DEBBIE ALLEN “Superstar” Part 2 Dr

MELROSE HEIGHTSMAGAZINE

DEBBIE ALLEN “SuperStar” Part 2 Dr. KEITH BLACK and The Human Brain MODEL HOLLY RIDINGS and FASHION DESIGNER FASHION WEEK ROBERTO de ViLLACIS EL PASEO, PALM DESERT Dr. ALLEN COUNTER His Mission MELROSE HEIGHTS ISSUE 12 COVER GIRL CONTEST MELROSE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE

COVER GIRL CONTEST The search is on for a fresh new face! Win the Melrose Heights Magazine Cover Girl title and other valuable prizes, such as health products from The Farmacy, a scholarship from John Casablancas School, and more.

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2 3 4 5 4 Debbie Allen part II

Debbie Allen: Over 25 Years of Fame

Debbie Allen shares about her latest projects, a guilty pleasure, and the importance of keeping the Arts alive....I had the pleasure of speaking with the extraordinary and dynamic Debbie Allen. We discuss her current Proj- ects, future developments, and the importance of keeping the Arts ALIVE! Debbie Starts with TWIST, a musical she is Directing and Choreographing. I learned the depth of her work ethic, research- ing the period of the original and the new adaptation. Dicken’s Oliver Twist, the original, took place in the 1830’s and was a protest against the treatment of the poor. The new “Twist” takes place in New Orleans 1919-1928 on the eve of the Great Depression after WW1 when prohibition was in effect. Written by Bill Brown with an incredible score by Tena Clark and Gary Prim, Twist will open at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta this September. A great Cast and an amazing creative team that includes Tony Award Winner Todd Rosenthal (sets), Emilio Sosa ( costumes) and Rick Belzer (lighting), this is only one of the many projects Debbie Allen shares with us. She has plenty of surprises in store for us. So Keep reading.... Debbie Allen also has in development a major motion picture based on her children’s book Dancing in the Wings. Think she is done? Guess Again.

6 7 A brand new version of the Nutcracker, called The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. It is expected and anticipated Moving onto the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. She likes to call it the DADA Diaspora...... Her students can be to be a phenomenal adaptation to the original, with a Debbie Allen Flare, truly A holiday season classic. seen on Broadway, Movies, and TV. We can find one of her many young, talented and lovely students, on ABC’s TV Opens this December, in LA. This is a MUST and is marked on my agenda. Featuring Music by Mariah Show Private Practice. Geffri M. Hightower, she plays Maya, daughter of Audra McDonald and Taye Diggs. The Carey and Arturo Sandoval. training here is truly character education.

9 88 9 We can learn more about the academy at www.debbieallendanceacademy.com We discuss the importance of Keeping the Arts Alive, people really need to know that they need to support the arts and programs that offer opportunity for young people. “This is only ensuring the success and the stability of our nation and if we do not continue to support our young people who are really vested in humanity what will become of us? The arts do this intrinsically, naturally. We can’t start our kids soon enough” I ask her about a Motto I once read she lived by, Be True- Be Beautiful -Be Free. Debbie Allen says yes, this is true for myself, and my siblings. We were raised with this Motto. My Mommy Vivian Ayers wrote this and always said this to us, she raised us to understand who we are as individuals and being true is really being true to the self, and not trying to be something you are not. Or trying to be likes someone else. Be who you really are. Be Beautiful- is understanding your own inner beauty and allowing that to radiate from within, being beautiful is not just an external quality, it is something that comes from ones inner reality. And Being Free, Be Free- is a lot of things, its taking chances, being curious, being confident its willing to try different things and standing up tall for what you believe. I often offer to sign my autographs with this Motto.

10 11 What are some of her favorite things to read? On the last trip, she took several copies of National Geograph- ic with her on the plane. She recently enjoyed the new edition Nature’s Fury. We learn a great deal of respect for Mother Nature she explains..... One can be surprised to learn that one of Debbie Allen’s guilty pleasures is to enjoy A novel written by Tom Clancy, “it is like being inside the Bourne Identity, but you are reading a book, his writing is so scientific and dramatic”. As we concluded our interview, I ask Mrs. Allen, how does she find time for herself? To which she replied, as she chuckles, that’s the impossible dream. It will happen at some point.

Debbie Allen continues to be an inspiration to all of us here at Melrose Heights. We wish her Lots of Love, Luck and Success with her Upcoming Projects.

12 13 From the desk of the MELROSE PUBLISHER CURTIS WILLIAMS HEIGHTS MAGAZINE Publisher EDITOR IN CHEF CURTIS WILLIAMS As the publisher of Melrose Heights FASHION EDITOR ULLA SOUCASSE Magazine, my only goal is to offer our EDITORIAL readers the very best of Culture, Art, CONSULTANT HAYK ARAKELYAN Fashion, Beauty, Fine Living, and most ART DIRECTOR CURTIS WILLIAMS of all- a lot of Love.

SENIOR WRITERS SONIA NAVARRO This issue features one of our personal SCOTT GARBER favorite Hollywood artists, Debbie Allen, We continue our interview with FEATURE WRITERS BILL LEAHY the Dynamic Super Star. DEIDRA BURTONELLI In this article the Explorer Dr. S. Allen CONTRIBUTING SCOTT GARBER shares with us the importance of his WRITERS CURTIS WILLIAMS multiple visits to Haiti as he provides ROBERT COHEN Haitian families much needed Tents and DAVID FLEMING Medicines. His Mission for Haiti Relief JUSTIN MEMOVICH after math of the disastrous earthquake DOROTHY WALTERS WILCOX is still on the top of his agenda. BARBARA BOWERS Dr. Keith Black shares with us his love for the Human Brain. FASHION, BEAUTY ULLA SOUCASSE DEIDRA BURTONELLI We give the reader an opportunity to live vicariously through our experience at Fashion Week in Palm Springs. and PRODUCTION MANAGER GALE HENDERSON take you inside the Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, CA. We continue the ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES search for the Melrose Heights Cover ADVERTISING SALES CURTIS WILLIAMS Girl Contest. We are delighted to speak with 80’s model Holly Riddings.... CUSTOMER SERVICE (877) 667-9480

EDITORIAL (866) 639-0441 The entire issue and everyone in it proves that “The American Dream is MAIN OFFICE LOS ANGELES, CA still alive” --as well as my love for people. (866) 762-7413 While motivating and inspiring our community to continue to Dream and www.melroseheightsmagazine.com live each day with Love and Passion. email:[email protected] Curtis Williams, Publisher

ENTER MELROSE HEIGHTS MAEZELL PUBLISHING INC. COVER GIRL CONTEST HERE

We reserve the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Publication of an adver- MELROSE HEIGHTS Photo Contest www.melroseheightsmagazine.com tisement does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Publisher is not responsible or liable for any claims, misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in any advertisement and assumes no responsibility for omission of copy or for errors beyond the Magazine Cover: Photo by Curtis Williams Fashion Designer by b michael design 14value of the actual space occupied by such errors. Melrose Heights Magazine © 2007 15 Keith L. Black, MD One of a kind

orn in 1957, in Tuskegee Alabama. Robert and Lilian Black, were the parents of a very curious young boy, B which we now know and admire as DR Keith Black. From a very young age he realized his passion for Sci- ence, he not only did counted on his parents support, they did everything in their power to cultivate and nurture his talent and gift. His interest began as early as he can remember. He was interested and curious in how birds could fly, how nature worked. He shares a memory that he not only holds in his brain but one that he keeps close to his heart. “At the age of 8 my mother and I were in the kitchen, she was cleaning a chicken and I asked her for the heart. Once she gave it to me, I took it outside and began to dissect it. My Father watched, the following day, he brought me a turkey heart, and the following week he went to the nearest slaughter house and brought me a bigger one, a cow’s heart. I was interested in how the muscles, heart valve and tissue all connected. It was wonderful to be able to dissect at this age, but what was more wonderful was that my parents were great and saw this interest.” In the tenth grade he performed his first official organ transplant on his first patient, a dog.

16 17 s nA African-American growing up in Alabama and Ohio, Black benefited from the emphasis his scholarly parents put on learning. “ I was brought up to believe that there was nothing that I could not do,”. At the age of 17, He published his first scientific paper, which won the Westinghouse Science award. Also referred to as “ the nation’s oldest and most prestigious” science competition.. He attended the University of Michigan medical school’s accelerated program. He earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees in six years. It was when he arrived in Medical School and took his first course in Nuro Anatomy that he started learning about the brain, while learning the anatomy and structure of the brain he became fascinated with the mere idea that he could not imagine there being anything in this universe more beautiful than the brain. “I fell in love with the brain” Dr Keith L. Black, MD serves as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neu-rosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center . He also holds the title of Professor in the Department of Neu-rosurgery. An internationally renowned neurosurgeon and scientist, Dr. Black joined Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in July 1997 and was awarded the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience in No- vember of that year.

18 19 is also Director of the Johnnie L Cohran Jr. Bran Tumor Center at Cedars Sinai medical center. HeWhich treats all types of brain tumors, both malignant and benign, for children and adults. He performs 200 to 300 surgeries a year, yet he views himself as being humble. Dr Black ultimately would love to eliminate the need of performing brain surgery.

His views on being happy and successful, “ finding what you love to do and doing it, if you do what you love then you never have to work another day of your life.” He would encourage children that have the desire and love of science & nature to study and really come to understand Science and Nature. Particularly now there will be more jobs in science, medicine and nursing. They will not only have the advantage of being compensated while doing something they love, they will have the opportunity of knowing the greatest gratification of any line of work, which is knowing that they have the potential of saving a life. And helping that person live a longer, healthier life with their families and loved ones. “If I didn’t get paid to what I do, I would pay to do it”.

20 21 Dr. Allen Counter Provides Medicines and Shelter for Haiti’s Earthquake Victims

Just days after the tragic earthquake struck on January 12, 2010, Dr. S. Allen Counter, Professor of Neurology at Har- vard Medical School and Director of the Harvard Foundation organized the first of his two earthquake relief effort from Harvard and headed off to Haiti with a large supply of tents and donated medical supplies. He later contacted his friend, acclaimed actor Will Smith and asked him to donate 100 tents to the earthquake-displaced families in Haiti. Smith enthusiastically agreed, and shipped over 100 family-sized camping tents to Counter at Harvard through the Will and Jada-Pinkett Smith Family Foundation. Famed actress Debbie Allen also sent along a number tents for homeless children and families in Haiti. Dr. Counter personally delivered the tents to homeless families in and around the earthquake ravaged capital of Port Au Prince. Each tent can provide temporary housing for a family of six to eight persons. Dr. S. Allen Counter, Professor of Neurology at Harvard University (center) onboard a Dominican military helicopter with medical supplies, tents and medical team members (L-R) Technical Assistant Dr. Counter bypassed the logistical bottleneck of supply traffic on damaged and congested Haitian roads entering Port Au Anthony Jacobs, Dr. Bruce Jenike and nurse Widy Pierre in Haiti. Prince by using military helicopters provided by his friend and President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez Reyna. Counter criss-crossed the Dominican Republic and Haiti numerous times on Huey Helicopters, delivering his tents as well as supplies of crutches, walking canes, and medicines to different locations in and around the Port Au Prince area. He was assisted in the distribution of the tents to homeless families by Haitian churches and military volunteers from the Dominican Republic. “It was deeply moving to witness entire families who were previously sleeping on the streets move into the comfort and privacy of their own new tent,” Counter said. “I felt blessed to be able to offer this small con- tribution of medicines temporary housing to displaced Haitian families in the aftermath of this disastrous earthquake.”

Dr. S. Allen Counter (left) is welcomed to the National Palace office of the Honorable Leonel Fernandez Reyna, President of the Dominican Republic who provided helicopters and pilots for Dr. Counter’s Haiti 22 earthquake relief project. 23

Dr. Counter also organized a Harvard Foundation medical relief team of doctors, nurses and technicians who traveled with him to Haiti and provided medical care for scores of injured earthquake victims. The medical team included of Dr. Bruce Price, Chief of Neurology and Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospi- tal, Dr. Timothy Benson, physician and psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, and Dr. Michael Jenike, physician and psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital. They were assisted by Haitian-American nurse Widy Pierre of McLean, Harvard Biological Laboratories technician Anthony Jacobs, and Dominican-born translator, Milca Matos.

Each day, the group visited relief centers, where hundreds of injured and dying earthquake victims were on the ground or on the back of trucks with little or no medical supplies or doctors. In addition to providing medical treatment, the group provided dedicated paramedical volunteers from Haiti and other nations with an array of medicines, including analgesics and antibiotics, as well as supplies of surgical gowns, surgical masks, antiseptics, gauze, bandages and flashlights. Most of the medical supplies were donated by the Harvard University Health Services. Counter’s team also flew large amounts of water to medical treatment sites in Port au Prince, where many dehydrat- ed patients were lying on the ground or on the back of trucks, or in wheel barrows that served as small ambulances.

Dr. S. Allen Counter examines military map of the epicenter and spread of devastating earthquake in Port Au In response to a request from the Haitian Embassy in Washington, DC, Dr. Counter also delivered a large number Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. of body bags to Haitian hospitals, donated by the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Counter’s Harvard Foundation Relief team had previously worked together in disaster relief in Louisiana immediately following Hurricane Katrina, where they assisted an estimated 1500 hurricane victims, including 500 displaced Vietnamese immigrants at St. Anthony’s Church Shelter. Some years earlier, Dr. Counter had also assisted earthquake victims in the Andes mountain area of Cotopaxi Province in central Ecuador, where he brought in a team of medical personnel and supplied medicines and tents for the indigenous Andeans who had been injured or lost their homes. Dr. Counter has travelled back-and-forth to Ecuador numerous times over the past decade to identify and provide medical treatment for Andean children who suffer from environmental lead and mercury poisoning.

By Dr. Leo H. Buchanan, Harvard University Health Services

Dr. S. Allen Counter provides medical assistance to homeless Haitian mother and injured child in Port Au Prince, Haiti following the tragic earthquake on January 12, 2010. 24 25 Style and Elegance at Fashion Week El Paseo The anticipated Palm Springs Life event lets the sun shine in!

Michael Mathews When we think of Palm Springs, it’s easy to think Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, luxurious resorts and spas, world- class golf, and some of the best hiking in North America. Palm Springs Life During its season’s peak months — January, February and March — social calendars fill with events such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Bob Hope Classic, Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Invitational, BNP Paribas Open and Kraft Nabisco Championships. The event with the most style, however, has to be Fashion Week El Paseo, an event produced each March by Palm Springs Life magazine, a staple in the desert resort communities for more than 50 years. With great buzz throughout and beyond Southern California, Fashion Week El Paseo showcases the top West Coast designers — from red-carpet-tested haute couture to exciting student collections — in six days runway shows at the big white tent at Larkspur Lane, in the heart of the prestigious El Paseo shopping district. “Purveyors of fine fashion, accessories, décor, and spa services based on El Paseo opened the event with trunk shows, Fashion’s Day Out, and the Runway Bar El Paseo Fashion Show,” says Michael Mathews, marketing director at Palm Springs Life. “Then interior designers tried their hands at high fashion, creating outfits from décor materials and inspiration from a museum exhibition of world-class art. “Exotic fashions and an exciting show of student designers’ collections preceded the white-hot men’s night, and the finale, featuring designer of the week Colleen Quen,” Mathews continues. “Two days of Fashion Food & Wine, a new event that added a daytime, foodie dimension to the week, was followed by the official closing party at Melissa Mor- gan Fine Art.” Fashion Week began with a ribbon cutting in front of Vilebrequin at The Shops on El Paseo. Participating were Fred Fern, owner of The Shops on El Paseo; Ruth Ann Moore; David Murphy, president of Desert European Motor Cars; and Susan Stein, fashion editor of Palm Springs Life. Fifteen retail stores — from purveyors of fine designer jewelry to children’s wear and everything in between — ruled the runway with a vibe that was distinctively desert.

26 2727 EL PASEO FASHION WEEK

The second night had 20 interior designers testing their ideas in front of a judging panel that included ex-catwalkers The Wednesday-night designers, each a winner of UNESCO’s Islands of the World Fashion Week 2009, came from Beverly Johnson and Cheryl Tiegs. In ASID’s Project Runway, the designers created outfits based on artworks from exotic locales. Eric Raisina of Madagascar created fashions from hand-woven and hand-dyed natural silks and cottons. Palm Springs Art Museum exhibition The Passionate Pursuit: Gifts and Promised Works from Donna and Cargill Nadya of Indonesia showed fashions by Bali artisans. Designer K-Bobby of Jamaica featured his evening fashions. McMillan Jr. The catch: Each look had to use home-design materials. Harl Taylor Handbags of the Bahamas exhibited men’s and women’s hand-woven handbags with embellishments of 28 Photography By Curtis Williams 29 Swarovski crystal, bone, and wood. The evening also premiered V&G accessories and belts — all hand-painted, embellished with semiprecious stones and mixed media, and made with natural fibers. Messages of empowerment are painted inside the belts. Julia Nish, a recent Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising grad, was the standout in the FIDM Debut 2010 show, which featured collections by nine of the school’s third-year design students. Men’s night showcased Jamie Paul Holahan’s fun, young beachwear — floral bandeau bikinis, racy one-pieces with crystal detailing, and striped triangle tops fit for land or sea. But it all had an edge: a dragon tattoo-art, button-down shirt and board shorts; skull and roses swim trunks; splatter-painted skivvies; and graphic printed tees. The star of the show was a pair of silver foil pants paired with a very now-looking brown leather and turquoise stone belt. The models were high-energy, and so was the capacity audience. Colleen Quen’s runway show — the marquee event of Fashion Week El Paseo — transported the audience to the catwalks of New York, or even Paris, where the materials are lush, the tailoring impeccable, and the designs eye- popping in an artful, organic way. A white gown with thin, hand-folded, and sewn flowers was the evening’s standout piece, earning the sprite, 47-year-old designer a round of mid-show applause. A full house at Melissa Morgan Fine Art, host of the official Fashion Week closing party, enjoyed a night of art, food, wine, and even more fashion — including an exhibition of photo-based art by Peter Gurnz and Ben Cope, an installation by David J, the art-inspired fashions created by ASID members; and cutting-edge fashion presented by BoxEIGHT. On Saturday, before the Fashion Week El Paseo finale, the big white tent hosted Fashion Food & Wine, the inaugural event that featured fine dining at its best. More than 35 award-winning restaurants and their chefs from throughout the Southern California region served up dreamy dishes paired with wines that included Piper-Heidsieck, Silverado K Bobby, Islands of the World Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Masi, Hess Collection, and a selection of vintages and varietals from Wilson Daniels (including Schramsberg, Gainey Vineyard, Girard Winery, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards). Each restaurant has provided its menu in advance so that the festival’s team of experts could pair the cuisine with a particular varietal or brand that best complemented the food. Melrose Heights looks forward to Fashion Week El Paseo 2011. For more information about the event, point your Web browser to www.fashionweekelpaseo.com.

30 31

V & G Accessories K Bobby, Islands of the World Photography By Curtis Williams 33 32 Colleen Quen Colleen Quen

34 35 FIDM Debut FIDM Debut

36 37 Colleen Quen V & G Accessories K Bobby K Bobby K Bobby Nadia, Islands of the World EL PASEO FASHION WEEK

V & G Accessories Colleen Quen V & G Accessories K Bobby

K Bobby K Bobby , V & G Accessories FIDM Debut Colleen Quen V & G Accessories

Photography By Curtis Williams 38 39 40 41 4040 41 Sandberg Design

42 Photography By Curtis Williams Designer Sandberg Design 626 818-6872 www.sandbergdesign.com Sandberg Design

Designer Sandberg Design 626 818-6872 www.sandbergdesign.com

Photography By Curtis Williams

44 45 HOLLY MUSE OF THE 80S

Holly would have liked to be one of those women my mother talked about, those who would fill Stu- dio 54 just by entering. Apart from their beauty, not always indispensable, it was their style, their personality, that made everybody turn around to look at them. Those whose sole presence became inspiring, those who showed the way to the designers, eager to take in what was on the street.

They would be in charge of turning around that tendency captured in the air. So that later they could synthesize it, expand it, structure it and finally spit it out in a way like wearing a skirt the wrong way around or wearing a hat. And lastly offer it to the shops where all the girls want to go and shop till they drop, thus entering the forbidden territory of the avant garde, the centre of the fascinating things that are then happening…

It’s that now remote World of the 80s that Holly Ridings achieves to evoke, when the models were more than that. When they were not just clothes hangers on which to hang a pretty dress. When they participated in the process of creating fashion from the same inspiring origins.

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com

Gray Silk Gabardine Embroidered Evening Gown with Vintage Lace, Tulle and Semi Precious Gem Stones, Necklace-Multi Semi Precious Gems, all by Roberto De Villacis, Earrings, Rings, YSL Shoes, Gucci Silver Clutch, all provided by Starhold Images. Photography By Curtis Williams 46 47 rav’ish-ing adj.causing great joy

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com

Purple Chiffon Evening Gown with Gold Vintage Lace and Semi-Precious Stones, Necklace-Multi Semi Precious Gems, all by Roberto De Villacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings, Bracelets and Rings provided by Starhold Images, Purple Satin/Gold Tone Shoes by [email protected] Photography By Curtis Williams Photography By Curtis Williams 48 49 olly would have liked to be one of those women my mother talked about, those who would fill Studio 54 just by entering. Apart from their beauty, not always indispensable, it was their style, their person- Hality, that made everybody turn around to look at them. Those whose sole presence became inspiring, those who showed the way to the designers, eager to take in what was on the street. They would be in charge of turning around that tendency captured in the air. So that later they could synthesize it, expand it, structure it and finally spit it out in a way like wearing a skirt the wrong way around or wearing a hat. And lastly offer it to the shops where all the girls want to go and shop till they drop, thus entering the forbidden territory of the avant garde, the centre of the fascinating things that are then happening…

It’s that now remote World of the 80s that Holly Riddings achieves to evoke, when the models were more than that. When they were not just clothes hangers on which to hang a pretty dress. When they participated in the process of creating fashion from the same inspiring origins. That is why the designer Roberto de Villacis admitted during the show “Launch my Line” that Holly was his muse. This is how the creator that conceives fashion as an art form (Haute Couture for the Arts!) and the model that main- tains that it is her personality and her self confidence that are the key that make a difference in her professional career, got together.

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com Gray Silk Taffeta Cape, Black Silk Bustier, Necklace-Semi Precious Gems, all by Roberto De Villacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings and Ring provided by Starhold Images 50 Photography By Curtis Williams Photography By Curtis Williams51 Gold Lame One Shoulder Dress, Mini with Flower, by Roberto De Vil- Black Fringe Cashmere Blazer with White Fringe and Gold Trim, paired with lacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings, Rings, Bracelets, Roberto Black Vintage Silk Cocktail Skirt, Designs by Roberto De Villacis, Gold Tone Cavalli Black/Gold Clutch, all provided by Starhold Images Jewelry, Casadei Shoes and Fendi Handbag all provided by Starhold Images

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com 5252 Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com Photography By Curtis Williams Photography By Curtis Williams 53 English Plaid Black/White Ruffled Low cut Back Shift Dress, Gray Silk Taffeta Cape, Black Silk Bustier, Dark Gray Silk Trousers with Side Pock- Adorned with Semi Precious Gems, Necklace-Semi Precious ets and Crystal Buttons, Necklace and Matching Bracelet-Semi Precious Gems all Gems, Beret, all by Roberto De Villacis, Earrings, Rings, Brace- by Roberto De Villacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings and Rings provided lets, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, all provided by Starhold Images by Starhold Images, Vintage Black Velvet/Beaded Handbag, by Caryn Shaye

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com 54 Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com Photography By Curtis Williams 55 adj. (ME) beauitful, the quality of being very pleasing. beau’te-ously Gray Silk Gabardine Embroidered Evening Gown with Vintage Lace, Tulle and Semi Precious Gems, Necklace-Multi Semi Precious Gems, all by Roberto De Villacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings, Rings, Gucci Silver Clutch, all provided by Starhold Images

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com 56 Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com Photography By Curtis Williams 57

That’s right, since she started her way in this highly populated world of fashion, first modeling for Ralph Lauren when she was 15 and then winning Model of the Year at 16, Holly Ridings has worked without rest, creating her own special seal on the industry. The steady rise is achieved with simplicity as her fashion must, class as her epithet and Kate Moss as her favorite style icon. Her angulus features become her. A face that can be distinguished from the rest and an attitude that is shown in the way she walks the catwalk. Without doubt, her walk is one of a kind, self taught and rebellious. She’s daring when moving her hands while she walks in a show, as if dancing in such a personal way that leads the audience to believe she adores the creation she is wearing.

Her angulous features become her. A face that can be distinguished from the rest and an attitude that is shown in the way she walks the cat walk. Without a doubt, her walk is one of a kind, self taught and rebellious. She’s daring when moving her hands while she walks in a show, as if dancing, in such a personal way.

Holly doesn’t content herself with just being a model; she interprets fashion and she does it best when it is one of the designs of someone as genial and unique as Roberto de Villacís. She gets to shower herself with pieces that are full of oneiric exclusivity, sexy, yet remaining current and ultimately period sensitive, impregnated with a quality that elevates them above the clothes of other designers.

This is the key to the relationship that Holly and Roberto have started backstage on a televisión set and that continues in the fashion shows and in the intimacy of the Salon de Couture of Villacís in Bel Air, where amongst inspiration and laughs, everything seems possible.

Creation in the world of fashion seems to acquire a new dimension when a model finds an artist that can see her and make the best of her talent by giving her height, size and a name of her own.

Roberto de Villacís, first discovered by Kart Lagerfeld after he graduated from the prestigious Studio Bercot in Paris and Citizen of the World; his designs have been featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W and Elle. And Holly, represented by Elite Model Management, a participant who stood out in reality shows such as runaway hits Project Runway and Launch My Line, has found in Roberto someone who cherishes her personality and who understands her goals. Even though they both have, of course separate successful careers, the tandem is very promising.

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Walmsey, www.nicolewalmsley.com Fashion Stylist Mauva Gacitua, www.starholdimages.com Blue Silk/Taffeta Cocktail Dress, Embroidered with Semi Precious Gems and Feathers, Necklace-Semi Precious Gems, all by Roberto De Villacis, www.robertodevillacis.com, Earrings, Bracelets and Rings, all provided by Starhold Images

Photography By Curtis Williams 58 59 MELROSE CULTURE & HEIGHTS LIFESTYLE

FASHION ENTERTAINMENT FINE LIVING FOOD & WINES BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE HEALTH ART & CULTURE FLOWERS PEOPLE EDUCATION TRAVEL

60 www.melroseheightsmagazine.com www.melroseheightsmagazine.com 61 BNP PARIBAS TENNIS OPEN INDIAN WELLS, CA

Indian Wells,CA

Breathtaking desert scenary, plenty of festivities, an Honorable event that will benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief effort. It is anticipated to raise well over $1 million. “Hit for Haiti”. And of course the game of Tennis. Larry Ellison Chairman of BNP PARIBAS of which was one of the sponsors of Indian Wells Tennis Tournament ?

Tennis gardens, celebrates the 35th anniversary of one of the most prestigious Tennis Tournaments, with the worlds most legendary players. It is known to be one of the biggest Tennis Tournaments in the United States.

photo by Douglas Bedgood photo by Carol Tedesco 62 63 6464 6565 INDIAN WELLS, CA BNP PARIBAS TENNIS OPEN

Charlie Passarell and Raymond Moore of PM sports management speculates that ?

Celebrities are spotted enjoying the game of tennis. ABC’s Private Practice the lovely and beautiful Kate Walsh, along with other ac- tors. James Caviezel enjoyed the tournament. People traveled from all over the country to make it to this event at and have the best seats in town.

Matt Vantuiin is the man to thank for helping to make this event possible. ?

Names of tennis players

Vera Zvonareva, Rafael Nadal,

66 67 his issue introduces a new regular feature to Melrose Heights Magazine. President of Christian THohmann Fine Art, Inc. in Palm Desert , California , Christian Hohmann has joined our team to bring our readers an insider’s view into the world of international Contemporary Art.

68 69 ractically born to the role, Christian’s parents PWerner and Ursula Hohmann, both art collectors, opened their first gallery in 1976 in Walsrode, a tourist destination in Lower Saxony in northern Germany . At 19, Christian began working with Austrian painter, printmaker, and sculptor Rudolf Hausner (1914-1995) who regularly exhibited at the Hohmann’s Walsrode gallery. Together, Haus- ner and young Christian published several Fine Art Prints. Ever on the look out for new ideas and talent, Christian extended publishing to Prints by younger up and coming artists, and around the same time, he began studying Art History and Econom- ics at the University of Trier, and later, in Ham- burg where he opened his first gallery at age 21.

Christian moved to Palm Desert in 2002 to become director of the Hart Gallery for what turned out to be nearly seven years. After his aunt Eva Hart retired in 2009, Christian opened his own gallery amongst the upscale restaurants and designer boutiques on El Paseo, Palm Desert ’s “ Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” Emphasizing Eu- ropean, and especially, German art, Christian Hohmann Fine Art hosts events throughout the year including Opening Receptions, lectures, charity events, and a glamorous Annual Gala.

70 7171 Christian has fallen in love with Coachella Valley ’s delicate beauty and has no plans for moving back to Germany any time soon. Instead, he aspires to follow the example of art dealer and museum exhibition organizer Serge Sabarsky who connected artists, collectors, galleries and museums across the Atlantic. By acting as a cross pollinator, Chris- tian specializes in introducing artists from the United States into the European market, as well as bringing European artists into the sunshine of El Paseo Drive. With 17 years experience in the art business (8 years in the United States) and more than 3000 clients worldwide, Chris- tian regularly consults businesses and private collectors who want to create something special by starting an art collection, or integrating art into the entire concept of their home, or business.

Christian will be keeping our readers abreast of the goings-on at his gallery as well as the international art scene. With articles about Contemporary Artists as well as explorations of the history of art, Chris- tian’s column promises to bring us a treasure trove of shockingly new images and masterful works of art.

72 73 The Real Smarty Pants is From Trinidad and Tobago: Emile Borde Deidra Burtonelli

Meet musician and international performer, Emile Borde. From the island of Trinidad and Tobago, home of calypso music, Emile Borde unveils its national instrument the steel drum, to a wide array of musical genres. Borde has composed and performed with the pans (steel drums) across the world, including shows with Cher, Lou Bega, Harry Belafonte, Chubby Checker, and Bob Marley’s Wailers. Borde has also organized a successful world fusion band, The Tropical Connection. Tropical Connection has been touring since 1977. Its members, who gained respect for their versatile style, began in Detroit, Michigan where they shared the stage with some of the most famous artists, including The Spinners, The Dramatics, Max Roach and George Clinton. Borde, AKA “Spiceman”, is preparing for the world famous Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, a highly anticipated annual celebration of the island’s culture with the sounds of steel drums, calypso and soca music. To ‘play mas’ in Carnival means to celebrate life by portraying characters of choice in extravagant costume and excite massive crowds on the Monday and Tuesday before Lent each year. Carnival is a sure annual destination for Borde. In addition to filming his hometown’s island essence, Borde will be in attendance at the annual “Pan Pioneer Party”, hosted by his father, Hugh Borde, the legend behind the family steel drum entertainment dynasty.

Emile continues a legacy his family brought to the U.S. thirty-four years ago. For Emile’s father Hugh Borde, the steel drum is a platform for which he is a pioneer. Hugh Borde is a legendary bandleader who helped revolutionize the conception of the steel drums and its players. It’s unlikely to think of music today without the sound of the steel drum, the distinctive sound is one that listeners can’t help but feel transported when it plays. Hugh was playing the steel drum in the 40’s and 50’s when it was considered a “renegade instrument” and has risked many hardships in his support of it’s early development.

During World War II Trinidad’s strategic location accounted for the availability of foreign oil

Photography by Mary Shuler 75 EMILE BORDE During World War II Trinidad’s strategic location accounted for the availability of foreign oil drums. Trinidadians progressed in the development of the drum from biscuit tins and metal cans to cutting the oil drums down to varying sizes and shapes. Having ranged in design, pattern, and size over the decades, the trial and error has led to the fine-tuning and impulse shape of today’s 55-gallon steel drum.

By the 1960s, the instrument was declared “a vital expression of the Trinidadian people” by Trinidad’s prime minister. At last, Trinidad had gained it’s independence. The battle had been won and Hugh was set to ride the wave of a new beginning in the expansion of the steel drum movement. Along for the ride was his band, the Trinidad Tripoli Steel band. A 28-man band who got their name from the 1942 film about WWII, Shores of Tripoli. In 1967 in representation of the island, The Trinidad Tripoli Steel band went to Montreal Expo’s World Fair. The band was “the hit of the fair” gushed legendary pianist Liberace, who discovered them there and became one of their biggest fans. The fresh sound of the steel drum had put the band in a league all their own. Liberace was fascinated with the excitement they drew upon audiences. For the next three years the band traveled with Liberace and became a household name through appearances with Ed Sullivan, Mike Douglas, David Frost and Johnny Carson.

Today, Hugh is still playing the steel drum; he is a Hall of Fame inductee, a Pan Guard and has received the gold medal of merit from President Ronald Reagan.

Emile is also President and Creative Director at the multi-media company, The Real Smarty Pants, which he co-founded with Christine Bell. Current projects include a movie documentary about his father Hugh Borde, a recently released DVD entitled “A Moment In Time” showcasing pan wizard, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, TV commercials and promotional DVDs. The excitement builds as they anticipate the world’s reaction to “A Moment In Time” which was 76 77 76 77 recently submitted for consideration into the Pan African Film Festival. Photography by Mary Shuler In the 2010 lineup for Smarty Pants, a 3D coke commercial showcases a brief glimpse of something new the Spiceman‘s got up his sleeve. His new art form, Bottling.©

During the interview with Borde, there were balanced bottles set up on one side of the room. Some were tall constructions of bottles balanced one atop the other, some more lateral. I looked at the variety and captured the mystique of the art form up close and personal for the first time. I experienced a small piece of Trinidad in the viewing of the bottles. The variety of champagne bottles, Coke bottles, and beer bottles, being leaned and tilted upon vertical stance defied gravity,

One tower even balanced a soccer ball. “It scares people because they think it’s magic”, says Emile. Emile discovered Bottling, © in his hometown, St James, where he met the originator of the art form, Hugo, on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago. The family entertainment dynasty continues with one of Emile’s talented kids, Zoe Soul Borde. Zoe is an up and coming actress and trained dancer at the famous Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

Top left to right clockwise, Sugar Ray Leonard and Emile, The Bottlist© Leroy “Ali “Williams, Pan Pirate,SpicemanTyra Banks and 78 For further information contact Emile at The Real SmartyPants Emile, Chris and Bruce Jenner with Emile, Zoe Soul Borde, Steven Springer and Hugh, Othello Molineaux and Nasser www.emileborde.com, email: [email protected] or [email protected] 78 middle two pics, Emile and Chris,Emile and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. 79 MELROSE HEIGHTS CURTIS WILLIAMS ART AND ARTISTS

Welcome to the Melrose Heights Magazine Art Gallery. Here, in every issue, we will showcase various artists and a collection of their works. The gallery is now taking submissions from artists around the world for the chance to have their art work shown in the MHM Art Gallery.

Melrose Heights Magazine offers the opportunity at international exposure to artists such as photographers, painters, illustrators, printers, fashion designers, and automobile designers, etc.

In addition to being featured in MHM print, artists will also be featured on our website. The MHM Art Gallery Online is a great place for artists to be shown by art lovers who view and collect The MHM art work from around the world.

Become apart of this exciting traveling Art Show. Artists and art enthusiasts can contact MHM anytime by emailing [email protected].

Offices of the Publisher

Williams Collection: Girl Tie and Pin This issue feature Photographers: Curtis Williams, publisher Melrose Heights Magazine. 80 81 CURTIS WILLIAMS FOTOGRAF

Flower Vase and Squares, Williams Collection 1972 Josie Window Light, NY 1975

82 83 84 Williams Collection: Wine, Time and Fruit/ New York 1976 Williams Collection: Piano Talk, Menswear Magazine/ New York 1975 85 Please visit his website for more of Curtis Williams works, go to : www.curopa.com/curtis/photography.htm or contact him at: [email protected] 87 8686 Williams Collection: Flower In A Bottle/ Los Angeles 1976 √Williams Collection: Josie and the morning/ New York 197687 MHM MUSIC Bel Canto at the Beach---

In Venice, Italy one might expect to hear Italian songs and arias wafting across the canals and echoing from the slightly decaying acoustic of palazzos and monuments of the glory days! That’s not necessarily the usual order of business in hip and rapidly gentrifying Venice, California—where galleries and boutiques and Southern California “urban artsy” spills over all the way from Abbot Kinney past Main Street and muscle beach and the basketball courts to the sandy shores of the Santa Monica Bay. But recently the G2-Gallery on Ab- bot Kinney was alive with the sound of music—vocal music of Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi and various compositions for harp. The wonderful G-2 Gallery arrived on the Abbot Kinney scene in Venice a little over two years ago and has become one of the most prominent nature photography galleries in the country. Founded by Dan and Susan Gottlieb, themselves accomplished photographers, the gallery channels all proceeds to environmental causes. This time they were aiding a different kind of warbler. Performers for the May 23 concert had all been participants in the Bel Canto Institute summer program – not in Venice—but in Florence, Italy. They were chosen for performance awards for their outstanding work, and award concerts had already taken place in Vermont with the Vermont Symphony and in several upstate New York recitals. This was the first West Coast award concert for the program which regularly has participants from all over the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

8888 89 The audience was treated to a terrific afternoon of music making that featured Mezzo Soprano Chloe Schaaf—who is a student at the Juilliard School in New York, Korean/New Zealander Ju Hyeon Han—a 23 year old master’s degree student at New England Conservatory, who happens to be blind, and young professional harpist Kathryn Andrews. Bel Canto Institute www.belcantoinst.org was founded by Metropolitan Opera Associate Con- ductor and Prompter Jane Klaviter in memory of her mentor, the late Luigi Ricci, who coached opera greats (both singers and conductors) throughout most of the 20th Century. Singing technique, style, and tradition is best handed down “hands on.” The program challenges, inspires, mentors, and gives participants a lot to grow on. “Participants come to the renaissance city—Firenze—for a renaissance experience.” Says Los Angeles based singer and vocal teacher James Koenig who is a Bel Canto Board Member and part of the faculty in Firenze. Participants have a busy schedule that includes Italian language immersion, coachings, and performance classes, culminating in a week of concerts. “It’s not really such a leap from nature and environmental causes” says Koenig. “Talent is a gift of nature! But it is a gift that has to be nourished. It must be nurtured through training, discipline, exposure, and guided development. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program, which started in upstate New York and made the logical move to Italy five years ago.

9090MHM MUSIC 91 MELROSE HEIGHTS ART AND ARTISTS Craig Wilcox Artist by Dorothy Walters Wilcox

“I’m fascinated with the history of illumination as an art. It began in Roman times and developed into an intricate and delicate art form, practiced largely by religious orders through the 15th century and the invention of the printing press.” Craig Wilcox spends eight to ten hours a day in his scriptorium grinding pigments, mixing unique paints, preparing vellum to receive 24 karat gold leaf. It is then laid, burnished and a fixative applied. He has developed a personal style of calligraphy which is also decorative. Living and spending extended periods of time in Europe and the Middle East since he was twelve years old, Craig has been exposed to numerous cultures and internalized their art forms from medieval times to the present. Ancient symbols often appear in his work as well as his own whimsical forms and creatures. Mr. Wilcox is an accomplished watercolorist having studied extensively with Patsy O’Connell in Washington State.

An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations. In the strictest definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver, but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western traditions. Comparable Far Eastern works are always described as painted, as are Mesoamerican works. Islamic manuscripts are usually referred to as illuminated but can also be classified as painted. The earliest surviving substantive illuminated manuscripts are from the period AD 400 to 600 (also in the gothic period), primarily produced in Ireland, Constantinople and Italy. The significance of these works lies not only in their inherent art history value, but in the maintenance of a link of literacy offered by non- illuminated texts as well. Had it not been for the monastic scribes of Late Antiquity, the entire literature of Greece and Rome would have perished; as it was, the patterns of textual survivals were shaped by their usefulness to the severely constricted literate group of Christians.

92 93 A Life of Karma: A Restaurant Story

Electric Karma is one of those very few places where “old meets new” actually works.

The restaurant you enter into is deeply Indian inspired, but is not overdone. Instead it feels like you’ve walked into a fairytale world belonging to another culture, neither here nor there but something altogether unique. It’s the only place that I know of where a big screen projecting Bollywood music videos not only feels completely natural, but also intimately romantic.

Most popular on the menu is the Nirvana Chicken, which consists of a coconut masala with chili. From the kitchen of Electric Karma with love. By: Kate Ascott-Evans

9494 9595 AN INDIAN RESTAURANT

Romantic Patio available for private parties and all kinds of events

www.electrickarma.com 323.653.2121 Los Angeles, CA 90048

97 9696 MELROSE HEIGHTS FASHION by Daima Design www.melroseheightsmagazine.com

Kaitlyn, Model / Actress 98 up coming Cover Girl 99 100 101 102102 103 JoAnna’s Corner JoAnna LaForce, R.Ph., CGP, Herbalist

JoAnna LaForce is the Health Naturalist, Herbalist and Pharmacist and the source of the new educational collumn of MELROSE HEIGHTS - JoAnna’s Corner.

She got her influence from her father, a contractor, that always pushed her to her limits, acknowledging no limits. JoAnna’s father would expect no excuses for grade B in her school record.

Being one of the best in school and having a very strong interest in Biology and Science, JoAnna was considering nursing, medical doctor and pharmacist specialties.

She very soon found out that being a nurse or a medical doctor wasn’t going to be able to satisfy every aspect of her very versatile and avant-garde personality. But there was another family member that helped JoAnna find herself in her life, JoAnnas grandmother, who had this very big and beautiful garden, filled with various plants and herbs, that JoAnna enjoyed very much observing and learning.

JoAnna graduated from USC as a pharmacist, but later in her practice, she discovered new things that excited and intrigued her curiosity. JoAnna wanted to counsel patients, listen to their complaints about their health issues, and be the fairy that found non-chemical solutions for her patients. Idaho was the state where JoAnna met her future mentor herbalist to bring her closer to fulfilling her career ambitions and morals.

Cooperating with medical doctors, she has been very successful cutting down the number of chemical medications that the elderly patients she works with use.

To find out a lot more about the natural ways you could treat your body, mind and spirit, look for Melrose Heights’ next issues, and the new upcoming trailer of the Web Episodes of “MELROSE HEIGHTS” TV show, which will be crisscrossing the Magazine and TV Show MELROSE HEIGHTS.

www.ourfarmacy.com

at The Farmacy Venice, 1509 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice CA 90291, tel. 310.392.3890,

The Farmacy West Hollywood, 7825 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046, tel. 323.848.7981, Fax 323.848.7373

The Farmacy Westwood, 1035 Gayley Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024, tel.310.208.0820

104 105 What Is All That Stuff? ~ An Introduction To Chi- Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine nese Herbal Medicine Chinese herbal medicine is one of the three branches of a much broader subject, Traditional Chinese Medi- By: Joe Recsnik L.Ac. cine (TCM). In addition to herbal medicine, the other branches of TCM consist of physical treatment methods [acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, scraping (gua sha), and massage (tui na)] and mind-body exercise techniques [tai chi, chi gong, and meditation].

At their foundation, all three branches of TCM are based on the same theory of “Yin and Yang”. This theory states that all diseases and illnesses are the result of imbalance of Yin and Yang in the body. When the balance of Yin and Yang is restored and maintained, optimal health and tranquility are achieved. Traditional Chinese Medicine is Holistic Medicine A second unique feature of TCM and Chinese herbal medicine is its holistic approach to an individual’s health and wellness. Holistic medicine seeks to treat not only the physical aspects, but the emotional and spiritual aspects of daily living as well. TCM holds that illness and “dis-ease” can arise not just from exposure to environmental factors, but can be the result of an imbalanced internal/emotional/spiritual situation as well (stress, anger, sadness, anxiety, etc). For most people, such a concept follows actual personal experience. Most of us can identify times in our lives when our physical symptoms affected our emotional situation or our emotional situation gave rise to some sort of physical symptom (such as headache, nausea, high blood pressure, etc) Treating the “Root” and the “Branch” Following this holistic approach to health and illness, a TCM diagnosis differs from a Western disease diagnosis in that it takes into account not only the symptoms of the illness, but also an individual’s emotional temperament and bodily constitution. In addition to taking a thorough health history and history of the current illness, a TCM trained herbalist uses unique tools such as tongue and pulse diagnosis to form and overall “pattern of disharmony”. In this way, the TCM diagnosis can be much more refined than a typical Western disease diagnosis. Take for example the Western diagnosis of “migraine headache”. According to the individual’s specific combination of signs and symptoms, TCM identifies at least five different “patterns of disharmony” that would commonly be iden- tified as “migraine headache”. Thus Chinese herbalism is designed to create customized formulations (typically anywhere from 6-15 ingredients) that address not only the symptoms of an illness and the underlying cause as well. Considering the metaphor of the body as a tree, a properly constructed Chinese herbal formula will treat the “branch” (symptoms) while simultaneously strengthening the “roots” (emotional temperament and bodily constitution).

What Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Treat? Chinese herbal medicine is complete system of medicine in itself. Many conditions that are commonly treated by prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be effectively treated with Chinese herbal medicine. A brief list of conditions commonly and successfully treated with Chinese herbal medicine include: Pain syndromes (back pain, neck pain, arthritis, headaches, etc.) Asthma Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders Allergies & Sinus Women’s health (PMS, irregular menstruation, infertility, etc.) Colds & flu Anyone who visits The Farmacy in Venice immediately takes note of the hundreds of jars lining the walls of our Men’s health (E.D., prostate health, premature ejaculation, etc.) Fibromyalgia store. Full of leaves, sticks, flowers, roots, minerals, and various other types of natural substances, the inevitable ques- Chemotherapy and radiation side effects Fatigue tion we hear on a daily basis is, “What is all that stuff?” Of course the short answer is, “Those are traditional Chinese Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.) Insomnia herbs.” For those who are content with such a brief answer, the matter is fairly straight forward. On the other hand, Endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, etc.) High blood pressure for those who have any other sort of follow up question, the matter can get complicated quickly. Given its 2,500 year Autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren’s, etc.) Diabetes history, it would be unrealistic to uncover the entire breadth and scope of Chinese herbal medicine in just one article. Gastro-intestinal problems (indigestion, constipation, heartburn, etc.) and more… However, as an introduction, the next few paragraphs will attempt to demystify the theory and practical usage of Chi- nese herbal medicine and its increasingly common complementary role alongside modern Western medicine. How Can I Have Customized Chinese Herbal Formula Written For Me?

106 107107 The Farmacy’s staff of licensed acupuncturists and herbalists is available to schedule Chinese herbal formula consultations daily. While we always do our best to accommodate walk-in traffic, we strongly recommend calling ahead to schedule your appointment. Upon arrival, you will be asked to fill out some brief medical history forms. From there, you and your herbalist will discuss your chief complaint, the history of your current complaint, and previous medical history, conditions, or medications that might affect your treatment. The herbalist will take your pulse and ask you to see your tongue in order to form an individualized pattern diagnosis according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please allow 30-45 minutes for you consultation, and in most cases your formula can be written and filled the same day. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are usually offered as a means to enhance the effects of your formula. Depending on the condition being treated, your herbalist might recommend treatment for anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Joe Recsnik L.Ac is a licensed acupuncturist and Head Herbalist at The Farmacy Venice. He is also the founder and chief practitioner at Los Angeles Community Acupuncture (www.lacommunityacupuncture.com). The Farmacy Venice offers the most comprehensive selection of herbal medicine products on the west side of Los Angeles. Our inventory includes over 500 individual raw herb and powder ingredients, plus a wide selection of liquid extracts, capsules, and topical medicinals. We specialize in Chinese herbal medicine, and carry Western, Ayurvedic, and South American herbal ingredients as well. We stock only organic ingredients or the highest grade possible when organic is not available. Our manufacturers and compounding pharmacy technicians adhere to strict cGMP guidelines. 1509 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 tel. 310.392.3890 Also available at: The Farmacy Westwood, 7825 Gayley Ave. Westwood, CA 90024 tel. 310.208.0820

www.ourfarmacy.com at The Farmacy Venice, 1509 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice CA 90291, tel. 310.392.3890,

The Farmacy West Hollywood, 7825 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046, tel. 323.848.7981, Fax 323.848.7373

108 The Farmacy Westwood, 1035 Gayley Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024, tel.310.208.0820 109 LOS ANGELES NEW MODERN DENTISTRY Cosmetic Smile Makeover Dental Implants Dr. HAYK ARAKELYAN, D.D.S., M.S.

Located right in the heart of the Fairfax district is the world class office of dentist Dr. Hayk Arakelyan. The address is 6333 Wilshire Blvd. Dr. Arakel yan is a General Practice Dentist that specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, Laser Dentistry and Implants as well as offering some of the most advanced technologies like Minimally Interventional Dentistry. MID is a means of addressing a dental problem with the absolute minimum amount of trauma to the tooth. While at the same time providing both the minimum pain, MID provides the maximum amount of tooth preservation insuring the best long term results. MID reduces the chances of cracking or burring which is a common occurrence in the traditional high speed drilling methods still used by most dentists.

Dr. Arakelyan believes it is crucial to listen to the patient in order to understand what they require from him as a dentist. Until this is established, it is not possible to move forward with the optimal treatment plan. Dentists are still able to represent patients with the latest in technological advances that can improve their smiles with these minimally invasive techniques. Because of Dr. Arakelyan’s approach to his patients desires there are no feelings of being pressured to buy unwanted products or services. Best of all these advanced techniques are available at great prices.

From the second you step foot inside one of the five state of the art examining rooms you will notice the attention to detail from overhead flat screen internet connected patient chairs to the highest possible standards in hygiene. So if you are looking for a full

service family dentist, Dr. Hayk Arakelyan is a great place to start. Some of the special

services offered by Dr. Arakelyan are a free initial consultation, dental implants, oral

cancer screenings, laser dentistry and anti snoring devices. Dr. Arakelyan is continually improving his offerings by k eeping ahead of the curve in the science and education required in the constantly changing world of dentistry.

323.648.0001 111 110 Dr. HAYK ARAKELYAN, D.D.S., M.S. Hayk Arakelya n, D.D.S.,M.S, 6333 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 504, Los Angeles, CA 111 SINGAPORE’S BANANA LEAF @ LOS ANGELES FARMER MARKET

by Susan Ayers I’m sitting at “The Banana Leaf”, a family owned, Singaporean style restaurant in the very famous “Farmer’s

Market”. I’m watching a constant flow of varied and

heterogeneous people being served by a very friendly and

energetic young man behind the counter. His name is

Michael Gazal. He seems to be the counter person, busboy,

waiter and as I’m about to find out ,.....the proprietor of the

Banana Leaf. Michael looks more like he should be playing

in a Rock band as he finds a moment to sit down and talk

with us. He says “in the 8 yrs. we’ve been open, I’ve watched

Singaporean restaurants open and close. I think what makes

us different and successful is that we decided to do what we

know. This is the food of Singapore I grew up with. Blending

Indian, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine but in a way that

they would be prepared in Singapore. We’re different.... we’re

“Home Style”.

That evening we tasted Rojak Salad. This dish is a cornucopia

of fresh fruits, vegetables and fried tofu, served in a spicy

peanut-tamarind sauce. I should add at this time that they

are happy to adjust the spiciness to your taste. In my case the

323.933.4627, Located at the FARMER MARKTET, 112 Fairfax & 3rd Street #122, Los Angeles, CA 90036 113 spicier the better so...... bring it on!!! Next we sampled the “Rendang Chicken”. This is a dish slowly cooked in coconut milk with spices such as ginger and chili. OMG.... Loved this one,

and the Mee Goreng, an Indian panfried noodle served fresh and hot from

the kitchen, was the perfect dish to bring it all together. Michael said we

must try the “Chendol” a dessert made from palm sugar, coconut, crushed ice

and chendol bean. I loved this little court side restaurant with everything

served on a banana leaf, giving off smells of far away places and exotic spices,

but most of all I loved when Michael said “food like art is an expression of the

person who makes it” When someone says something like that you know the

food is going to be good!!!!

SATAY CHICKEN

323.933.4627, Located at the FARMER MARKTET, Fairfax & 3rd Street #122, Los Angeles, CA 90036 114 LAKSA SOUP 115 MHM visits THE BOX STORE

“If I don’t have the answer. I’ll Google it”, Manuel Herrera quotes his church pastor.

The Box Store on Wilshire is under new management and Manuel “Manny” Herrera is the man to see for any boxing and shipping needs.

By four o’clock in the afternoon, I’m about due for a Sprinkles cupcake and nothing else matters but the countdown to the end of the work day, not for the customers of The Box Store. The customers at The Box Store are in the most joyful of spirits. Not one who entered wore a frown. Each person had a previous conversation to rekindle with Manny.

The reason for the new and improved The Box Store is its new manager, Manny Herrera, once an employee. Manny was laid off from the store after five years of service. One day, Manny gave the store a visit to pick up a few payments to find out that the owner was ready to ditch the plummeting consequences of the economic crunch and sell the space. Manny convinced the owner that he could turn the store’s luck around and he bought The Box Store. Now, Manny operates his store the same way he would his home. He knows his customers by name and what they need. Owners of neighboring shops stop by and chat for a while with Manny. Some exchange referrals and barter advertisement. Ever so”conveniently” located just doors down from a Fed Ex store, The Box Store, holds its own and attracts both Fed Ex and UPS users.

Manny has only been manager of The Box Store only since June and has already spread the good fortune. Manny hired a young painter with long brown hair who stood painting a few boxes outside to decorate the storefront. One young local girl was ordained by Manny to be the official after-school dog walker to the two pets in ths store.

At his central location in Miracle Mile, Manny has come in contact with many celebrities whose lives he has affected and vice versa. He has stories of the many whom he has helped, that will impress you. Because others have helped him in the long run, Manny doesn’t pass up the opportunity to lend a hand to the next man who needs it. One for whom Manny is most grateful is his brother, Carlos Herrera, who works with Manny in the store. Carlos and his girlfriend at the time, helped Manny open the store. He calls them his “two angels”.

As Manny and his brother fill boxes with styrofoam at the five o’clock rush hour, a customer walks in and strikes a conversation with Manny. He turned to me and did the same. When asked about why he likes The box Store, he spoke of Manny’s hospitality first.

“He wants nothing in return”, he said with a Caribbean accent, “He is a confidant”.

116116 117 Mr. Cigar is Back Taz Ahmadi on the progression of the cigar industry by Deidra Burtonelli

Returning to interview with Melrose Heights is Taz Ahmadi, “Mr. Cigar”, himself. Taz is co-owner with his brothers, of The V-Cut Smoke Shop, located on Melrose. The shop has been in business for thirteen years and Taz has been a witness to the evolution of the cigar industry. Taz has yet a new café to accommodate the successful smoke shop, just two doors down, The V Café. The V Café will feature their espresso bar and serve lunch specials with produce from local California markets. The doors to the café will be open in February. Taz is looking forward to serving the neighborhood that has supported The V-Cut throughout its sustainable run. Cigars range in brand and regional export. According to Taz, depending on the manufacturer, a cigar can consist of tobacco from up to five different countries. The V-Cut carries both commercial and boutique lines of cigars from Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras, North Africa, Indonesia, and others across the globe. Taz prefers to carry smaller, boutique cigar brands, in the shop, for the consistence in quality and flavor.

“What I’ve noticed over the last five years, and liked, is that it’s a bit of a renaissance with the product boutique lines are putting out.” says Taz, “People want quality”. According to Taz, now, more than ever, smaller cigar brands tend to the demands of its cigar patrons. The concerns people who know cigars, have is for the consistency and craftsmanship of large brands.

V- The V-Cut procured its name from the option of having the edge of the cigar cut. With a tool called a v-cutter, slicing the edge of the cigar in the shape of a V, can alter the concentration coming from CUT the tobacco’s blend.

Visitors of the smoke shop are not limited to business men. Couples, executives, and people from all walks of life come to reflect on their day and enjoy the leisure of a relaxed environment. Taz believes that the today there is no average cigar smoker. Smoking cigars is a lifestyle. Around the time Christopher Columbus set sail to the Caribbean, cigars were used by Indian shamans during medicinal ceremonies as a means to heal the sick. When tobacco was shipped to America in the early 1500s, it was chocolate and cigars that became a class symbol for the wealthy. Cigarettes were made from the leftover tobacco and to avail of the common folk. V- V- Just like any other plant, the region in which it is grown affects the texture and taste of the cigar. CUT Cuba is well known for its cigars because of the body and taste that comes from the minerals that CUT are developed in Cuban rich soil. Dominican cigars are the top produces of cigars, worldwide. Good blends for new cigar smokers to try are form Honduras, where they have a robust tobacco is grown for a mild ingestion. Nicaragua is popular for their cigars and top quality acclaimed by critics. Those who have a deep understanding of cigars don’t buy into honing one type over the rest. Taz refers to the stereotype of Cuban cigars held in its high regard, “To say that one country’s blend is better than the next, is like saying that French wine is the best wine”. -D.B. - CUT CIGARS

V-Cut CIGARS for the month: Nicaragua - Tatuaje Cubaiguan / Honduras - J Fuego / Dominican Republic - Ashton “VSG” Arturo “Fuente Hemingway” “Diamond Crown”

323.655.5959 The V-Cut Smoke Shop, 8172 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 120 tel. 323-965-1600, the box store, 5657 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, email:[email protected] 121 The Culture Junkie Asks… Why do women BLOCK? By Anthony Miner

For the past couple of months I’ve been on assignment in Las Vegas, NV aka Sin City. Some people like Vegas and some despise Vegas; I’ve got to tell you, I love Las Vegas. My favorite attractions are the restaurants and night clubs. Each hotel’s goal is to surpass the competition, especially in terms of interior designs. If you only go to Vegas to experience the restaurants and nightclubs, you will see some of the most innovative interior designs in the world. Some clubs such as Tryst at the Wynn Hotel or Tao at the Venetian are right out of a movie set – quite impressive. During my last weekend in Vegas, a few friends of mine came to town and we decided to venture out to one of the last clubs I hadn’t seen; Blush at Palazzo. Unlike some of the massive 42,000 square foot clubs, Blush has an intimate and sexy atmosphere – so cozy it feels more like a house party then a night club – an experience you don’t find every day in Vegas.

As my friends and I walked in the club towards the Here are some of the answers I received. The reason why women block each other relates to the first woman rival they had: their mothers. It’s all bar we immediately caught a glimpse of two very due to the Oedipal Triangle, where the first woman that a little girl has to compete with, for the love of attractive females named Amber and Heather. As I the first man in her life, is her mother. The Oedipal rivalry between mother and daughter carries over ordered the drinks my friend Mike instantly made a into adult life, causing women to instinctively go into competitive mode when there is another woman and connection with Amber the brunette who has that sexy at least one man present. Even if the woman isn’t really attracted to this man, she still feels as though she Kate Beckinsale vibe. The Laws of Being a Man say needs to prove that she’s the victor, because she never got to prove that with her mom. That is, she never that, when your friend is the first to meet a girl, your was able to steal her father from her mother and win. job is to be his wing man and entertain her girlfriend. Personally I like running the wing position. ~ Carole Lieberman, M.D. – Los Angeles, CA For the next two and half hours or so, Mike and Women subconsciously compete with their single friends for male attention -- even at the expense of the friendship. Amber were inseparable, dancing extremely close, ~ Doree - Los Feliz, CA kissing, rubbing and hugging each other after all it This has a flavor of personal experience I say it is all fear and the friend is not happy with her own life, is afraid is Las Vegas. From what I could see from my wing the new beau will take her away (fear of abandonment), and certainly she does not love herself. If she did there position, things were going great between them. would be no need to control the other. My take is she tries to control her entire outside circumstances so she can Even Stevie Wonder could clearly see that these two feel okay. This is dangerous, and sad, since we create our reality from a frequency we offer up from the inside. had a connection. I held up my end of the deal as his From an energetic standpoint her first and third chakras are way off balance. wingman and kept Heather entertained enough to give ~ Elisabeth via email them space. Heather and I danced, laughed and at one point I thought we would connect. Quick answer: Women know as soon as her friend gets hooked up with a man, she will hardly see the friend again! writer Anthony Miner The night was slowly coming to an end, Mike had The friend will focus all her time and attention on keeping the guy happy. Happens all the time! plans to watch the sun rise from his hotel suite with Amber, and from the looks of things Amber liked ~ Aila - Los Angeles, CA that ending. While Amber was holding Mike’s hand near the exit, Heather, who had also witnessed the endearment they had for each other, grabbed Amber by the hand and takes her into the bathroom. No big It’s needless to say that most guys, including myself have been blocked. As a result I decided years ago that I deal, that’s what girls do, right? would not pursue women that run in packs. I prefer women who are independent thinkers. Or maybe I’m reading Moments later, Amber is holding Heather’s hand and leads her straight through the exit doors no into it wrong. Maybe the blockers have strong women’s intuition and know what’s best for her friends. Or maybe explanation, no goodbyes. Amber’s abandonment of Mike under the leadership of Heather is called the she is simply jealous that the night didn’t belong to her. In any event being the wing-man or wing-women has its duties. The Blocker. Mike and I were left standing there without saying a word, our expressions both asking the Anthony Miner – Writer, Cultural Junkie, Vegetarian and Author - Check out my book @ www.ifyoulikechocolatee same thing. “Why do women do that?” The Culture Junkie wants to know – Why would a woman block atchocolate.com If you want to voice your point of view or if there is a topic that needs to be heard, Anthony can be her girlfriend from a chance at love, especially when it is clear that her friend and that guy are into each reached at - facebook.com/anthonyminer - twitter.com/anthonyminer other?

122 123 Rudy’s Custom Top Shop Rudy’s Custom Top Shop has been in business since 1982 under the ownership of Pedro Rodriguez (Aka Rudy), and his brother Antonio. They built a business that is known for its quality upholstery as well as it’s customized touring vans that peruse Hollywood and other scenic neighborhoods. Convertible tops, plush carpet, headliners and interior seats, Rudy’s also specializes in custom wheels and sunroof installation.

“We use fine quality suede, leather and vinyl we also offer special conversions. We cut and enforce the vans put in seat belts and install safety cushions. We designed the only convertible limousine in Los Angeles.”

Of Rudy’s long list of clients his most memorable; the late R&B phenomenon Barry White, Heavy Weight Champion of the World Mohammad Ali, actor and comedian Danny Thomas and Marvin Miller of the Untouchables.

While living in Mexico, Rudy learned to upholster furniture. He says that this is an extremely difficult field to work in, “Your clients are often women,” he says, “and they are very particular about their furniture.” He also adds, “when looking for someone to customize the interior of your car, it is best to look for someone who has experience in furniture upholstery.”

Next on Rudy’s agenda; A plan to expand into Mexico with Bullet Proof Cars. Rudy admits, “it’s a little dangerous in that part of the country right now, but very needed”. The idea came about during a trip to South America. “A relative of my wife’s’ sparked my interest.

I went to Guatemala and saw that the business is good there. So I determined to learn how to build these cars. In my research I’ve found that the level of protection is quite good. ”

Rudy also specializes in customizing classics such as the 1965 Chevy Impala pictured along the walls of his shop (this is not your grandmas Impala!), Bentley’s, GTO’s, Mazda Rx-7’s Rolls Royce and many more. Rudy Custom Top Shop is located at 6034 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90038 Tel. 323-465-7148

124124 MELROSE HEIGHTS DIRECTORY Lana’s Embroidery 323.937.5557

Embroidery Digitizing, Bed Lines,Custom Monogramming, Towels,Sweaters, Robs, Uniforms, Shirts

THE BOX STORE the full-service center for boxes, packaging & shipping Tel: 888.907.3801 Fax: 323.782.6788 www.csflawllp.com 6380 Wilshire Blvd. Manny 5457 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 810 tel. 323-965-1600 / fax 323-965-5573 Los Angeles, CA 90036 email:[email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90048 126 127 Treasurer: @ the Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles Luxury within… By: marYana sanamYan

The fairly new Smoke and Men Accessory Shop, situated in Downtown, La Biltmore Hotel, “Treasurer”, is designed to a uniform concept and stands out for it’s quality, expertise and elegant ambiance.

Sourcing from all over the world’s different materials and inspirations for new designs, Treasurer at Biltmore Hotel showcases some of the most luxurious and elegant pieces of art.

The range they offer is exceptionally diverse, encompassing hand-made fine cigars, unique timepieces, decorative writing instruments, custom leather goods and other indispensable accessories for lovers of Luxurious life.

TREASURER CIGARS & MEN’S ACCESSORIES THE BILTMORE - LOS ANGELES

Hosting fascinating Brand names like Dupont, Davidoff, Cohiba, Polanti, Colibri, Mont Blanc, Lamborghini, Porsche and sense of elegant functionality turn Treasurer the premises into a veritable gentlemen’s paradise, and the most desirable to its high 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA 90071 213.488.9988 888.588.8892 end clientele. 128128128 129129 130 131 MELROSE HEIGHTSMAGAZINE

DEBBIE ALLEN “SuperStar” Part 2 Dr. KEITH BLACK and The Human Brain MODEL HOLLY RIDINGS FASHION WEEK and FASHION DESIGNER EL PASEO, PALM DESERT ROBERTO de ViLLACIS Dr. ALLEN COUNTER His Mission MELROSE HEIGHTS ISSUE 12 COVER GIRL CONTEST