| Righteous Wars
I have heard reports of the conflict on the Gaza Strip, and I know there are justifications on both sides for the continued dropping of bombs. One is the occupied, and the other is the occupier. Both are harassing each other. I know how I would feel if my freedom were taken away: I couldn’t feed my family and I couldn’t get proper medical care. I would feel desperate. I know also how I would feel if I had to run to a shelter every day, my neighbor’s child was killed by a terrorist’s bomb, or the place I go to shop was blown up by a suicide bomber. I would want revenge. I understand the anger on both sides. However, from the perspective of an outsider, I wonder if there is any other way to solve these problems than by the dropping of bombs and the use of white phosphorous. When you bomb your enemy, you create more enemies for generations to come. So it is on both sides: hatred and violence fueled by a seeking of retribution for the killing of innocents. The sad thing about that is that when you become the aggressor, you become like the very enemy you detest. You become enmeshed in the tar of distaste by killing innocent children, women . . . ? civilians that appear a lot like the ones you lost. And where is the end to revenge? It is a faulty premise to assume that if you hit your enemy with an iron fist so severe as to insure your enemy cannot retaliate, your enemy will not retaliate. I heard an argument recently that intrigued me. Instead of isolating and imprisoning your foes, why not talk to them and include them into your society? That way you could get to know each other and learn to live together. We have the same problem here in America. We want to isolate ourselves from those “others” across the border, across the sea, in our own cities across the tracks and in the ghettos. Until we realize that those of us that we choose not to see are also our brothers, we will always be in conflict, because that person wants what you want, an equal chance at the resources that provide you with a good quality of life. If this man cannot feed his family, cannot safely educate his children, and cannot safely get needed medical care, this man will more than likely become your enemy. If this woman finds that each of her children dies a violent death, she will not only help your enemy but take up arms herself. People do not easily accept a lesser status in society while they see others doing well. They begin to think that they should have what you have, and they will seek to obtain it. What are we going to do with that fact? How can I feel satisfied with my level of comfort when others are suffering so much? We must find a way to include others in our prosperity and well being; and believe me, a warm bed, a dry roof, and plenty of food are prosperity enough for some. Can’t we at least share that much? Can’t we also provide the same level of safety and education that we enjoy and have access to? Can’t we rise above ourselves and live peacefully by negotiation and dialogue rather than by the use of weapons and bombs? There are no righteous wars, only a descending into depravity by continuing to kill, murder, and maim innocents in the effort to obtain land, resources, and political advantage. Shame on us until we learn to live in peace and communicate even with those we find the most distasteful; because until we do, we are doomed to extinction at our own hands. Lisa Trimarchi |
Category: Spring 2009
Where in the World Would You Go for Inspiration?
I have never been out of the country. Unfortunately, my fear of flying (well, fear of going down is more like it) has hindered my exploration of the world. About five years ago, I could have traveled with a friend, and a group of other Jewish adults, to the motherland – Israel. For the most part, it was a free ticket because it involved committed studies and group activities. Now, I kick myself. My hairdresser, whose homeland is Jamaica, always reminds me that I am welcome to go with her whenever I want to – she goes at least once a season, and says that she can just see my sitting by the clear, blue water writing in my journal. And that I CAN imagine.
So with 2009 here and incredible opportunities that have been finding me, I must overcome all of my “what ifs” so that I can fully enjoy the twists and turns of life – and be ready for anything and everything.
Having attended several LA Fashion Week shows through Agenda, I can only imagine the beauty and excitement of Milan Fashion Week. I also envision how it would feel to stroll and skip on the streets of Paris, and then maybe make a trip from there to Brazil so that I can bask in the sexiness of babes and beaches.
While I understand that international travel has its own challenges, frustrations, and even dangers, the inspiration from visiting another country would do wonders on my soul; interesting trips and experiences would only inspire me as a writer, a business owner, and as a person who wants to know what it feels like to be a foreigner. I firmly believe that men and women who seek success can only do so by expanding their horizons and creating new friendships and industry relationships at every chance they get.
And what better way to do so than in a new place where you can open your eyes to new styles, new languages, new mannerisms, new senses of humor, a new fashion of politics, and new (tasty!) dishes.
Think I have a thirst to travel? You can bet your Manolos on that.
If you have a great international traveling trip that you would love to share with Elana, please contact her at elana@talkingchic.com. She may even quote you in her next column!
Elana Pruitt
Bollywood’s Pooja Batra – Brains, Beauty, and Talent Crossing Continents
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the home of Bollywood star Pooja Batra. Mumbai’s population alone is 13 million. And if you take into account the entire population of India being over 1 billion, one could say that Pooja Batra is a bigger celebrity than any one star here in America. Naturally, Hollywood crosses continents, and most blockbusters are translated into several different languages across the globe. But for the dense population that exists in India, becoming a superstar there really carries a lot of weight. I recently interviewed Pooja Batra in her lovely American home, and got a crash course in Bollywood.
When looking at Batra’s background, it’s no wonder she took the title of Miss India and stole the hearts of millions on the big screen. Her mother, Neelam Batra, had preceded her a generation prior as a Miss India before Pooja took the crown. Pooja attended Kendriya Vidyalaya, was a good student and athlete, and ultimately received her MBA in marketing from Symbiosis College. She modeled professionally, and after her Miss India victory, catapulted to stardom. In her career, she starred in 22 films, won Best Supporting Actress and was nominated as Most Promising Newcomer forVirasat. In 2006 she was nominated for Best Actress for Taj Mahal-An Eternal Love Story.
At the time of my interview with Pooja, she was preparing to go home to India to climb the base camp of a mountain. She was very excited about it. It was the first time she was officially trekking.
“Every time I go back to India, I read the scripts to see if there’s something I want to do. It’s just great to go back home.”
Tell me a little bit about your acting career.
After you win a title like Miss India, a lot of people come up to you and ask you to be part of
a movie. I did train to be an actor. I got my diction, voice coaching, and whatever the norm was [so that I could be prepared]. My first movie led me to more and better films. I did 22 films, so that was a great journey in my life.
You must have been doing five or six films a year.
I literally did do five or six films a year! That was a busy phase. And I enjoyed it while I was doing it. It’s just a phenomenal profession to be a part of. It’s amazing to emote and make people happy, cry, set up emotions. It’s such a huge industry. I was lucky that I was part of it.
How did you get your first role?
I auditioned for it and my director was looking for a fresh face. He somehow liked me without makeup. He liked my expressions, and he said, “You’re my girl.” So there I was. He liked the innocence.
What was it like to win Miss India?
It was probably the best phase of my life. I was 17 when I won it, and for me, everything opened up [after that]. I could practically do anything I wanted. I went from being a nobody to suddenly people knowing my name. I was lucky because there were so many beautiful girls.
When did you land your first role?
I think I was 21. I modeled for about five years and I did not want to get into the film industry. I didn’t know much. I wanted to get the experience of traveling. And modeling is very female based. It’s great money, traveling, and I made great friends. I was enjoying that. When a good role came, I made the transition.
Tell me about the films you’ve been in.
I don’t know if you know about Bollywood movies. They’re mostly singing and dancing. They’re like Moulin Rouge, for a lack of a better example. It’s more like a fantasy land where they take you and they show you the love and emotions. They come up with amazing story lines, sets, and songs.
You’ve lived here for how long?
Three years. I go back and forth to India.
Are you still making films now?
I am involved right now in helping my fellow producers and actors in India get here. A [while back] I helped a producer acquire two Hollywood actors for a Bollywood movie. I knew their agents and managers, and I sort of put the deal through. So this is the first time in a proper legit Bollywood movie that Hollywood names?and big names?did cameos. That’s what I did. I am helping as much as I can because I’m proud of who I am. If somebody needs anything from here, I help them. I helped to acquire Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards for this project.
Are you looking to possibly do films out here?
Yes. I would love to. It’s just a different setup here. The market hasn’t really opened up to me or my kind of people. So until it does, I’m polishing my craft.
You’re right. It’s an untapped demographic in film.
A little bit in television because the scale at which Indians are doctors and lawyers. They would try and show them, but not as much.
You don’t really see them starring as much.
Not as much, but maybe it will open up. Because now anywhere you go, the fifth person literally is an Indian.
In regards to having a hand in merging American stars with Bollywood, you have moved from beauty queen–to being in front of the camera–to literally being in the background.
Only vocationally. This is something that fell in my lap. I took it as a challenge and I did it. It was fun. It’s a great achievement, a sense of validation. And then it does [well] for everybody. It opens up another country and fan base for them (India), which is huge. India’s booming right now. They have the money. Their technicians are amazing. Their stories are great. So why not?
How would you say the transition was from India to the United States?
It was very hard. The first three years of my coming here and trying to adjust were miserable. People couldn’t understand my accent. It was hard. Just the sense of belonging didn’t happen. I think I had to get out of the mold of just being in my community and friends. I had to figure out how to be a part of society. In New York it was so easy. Anybody from any part of the world can come there and be a New Yorker. Here, it’s a little hard. The first two years were hard, but now I love it. I have great friends, a great husband . . . I have a good setup, and now I just love it.
India has the densest population in the world?
Yes, per square foot. I think China has the most.
Was that an interesting change for you the first time you came here?
Yes, because I am used to a lot of people around me, in front of me, everywhere. Here, when you come per square feet, people are limited. Even when you go out driving, there’s one person in the car as opposed to the entire family like in India. But L.A. does have a somewhat dense population.
As far as acting, you’re on hiatus until a break comes for you out here?
I would say yes. If something good comes from India, I’m more likely to do a project from start to finish. In India everything depends on the actors. They do six to seven movies at a time in a year. Not just one at a time. So when you get a movie, you’re literally going back every month. And that’s not cost effective for the producer or for me.
What is casting like in India?
It’s very lenient. There are no proper casting directors. My casting for my movies consisted of sitting across from the director. He would look at me and he’d say, “Okay, she can do
expressions.” Or I’d just learn a monologue. Here, it’s a totally different process. The filtering in over here is very hard. It’s almost unheard of to give somebody a break. Here, even if you see a pretty girl, she’s done a body of work already.
It seems as though the film industry in India is very similar to how the movie industry originally started in Hollywood.
That’s exactly how it is in India right now. The movie-making style is old Hollywood, old classic Hollywood.
Yes, very glamorous, I think.
Realistic films work [in India] but not as much. The audience wants to see “happy.” The audience wants to see Switzerland. The audience does not want to see the streets of Bombay [Mumbai].
Obviously there are films that are made that are serious.
Yes, lower budget, independent films are more realistic.
Highest High
I have had amazing highs in my life: making a box office hit, winning Miss India, acting out a good scene. But the highest high? It’s really like a series of highs. So far I would say the highest high was winning my pageant. I was stunned.
Lowest Low
A movie not doing well. But this is so temporary. It’s the living in the now and being present now and being happy in the moment. That’s what is most important. You could hit the highest high, but if you’re not enjoying it, there’s no fun in it.
When you go back to Mumbai, you’re very recognizable. What is that like?
It’s a good feeling. People come up and ask me how I’ve been, what am I working on next . . . . It’s nice.
What advice would you give to someone who’s aspiring to accomplish what you’ve accomplished?
I would say go for your dreams and your goal, and be prepared. Do your homework and do your research. Life is very short. If you don’t take chances, you’ll never know. What matters most [in acting] is if you’re able to convey the emotions when portraying a character.
What was your most challenging role?
My most challenging role is still to come. If I’ve done it, it’s not challenging anymore.
Visit www.poojabatra.com for updates and to learn more about Pooja Batra.
See the fashion editorial of Pooja Batra photographed by Ash Gupta Studio 838.
Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples
Great New Look for your Getaway . . . or Even Staying Home
| JAGGED Is the Great New Look for your Getaway . . .
or Even Staying Home
Jeffrey Jagged got his start in New York City in the early 90s, styling wigs for some of the colorful downtown “glitterati.” He was also a fashion stylist in the Big Apple, where he rubbed elbows with celebrity stylists Danilo, Rodney Groves, and Oribe. After classes at NYU, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and The Aveda Institute, Jeffrey did more training with Bumble and Bumble, Vidal Sassoon, and Goldwell. In 2002, Jeffrey moved to Los Angeles. His work as a freelance stylist includes clients such asGuess, Ed Hardy, Nike, Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics, and Too-Faced Cosmetics. His work appeared inRolling As part of the Hollywood scene, Jeffrey worked on television shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Europe’s Next Top Model, hosted by Heidi Klum, Australia’s Next Top Model, Search for the Next What he likes best though, is making clients look fabulous and super hot. Jeffrey has a rare combination of creative vision, technical flexibility and contemporary sensibility. Some of his celebrity clientele includeNicole and Kimberly from the Pussycat Dolls, INXS, Terri Nunn/Berlin, Blair Underwood, Kelly Hu, JC Chavez, Joey Fatone, Debi Mazar, Kirstie Clements (editor-in-chief of Australian Vogue), Navi Rawat, Jayma Mays, Jamie Chung, Brian Krause, Bree Turner, and Emily Harper. So whether you are off for a vacation or just staying home, why not treat yourself to a fab new cut or color from Jeffrey. And make sure you tell him Marilyn Anderson from Agenda Magazine sent you. You’ll get extra special TLC and a great look for the spring to put a spring in your step! Call for an appointment with Jeffrey Jagged at: The Bungalow |
“MINSKYS” Brings Old-Fashioned Fun to the Ahmanson
“MINSKYS” Brings Old-Fashioned Fun to the Ahmanson
Reviewed by Marilyn Anderson
It’s a time of extreme financial hardship, but the owners of a struggling theater think people will want to escape their woes and buy tickets to be amused and entertained.
We could be talking about today, but it’s actually the premise of the new depression-era musical at the Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Based loosely on the 1968 movie, “The Night they Raided Minskys,” and the 1960 book of the same name, the show tells the fictionalized story of real-life impresario Billy Minsky (Christopher Fitzgerald), trying to prevent his burlesque theater from closing down due to the efforts of a hard-nosed politician (George Wendt).
Add to that his romantic interest in the politician’s daughter (Katherine Leonard), who of course doesn’t know his real identity. Then there’s the troupe of hopeful actors who don’t want to lose their jobs, along with a pair of nerds who fall for each other (John Cariani and Rachel Dratch of “Saturday Night Live” fame.)
It’s a simple and formulaic plot, but it works, thanks to excellent performers, snappy songs, and sensational production numbers. The bathtub scene is a splash with girls dancing in
and out of tubs. The lobster scene is delicious with humorous clawed costumes, and the button scene . . . well, let’s just say it will keep you hooked.
“Minskys” is an old-fashioned musical for sure, but who says old-fashioned can’t be wonderful. Apple pie is old-fashioned. Christmas is old-fashioned. Even sex is old-fashioned, but we enjoy them all . . . over and over again. So just sit back and enjoy an evening of new old-fashioned musical theater that will have you smiling from beginning to end.
The new musical was brought to the stage by members of the same team that had success with another old-fashioned musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Writer Bob Martin was Drowsy’s co-author and star, and Casey Nicholaw is the director and choreographer.
“Minskys” musical score comes from the acclaimed Charles Strouse, who won Tonys for such classics as “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Applause,” and “Annie.” The lyrics are by Susan Birkenhead of “Jelly’s Last Jam.”
Unfortunately, “Minskys” run has ended at the Ahmanson, but watch for it to open on Broadway in the future.
Meanwhile, there are a host of other terrific shows coming to the Ahmanson this year. For 
those who are watching their budget during the current financial turmoil, check out the Center Theatre Group’s super deal for Hot Tix at only $20.
Here are some of the upcoming shows at the Ahmanson:
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Apr 18 – May 31, 2009
Dame Edna: My First Last Tour
Jun 9 – 21, 2009
An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin
Jun 23 – Jun 28, 2009
Spamalot
July 7 – Sept 6, 2009
Other shows in the 2009-2010 season are August: Osage County;Mary Poppins; Dreamgirls; and South Pacific.
Ahmanson Theatre – Center Theatre Group
601 W Temple St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
Phone for tickets: 213-628-2772 / For Season Tickets call: 213-972-4444
What do Matthew Modine, Annette Bening, and Laurence Fishburne have in common?
You can see them all in person . . . at the Geffen Playhouse!
The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles has just announced its exciting 2009/2010 season, kicking off with the world premiere of Blair Singer’s Hollywood parody Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas, starring none other than Matthew Modine himself.
In the play, Matthew, who used to be on the A-list, tries to get back on any list, by getting involved with a Cause and going to a small South American village to help the natives. This play about celebrity humanitarianism is sure to get both celebs and non-celebs laughing out loud.
Annette Bening will star in their next production, the North American premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith’s The Female of the Species. The comedy was l oosely inspired by a real life incident when feminist author Germaine Greer was taken hostage in her country home by a disturbed student. Ms. Bening plays the part of a kidnapped auteur, famous for such works as “Madame Ovary,” “The Cerebral Vagina,” and “The Complete Insignificance of Male Sexuality.”
The season will end with the extraordinary biography, Thurgood,written by George Stevens, Jr. Tony Award Winner, Emmy Award Winner, and Oscar Nominee Laurence Fishburne plays Thurgood Marshall in the inspiring story of how a boy from the backstreets of Baltimore changed history and became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Fishburne played the role on Broadway, where he received a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Tony nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play.
The musical, Nightmare Alley, and one other yet-to-be-announced production will complete the 2009/2010 season, which begins on September 16, 2009.
But don’t wait till then to make your plans for a night of marvelous theater. Get tickets now for one of the following outstanding shows at the Geffen Playhouse:
March 15 to May 24, 2009
LOUIS & KEELY: Live at the Sahara
A vintage love story about musical icon Louis Prima and how he turned 16-year-old Keely Smith into a star. At the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse.
Written & performed by Vanessa Claire Smith & Jake Broder with Nick Cagle & Erin Matthews; directed by Taylor Hackford.
April 14 to May 24, 2009
The Seafarer — 2008 Tony Nominee for Best Play
A dark humorous story about booze, poker, and redemption, set in Dublin on Christmas Eve. Written by Conor McPherson ; directed by Randall Arney; f eaturing Andrew Connolly, Tom Irwin, John Mahoney, Paul Vincent O’Connor, and Matt Roth.
June 16 to July 26, 2009
Farragut North – West Coast Premiere
A presidential campaign drama written by Beau Williamon and d irected by Doug Hughes, featuring actors Chris Noth & Chris Pine.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.208.5454
www.geffenplayhouse.com
Lance Burton: Master Magician
In this amazingly crafted act of illusory showmanship there are seven doves, one parakeet, eight ducks, two geese and about fifty pigeons. There are also five female dancers and one male assistant. No, it isn’t Animal Planet Meets Dancing with the Stars. It’s theLance Burton Master Magician Show at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
“Master Magician” is a title granted to an extremely small number of magicians over the last two hundred years. Passed on to worthy candidates by mentors, Lance Burton is universally acclaimed to be the worthy successor of this honor. Watching him work certainly seems to confirm his acclaim, as shown by the thousands of stunned audience members who have been filling the Lance Burton Theatre every night for years.
In 1994, Lance Burton entered into a 13-year contract to star in, produce and direct a newer and bigger version of his already celebrated magic show. It was to be the longest running entertainment deal in Las Vegas history. It was also a significant honor to have a $27 million theatre built especially for him and named after him.
The Lance Burton Theatre has been praised by media critics and visitors’ polls as the “Best Theatre” in Las Vegas, having 1,274 plush velour seats with drink-holders. It’s the only
legitimate theatre on the Las Vegas Strip and a lot more comfortable than the typical showrooms left over from the old glory days of the Las Vegas dinner show.
The Lance Burton show is all about entertainment. His magic is performed in a simple, elegant style that makes it seem easy. Especially when he makes a shiny blue Chevrolet Corvette disappear right in front of your eyes! Headshaking disbelief abounds, and “How does he do that?” echoes through the audience. Lance fully engages his audiences into his act by asking personal questions and having folks join him onstage.
Lance’s love for kids is evident. At every performance several children are chosen from the audience to be a part of his act. It’s charming and fun. The evening we went, he showed an 
incredible amount of patience with a 3-year-old who was selected for a special trick. At its conclusion, the little boy was honored with a Lance Burton t-shirt, and his picture was displayed on a giant screen on the stage.
Burton is obviously proud of the many kids whose photos now grace his theater and equally proud of his success as the Master Magician for our times. Lance Burton’s contract at the Monte Carlo is running out soon and you just may want to see this dazzling show before hedisappears!
Lance Burton Theater
Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino
3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800.851.1703
Drive, Fly, or . . . LuxBus?
I was planning a trip to Las Vegas to meet Dennis, who was driving back from the East Coast. Unfortunately, we made our plans too late for me to get one of the good economy airfares. Then I thought of Whoopi Goldberg.
Because she’s afraid to fly, Whoopi took a bus from New York to Los Angeles and back to attend the Academy Awards. Now that’s a hell of a bus ride! But hey, if it’s good enough for Whoopi, it’s good enough for me! Of course, Whoopi had her own private bus. I can’t quite afford that, so I did the next best thing?I called Greyhound.
I was shocked to find out that “the Dog” doesn’t run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas anymore. And even if it did, I wasn’t relishing finding a way to get to their bus terminal in downtown Los Angeles.
So I searched the Internet to find other ways to get to Las Vegas. There were no trains. Limos were way too expensive. On Craigslist, I found one ride that was pricey; one in a broken-down car; and one guy who wrote he would drive me for free, except he would be driving naked! Thanks, but no thanks!
It was back to surfing the web. Then I hit a true find: the LuxBus!
LuxBus America offers daily, deluxe service to Las Vegas. Based in Orange County, the Las Vegas buses leave from their Anaheim terminal near the Disneyland Resort. If you’re going from Los Angeles, a shuttle picks you up at a nearby hotel and takes you to Anaheim to board their luxury bus. I live about a block away from the Marriot Marina Del Rey, so in the morning I just walked over and the LuxBus Van was waiting for me.
Billed as an “airline on the ground,” the LuxBus is outfitted so you feel like you’re in an airplane, except the seats are much roomier, and they don’t charge for luggage! The luxury motor coaches feature color-coordinated interiors, tray tables, pillows, blankets, and a restroom in the back. There is an onboard attendant, who serves you complimentary snacks and beverages, including beer and wine (limit two per person). An entertainment system provides music and full-length movies, and passengers are given complimentary headphones. I was told there would be wireless internet access, but my bus wasn’t equipped with it. Their new fleet of buses supposedly has wifi available.
Driving time is approximately 4 hours from Anaheim to Las Vegas, where passengers are dropped off at one of three hotels: the Flamingo Hilton, Harrah’s, or the Golden Nugget.
Morning pickup in Los Angeles is at 7 a.m.; afternoon departures from Vegas are at 3:30 p.m. The price is fairly economical. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, round trip is $99.
So if you don’t feel like driving, have a fear of flying, or don’t like the security hassle and lines at the airport, try the LuxBus. It’s relaxing and easy. After napping and watching a movie, I arrived refreshed and ready to enjoy my Vegas getaway.
LuxBus America also offers daily scheduled service between Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim area hotels. In addition, the company offers tour packages to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Group charter services are also available.
LuxBus America
638 N. Eckhoff St.
Orange, CA 92868
888.589.2871
www.LuxBusAmerica.com
Marilyn Anderson & Dennis Lanning’s ROMANCE ON THE ROAD
ROMANCE ON THE ROAD
Room (and Bar) with a View . . .
The Penn’s View in Philadelphia
Philadelphia used to be thought of as a dull place, and consequently was the butt of jokes for decades. It was so unexciting, in fact, that WC Fields infamously stated, “I once spent a year in Philadelphia; I think it was on a Sunday.”
But things have changed. Jokes about boring Philly aren’t appropriate anymore. That’s because downtown Philadelphia is now hip, hot, hustling and bustling, with great restaurants, clubs, galleries, boutiques, and of course, many famous historic sites. Philadelphia is our hidden, national treasure with a glam side. Gentrification has taken off over the last 15 years to fill center city with fashionable people, shops and artistic endeavors. You’ll never get bored in Philadelphia.
When you’re visiting, a wonderful, romantic place to stay is thePenn’s View Hotel. On the National Register of Historic Places, it’s an intimate, non-smoking, boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Old City. Its waterfront location offers great views and an easy walk to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and other historic sites that make up the birthplace of America. Also within walking distance are the vibrant nightlife, theatres, shopping, and strolls along the Delaware River.
Privately owned by Luca Sena of Naples, Italy, and managed by his son Carlo, the hotel has a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes it feel as if you’re entering an Italian home as the honored guest. The Senas have imbued each room with comfortable furnishings, Jacuzzi baths, fireplaces, and great views. Two outstanding features of the hotel are its restaurant and bar.
Ristorante Panorama is an authentic, casual Italian trattoria. The cuisine is contemporary
Northern Italian, specializing in homemade pastas, veal, and fresh seafood. Hand-painted murals and contemporary decor provide an elegant, modern setting with traditional accents.
Il Bar is the central focus of the restaurant. This fascinating wine bar features a custom-built, 120-bottle keeper providing an extensive “by the glass” wine tasting opportunity for visitors.
You can have a lot of fun just ordering your wine at Il Bar. There are 27 “Flights,” each of which is a tasting of five different wines (1.5 ounces each) from a select group or region. Flights allow you to taste-compare a variety of wines or sample an expensive wine you might not normally splurge on. They have over 150 wines available by the glass, in tasting Flights, or by the bottle. The “everyday” wine list changes every week!
Oenophiles will love the 530 vintages on the Proprietor’s Reserve List. It’s no surprise that Ristorante Panorama was named Best of Philly for their Wine List in 2008 and is well known as having one of the best selections of fine wines in the country.
For the end of the work week, the Panorama Wine Bar presents special “Friday Night Flights” from 6-8 PM. This Happy Hour includes cheese, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting discussion with sommelier William Eccleston and a guest wine specialist. The cost is $20.00 per person in advance or $25.00 at the door. Tickets are available at www.localwineevents.com.
Whether it’s a Friday or any other night, if you enjoy wine, make sure to plan an evening at the Ristorante Panorama for a Flight you’ll remember for a long time. And spending a night or two for a getaway at the Penn’s View Hotel will definitely add to the enchantment. Various packages are available that include accommodations, dinner, and flights of wine. Like us, you’ll come away realizing Philadelphia isn’t just the city of Brotherly Love . . . it’s an exciting city for wining, dining, and romance!
PENN’S VIEW HOTEL
14 N Front St @ Market Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19106
800.331.7634 – www.pennsviewhotel.com
Ash Gupta – A Skilled Photographer with Multiple Disciplines
Ash Gupta – A Skilled Photographer with Multiple Disciplines
“A fashion photographer must be good in multiple photography disciplines. You need to be a portrait photographer as well as be able to create images for the advertising market.” —Ash Gupta—
From offering tips like—“Determine whether you’re shooting a personality or shooting fashion,”—to knowing when to use proper metering to aid tonality of an image, Ash Gupta is indeed a skilled practitioner when it comes to photography. Gupta has shot several celebrities, countless fashion editorials, and magazine covers. Lately you can see his work with some of the biggest icons in the music industry, but with each shoot, whether a celebrity or just a person wanting a beautiful portrait, Gupta always treats each subject with special attention and care.
Ash Gupta’s work is gallery-worthy and was just recently celebrated April 22, 2009 at an event put on by Signature LA Direct Magazinewith several celebrities in attendance (Bail
“Rules are meant to be broken, but before you break the rules, you must first know what they are.”
Ash Gupta continues to shoot beautiful pictures and his work is critically acclaimed. He is often compared to Helmut Newton with his attention to environment, story, and most importantly “angst”—often giving him the edge over other fashion photographers. However, inspite of his growing international appeal, Gupta continues to mentor up-and-coming photographers with his innovative Studio 838—helping them to avoid common pitfalls and offering tools to expedite the success of their careers.
“To be a successful fashion photographer you must also have a love of fine design clothes – without it you will never achieve the heights that bring success.”
By Kaylene Peoples
