Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
HW'S ORIGINAL
®
Tiger King Series PART 2 OF 4
Tibetan Culture and Its Values
Brazilian Cinema &10 MORE IMPORTANT FILMS
Miisz
Bedside Reading HW’S FAVORITE AUTHORS
Photo by Famke De Bever • by Miisz Gracie
Gracie MODEL, SINGER AND ACTRESS
Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY!
855-502-4507
FREE
7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!
Offer valid August 24, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval *Terms & Conditions Apply
2 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome readers to another amazing Issue of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. We are so happy to have on our Cover International Model, Singer, Actress and HW's Ambassador of Good Will and Charity, Miisz Gracie, Netherland's Miss Heritage Global for 2019. We are honored to have this beautiful, accomplished woman on our Cover. We're also so proud to include in this Issue our amazing International stories from the Netherlands, Brazil, Africa, India and Dubai. We continue in this Issue of Hollywood Weekly reprinting our original 2013 "HW Tiger King Series," which we published from 2013 through 2018. Please enjoy my April 2013 HW Cover story on Joe Exotic from our "Tiger King Series" entitled JOE EXOTIC: BORN TO SAVE THE WILD. The Joe Exotic that we met in 2013 is not the same person you have seen portrayed in other media outlets. My article and our HW Tiger King Series as a whole will tell you who Joe Exotic really is and WHY we named him "The Tiger King" in March of 2013. As always we thank you, our readers. We are who we are because of you...
Anthony Ewart
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jenny Werth Ike Sinha ART DIRECTOR Denise Chavez ILLUSTRATOR/ DIGITAL MEDIA Jonathan Clark EDITOR AT LARGE Jaymes Hines AFRICA OPERATIONS Meredith Beal, Editor meredith@lastingvalue.com Kenya +254.715.508.964 USA +1.512.537.2116 UK +44.7700.083.475 Gambia +220.297.6482 BRAZIL OPERATIONS Fabio Glingani Rico@lapenda.net (310) 567-3333
Associate Editor
INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Country Director Art4Peace Awards Hollywood Weekly Magazine B1/1565 Vasantkunj New Delhi-110 070 Mobile +919599068592 ASIA OPERATION Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS @ HOLLYWOODWEEKLY
Call: (424)371-9900 4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Email: HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com
@ HOLLYWOODWEEKLY
®
6 20 34 TIBETAN CULTURE FASHION IS PASSION BRAZILIAN CINEMA 23 10 38 TIBETAN SOLDIER MEREDITH BEAL 26 14 CASMIR PATTERSON BEDSIDE READING Miisz 16 28 HITHA SHANNON GREENWOOD Gracie 18 32 MIISZ GRACIE
ROSY AHLUWALIA
TIGER KING
& 10 Most Important Films
& Its Values
Natalia Spivak
Creates-Connects-Collaborate
Tribute
Talented Child
HW's Favorite Authors
Who Are We? Generation Z!
Knocking Down the House
Model, Singer & Actress
Fashion Designer
Born To Save The Wild
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY IS A PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED BY PRATHER JACKSON HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT TO: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 RESEDA BLVD #117, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL: (424) 371-9900
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
nd s ne th er la
Miisz
Gracie
Photo by Jan Groot • Mua by Zahra Razzaq
MISS HERITAGE GLOBAL THE NETHERLANDS 2019 Graciëlla Scholtes also known by her artist name Miisz Gracie. She is known in Holland as a singer/songwriter actress and successful model. Graciëlla was born and raised in Holland. She is half Indian and half Dutch. Her father is Dutch and her mother is from India. She studied Fashion - design MBO 4 and she graduated from school at 21. Miisz Gracie started her modelling career at a very young age. She did her first photoshoot at 16 and soon after that she started as a model & actress to act small model/ acting roles and built her up from there to get also several big roles in a lot of music videos for different artist, one of them was the music video for the famous artist Apache Indian, but her biggest passion was to become a singer herself to perform,dance and making her own music, because as a little girl she always had a huge passion for singing. Very soon she got the chance to act in one of the episodes for the Bollywood tv show Aye Dile Nadaan with the famous actor Monjoy Mukerji and after that she also got the chance to act in a Bollywood/Dutch movie in Holland. Meanwhile she started to make several photoshoots. (Just to name a few) she did a photoshoot for a few cd covers for a well known radio station in Holland which is called Slam FM, she advertised with her face for the makeup brand L.A. Colors, posed for a famous lingerie brand called
6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Sapph lingerie which has billboards along the highway and for a shoe store in Holland called shoe outlet. There is one outstanding modelling photo that became a huge success all around the world and has more than 500 publications worldwide! (the modelling photo where she is biting on a red shoe) Like flyers, magazines, billboards, t-shirts, cd covers, bags, makeup packages, books, websites, spotted in a few tvshows and even publicated on a motor and she also has been the covergirl for many reputed magazines all around the world. Soon she finally took the step to follow one of her big dreams which is singing and got the chance with an amazing team around her to make her dream coming true by releasing her first single and music video shake the room in october 2017 which was even written by herself. Later she got the courage to organise her first single release party for her second single and music video called playdoll and released that one in April 12, 2019. After that she started to do several radio interviews to promote her music and she started to perform more on stage for different events and tv shows as well, but one of her favorite performance was to perform her two singles playdoll and shake the room in a football stadion Patro Eisden in Belgium!
Photo by Jan Groot • Mua by Zahra Razzaq • Dress by Arezo Boutique HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7
In August 2019 she proudly received her first title as Miss heritage Global the Netherlands 2019. She represented her country the Netherlands at the Miss heritage global 2019 pageant that took place in Ghana. She was placed number 5 in the online voting which she is very proud of. She had an amazing experience during her travel to Ghana, met a few kings, even got the hospitality to get a sleepover at one of the kings palace (king Nana Prah). She also met the ex president from Ghana Jerry Rawlings. It was a Wonderful experience and all thanks to her national director who guided her in this great journey Rochelle Minkhorst and her Catwalk coach Marvin. Gracie also decided to start a charity to contribute, so she collected a lot of toys together and got support from another charity (Ghana over de IJsel) who eventually sent it out to Ghana for the children that has less. In November 2019 Miisz Gracie proudly released her third single and music video. This song was also written by herself called Haunting me like a ghost which was an inspiration by true events. Being very driven, creative and having visions in her mind. She made all of her ideas coming true for her first three music videos. In December 2019 she also decided to participate at another pageant called Miss Limburg International 2020 in Holland which she is now one of the Finalist! Organized by Rochelle Minkhorst. Very exciting! In February 2020 Miisz Gracie also got exciting news. She was nominated between 150 contestants from Holland at a well known online pageant platform called Miss Holland Now50. In may 2020 she received the news that she has won the most public votes Miss Holland Now50 2020 edition against all the 150 misses from Holland! Of course Miisz Gracie is still working hard at her new projects. Currently she is busy with a new music TV show in Holland called Mister X. The first episode has been broadcasted in Holland at TVellef on September 2, 2020. Every week they are broadcasting a new episode. She also will be releasing her new fourth single very soon. Miisz Gracie success advice: The most important advice that I can give is to follow your dreams,believe in yourself,become the best version of yourself, be creative, original, work very hard for it and at the end of the day you will be rewarded! You want to see more news and updates about Miisz Gracie? Social media Facebook Miisz Gracie Instagram Miisz_Gracie Twitter Miisz Gracie Photo by Jan Groot • Mua by Zahra Razzaq 8 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Gracie Miisz
Photo by Larysa Dodz • Mua by Corry Van Der Pluijm
Photo by Jan Groot • Mua by Zahra Razzaq
Photo by Famke De Bever • Mua by Miisz Gracie
Photo by Jan Groot • Mua by Zahra Razzaq • Dress by Arezo Boutique
Photo by Larysa Dodz • Mua by Corry Van Der Pluijm HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9
Br az il
Brazilian Cinena
& OUR 10 MOST IMPORTANT FILMS
BY FABIO GLINGANI
B
razilian cinema is more than software for mobile phones, home theaters, and half-empty movie palaces. Brazilian cinema is the art, the history and the culture of an entire country. Brazilian Cinema reflects the diversity of Brazil itself. It dramatizes, displays, and recreates the historical moments in the life of a vast, magnificent and important nation on a rapidly spinning sphere, the one we call … the third planet from the sun. Our Brazil is a nation of continental dimensions and presents itself in many languages, in 10-Thousand diverse cultures, 500-Thousand sweeping landscapes, and 100-Million Lifestyles, all of which are constantly recreated with digital integrity, video creativity, and heart-felt film at 24 frames per second. Brazilian Cinema is the visual encyclopedia of who we have been, who we are now, and what we dream of becoming one day. It shows us our dreams, our reflections, and it constantly reminds us of our past, our struggles, and all of our hopes. Brazilian Cinema is our link to the future, and our lifeline to the past. It is the record and the reminder of a nation’s soul. Today, we can look at Brazilian Films that are 100 years old, and somehow it explains … who they were yesterday. And we are today. 100 years from now, people will look at our Brazilian Cinema, and they will learn far more about who we were, and about what we felt…than they ever knew. And from those same images they will understand far more about our lives, than anything they could learn from any book they will ever read. Art is often defined by the tools an artist works with, or the elements he or she uses. Is it paint, is it clay? Is it charcoal or pencil? Is it oil or water based paint? Is the style modern, surreal…impressionistic, traditional, abstract, cubist or Pop Art?
10 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Rodrigo Santoro (Heleno) Cinema also has a similar plurality. It has a thousand different styles to evoke 10-Thousand different moods. Especially Brazilian Cinema. The styles and tools of our artists are as endless as our Brazilian Culture. The list that I have drawn for you; barely scratches the surface of the depth of our incredible film history and vibrant Brazilian Culture. Rather than trying to present the hundreds of films that represent the depth of our remarkable cinema, I will focus on 10 different perspectives from our vast film history, as we travel down the cinematic tapestry of Brazil. 1. The Pagador de Promessas (1962), written and directed by Anselmo Duarte, is based on the play by playwright Dias Gomes. This film was the winner of the Palme d’Or for best film at the Cannes festival and nominated as best foreign film at the 1963 Oscars. 2. Pixote - The Law of the Weakest (1980), directed by Hector Babenco; produced by José Pinto and Paulo Francini), is inspired by the book “Infância dos Mortos,” by José Louzeiro, brought the Italian neo-realistic language to Brazilian cinema, presenting
exquisite works of acting such as Marília Pêra, who can be compared to an actress of the quality and versatility of Maryl Streep. It tells the cruel story of childhoods stolen by crime in one of the largest economic capitals on the planet, the city of São Paulo. It was Nominated for the Golden Globe Award as the best foreign film. The film was acclaimed by international critics. 3. Gabriela (1983), a film directed by Bruno Barreto, produced by Harold Nebenzal and Ibrahim Moussae is based on the novel by one of the greatest Brazilian writers, Jorge Amado. That motion picture brought to the screen a landscape quite different from any other Brazilian film. Located in Bahia in the 1920s, it presents the splendid natural beauty of this region of the country and the actress, Sônia Braga, who projected herself into the world after incorporating the bold “Gabriela” on the big screen. Sônia settled in the United States and became Robert Redford’s wife after being directed by him in The “Milagro Beanfield War”. That film marked a painful transition for Brazil which faced more than a decade of virtually no productions after the government incentives for cinema ceased.
The great resurrection of Brazilian cinema, was the return of government aid laws for productions, took place in high style, with the film “ 4. Central do Brazil (1998), directed by Walter Salles and produced by Arthur Cohn and Martine de Clemont-Tonner. It also included the exquisite images by renowned cinematographer Walter Carvalho. The incredible poetry of Central do Brazil
Barata Ribeiro and Maurício Andrade Ramos. That stunning film sealed the end of the black era of cinema in Brazil and it showed the world that Brazilian films had high production camera movement, editing and truly poetic script styles. That film, was one of the most important of all times. It was praised by critics, and it changed the Brazilian paradigm. It was nominated for four Oscars including, best director, best adapted script, best editing and best cine-
Alice Braga (I am Legend)
Mario Frias, Secretary of Culture
conquered the world. That film was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign film and Fernanda Montenegro was nominated for the award for best actress (Oscar) and best dramatic actress (Golden Globe). Central do Brazil also Won the prestigious Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival and the Silver Bear for Best Actress given to Fernanda Montenegro.
matography. Another milestone of “Cidade de Deus” was its pre-production process which ran over more than 6 months of intense cast preparation ended up training more than 200 actors in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and served as an impetus for that theater and acting schools that were established in the communities of Rio de Janeiro. All of this remarkable effort gave a surprising realism to all the characters.
5. O Auto da Compadecida (2000), in the comedy genre, directed and produced by Guel Arraes, brought to the screen the allegorical language of the most famous book by the writer, playwright and novelist, Ariano Suassuna was translated into more than 5 languagesworldwide. That Brazilian film was the highest grossing film of the year … and it proved how much Brazilians truly love their comedies. From then on, Brazil, again had many productions of extreme quality. 6. Cidade de Deus (2002), inspired by the book of the same name by Paulo Lins, directed by Fernando Meirelles, co-directed by Kátia Lund and produced by Andrea
7. Vestido de Noiva (2005). That stylized work was based on the talents of Nelson Rodrigues, one of the greatest connoisseurs of human passion in the world, with his comic touch that is often compared to the style of Woody Allen. It was directed by the son of the writer, Joffre Rodrigues and produced by Frederico Lapenda. The film shows the beauty and charm of the city of Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of the 20th century, which attracted the attention of tourists from all over the world. It is considered the best adaptation, for the cinema, of theater plays by Nelson Rodrigues, and brought again the impressive performance of Marília Pêra. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 11
8. Tropa de Elite (2007) arrived, showing the activity of the special forces battalion in Rio de Janeiro, charged with brutal undertaking of stopping drug trafficking. Directed by José Padilha and produced by Marcos Prado, the film was favored by the public and obtained box office records. The protagonist, Wagner Moura, became globally recognized and competed for the award for best drama actor in the Netflix series “Narcos”, and was part of the cast of major productions, such as “Elysium”, directed by Neill Blomkamp. 9. Sequestro (2010), directed by Jorge W. Atalla and produced by Frederico Lapenda and Christian Ghudegast, achieved quite a difficult task that is worthy of the viewing of film enthusiast. It infiltrated, in an unprecedented way, the activities of the Police’s Antis sequestration Department civil society of São Paulo (DAS), showing how the division’s precise and highly trained work was able to dismantle the “kidnapping” industry that was born from the metropolis’ drug trafficking. That intense documentary won the Best Documentary Award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and was on the short list of Oscar nominations. 10. Minha Mãe é Uma Peça 3 (2019) reinforces the concept that Brazilians truly love their special brand of humor and comedy. Paulo Gustavo, creator of the script and lead actor, based on his play “Homonima” which achieved huge public and critical success. Paulo Gustavo became one of the most praised comic actors and broke the biggest box office records in Brazil. The first film, directed by André Pellens and produced by Camila Medina and Iafa Britz, gave rise to three sequels, with the incredible record mark being surpassed in each one. Minha Mãe é Uma Parte 3 is among the highest grossing films ever recorded in Brazil. There are many more films and talented film makers that should have been included on this list. I just selected several
MIDMIX ENTERTAINMENT AND YUKON FILMWORKS IN ASSOCIATION WITH FILMLAND INTERNATIONAL AND PARADIGM PICTURES MUSIC BY TUTA AQUINO DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARTURO QUERZOLI EDITORS MARCELO MORAES MARCELO BALA CO-PRODUCER L.G. TUBALDINI JR EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS FREDERICO LAPENDA CHRISTIAN GUGEDAST PRODUCER ALEXANDRE MOREIRA LEITE PRODUCER, WRITER, DIRECTOR JORGE W. ATALLA www.KidnappingTheMovie.com
12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
4
Marilia Pera (Vesido de Noiva)
Frederico Lapenda (Sequestro) and Bruno Barrento (Gabriela) to give the reader a tour through my own personal cinematic eye. And through my years of cinematic experience. My sole intention is to show you the great and versatile creative quality that exists in Brazilian Cinema. Our unique language of film has already projected several names to the entire world, like Alice Braga (actress), Rodrigo Santoro (actor) Frederico Lapenda (producer), Fernando Meirelles (director), Carlos Saldanha(director) and many others. Brazilian cinema promises to project itself even more under the command of Mario Frias, who took over the Special Secretary of Culture of the Federal government of Jair Bolsonaro. Mario comes from the entertainment industry as an actor, presenter and singer, he has a broad view of the medium and strong ties to the best international productions, especially from the renowned Hollywood community. “It is my true belief that this is the best time for you and the world to understand and truly value the extraordinary quality and diversity of Brazilian Cinema.” Mario Frias. It is very likely that many of these and our newest productions …. will be far more present in the largest film industry in the entire world: that of the USA.
Columbia Shuswap Film Commission
FilmColumbiaShuswap.com • film@csfilm.ca • 250-833-5947
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13
ric a af 14 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 15
16 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 17
Ind ia
Live Life
R
ecently, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and my goals like many have during this pandemic. Most of us can’t wait to get out there and start living again after Covid19 stops wreaking havoc on people’s lives. This entire situation has made us realize that we need to live every second to the most. But for some, it will take a little more than a pandemic to live like they want to. Under the influence of the people around us, teens get peer pressured into liking or disliking something, to creating or breaking relationships with others. Just the way we live can be completely turned around by someone who should not or does not have a valid opinion.
Based on social norms and the standards held in our society, we tend to do things that make us miserable. For example, in my community, students take extremely hard courses and come out of high school with a 4.5 GPA and anxiety. Meeting the goals of everyone around is not worth mental illnesses and late nights of work with no sleep. As I said in one of my previous articles, the hardest thing we need to achieve is acceptance. Not acceptance by others, but acceptance by ourselves, including our goals and whatever future we want and have planned. After all, we are our hardest critiques. 18 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
A number of years ago, my music teacher and I were talking about life in general. He talked about the number of jobs and adventures he had and how he was completely stress-free about all of it. Then, a couple of weeks ago, my friend said something that really stuck with me. She said “live life”. I don’t know why, but this phrase gave me a completely new perspective about everything around us. Many teens burden themselves with past memories or future worries, unable to relieve these stresses. Whether it’s being nervous about an upcoming test or having an argument with a friend, we really are experts in bringing ourselves down. Instead of that, we should be enjoying our lives and forget about the things that are not important. A technique to completely de-stress is to start every day with a deep breath and a clean slate. I do this to not think about the issues holding me back from having a good day and being motivated to complete all the tasks I have planned. Every single day is an opportunity to do things we love. I look at every day as if it’s a new chapter so that I can live it to the best, filling my hours with experiences that I enjoy and moments that make me for-
get about the burdens I carry. If there is an instance where something does go wrong, I stop and ask myself the question “Will this be important to me in five years?” Bringing myself to think about the effects of the unwanted situation allows me to keep my priorities in check and move on. We are still in our youth, after all. We can do whatever we want with our time. There is no point in spending our hours doing something that does not make us happy. We just need to live our life to the fullest. Most of us are only starting our journey. Instead of worrying about our daily struggles, we should be excited about what our future has to offer. Remember our fears prevent us from growing. Working on what we want to, being who we want to be, and living life how we want should be our goal. I am writing this article in the hope to inspire you to look at the world differently as I do. To help you love life, be happy and “live life”.
Hitha.me Social: @OfficialHitha
Hitha
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 19
Rosy Ahluwalia is a
veteran Fashion Designer and Founder of Dikha Khadi and is known for her classic work in the Fashion Industry and also in designing for Bollywood . Fashion was ingrained in her head since childhood . She always dreamt big and wanted to reach the summit with her design collection. She was a Connoisseur and began with her collection under the name of “ Rosy’s Archade” almost 20 years ago. It was her passion to introduce her collection far and wide and specially believed in promoting original Indian Khadi fabric globally. She was the rst person from India to introduce her collection in taking #DikhaKhadi globally Khadi is a national pride and this initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ’s message to be self reliant in promoting “ Make in India ” products like Khadi , Rosy Ahluwalia has made it her personal journey in promoting Khadi worldwide as a proud Indian. Khadi is Indian Textile Heritage and Khadi is not only a textile but a fashionable movement. As a Fashion Designer ,it has been her endeavor in curetting a platform for eminent and aspiring next generation designers. In fact, Khadi played a very important role during our Freedom movement. So, she feels Khadi movement is a novel concept in promoting sustainable fashion in India and worldwide. Rosy Ahluwalia has a great taste about colours and natures beauty that God has created, the tones and colours of owers and the seven rainbow colours exactly as that of the seven notes of music. So just like the melody of a song and in harmony, she ensure that all her costumes also have the same harmony of colours make it alive . She has presented her designs in India as well as the international platform. She has shown her talent and creative work on the platform of various shows such as IIFD Show,Malaysia Royal Show, Mercedes Fashion Week ,Ludhiana Fashion Week ,India Fashion Week,Dubai to name 20 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
a few. She is the name to reckon in the Fashion Industry. She is also a Bollywood Costume Designer and fashion connoisseur and was fortunate in creating history by reaching out to the world with her unique designing sensibilities and innovative fashion techniques. Her design costumes were used in many Bollywood movies ,videos, and appeared in many TV Channels like MTV, ZEE, AAJTAK, INDIA NEWS and many more. Her work on KHADI collection has been acknowledged in taking it to another level. She has been the ag bearer in the Khadi revolution with her innovative concept of Khadi in bridal couture .Khadi being a pure organic fabric ,it is easy to put all creative and innovative design ideas with hand embroidery , zari work, colour tones that makes Khadi as a classy and charismatic expression occupying a centralized position as glamorous and sophisticated in the Bridal Couture collection and lehengas. Khadi offers a unique blend of Indian sensibilities, cultural richness and glamorous simplicity. She ensured in redening the meaning of fashion by fusing the values of culture and tradition with that of a modern outlook in the subtlest of manners. Rosy Ahluwalia specializes in Fusing Khadi fashion with interiors that allows her to make the house to become a home, when it is beautifully amalgamated with her thoughts and designs. The house itself speaks for who you are as a person when each room exudes a unique personality. Most people tend to neglect home décor and her endeavour is to make a little home makeover that would bring inner peace , love and happiness creating a huge difference in our lives. It is not as simple as it seems, as it involves choosing the right type of layouts and furnishings, the right choice of shades, style of furniture and apt arrangement of objects and so she basically decorates the space. It is the art and science of making an external and internal space more attractive and functional for its inhabitants and she ensures each room of the home that needs a particular detailing . She has been an inspiration for the revolutionary bridal design in fashion and accessories like she did with Voylla Jewellery . They have been her great supporters and most of their jewellery accessories were designed from her collections in her shows and campaigns, both in Bridal design collection where all the accessories would be designed from these bridal costumes . There has been lots of Bridal photo shoots with her collection and working on such shoots has to
be involved with lots of creativity and this experience has been very challenging. Voylla Jewellery were associated with her for the world’s largest parade when she represented India as an ofcial designer at the World’s Largest Independence Day Parade in New York, 2018. Her journey has always been a challenge and always believed not to ever give up. To showcase her collection at the Cannes Film Festival has been her most memorable journey. She is the rst Indian Designer to showcase her collection at Tiffany’s Red-Carpet Week at Cannes in 2017. It was her dream and her commitment with Almighty God to bless her to fulll this dream of showcasing her Khadi collection with simplied sophistication combined with western silhouettes and sober charm was well received. At present she is involved to nd solutions to create jobs for the local weavers and craftsman and how it can bring global changes. Indian men and women in the villages are very talented. They need the right guidance and understanding where she is personally involved in human relationship between the designer and the craftsperson which she feels ,must be full of kindness and compassion. Once these artisans experience the human touch and they understand the quality of work required from them, they would put all passion to provide the world’s best quality work. The Textile Industry is creating quite an impact on the environment as a result of which fashion is being discussed as the need of the hour .The vast majority of the fashion industry is still contributing to environmental pollution, toxic emissions, and waste production, and thus to the biggest challenge of our generation: climate change. But we always like to look on the bright side: this all means that we, as consumers, can be part of the solution with the simple decision to buy our clothes from future-oriented, sustainable, and mindful brands. That’s an empowering thought, right?
ROSY’S KHADI COLLECTION Sustainability means maintaining an ecological balance by avoiding the depletion of natural resources. But sustainability is commonly extended to social systems—ensuring they promote the well being of all the individuals and communities affected. Sustainability also speaks to longevity—environmental, social, and economic systems and industries need to be designed in a way that means they are in balance and can be maintained well into the future. So, Khadi is an ideal sustainable fashion which is simply about fostering a fashion industry that takes a long term approach to the design, manufacturing, and consumption of clothes and accessories. It’s about fashion that both creates good and avoids harm, whether to people, the planet, or animals that and Khadi is the only textile that meets the criteria of UN SDG as sustainable fashion . The sustainable fashion movement is driven by conscious choices being made when clothes shopping, with questioning and boycotting fast fashion, and by choosing the purchase you know you can feel good about. Khadi Handloom textile can effectively combat mindless consumerism and fast fashion, and the destructive impact they have on our communities, our planet, and all the creatures living on it.
“Reduce Reuse Repair Khadi textiles can Resell”. So to support sustainable fashion ,it is the Khadi brand which is the game changer in the Fashion Industry. Her mission now is to create awareness on Khadi both in India and worldwide with the quote by the Prime Minister of India,Narendra Modi that “ Khadi is not a cloth but a movement which must be taken forward ”. She has ofcially taken the proprietorship of World Khadi Day and under the leadership of the Prime Minister to take this mission of Khadi as a Global brand and to fulll her dream to declare
ROSY’S KHADI COLLECTION
“ World Khadi Day ”. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21
KC Lights began as a Choir in 2013 and now wish to serve a greater purpose to sing for a difference, to use music as a catalyst for a change . KC Lights has a rainbow like versatility where children belonging to the age groups from 10-17 years from KC Secondary School,Shillong,Meghalaya and members of the KC family from various states of the North East sing a wide variety of genre from pop to blues ,gospel to contemporary ,folk to oldies. They would like to use the platform to bring awareness of the culture and traditions of the region and in particular , their state with special reference to the Khasis ,a major tribe of the state of Meghalaya, India. KC Lights had participated in different events and programmes in and out of their city, Shillong. They have travelled and performed internationally too. The rst international competition was the 4th Asia Pacic Choir Games in October 2017 at Colombo ,Sri Lanka and in July 2018 ,they competed at the Grand Prix Thailand-International Festivals of Choirs. They performed well at these competitions and were awarded a Silver Diploma X at the 4th Asia Pacic Choir Games at Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2017.
In 2018 , they were awarded two Gold Medals at the Grand Prix Thailand -11th International Festival of Choirs ,one for the Children’s Category and the other for the Folk Category. They were also awarded the Overall Champions at the competition. KC Lights Choir won a Gold for the Folklore Category and a Silver Medal for the Teenage Category at the 8th Bali International Choir Festival 2019 held at Bali, Indonesia. They received accolades and deep gratitude for their participation in the Friendship Concert of Bandung Choral Society - World Virtual Choir Festival 2020. These Choir children wanted to do something positive during this pandemic COVID 19 and got together to represent India and make the nation proud. It was essential to get all the choral families from all over the world to get connected during this hard time and hoped that the connection the organizers got from this event can be maintained and can collaborate again in future whether it's virtual or when life returns back to normal and they meet in person
22 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
After a successful virtual event, the Bandung Choral Society organized another Virtual Choir Festival in commemoration of the 75th year of Indonesia's Independence Day. They received beautiful feedback from the Friendship Concert. KC Lights Choir were invited once again to the friendship concert at this festival to inspire and build more connections among choirs worldwide. This experience will be treasured forever to be associated with the wonderful team at Bandung Choral Society. The technology is amazing that a festival of this magnitude could be held with members of each choir singing in the connes of their homes. It is unbelievable! But it truly is. The Principal of the school wants the best for the children and strongly believe that experience is the best teacher and so if they ever get opportunities to experience something new, he will always help them to do so. Will encourage them to a be part of any event when invited as long as they have the ability and the means . It was a great day for young school students of Kiddies Corner Higher Secondary School that the students participated at the Friendship Concert of Nations on the 75th Indonesian Independence Day celebration on 17 August 2020 and the Friendship concert of Nations on 18 August 2020. These young students from their homes in this lockdown had come together to do something for India, just hungry to bring laurels to the country. It is a great sense of pride that KC Lights Choir from Shillong comprising of Class 9 and Class 10 students who were invited to represent India at Jakarta Indonesia at the Friendship Concert of Nations and 13 countries were shortlisted from all around the world to celebrate 75th Indonesian Independence Day celebration at Jakarta. These children were dreaming big and to be invited by another nation to celebrate Independence Day was historic. They have promoted Khadi by wearing Khadi dresses and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi . They wore Indian costumes to promote Indian culture.
These young boys and girls representing India as proud Indians created a strong bonding with the youth of Indonesia and now inspires other young students to work hard in any eld to bring laurels to their country and music has become a great medium to build friendship with the youth of Indonesia and the rest of the world.
TIBETAN CULTURE AND ITS VALUES The Tibetan Culture that we see today is
predominantly a Buddhist culture with visible inuences from its native religion of Bon in several socio-religious traditions. The Bon religion not merely existed but was widely spread in Tibet before the coming of Buddhism in seventh century during the reign of the rst Great Dharma King and Emperor Songtsen Gampo (617-650). While Bon religion was historically different from Buddhism, its basic philosophy and central teachings are identical with those of Buddhism. For this reason, some wellknown contemporary scholars have even referred to it as Bon Buddhism and its followers as Bon Buddhists. So, today it would not be incorrect to say that the Tibetan Culture is a Buddhist culture
It is essential to talk about the values of the basic Buddhist philosophy and teachings before talking about the values of any Buddhist culture. Firstly, in terms of texts or scriptures, the Buddhist canons are classied into three main collections called Tripitaka in Sanskrit, literally meaning Three Baskets. They are: (i) the Vinaya Pitaka, (ii) the Sutra Pitaka and (iii) the Abhidharma Pitaka. Secondly, in terms of contents of the Tripitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka is about moral conducts through taking and keeping various levels of Moral Precepts; the Sutra Pitaka is about
important discourses by the Buddha on guarding the mind against distractions through Concentrative Meditation; and the Abhidharma Pitaka is about the nature of phenomena and cosmology through Discriminative and Investigative Contemplation. Thirdly, in terms of levels of teachings according to different levels of understanding and mental dispositions of the disciples, the teachings of the Buddha are classied into what is called Three Vehicles. They are: (i) the Vehicle of Pratimokshayana, (ii) the Vehicle of Bodhisattvayana, and (iii) the Vehicle of Mantrayana also called Tantrayana and Vajrayana. The goal of the Pratimokshayana is to attain liberation for the self from suffering (dukha) and from the cyclic existence of death and rebirth (samsara). The goal of Bodhisattvayana is to attain fullenlightenment or Buddhahood for the sake of all other sentient beings. The goal of Mantrayana is to attain full-enlightenment within a short period of single or few lifetimes for helping out other sentient beings in the Samsara. Fourthly, in terms of path system of the Three Vehicles, each vehicle has its own highly systematic and complex path system. But all three vehicles follow one important common path system - the system of coordination of the two principal paths of Knowledge and Technique. The Knowledge Path refers to the discriminative wisdom that perceives and sees the ultimate nature of all phenomena and the Technique Path refers all other basic practices of moral precepts, compassion, loving kindness, Bodhicitta, generosity, patience, Samadhi and Tantric practices. Coordination of the two principal paths is strongly emphasized at all levels.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23
17 NALANDA PANDITAS. practices. Coordination of the two principal paths is strongly emphasized at all levels. With these basic backgrounds of the Tibetan Buddhism, some important values of the Tibetan culture may be identied as follows. 1. Moral Discipline We see problems of moral degradation all over the world and at all levels. Basic moral discipline as prevalent in Tibetan culture can be of great value to the entire humankind. If majority of the individuals of a community keeps three moral precepts against killing, stealing and adultery, the difference it would make to the community is sure to be unimaginable 2. Concentration Technique Concentration of mind on study or work has become a global problem. Instructions on concentration of mind as prevalent in Tibetan tradition can be of great value. Several harmful and questionable remedies in the name of medicine and science are simply aggravating the situation on the whole. 3. Three-Level Learning The system of Three-Level Learning in Tibetan tradition which came from the great ancient Buddhist university of Nalanda was responsible for preserving the Buddhist teachings in their original form for over 1300 years in Tibet. The three levels: rst hearing from the Guru or teacher; then thinking over it by oneself with a critical approach; and then contemplating over it more deeply through concentrative as 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 24
well as investigative meditation. The rst level gives a rough idea of the subject; the second level conrms the idea by oneself through investigative reasoning; and the third level internalizes or actualizes the subject. It can be said that contemporary research studies including scientic researches rarely pass beyond the second level. The value of this traditional system of learning to all contemporary learning centres including schools and universities can be unimaginable. 4. Science of Mind The traditional Tibetan Buddhist studies in totality can be said as a complete Science of Mind. Our contemporary world and modern science have still a very long way to go to understand the mind. So, perhaps the most important value of Tibetan culture is to share this great science of mind to the rest of the world. 5. Science of Logical Reasoning The Traditional Tibetan Science of Logical Reasoning is none other than the Buddhist science of Prime Cognition (pramana). It has been said that the great Buddhist subjects and their commentaries by great Indian Buddhist masters and sages like Nagarjuna are to be understood with the help of this science. This science basically helps to open up, activate and sharpen young minds and can hence be of great value to all learning centres including schools and colleges.
HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA WITH THE SPIRTURAL HEADS/REPRESENTATIVES OF TIBETAN RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS - 14 TIBETAN RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE , DHARAMSALA , 2019 Dame Dr.Munni Irone, Founder, Art4 Peace Awards and a Global Peace Leader awarded the Tibetan community in India as an exemplary community to live in harmony, happiness and peace for the year 2018-2019. As a Global Peace Leader was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with an universal MESSAGE which was read out at the Art4Peace Awards ceremony at the Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi 0n 02 February 2019.
into condence to come together to gift His Holiness The Dalai Lama who is today considered the most revered Spiritual Leader and who has just celebrated the 85th birthday ,now deserves his country Tibet be given back with dignity and honour in this lifetime , as the genuine autonomy to a Free Tibet which is a permanent solution to peace. It will not only be solution to Indian border disputes with China but it will also have peace and harmony between nations.
The Tibetan community at McLeodganj in India and also every Tibetan now settled in other parts of India have set an example for demonstrating actual peace around them and living in harmony with the Indian people which is an example to the world community to live in peace and harmony. Dame Dr.Munni Irone is the rst person in the world to understand and recognize the peaceful life of the Tibetan community , even though they are deprived to have freedom in their own country for over six decades and so decided to confer The Art4Peace Awards for the year 2018-2019 to the Tibetan community . The Award was received by the Special Representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama at the Awards function at New Delhi on behalf of the Tibetan community in India, as an exemplary community to live in harmony, happiness and peace. His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s “MESSAGE” is the need of the hour especially during this pandemic all over the world and citizens and governments who are now ghting to contain the spread of this virus. The world community must come together with countries like India and US of America and other world leaders take this initiative to recognize the whole region of Tibet as one rather than just Tibetan autonomous region and as a genuine autonomy which is the solution to Indo –China border standoff. World leaders like President Trump with other world leaders including the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India ,Shri Narendra Modi to take this diplomatic initiative and taking the world community
His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s universal MESSAGE can then be applied to have an environment of kindness and compassion of Ahimsa and Karuna, cater to progressive developments of nations to rst care for its people by giving them happiness and joy with jobs, caring for its women and gender equality, caring especially the children ,both rich and poor to be all inclusive by the respective leaderships and to take humanity on center stage that will bring world peace. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25 25
China. The CCP general secretary Xi's address at the 7th Central Symposium on Tibet Work in Beijing was misguided and such repressive policies have only enhanced the plight of the Tibetan people leading 154 Tibetans to self-immolate. The Chinese government must acknowledge the failure of its policies in Tibet.
Tibetans have been joining the Indian Army's all-Tibetan unit, the Special Frontier Force, since the India-China war in 1962. Initially known as Establishment 22, the SFF has carried out signicant operations - including during the war between India and Pakistan in 1971 for the liberation of East Pakistan or present-day Bangladesh. In 1965, China split half the territory of Tibet as its four provinces Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan. Tibetan Autonomous Region, as it stands, accounts for one-eighth of China’s area. President Xi Jinping’s Tibet plan was centred around cementing China’s grip on whatever autonomy remained of the territories under the Tibet Autonomous Region. Communist China ran over Tibet which spread across 2.5 million square kilometres in 1950 in what it described as a ‘peaceful liberation’ that helped the remote Himalayan region throw off its ‘feudalist’ past. Buddhists led by the Dalai Lama called it ‘cultural genocide’. The Dalai Lama nally crossed into Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang in April 1959 to escape the Chinese. The Tibetan Government in Exile has been asking India that they must recognize Tibet as an occupied nation and recognize that it shares a border not with China, but with Tibet. India has a legal, international obligation to stand for truth and recognize its relations with Tibet. It was critical of India’s Tibet policy as well, contending that while India has been kind to the Tibetan people, the Indian government had always let its relations with China inuence its stand. As the rst step, Tibetans have argued India must start calling the ‘China border’ as the Tibet border. President Xi Jinping's call to sinicise, or reshape Tibetan Buddhism to bring it in line with the culture of the majority Han community and principles of the Communist Party of 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
In May, the Chinese Army had crossed the LAC on the north bank of Pangong Tso and occupied 8 km between Finger 4 and Finger 8 areas. In all diplomatic and military talks between the two countries since, China has bluntly refused to vacate the occupied area. The Finger Area refers to a set of eight cliffs jutting out of the Sirijap range overlooking Pangong lake (tso). Before the PLA grabbed positions on Finger 4 overlooking Indian deployments, the Army would patrol right up to Finger 8 that New Delhi considers within Indian territory. President Xi’s fresh attempt to wipe out Tibetan identity comes around the time the People’s Liberation Army is engaged in a bitter stand-off with Indian soldiers in Ladakh, the last stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism, and Beijing’s deteriorating ties with the United States and its South China Sea neighbours. It was in this context that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in July that the US would restrict visas for some Chinese ofcials involved in blocking diplomatic access to Tibet and engaging in ‘human rights abuses’. Pompeo also supported what he referred to as ‘meaningful autonomy’ for Tibet. Sam Brownback, the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, rejected Xi’s fresh effort, describing it as the communist party’s plan “to eliminate the unique culture, religious and linguistic identity of Tibet. The CCP must respect and protect Tibetans’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom.” Xi’s August 29 call at a meeting of the communist party isn’t the rst time that the Chinese President has called for sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism. Back in 2015 also, President Xi spoke about sinicising the ve major religions practiced in China- Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism and Daoism. This time, it was part of a four-point programme to build an “impregnable fortress’’ to maintain stability in Tibet. President Xi told in the meeting, to strengthen border defence and frontier security of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) that borders India and Bhutan. One of the tasks that President Xi spelt out at the meeting included educating Tibetans in Lhasa and beyond to strengthen the struggle against ‘splittism’. President Xi’s mention of splittism is seen as a reference to the exiled
Tibetan supreme spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who is frequently accused by communist Beijing of fueling separatism in TAR. The SFF, which consists of trained high-altitude warriors, owes its allegiance to the Dalai Lama, the ag of Tibet and the ag of India. The Vikas Regiments of the SFF largely comprise Tibetans in India, the SFF remains under the Cabinet Secretariat but functions under the operational control of the Army. Tibetan soldier, Nyima Tenzin was the commander of India's Special Frontier Force, joined by Tibetan nationals in India to resist so-called Chinese expansionism due to which their forefathers had to leave Tibet and take refuge in India. Tenzin died in a landmine blast carrying out an Indian Army operation on the southern bank of Pangong Tso (lake) in Ladakh against China.
INDIAN ARMY SOLDIERS CARRY COFFIN CONTAINING THE BODY OF NYIMA TENZIN DURING CREMATION CEREMONY IN LEH.
Special Frontier Forces's Nima Tenzin was cremated in Ladakh amidst presence of Tibetan community & Tibetan holy prayers. India paid a public and thunderous tribute to Tenzin. Hundreds of Indians, including ruling party politician Ram Madhav attended a wreath-laying ceremony for the Tibetan soldier Nyima Tenzin in Ladakh on Monday,07 September 2020 and paid last respects to the soldier who sacriced his life for India. Ram Madhav, national general secretary of the ruling BJP who was in Ladakh for the ceremony had tweeted "let the sacrices of the valiant Tibetan soldier bring peace along the Indo-Tibetan border. That will be the real tribute to all these martyrs.” Nothing could be more humiliating to China than India's use of its Special Frontier Force comprised of mainly Tibetan exiles to foil the latest PLA incursion. A distrusting China excludes Tibetans from the PLA. But the valour of India's Tibetan soldiers made the PLA intruders retreat. A clear message has been given to China by BJP leader Ram Madhav . It's time to #FreeTibet from Chinese occupation. In what was perhaps intended to whip up nationalist sentiments in the domestic political arena, Madhav’s presence at the ceremony, nonetheless, was seen as a message to China, days after a renewed are-up between the two countries in the last week of August. Both the countries accused each other’s armies of initiating gratuitous ring in the Ladakh region. Madhav’s presence at the funeral assumes signicance in this larger political context. According to the Indian army, Nyima, a member of the covert SFF comprising mainly Tibetans in India, died on August 30 when he accidentally stepped on a vintage mine near the south bank of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. This was around the time Indian forces were occupying strategic heights in areas of the Chushul sector to turn the tables on the Chinese – the PLA has been reluctant to complete the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC),” Until now the SFF which was kept under a shroud of secrecy to carry out covert operation, however, the public wreathlaying ceremony for the soldier has come as a signicant development in India-China relations. The Indian Defence Ministry said that the two sides should continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and
PUBLIC FUNERAL FOR SOLDIERS OF SECRETATIVE FORCE IN LEH.
RAM MADHAV IN TIBETAN SOLDIER’S FUNERAL IS STRONG SIGNAL TO BEIJING
de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) at the earliest. The mortal remains of Tenzin were draped in both the Indian national ag and the Tibetan ag amid holy chants of Tibetan prayers and hail India slogans. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
Hollywood Weekly - Page Turners Summer has quickly turned into fall. Our love for reading has been rewarded. Enjoy Bedside Reading’s top picks. If you’re venturing out, our new novel amenity, ebooks and audiobooks can now be found at luxury hotels from New York to California to Florida. Read on… Follow Bedside Reading on Instagram @bedsidereading BedsideReading.com
A Borrowed Life by Kerry Anne King From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay by Kelly Utt A terrible accident, a sister’s betrayal, and the bonds that keep families together against all odds. It’s the first book in the exciting Summer Isle Series.
Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More by Mallika Chopra From the author of Just Breathe, Mallika Chopra, daughter of Deepak Chopra, comes a full-color guide empowering kids ages 8-12 to problem solve, harness inner strength, and gain grit and emotional awareness. Featuring full-color illustrations, Just Feel is an engaging and easy-to-read guide that introduces kids to the building blocks of resilience and grit. 28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life by Heidi Herman “An upbeat and sincere primer on living one’s best life.” -Kirkus Review. A motivational gift book filled with stories, encouragement, and ideas to add more vitality and activity into your everyday life. Carry on, keep doing what you’re doing, forge ahead and keep moving. Icelanders have a saying for it: Áfram með Smjörið - on with the butter!
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the “epic and heart-wrenching World War II tale” (Alyson Noel, #1 New York Times bestselling author) The Winemaker’s Wife. The Book of Lost Names is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of bravery and love in the face of evil.
The Summer Sand Pact by Jessie Newton These five best friends made a Summer Sand Pact as teens and have only kept it once or twice—until they reunite decades later and renew their agreement to meet in Five Island Cove every summer.
Echoes (Echoes Trilogy Book 1) by A.M. Caplan At the edge of sanity lies an extraordinary truth. Discovering it may be the last thing she ever does. Hannah thinks she’s losing her mind. After hitting and killing a man with her car, his body and blood vanish without a trace. Desperate to prove she isn’t insane, she searches exhaustively until she finds him—alive and unharmed. Taken under the wing of the handsome stranger, she’s stunned to learn he’s part of an ancient race of immortals. But so is his deranged sister, and she murders every person who learns his secret. And though Hannah is as tough and resourceful as they come, how can she hope to stop a psychopath who cannot die?
Veritas: A Neil Baggio Suspense (Book 1 of 4) by Charles D’Amico Neil Baggio has adjusted to life after the Bureau, finally accepting he may never close the case of his mentor-turnedfamed-killer, Cappelano. But Cappelano isn’t finished with his student yet. Neil is still in need of his teachings, and Cappelano will do everything in his power to finish the lesson. After a rash of killings by Cappelano, Neil is drawn back into the Bureau and his unfinished business with his mentor. But to finally put things to an end, he won’t play by the Bureau’s rules again. He’ll have to color outside the Bureau’s lines if he’s going to catch Cappelano once and for all.
My Final Breath by Paige Dearth An unbearable tragedy. A life cut short. A dead girl searching for truth. Twelveyear-old Molly suddenly wakes up dead in Limbo after spending four years in and out of hospital beds. Fearful of being forgotten by her family, she wants nothing more than to return to Earth, until her guardian exposes the grim truth about her demise. Devastated, Molly learns everything she believed about her life and death was a lie. But the greatest blow arrives when Molly discovers she isn’t the only one who suffers from unexplained ailments. Unable to reach the living, Molly can only hope for an intervention to prevent the same terrible consequence from happening again. My Final Breath is a suspenseful psychological thriller about an intolerable offense ripping a family apart. If you like twisted tales of loyalty, deception, and intentional acts of evil then you will love this gripping story. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29
I Am Definitely, Probably Enough (I Think): Revelations on the Journey to Self-Love by Tori Press Begin your journey to self-love with inspiring messages of hope as well as actionable moments from Instagram artist Tori Press. Life is a journey. And even though everyone’s journey is different and unique, we all share one thing that binds us together—our search for self-acceptance and self-love.
The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John Sex, betrayal, and intrigue: A dream vacation on a luxurious yacht turns deadly in this pulse-pounding beach read “chock full of delicious characters who flaunt their sins . . . like the latest Birkin bag” (Adriana Trigiani).
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Making it up the aisle was the easy part: Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals and adjust to royal British life in this “timely and positively delicious” follow-up to The Royal We that’s “just as fun, charming, and delightful as the first.” (Taylor Jenkins Reid)
A Suitable Necklace by Kim Akhtar Sabine Kumar, a con-artist and cat burglar, returns to Delhi with a scheme to exact revenge on JJ Singh, her ex-partner and lover, who, five years prior, gave her up to the Indian police and cut a deal to save himself, sending her on the run.
30 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
One By One by Ruth Ware The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Turn of the Key and In a Dark Dark Wood returns with another suspenseful thriller set on a snow-covered mountain. Getting snowed in at a luxurious, rustic ski chalet high in the French Alps doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world. Especially when there’s a breathtaking vista, a full-service chef and housekeeper, a cozy fire to keep you warm, and others to keep you company. Unless that company happens to be eight coworkers…each with something to gain, something to lose, and something to hide.
Novel Amenity for Hospitality, Reward Programs and Events Bedside Reading® launched a new program called Bedside Reading /onthedownload on September 17th in response to the impact of the pandemic and the hospitality and event industries. The unique program offers a monthly curated collection of bestselling e-books and audio books that can be gifted as a virtual amenity and shared with loyal clients across multiple verticals. Green and touchless, the program is ideal for the hospitality, rewards and event industries and their guests and clients. For partner hotels, “on the download” will deliver an array of eight curated downloadable complimentary DIGITAL books to be provided to guests before they arrive, while on property or for their return home. Books of all genres (from fiction to non-fiction, business, wellness, and children’s) from major publishers and independent authors, as well as exciting and informative conversations from Bedside Reading’s Authors that Thrive podcast series, will be available. The amenity is customizable to reflect the eclectic character of each 5-star and boutique hotel.
Bedside Reading®, has been placing complimentary books by the bedsides in The Hamptons since 2009 and in luxury hotels and boutique properties nationwide since 2017. Hotel partners in the new program will include The Acqualina Resort & Residences, Fairmont Miramar, Conrad New York Downtown, Dream Inn, The Waldorf Astoria Chicago and many others. In addition to hotels and resorts, Bedside Reading’s ongoing partnerships with the world’s leading publishers, as well as many independent publishers and authors align with the company’s mission to help authors build their fanbase by connecting their books to the event and meeting industry as an element in virtual giftbags and a way to provide the books of keynote speakers and presenters. The first collection of books includes Just Feel by Mallika Chopra, The Changemaker by Deke Copenhaver, Challenge Everything by Scott Cullather and Kristina McCoobery, Live True by Ora Nadrich, Never Sit If You Can Dance by Jo Geise, Fille Perdue by Charles D’Amico (audiobook), The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel and Never Say Goodbye by Kim Sakwa. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 31
FEATURES FROM
SHANNON GREENWOOD: KNOCKING DOWN THE HOUSE
Live life on your own terms.
32 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
“
“
Today’s workplace culture too often leaves workers feeling burnt out and/or unfulfilled. The stakes can be even higher when you’re a female leader in a challenging career. Shannon Siriano Greenwood is very familiar with this issue. After dealing with postpartum depression, Shannon had an awakening. She knew she had to make a life-changing decision and live her life “on her own terms.” She sold her very successful boutique cycle studio, Boho Cycle Studio (the most successful in her region) and started the foundation for her Rebelle brand—a conference and community that empowers women to be their own bosses. Shannon believes you can live a fulfilling and successful life while keeping your mental health and personal values under control. In other words, “you” are in charge!
Shannon grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and in adulthood, decided to put down roots in Richmond, Virginia. She is a self-described “community architect.” “I design and create community events, conferences, and experiences that connect people on a soul level,” she explains. “Rebelle Con and Rebelle Community are places for women to share what is bouncing around in their heads while being inspired and connected to one another.” This is how great businesses are formed—come up with an idea, share it with others, collaborate and see where it goes. If a project doesn’t have any passion behind it, Shannon will not look at it twice. “Every project I participate in has to have soul to make it on my list. I am in the process of expanding our conference events and community chapters to cities across the country,” she says. “I know there is a need for women to connect deeply and truly belong to each other. We want them to think bigger, go after what they want, and take amazing care of themselves. We are making that happen, one event at a time.”
“
“
I know there is a need for women to connect deeply and truly belong to each other.
After growing a “community of women bosses” to 4,000, Shannon is preparing to dominate the world. “We are building a nationwide (soon to be international) network of women who are breaking the old rules to define their own version of success. We have the power to ‘Rebelle!’” The old rules left us stressed and overworked. The new rules prioritize work-life balance. See your family and friends. Connect with your community. We are all in this together. To learn more about Shannon Greenwood and her Rebelle brand, you can visit her website: shannonsiriano.com and follow her on Instagram @ssiriano.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 33
JOE EXOTIC Born to Save the Wild Written by Anthony Ewart
34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
F
ew of us have the courage to do what we were born to do; and before you ask who really knows what we were born to do – you know. We all do. You don’t have to be Nostradamus to put the signs of your life together and see where they’re pointing. The problem is fate is scary. Just ask Euripides and Sophocles. Greek tragedies are filled with stories about people who fought against their destiny. It’s difficult to outrun it – but if you do, what then? What kind of life can you live that the Universe didn’t have planned for you. Whether you like
yourself or not, there you are – you might as well use the talents that you have for the purpose they were given to you. Who knows, the Universe just may know what it’s doing… Before he became the world-renowned Joe Exotic, Joe was just a regular kid growing up with his brother on a farm in Garden City, Kansas. He worked on the farm until he was thirteen and his family moved to Centennial, Wyoming. If you don’t know the exact location of Centennial you’re in good company with the rest of the world – it’s literally in the mountains, and at the time had a population of fifty people. Joe worked on a cattle ranch there until he was seventeen. So, from birth until nearly his eighteenth birthday Joe had lived around and worked with animals. The Universe had spoken, but it wasn’t done…
tigers and lions to bottle feed them – Joe was transfixed. These were endangered animals from all over the world. Animals who needed help. Compassion never leaves, it only grows, and whatever life throws at you the Universe will find a way to get you back on track to what you’re supposed to be doing. Once Joe’s therapy was finished he moved back to Texas where he bought an exotic pet store with his brother, Garold Wayne, in Arlington. They named it Pet Safari. For sixteen years Joe and Garold operated the largest privately owned exotic animal store in Texas. It was 40,000 square feet, and most importantly, Joe and Garold began rescuing wild animals, as well…but tragedy struck again.
Compassion is sparked by witnessing something firsthand that touches your heart. You never forget it. It colors your view of love and sympathy and empathy. It shapes you. You develop a resolve to do something about any further atrocities that you see. Compassion is a powerful emotion.
On October 14th, 1997 Joe’s brother, Garold, was struck by a drunk driver at the wheel of a semitruck. Seven days on Earth was all Joe had left with his brother who died while on life-support. Just like that, everything was different. The world changed. Garold, Joe’s brother and best friend in life was gone…
As a young teenager living in Centennial Joe witnessed just such an atrocity. Trees in the mountains were being cut down at an alarming rate, animals were losing their homes and being left to die. Face to face with this, Joe made a decision, whether he knew at such a young age that this decision would end up being his life’s work I don’t know. I don’t even think Joe knew. He saw a horrendous problem and he acted based on the compassion he felt for the stranded animals. He began bringing baby raccoons, opossums, porcupines and even skunks home to nurse them
There was, however, a way Joe could keep Garold’s memory close to his heart while celebrating all Garold was with the world. In the last seven days of Garold’s life in that hospital room Joe made his brother two promises: one, Garold’s name would be remembered forever; and two, he would take care of their parents and never let them end up in a nursing home – this was Garold’s biggest fear. Garold was always thinking about the future of his parents; he wanted them happy. The mold may have been broken when Garold and Joe were born…
back to health and then release them. I know, skunks. Let’s just say Joe has always had a very big heart.
The G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park is Joe’s promise to his brother, Garold. He started the park with one deer and one mountain lion, the park is now the largest in the world for rescuing tigers. It houses 173 tigers with over 800 other animals who were rescued…and things didn’t stop there. Joe knew it would be hard convincing people to care about endangered animals they’ve never seen, so he created a traveling show with his animals that toured the Nation. A magic show. The opening song of the show, written by Joe, is a beautifully touching composition about the life and death of his brother, Garold, the namesake of the Memorial Park. In Joe’s closing song he wrote about what people could do to stop killing animals in the wild – and also, how we could all stop hurting and killing each other. The magic show was a tremendous success. It became a world tour and lasted eight years. Millions of people witnessed Joe’s magical mystery tour with his tigers and lions, and Garold’s name was spread across the universe… Promise fulfilled.
At seventeen Joe’s family sold their ranch and they all moved to Texas where Joe finished high school. Joe was in the city now, and his mountain rescue days were behind him. After graduation he joined the police academy. At nineteen he became the youngest police chief in the state of Texas. Tragedy struck soon after, however, when Joe’s police car was struck by a drunk driver. Joe was in traction for close to two months after the accident, and forced to where braces for the next five years. He moved to West Palm Beach for a form of physical therapy he’d read about that involved salt water and kept him out of operating rooms. A neighbor in his apartment was the manager of Lion Country Safari in Florida… What are the odds? The neighbor would bring home baby monkeys,
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35
Joe discovered in his crusade to help rhinos that farmers in South Africa were being murdered for their crops and farms. Women being beaten , raped and murdered. Cruelty and evil doesn’t segregate its victims – both animals and humans are seen as prey. Every Tuesday night on JoeExoticTV.com the entire show is dedicated to a South African woman Joe met named Anna. Not only was Anna beaten and raped on her farm, she had one of her feet chopped off by criminals stealing from her. The Tuesday show is entitled “Hope for Anna,” and the goal is to raise money to hire at least four more South African rangers to protect farmers like Anna. Joe is now rescuing people. Joe found an old circus man and his chimpanzee living on a beach in south Texas. Homeless. Forgotten. Neglected. Joe brought the man and his chimpanzee to live in his park… How proud JoeExoticTV.com is a worldwide phenomenon. He broadcasts live from a private studio in his animal park in Oklahoma every day. Thousands of people from around the world log in nightly to watch his show – imagine having a base demographic of America, Europe, Africa and Brazil. Joe Exotic is name synonymous with animal rescue. He’s made movies for the BBC, Nat Geo and Korea TV, and has been seen on television in Austria, Belgium and the UK. Joe is now working with the United States Zoological Association to bring awareness about the plight of wild rhinos in South Africa. One rhino is killed every day simply for their horn. Wild rhinos are sedated and their horns chopped off with hatchets and chainsaws; the rhino is then left to bleed to death…this kind of horrific brutality taking place in 2013? Unbelievable. Some say America is not getting involved in stopping this slaughter because we have nothing to financially gain from doing so; regardless,
36 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Joe is getting the message to his fans worldwide. $2,000 a month is all it would take to hire one armed ranger to protect rhinos – there are currently only four rangers in all of South Africa. The courage to do what one was born to do… The Universe chose well with Joe Exotic. Despite unbearable tragedy in his life, Joe has continued to pour out his love into this world and try to stop suffering – all this from a man with broken heart. The human heart, it seems, is more powerful and resilient than many of us ever thought; and compassion is the gift of life that keeps on giving.
Garold must be of his brother, Joe. How far has Joe come from the exotic pet store he opened with Garold, as George Harrison would say, “all those years ago.” Joe Exotic has fulfilled his destiny to protect those unable to protect themselves – and his parents? Joe kept his promise to Garold. Joe moved his parents near his animal park where he can keep a close eye on them. Most days you’ll find Joe’s parents at the animal park, feeding chickens and talking to visitors about theirs two sons, of whom they are very proud… I think we can all share in that sentiment…
Compassion is sparked by witnessing something firsthand that touches your heart. You never forget it. It colors your view of love and sympathy and empathy.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 37
ai DU b
FASHION is PASSION Natalia Spivak
I seemed to have been born with a love for fashion. My mom and two of her sisters had an amazing taste and designed stunning stylish dresses for themselves using a sewing machine at home. Vogue, Burda was my favorite magazines since childhood. Using kids sewing machine I even created my own designs for Barbies. I think fashion is a big addiction. My passion took me forward and I selected media career as a fashion journalist. I leaded topics about fashion and regularly attended Fashion Shows and glamorous Red Carpets. At this luxury events life introduced me to many celebrities, actors, film directors, singers. This area became my comfort zone and it was fun and easy to do interviews with celebrities for magazines. One day I received a call from one of the top newspaper with offer to become a special correspondent for them in energy and politics topics. Since that time I have done interviews with Ministers, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, Presidents,
38 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
politicians from different countries, top business leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Anthony Scaramucci, Dr. Edward Bosarge. These articles were many time the most viewed front page publications. Now I cover different topics worldwide: economics, energy and politics. And especially for Hollywood Weekly Magazine back to my favorite passion what is fashion. I agree with Miuccia Prada:”What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” Stay tuned for new styles and fashion I'm going to introduce you to rubric Fashion is Passion: the best designers from fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, Milan, and exclusive fashion from Dubai and Hong Kong Fashion weeks with one million dollar gowns. It is going to be hot.
DUBAI Photos by Navin Khianey
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 39
