The local issue 5 web

90265

FEBRUARY 2015 VOL. I, ISSUE 5

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

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M A G A Z I N E

CURATORS OF COASTAL CULTURE

WHAT TO DO ABOUT

ISIS?

ROY ORBISON

MALIBU: THE SUNSET YEARS

RORY KENNEDY

LAST DAYS BEFORE THE OSCARS

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CURATORS OF COASTAL CULTURE

Founder, Editor in Chief

CECE S. WOODS

90265

FEBRUARY 2015 VOL. I, ISSUE 5

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

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M A G A Z I N E

Executive Editors

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CURATORS OF COASTAL CULTURE

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90265 FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

WHAT TO DO ABOUT

ISIS?

ROY ORBISON

M

A

L

I

B

M A G A Z I N E

MALIBU: THE SUNSET YEARS

RORY KENNEDY

LAST DAYS BEFORE THE OSCARS

Cover photo of Roy Orbisoncourtesy of the Orbison family archives.

Casa Escobar “Serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1946”

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OPINION

WHAT TO DO about

ISIS?

King Abdullah II follows up his declaration to wage a “harsh” war against militants from the group, also known as ISIS or ISIL, with swift force. On DAY ONE, Jordanian F-16s launched 20 airstrikes on the Islamic State following the brutal execution of captured Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbe.

By David Stansfield

David Stansfield is an Arabic scholar trained at the universities of Durham, Cambridge, the Sorbonne and Toronto, who has lived in many parts of the Arab world. He is also the writer-producer with his wife Denise Boiteau of the award-winning television series: “The Middle East.” His latest novel, Take Nothing for Granted, a thriller set in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook.

The entire world watched in horror recently as ISIS troops slowly burned the captured Jordanian “crusader” pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh alive in a cage for daring to believe it was his religious duty to fight extremist groups that were “distorting the true spirit of Islam.” Who are these demonic men in black who rejoice in public burnings and beheadings? These monsters spreading terror and mayhem throughout greater and greater swathes of the Middle East? What exactly is ISIS? Let’s start with the initials themselves. In English they stand for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, but that’s not quite how the name comes out in the Arabic original: ad-Dawlat al-Islamiyya fī’l-‘Iraq wa’sh-Sham: The Islamic State in Iraq and Ash-Sham. The crucial difference is the word Sham, an immensely important term that resonates in the Arabic-speaker’s mind on multiple linguistic and religious levels and has very deep and ancient roots indeed.

What does Sham mean? Well, one thing it does NOT mean is the truncated little Syria that was created by the French in 1922. Rather, it means the “North,” the “Greater Syria” that encompasses, not only Cyprus and part of southern Turkey, but also the artificial states the British and the French carved out of the Ottoman Empire after World War One: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine – and subsequently Israel. For most of the last three thousand years, all these regions were one, not only under the empires of the Ottomans, the Caliphs, the Byzantines, the Romans, the Greeks and the Persians, but also under the AsSYRIAns, and even more ancient civilizations before that, dating all the way back to 2,500 B.C. ISIS believe that Sham is their heritage, and they will move Heaven and Earth to get it back. Roses may smell as sweet by any other name, but Syria does not.

Ironically, many of the tens of thousands of lost souls who are currently flocking from all over the world to sign on with ISIS are not only doing it for religious and reclaiming-their-heritage reasons, they have another motivation. This is where ISIS performs the difficult feat of being simultaneously terrifying and absurd. Many of the new recruits are joining ISIS for the same daft reason most of the male jihadist bombers sign up to commit suicide: for the 72 virgins in Paradise (or 72 white grapes – the original Arabic-Syro-Aramaic word huri in the Qur’an can mean both). ISIS has a huge advantage in this regard: the Jihadis don’t get their virgins (or grapes) until they’re dead; members of ISIS get them while they’re still alive, thanks to this organization’s unending supply of under-age sex slaves; the raping of whom is ISIS’s third most popular pastime after cutting people’s heads off and burning them alive.

Where do these dreadful people come from? Who created ISIS in the first place? Well, I’m sad to say, to a large extent we did. Just as we created the majority of the other nasty things that have happened to the Middle East ever since Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798. Until we turned up, under the four hundred year reign of the Ottoman Empire – corrupt as it was – the region was downright peaceful in comparison with Europe during the same period, where we almost never stopped killing each other.

Now let’s see what we did to the Middle East, beginning only with the 20th century.

Having gotten rid of the Ottomans after World War One, the British and French empire builders drew a whole set of completely arbitrary state borders all over the Middle Eastern map to mark out the bits they wanted to grab for themselves. Amusingly enough, we drew some of these lines when we weren’t completely sober, as witnessed by the eastern border of Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which takes a sudden lurch to the northwest that is known to this day as “Churchill’s hiccup.” These acts of monumental colonial hubris managed to turn all of the hitherto borderless, and therefore mobile, religious and ethnic groups – who had got along relatively well together for the previous 400 years – against each other: Sunni against Shia; Muslims against Christians; Arabs against Kurds and Jews; Palestinians against Israelis.

The colonialists, soon joined by the USA, then proceeded – for the sake of “stability in the region” (and billions of barrels of cheap oil) to get rid of all the reformers and leaders of movements to establish democratic – or at least lower-case “r” republican – governance in the area, from the Egyptian nationalist hero Muhammad Abduh exiled by the British in the late 1800s to the democratically elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh thrown out of office by an MI6/CIA orchestrated coup d’état in 1953, ultimately replacing them with such corrupt and brutal modern dictators and regimes as… …Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in Iran (Jimmy Carter: “There is no other state figure whom I could appreciate and like more”); Hosni Mubarak in Egypt (Hilary Clinton: “I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family”); Saddam Hussein in Iraq (Donald Rumsfeld: “He may be a monster, but he’s our monster.”); Bashar Assad in Syria (Hilary Clinton: “There’s a different leader in Syria now… he’s a reformer.”); al-Qa’ida in Afghanistan and elsewhere (the Arabic word for “database,” the structured list of mujahideen headed by Bush family friend, Osama bin Ladin, that was created by the CIA); ISIS in “Sham,” the fanatical offshoot of al-Qa’ida (that was initially formed by former officers and men drawn from the 400,000 troops laid off from the Iraqi army by the U.S.).

All photos from The Royal Hashemite Court/Instagram

OPINION So what should we do about our latest monster? Do we do our equivalent of a King-of-Jordan and nuke ISIS into kingdom come, thereby risking another Iraq-style débacle, resulting in the deaths of possibly tens of millions of mainly innocent people and embroiling us yet again in the Middle East for God knows how many more years to come?

Or do we leave the region to its own devices for once in our lives, thereby strengthening ISIS and risking even more deaths and atrocities, not to mention uncontrolled internecine warfare all across the region, which could lead not only to Iran getting their own nukes but to the destruction of Israel and the entire Islamic world?

Or do we try to come up with some sort of compromise between the two?

There are no easy answers.

At bottom, and taking the long view, ISIS boil down to a bunch of psychopathic barbarians who pale into insignificance when seen in the context of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known. I’m talking about the brilliant Islamic civilization (that included Arabs, Jews and Christians) that not only served as the torchbearer of classical learning in the Middle Ages, but gave us everything from algebra, algorithms, alchemy and Arabic numerals to the world’s first universities and hospitals and banks along with major breakthroughs in architecture, astronomy, biology, geometry, healthcare, mathematics, medicine, optics, philosophy and physics, all of which in turn paved the way for our own Renaissance.

But when all’s said and done, we still must do something NOW to stop this gang of ISIS thugs in their tracks, if it is only to take a leaf out of the Jordanian pilots’ book when they hold up placards proclaiming that Kulluna Muath, “We are all Muath.”

Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasabe, was doused in a flammable liquid moments before members of ISIS burned him alive.

Jordan reacted quickly and decisively.

“This cowardly Islamic State group that does not resemble our religion in any way.

It is the duty of all Jordanian citizens to stand united, to show the strength of this people in fighting this group. This will only give us more strength and resistance.” - King Abdullah II

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ENTERTAINMENT

RORY KENNEDY

LAST DAYS BEFORE THE OSCARS Prominent Malibuite director and producer Rory Kennedy’s latest movie 'Last Days in Vietnam' has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature this year. This is Ms. Kennedy’s first Academy Award nomination, and the ninth for the series.

She has directed 16 documentaries to date, including most recently, Ethel, 2012, nominated for 5 Emmys, and Ghosts of Abu Ghraib, 2007, nominated for 4 Emmys. Rory is the daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy and granddaughter of Joseph and Rose Kennedy.

The documentary premiered at Sundance January 2014 where Rory Kennedy took a standing ovation bow at the end of the screening with no surprise that many of the audience were left in tears as the credits rolled.

'Last Days in Vietnam’ chronicles the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on Saigon. With the clock ticking and the city under fire, American officers on the ground faced a moral dilemma: follow official policy and evacuate U.S. citizens and their dependents only, or ignore orders and save the men, women, and children they had come to value and love in their years in Vietnam. At the risk of their careers and possible court-martial, a handful of individuals took matters into their own hands. Engaging in unsanctioned and often makeshift operations, they waged a desperate effort to evacuate as many South Vietnamese as possible.

With only days to go before the Oscars, The Local takes a look back at the rave reviews 'Last Days in Vietnam' received leading to the Academy Award nomination: “Perhaps the most striking thing about ‘Last Days in Vietnam’, Rory Kennedy’s eye-opening documentary about the 1975 evacuation of the American Embassy in Saigon, is how calmly it surveys what was once among the angriest topics in American political life. The story is full of emotion and danger, heroism and treachery, but it is told in a mood of rueful retrospect rather than simmering partisan rage.” A.O. Scott, New York Times “...this altogether splendid documentary, directed by Rory Kennedy, is... a thrilling and dramatic narrative of what happened in that country as the wheels started to fall off of America’s involvement. ‘Last Days’ details a complete debacle that brought out the best in all kinds of people. Filled with compelling first-person stories both heroic and heartbreaking, ‘Last Days’ details a complete debacle that brought out the best in all kinds of people.

It is also the best work yet by Kennedy, the film her entire career has pointed her toward.”

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times “It’s a huge topic. Yet Kennedy... compressing two years’ worth of events, handles it just about perfectly. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune “The filmmaker...mixes riveting, and mostly unfamiliar, archival footage with recent recollections of Americans and some Vietnamese who saw the ‘last days’ firsthand. Walter Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle “Archived film of the final, chaotic push to clear the embassy compound by helicopter is as dramatic as any thriller, heightened by stories of bravery and risk.” Linda Barnard, Toronto Star Rory says the most exciting part of making 'Last Days of Vietnam' was “recounting the untold stories about Americans and Vietnamese who were on the ground, who went against U.S. policy and risked their lives to save Vietnamese.” She had difficulty getting some of the people in her film involved. “I think a lot of those folks suffered post-traumatic stress from that moment. Many of the people said it took them a week to recover from the interviews. I’ve gotten tons of emails from people in Vietnam who can’t see the film because it’s too traumatic for them.”

“It was very emotional,” Stuart Herrington says of watching the documentary. He was a U.S. Army captain who helped lead an unsanctioned operation to transport Vietnamese to an American air base, then onto American ships bound for the Philippines. “She took the sad and tragic events of the fall of Vietnam and managed to illuminate a series of uplifting events. I was very surprised and deeply moved.”

“Masterpiece” - The New Yorker “Astounding in its immediacy” - Variety On The Local’s ‘must see film list' 'Last Days’ had theatrical release starting in September, 2014 and a PBS broadcast February 5-7th. It can now be rented or purchased on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video (among others) or purchased at ShopPBS.org starting April 28th, 2015.

lastdaysinvietnam.com

Photo of Rory Kennedy by Lyndie Benson

ENTERTAINMENT

NEAL BRENNAN

Film and TV Writer/Executive Producer/Director/Creator Neal Brennan is a writer, director and comedian best known as the co-creator of “Chapelle’s Show”, for which he received 3 Emmy nominations. he co-wrote the film “half Baked, and directed the film “The Goods”, starring Jeremy Piven, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong and Will Ferrell. The podcast Neal co-hosts, “The Champs” is routinely on the Itunes charts and has been dowloaded over 2 million times and of this writing, Brennan has 250,000 followers on Twitter and has been named by Time Magazine and Rolling Stone, “One of the funniest people on Twitter”. He is currently developing a groundbreaking new half-hour show for himself to star in for the FOX Network and his first hour special (“Women and Black Dudes” ) just came out in January on Comedy Central.

Backstory: As a teenager, Neal Brennan was the doorman at my comedy club in Greenwich Village ( The Boston Comedy Club ) in New York City while his brother Kevin was performing there, along with his future friend and ground-breaking collaborator, Dave Chappelle.

BK: What happened in your life, and where were you, that made you think… “I want to be in this business?”

NB: I was always pretty funny as a kid.

BK: How many children are in your family?

NB: 10 kids…I’m the youngest of ten.

BK: I remember someone, was it Kevin (your brother who is a comedian)?…had a joke about how there were ten kids in the family, so for the oldest kid it was like, “Listen—be

home before supper!” By the tenth kid it was like, “Listen—don’t do heroin in the living room, do it in the bathroom.” Did anybody care about you by that point?

NB: That’s a whole other podcast…The thing is I grew up in the eighties, but I might as well have grown up in the forties, and my parents were born in 1930 and 1933 and my dad is one of thirteen Irish-Catholic alcoholic people…my mom kind of the same thing. So it was a pretty rough way to grow up.

BK: So you’re an adult child.

NB: I am an adult child.

BK: So…I don’t want to get too personal, but if you had to say…so your parents struggle with the disease— NB: —My mom didn’t struggle with alcoholism, but she’s married, you know it’s like all the co-dependency stuff.

BK: Got it. And out of the ten kids, how many struggle with it?

NB: You know what’s funny, none. I think we all learned a pretty valuable lesson about alcohol but— BK: –But you have the gene.

NB: We have the gene, but we also have sort of a built-in wrecking ball socially, interpersonally, and I think all of us have problems.

BK: I think I learned that for the first time when Kevin said the “C” word on stage at the Boston Comedy Club (in New York).

NB: He called someone a c*nt on stage at the Boston?

BK: Yes, that was the first time I learned there was something (there), but anyway… (growing up) did you use humor to stop

yourself from getting beaten up?

NB: No, the beating kind of stopped…it was always around, but I never got beat (up) very much. I think…we’re talking about alcoholism and roles. I was probably the mascot…and it’s a classic role. I always say, I was like the “rebel leader.”

Everyone knew I was kind of funny and smart, so it was a bit like “don’t touch Neal” kind of thing. My dad knew “I’m not going to f*ck with Neal. I’m a piece of shit, but I’m not going to take it out on Neal.”

BK: Now you said, “I don’t think you loved us.” When your dad said that, he was saying, “I never loved all ten children?”

NB: No, he didn’t loved any of us.

BK: When I hear that story, and I know you’re not intending it to mean it that way, it’s heartbreaking, because I have two

boys and I feel like I can never tell them I love them enough. I can’t tell them how proud I am (of them) enough. I feel like crying right now… but the reason why I’m not going to cry…is that you would never be as extraordinary an artist as you are right now, if that didn’t happen.

NB: I agree.

BK: Now, here’s an interesting question, if you had a choice to trade your career for knowing that your father loved youNB:—I’d take love…I really would. I would take love. Because I think if you’re a whole person—I don’t think I’m a whole person, that’s a big term, it’s a relative term, whole person or not—if you have love, if you feel complete, you don’t need this shit. You don’t chase it. I think you can have a great life and make $47,000 a year.

“...over $75,000 doesn’t make a difference to your mood.” -NEAL BRENNAN

BK: It’s proven.

NB: I’ll tell you what, you’ve seen the studies, 75K is the threshold, over $75,000 doesn’t make a difference to your mood.

BK: And we’ve seen that over and over.

NB: People (always) say money doesn’t make you happy, and every single American goes, “I’ll take my chances, let’s just see about that. I think I’m going to be the exception.”

BARRY KATZ is a theatrical comedy manager and tv/ film producer who lives in Malibu. His podcast, INDUSTRY STANDARD, takes you behind the curtain of the entertainment industry with a new episode every week, featuring inspirational interviews with some of the most powerful people in Hollywood. At the date of this article, the podcasts that Katz has appeared on have been down-loaded over 3 million times. ( You can reach Barry at barrykatz.com or on Twitter @barrykatz )

ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC,

MOVIES and

MALIBU

On a brilliant, gorgeous, sunny day we stopped by to have a chat with David Levy of Levy Entertainment Group and to tour his beautiful two acre ‘Studio Malibu’. Studio Malibu, with sweeping Billionaire’s Beach views, is a full-service audio/visual production company based in Malibu, CA. Word had come to us that there was a secret studio in Malibu where some amazing talent was recording and producing some incredible works. We were literally blown away by the audio production studio and the vintage recording gear he has - a 1959 Telefunken 251 Mic, one of the rarest in the world, valued of $30,000, is only one of the vintage components at the studio. The Studio, a little known secret, until now… has an equally impressive VIP client list - Nicki Minaj ,Britney Spears, Will.I.Am, James Cameron, Cindy Crawford, Ron Howard, Chris Hemsworth and more, have worked here and now we know why. The first album recorded here was Ke$ha’s ‘Warrior’ in July of 2012. Following this, the word got out and soon Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Imagine Dragons, and other followed. No need to wrestle traffic and drive into the big city when this gem of boutique studio exists right here within our 27 miles.

Spectacular views at Studio Malibu

David began his career composing music for television shows including CBS’s Entertainment Tonight’s coverage of the Emmys. A musician himself, he had a smaller recording studio in Hollyood before moving to the Malibu. David gave us a tour of the beautiful property and explained that the Studio hosts events, including VIP Concerts, Corporate Events and has live video streaming and radio broadcast capabilities having secured Malibu’s only ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connection. “Our focus is to inspire creativity and positivity” David mentioned to us and we stood overlooking the event area with its sweeping views out to the Malibu Pier. David works with corporate brands and not-for- profit groups including , Hershey’s, Honda, Universal, Warner Brothers, National Geographic, Pandora, and Toys for Tots. www.StudioMalibu.com www.LevyMusic.tv www.LevyEntertainment.tv Music Submissions: www.1-800-PLAY.com

From left to right, Tony Crowe (ADR Recordist) Chris Hemsworth (Talent) David Levy (Supervising Producer/ Studio Owner) Paul Carden (Supervising ADR a Editor).

Malibu Farm

Located at the historic Malibu Pier M, TU: 9-3:30 | W, TH, SU: 9-8:30 | FR, SA: 9-9 DINNER RESERVATIONS START AT 4:30

COASTAL CURATOR

CINDY WHITEHEAD KEEP HERMOSA HERMOSA What do you do next when you’ve grown up in the sleepy little town of Hermosa Beach, California, spending your days under the sun, skating backyard pools and skateparks up and down the coast, becoming one of the few female pro skateboarders in the 70’s, and have then gone on to a successful career as a fashion stylist to some of the biggest names in sports? If you’re Cindy Whitehead you start thinking of ways to fight to give girls exposure in action sports, and you start getting involved to help stop big oil right in your backyard.

Cindy doesn’t seem to sleep, we’ve seen her Instagram and it’s apparent she chooses to be living life rather than sleeping it away.

With the brand she created to empower girls of all ages, aptly named “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” she partnered with Dusters California to create a line of skateboards that give a portion of their proceeds to non-profits that help girls get started in action sports. Her newest collab with XS Helmets helps her create helmet awareness and gives girls a tough yet cool helmet option for biking and skateboarding, something she felt wasn’t in the market place as of yet. In her “spare” time she updates her website to show girls that there are rad girls just like them out there and to never give up their dreams.

But her newest battle is that of helping her friends and neighbors to fight to keep big oil out of her hometown of Hermosa Beach. With E&B wanting to set up a 34 well and gas-drilling site in the 1.4 square mile beach city, the effects on this small town, not to mention the whole Santa Monica Bay, would have a huge negative environmental impact.

March 3 is voting time and with only Hermosa residents allowed to vote it’s important that everyone do their part to spread the word.

With big oil’s deep pockets compared to the grass roots activism of the “Keep Hermosa Hermosa” group, Hermosa Residents have gotten creative in their ways to get their message out. Buy a billboard? Not necessary, when local resident Betsy Ryan generously allows her apartment building to be used as a “chalkboard billboard” known locally now as the 17th Street Mural House, for all those voting NO on “O”.

Well known Hermosa surfers, musicians, photographers, politicians, and now skateboarders like Cindy, have been invited to add a message of support and sign their names. On the left is a set of numbers in colored chalk that changes daily to remind people how many more days left to register and how many more until the vote. After toasting with her friends with a glass of coconut water Cindy climbed up two stories on a ladder to write “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” in bright pink chalk and her signature on the wall just below the second story windowsill.

It’s a reminder to all, that fighting one battle, let alone two, isn’t always easy, but sometimes protecting the places and helping the people you love is well worth the effort and lack of sleep.

Cindywhitehead.com Girlisnota4letterword.com

Photos by Ian Logan and Cindy Whitehead’s personal archives.

HERMOSA BEACH:

COASTAL CURATOR VENICE

JOE LE

‘IN VINO VERITAS’

( In wine there is truth ) Interview by Linda Atkinson MA, MBA Photos by Emily Goodman

From left to right Spring Mountain 1977 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1966 Bordeaux, The Maiden 1998 Napa Valley.

Joe Le began his career as a wine consultant in 1998, selling his first collection in 2000, with clients ranging from Athletes to CEOs, Rap Stars to Doctors. Le specializes in consulting for clients who are looking to add to or liquidate their collection. Joe Le has an established network which allows him to custom tailor collections to his clients needs.

L.A.: Please tell us more about what you do?

J.L.: I consult, appraise and help procure wine for and from private collectors, restaurants and estates.

L.A.: We are huge wine lovers here at The Local, let us know how you got started?

J.L.: During my summers in high school I remember watching a lot of soap operas, mainly “The Young and the Restless”. I was intrigued by the glamour; it was alluring

to see the men in their nice suits, beautiful women at their sides, enjoying dinners and wine. These images epitomized everything I wanted to be when I grew up. There was one bottle of champagne that kept showing up, the Perrier-Jouet “Belle Epoque”, which would become one of my favorite Champagnes. When I initially started drinking wine I found myself unimpressed and slightly disappointed. My lack of knowledge led me to believe that all wine was equal, and because of this my enthusiasm waned. It wasn’t until I was introduced to my first premium bottle, a 1993 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve, valued at $35 at the time, that my palate awakened.

There was no turning back from that moment, I had to have more.

L.A.: Was the 1993 BV was your ’turning point’?

J.L.: Yes, The BV left me feeling inspired again. While my friends were spending their time drinking and partying, I bought wine - about a bottle or two a week. I had

worked hard to acquire this wine, and realizing that my peers did not appreciate the wine for anything more than that of its ultimate affect, I hid them away. By hiding them and not drinking the wine, I was unknowingly starting my own collection. Over the next five years my collection grew to approximately 250 bottles.

L.A.: What is the 1993 BV worth today?

J.L.: Not as much as you would expect, it retails for about $90-100 in today’s retail market. Sadly, there are only a handful of California wines, mostly from Napa, that

command the collectibility and pricing of their French counterparts. Hopefully this will change in the near future as more collectors begin to taste what California has to offer and see for themselves and not so much on the ratings of others.

L.A.: From that collection what were some of your favorites? And more importantly how did you not drink them?

J.L.: My favorites from that collection were mostly French, Bordeaux and Burgundy to be exact. The gems of the time being my collection of 1982 Bordeaux which con-

sisted of all 5 First Growthbottles - Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Haut Brion, and Lafite Rothschild; along with the 1982 vintages of Chateau Ausone, Petrus, La Mission Haut Brion, and the extremely rare Le Pin. The only way to truly learn about wine is to drink it. When acquiring wine, I buy and/or trade for multiple bottles of the same wine. This allows me to drink one now, save one for later, and sell/trade the rest after they have matured and gone up in value.

COASTAL CURATOR

“Deceptively Good” -JOE LE, UPON TASTING HIS FIRST MALIBU WINE, VOGELZANG BIRDSONG SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 AT CORNELL WINERY IN MALIBU L.A.: And how then did you get into selling/consulting side of the business?

J.L.: When I took a job promotion that required me to relocate to another State, and have

me living out of a hotel for several months, I began to look into selling my collection. It was at this point that I learned more about my wine and its’ appreciation in value. My investment thus far was about $15,000, and when the collection finally sold, I made a $65,000 return.

L.A.: Wow! That is a handsome return. You must have an eye for value? How did you choose these wines?

J.L.: I didn’t have an eye for the Marquee bottles in the beginning. When I sold the first collection, I made it a point to learn and understand all the nuances of the wine trade, focusing on the wines that yielded the highest returns.

L.A.: So it makes sense that you would realize there is a huge opportunity here for yourself?

J.L: Yes, I began meeting more people in the wine business and building my network. I started facilitating and consulting and my client base began to grow.

L.A.: Sounds like you found your passion and made it a career? Do you enjoy it every day?

J.L.: My love of food and wine is unrivaled, and to be able to make a career out of it, truly is a blessing. Not only do I get to dine at some of the best restaurants in the world, I also get to drink wine that most only read about, but never get the chance to taste.

L.A.: One could say you are living the ‘soap opera’ life! What are your gems in your

collection now?

J.L.: I would say the 1879 and 1897 Chateau Ausone, and a DRC Romanee Conti dating back to 1937. Had you asked me a few years ago, I would have also included, the 1938 Jacob Vanderpoel Madeira - which I shared with friends in New Orleans.

L.A.: What is the most expensive wine you have procured?

J.L.: The most expensive bottle was a Chateau Margaux that was Estate bottled in a rare 2.2

JOE LE picks his top three favorite MALIBU AREA WINES

liter format - known as Marie-Jeanne - valued today at $50,000.

L.A.: The most memorable?

J.L.: Actually no, the most memorable bottle that I ever drank was a 1959 DRC Romanee

Conti - truly the wine of Kings! This bottle of Pinot Noir commanded your attention from the moment it was uncorked with a bouquet that filled the air with dry fig and dates. Guests dining three tables away could not help but stare as the nose of the wine made its way towards them. The wine was like a fine silk scarf lightly caressing the back of my throat. Though the bottle showed signs of age, it held up beautifully with a dinner of roasted monkfish in broth and baby root vegetables on that cool fall evening. I am forever haunted by that nose of porcini mushrooms, tobacco, spice and black cherries.

L.A.: Hello! I think I just went there with you! I love that wines can do that. What is the

secret to buying premium wines?

J.L.: The secret is to always know where the wine is coming from and where it has been, better known as it’s provenance. Just because a bottle is expensive doesn’t make it collectible.

You want the bottle to be as pristine as possible with little to no label damage and a nice fill into the neck of the bottle is preferred. Always buy from a reputable source. There are a lot of counterfeit bottles out there.

L.A.: Do you advise on storage and wine cellars as well?

J.L.: Yes I do, there is no point in having a collection of fine wine without the proper

facilities to store them in. You don’t leave your Ferrari out in the rain - nor should you expose your wine to those elements.

L.A.: Thank you Joe this has been most informative and tantalizing - shall we go grab a glass of something?

1. Vogelzang Birdsong Sauvignon Blanc 2013 - $25 - Beautiful aromatics consisting of dry fruit and a hint of honeysuckle; enjoy "al fresco" under the warm Southern California sun with just about any fish the Pacific has to offer. Limited production makes this bottle even more attractive.

2. Malibu Solstice 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 - This subtle fruit forward wine let's you know you're drinking a California Cab, with a bouquet of beautiful red fruit and a hint of licorice and spice to liven things up. Enjoy with your favorite steak, but it will also compliment a spice rubbed grilled salmon marvelously.

3. Moraga Estate 2008 Cabernet blend - $125 - For those cynics who did not think that Southern California could put out a premium bottle of wine, doubt no more. This opulent Bordeaux style blend offers a glorious nose of currant and blackberry jam, which melds beautifully with the subtle tobacco and floral notes. Enjoy now, but feel free to cellar this gem another 10 years as it will only get better with age.

jvlconsultant.com 832.727.3977

Available at Cornell Winery: 29975 Mulholland HWY, Agoura, CA. 818.735.3542

L.A.: What do you think it is about wine that we all love so much?

J.L.: Aside from the health benefits of having a glass of wine a day, it’s long been considered

an aphrodisiac. Wine enhances our meals like no other beverage. So much conversation can be shared over a glass of wine, it’s complexities and subtleties, the evolution in the glass as the air opens up the wine satisfying so many of your senses. This is what it’s all about for me– good food, good wine and great company!

L.A.: Have you heard the latin saying - “In Vino Veritas” meaning ‘in wine there is truth’?

What does this mean to you?

J.L.: I believe that wine puts us at ease, allowing us to be comfortable, which enables us to

speak freely without limitation. Wine tends embolden the individual.

STREET STYLE

PA PA R A Z Z I HIDE OUT HAUTE HOODIE STYLE

HOODIE

Born out of one celebrity’s inability to barricade his face under his hoodie from the unrelenting paparazzi ( American Sniper’s Bradley Cooper exiting from a workout class ), comes a stylish solution: The Paparazzi Hoodie Collection by Club MB. The brainchild of MB Regan (a classically trained dancer/SoulCycle Master Instructor) and Cheila Vilar ( former Wall Street Financial Researcher/full time DJ/Creative Director ) who joined forces to create the ultimate hoodie designed specifically with an extra large hood to outsmart overzealous lensmen. The collection’s first homage bows to the Djs, artists and nightclub personalities of the New York Dance Culture during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s - and lists the names of all the artists that helped to pioneer this movement. Freedom reigns, creativity explodes and music moves us - it was a time of celebration and connection. Club MB is an urban performance and post workout line. Fashion, music and fitness ignite in action for change in self and society. Telling stories and setting trends - Club MB speaks to the culture that wants to change the world. Made in the U.S.A therealclubmb.com

Top: The Clob MB Paparazzi Hoodie.

Above: Designer, dancer and master Soulcycle instructor MB Regan.

Designer Cheila Vilar, left sports the Paparazzi hoodie recently in Malibu. Above: The “A List” of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

It’s 8:30 a.m. and you’re fitting in a 45 minute workout session before the work day begins. Where do you go?

SOULCYCLE Malibu - where you are amongst friends old and new. In walks MB Regan, a master instructor with SOULCYCLE - a beaming face of light, determination and support. She greets you with her smile and an all encompassing hug. Then you hear the hypnotic baseline in the background and you know CLUB MB is about to begin.

You have started your day off right, AGAIN. ...Because how can you start off your day wrong with a bit of Mary J Blidge, Jay Z and Florence and the Machine dance remix?

Check out MB Regan’s class schedule at soul-cycle.com

Above: Malibu locals flocked to The Rock Your Hair Band ride led by instructor MB Regan.

MALIBU LOVES MB:

Master SOULCYCLE instructor MB REGAN

Lani Hicks: “MB’s Class has brought me back to life from stress and sadness.......Her energy and personality shine, and gives you an exeburant experience. Best work out!!! I look forward to a class with her once a week. Love her!”

Birungi Ives: “MB class, aka CLUB MB, is like being a VIP at the most exclusive dance club in town. It’s literally like a dance club on a bike!”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Three times a week is not enough for MB’s total body transformation sessions. Completely committed! -Cece Woods

Liane Weinraub: “Taking MB’s class is my favorite way to start the day. The experience is beyond “workout” and transcends spinning - her class is an affirmation. It’s a fun, sweaty ride on “a bike that goes nowhere”, but MB somehow makes it an unforgettable journey.

Tova Wintner Fagan: “Taking class with Mb is more than just a workout. It’s euphoric!”

PUBLISHERS IN YOUR POCKET THE NEXT GREAT PRACTICE IN CONTENT MARKETING AND BRAND STRATEGY

REDINKBRAND.COM 310.383.5534

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

90265 M

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LOCAL

FEATURE

R OY O R B I S O N

M A L I B U : THE SUNSET YEARS BY: MATT DIAMOND

With enviable success and having achieved legendary status, Roy Orbison went into 1985 with a particular grace which was his uniqueness; his style. On a hot Spring day, by the pool in Hendersonville Tennessee at his lake side house next door to his neighbor and long time family friend Johnny Cash, Roy was visited by his friend from England Jeff Lynn. Roy had been continuously writing on and off but had not written an album for 7 years. Jeff had come to the house to convince Roy to come to California to work on some new material and create something amazing.A few months passed and in the summer of 1985 Roy and his wife Barbara visited the well known song writer Jerry Williams at his Malibu home on Encinal Bluffs.After a week in Malibu, walking the beaches, hanging at The Colony Coffee Shop and experiencing classic Malibu, they like many who visit, fell in love with Malibu and impulsively bought a place at the Latigo Villas, which is now Tivolli Cove. During this time Roy Jr, Wesley and Alex, their three sons who were enjoying their Tennessee Summer, got a call from Roy and Barbara asking if they would like to come try living in Malibu. Without hesitation Roy Jr and Alex jumped at the opportunity while Wesley, the oldest, now 20, decided to stay behind.Alex, aka Orbi, recalls that by the second day in Malibu, Debra the clerk at Hughes market, now Ralphs, greeted the Orbison’s, took a look at Alex then Roy, and said “oh you must be Alex’s dad”. Roy had a chuckle while walking to the car repeating “Alex’s dad, I can get used to this”.

Next stop over to Cross Creek to give Old Malibu Joe some oranges. An avuncular fixture, Joe took the real estate tenet “the cheapest house in the best neighborhood” to heart. Perfected it as he assembled a series of cardboard appliance boxes in the brush adjacent to the Cross Creek parking lot and called it home. Joe had his own fan base which now included the Orbison’s who were fast becoming locals. Now that the boys were here they needed a bigger place and where else than The Colony. So they rented the Elkins/Stoker house, enrolled the the boys in school and it was official.With the Class of 1955 being produced by Dick Clark at Sun Studios in Memphis getting under way, Roy went back South. In a way it was a step backwards as Roy had just gotten a new publicist and was letting Hollywood and everyone else know he was in LA to collect songs and work on a new album. Roy wrapped up the Class of 55 project an ended the year by releasing a greatest hits album.

For Roy, the year of 86 was about collecting songs and working with writers like Bill Dees who Roy had written Pretty Woman with as well as getting the chance to enjoy Malibu. In Tennessee Roy and Johnny Cash were the big dogs and being that it was still a small town they stuck out like...Big Dogs.

The beauty of Malibu was that celebrity was not uncommon and people would let you do your thing unencumbered. On a typical day Roy could be seen diving on The PCH in his 66 big block red on black Corvette.

For Roy, moving to Malibu was important because of the creative circle which included Jerry Williams, Bill Dees, Will Jennings as well as Jeff Lynn who had been flying in periodically. And Tivoli Villas had been kept as a writing pad for the guys. Coming into 87 things started picking up and those in the creative world knew Roy was in town and working on an album. It didn’t hurt that Roy had just been inducted into the Rock n Roll hall of fame. Soon after, Jeff Lynn moved to LA to start work on Roy’s album. Jeff brought Tom Petty into the mix and they began collaborating on songs at Ocean Way Studios, Rumbo studios, as well as Mike Cambell’s house in The Valley.

THE SUNSET YEARS: Opposite page: Roy Orbison, Mystery Girl photo shoot. From the top: Roy in front of Rumbo studios in the valley with his 1967 tri-power big block Corvette. His other Corvette (the ‘66) would burn in the 1993 Malibu fire at Las Flores. Middle photo: The Traveling Wilburys, minus Bob Dylan who was on tour, recording on top of Mullholland near Hollywood. Bottom photo: The boys laying down vocals in the house on Mullholland circa 1988. Lt-Rt: George, Jeff, Tom, Roy, and Bob. - Photos courtesy of the Orbison family archives.

FEATURE Now that Roy was in LA he began mixing with the Hollywood scene which was great pre promotion for his forthcoming album. Roy also worked on the sound track for David Lynch’s film Less Than Zero with music producer Rick Rubin and Roy even sang the national anthem for Wayne Gretzky’s first game with The LA Kings. These were gigs that Roy definitely would not have gotten if he were still living in Tennessee. Roy understood the value of showing up at Hollywood functions and took full advantage of all opportunities as he was on a mission to create an amazing album and promote himself in a light that could propel him and the album successfully.

Adding to his cache”, Roy shot Roy Orbison and Friends a Black and White Night at the Coconut Grove” in vintage film noir style. Musical arrangements were provided

by T Bone Burnett which featured the best of Roy’s hits with Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, KD Lang and Bonnie Raitt, all admirers, all who had become friends.

In 88 the Jeff Lynn sessions went into full effect in Mike Cambell’s garage which became a home away from home for the guys to work on Mystery Girl,Roys final California inspired masterpiece. While tracking the song You Got It and California Blue, in the middle of the recording. In need of a single for his own album he convinced them to head over to Point Dume the next day to work on a song at Bob Dylan’s house. Thus the song Handle With Care was created which gave birth to the newly formed project The Traveling Wilburys. Granted the idea for this all star band had been previously discussed by George and Jeff in London at George’s over a few Coronas prior to the start of Mystery Girl yet the two of them were waiting for the right moment for it to happen organically. This was Malibu in the 80’s and this was how songs were written and bands were formed. Just another day in the neighborhood.

Roy’s album, Mystery Girl, was put on hold that summer to jump into writing and recording the magical, spontaneously formed Wilburys that featured Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynn, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison. Talk about a super group! George then talked everyone into going back to England to his estate Friar Park to finish the album.

At this time they were all simultaneously working on their own projects: Roy’s, Mystery Girl, Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever and The Traveling Wilburys. Not to mention they were all recording on each others albums as well as each continuing on their own tours. This was truly an amazingly creative time for all. Within three months they released the video for Handel With Care.

From here it was all about strategically trying to figure how to space the release of all these Jeff Lynn produced albums.

Touring for The Wilburys was discussed but Roy and the others thought it would be best to let it pass as they had multiple releases to promote including George’s Cloud 9, followed by The Wilburys, Roys Mystery Girl and Tom’s Full Moon Fever.

While Roy was in London he visited Bono at a U2 show and asked Bono if he had any songs for The Mystery Girl project and Bono showed Roy She’s a Mystery which became one of the last songs to make the album.When Roy returned to the states he grabbed Mike Gambell and went into Rumbo Studios to record Windsurfer written by Bill Dees and Carless Heart with Albert Hammond and Diane Warren. Next they recorded In The Real World with Will Jennings and Richard Kerr which also included Barbara and Roy Jr singing backups. Roy’s oldest son Wesley landed one of his own songs on the Album, The Only One. Bono came back to LA to produce She’s A Mystery To Me Which became the last track to be recorded. Up until this time Roy’s project had been called the New Album yet from that point on it became Mystery Girl. Roy would never see the release of the album as he passed away on December 6th of 88.Malibu was where Roy was destined to carry on the last leg of his life, work, love, family and friends. Malibu changed his life, inspired him and opened his eyes, heart and mind to the collaborative energy of the place and the people that called it home. It was in the stars, metaphorically, and perhaps in actuality. This was where he was meant to end up and what he was meant to do for the last chapter of his life.Roy Orbison not only was gifted with a supernally angelic voice but was considered by many as the most embraceable in the pantheon of music’s beloved artists. Malibu loved you, Roy; still does: was honored by your inclusion; still is. Your music touched us as you touched us. You will never be forgotten.

Royorbison.com

This was Malibu in the 80’s and this was how songs were written and bands were formed. Just another day in the neighborhood.

TOP PHOTO: The Orbison Family Christmas photo session 1987 at the Adamson House. Lt-Rt: Alex ( Orbi), Roy Jr., Roy, and Barbara.

Roy’s MIDDLE PHOTO: Hollywood Star ceremony 2011 ( his star is on Vine in front of Capitol Records Building.) Lt-Rt: Wesley, Alex ( Orbi), Barbara, and Roy Jr. BOTTOM PHOTO: The Mystery Girl Deluxe CD/DVD with a track featuring Roy’s sons playing behind the Latigo Villas demo of “ The Way is Love” co-written with Bill Dees. The DVD contains music videos and a documentary directed by Alex Orbi Orbison.

M

MALIBU DESIGN CENTER

LET US DESIGN, BUILD AND FURNISH YOUR HOME VISIT OUR DESIGN SHOWROOM AND OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES 25001 Pacific Coast Highway MALIBU, CA 90265 310-317-9922 malibumarketdesign.com

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OUR NEW LOCATION IN SUMMERLAND 2173 Ortega Hill Rd. Summerland, CA 93067

WELLNESS

H 2 O :OOOH WHAT A DILEMMA!

By Diana Nicholson

Water used to be free what happened? Is bottled water really pure, or pure hype?

Over half of all Americans (54%) drink bottled water. Our world is sustained by water, our body and planet depend on the quality of that water..

Let’s take a look at the cost; one bottle of water costs an average of $3 X 365 days a year = $1,095, and if you’re a family of four = $4,380 a year, x 10 years is $43,380 and that's if you only have one bottle a day (most people wil drink 2 or 3 a day). So, lets say for arguments sake 3 bottles of drinking water a day for a family of four over a 10 year period of time, you will have spent $131,400. Now add to that, if you own a home, a $200 a month water bill for ten years = $24,000, which brings us to a grand total of $155,400 spent on water for a typical family of four over a ten year period of time...Gasp! And we complain about the rising cost of a gallon of gas?

There has to be a more sustainable solution!

So what are the alternatives??

1) Tap Water -- which is EPA regulated -- undergoes testing for contaminants and is required to provide its source and produce quality reports. Bottled waters have standards which differ from those of tap water, however bottled water is stored in plastic and leads to a host of other problems. Most tap water is acidic and EPA standards are not likely high enough for optimal health.

Straight from the tap. Is it safe enough to drink?

Brita 2) Brita Classic Water Pitcher, Filter’s and Faucet Systems breaks down to approximately 19 cents a day. Better than tap water but probably not a strong enough of a filter for all the contaminants that are likely in our water. brita.com 3) Water Filtration systems- Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter Filtration System Well EQ-300. You can buy one of these systems at aquasana.com A step up from a Brita, but still just filtered tap water.

The best option by far…

4) Kangen Water System-A medical grade device that filters your water to remove contaminants and then electrolyzes it, or separates the ions by using a powerful electrical charge using 7 large medical grade titanium plates dipped in medical grade platinum. The water is alkaline, microclustered and infused with hydrogen ions, which makes it more hydrating, alkalizing, and really good at reversing all types of inflammation in the body. If you have any chronic issues like arthritis, gout, diabetes, high blood pressure…those conditions will reverse naturally while drinking this water. juicynaamalkalinewater.com In choosing the right type of water for you and your family, you want to aim for pH balance and may as well choose water that actually has the ability to reverse inflammation and chronic acidity due to stress, alcohol, meat and dairy consumption. The ideal PH of your water is determined by your diet, and having an ionizer at home allows you to choose the correct PH for you.Water is life!!! Drink Up! "Facts about Bottled Water" http://www.onlineeducation.net/bottled water. This link provides an analysis of costs, levels of consumption and other vital facts such as, recycling and waste... 40% of all bottled water comes from municipal sources (aka, tap water).Check out the link!

"Clean Water Action"... Still, for many of us tap water is not the preferred option. A MUST READ! https://secure2.convio.net/clcv/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&id=209&autologin=true&AddInterest=1062

DIANA NICHOLSON is a trained and certified Pilates coach providing a precise, concentrated Pilates program where offers Diana guides you through deep core strengthening and a repertoire of exercises, biomechanically correct, finding your weak links. This srategy strengthening the muscles around the moveable joints, with as much balance as is possible to achieve. Diana is also a trained Health Coach receiving her training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a cutting edge health coach training program. Her goal is to help you achieve optimal health and fitness and guide you toward a comprehensive holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle. Contact Diana for a private consultation. malibubeachpilates.com @malibubeachpilates

YEARNING FOR

YOGA & ADVENTURE? When 5 Point Yoga owner, Ted McDonald, started an adventure yoga retreats company 10 years ago, his goal was simple: to string together the two things he loved most: yoga and adventure. 10 years, 10 countries and a handful of US states later, Adventure Yoga Retreats is still going strong! Joining the leadership ranks a few years ago was none other than legendary fitness guru and creator of P90X, Tony Horton.

If you’re into P90X, yoga, adventure, skiing, boarding, mountain biking, trail running, meeting new people, and pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible, consider joining Ted and Tony on their latest trip to Mammoth Mountain this March 4th-8, 2015! Snow or shine, this trip is sure to please the adventurer in you. Sign up today at adventureyogaretreats.com

The Adventure Yoga Retreats heads to Mammoth Mountain March 4th-8th, 2015.

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FOOD

O S C A R PA RT Y

America’s Host Liza Utter prepares Academy Award worthy fare for the perfect Oscars viewing party.

FARRO RISOTTO WITH WILD MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS

RAW CACAO TRUFFLES

With it’s warm and creamy texture this dish is rich with flavor and comforting qualities. Using Farro {a whole grain packed with minerals and fiber} instead of rice makes for a heartier and healthier risotto with a subtle nutty taste. Combine this with the buttery mushrooms and crunchy asparagus and you’ve got the perfect partner for an Osso Bucco, roasted chicken, steamed lobster….or on it’s own, ladled into a bowl topped with a sprinkling of parmasean cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil. This risotto turns an average meal into a special occasion.

Above: Farro Risotto with Wild Asparagus and far right; Raw Cacao Truffles. Recipes are available at lizaamericashost.com

Left and above: ROSE COLOR GLASSES cocktail by TWIST YOUR SPIRITS. Twist Your Spirits, is a collection of artisanal cocktail kits designed to create the perfect cocktail at home or on the go.

We take classic cocktails to the next level. twistyourspirits.com

Ok chocolate lovers this is for you. Now you can finally have your way with truffles and not feel one bit guilty – which is how I like to roll, because there’s just no room for guilt when it comes to indulging your inner hedonist.

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Paint Wine n Dine recently held another succesful event at La Costa Beach Club with delicious food prepared by America’s Host, Liza Utter ( see recipes above ).

For more information on Paint, Wine ‘n Dine and their upcoming events, visit their website paintwinendine.com.

One of the paintings created for the Paint Wine ‘n’ Dine event.

Tova Wintner Fagan and Sarah Wintner of Paint Wine ‘n’ Dine.

Liza Utter greeting guests at the Paint Wine ‘n’ Dine.

PAULA MARCHETTI

HAIR Paula Marchetti H A I R delivers fresh new beauty trends that resonate the Malibu lifestyle 3900 Cross Creek Rd. (inside the Beauty Collection ) Malibu, CA. 90265 310-317-4247 A full service salon, specialzing in corrective color and styling

FUN

MALIBU DESIGN CENTER Now Open in Summerland

Malibu Design Center, considered “the best in building the ultimate Malibu beach house” has now opened their doors in Summerland giving the Santa Barbara/Montecito area access to the sought after Malibu aesthetic.

The showroom features design favorites such as GERVASONI, photography by David Ballem, home accesories line NUBA and a vast assortment of imported furnishings and textiles you can only find at Malibu Design Center.

MALIBU DESIGN CENTER SUMMERLAND

2173 Ortega Hill Rd. Summerland, CA 93067

Malibu Design Center offers everything you need to create your dream home “from the ground up”. From the top: custom furnishings in the Summerland showroom. Middle photo: Gervasoni sofa and imported Kantha Quilt pillows from India. Left; Photography by David Ballem.

Above: Blanket by Nuba Malibu

BOOK REVIEW:

WHEN ANGEL’S CRY Review by Linda Atkinson, MA, MBA

Valentine’s Day is fast upon us and all the talk at the "water cooler" is about the upcoming movie out this weekend- ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (starring Dakota Fanning and Jamie Dorman). The trailer itself has over 250 million views on You Tube, the book by E. L. James sold over 100 million editions and the film has brought $28.6M overseas in two days. Funny that its releasing Valentine’s Day - is it really romantic? Is it really about love?

For me the casting of twenty-somethings within such an adult content has me thinking it will miss the mark. To me this topic of erotism is best done in the ‘9 1/2 weeks’ tone with mature, evolved adults. Way sexier! By hey, that’s just me. This brings me to a great new novel I had the pleasure of reading this week ‘When Angels Cry” by Topanga Canyon local Jennifer Edwards.

Can a forty-five year old be sexy AND erotic? Hell yeah…. I say and so does Jennifer! In fact, I would argue even more so! I love Jennifer’s take on the erotic makes for a fuller read as she tantalizes us with erotic vignettes around a story. When I met Jennifer and why this subject, why this tone?

She replied to me that “I have always been a writer and I knew I wanted to write a novel. I wanted to write something sexy that I, myself, would want to read at the beach, relaxing and a little indulgent. This is the story that came through.” Maybe because Jennifer’s life story has been so full can she pull from this and write a novel with this light - but still has depth.

Jennifer’s family is Hollywood royalty but you won’t see this when you meet her you will see a beautiful woman, full of life, very open and approachable. Her father is Blake Edwards ( Academy Award director/writer/ producer) her mother, Patricia Walker, an actress and costume designer and her step mother is Dame Julie Andrews, Academy Award Winner and Hollywood Icon. Jennifer herself played “Heidi” in the television film in 1968.

'When Angels Cry’ follows bestselling author Sarah O’Malley as she tries to navigate her next moves. Will her next erotic, romance novel be another hit? At forty-five can sex, love and forgiveness coexist? Divorced, a mother of two and heading back to her childhood home to nurse her Alzheimer-stricken Mother she comes face-to-face with her past. She opens to this forgiveness and opens herself sexually as well. Secrets ensue... but we will allow you to find these out yourself. A good beach read, with vignettes of erotism, I will take 'When Angels Cry' over 'Fifty Shades of Grey’ any day and I will take it to the beach.

‘When Angels Cry’ A Novel by Jennifer Edwards Available at Bank of Books, Malibu, Amazon.com and other outlets.

Author Jennifer Edwards

Actress Tracey Bregman on her black Friesian, “Standing Ovation” and holding Labrador Duke on an SC-FOY leash at the Malibu Equestrian Center.

Samuel Foy’s tireless efforts to deliver exceptional craftsmanship to his clients left an indelible mark in the equestrian world, and we take pride in continuing that tradition by bringing a line of hand-crafted leather accessories you can share with your pets for a lifetime.

SC-FOY.com