by Angela Rocco DeCarlo - copyright 2011   Friends from Chicago were visiting and we were giving them the Huntington Beach, CA tour... lunch at Duke's on the beach downtown while gawking at the wetsuited-surfer dudes, who to Midwesterners, are exotic indeed. They can't quite believe that surfing can be, and is, for talented people, a profession. Celebrating with old friends from back home is always special. That's the time when a plain red plastic cup won't do for your wine toast. It's fine for the beach, but otherwise something more refined is required. As we checked out the various gift shops around the beach area we came upon one store which had a collection of hand painted wine glasses that offered a surprise. There are several brands that produce these custom items. There amid the flip flop and ladies' shoe glass designs was a tulip wine glass featuring a fantasy Chicago Cubs marquee, city skyline and sailboats on Lake Michigan - all capturing the fun of a Chicago summer. Obviously, no one is going to memorialize a Chicago winter - that's for sure. Travelers love to take home treats from vacation destinations to remind them of happy times. It isn't often one in on a California ...

Exhibition Titled Perspective in Motion is Featured on the Huffington Post and Showcases Hockney-inspired Photo Collages and Paintings Highlighting The Artist’s Love of Vivid Color and Form Altered by Light Artist Christopher Jules White explores the intersections of vivid color, light and form in PERSPECTIVE IN MOTION, a collection of photo collages and paintings on display at the Gregory Way Gallery in Beverly Hills. The exhibition of the Texas native’s work opens with a special reception at the Gallery on Saturday, March 26 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and runs through April 30, 2011.   “I use images and colors instead of words when I express myself because both have different capacities than words do,” says White. “I am affected by light which alters color and form and allows me to see something in an individual way. This is what I paint—the very individual thing that I see because of the effect of the light. And capturing that individuality is the essence, I think, of what painting is.”   The exhibition is featured on The Huffington Post, with the Post’s Rajeev Goyal  saying this about the artist’s work: “White's bold photo collages of California, Japan, Switzerland and Alabama are Hockneyesque but very much his ...

by Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2011 "I've got something special for you, " said President Abraham Lincoln to the young boy and girl. With that he pulled from his trousers' pocket a handful of the shiniest of new US Lincoln copper pennies. This Lincoln enactor, Bill Peck, was pitch perfect in appearance (with a real beard) and demeanor at the annual Presidents' Day free event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA. He spoke gently to the children as he explained the 2009 "Rail Splitter" pennies* he presented to them were keepsakes. Sam, 7, and Seritella, 5, our grandchildren, were awestruck as they accepted the shiny pennies. I admit, I was, too. He suggested the children learn not only the Gettysburg address, but Lincoln's second inaugural address filled with hope and prayer. It was a small moment of pure theater just for two little kids - beautiful. The Nixon Museum has been a favorite destination for us to take our four young grandchildren over the past ten years. They've scampered up and through the presidential helicopter, which is a part of the permanent collection of Nixon objects. The Apollo astronauts and their accouterments were an exciting up-close encounter when on ...

There are many places outside of LA that serve as great options for a getaway.  Few are the ones you’d also consider living in.  Claremont is that city.   Away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, you’ll find a thriving city with the charm of a small town. How to get there: The eastern-most city in Los Angeles County, Claremont is 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles along Interstate 10. It’s a destination quite unlike any other in Southern California: A hidden gem within the sprawling, urbanscape of the L.A. basin.  From LA: Take the 134 to the 210 exit North Towne Avenue South. Ontario International Airport (ONT) - 10 miles  Los Angeles - 40 miles   STAY:   Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art.  Most of the rooms of this stylish boutique hotel open onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of historic Claremont Village, and within walking distance of all the nightlife.  This diva recommends you ...

Featuring acclaimed comedians Ludo Vika, Katy Franco, Jackie Dollar, Shayla Rivera, Tere Joyce, Jeffrey Peterson and Ruben Rabasa.   Kick start your weekend with Ludo’s Funny Burlesque, yet another fabulous show from vivacious comedian Ludo Vika, a one time only event on March 4th at 10 PM at M Bar in Hollywood!  Ludo puts a sexy spin on stand-up comedy by giving her talented comic friends a touch of Burlesque and providing the audience with an hour and a half of firecracker entertainment.  Comedy by acclaimed comedians Ludo Vika, Katy Franco, Jackie Dollar, Shayla Rivera, Tere Joyce, Jeffrey Peterson, and Ruben Rabasa.  Music and Burlesque dance by: Roxanne Ferrara, Jacquelyn Kennedy, and Enicole Smith. Surprise guests and prizes including Cancun vacations and giveaways by Goddess Fitness! Burlesque clothing for performers provided by Dewberries.  Tickets are $15 at the door.  The two-drink minimum will get you in the mood for a little burlesque and a lot of laughs!  The party continues at El Floridita for more drinking and dancing!  M Bar Restaurant & Lounge is located at 1253 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90038, right next to El Floridita.  For more info please call 323-856-0036 or find Ludo’s Funny Burlesque on Facebook ...