CS Meryl Streep | Mar-Apr2014

P R E M I E R E

I S S U E

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THEBIGLIE Read This Before Investing—Seriously

By Martin Andelman

Las Vegas (Finally) Grows Up

By Abby Tegnelia

The Anti Anti-Aging Revolution

50

By Marco Medrano

exclusive

RIG T 50+ S S O N EM ICA MER KS TH A N L A IN… A CS R BEG ENTI E U T L F A IN DEB THE T E L , YEAH OH,

OW. HT N

MERYL STREEP

The unquestioned best actress on the planet checks in at No.17 on the CS 50.

Did we get it right?

March/April 2014 @CompleteSenior

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INSIDE MARCH/APRIL 2014

3 TEAM 5 EDITOR 7 WEB

40 MONEY 42 GORGEOUS 46 FAMOUS 48 GET OFF MY LAWN

OPRAH, ON TOP Oprah Winfrey, the planet’s biggest star, lands at No.1 on the CS list of most powerful Americans 50+.

BIG Stories

8 22 26 32

50

CS ranks the most influential Americans

BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA

The Greatest Lie Ever Told

Before investing, read every word

BY MARTIN ANDELMAN

Las Vegas Finally Grows Up

When did Sin City get so sophisticated?

BY ABBY TEGNELIA

The Famous Men Of NYC

Capturing Gotham’s legendary dudes

BY MYRNA SUÁREZ

ON THE COVERS (from left) Meryl Streep, Jon Stewart, Gloria Estefan, Tom Ford

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TEAM

“Why do you do what you do?”

Richard Pérez-Feria Editor in Chief

“Truth: I’ve been editor in chief of one thing or another since I was nine years old solidifying my lifelong intense fascination for all things media. To this day, I’m still thrilled to be able to create buzz-worthy magazines and websites for readers to digest and debate. Working with a talented, dedicated team is the icing on my yummy cake.”

“I remember being so moved by how a single photograph and a couple of words could evoke such emotion. I think the way I felt ata the raw power of Apple’s Think Different campaigns left a mark on me.”

Volume 1, Issue 1

ROBERT RISKO

Warren Baskin Design Director

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Richard Pérez-Feria Vice President, Editor in Chief

Design Director Warren Baskin Senior Editor Buck Wargo Beauty + Grooming Editor Marco Medrano Entertainment Editor Abby Tegnelia Senior Photographer Myrna Suárez Contributing Editors Martin Andelman, Erin Dostal Ashley Kinney, Tony Lattimore, Mario Quirce

Martin Andelman Contributing Editor

“I’ve always wanted to be someone with the courage to tell the truth, and I wanted to be able to tackle any topic because I knew there should be no topic that shouldn’t be discussed. The Internet has now allowed me to realize that dream. Today, no one can lie for very long without being exposed: Sunlight makes a powerful disinfectant.”

Abby Tegnelia Entertainment Editor

“Like so many people in the world, entertainment is such an escape for me. Whether it was an extraordinarily good day or a complete disaster, everything is glossy and happy and perfect the second the curtain rises on a stage or my television set turns on in my bedroom.”

Bill Baskin

Chief Executive Officer, Publisher Advertising Director Jeremy Buttke Production Director Warren Baskin ©2014 Complete Senior, Inc. All rights reserved Advertising: advertising@completesenior.com Editorial: editorial@completesenior.com Info: customerservice@completesenior.com

Marco Medrano Beauty + Grooming Editor

“In my role, it’s an unspoken job requirement to look good, at least in an anti-aging way and, in turn, enthusiastically help others to do the same. When I’m able to see the results-oriented products that I’ve researched and verified actually work wonders, my job is definitely at its most fulfilling.”

CS is published by Complete Senior, Inc. Bill Baskin Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Buttke President Tetsuya Kosaka Chief Operating Officer

Myrna Suárez Senior Photographer

“I’ll always gravitate to photographing a real person—famous or otherwise—than a model or a pretty landscape. I love that connection between a real person and the lens. Also, in this noisy world, I welcome the silence found in a photograph.”

Mario Quirce Contributing Editor

“Writing keeps me connected to readers and the pulsing outside world. For me, there’s great satisfaction in sharing insight through the written word—still the most powerful means we have for communicating, entertaining and learning. Technology hasn’t changed that—and it never will as long as we have hearts and minds.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: RIKITAPHOTO (Tegnelia); CHARLES PALMISANO (Medrano)

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3

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EDITOR hello, The wait is over: Welcome to the world of Complete Senior.

We want you to enter a world that was conceived for you—about you—that will thrill and engage you in genuinely surprising ways.

CS is more than a website and more than a magazine: CS is your one-stop destination for all vital information impacting your money, your health and your life. We want you to enter a world that was conceived for you—about you—that will thrill and engage you in genuinely surprising ways. We know you’ve read thousands of stories about celebrities, travel, beauty, sports, food and every other topic under the sun, but what you haven’t read are the stories we’re working on for CS. The features you’ll read in CS are not only revelatory in content, but are written in a familiar, conversational tone that personalizes the entire experience. Our hope is that this will separate CS from the pack.

Richard Pérez-Feria

MYRNA SUÁREZ

Telling these stories are true storytellers (our writers) to you our readers (friends) as if we were at an intimate dinner party chatting about our respective days. We know CS will be your virtual hangout spot—that’s really our goal—and we’re so ready to get this friendship started. Aren’t you?

So, say “hello” to CS. And, yes, it’s time to make it count.

Vice President, Editor in Chief @RPerezFeria

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L A U NN A T LU S F R I N I F T E S H T O S M T E N E H H S T E G F I R R O IT G T CS P N E I K EG W RAN D I D .

0+ 5 S N A C I R E M A

BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA

MAKE NO MISTAKE: SELECTING THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AMERICANS 50+ WASN’T EASY—BELIEVE ME. But, as we looked over the landscape we realized that very few voices—very, very few voices—seemed to notice, let alone care, about arguably the most important and growing population in our country: Us. Though it has almost become de rigueur for intelligent, mature adults to complain about why ratings-obsessed television executives and movie studio honchos are so locked in on the 18-34 set and all but ignore the massive 50+ audience—after all, don’t we have all the spending money?—we decided to try a different tact in shaking up the public discourse: We created CS, a smart, sexy, informative, relevant destination where you, me and a heck of a lot of people just like us will determine what’s important to us in the zeitgeist, though 18-34 year olds are certainly welcome.

Determining any list is always fraught with numerous

conflicting obstacles—ratio of men to women, diversity, geographic concentration—but when you add our relentless determination to create the single-best, most-discussed and definitive ranked

L A I T EN

U

HT?

list of influential people 50+ in the US, well, let’s just say the conversations around the CS offices were rather spirited. And, yes, celebrities, politicians, sports figures and media personalities do make up the lion’s share of the 50 because when a ranking is solely based

on influence—what CS considers real power—having a bold-faced name is a prerequisite. It just is.

So we’ve come up with 25 men and 25 women (and just a few bubblin’ under) who by their sheer star power or their convention-defying renegade approach to life, have made—and continue to make—a significant impression on our collective psyche. And with that, CS announces that the undeniable force for positivity otherwise known as Oprah Winfrey resoundingly takes the top spot on our inaugural list of most influential Americans 50+. I mean, how could she not? The very idea that an African-American woman born in 1950s Mississippi could unquestionably sit at No.1 on such an impossibly prestigious list truly boggles the mind in delicious ways.

That same exciting incredulity will help fuel CS as we move forward with much more groundbreaking (and unconventional) stories for you to digest and discuss.

I so look forward to our own lively conversations about the 50 extraordinary Americans you’re about to read about. Agree with the names on this list or not, one thing is certain, we’ll be talking about them.

And, isn’t that the point?

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JOAN RIVERS You have to hand it to this 80-year-old comedic genius: How many people—let alone female comedians—have been a constant on our television screens for more than half a century and still remain at the very top of her industry? None; that’s who (Betty White is more of an actress and equally resilient).

The host of E!’s Fashion Police and star of a hit reality program with her beloved producer daughter, Melissa Rivers, the still shockingly hilarious Long Island native has paved the way for most, if not all, female comics, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin and Wanda Sykes. No wonder she’s ensconced at No.25.

LAIRD HAMILTON Just joining the 50+ club just moments ago, perhaps personifies the California lifestyle better than anyone has a right to. Married to pro volleyball player and supermodel Gabrielle Reece and dad to three sun-kissed children, our No.47 personality is a big-wave surfer and co-inventor of tow-in surfing. And, yes, he models on the side. Well played, Mr. Hamilton. Well played, indeed.

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17 MERYL STREEP How many adjectives, accolades and awards is one human being allotted in one lifetime? Whatever that number is, Meryl Streep must be getting darn near close to it. The most acclaimed actress in the history of the world by a country mile—her mesmerizing interpretation of the title character in Sophie’s Choice is arguably the single best performance in American cinematic history—the 64-year-old living legend hasn’t slowed her mind-blowing output of unforgettable work, including her Oscar winning turn as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, her Oscar nominated spectacular supporting role in August: Osage County and the buzz is already nearing a cacophony for her singing (!) turn this summer in Hollywood’s version of Broadway musical Into The Woods. There is no stopping this woman. Is it any wonder she’s at No.17?

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SUSAN COLLINS So often the centrist voice of reason in the old boys club otherwise known as the US Senate, the 61-year-old Republican from Maine is often tasked by cooler heads during heated legislative debate to see if there is any common ground whatsoever between the entrenched, polarized political parties. A tough assignment to be sure, but at No.34 the homeland security expert is not one to shy away from any difficult task.

TOM FORD Not only is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elegant fashion designer credited with singlehandedly saving and catapulting Gucci to the luxury stratosphere once again, Tom Ford is moments away from doing that under his own chic brand. At 52, the sartorial demigod strikes a luxe presence at No.15.

MARTIN SCORCESE What a year the famed director just completed, most notably his Oscar nominated work at the helm of The Wolf Of Wall Street. The 71-year-old living legend is still delivering the goods in thrilling, masterful ways and enlivens the list at No.43.

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9 SONIA SOTOMAYOR The whirlwind that has been her life in the five years since she became the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Hispanic Supreme Court justice would be enough to send mere mortals reeling; not this 59-year-old New York City native. At No.9, the brilliant judge hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost her common touch and mischievous sense of humor.

It suits her beautifully.

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EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON Where to begin with this amazing 54-year-old at No.8 who’s the embodiment of athletic prowess, heroic perseverance in the face of unspeakable fear and business acumen all wrapped up in a smiling, self-deprecating candy-coated exterior? Let’s put aside for a moment that the man at No.8 isn’t one of the very best people who have ever walked the Earth at the sport of basketball; or that he—and his business partners— have invested heavily in the hardest hit urban pockets of our country thus offering jobs and a possible way out for young people; let’s talk about what a living testament to courage this man is by standing up two decades ago and flatly saying the most terrifying words a person could have uttered back then: “I’m HIV positive.” There is something magical about this Earvin Johnson. On that point at least, no one can ever argue.

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16 MADONNA For those who dismiss Madonna as a pop cultural anomaly, I flatly say this: There has never been in the history of popular music an artist who has stayed at the very top of the game—and charts—for as long, as relentlessly, as dynamically as this Detroit native. In 2013, the superstar who clocks in at No.16, had the best-selling concert tour on the planet. That’s how the 55-year-old continuously shows the singing youngsters how it’s done, over and over and over and over again.

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BOB COSTAS A constant as host of the Olympics for NBC—the just completed Sochi Games mark his 10th award-winning appearance—the 61-year-old in at No.11 didn’t shy away from spotlighting the numerous controversies surrounding Vladimir Putin’s sporting spectacle including the host country’s terrorism threat, draconian anti-gay laws, numerous preparedness controversies and more. Even Costas’ bout with an eye infection didn’t stop our best sportscaster from delivering, again.

BARBRA STREISAND With the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand has become the last of America’s biggest, greatest, living superstars.

The 71-year-old who lands at No.32 has quite simply done it all (she’s a member of the rare “EGOT” club, those who’ve earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) who has recently turned her attention to helping raise awareness and funding to the widespread crisis of women’s cardiac health. We can’t imagine a world where Barbra Streisand wasn’t famous because none of us have lived in such a place.

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BILL GATES The 58-year-old at No.3 wouldn’t— couldn’t—do what he does without the behemoth that is Microsoft. As Bill Gates removes himself from that corporate giant and shifts his considerable talents and fortune to helping the world (along with his wife, Melinda), it is with the foundation that bears his and his wife’s name that has set him free to literally change the world for the better. We have a feeling despite all the deserved accolades he has earned at Microsoft, what he’s yet to do to help his fellow humans is really what will set him apart from all others.

27 JON BON JOVI To attend a Bon Jovi concert at the home of New York’s two football teams—something I’ve done several times—is to witness fine wine in the form of the boyish 51-year-old rock demigod in at No.27.

With his soaring, pitch perfect voice leading the way (not to mention his $1 million donation to help victims impacted by Hurricane Sandy in his native New Jersey), Jon Bon Jovi has joined Bruce Springsteen and Frank Sinatra as the Garden State’s most favorite sons.

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ELLEN DeGENERES

Have you even met anyone who doesn’t absolutely love the 56-year-old funny lady in at No.41?

Still delivering huge ratings in year 11, Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show is stronger than ever and—with a second turn as host of the Academy Awards— there’s no stopping the telegenic superstar.

BARBARA WALTERS Simply the best interviewer who has ever graced our television screens, Barbara Walters’ genuinely amazing career is coming to an abrupt end later this summer when she says she’ll retire from her beloved daily hit show, The View, and all other celebrity and investigative specials. The 84-year-old icon will leave an irreplaceable void at ABC, but, for now, she still clocks in at No.5.

JON STEWART If the reports are true that most Americans now get their news from late night television and the Internet, well, I, for one, am glad that the brilliant (and hilarious) 51-year-old Jon Stewart is the adult in the room informing us. There’s a reason his longrunning smash on Comedy Central, The Daily Show, won ten Emmy Awards—in a row—for “Outstanding Comedy Series” and there’s also a reason this guy lands at No.6. Is Jon Stewart the funnier, younger true heir of Walter Cronkite? I say, “yes.”

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HILLARY CLINTON Whatever your political inclinations, there’s no denying the massive (global) influence this 66-year-old at No.2 imparts.

Her well-known résumé—Wellsey standout, First Lady, US Senator, presidential candidate, Secretary of State, Democratic front-runner for President—it is her life work as an advocate for women’s and girls’ civil rights that may highlight her finest moments. Love her or otherwise, there’s simply no escaping the power this remarkable woman possesses.

DR. MEHMET OZ At 53, Dr. Mehmet Oz finds himself in the middle of his “moment.” As Oprah Winfrey’s go-to physician for years on her top-rated talk show, Dr. Oz lands at No.4 because very few people on the planet can say something they believe to be true and—instantly— enact change.

With a brand new magazine and his ratings juggernaut daily talk show, the man who is unquestionably “America’s Doctor” is just now hitting his brillant stride.

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GEORGE CLOONEY The very definition of “Hollywood leading man,” the 52-year-old at No.40 was the punch line of the single funniest joke delivered by Tina Fey at the recent Golden Globes: “Gravity is nominated for best film. It’s the story of how George Clooney would rather float away into space and die than spend one more minute with a woman his own age.” I mean—that’s the real deal. And it was so funny because it rang true for the famously perpetual bachelor. But, lest we forget, he’s also a two-time Academy Award-winning actor and has made the horrific conflict in Darfur his life’s philanthropic focus. Often described as “this generation’s Cary Grant,” I believe he’s this generation’s George Clooney.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Can you think of one person—anywhere—who doesn’t firmly believe that Diane Von Furstenberg is not only a talented, passionate, advocate for beautiful fashion, but also an inspiration to women the world over? Of course not.

The creator of the single most famous fashion garment in modern sartorial history, the “wrap dress,” the 67-yearold at No.39 isn’t done by a long shot. There are millions and millions more women to dress—and inspire.

SPORTS

1 OPRAH WINFREY What is really left to say about arguably the most famous woman on the planet? Landing firmly at No.1, the 60-year-old force of nature is not only a billionaire media mogul; she’s a remarkable person who undeniably—fiercely—leads by example. Oprah Winfrey is quite simply the living embodiment of someone who walks the walk and the world is far better off for it. You know it’s true.

For complete article, go to:

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The Greatest

lie Ever Told

WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT, WE’VE ALL BEEN LIED TO. THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE TRUTH.

BY M A R TIN A NDELM A N

Here’s the truth: The greatest lie ever told was about investing for retirement.

There, I’ve said it.

Surely

by

now

most

everyone

retirement

plans,

their

IRAs,

with a checking account has heard

their pensions, insurance policies,

the conventional wisdom about

and more. It’s become accepted

retirement investing that’s been the

conventional wisdom: If you want

mantra of an entire slew of financial

to invest for the future, you need to

advisors. Here’s how it goes: Invest

have most of your savings in stocks.

in equities, through quality mutual

funds, diversify properly relative to

around longer than Aesop’s Fables,

your tolerance for risk, hang in there

but that’s simply not the case.

for the long-term… don’t panic and

Consider that in August of 1982, the

everything will work out fine… you’ll

Dow Jones Industrial Average hit

achieve your financial goals and enjoy

772, but by that year’s end, an interest

a comfortable retirement. Or at least

rate fed Bull Market was born and

something very close to that, right?

it would last for an astounding and

Basically,

Oliver

unprecedented quarter of a century.

Stone’s movie Wall Street, we’ve

On October 9, 2007, the Dow

all been told that the stock market

Jones Industrial Average closed at

will go up and it’ll go down, but

a record 14,164.53. Seven hundred

over the “long-term” we’re all

and seventy-two all the way up to

but certain to do better investing

fourteen thousand and change?

there than anywhere else. Today,

Now, that’s what I call a bull market.

something like 75 percent of all

Do you know the definition

Americans are invested in the stock

of a “bull market?”

market in one way or another, and

I’d define it: “Bull Market: A

they do so believing that this is the

temporary condition that makes

path to accumulating the amounts

investors

they need to retire comfortably.

Americans invest in the stock market

been in for some time and I’m sorry

through their employer-sponsored

to say that the news is not good:

ever

since

It seems like a maxim that’s been

feel

like

Here’s how

geniuses.”

Well, the proverbial jury has now

CS MARCH/APRIL 2014

23

cowboys, and junk bonds meant that money was flowing

through

Wall

Street like lava from Mt. Vesuvius. Of course, much like what happened when Vesuvius erupted above the town of Pompeii in 70 AD, it all came to a complete and

utter

The

stand

still.

infamous

“Black Monday” market SAFE HARBOR? “Real estate is by far the safest investment you can make.” That was the thinking way back then, remember?

crash of October 1987 signaled the end of an era.

Drexel Burnham, Mike Milliken, Charlie Keating, Ivan Boseky, and the other

We’ve been lied to. Deceived. Misled.

any of us wants to think about. If you

names that had by then permeated

Manipulated. And, as a result, our

don’t start to scrutinize your views

our lexicon as being leaders of

ability to save the amounts we need

on, and skills related to investing

American business, all ended as

to retire comfortably is… well,

for your future years, then what’s

major disappointments, to say the

shall we say… somewhere between

in store is likely to come as quite a

least. The bubble popped, S&Ls

lacking and nonexistent. We’ve been

shock. To avoid that future shock,

went under, and suffice it to say… it

confounded by charts. Stunned by

we need to better understand how

was a real mess that was certain to

statistics. And buffaloed by B.S.

we all got here, so we can change the

trigger a really bad recession.

Avoiding Future Financial Shock

way things go, going forward.

All of a sudden we went from

If you’re under forty years old, chances are there’s no talking to you about investing for your future. If you’re over forty, you’re looking at 65 as being just around the corner, and it’s now critically important that you take a moment to take stock. No, not buy stock Mr. Buffett, I said take stock.

As baby boomers, our retirement

years are approaching faster than

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W

thinking that having a new BMW was cool, to viewing a mini-van and e seem to have a love-

a savings account as being so much

hate relationship with

cooler. Then, after weathering the

bubbles. It all started in

recessionary storm of the early

mid-1980s, when “greed was good,”

1990s, we saw little company named

corporate raiders were modern day

Netscape go public, and soon three

To avoid future shock, we need got here, so we can change the

every one of our neighbors seemed

A

even for a moment, we would only

investment you can make. Housing

to have bought Cisco Systems at $6 a

buy bonds for the rest of our lives.

prices will never fall like share

share, and tiny AOL, who was

IPO, as it turned out, didn’t

prices.” That was the thinking

attempting to wallpaper the planet

just

way

with free CD-ROMs at the time,

Offering. It also stood infamously

“Pets.com may go to zero, but

would soon be buying out media

for: “It’s Probably Overpriced.”

a house simply can’t do that.”

mega-conglomerate

When

People

initials were on everyone’s mind: I, P and O. Everyone was “doing it”.

We heard stories of business plans written on napkins by college dropouts raising countless millions,

TimeWarner.

merican consumers lost

Cubs might have said back then:

$7.3 trillion as a result, and

It’s a beautiful day for an open

prayers rang out across the

house… Let’s buy two. (Sorry

land promising God that if Cisco

Ernie,

would just come back to $84 a share,

“Real estate is by far the safest

stand

for

the

Initial

dot-com

Public

bubble

I

couldn’t

back

then,

ignored

help

that.)

remember?

anyone

It didn’t make a lick of sense to

popped in 2000, the United States

suggesting that yet another bubble

many people, me included, but the

was plunged into a recession that

was in the making. And when I

stock market was flying high, a

many feared could become quite

say “people,” I’m including the

“new economy” had supposedly

serious, as the prospect of “deflation”

Chairs of the Federal Reserve

arrived,

retirement

came into focus for the first time in

Bank, among countless others.

became the buzzword of the day.

decades. But, the Federal Reserve

Cab drivers were day trading,

under

determined

fallen after previous booms, such as

and just about everyone over the

to avoid a replay of the 1970’s

in 1990, didn’t seem to matter. “This

age of 18 had a stockbroker on

economic malaise, lowered rates

time is different,” was the thinking

speed dial. Never mind that Mr.

and opened the floodgates of capital.

of the day as it always is said to be

Alan Greenspan was warning of

Almost overnight, real estate

during such times, and that was

“irrational

and

became our savior-du-jour, and

what stock market analysts had said

Warren Buffet was sitting on the

soon it would be our homes that

in the latter half of 1990s, but we

sidelines.

Never mind that the

would save us from ourselves.

didn’t seem to remember that far

companies we were investing in

Someone that lost his or her bet

back for some inexplicable reason.

didn’t make any money. Other

that Amazon.com would reach

Here’s

people at least appeared to be

$400 a share, could still be assured

magazine, The Economist, printed

getting rich, so in the spirit born

a comfortable retirement simply

in May 2002: “If there is one single

at Sutter’s Mill, we jumped in

by owning a home and perhaps

factor that has saved the world

hook, line, sinker, rod, reel, boat,

investing in a duplex. Or, as my

economy from a deep recession it is

trailer and trailer hitch.

friend Ernie Banks of the Chicago

the housing market.

and

early

exuberance”

Greenspan,

to better understand how we all way things go, going forward.

The fact that housing prices had

what

the

venerable

For complete article, go to:

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TRAVEL

Las Vegas finally Grows Up

THE HANGOVER MOVIES SOLIDIFIED SIN CITY’S PARTY IMAGE. WHEN DID LAS VEGAS BECOME THE SOPHISTICATED DESTINATION?

BY A BBY TEG NELI A

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STRIP TEASE The bright lights on the famed Las Vegas Strip belie the desert cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new-found sophisitication.

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as Vegas is having some

be a boys’ weekend mecca. Look around:

awkward growing pains—

The steakhouse is king, and this desert city

or is it more of an image

will always be a fantasyland where women

discrepancy? My favorite

wear their skirts just a little bit too short.

can-do

town

loves

to

Yet, my next planned trip there is with

reinvent itself, and it’s at it again. Nothing

my mom. We got tickets to see Book of

too jarring though, more of a slow roll.

Mormon. We love the stunning new Smith

And it’s left some confusion

Center performing arts center,

among the local populace.

and the shuttles from the Strip

It

short

make it easy to get there. My

my

mother loves Vegas so much,

adopted hometown soar to

in fact, that after helping

international acclaim in the

me move to San Francisco

admit-it-they-were-hilarious

recently, she stopped in Vegas

The

movies;

on her own for a few days on

fictional movie blockbusters

her way home. A slot machine

aside, the big news coming

guru, she knows where all

out of Vegas is packed with ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE The Beatle’s LOVE by arty Cirque du Soleil shows, Cirque du Soleil at The celebrity chefs and nationally- Mirage in Las Vegas.

of

of

was

thrilling

to

watch

Hangover

televised

nothing

(elegant)

charity

her

are

favorite

inside

her

machines favorite

casinos and could walk the

galas.

Strip for days taking photos. I assure

What gives, Vegas? Are you the ulitmate

you that she’s never seen The Hangover.

boys’ club romp, or an activity-packed

Ultimately,

getaway for show geeks and foodies?

truly fun for everyone, but that doesn’t

Guys’ trips to Sin City, where I lived

make

off and on for the past six years, make

For me, Las Vegas is an intoxicating

the perfect backdrop for a comedy. The

package

Hangover franchise has certainly fueled

restaurants, first-rate shopping and mind-

many would-be grooms from around the

blowing spas, easily four of my favorite

world to plan their bachelor party on the

things. Oh, how I miss the yummy sunset

Strip, and I’ve laughed for days over some of

cocktails on the open-air patio at Hyde

the stunts they’ve pulled. Vegas will always

watching the Bellagio fountains with the

for of

this

the

city

sexiest

stellar

of ad

shows,

lights

is

campaign. incredible

Las Vegas is an intoxicating package of stellar shows, incredible restaurants, first-rate shopping and mind-blowing spas.

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SPORTS

ZEN CITY (clockwise from top) Encore and Nobu at the Hard Rock; coloroful desserts at Bachannal Buffet and Que Spa both at Caesar’s Palace; Aria’s Sky Villa.

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for people like DESERT BLISS The Las Vegas no one talks about can be found at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Relinquary Bath House.

Paris hotel in the background. I

Encore’s spa for another massage. Sure, the nightclubs

miss those moments to be sure,

are there, and hipper, younger people still stand in line

but I also find myself pining for

for hours to see their favorite DJ or maybe cause a little

the Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, the irreverent Absinthe

bit of trouble. But those clubs are far out-numbered by

show at Caesars and all of the seemingly interminable

top-tier restaurants, shows, spas and other activities. And

Cirque productions sprinkled down the fabled Strip.

don’t forget the people watching! Wandering aimlessly

The last time I swung through town for a few days

around Vegas is as much fun as anything else. Trust me.

there were so many exciting new restaurants to try

that I didn’t have any time left to revisit my long-time

very last weeks as a Vegas resident; not into partying, she

favorites. And I won’t stop until I get to float into Wynn

has apologized profusely over the years that she would

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A dear friend of mine came to visit during one of my

us—all of us. never, ever visit me in Vegas. We met up in Napa, and even

we talk about when we’re going to meet up there

Argentina, but never Vegas until her husband begged

for a girls’ weekend of good food and pampering.

her to go. And my leaving put the fire under her belly.

My answer is always, “Whenever you want.” Las

A funny thing happened on her way to the desert.

Vegas has quietly become a first-option destination for

While shopping for a few “Vegas dresses” to wear to

people like us—all of us. Just don’t tell the young men

the theater, she started to get very excited. During

dreaming of The Hangover re-enactments. Las Vegas

her visit, we had an amazing meal at Gordon Ramsay

really has become anything you want it to be and isn’t

Steak, which she couldn’t believe I had access to

that what a world-class city should ultimately be?

whenever I wanted. She raved about Cirque’s Beatles and Michael Jackson shows. And her massage! Now

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The Famous men Of New York City MANHATTAN-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER MYRNA SUÁREZ GIVES US A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT ON THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE FELLAS WHO MAKE GOTHAM SING. DUDES AND THE CITY, ANYONE? PH OTO G R A PH Y + TE X T BY M Y R N A SUÁ REZ

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omeone once said that celebrities are like you and me with a lot more people watching. In my long career full of shooting countless celebrities, I always found that adage to be overwhelmingly true.

Famous

subjects

are

already

accomplished in their own field, and, as a photographer, you have to honor their point of view going into it. I strive to make my portraits much more of a collaboration, not merely an idea I’m trying to put on someone. Another asset is my big love of movies and music so I never lack for conversation.

And maybe that helps me never being intimidated by the well-known subjects (though I will admit being extraordinarily nervous just by being in the same room with Ralph Fiennes).

Interestingly, I seem to have an affinity

for

photographing

BILLY JOEL “My first Billy Joel concert was back in 1982, but I started photographing him over the last decade. His work ethic is epic: No one works harder during rehearsals. It’s always a thrill to be in the room to witness that and for the remarkable show he puts on. He’s very special for sure.”

people

older than 50: Gary Oldman, Robert Redford,

Lauren

Bacall,

George

Clooney—whether you get some five minutes or five hours with celebrities of that generation, they’re special and quite unforgettable. The superstars have a gravitas, a

these are the shots that years from now, you’ll still

knowingness about them that reflects beautifully on a

find something intriguing and revelatory about them.

captured photographic image. Their well-lived face is

their fascinating canvas I used to try and squeeze in as

City has always been and remains the ultimate shooting

many ideas or concepts as humanly possible whenever I

playground for photographers. I love photographing

shot a celebrity. With time I came to realize that the best

famous people. I really do. I don’t particularly enjoy

image always comes about with one idea, not many, even

shooting models or landscapes—my hands are heavy

if that idea is a seemingly unremarkable composition.

when it comes to that—but I can definitely shoot people.

These are always the pictures that get better with age;

Even really famous ones.

And, as most people can certainly imagine, New York

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ALAN CUMMING “This photograph was taken as part of a New York City Tourism Project and when you meet The Good Wife’s Alan Cumming in person for the first time, his thick Scottish accent is so evident you realize what a fantastic actor he actually is. He’s a true New Yorker—he’s lived in the East Village a very long time—and this classic vintage clothing and toy store is where he wanted to meet. It was Alan’s idea to use the truck in the image and at times he looked just like a little kid.”

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WYNTON MARSALIS “It was pretty thrilling to shoot the legendary Wynton Marsalis in the house he helped build. As Artistic Director for Jazz at Lincoln Center and Music Director for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marsalis is jazz in NYC. When we were working in this space, The Allen Room, he caused a lot of excitement even though he’s there all the time. It’s always a treat to be in the presence of true greatness.”

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ERIC RIPERT “Upon meeting the monstrously talented chef—Eric Ripert’s iconic Manhattan restaurant, Le Bernadin, is arguably the best seafood restaurant in the world—is that what he refers to as his ‘kitchen Spanish’ is actually better than mine (not good news for my Cuban family). In the whirlwind of activity that is his kitchen at Le Bernadin, it is clear to one and all that the chef is definitely running this ship.”

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TIM GUNN “Tim Gunn had just busted out of shooting a long day at his long-running hit show, Project Runway, and he was running at full speed while we were working. It was freezing that day in the city’s famed Fashion Avenue, yet Gunn never complained even as people repeatedly stopped him to ask for fashion advice or to shout out good wishes. One particular youngster kept him occupied for more than ten minutes and when I asked him if he was a friend of his, he said he had never met him before, just someone who wanted advice. Tim Gunn’s that kind of gentleman. And that’s why he’s a beloved star.”

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SIMON DOONAN “Nothing defines ‘fabulous’ quite like Barneys New York Creative Director, Simon Doonan. This guy LOVES Manhattan and he lives for the city’s fashion, art and culture.

He tells me that his favorite thing to do is take the bus so he can watch what’s actually happening on the street in real time.”

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VICTOR GARBER “Talk about an elegant man. Victor Garber is not only an amazingly talented actor who has made the West Village his home for decades; he’s also a class act. He’s one of those guys whom you might not know his name, but you definitely know his work, because he can pretty much play anything. I absolutely loved working with him.”

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MONEY 9 death of the last surviving spouse.

Others have used reverse mortgages

10

to pay for grandkids going to college.

And while it’s true that you don’t have to repay your reverse mortgage during you or your spouse’s lives, you certainly can make payments if you want to reduce your

MYTHS ABOUT REVERSE MORTGAGES

BY MARTIN ANDELMAN

1 2

1 You have to sign your home over 2 to the bank.

3 You can’t sell your home after getting a reverse mortgage.

4

indebtedness.

You can decide to 1 make 2 payments that cover only the

interest or principal and interest. It’s

3

totally up to you.

4

5 Reverse mortgages are costly.

WRONG. Reverse mortgages are 6 always regulated by HUD-FHA,

7

and so are the costs and fees, which

WRONG. With a reverse mortgage

WRONG. You can sell your home

8 the most part are financed in for

you still own your home and must

whenever you want to even if you’ve

the 9 loan. So you don’t need to lay

3

4 paying property taxes and keep insurance, just like always.

5

1 6 2 You lose all equity in your home.

7 WRONG. A reverse mortgage does 3 8 nothing to your home’s equity; the 4 only 9 difference is that you don’t have 5 to 10repay it until the death of the last 6 surviving spouse, and assuming the 7 amount you owe on the reverse

mortgage is less than the property’s

8

value, your heirs would inherit the

9 difference.

Though keep in mind

5

6 out a reverse mortgage, taken

because there are never any pre7

out 10 too much cash when getting a

reverse mortgage. Origination fees

payment penalties. The proceeds

are up to $2,500 on homes valued

from the sale are simply allotted to

less than $125,000 on homes more

8

9 pay 1 off the reverse mortgage, and 10 you (or your heirs) receive whatever 2 amounts remain.

3

4 Never, ever take out a reverse mortgage unless you have to.

5

than $125,000, lenders can charge 2 percent of the first $200,000, plus 1 percent of the amount more than $200,000, up to a cap of $6,000. You can also expect to pay an initial mortgage insurance

WRONG. You can use the proceeds

premium at closing. Additionally,

you receive from a reverse mortgage

you will be charged an annual

6

7 however you want. To pay for home

Mortgage Insurance Premium

that 10 there is an effect of negative

improvements is one increasingly 8

(“MIP”) that equals 1.25 percent of

amortization on the home equity and

common use for a reverse mortgage, 9

the mortgage balance over the life

that the loan balance is growing each

because unlike a home equity loan,

of the loan. There are also likely

year due to non-payment, insurance

reverse mortgages don’t require the

to be closing costs for things like

and interest accrual.

borrower to repay the loan until

appraisals, title searches, inspections,

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1 2 3 4 5

Proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not taxable and 6 7 1cannot affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits.

8 19 Your heirs are stuck paying it off 2 after you’re gone.

10

loan that, depending on your age,

non-recourse loans and that means

that you can use however you want.

6 Your Social Security checks 1 are less after a reverse mortgage.

7 2 WRONG. Proceeds from a reverse 8 mortgage are not taxable because 3 9 they’re not income and therefore 4 they 10 cannot affect your Social 5

no one will ever have to pay more

6

10 It’s OK if only one spouse is

set up a reverse mortgage in this

older than 62 when applying.

particular fashion, the amount you

WRONG. Both you and your spouse

can borrow increases each year.

WRONG. A reverse mortgage

must be older than 62 years of age

can pay off your existing home

and both of you have to be listed on

would have access to a credit line

a reverse mortgage as borrowers. The

of say $215,000 today would be able

equity, and in cases where your 4

reverse mortgage is not due until the

to borrow $285,000 five years from

lender has agreed to accept a

last surviving spouse dies, or sells

now if he or she didn’t use the credit

reduced amount as full satisfaction

the home, or doesn’t use the home

line until then. And five years later,

of your loan, not even that.

for 365 consecutive days.

approximately $412,000 could be

2 recording, mortgage taxes and credit

3

checks... and sometimes a monthly

4

fee of $30-$35 for servicing the loan.

5

WRONG. Reverse mortgages are 3

4

5 the home is worth. After the than

to8 get a reverse mortgage.

1 9 2

10 3 mortgage, all you need is some 5 6 7

8 To qualify, you need good credit

your home’s value into tax-free cash But, the real issue at hand

remains: Who wouldn’t want a

death 6 of the last surviving spouse,

credit line that increases each year?

even 7 if you owe more than your

Many seniors take out reverse

home is worth, your heirs won’t owe

mortgages as open credit lines,

anyone a nickel.

instead of taking cash in a lump

8 9

Security or Medicare benefits.

7 You need a free and clear home

makes it easy to turn a percentage of

sum or payments, because when you

A 70-year-old borrower who

borrowed all without a requirement

Reverse mortgages are making

that the loan be repaid until after the

and sufficient income.

dreams come true for hundreds

death of the last surviving spouse.

WRONG. Your FICO score is not in

of thousands of older Americans

play; in April your income will be a

all over the country. Many seniors

will do what a reverse mortgage

part of qualifying, but nowhere near

had to change their plans for their

can do, so by getting all of the

the way they were when applying for

retirement years as a result of the

facts today, you could start making

a traditional mortgage. The amount

decline in home prices, but by using

your retirement dreams come true

you can borrow is based on your

reverse mortgages, some are finding

tomorrow. If only I was 62.

age and your home’s value, up to

it easy to get their plans back on

$625,000, and the older you are, the

track. Nothing works like a reverse

more money you can borrow.

mortgage. It’s a federally insured

9

10

There’s simply nothing that

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GORGEOUS FACE FACTS Today, we can actually wipe 15 or more years off our face without surgery. If that’s not pro-gorgeous, I don’t know what is.

As a child, when I saw my Mom meticulously and religiously applying face cream before going to bed, I can’t imagine she was thinking that she was “anti-aging.” I’m convinced she believed she was making sure she stayed beautiful. And that she did.

She wasn’t anti anything; my Mom was pro remaining gorgeous—and that’s what all of us should do, too.

Heck, in today’s market, it’s safe to say we can actually wipe 15 or more years off our face without surgery. If that’s not pro-gorgeous, I don’t know what is.

To be clear, I want to be first to begin to change the vocabulary we’re using and thus begin the anti anti-aging revolution: The practice of maintaining a youthful appearance will never be referred to as “anti-aging;” it is now called “pro-gorgeous.” OK, I feel better.

So what can you expect from the

THE ANTI ANTI-AGING REVOLUTION IS HERE

H

BY MARCO MEDRANO

“Gorgeous” department in both completesenior.com and its sister magazine, CS, going forward? For starters, we’ll look at what’s available and how to use it in skincare, devices,

procedures and cellular supplements. Be sure to check out my blog on completesenior.com for regular updates

ere’s a good one for you: I have a problem

and invaluable beauty tips.

with the very term “anti-aging.” You should,

too. While I revel in physically slowing down

are so confusing that they’re prescribed out of order

Sometimes the ABCs of youth retention regimens

the effects of visible time and past abuse on our face

or context and are not clear about what product

and body, the barrage of information surrounding it is

goes before and after their miracle serum or creams.

increasingly daunting. Confused or not, the last thing

Meaning, what products are we using and in what

we want to do is stop maintaining our youth or our

order do we use them? Taking that a step further, one

attempts at regaining a more refreshed appearance.

may realize that true reversal of pigmentation spots,

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Maintaining a youthful appearance will never be called ‘anti-aging’ again—it is now ‘pro-gorgeous’. wrinkles and sagging, short of engaging an actual medical procedure, requires an orchestrated calibration of “punch and jab”—the right foods, skincare products, exercise and exfoliation protocols. And the more medication we take, the more water we must drink. (I know it’s not easy, but as I wrote that line, I got up from my chair and just guzzled a 16-ounce glass. Go ahead, you go, too—I’ll wait). Another issue, rapid weight loss and gain (“yo-yoing”) can add another layer of efforts to your beauty protocol. Also, knowing when retinols or AHAs (skin smoothing Glycolic or Lactic acids) need a night off from your repertoire can determine if you can face another day, literally, in public tomorrow. Mind you, most of these skin smoothing over-the-counter treatments can be used safely, effectively and

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with great results that require no down time. any of us grew up with luxury brand promises of eternal youth by the likes of Alexandra de Markoff, Elizabeth

Arden, Hazel Bishop, Estée Lauder, Helena Rubinstein and, of course, Ponds Cold Cream.

But most of these formulas from yesteryear were more external moisturization and marketing than actual science. Sadly, most pre-1980 skin creams simply sat on top of our skin not unlike boot cream. Fast forward three decades and we now have learned to speed up sloughing cycles, inhibit aging molecules, attract internal moisture to our facial skin and infuse active ingredients beyond the topical layers of our skin.

Yes—science and research has taught us how to penetrate and restructure the skin on our still pretty faces. Or we can simply burn layers off gently, a little each week and still make a fresh-faced

LA PRAIRIE Brand new and right now: Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Collection. “Under the ice, time stands still” with Swiss snow algae. A recent scientific breakthrough from La Prairie.

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GORGEOUS public appearance. We’ve also learned how to avoid photo aging (UV light exposure and direct sunlight) and that certain processed foods and sugars or carbohydrates that turn into sugars degrade our skin and joints (particularly products with white flour and high-fructose corn syrup.

Historically, many of our most potent pro-

gorgeous cures and pharmaceuticals stem directly from nature itself: Citric and lactic acids for exfoliation, jojoba, shea butter, avocado, almond oil and aloe for stabilization and moisture. Then there’s the ancient (and still hailed as super-effective) Ayurvedic remedies, which mix precise percentages of “actives” such as turmeric, basil, ginger and mint to penetrate and infiltrate the dermis, also known as skin.

Exquis Skincare is the most valid scientific/Ayurvedic

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source I’ve found to date. any scientific breakthroughs are rapidly changing what is possible in the agereversal process, allowing once-thick,

EXQUIS With more than 25 years of pharmaceutical R&D in transdermal delivery, Dr. Kalidas Kale developed a proprietary liposome technology for use in Exquis Skincare, where natural Ayurvedic and Western science meet beautifully.

leather-like skin to be smoothed, lifted and toned to an even color. Potent ingredients that have survived extreme elements of nature are the basis of these

visible payoff that will make any ice princess worth her

phenomena, such as HeviaMD’s The Specialist Potent

salt jealous. I promise.

Repair Serum comprised of red mangrove extracts

that thrive in lengthy sunlight without water. If your

of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest? The 4:15 a.m. jog

“magic bullet” requires world-class research, luxury

(chasing her assistant in an 8 mph Rolls Royce through

presentation and proven efficacy, then La Prairie’s

Brentwood, CA), facial ice baths and chin lifting bands.

launch of Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Collection (a

Well, although that type of dedication to eternal youth

serious multi-tasker) is something you’ll definitely want

may seem extreme—but, is it, really? Remember, it was

to take notice of. Imagine a radiant flower blooming in

depicting a timeless Hollywood icon in the latter stages

the middle of a Swiss Alps ice storm. Well, after decades

of her fabled career.

of microscopic study, that plant’s very DNA has been

dissected to stability and infused into a luxurious dry

better products in less time. One of my favorites steps

oil serum and luxury cream that works and feels like

to base pro-gorgeousness is today’s retinoids, AHAs

nothing else you’ve tried. This is an indulgence with a

(acids), micro-derm scrubs and lifting devices.

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Who can forget Faye Dunaway’s seminal portrayal

We can, however, refine Ms. Crawford’s efforts with

RHONDA ALLISON The Corrective/Repair Support range is highly effective and is exclusively available at professional spas and salons.

In order for our expensive

HEVIA MD Their tagline, “ingredients with a purpose,” delivers! Hevia MD Skin Science’s super anti-oxidant Red Mangrove Extract is bioactive, stimulating collagen and elastin with The Specialist Potent Repair Serum.

serums, creams and night treatments to be maximized, sometimes we have to exfoliate (gently remove) topical layers of dead skin—or speed up the natural process, which slows down significantly at ages 30, 40, 50 and some people more than others. There’s a reason why antique furniture is stripped down to the wood—or minimally, lightly sanded before refreshing with a coat of lacquer. The finish is thick, bumpy and dull, having been exposed to harsh cleaners, light bulbs, sunlight, spill rings and extreme, seasonal temperatures that have baked in those imperfections. I say, oh yes, get

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rid of that crusty layer.

instant flaking of wrinkles, oh-so-gently. I was rubbing off expired skin from my crow’s feet in 48 hours without a trace of irritation. If you’re super sensitive or just want a more measured, bioactive approach then I’d highly recommend [ comfort zone ]. Its Italian Skin Regimen lineup is impressive, luxe, and effective.

Comfort Zone’s decades of science and sustainability

are intended to work from the inside out “finding the most powerful ingredients and delivering the most effective results.” I strongly suggest watching Comfort

aturally, organically or scientifically, two brands offer stellar exfoliation results.

Rhonda Allison is a very large line and relies

on professional recommendation and evaluation. Its Retinol Supreme and Skin Smoothing Gel provides an COMFORT ZONE Skin Regimen JuvenatePro Booster is focused on mature skin with wrinkles and terrific for those subjected to harsh, cold or windy climates. “Longevity Complex” helps eliminate the negative actions of the skins four killers: oxidation, glycation, methylation and inflammation.

Zone’s US growth as the brand becomes a staple to those pro-gorgeous insiders. Night Renewer provided a gentle, but noticeable exfoliation on my forehead wrinkles thus allowing me to extend my Botox (yes, Botox) for a few more months.

As we head into spring, a truly healthy beauty—or

pro-gorgeous—regimen is the new black. We all know that today 60 is the new 40something and regenerating is the red-hot trend. At least we can now—finally—put to rest that negative sounding term behind the billiondollar business known internationally as anti-aging.

Let’s positively and happily usher in the era of living a pro-gorgeous life. Who’s with me?

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FAMOUS IS ART SMITH THE HAPPIEST CELEBRITY CHEF IN AMERICA?

T

BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA

ake it from me, not smiling after a single chat with celebrity chef Art Smith is a scientific impossibility.

I dare anyone to try and keep a poker face in the presence of the telegenic 54-yearold Top Chef Master. The fact that he also happens to be Oprah Winfrey’s favorite chef, well, that’s just gravy.

A few years ago, a dear friend and

Hispanic television culinary superstar,

MAMA’S BOY “I’ve dined all over the world, but my mother’s chicken and dumplings is my clear choice,” says popular Top Chef Masters veteran, Art Smith.

Ingrid Hoffmann, asked me to join her in Miami at the Mandarin Oriental for an al fresco lunch to meet Art Smith and, to be honest, I was a little more than ambivalent

46

about it. As a longtime, somewhat cynical, Manhattan-

based editor in chief, the persona I had imagined

his first big break preparing his Southern cuisine

Smith to be seemed, well, just a tad cloying. Boy, am I

magic for former Florida governor and US Senator,

ever glad I went. The actual experience of being in Art

Bob Graham. By the time the most powerful woman

Smith’s presence is so intoxicating and silly-joyful you

on the planet (you know who) discovered Smith in

may as well have inhaled laughing gas at the dentist.

Chicago, he was already a James Beard Award-winning

Smith, with his hilarious tales from his extraordinary

chef wowing the Windy City at his signature, can’t-miss

life, is simply the human form of the drug “ecstasy”

restaurant, Table Fifty-Two. But when the one and only

(what Miley Cyrus musically refers to as “Molly” as she

Oprah locks in on you and declares your food simply

twerks with her tongue sticking out). In simpler terms,

amazing, well, let’s just say Mr. Smith had overnight

Chef Art Smith is flat-out awesome.

success decades in the making.

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A graduate of Florida State University, Smith got

KIPLING SWEHLA

“Oprah asked me if I knew of a chef I could recommend to her and I said, ‘Yes, Ma’am—me!’

At that moment, my life changed forever.”

A fan favorite on numerous television cooking

Instead, she asked me if I knew of a chef I could

competition shows—most notably Bravo’s twin foodie

recommend to her and I said, “Yes, Ma’am—me!” At

ratings juggernauts, Top Chef and Top Chef Masters—

that moment, my life changed forever.

Smith is not only ridiculously talented in the kitchen as well as being a dedicated philanthropist, but it’s his

If you could create your own TV show…

sense of humor, his perpetual cat-who-ate-the-canary

I’ve competed on every food competition show in recent

smile, his let-me-tell-you-a-story enthusiasm for life that

history all thanks to Bravo and [Top Chef producers]

charms the cynicism right out of you the moment you

Magical Elves. My love for humanity and being such

first lay eyes on him. And that, friends, is something

an advocate for necessary change would lead me to do

that can’t be taught. Not even a little.

a reality show called Turning America by Chef Art Smith.

Believe me, things will get pretty on that show [Laughs].

I recently caught up with the always-on-the-go Smith for the first time since he married his longtime partner,

If you had to eat the same meal every day…

Jesus Salgueiro, and asked him a few questions I really

I’ve dined all over the world, of course, but my mother’s

wanted to know and, as usual, he didn’t disappoint. I

chicken and dumplings and Iris Davis’ chicken noodle

really think even Miley Cyrus may want to take a well-

vegetable soup would be my clear choices. Not only

seasoned bite out of this particular happy celebrity chef.

do those foods comfort me, more importantly, they get

And, truth be told, who could blame her?

dearer every time I have it.

Was there a singular moment with Oprah that you

Where is Art Smith in five years? Ten years?

thought, “My life is about to change?”

I recently became a “Culinary Diplomat” with the US

You know, Richard, from a little holiday party when

State Department America Chefs Corps. We traveled

a nice man complimented me on my cassoulet it all

to Israel and Palestine before heading to Iraq and other

changed when not a month later I was catering a party

places in the world that desperately need to see the light

for Senator Bob Graham—my former boss—and I got

of humanity. These beautiful, enchanting historical

a voicemail telling me to go to Harpo Studios [Oprah

places draw me in and redefine my role not only as a

Winfrey’s company] and make lunch. I was so excited

chef, but, more importantly, as an American. So that’s

that I can’t remember how I got home that night but

where you’ll find me going forward: Cooking good food

I ended up making lunch over there for three months

and spreading humanity.

without ever meeting Oprah in person. Then one day she called and I was afraid I had been dismissed.

For more, go to:

CS MARCH/APRIL 2014

47

GET OFF MY

L AWN

BUTTONS, A CAUTIONARY TALE

W

BY MARIO QUIRCE

hile wiping down my television remote

nonetheless. Oh my goodness—

control recently I noticed that there were

now what? The phone had myriad

areas that looked pristine. Specifically, the

options for personalization and,

CLICK AT NITE Debuting in 1956, the Zenith Space Command 600 “clicker” had four buttons. A true classic.

30 or so buttons that I never use, as I tend to peck only

worse yet, thousands of “apps” to choose from. It was all

On/Off, Channel Up/Down, Volume Up/Down, Video/

too much. I just wanted an answer/hang-up button and

TV—that’s it. I figure the other buttons do wondrous

ten digits on a keypad. Was that too much to ask?

things but it would take too much time and effort

to figure out exactly what, and then I’d also have to

a dictionary, two browsers, maps, encyclopedias,

remember the next day what they’re actually for.

calculators—there was no stopping me now! There were

apps for anything the mind of a tech billionaire could

So I ignore them—including the wheel at the center

Bravely, I dared to tap a few apps and downloaded

that in turn has a smaller wheel within it with arrows

conjure. But I realized I wasn’t using them and all those

pointing in all directions of the compass. I dare not

extra apps just added more screens to scroll through—

touch that one, fearing it could be a gateway to another

and my finger was getting tired. So back the smart

dimension populated by ancient Egyptian gods. I wish

phone went and I got a very modest replacement.

manufacturers would take note and provide remotes

with just four, big, easy-breezy buttons.

my aunt (who’s nearly 100) to play dominoes when

Knowing my strong aversion to an abundance of

she mentioned she had been having issues of her own

buttons in my gadgets, I dreaded having to purchase

with her TV remote, but that her tech-savvy grandson

a new cell phone, something I had to do because my

had fixed them for her. It turned out his “fix” was to

new puppy decided my old phone was a chew toy I had

simply cover the superfluous buttons with masking tape

graciously left for him on the coffee table. So, nervously,

so my aunt wouldn’t disturb them and throw all the

I picked a phone that had no visible buttons, just a

connections out of whack. Very MacGyver.

large, smooth expanse of something called “Gorilla”

glass, which sounded tough and indestructible, even in

self-diagnosed “buttonchondria” is clearly an inherited

the jaws of a growing Whippet.

affliction. When in doubt, always blame the family.

Fresh from my imagined drama, I paid a visit to

In the end, there’s cold comfort knowing that my

But my excitement was short lived: I discovered it

was a trick. The buttons were now virtual; but buttons

For more, go to:

I dare not touch that button, fearing it could be a gateway to another dimension populated by ancient Egyptian gods.

48

CS MARCH/APRIL 2014

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