Hollywood Weekly Featuring Carmelita Pittman by Hollywood Weekly Magazine, LLC

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

MONTHLY HW'S PRE-GRAMMY VIEWING PARTY

GRAMMY AWARDS RAMS WIN SUPER BOWL LVI

WORLD CHAMPS

Carmelita Reason To Celebrate

PITTMAN

Fine Quality Handcrafted Porch Swings, Bed Swings, & Patio Swings (404) 994-4997 | www.georgiaswings.com

When we at Georgia Swings began building porch and patio swings 9 years ago, we had no idea that the demand for our products would be so great. It soon became apparent that Georgia Swings was a cut above the porch/patio swings and bed swings being sold at the typical box stores and swing companies. When customers began to come from neighboring states to purchase Georgia Swings and Bed Swings, we knew we had succeeded in creating a product that was by far superior to other porch and patio swing-products being sold. Porch, patio and bed swings are no longer considered a luxury to be enjoyed by a few; they can be a Zen way of relaxation for anyone with a living space, or with the ability to imagine and create an elegant and peaceful place to read, meditate or just relax in luxury.

SAVANNAH DAYBED SWING Call for pricing. The Savannah Daybed Swing has an excellent design with a beautiful showroom finish making it ideal for indoor or outdoor living spaces. There are four solid wooden posts on each corner that attach directly to the hanging material, such as rope or chains. The design of the bed allows a bed swing cushion or mattress to sit into the frame about 1-1/2” to stabilize it while giving it a sleek contemporary look. Beautiful hand-cut wooden balusters run along the two sides and backrest. Adequate height and strength of the balusters comfortably support anyone who prefers to sit up instead of lying down.

THE DECATUR PORCH/ PATIO SWING Call for pricing. Traditional-style wooden porch swing with a flat seat and angled backrest. A flat seat allows for cushions to be placed securely between the armrest supports if desired. This swing has the nostalgia and charm that will complement many homes, especially historic and craftsman-style homes. Select from kiln-dried treated pine, western red cedar, or white oak as your solid wood of choice.

VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hailey Ashley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alex A. Kecskes Elyce Hastings LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow Snyder niki@projectpopdrop.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rouland Medina DESIGN & PRODUCTION Denise Chavez AFRICA OPERATIONS Egor Efiok Egorefiok@gmail.com BRAZIL OPERATIONS Fabio Glingani Rico@lapenda.net (310) 567-3333 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Mobile +919599068592 LATIN AMERICA Karla Silva Karla@monarks.Biz 818.254.5505 Jose Beltran wpsevents@gmail.com 562.546.2840 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS Call: (424) 371-9900 Email: HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com Instagram: @ hollywoodweekly Twitter: @ hollywoodweekly

MONTHLY

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Prather Jackson

This issue

OUR COVER features, Carmelita Pittman, a multitalented woman who recently celebrated her birthday with God given gifts and blessings. What made Carmelita’s birthday celebration extra special is that March 8 was International Women's Day too. She and her husband Jerry Pittman celebrated it at the exclusive Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe where the Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs (GSFE) is celebrating the International Women's Day. Among the blessings was being invited to sing with members of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra directed by John Nettles, meeting opera singer Hiroko Yoshinagaa and Tanae, a young talented singer from Canada, the lovely Gennine Jackson Trencie who delivered a Whitney Houston number and to top it all, she was presented with President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award! We’re so proud and happy to have Carmelita gracing our cover and help her spread joy with her music. By the way, if you want to watch Carmelita perform live she will be at the Hollywood Weekly Grammy Awards Viewing Party (see page 15). Enjoy!

Prather Jackson

Publisher

Cover photo by Jayme Sanford Torres

Entertainment, Music & Sports

Birthday Blessings

Hollywood Weekly News

Carmelita Pittman

HW's Pre-Grammy Viewing Party

LA Rams Win Super Bowl LVI

Grammy Awards

Whose House?

Q&A By Niki Shadrow Snyder

HW's Favorite Authors

Ask The Experts

Bedside Reading

Hollywood WEEKLY is a publication wholly owned by Prather Jackson HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2021 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 MONTHLY • 3

ROUNDUP

TV & FILM

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore HAS ARRIVED

THE THIRD FANTASTIC BEASTS FILM DETAILS THE UNTOLD BACKSTORY OF DUMBLEDORE

Photo by Giles Keyte

WARNER BROS. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is the newest adventure in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling. Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines? The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), twotime Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, William Nadylam, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Victoria Yeates, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Fiona Glascott, Katherine 4 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Waterston, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Richard Coyle, Oliver Masucci, Valerie Pachner, and Mads Mikkelsen. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram and Tim Lewis. Neil Blair, Danny Cohen, Josh Berger, Courtenay Valenti and Michael Sharp served as executive producers. The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography George Richmond (“Rocketman,” “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), three-time Oscarwinning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films) and production designer Neil Lamont (“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars

Story”), Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” the last four “Harry Potter” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Mänz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1,” the “Fantastic Beasts” films), and fourtime Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”). The music is by nine-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard (“News of the World,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Defiance,” “Michael Clayton,” “The Hunger Games” films). Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates film, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” in theaters internationally beginning 7 April 2022 and in North America on April 15, 2022. The film will be distributed worldwide in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures.

ROUNDUP

TV & FILM

THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER PARAMOUNT+ today released the official trailer and key art for its upcoming original series THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER. All 13 episodes of the debut season will be available to stream beginning Thursday, March 31, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Nordics and Latin America. Combining live action and animation, THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER will pick up years after the original ended by following Timmy Turner’s cousin, Vivian “Viv” Turner, and her new stepbrother, Roy Raskin, as they navigate life in Dimmsdale with the help of their fairy godparents, Wanda and Cosmo. In THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER, Ty Turner uproots his life to reunite with his high school sweetheart, Rachel Raskin, in the town of Dimmsdale, thrusting his cautious 13-year-old daughter, Viv, into a new world where she does not fit in. Once there, Viv’s cousin, Timmy, entrusts his fairy godparents, Wanda and Cosmo, to help her adjust by taking her under their wings. Witnessing the fairy transfer take place, Viv’s charismatic new stepbrother, Roy, also inherits them, and the two siblings must take turns making wishes. Together, they learn to overcome the obstacles in their path, all with the help from their new wand-wielding and wishgranting fairy godparents.

THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER stars Audrey Grace Marshall as Vivian “Viv” Turner; Tyler Wladis as Roy Raskin; Laura Bell Bundy as Roy’s mom, Rachel Raskin; Ryan-James Hatanaka as Viv’s dad, Ty Turner; and Imogen Cohen as their friend, Zina Zacarias. Original voice cast Susanne Blakeslee and Daran Norris return to voice the iconic, and still animated, fairly godparents, Wanda and Cosmo respectively.

Nickelodeon’s beloved animated “The Fairly OddParents” series, which ran from 2001-2017 with 172 episodes, followed the magical adventures of 10-year-old Timmy Turner and his well-meaning fairy godparents who grant him wishes. During its run, “The Fairly OddParents” became one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved properties from both fans and critics alike, having won and been nominated for dozens of awards. All 10 seasons of the original “The Fairly OddParents” are available to binge on Paramount+. “The Fairly OddParents” was created by Butch Hartman. THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER original series for Paramount+ is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. The series is executive produced by Christopher J. Nowak (“Danger Force,” “Henry Danger,” “Sam & Cat”), who also serves as showrunner, and Samantha Martin (“Danger Force,” “Henry Danger The Musical”). Butch Hartman (“The Fairly OddParents,” “Danny Phantom,” “T.U.F.F. Puppy”) and Fred Seibert (“The Fairly OddParents,” “Adventure Time,” “Castlevania”) serve as executive producers. The pilot is directed and executive produced by Mike Caron (“Danger Force,” “Side Hustle,” “Henry Danger”).

THE BEAUTY OF BLACKNESS HBO MAX has acquired THE BEAUTY OF BLACKNESS, a documentary film directed by Tiffany Johnson and Kiana Moore. The film is available to stream now on HBO Max. THE BEAUTY OF BLACKNESS chronicles Fashion Fair, the first cosmetics brand created exclusively for Black women created in 1973 by Eunice Johnson, the co-founder of Ebony and Jet Magazines. The film examines Fashion Fair’s rapid rise to icon status and how the brand surpassed cultural obstacles to overcome beauty standards that previously

excluded people of color. Despite revolutionizing the beauty industry and becoming a household name for every Black and Brown woman in the 1970’s, the brand faced a rocky media landscape and encountered challenges due to emerging competitors. The documentary follows the brand’s journey to present day where, amidst an evolving industry with a new focus on inclusivity, Fashion Fair Cosmetics has been revived under the helm of two entrepreneurs, Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack.

THE BEAUTY OF BLACKNESS features interviews with renowned experts, models, makeup artists, performers, and other prominent figures who have witnessed firsthand the evolution of the category and who are celebrating and continuing to redefine beauty standards for people of color. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 5

ROUNDUP

MUSIC

SHOWTIME to Premiere CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN PRODUCED BY SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND MASS APPEAL, DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHTS THE GROUNDBREAKING HIP HOP GROUP’S DECADES-LONG CAREER AND INFLUENCE AS PART of the network’s HIP HOP 50 banner, SHOWTIME announced that CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN (w/t) will premiere Wednesday, April 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Chronicling the legendary L.A. rap group Cypress Hill, the documentary film will debut along with two newly acquired titles LA MADRINA: THE SAVAGE LIFE OF LORINE PADILLA, premiering Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT, and BUSHWICK BILL: GETO BOY, premiering Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The announcement was made today at the network’s Television Critics Association’s Winter Press Tour presentation. Told through the intimate lens of photographer and director Estevan Oriol (LA Originals), CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN is a smoke-filled journey across the lives and careers of the groundbreaking, genre-defying Hip Hop group, Cypress Hill. Their unique sound, influenced by their Latin roots and West Coast upbringing, was built on a movement rooted in true authenticity: from cultivating the flower, to smoking it, to rapping about it, their influence is forever burned into the musical landscape of Hip Hop as they continue to stay relevant after 30 years. Using a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival footage captured by Oriol himself, as well as images of band members B Real, DJ Muggs, Sen Dog and Eric “Bobo” Correa, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN tells the story of a brotherhood that has withstood the test of time to create a truly original, everlasting legacy. CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN is produced by Sony Music Entertainment and Mass Appeal for SHOWTIME. Tom Mackay and Richard Story of Sony Music Entertainment, Sacha Jenkins and Peter Bittenbender of Mass Appeal, and Deb 6 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Klein of Primary Wave serve as executive producers. The film is produced by Oriol and Peter J. Scalettar. Directed by filmmaker and author Raquel Cepeda (Some Girls, Bling: A Planet Rock), LA MADRINA: THE SAVAGE LIFE OF LORINE PADILLA follows a beloved South Bronx matriarch and former “First Lady” of the Savage Skulls gang as she struggles to remain visible in a rapidly gentrifying community she helped rebuild in the 1980s. With one foot

firmly grounded in the outlaw life and the other as an activist and spiritual advisor, Lorine straddles the complexities of multiple worlds. Employing rich, neverbefore-seen archives of the borough that gifted the world both salsa and hip-hop culture, the documentary embarks on a complicated and, at times, surreal journey through five decades of Bronx history and resilience in La Madrina’s own words. LA MADRINA is executive produced by Henry Chalfant (Style Wars) and Sacha Jenkins.

ROUNDUP

MUSIC BUSHWICK BILL: GETO BOY chronicles the life of the late Richard Shaw, the Jamaican-American rapper and music producer professionally known as “Bushwick Bill,” an original member of iconic, pioneering Houston rap group The Geto Boys. From his early life in Jamaica to his rise to certified platinum record status, the documentary spotlights Shaw’s storied life and controversial career, including his near-death accidental shooting that left him blinded in one eye and his fight against music censorship. BUSHWICK BILL: GETO BOY is directed by Gregy Roman and produced by Memory & Imagination’s Kyra Kowasic and Richard Shaw, in association with Like Studios executive producers Michele Fleischli and Aaron Sainz. HIP HOP 50 will continue to run over the next two years and will encompass unscripted series and features, podcasts and digital shorts by and about some of the foremost names in the genre, culminating with the 50th anniversary of the genre in 2023. Previous titles include YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, RICKY POWELL: THE INDIVIDUALIST and ROLLING LIKE THUNDER. The initiative is driven by Nas and Mass Appeal Chief Creative Officer and Emmy-nominated partner Sacha Jenkins (WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN, BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES). Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS RESCHEDULED TO SUN, APRIL 3 THE 64TH Annual GRAMMY Awards have been rescheduled and will now broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sun, April 3 (8-11:30 p.m., live ET/5-8:30 p.m., live PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Trevor Noah, Comedy Central's Emmy Award-winning "The Daily Show" host and comedian, will return as master of ceremonies for Music's Biggest Night®. The show moved from its original date of Jan. 31 amid growing concerns surrounding the Omicron variant. News of the rescheduled date was initially shared via a joint announcement(opens in a new tab) from the Recording Academy, CBS and CMT, as the CMT Awards will move from its originally scheduled date of Sunday, April 3 to a later date in April. Additional details about the dates and locations of other official GRAMMY® Week events, including the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, MusiCares Person of the Year and the Pre-GRAMMY Gala will be announced soon.

The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Raj Kapoor serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Ben Winston and Jesse Collins as executive producers, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay as co-executive producer. Hamish Hamilton returns as director, and Eric Cook as supervising producer with Tabitha D'umo, Patrick Menton, Fatima Robinson, and David Wild as producers.

BET NAMES GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER-SONGWRITER MUNI LONG AS ITS ‘BET AMPLIFIED’ ARTIST FOR MARCH 2022 BET REVEALS Muni Long as its BET Amplified artist for March 2022. BET Amplified is BET Music's stamp of approval on the next big thing in music. With songwriting credits for charttopping songs by Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Fifth Harmony, Muni Long’s music career is on the rise. Most recently, she has become a viral musical sensation with her debut single ‘Hrs and Hrs’ that blew up on social media and has made her a household name. With her new EP “Public Displays of Affection” that dropped in November 2021, Muni Long can now add BET Amplified Artist to her list of accolades. As a BET Amplified artist, Muni Long will receive BET Music’s support across multiple BET campaigns and platforms

including BET, BET Her, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET.com, BET Socials and BET’s Official YouTube Page. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 7

ROUNDUP

SPORTS

Top prospect Pepiot comes into camp with clear head, new weapon WHEN THE Dodgers entered the offseason, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman felt confident in the organization's starting pitching depth. The Dodgers had the best team ERA in the Majors last season, and they'll have most of that production returning when the 2022 season gets underway. But a big reason for Los Angeles’ confidence is the development of top pitching prospects such as Ryan Pepiot, Landon Knack and Bobby Miller. Pepiot, 24, is the top pitching prospect in the organization, according to MLB Pipeline. Since the Dodgers selected him in the third round of the 2019 Draft, Pepiot has opened eyes every step of the way. He had a strong debut season, posting a 1.93 ERA in 13 appearances. In 2020, he was part of Los Angeles’ Summer Camp roster and was one of the most impressive arms at the alternate training site. In ‘21, Pepiot showed his dominance, but he also encountered some expected adversity for a pitcher going through the Minors. He dominated at Double-A Tulsa, posting a 2.87 ERA in 15 appearances and striking out 81 over 59 2/3 innings. But when Pepiot was called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City, he struggled, finishing with a 7.13 ERA in 11 appearances. “A lot of that was mechanical stuff. Obviously, I was trying to figure some things out, but I got in my own head with some things, and I was just out there kind of like a robot,” Pepiot said. “I had a bunch of different thought processes out there, so I was already behind the eight ball.” Pepiot said he visited with psychologists this offseason in order to get back to his normal self. On the mound, he feels like he’s more prepared, and he has more weapons, too. Pepiot came into this spring with an added focus on his mechanics, but he has also learned a “sweeper” breaking ball, which is essentially a mix of a slider and a curveball. 8 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Jennifer Stewart/ MLB Photos via Getty Images

The right-hander, much like he did with his signature changeup, tried different grips on the pitch until he finally found one he liked. “I was throwing a harder slider, and it just didn’t have the right variation between my changeup velocity and fastball,” Pepiot said. “So we tried to figure out a grip that works. It’s actually what Blake Treinen throws, and we have about 10 other guys that have tried to throw it. I picked it up this offseason, and it has come a long way.” In a scrimmage against Asian Breeze, an Arizona-based independent team, Pepiot utilized the pitch to finish off a pair of strikeouts. With a 96 mph fastball, the changeup and the sweeper, Pepiot struck out five of the six batters he faced.

“I was happy with the work I put out there. I put in a lot of work this offseason,” Pepiot said. “Just being able to be out there against somebody else other than someone wearing a Dodgers jersey, it’s always nice to be able to do that.” At some point this year, Pepiot hopes to face opposing jerseys at the big league level. He can feel how close he is to achieving his lifelong goal of reaching the Majors, and the Dodgers could use his talented arm. But with the lockout still in place, Pepiot is staying focused on what he can control. “It’s exciting to be as close as I guess I am,” Pepiot said. “But I also don’t want to look ahead because I have to stay where my feet are at. … I just have to come in here every single day, do my work.” Juan Toribio/Dodgers

ROUNDUP

SPORTS

Rams hire Liam Coen as offensive coordinator THE RAMS are bringing back a familiar face to their offensive coaching staff. Los Angeles has hired Liam Coen as their new offensive coordinator. Coen replaces Kevin O'Connell, who was named head coach of the Minnesota Vikings on Feb. 16. Coen returns to L.A. after spending the 2021 season as the University of Kentucky's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. In 2021, the Wildcats ranked fifth in scoring offense (32.3 points per game) and eighth in total offense (425.2 yards per game) in the SEC, including fifth in the conference in rushing offense at 199.5 yards per game. Under Coen's guidance, quarterback Will Levis finished sixth in the SEC in passing yards with 2,826, while running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson each finished with the secondmost rushing (1,379) and receiving yards (1,334), respectively, in the conference. Prior to joining Kentucky's coaching staff, Coen spent three years on the Rams' staff from 2018-20. He served as assistant wide receivers coach in 2018 and 2019

before taking on assistant quarterbacks coach in 2020, when he helped Jared Goff post his fourth-consecutive season with 3,800 or more passing yards. In 2019, Coen helped L.A.'s receiving unit produce a pair of 1,000-yard receivers for the second-consecutive season, a feat that had not been accomplished since a streak of four such seasons from 1999-2002. Wide receiver Robert Woods posted his second-straight 1,000-yard season, finishing with 1,134, while wide receiver Cooper Kupp tallied his first 1,000-yard season with a teamhigh 1,161 receiving yards. Coen's first season in Los Angeles was highlighted by helping the Rams swiftly work 2018 offseason acquisition Brandin Cooks into the No. 3 scoring offense in the NFL. Cooks' 1,204 receiving yards and Woods' 1,219 marked career-highs for both players and made them the first Rams receiving duo to record more than 1,000 yards each since Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce in 2006.

Jeff Lewis/Rams

Stu Jackson/Rams

LA Galaxy Fans to Participate in 2024 adidas Kit Design Process THE LA Galaxy today announced that the club will involve Galaxy fans to participate in the design process of the club’s 2024 adidas Primary Kit via a fan survey. The survey will drive fan insight into key decisions such as color, embellishments, patterns and more. This new fan experience for LA Galaxy fans will bring them closer than ever before in driving the concept behind an LA Galaxy kit. “We’re excited to include fans and supporters of the LA Galaxy in the design process of our 2024 Primary Kit,” said LA Galaxy Chief Marketing Officer Doug Vosik. “Each year’s kit is one of the most important season initiatives for both players and fans. Having the voice of our community is critical to ensure

our on-field look reflects player, fan and supporter feedback. The survey is a unique opportunity for everyone to help shape the club we all love.” Back in 1996, the LA Galaxy were born from a community’s love for family, soccer and Los Angeles. That community remains critical to shaping the LA Galaxy, and as a result, Galaxy fans will have direct input in the design process of the 2024 kit. Fans will be involved throughout the project, with a series of roundtables, interviews and surveys planned for the coming months. The result of this project will be the 2024 kit, to be unveiled shortly before the 2024 season. LA Galaxy fans will receive an email on to participate in the survey. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 9

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY CHEVRON MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO THE STAGE APRIL 21 -24 LARGEST FREE FESTIVAL FEATURING LOUISIANA MUSIC, FOOD & CULTURE TO SHOWCASE 1800+ MUSICIANS

Photo by Zack Smith Photography The non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) is excited to announce the official return to the stage after a twoyear hiatus. French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, the largest free festival and showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, takes place April 21-24 across venues and stages in the French Quarter neighborhood. This year’s festival invites locals and visitors to reconnect with the flavors of regional cuisine from more than 50 local restaurants, dance to the beat of 265+ Louisiana acts on 20 stages, and enjoy special events that celebrate this unique city. The festival will operate from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day of the event. Festival organizers welcome the return of Chevron as Presenting Sponsor of both French Quarter Festival and Satchmo

SummerFest. “Even though the event itself has been on hiatus the last two years, Chevron’s support of French Quarter Festival has never wavered,” said Leah Brown Public Affairs Manager, Chevron Gulf of Mexico. “Together, we funded local musicians and the gig community during COVID’s most difficult days. Now, we’re more excited than ever to see these legendary artists return to the stage. This year’s festival will be an opportunity to again support Louisiana musicians and businesses and celebrate the Crescent City’s special culture, cuisine, and character. Chevron thanks the French Quarter Fest staff for their longstanding partnership and invites everyone to join us!” The FQFI staff has continued to work diligently to bring back this beloved

event that has been missed by its growing community of fans, musicians, gig workers, sponsors and partners. Throughout this time the team has stayed in close communication with City, Health and Public Safety Officials and together are confident in the ability to produce a safe and joyful experience for all this year. “We have worked and waited patiently and now the countdown to our 2022 spring festival has officially begun,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of FQFI. “We are returning strong with over 1,800 local musicians, more than 50 chefs and restaurants, new interactive fan experiences, and evening programming across the city. FQFI is proud to kick off the festival season in New Orleans with a truly authentic celebration and we welcome everyone to join us for an unforgettable four days.”

GO FRIENDS

STREAMING NETWORK

LET’S BE FRIENDS

DONATION CAMPAIGN R obert Goins, CEO/President of GO Friends Streaming Network has joined with Shomik Chaudhuri and Sharon Hamilton-Getz with Institute of International Social Development [IISD] (a501c3) – to raise funds for underprivileged children in India and Africa and then the world. IISD is an international UN NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations. Donations through IISD can be made by scanning the QR code or going directly to IISD at www.iisd-ngo-us.org. In order to facilitate the process starting from our donation of shoes to these children, Robert Goins created The Let’s Be Friends Animation and Campaign Jingle which is being promoted on social media (Instagram, Facebook, You Tube, Tik Tok) and shortly will be promoted on ABC stations in NY, Philadelphia, Chicago and LA. To view the campaign jingle and for additional information, simply go to www.gofriendsstreamingnetwork.com or speak with us, call 1-844-568-8900. There is a need for food, water, clothes and medicine – but shoes aren’t always considered as essential. Shoes are often the most difficult item to get in materially poor communities. And for many children around the world, a pair

of shoes can be the difference between a hopeful future or a bleak one. Even in the poorest countries, children are often required to have a pair of shoes to attend classes. Many kids end up with diseases that kill or seriously threaten their health, because of a disease or fungus they picked up while walking barefoot to school. A pair of shoes will ensure a child’s feet are protected from infection and injuries. Its aim is to bring about “One Earth, One Family” through empowering people from the grassroot level and connecting people globally as human beings and promoting international brotherhood. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” How tragic that bright, eager children would be kept from their best chance at changing their circumstances through lack of a pair of shoes. Given the right care, every child can be empowered to overcome the circumstances they were born into. Providing one pair of shoes to one child at a time can make a difference – and change the world. Our long-term goal in providing shoes for young children is to ensure

that they remain healthy and free from diseases that come from unprotected feet. A healthy child is more capable of getting a proper education and going ahead in life to fulfill their potential. That would create excellent global citizens who would contribute to the welfare of humanity and the world. We thank you in advance for your participation in our efforts to make a difference. Our long-term goal in shoeing the world for young children - is that families would eventually no longer need our help. Our end game is to one day establish an entrepreneurial trade school educational program in these cities. We thank you in advance for your participation in our efforts to make a difference.

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Carmelita

PITTMAN

Celebrated her birthday with God given gifts and blessings

t so happens that March 8 is International Women's Day. It is also my birthday and I am celebrating all throughout March. In fact every day that I open my eyes and can see my husband of 46 years, Jerry Pittman , next to my side is cause for celebration. He ventured with me to the exclusive Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe not far from San Diego. It is a paradise for golf aficionados with grounds covering several acres. In fact the event for International Women's Day organized by Sharon Doyle was held on those very lush green grounds in a monumental tent complete with chandeliers. This event was attended by nearly 200 ladies, including at least 30 female Marines, and at least two ladies who served in the armed forces during World War 2. That was the time I was still a twinkle in my mother and father's eye but made my entrance soon into the real world. This birthday was beyond my expectations. I had been invited to sing with members of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra directed by John Nettles. I also had the pleasure of meeting an amazing opera singer, Hiroko Yoshinaga as well as Tanae, a young talented singer from Canada, also the lovely Gennine Jackson Trencie who delivered a Whitney Houston number. Before this luncheon event I was interviewed on the red carpet by T.V. host Rosalyn Kahn and whisked off into a room for an interview with podcast radio host Margo Lovett. During the course of the event I noticed Helice Bridges, a feisty octogenarian with white hair dressed in blue who danced exuberantly

12 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

and made a presentation of blue ribbons to promote unity through the power of love. Many ladies were honored with beautiful blown glass trophies. I was also surprised with one. Later in the evening my husband and I after resting in our suite at the resort attended the GSFE (Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs) dinner event. This organization was founded by Robbie Motter and enhances and empowers the lives of women. It has 25 chapters throughout the States, Canada and recently opened another in London. I learned that I was the only singer and only honoree. My friends of many years Giovanni Vignati of Italy and his lovely wife Rickey who I had not seen in several years were able to attend. Also Denise Lyles Cook aka the Oracle was in attendance and they were as surprised as I when I was presented President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award, which included a letter from him and a medallion from the Whitehouse. I wish to acknowledge Joao aka "Rockstar" who engineered my musical performance. I also wish to recognize Michelle Mras, the keynote speaker.

I have reason to celebrate. And may God give me the gift of breath to continue singing for more years to come. It is my pleasure to sing at the Hollywood Weekly Grammy Viewing gala in Santa Monica April 3, 2022. I am accompanied by wonderful musicians , Charlie Harrison on keyboard, Jimmie James on percussion, Budi Winarto on flute and sax, Jerrell Ballard on drums, Paul Maseli on guitar. This is all such a blessing. I live to sing , and sing to live and spread joy with my music.

Sharon Doyle presents President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award to Carmelita Pittman

"I live to sing , sing to live and spread joy with my music" Photos by Kenneth Rochon

Carmelita holding the Lifetime Achievement trophy and Keep Smiling card.

Carmelita Pittman Birthday Celebration

Photos by Kenneth Rochon

Denise Lyles Cook aka the Oracle & Carmelita

Carmelita with keynote international speaker Michelle Mras Carmelita with opera singer Hiroko Yoshinaga

Giovanni & Rickey Vignati, Carmelita, Jerry Pittman 14 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

TV host Rosalyn Kahn with Carmelita

BOOK YOUR PERFORMANCE AT

GRAMMY AWARDS VIEWING PARTY SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022

501 Broadway Studio at 501 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

5:00pm to 10:00pm

BUY YOUR VIP TICKET NOW!

$95

Food & Drinks Included

This is your chance to get major exposure to Record Label Executives, Film & TV Producers plus many more!

$750.00 Artist Registration Fee

Includes Food & Drinks + Complimentary ticket for your guest

Call: (424) 371-9900

Email: hollywoodpublisher@gmail.com CLICK TO PAY HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 15

Meet the hosts of Hollywood Weekly Grammy Awards Viewing Party...

MULTI-MEDIA MOGUL based business Coach or Streaming Coach whatever fits... ERIC ZULEY is the Chairman and CEO of eZWay Network, which reaches millions of homes and mobile phones with its tv shows and podcasts. He has been seen on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, TMZ, and WASHINGTON TIMES to name a few. Eric has graced the cover of Hollywood Weekly Magazine, along with over 15 other leading publications. He has been awarded as a Digital Trailblazer and is referred to as a mogul for his ability to connect and promote businesses. His numerous achievements include awards by Congress, the city and county of Los

Angeles, and certifications, including as a Universal Peace Federation ambassador for over 180 countries. Mr. Zuley is recognized as an award-winning Top Ten Social Media Influencer and a Multimedia Marketing Mogul that has mastered the art of monetizing media. He created the nationally and internationally recognized movement #eZWay, which acts as a digital concierge to top businesses and is endorsed by over 500 celebrities, influencers, and CEO’s. For more info visit ezwayinfo.com

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Doctor - entrepreneur - model, you name it she's got it! DR. DANTÈ SEARS is producer, developer, and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Wealth XO, an asset development company that transforms ideas into financial empires, specializing in NFT’s, crypto, wellness, and real estate. She is a ten-times certified Metaphysical Doctor, Doctor of Divinity and Master of Hypnosis that is building physical and digital communities for talents and entrepreneurs to enjoy a lifestyle of wealth and prosperity. She is the former face of Big Sexy Hair and Healthy Sexy Hair products, as well as the star of Kiss and Tell with Dantè Sears, the CW Carwash PSA, as well as a producer and co-host of eZ Talk Live. Dântê was featured on the cover of Soul Central Magazine and upcoming Serenity Magazine cover (Spring 2022). She’s featured in many infomercials, commercials, and music videos, including Cyclone by Baby Bash,“You Don’t Wanna Be

16 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Broke” by BadAzz, “It Go Up”, and “That’s How I Go”, by the Stooie Bros, and The Ramparts Scandal music video. She has shared a stage with artists like Santana, Pitbull, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, N2Deep, Lighter Shade of Brown, Snoop Dogg, and Baby Bash. Her work has been featured on MTV, NBC, FOX, ABC, the WB Network, CBS, and in Hollywood Weekly Magazine and Influential People Magazine, to name a few. Her latest project, Project Thrive XO combines lifestyle, health, and wealth with real estate, foodies, and entertainment. The show will be broadcast on Dantè TV and eZWay TV Network. For more information text ‘Dante’ to 55678

De Maleuin www.demaleuin.com @demaleuin HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 17

Night Mistress 1960's style comic book based film

A story of a young couple in love. Shelly Steal. Her Boyfriend is a Hollywood producer and gets involved with some bad people. He gets killed by them. The girl becomes devastated and starts to cry, at which time she sees these comic books. She starts thinking of the characters. Then she start becoming the characters in the comic books and get Powers. She starts killing off the bad guys one by one. Until she gets to Kord the leader. Played by Rayster Michaels Quiroga. It's a story a story about a vigilante girl that Becomes the characters in the books and avenges her boyfriend.

18 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

STARRING: Tracee Lee Cocco (Star Trek Next Generation), Brinke Stevens (Hollywood Scream Queen), Sharyn Wynters (Cat Girl original Batman TV series & West World), Deborah Dutch (Horror Scream Queen), Rayster Michaels Quiroga (Actor / Producer / Director, Mansion of Blood, Everyday, Miracles, Unknowns, The Extra, The Sopranos, Days of our lives) PRODUCED AND OWNED BY: Dream Cinema Productions & Rayster Michaels Quiroga CO-PRODUCED BY Eric Zuley EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Shane Maguire, Harlan Post, Larry Judge, Claude Ball & Yahaira Gomez CO PRODUCERS: Judy Karman, Mike Quiroga, Eric Zuley & Jeff McDonald

DATE WITHOUT FILTERS

LOVE WITH INTENTION

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 19

You’ve Met Your Match. I

Meet UnFiltered.

t’s five o’clock on Friday, time to get off, but home is the only place to go. You’re tired of getting tables for one, being the third wheel, ordering Chinese food at home and catching up on an embarrassing amount of Netflix series that you fit in between your busy schedule. You’ve tried dating apps to no avail- so much time wasted on fake accounts, bots...and even worse, the fret of being “catfished” once again. You find a “match” and they seem nice until one of two things happens... the infamous unsolicited pic, you’re stuck in the never-ending loop of messages, or even the eventual request of money. There is now a dating app that made it their mission to fix everything you ever hated about dating apps. Transparency is the founding reason behind the creation of the UnFiltered Dating app. In fact, co-founder Genesis Assulin believes so strongly in the importance of transparency she made it their name- UnFiltered. Every profile is taken in real time with a date stamp through the in-app camera embedded in the app software prohibiting an upload feature unless part of the lifestyle news feed. Eliminating filters is the foundation of this dating app. They have created a dating revolution by providing a platform for true genuine connections and by revamping the online dating experience with unique built-in features that promote and cultivate 20 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

a safe, transparent, UnFiltered environment. Their users can be the person they were always supposed to be- themselves. How many times have you walked into a “blind date” or met someone for the first time from a dating profile only to discover they didn’t look the same as their profile picture. Although looks aren’t everything, trust is important. UnFiltered’s motto, “Real People. Real Love.” does just that. No more meeting the 10-year alumni version of the college snapshot of your match, UnFiltered secures you are talking to a verified version of their true and current self! UnFiltered strives to offer a safer community to their users. A deeper dive behind the scenes into the development side of the app includes an integrated technology that uses 8 factors to verify user accounts. Some of these verification methods includes verifying images, emails used to create user profiles, phone number and the user’s location to name a few. This technology, that was introduced via a partnership with some of the most secure platforms across the globe, is how UnFiltered is able to prevent fake and misleading identities for users. Once authenticated, the verified profile is issued a seal, reassuring the user that they’re messaging a real person.

As if this wasn’t enough to set them apart from every other dating app on the market, other features are integrated into the UnFiltered app to make sure that your virtual dating experience is quality above quantity. Where other competitive apps have the bad reputation of being for “hook-ups”, UnFiltered has introduced limited matches. This allows you to match with up to 5 potential dates at a time, ensuring that you have meaningful connections with focused communication. This feature paired with our In-app communication opportunities (in-app camera and in-pp Video) ensures your private information is protected until you choose to communicate outside the app. They have also paired with Google to integrate with your calendar and even allows users to use GPS to make the convenience of planning a date with your match simple and convenient. Plan your date, location and date time all within the app! Once the request is accepted, the app sends reminders to your app notifications, updates any changes you or your match makes, directions to get you there on time! Your life may be busy, but UnFiltered has thought of unique and innovative ways to make dating simple and easy again! UnFiltered is not just another dating app, in fact, UnFiltered wants to be the last dating app anyone ever has to use by being the conduit for Real People to find Real Love.

UnFiltered is passionate about its mission statement and that is “To foster a secure community who values the ideals and principles of real love. To live in anticipation, believing that there are more good people that could benefit from a mode of transparency.”

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 21

Los Angeles RAMS are SUPER BOWL CHAMPS! Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history as Cooper Kupp takes home MVP WHEN IT mattered most, three of the Rams' biggest playmakers stepped up big-time. Quarterback Matthew Stafford's goahead touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp with 1:25 left, followed by defensive lineman Aaron Donald's fourthdown pressure of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on the ensuing drive lifted the Rams to a 23-20 victory over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, giving them their first Super Bowl title in Los Angeles. Trailing 20-16 with 6:20 remaining, the Rams reached the Bengals 8-yard line with under 2 minutes remaining. Facing a 3rdand-goal from that spot, Stafford's pass intended for Kupp was broken up, but a defensive holding call against the Bengals kept the drive alive. On the next play, Stafford fired what was initially the goahead, four-yard touchdown pass to Kupp, but it was negated by off-setting penalties. A pass interference penalty against the Bengals on the next play advanced the ball to their 1-yard line with 1:38 left. Stafford then connected with Kupp from one yard out for the go-ahead touchdown pass to put the Rams up 23-20 with 1:25 left. Quarterback Joe Burrow opened the

Bengals' ensuing series with a 17-yard completion to wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and 9-yard completion to wide receiver Tee Higgins to move them to midfield. Needing to convert on 4th and 1 from the Rams 49 to keep the drive alive, Donald slammed the door shut pressuring Burrow into an incompletion that resulted in a turnover on downs. Stafford completed 26 of 40 pass attempts for 283 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the victory. Kupp tallied eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. posted two receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game late in the first half with a knee injury. Meanwhile, the Rams defense collected seven sacks, led by Donald and outside linebacker Von Miller's two each. COOPER KUPP SUPER BOWL LVI MVP All season long, the Rams could count on wide receiver Cooper Kupp to deliver. And did the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year ever on the game's biggest stage.

22 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Kupp was named MVP of Super Bowl 56 after finishing with eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns - the second the game-winner on a one-yard pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford - in a 23-20 Los Angeles victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kupp came alive on that final drive, collecting 45 of those 92 yards en route to setting up his second touchdown catch. Stu Jackson/LA Rams.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23

Returning to roots and "run it back"

Recapping the Rams' Super Bowl LVI parade and rally in Los Angeles

he double-decker buses branded in royal and sol and a "World Champions 2021" logos slowly made their way down Jefferson Boulevard to Figueroa Street, then onto Exposition Drive where they arrived at the Peristyle at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Rams' celebration of their Super Bowl LVI title culminated Wednesday afternoon with a parade and a rally at the Coliseum on a 62-degree day and under clear blue Southern California skies, a celebration that connected the team back to the roots of its L.A. return while celebrating the present and looking toward the future. The final destination of the parade was where they played their home games in their first three seasons back in Los Angeles until the completion of SoFi Stadium, with the rally taking place at the Olympic Plaza and Peristyle Arch. Along the route, quarterback Matthew Stafford hit trick shots off the top of the bus he was on after a fan tossed him a football. Another fan threw offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth a – unique – Cooper Kupp MVP t-shirt, which Whitworth wore the rest of the celebration. Kupp rocked a black Kobe Bryant jersey with gold trim that had the number 8 on the front and number 24 on the back. Defensive lineman Aaron Donald took his shirt off. The fun continued with speeches from Inglewood Mayor James Butts, who presented a key to the city to Rams Owner and Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who presented keys to the city to Stafford, Kupp and Donald, and Los Angeles City Councilman for District 9 Curren Price 24 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Let's go. Don't let anybody's opinion of you ever become your reality. Bet on yourself. World damn champions!" In a classy move, Kupp wanted Whitworth speak before he did. When Kupp got his chance, he drew inspiration from his wardrobe. "I'm standing here in this city that knows nothing but championships," Kupp said. "We're out here celebrating this championship – Kobe's a part of this. He belongs here. I'll you what, he set the standard. All I know: Get back to work, let's run it back." This celebration was full-circle of sorts for Woods, a Los Angeles native who went to Serra High in Gardena and later starred at USC. "Growing up here man, we are all family, man," said Woods, who also used his speech to thank all those who made sacrifices to make this season possible. "Being able to play here in LA, start right here at USC, bring this home right down Figueroa. This is why we do it." The parade marked the conclusion of official celebrations, but some players like Donald might keep the festivities going awhile longer. Considering Donald – whose resume is well-known by now – said during his speech he was living a longtime dream, not sure anyone would blame him. "I've been drinking a little bit, so we're having a good time," Donald said during his speech. "It's going to look like this through at least the end of the week. We world champions!" Stu Jackson/LA Rams.

officially presenting the adoption of the resolution congratulating the Rams on winning the Super Bowl. From there, Rams general manager Les Snead kicked off speeches from members of the team, doing so while wearing a shirt with a meme popular among the Rams fan base about draft picks. "We know what that highest high feels like today," Snead said. "So in honor of the shirt, F them picks, we'll use 'em to go win more Super Bowls." Rams head coach Sean McVay, Stafford, Donald, Miller, wide receiver Robert Woods, offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and Kupp rounded out the speeches, with McVay, Donald, Miller and Kupp hitting on the same theme of running it back. In fact, McVay got Voice of the Rams J.B. Long to ask Donald that at the end of Donald's speech. "Run it back! Run it back!" McVay started chanting. "We built a super team," Donald said. "If we bring the super team back, why not run it back?" Meanwhile, Whitworth took his moment to offer an inspiring message. "Five years ago, I was told I was a little too old," Whitworth said. "I was told that maybe my time was done. And I tell you this for every single person sitting out there that's ever doubted anything you've ever done, bet on yourself, because five years later, I'm holding this trophy up and I'm 40 years old. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 25

FW22 COLLECTION Streetwear brand, CHAANCE premiered its Fall/Winter ‘22 Collection digitally with its fashion film on NYFW.com on Saturday evening. The streetwear brand channeled ‘90s Hip Hop with dancers, models, and BMX bikers that hit the streets in its conceptual and transformative athletic wear. For the second season in a row, Chaance brings together a dynamic group of models to present its unisex line, presenting active sportswear, from biker shorts to sweatshirts, continuing to become one of the most sought-after, high-end street-style and sportswear brands. In the first half of the short film, models in monochromatic looks in sky blue, salmon, and black along with camouflage prints on hooded puffer coats take the city by storm. As the film reaches the midpoint, a black and white transition of interpretive dancers is styled in runway-ready streetwear pieces. Models on BMX bikes rock widecollared shirts, sweatshirts, original prints, and true-to-the-era ‘90s style, wide-legged athletic pants. CHAANCE's FW22 collection 'Light the fire within' symbolizes igniting hope during gray and trying times. Inspired by the signs of hope and triumph of the winter Olympics, CHAANCE incorporates these images into its collection with bold colors, graphics, and the best materials for freedom of movement. Directed by visual artist Carlos Serrao, CHAANCE's FW2022 New York Fashion Show video is divided into four chapters that showcase CHAANCE's diverse collection in a stylish, retro film style: 'The heart of the city' which visualizes runways in the street; 'Urban training' that lays out urban spaces in slow motion; 'Moving against the elements' where one frees themselves and gives in to nature's wild elements; and 'Night ride' that shows a BMX racing scene. Each chapter not only portrays individual runway vignettes but also illustrates CHAANCE's vision to incorporate the bigger meanings of life and culture into its collections. 26 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Samira

Kazemeni S

amira Kazemeni, President of Samiras Network has produced over 300 events. She is also the visionary mind behind Luxury Viewing Gala screening the Oscars which is one of the biggest events in Los Angeles during the night of the Oscars. Samiras Network is not just business network but also a total solution provider for all marketing, sales and Public Relation projects. Samiras Network started its activities as an awardwinning international variety talk show, hosted and produced by crowned beauty queen and jewelry designer Samira Kazemeni in 2017. She was born in Tehran, Iran. At age 7 her family move to Japan for one year and then settled in Bangkok, Thailand. She basically grew up in Thailand before moving to United State to continue her education in Business Administration. She has received her BA degree in International Marketing and Business Administration at LMU (Loyola Marymount University) in Los Angeles. Samiras Network features an impressive assortment of guests and entertainment personalities in their shows: including Celebrity & Royalty Interviews, Health and Beauty Products, Technology advancements, Fashion Shows, live demonstrations and coverage of Hollywood Red Carpets, Charity Events and recently live cooking shows.

Samiras Network TV Shows are recorded and broadcast in Los Angeles, the center of entertainment and film industry. It is the mission of Samiras Network to guide and encourage viewers to reach their best and higher level of lifestyle by bettering themselves and helping others. Samira is also President of Samira Gem Creations which is a Jewelry Design business. Samira Kazemeni’s Family have been in the Jewelry business for three generations. And Samira Gem Creation designed by Samira is focused on custom Jewelry line worn by many celebrities on the red carpet, TV, fashion show and high end gatherings. Ultra CBD USA is another line of edible CBD Oil products that was introduced by Samira. She decided to start this new line of CBD oil since she was diagnosed with rare type of cancer (Angio Sarcoma) in 2018. She also had lost her mother from cervical cancer and if at that time the CBD oil was available it might be a cure to her cancer. CBD oil is now considered a great alternative medicine for cancer patients. www.ultracbdusa.com

FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAMIRA IN THE FOLLOWING LINKS: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/samiranetwork/ WEBSITES: www.samiranetwork.com www.luxurygala.com LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/samira-kazemeni IMDB:www.imdb.com/name/nm4527171 HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 27

ASK THE EXPERTS BY: NIKI SHADROW SNYDER

MEAGHAN B MURPHY

NS: What is your name/occupation/company name? MM: I’m Meaghan B (no period) Murphy. I’m the editor in chief of Woman’s Day magazine, co-host of the wellness podcast “Off the Gram” on the OzTube network, author of Your Fully Charged Life: A Radically Simple Approach to Having Endless Energy and Filling Every Day with YAY, a Mama of 3 as seen on TV shows like ‘Live with Kelly & Ryan’, “Today”, “Dr. Oz”, and more

NS: What lights you up in life? MM: A whole lot of things make me say YAY—a sweaty pre-dawn workout, an arm party of bracelets…Taco Tuesday!

NS: Where is your happy place? MM: On a beach hunting for sea glass with my 3 kids! I lost my Dad to pancreatic cancer almost 6 years ago and promised him we’d always carry on his legacy of searching for these tiny treasures.

I worked the MTV Beach House at the Jersey Shore and the Bahamas.

NS: Do you have any advice for people who want to work in your business? MM: Chase what excites you and care a whole lot about it. Passion and purpose are infectious.

NS: What is your favorite food and your favorite memory? MM: I live for Pizza FriYAY! I love a gluten-free (I’m celiac) salad pizza and a glass of Malbec. NS: What are you most The day my books arrived from Penguin passionate about that you Random House and I held that orange are working on currently? MM: I’m gearing up for the paperback cover in my hands for the ﬁrst time. My whole family was in the throes of release of Your Fully Charged Life! COVID and watching our UPS carrier I can’t wait to continue to share my load the boxes on the front porch felt story and the science-based strategies that transformed me from like a birth. crappy to happy. And maybe ﬁnally NS: What does success get to sign a few books in person! mean to you? Do you have

many people know about 06 you? MM: I studied acting and I was NS: What is something not

an on-air host on MTV in the 1990s! HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

08 a favorite quote related or unrelated to success?

MM: Success

is going to bed proud & content, no matter what you did or didn’t

(!) check off your to-do list. I’m a quote machine. Current favorite: “If you’re nervous, it means you care.”

NS: What do you think of when I say the word “Hollywood” and the word “givefleuncer”? MM: “Hollywood“ makes me think of the line from Pretty Woman: “Welcome to Hollywood. What’s your dream? “ I LOVE the word “givefluencer“. To me, it’s what every influencer should be: Someone who uses their powers for good.

NS: Where can our readers ﬁnd you and follow you? MM:

I’m @meaghanbmurphy & @theyaylist on Instagram & Your Fully Charged Life is available wherever books are sold.

ASK THE EXPERTS BY: NIKI SHADROW SNYDER

GRANT 01

CARDONE

NS: What is your name, your title, and the name of your company? GC: I’m Grant Cardone. Speaker, author, real estate investor,

business owner, entrepreneur, owner & partner of seven companies, including Cardone Enterprises & Cardone Capital. Also, I started the 10X Growth Conference, the world's largest business conference.

NS: What lights you up in life? GC: My wife, my two beautiful daughters,

NS: Where is your happy place? GC: Spending time with my family is my

my community, the 10X team, and people who believe in what I do. My purpose is helping others achieve their goals and there’s nothing more fulﬁlling to me than watching someone go from nothing to something.

happy place. Creating passive income for our investors in Cardone Capital & seeing businesses grow and scale using Cardone Training Technologies... That is my happy place. Also, seeing my Cardone Foundation bring ﬁnancial literacy to young adults globally.

advice for people who 04 want to work in your business? NS: Do you have any

GC: It all starts with mindset. Setting your goals, hitting your targets, taking risks and massive action is how you will get what you want. You must believe in you, be willing to improve your skills, surround yourself with the right people, and commit to your goals. If I did it, you can do it

NS: What are you most passionate about that you are working on currently? GC: The 6th 10X Growth Conference where thousands of people come together, network, learn valuable skills and change their lives…and, the Grant Cardone Foundation which provides access to education & offers mentorship for children and young adults without fathers.

06 you?

NS: What is something not many people know about GC: I lost my father at the age of

10, then my brother. Watching my mother struggle ﬁnancially was something that stuck with me for a long time because I couldn’t help. I got some bad habits along the way, but I changed my ways, and made a commitment to be great. I found my purpose, set goals, took action, & created “this life”. I show people resources which help them discover their capabilities and potential to be great.

food and your favorite 07 memory?

NS: What is your favorite

GC: I always say food is fuel. I love a big salad and I am living vegan now. My favorite memory would have to be when my little girl, Sabrina, gave a speech at my 10X Growth Conference, Her conﬁdence, passion for growth, and talent make me a proud papa. She keeps surprising me.

NS: What does success mean to you? Do you have a favorite quote related or unrelated to success? GC: Success

to me means to have wealth in all aspects of life. Financial freedom to do

what I can for myself, my family, and others is a huge part of that. “Contacts equal contracts” is a quote I say a lot. The difference between contacts and contracts is the “r” which stands for relationships. You need to build relationships to get contracts

I say the word “Hollywood” & 09 the word “giveﬂeuncer”?

NS: What do you think of when

GC: Expectations and the ability to make a difference. When people hear the word “Hollywood”, they think of an unobtainable lifestyle. The truth is many celebrities and high-proﬁle people come from humble beginnings. A “giveﬂuencer” is someone who uses their notoriety to help create success and opportunities for others with big dreams.

NS: Where can our readers ﬁnd you and follow you?

GC: You can follow me at @grantcardone on social channels. I have many events and workshops coming up. Check out the schedule at grantcardone.com/events. One workshop can change your life. Make success your duty, obligation, and responsibility! HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 29

ASK THE EXPERTS BY: NIKI SHADROW SNYDER

DEBRA SILVERMAN

NS: What is your name/occupation/company name? DS: Debra Silverman / Astrologer and Psychotherapist / Debra Silverman Astrology

NS: What lights you up in life? DS: The Elements, literally I spend ever day in devotion to Water, Air, Earth and Fire, and of course my family.

NS: Where is your happy place? DS: In the middle of the mountains/ jungle of Kauai

NS: Do you have any advice for people who want to work in your business? DS: Consistency and hard work really are the formula to success. Keep going, keep doing readings, keep studying. Astrololgy is as big as the sky and requires a devoted student to ﬁnd success.

NS: What are you most passionate about that you are working on currently? DS: My writing intensive workshop called Tell Me A Story and the book I am currently writing about it

NS: What is your favorite food and your favorite memory? DS: My favourite food is Arugula, and my favourite memory is getting lost in the jungle and ﬁnding my way home with my intuition

NS: What does success mean to you? Do you have a favorite quote related or unrelated to success? DS: Teaching other people what I do and seeing them ﬂourish. “You know why God created us, because S/He loves stories.” Elie Wiesel

giveﬂuencer, I think of someone who has inﬂuence in the social media realm or in Hollywood but gives back to her community as much as possible whether it’s freebies, webinars, or programs. It's about more than just being there, it is about causes and creating change in the world around you.

NS: Where can our readers ﬁnd you and follow you?

DS: debrasilvermanastrology.com

NS: What do you think many people know about 06 of when I say the word 09 you? DS: That I am a hidden “Hollywood” and the word NS: What is something not

introvert, I don’t each much and I live on air.

30 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

“giveﬂeuncer”? DS: When I think of Hollywood and the word

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

ASK THE EXPERTS BY: NIKI SHADROW SNYDER

MICHAELINE

DE JORIA

NS: What is your name/occupation/company name? MJ:Michaeline De Joria, CEO, John Paul Mitchell Systems

NS: What lights you up in life? MJ: My kids!

NS: Where is your happy place? MJ: At home with my husband and kids at the end of the day when things are settled. And Bora Bora.

NS: Do you have any advice for people who want to work in your business? MJ: Number One: Don’t bring your ego. Number Two: Learn about the other departments. Most people don‘t realize the impact their actions have on the rest of the organization. Number Three: Work hard for what you want. It’s the only way to truly get it.

NS: What are you most passionate about that you are working on currently? MJ: Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty is my current obsession, and we have a Tea Tree line coming out that I love!!! There are a lot of launches I am thrilled about, but can’t speak on them just yet ;)

NS: What is something not many people know about you? MJ: I‘m really into backgammon. I can‘t eat food with lettuce on it because of a food poisoning aversion I developed when I was in the 8th grade that I never got over, and I love TV with no shame.

NS: What is your favorite food and your favorite memory? MJ: Steak tacos, preferably from a taco stand. Favorite memory is a tie: All three of our kids births.

NS: What does success mean to you? Do you have a favorite quote related or unrelated to success? MJ: “Success unshared is failure.” -John Paul De Joria (my Dad)

NS: What do you think of when I say the word “Hollywood” & the word “giveﬂeuncer”? MJ: Hollywood reminds me of going to clubs with my friends when we were young and relatively fun. Giveﬂuencer, I love it!

NS: Where can our readers ﬁnd you & follow you? MJ: Instagram: @themdejoria

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31

Shine Like A

t Diamond Rich Apparel our vision is to create a clothing line that encourages diversity and inclusion as well as provide affordable clothing for men, women, and children! We value ourselves on creating and providing long lasting, fashionable apparel to anyone who is daring enough to step outside of the big box store and try out something as unique as you! The Brand Diamond Rich Apparel and modeling agency Diamond Babe’s LLC were created by Dominica Propst, a Wisconsin resident who started the brand because she saw a need for more brands representing women of color. Dominica and her family have made it their mission to help diversify the local market as well as to change the imagery and predominant representation we see in fashion today. Our focus is to introduce fashion into the market that is perfect for any occasion, regardless of shape, size, or skin tone; Because we know when you look good you feel good. And when you feel good you shine, LIKE A DIAMOND!

For any questions and more information call or email, (920)659-1360 dominicapropst@gmail.com MADALYN THOM A 25 year old fashion model from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her agency is Diamond Babe’s LLC. She has been modeling since she was 8 years old. Growing up she often heard she was photogenic. When Madalyn struts down a runway or pose for a photo, the audience always feels something. That is the connection she does it for. Fashion modeling gives her the opportunity to share her story in a form of art across the world.

DIAMOND!

DOMINICA PROPST Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1991. She’s been in the fashion industry since she was 16. Dominica still remembers watching runway models and knowing her passion for modeling would allow her to do that. Dominica started fashion modeling and then became a CEO of her own fashion line Diamond Rich Apparel. The brand quickly took off and is a raging success, the next steps were simple; Create her own modeling agency Diamond Babe’s LLC. Currently they are casting for music videos, magazines, fashion and runway, movies, commercials etc. This vision is how Dominica grew and shaped her Diamond empire and paved her way as a designer and fashion model in the industry. Currently her modeling agency is on tour across the states. You can look forward to seeing Diamond Rich Apparel on runways near you, bringing unique styles of elegance as well as street style.

Hollywood Weekly - Page Turners BedsideReading.com

Bubbie’s Magical Hair by Abbe Rolnick Bubbie, like many grandmothers, turns the ordinary into the spectacular and the mundane into something miraculous. In Bubbie’s Magical Hair, the lyrical text combines with playful illustrations to take readers on a whimsical journey as Bubbie and her grandchildren grow older, reminding us of all the ways grandparents bring us joy, comfort, and inspiration. Through her adventures, Bubbie exemplifies the key values of—education, family, tolerance, justice, charity, and kindness to others. Brown Curls turned to gray waves… Bubbie winds her hair through the tales she has lived. Nature and imagination combine to honor the power of all grandparents and their enduring relationships. A visual delight that can be read on many levels, exploring feelings, science, international customs, and imagination. Ribbons, stars, and dandelion dust spread magic. This is a universal story of passing on the essence of loved ones, as life continues. Look for her in the mirror, in the pocket of your coat, and when you look both ways crossing the street.

Butter Side Up: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year and Created My Super Awesome Life by Jane Enright How often have you heard someone say, “I hate change?” That’s because most people do. But the reality is, whether we like it or not, life puts us all through changes—some challenging, and many joyful—that shape our dayto-day experiences. Sometimes, though, in the blink of an eye, the unthinkable can happen. This begs the question: when the unexpected occurs, how do you successfully navigate change so you can land butter side up when life turns the tables? Butter Side Up is not self-help jargon; it is edutainment for the soul. Jane Enright’s true story of surviving three life-altering events in the span of twelve months, losing everything, and coming out the other end stronger and more resilient than ever before is compelling and riveting— and full of sage advice for how to do the same. A feel-good story that everyone can relate to and learn from, Butter Side Up shows that there can be happiness and joy after unplanned change—and a super awesome life, too.

The Green Lace Corset by Jill G. Hall Best-selling author Jill G. Hall’s latest novel, The Green Lace Corset, will delight readers with another dual timeline tale. Endearingly hapless modern-day Anne McFarland and 1885 Wild West kidnap victim Sally Sue Sullivan both face their fears and learn the true meaning of love and family— with a little push from a green lace corset.

Em’s Awful Good Fortune by Marcie Maxfield This is not your typical expat story. Instead, Em’s Awful Good Fortune explores the struggle between a woman’s desire for partnership and her need for identity. Raw, comic, and authentic, Em stomps her way through Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul on the personal road to self-discovery. True to life, this is a disorderly journey—one that ultimately leads to a new understanding of marriage and compromise, self-love, and the complexity of relationships. For lovers of books by: Junot Diaz, Elizabeth Gilbert, Elizabeth Strout, and Meg Wolitzer. 34 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler Peeling back layers of lies could save a masterpiece…or reveal a killer. After a long week lobbying on Capitol Hill, all Karina Cardinal wants to do is chill with Netflix and her boyfriend, Patrick Dunne. Instead, she’s slipping her aching feet into red stilettos for his parents’ annual holiday bash. When she accidentally interrupts Patrick’s father in his study, her embarrassment is tempered by suspicion that Martin Dunne and his dapper, secretive guest are hiding something. Maybe the painting she barely glimpses right before it disappears behind a secret panel. An internet search raises her curiosity to full-blown alarm. If she’s right, Martin is in possession of a stolen masterpiece. Infamous because everyone close to it has turned up dead. An internet search raises her curiosity to full-blown alarm. If she’s right, Martin is in possession of a stolen masterpiece. Infamous because everyone close to it has turned up dead. As in Mafia-style-execution dead. As she’s chewing over which instinct to follow—back off while she still can, or dig deeper for the truth—she crosses paths with FBI agent Mike Finnegan. An old friend and not-quite flame from her college days. When she looks into his warm, mocha eyes, she’s tempted to tell him everything. Trouble is, she’s already being watched. And the next move she makes could destroy innocent lives…including her own.

My Turn by Allison Jones Frenemies Nina Bryant and Harrison McCall have a complicated history, but that doesn’t deter Harrison from pursuing the only woman who lives in his heart. There are a few challenges along the way that include a surprise spouse, a drag queen with a gambling problem, among other things. Even with the obstacles facing them, can Nina and Harrison finally get their second chance at love, or will outside entities rip them apart?

The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti by Jennifer Probst

The Lost Son by Stephanie Vanderslice How does a mother survive the unsurvivable? After her husband and the baby’s nurse kidnap her infant son, Nicholas, and take him back to their native Germany, Julia Kruse must completely rebuild her life in America. The Lost Son chronicles Julia’s journey from Depression-era Queens, NY through World War II as she struggles to provide for herself and her remaining son, Johannes. Over the years, her search for Nicholas is thwarted at every turn, until she falls in love with chauffeur Paul Burns, whose boss might have the political connections to find her son and bring him home from the German front during the last days of the Third Reich, where Johannes is also fighting for the Allies.

The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti brings readers on an adventure set amidst the backdrop of the stunning cliffs of Positano, Italy. When three estranged sisters discover a hidden trunk after their mother’s death, and find love letters with a deed to a house in Positano, Italy, they realize they never truly knew their mother’s heart. They travel to Italy to track down their mother’s secret lover, only known as R, and begin to unravel a hidden past as they gather clues and slowly heal their own fragmented relationships with one another.

Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn by Once Upon a Dance Unicorns and Horses and Snakes, oh my! A “cheerful and heartwarming” adventure where readers get to dance and act out the story alongside the characters and Ballerina Konora. Part of the Dance-It-Out! series, ideal for kids ages 4-7. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 35

The Death of Harry Crow by Leith Macarthur As identical twins Annie and Amanda Crow celebrate their fourteenth birthday, their father Harry is involved in a fiery three-car crash that leaves all occupants dead. Four years after the accident, Amanda suddenly vanishes, and her boyfriend is found murdered. Getting little assistance from the police, Amanda’s mother seeks the help of William Snow, a local man with a reputation for finding missing children. Snow begins an investigation and soon uncovers an inexplicable link between Amanda’s disappearance and her father’s deadly accident. As Snow digs further into this bizarre connection, more people start to disappear. The case eventually leads him to an uninhabited island, a madman known as The Driver, and the twisted truth behind the death of Harry Crow.

The Velocity Mindset®: How Leaders Eliminate Resistance, Gain Buy-in, and Achieve Better Results―Faster by Ron Karr Everyone knows what qualities define a good leader, but how many of us know what steps to take to become that great leader? The secret formula is what sales and leadership coach Ron Karr calls The Velocity Mindset®: a perfect balance of speed and direction, both of which must remain in alignment for personal and professional success. Utilizing anecdotes and Karr’s thirty-plus years of experience, The Velocity Mindset® demonstrates how taking time to PAUSE and visualize a desired outcome can propel you forward with purpose and beyond personal obstacles, positively influencing those around you. Whether you are in the entry-level stage of a career, a seasoned manager, or just looking to make a personal change, The Velocity Mindset® provides you with the tools you need to: • • • •

Leverage the psychology of influence. Successfully engage the skills and passion of employees, teams, and customers. Remove barriers, Position products and services more powerfully, and achieve bigger results. Compelling and full of cross-industry wisdom, The Velocity Mindset® offers innovative and practical strategies to differentiate yourself from the competition, increase your profits, and get to the next level of success, faster.

36 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Our Prison Story by Liberty Miller, Aprelle McCarty, and Nicholas Showers-Glover A former correctional officer of 14 years, a prisoner doing time for murder, and a prison volunteer whose brother was murdered reveal with candid honesty how they found themselves seeing eye-to-eye and coming together in a shared desire to push for restorative justice within America’s prison system.

Conversations With Our Authors

Ballast Point Breakdown by Corey Lynn Fayman

In this installment of the award-winning series, guitar-playing detective Rolly Waters investigates a friend’s suicide, connecting it to punk bands, dolphin science, Navy SEALS, animal-rights protests, and a harmonica-playing derelict. A music-themed murder mystery for fans of old-fashioned gumshoes, vivid characters, and twisty, layered stories. Q&A with Corey Lynn Fayman Q: What can you tell us about your new release, Ballast Point Breakdown? A: This is the fourth novel in the Rolly Waters mystery series, but the first I’ve published with Konstellation Press. Like all of the books in the series, it features the guitar-playing private eye Rolly Waters and an unusual case he gets hired to investigate. In BPB a friend’s suicide leads Rolly to the suspicious connections between a punk band, dolphin scientists, Navy SEALS, animal-rights protestors, and a harmonicaplaying drifter. You don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to jump right into this one. If you’re interested in a new take on the old-fashioned gumshoe, like vivid characters and twisty, layered stories, then this book’s for you.

Q: What or who inspired you to become an author? A: From the time I was a little kid I’ve always been a big reader. I was always writing things-stories, poetry, lyrics. Then I got serious and went and got a B.A. in Creative Writing/Poetry from UCLA. But I also had a strong interest in music, so I spent my first fifteen years after college playing and performing music, as well as writing songs. It was after I stopped performing and began working for a music-related internet company called MP3.com that I first started thinking about writing a novel. The idea of a guitar-playing detective came to me and I started spending my lunch hours jotting down notes about the character and what might happen to him. It was a great stress reliever for a very stressful job and I

ended up with a lot of good notes! After I left the company, I made time to work more seriously on my writing and finished the first Rolly Waters novel, Black’s Beach Shuffle. I reclaimed my creative side and I’ve never looked back.

Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce Like the chilling psychological thriller The Silent Patient, Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Ruby Falls is a nail-biting tale of a fragile young actress, the new husband she barely knows, and her growing suspicion that the secrets he harbors may eclipse her own. On a brilliantly sunny July day, six-year-old Ruby is abandoned by her father in the suffocating dark of a Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, transformed into soap opera star Eleanor Russell, she is fired under dubious circumstances. Fleeing to Europe, she marries a glamorous stranger named Orlando Montague and keeps her past closely hidden. Together, Eleanor and Orlando start afresh in LA. Setting up house in a storybook cottage in the Hollywood Hills, Eleanor is cast in a dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. As she immerses herself in that eerie gothic tale, Orlando’s personality changes, ghosts of her past re-emerge, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret. In this thrilling and twisty homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the story ricochets through the streets of Los Angeles, a dangerous marriage to an exotic stranger, and the mind of a young woman whose past may not release her. Q&A with Deborah Goodrich Royce Q: What inspired Ruby Falls? A: Ruby Falls was very much inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s book, Rebecca, and, of course, Hitchcock’s film by the same name. Like Rebecca, Ruby Falls plays with themes of identity, namely the question of whether or not people are who they say they are. Often, I think, we find that most people have things going on under the surface. Those are the interesting things to find out!

Q: How does Ruby Falls compare to your first novel, Finding Mrs. Ford? A: Both of my novels concern themselves with questions of identity. But Ruby Falls goes to a spookier and more “gothic” place than Finding Mrs. Ford. Q: :Your books are very cinematic. Why is that? A: I used to be in the film business, both as an actress and as a story editor (like a book editor) at Miramax Films. I write in a way that makes the scenes very visible to me and, I hope, to readers as well! HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 37

FASHION

Unisex Standard Fit Fleece Hoodie $80.00

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 38 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Unisex Standard Fit Sweat Pants $45.00

Unisex Standard Fit Shirt $25.00 Long Sleeves $60.00

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 39

DISCOVER THE EMPIRE TODAY DIFFERENCE ®

We Make Getting Beautiful New Floors Easy

SHOP-AT-HOME CONVENIENCE

QUALITY PRODUCTS

See hundreds of samples in your home. Empire® brings the store to you.

Top-quality, name-brand carpet and flooring options in the latest styles and colors that are durable and long lasting.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION, EVEN NEXT DAY*

ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE ESTIMATE†

Don't wait weeks for your new floors. You can get a custom installation as soon as tomorrow.

Know what your project will cost, up front with no hidden fees.

Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate! Call

1-855-430-0419

*On in-stock carpet and flooring styles only in select areas. Excludes floor prep. † A variety of unforeseen conditions, such as subfloor prep/leveling/repair, that may not be identifiable when establishing price estimate, may require additional cost. Sales (except CA, MA, UT) and installation are provided by independent contractors. Licensure at EmpireToday.com. CSLB 1047108 © 2022 Empire Today, LLC