The issue flew off the shelves!
“I knew it would! The only thing baffling to me at the time was how did this 22-year-old country boy know this proactive approach would work, and the seasoned staff at a major magazine publication couldn’t see it? That’s the story that most people don’t know.”
Well, the fashion industry certainly knew what had hit them.
Brian would go on to work with ALL the great photographers of the ’80s’ & ’90s’: Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber, Victor Skrebneski, Mathew Rolston, George Holtz, Albert Watson and so many others.
His image would represent more designers and major name brands than any other male model in history: Versace, Davidoff Cool Water Cologne, Perry Ellis, Milk, Diet Coke, Lee Jeans, Bugle Boy, Edge Shaving Gel, Kool Cigarettes (even thought he doesn’t smoke) and the list goes on…
He was also known as ‘The Face of International Male,’ a men’s mail-order catalog that reached its peak of popularity due in part to Brian’s constant appearance in the catalog and on its covers.
There was also his huge gay following! His gay fans loyal to this day, he was known as having the largest gay fan base of any male model. Ever.
His gay fans and non-gay fans will be pleased to know that Brian will be appearing in an upcoming documentary about International Male and the phenomenon surrounding the catalog’s success.
*** BRIAN’S BODY OF WORK ***
“Defying middle-age, ‘FIT’ into your fifties. Health and fitness is not only a lifestyle, it’s a specific way of thinking.”
50 years old seems to be the barometer to many of us as to our overall appearance and health.
In 2013, I was 50 and in some of the best shape of my life. Swimming in the ocean, doing wind sprints in the sand, mountain biking for miles on the steep and rugged trails where I live in Thousand Oaks. All of this came to an abrupt halt when I was severely injured on a job related high-fall of over 20 feet and hitting cement. A fall that wouldn’t be pleasant in my 20s, certainly felt horrible at 50. No broken bones, which I would prefer, instead, ligament and tendon damage throughout my body. My head, lower-back and neck were horrific. Both shoulders, left elbow, hand and knee.
My life suddenly changed. It was now a maze of doctors, appointments, surgeries, MRI’s, and of course, physical rehab.
Then came the depression and mental rehab. The depression was unbearable. I was broken. A body used to constant physical activity being abruptly shut down or even slowed down. It’s an uphill battle when this happens at 50. Trust me, I was up for the challenge and much good has come from it. A certain growth. The kind of growth you can only get through some type of loss or personal struggle. It was time to set an example of what 50-something SHOULD BE. 50-something can look like 30-something!
My approach to exercise is simple: MAKE IT AS ENJOYABLE AS POSSIBLE!
I do that by adding one element to everything I do: BE CREATIVE!
When you engage your creativity, you are engaging your mind. Therefore, NOT focusing on the monotony of most workouts. I tell people, “Think like a kid-be like a kid!”
Your body is capable of so many different movements. Think ‘yoga,’ but elaborate on those movements, for example, incorporate an item, like a piece of furniture- whatever- into the mix. And, sweat! Sweating is good and healthy!
*** BRIAN: THE FATHER ***
There is not one thing that defines me as a person. There are many. Including, being a father to four daughters, which is daunting enough without one of them being a heroin addict. My youngest, twenty-one year old Sophie, was first introduced to heroin and other drugs at only thirteen years old by a boyfriend. This was just the beginning. Years prior, when Sophie was only four, her mother and I divorced. Although I lived close, and in the same town, two of my four daughters, Georgia and Sophie, lived with their mom. During this time there were crucial things I was kept in the dark about. Not allowing me the information to co-parent properly. It was only when I was told by my ex that we needed to send our daughter, Georgia, off to a high school residential treatment center in Provo, Utah. Months later, Sophie would be there as well. Both my ex and I would take turns visiting. We’d attend parent-teacher conferences and counseling. For the most part, both girls seemed to be doing well. That is, until, Sophie was allowed a home visit. Back in her familiar stomping grounds of Beverly Hills, Sophie would relapse.
And, it would happen again. Something I was kept in the dark about for a long time. The day before their 18th birthday- Georgia on July 24th of 2014. And, Sophie, on January 26th of 2015, they were released from the program as it was mandatory. Against my recommendations that both girls not come back to the same area where their drug problems began. They did. And, the roller-coaster ride continued. Georgia ended up partying for some time before straightening herself out. Sophie, on the other hand, continued with bad decisions and bad behavior. This time to a greater extreme.
Today, at 21, Sophie has been in and out of numerous detox and rehab facilities. Overdosed countless times. Arrested several times. Lived on the streets. Been assaulted and taken advantage of. Simply living the life of a full-blown addict.
As a father, your dreams for your children aren’t unlike any other dad, you want to see them succeed. None of the parents you see sitting alongside their child at an N/A meeting, or visiting them at one of the rehab facilities, ever imagined this as their child’s life.
But, here we sit.
And, here we wonder.
What went so horribly wrong?
What factors determined this reality?
The countless nights I’ve laid in bed, unable to sleep, because I didn’t know where my youngest baby was… and is… Is she safe? Warm? Alive?
And, of course, there’s always the possibility of that call that no parent wants to get, that your child has passed.
Telling myself ‘there’s nothing you can do but pray and get some sleep.’
Easier said than done. The fact I don’t know whether I’ll be attending the funeral of my 89-year-old mother or 21-year-old baby first… weighs heavy on my heart and mind, daily.
As of today, Sophie is 2 weeks sober and off the streets. Two weeks ago several family members had to intervene and pick Sophie up and take her to detox. When we picked her up she looked as bad as I’ve ever seen her. Strung-out. Skinny. Marks on her face from picking her skin. She was absolutely filthy dirty. And, totally delusional. As usual, she was carrying several suitcases and bags. All containing drugs and paraphernalia. And this time, she had a new addition: a large puppy.
*** The Future ***
2018 & 2019 is getting my lifestyle brand going. Buzzini Clothing Designsand getting my exercise products to market. I don’t want my accident, pain and suffering to be for not.
It’s important that I set an example for what 50-something can be. I’ve worked through major physical and mental challenges and I’m not stopping now.
Too many adventures ahead of me, and, hopefully, with ALL of my daughters along for the amazing ride!
These are Brian’s words written to me in a letter. It’s the way he wanted to present himself and his concerns. In the end, I asked him one simple question:
Waide– So, Brian, do you have a favorite color?
Brian- Blue.
***
To connect to Brian Buzzini, his social media platforms are:
We’re listening to “De Plata” from Rosalía’s debut album aptly titled “Los Angeles.”
Rosalía is a Barcelona-born, Flamenco singer infusing something new into Flamenco music and also the mainstream music scene. She’s not changing Flamenco or copying it, she’s singing her version. Most Flamenco singers, musicians and dancers are born into this world and raised with it but Rosalía “found” her passion for Flamenco as a teen in Catalunya, a region not known for this style of music.
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Rosalía’s music is a blend of tradition and something new, and it really is something we haven’t heard.
We chose Rosalía song “De Plata” for a few reasons. First of all, the video is shot in 16mm as she wanders the streets of Los Angeles, which gives a realness to her song. Who would think to combine the sites of L.A. (not necessarily the ones you’d find on Trip Advisor either.) with Flamenco?
But the treat is she gives North Hollywood a nod, dancing her zapateo in front of the infamous Circus Liquor.
Second, she dances Flamenco throughout! We’re fans of the expansive Flamenco world that we’ve only just begun to explore. We’ve started taking Flamenco classes here in the Valley with Roberto Amaral.
Lastly, Rosalía’s voice is what made us put her on the What We’re Listening to blog and Spotify playlist. It’s traditional Flamenco style but her voice is more melodic. But we particularly like her use of the various palos (Flamenco styles) on her debut album, which opens the genre to novices, the curious and experts alike.
So welcome to the rich, complicated, intricate, rhythmic, passionate world of Flamenco!
While the major cities in the U.S. are famous stopover stops for hospitality groups, artists, and chefs, there are surprisingly cool American small towns.
Such towns have enough attractions that can rival any big city and a host of retrofitted hotels that will pique the refined traveler’s interest.
Here are some not-to-miss U.S. destinations that are fast becoming popular among today’s jet-setters. Now is your chance to see something before everyone else!
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem features a new occult lean toward the spiritual, making the small town the modern setting for holistic wellness. The Hauswitch Home + Healing is a new-age treatment center with energy healing sessions, flower essence consultations, and spiritual animal tarot readings.
After you’ve had your fill of spiritual healing, book a walking tour conducted by local experts to see Witch City streets. Delve into Salem’s deep history through curated tours. If you’re feeling a bit witchy, book private moon mediations, astrology classes, and reiki circles.
Joseph, Oregon
The historic town of Joseph is a haven for artists and adventurous, it is famous for its minimalistic American aesthetic. While here, you can book a spoon-carving course at the Prairie Mountain Folk School or explore the great Joseph’s scenery. The location offers you wide-open spaces, glacial lakes, and country ranches.
You can also shop for richly nourishing handmade body and bath oils at Beecrowbee, take a sip of the handcrafted whiskey at Stein Distillery or eat enormous cinnamon rolls at the Old Town Café. Make the Jennings Hotel your headquarters while at Joseph, Oregon.
Houston, Texas
Take one of the charter flights to Houston Texas by Stratos Jet Charters then take a cruise down Highway 288 and be careful not to swerve off the road when you come across gigantic steel creatures. Fortunately, these animals don’t move and planes don’t fly, but they are part of a collection that features giant-sized landmarks in front of the Texas Pipe and Supply Company.
The collection features 26 titanic-proportion sculptures created by the 64-year-old Ron Lee who works in his on-site workshop. Ron constructs the over-sized creations and a few machines from the company’s unused pipes. Some of the creatures include King Kong hanging on an unused crane, a towering daddy long legs spider and a huge armadillo that looks like it can survive a bombing.
The collection also features an interesting array of science-fiction animals and abstract constructions. The scrap art collection is forever growing with a planned installation of a gigantic fishing pole.
Taos, New Mexico
To get the full Taos terrain experience, you need to book a tour that ventures into areas such as Santuario de Chimayo. This is where tales deeply embedded in faith and lore await you at a landmark shrine. Drive through the villages on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains western flank and head to Taos Pueblo World Heritage site.
Hotel Luna Mystica is a vintage trailer campground in what is considered as the world’s most mystical destinations. The landscapes around the area have inspired works of artists like Georgia O’Keeffe. If you are up to it, join a pottery class at the Taos Clay studio, cooking classes at the Cooking Studio Taos, or experience Paseo, the town’s new art festival in September.
Santa Rosa, California
After a series of unfortunate wildfires in California’s wine growing region, Sonoma County and Napa Valley are now back and better than ever before! Napa Valley is a go-to destination for more and more couples each year as the growing trend of destination weddings doesn’t stop. Couples often choose Napa because of its magical views of the rolling vineyards and the romantic scenery. After all, people know Napa for wine – but it’s romance that makes it a capital.
At the forefront is Sonoma town of Santa Rosa, which is a short one-hour drive from San Francisco. The town is considered as the beer city in the middle of a wine region.
Cyclists will enjoy renting Shinola bikes from the Astro Motel for a relaxing cruise to Russian River Brewing Company – producer of some of the world’s highest rated beers. Oenophiles can also explore Sonoma’s finest Cabernets, zinfandels, and pinot noirs. During your visit, don’t forget to check out California’s oldest family-run winery, Gundlach Bundschu.
America is bursting to the seam with incredible attractions and it’s definitely worth a bit of traveling to see some of the most beautiful spots in the country. Beat the crowds of travelers by going to the selected choice destinations above; some of the best-hidden treasures that are not too far off the beaten path!
Founded in 2000, this long-time, North Hollywood non-profit organization is an after-school and single-parent resource program that serves youth from single parent homes in North Hollywood and the surrounding East Valley communities. Created to provide “latchkey” children a safe and supportive environment, Hands 4 Hope L.A. is where at-risk youth are nurtured and can evolve into their best selves. While there are other organizations that target inner city youth, Hands 4 Hope L.A. founder Lydia Floyd found it necessary to build a base for the support of the multi-cultural children of North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
So how do they do all their programs for our local youth and families? In so many fun ways. One event where you can get involved is with their annual Hope Walk.
The day begins at North Hollywood Park with the HopeWalk, a 5K walk leaving from the corner of Magnolia and Tujunga avenues and will travel along Lankershim Blvd. This is a family tradition, designed to increase kids health awareness and get them moving.
After the walk, the event features the Kids Healthy Activities Fair, which encourages youth and their parents to create a healthy lifestyle, and offers more than 20 different activities for the chance to win fun toys and prizes. There’s also A Taste of Healthy NoHo, which involves local restaurants and markets providing the event’s participants a free taste of their healthy food choices. It’s a bit of nutrition and a lot of tasty food!
To close their fun-filled day they have live entertainment on the stage, ranging from guest speakers to performances and the awards ceremonies for the winners of the day.
Ask your neighbors, parents and friends to help sponsor you for the walk, then please stop by the website or come by Hands for Hope to pick up the application. Here’s your chance to show your support for Hands for Hope – and even raise money to keep their programs going.
Or you can make a donation to their programs HERE>>
Here’s a little history. The citywide Annual 5K HopeWalk began as a means of uniting the community of North Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods in Los Angeles County with a mission to increase health awareness. Hands 4 Hope L.A. noticed that children and their parents in the area were in need of healthier lifestyles, so they joined together with residents, merchants and other community organizations in the area for a citywide event that has attracted corporations such as Disney, Dole, California Credit Union, Wells Fargo, Adidas, Whole Foods Markets and METRO. Due to the need and success of the 5K HopeWalk, Hands for Hope intensified its commitment to healthy families by adding the Kid’s Healthy Activity Fair in 2006 to encourage youth and their parents to participate in fitness/sports activities in a way that is both fun and engaging. During the fair, kids will perform over 10 different fitness and sports activities as well as healthy food tastings. By adding the Kids Healthy Activity Fair, Hands for Hope once again proves its dedication to healthy, sustainable lifestyles for youth and their families.
For more information on Hands 4 Hope L.A. and HopeWalk log on to www.hands4hope.org or call 818-763- HOPE (4673)
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
If you like your superheroes bold, irreverent, profane, and a tad anti-superheroic, look no further than Deadpool 2.
Ryan Reynolds again not only handles the mask and the rapid-fire quips, but also shares the writing credit (along with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick) for the second in what promises to be a series of fast-paced, action-packed, and often hilarious adventures. The wonder of Deadpool 2 (as well as its predecessor) is how well it manages to both knowingly lampoon the conventional superhero film (with plenty of digs at both the Marvel and DC franchises) while managing to celebrate the virtues at the heart of this kind of epic, such as valor, honor, and self-sacrifice.
This time around, Deadpool would like to end his time on the planet (for reasons that will I not divulge—though by now, you’ve probably read about it). However, he cannot, no matter how hard he tries (and Deadpool really does—I hear there will be even more attempts in a future DVD), so like it or not, he has to don the mask and prove himself worthy of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven–or wherever deceased superheroes go. At first Deadpool tries to join the X-Men, but events go awry, leaving him as an unwilling adoptive—and imprisoned guardian for a fellow prisoner–a troubled young mutant called Firefist—and the unwitting target of time-traveling cyber soldier Cable (Josh Brolin—who has certainly been making the superhero movie rounds, and is quite effective here). Cable’s mission is to take out the volatile and increasingly dangerous Firefist (well-played by the way, by Julian Dennison). In order to save the young Firefist and combat Cable, Deadpool assembles his own team (a la X-Men), including Zazie Beetz’s Domino, whose superpower really involves a heck of a lot of good luck.
Deadpool 2 has more than enough humor and pithy references to satisfy both Marvel mavens, as well as those “newbies’ who are just out to have a good time. Under David Leitch’s direction, the action scenes aren’t bogged down with the usual Marvel bloat, and the film manages to display the heart at the center (without displaying it on its sleeve). And do stick around for the mid-credits sequence, which includes a devastatingly funny final gag.
What do you get when you gather four attractive older women and have them discuss literature? Well, when the book in question is Fifty Shades of Gray and the ladies are Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen, you’re left with Book Club, a very entertaining bauble in which their exploration of the book leads them to question their own lives. Steenburgen is trying to rekindle her spark with recently retired spouse Craig T. Nelson; Fonda’s entrepreneur is trying to avoid intimacy with old flame Don Johnson; Keaton’s widow is trying to avoid being exiled to her grown kids’ basement and find happiness with warm-hearted pilot Andy Garcia; and Candice Bergen looks to enter the dating pool in the wake of her ex-husband’s (Ed Begley Jr.) engagement to a much younger woman. Since Book Club is, at heart, a comedy (albeit with some poignant moments), one needn’t be looking for a lot of depth. Instead, one should come not only to appreciate the four actresses, all who are in fine form but the laudable contributions of the male contingent (including Richard Dreyfuss as one of Bergen’s dates). If you can’t get into one of the superhero films (or the new Han Solo origin opus), consider this very entertaining Book Club an ideal opportunity for a date night of your own.
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