all
Winter 2012
contents
20
on the cover
Photographed by: Louie Aguila Wardrobe: Indochino French Cuff Dress Shirt, Atlas Open Cufflinks in White Gold for Tiffany & Co., Feri Chain of Love Earrings
style 17
GPS yourself into a Stylish New Year
18
Cufflinks from Woolly Mammoth to Wrap Around
social 24 27
It's Award Season...Check Your Calendar It's ALL about the Moonshine
music 26
Saving Rock & Roll with Saint Motel
lifestyle
chopping wood 10
04 Winter 2012
29
Single Gent in the City: Tell about the Holidays with and without his kids
30 32 38 40
Taste, Smell to Touch... not your average Valentine's Gifts Native American...Nature...Sand & Sea "I'm not faking it" That's What they all Say Hot Rods, Beer and Earplugs is all you need!
bank 43
Last, but not least...Life Insurance
happy new year! from uG
Tap into your lovers taste, smell and touch this Valentine’s Day.
30 Editor in Chief Stacy Ellen Publisher uG Media Creative Director Michelle Willrich Art Director Jennifer Ortize Copy Editor Pippa Hinchley Contributing Writers Stacy Ellen Rib Hillis Pippa Hinchley Gale Singer Michelle Willrich Contributing Photographers Louie Aguila David Walden Contributing Hair & Makeup Kat Lieberkind Jose Monzon Leslie M Rodriguez Advertising ads@urbangentlemanmagazine.com 888-908-7619 uG Magazine published by www.issuu.com www.urbangentlemanmagazine.com Follow us on:
06 Winter 2012
CONTRIBUTORS
Stacy Ellen, Editor in Chief of Urban Gentleman Magazine is a former clothing designer and account executive for print publications. Most recently, Stacy has worked as a wardrobe stylist for several other lifestyle and fashion magazines, celebrity clients, and local clothing designers. As Editor in Chief of Urban Gentleman Magazine, Stacy uses her experience from the last decade in creating the most comprehensive, relevant fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment content for the magazine. Credits: Pasadena Magazine, South Bay Magazine, Ventura Blvd Magazine, Quatro Magazine, Tinsel Tokyo Magazine, American Gentleman Magazine, Daniel Bedingfield, Treva Etienne, Fashion Ezine Magazine, Italy, Nikola Bedingfield
08 Winter 2012
Jennifer Ortize, Art Director of Urban Gentleman Magazine, discovered her passion for art at a young age. She received her degree in graphic design and has launched her career as a freelance designer workiing with various clients.
Leslie M. Rodriguez specializes in the art of customizing makeup and hair to the individual’s needs. As a self-taught makeup artist, she began doing make up work for Diva Tu, a local women’s lifestyle magazine and is now the beauty editor for it. Leslie continues to pursue her education and has completed a professional makeup artistry course through TNT agency, as well as MAC pro workshops. Leslie’s area of expertise includes film, fashion, print, headshots, beauty, and bridal makeup. Credits: MTV, Nickelodeon, South bay Magazine, Ventura Boulevard Magazine, Diva Tu Magazine
Danish born Katrine Lieberkind discovered her passion for makeup at an early age. At 14 she began working in a store selling cosmetics and skincare. While earning a college degree in marketing Katrine got in touch with the fashion industry. She immediately launched her freelance career in Copenhagen working with designers, magazines, TV, film and music videos. Since her graduation from makeup at Joe Blasco’s makeup school in Hollywood for special effects Katrine has continuously been mentored by some of USA’s most renowned makeupartists. Most recent Katrine assisted on editorials for international magazines such as Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair. Credits: America’s Next Top Model, American Idols, Animal Planet, Bebe, Chase, Chevy, Christian Dior, Copenhagen Fashion Week, Cover Girl, David LaChapelle, E! Entertainment, Interscope, J.C. Penney, L’Oreal, Miami Fashion Week, Motorola, Nordstrom, Pac Sun, Samsung, SKYY Vodka, Sony Music, Victoria’s Secret, Wella. As well as music videos for talents including Lady Gaga, Pink, Keri Hilson, Kylie Minogue, Justin Bieber and Jenifer Lopez.
u r b a n
g e n t l e m a n
A women’s perspective
A MAN
AMONG
MEN
From primal being to CIVILIZED GENT...The needs of PRIMAL man can never be
banished. But basic necessities transcend into life’s greatest pleasures through the
REFINED EYE of today’s Urban Gentleman. The truly civilized gent is in touch with his feelings but not afraid to be a MAN’S MAN - and that makes him every woman’s FANTASY. uG goes into the wild and establishes the rugged Brute as the latest TRENDSETTER of sophisticated STYLE. Earth, Air, Fire and Water - CUFF LINKS, today’s gentleman is well accessorized and truly understands the fundamental ELEMENTS of DESIGN. The primitive ART of making MOONSHINE emerges from the distilleries of darkness into the limelight of the au courant LIBATION. From the moment man struck two rocks to make a spark, he discovered the fun in PLAYING with FIRE. Primal
BEAUTY and lusty lingerie HEAT things up in the midst of WINTER. But it takes
more than just Sex appeal to ENAMOR the truly seasoned man. Funny, flirtatious, feminine and the COMTEMPORARY GENTLEMAN’S ultimate fantasy,
CHARLENE AMOIA is as sweet as AMERICAN Pie. And ROMANCE is not dead...it’s just gone to the senses. Staying true to ONESELF - cultivating those primal instincts into SOPHISTICATED
STYLE - that is today’s Urban Gentleman.
Winter 2012
09
style
CABINMAN INTO THE WILD, BUT NEVER AWAY FROM THE URBAN GENT.
10 Winter 2012
EARTHAIRFIREWATER Photographer Louie Aguila Creative Director Michelle Willrich Wardrobe Stylist Stacy Ellen Hair & Makeup Kat Lieberkind Model Tommy Mountain Location Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa (www.laresort.com) On Content Page 4 Moods of Norway Sweater, Vest and Moon Boots Victorinox Plaid Shirt Ben Sherman Wobble Crotch Dark Denim Jeans Stylist's own Vintage Axe
Winter 2012
11
EARTH Morgenthal Frederic Sunglasses @ OPTICA Topanga Mall Canoga Park, CA 818.313.9700 Moods of Norway Jim Parka s/s 2012 and Vest Victorinox Bottle Green Jacket and Indigo Shirt, Ben Sherman Ironstone Corduroys Snowman: Moods of Norway Vest, Morgenthal Frederic Sunglasses
style
12 Winter 2012
AIR Morgenthal Frederic Sunglasses, Victorinox Coast Yellow Jacket, Moods of Norway Plaid Shirt
13
Winter 2012
FIRE
Victorinox Indigo Shirt, Ben Sherman Vienna Blue Marl Sweater, Moods of Norway Plaid Pants and Wool Sox, Stylist's own Vintage Moonshine Jug
style
14 Winter 2012
WATER Moods of Norway fur hat, Stylist's own Vintage Corn Pipe and Wooden Bucket
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Winter 2012
Everything You Need To Keep Your Ears Toasty And GPS Yourself To Your Favorite Ski Lodge For A Hot Toddy.
GPS
style
YOURSELF TO A
WARM UP OR GET IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, WITH THESE WINTER ACCESSORIES. BY STACY ELLEN
1 2
3 1 2 3 4
4 Are you the kind of outdoorsman that doesn’t stay on the beaten path? Then these Zeal Optics SPPX Transcend GPS Enabled Snow Goggles with Spherical Polarized and Photochromic Lens are exactly what you need to get yourself back to civilization. Check them out at www.backcountry.com. Heat yourself up at the same time you charge your iPhone! What’s next? Completely living off the grid. With the economy the way it’s been the last few years, this might just be the way to go. Mountain Hardware coats are one brand that this heating element fits into and will keep you warm for up to eight hours while charging an iPod or mobile phone at the same time. www.mountainhardware.com The urban gent is always looking for a stylish way to keep warm in the winter, and with these Bottega Veneta Nero Nappa Gloves you will do both. These soft and warm nappa gloves have an elegant intrecciato cuff. www.bottegaveneta.com From the Dandy of yesteryear to the gentleman of today, this hat will make a statement, and keep your ears warm, all at the same time. City Sport Caps Wool Cashmere Earflap Ivy Cap can be purchased at www.villagehatshop.com.
Winter 2012
17
style
Woolly Mammoth definitely comes to mind when I think of cufflinks, NOT. But Sticks & Stones has transcended the prehistoric age into the modern age with cufflinks made from woolly mammoth ivory. These Blue Mammoth Ivory with White Sapphire come in either bronze (seen here) or sterling silver. Can be purchased at www.yeahwewood.com
INNOVATIVE
CUFFLINKS
Black Leather Wrap Around Cufflinks are definitely a conversation piece and can be purchased at www.cufflinks-for-him.com
The first version of the cufflink appeared in the early 16th century, on shirts with ruffled wristbands that were made with small openings on either side that tied together with "cuff strings." Cuff strings would remain popular well into the nineteenth century, but
Wrap Around Cufflinks - Rose Gold Black is so sharp and classy with an ultramodern edge. Can be purchased at www.cuff-daddy.com
during the reign of Louis XIV shirt sleeves started to be fastened with boutons de manchette, or "sleeve buttons," typically, identical pairs of colored glass buttons joined together by a short, linked chain. By the early 1700’s, simple, paste-glass buttons had given way to pairs of two, decoratively painted or jeweled studs, typically diamonds, connected by ornate gold links, hence the name cuff "link" was
Babette Wasserman -Silk Stitch Wrap Around Cufflinks have a black face and feature four small black Swarovski crystals, set within a sterling silver plated frame and backing. Can be purchased at www.cuffart.com
born. My latest obsession is with the wrap around cufflinks. I highlighted a brand called Elvis & Kresse in the Sept/Oct issue of uG magazine. Here are my latest picks:
18 Winter 2012
Customize your cuffs or create a special gift with the completely customized cufflinks from White Truffle. Initial ‘type writer key’ inspired cufflinks, made of antique brass, are a perfect gift for the groom and groomsmen on a wedding day or for Father’s day. Can be purchased at www.etsy.com/shop/whitetruffle
movies
charlene amoia story by pippa hinchley photographed by louie aguila creative direction by michelle willrich wardrobe styling by stacy ellen hair & make up artisty by jose monzon
With effervescent charm, quick-witted timing and a smile that could last for days, Charlene Amoia has recently become one of the hottest new faces on television. Co-starring opposite Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segal as the unforgettable waitress, Wendy, in the Emmy Award-winning CBS series How I Met Your Mother, and with a soon-to-be-released movie – the sky’s the limit for this down to earth, uber talented and super smart actress. American Pie – Reunion is out in April 2012 – when we expect Charlene will also take over the world.
20 Winter 2012
The Woods 1533 North La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, Ca www.vintagebargroup.com Julia Clancey Off White Dress Tom Ford Glasses @ Optica Topanga Mall Canoga Park, Ca 818.313.9700 Beaded Necklace In Amazonite With Sterling Silver Clasp By Paloma Picasso For Tiffany & Co. Yvette Hayes Ball Earrings & Bracelets
Winter 2012
21
social
05 FEB
15 JAN
69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS Stars collide as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association celebrates achievements in both film and television. Dinner and drinks are served during the ceremony so, in this case, the longer the show, the more entertaining the acceptance speeches.
5TH- GOLDEN RASPBERRY AWARDS Named as “The foremost authority on all things that suck on the big screen”, The Golden Raspberry Awards are a jab at the giant ego that is Hollywood... all in good fun of course. Celebrities with a sense of humor will even show up to accept their worst performance awards. Last year good-sport Sandra Bullock accepted her Razzie for All About Steve the night before winning her best actress Oscar for The Blind Side.
12 FEB
BY MICHELLE WILLRICH
26 FEB
12TH BAFTA AWARD The British Academy of Film and Television Arts develops and promotes the art of the moving image and they have now extended their awards to include not only film and television but also video games and interactive media. In other words, it’s the Brits picks for Best in Show.
24 Winter 2012
GRAMMY AWARDS Far less formal than their film counterparts, musicians show up dressed to the nines rock-star style. This show is most likely to have a best performance before anyone ever steps on stage. In 2007, OK Go dressed to match the carpet and last year Lady Gaga showed up in an egg before being ‘birthed’ on stage. Oh yeah, and there is some pretty good music too. Best bets for big winners? Adele and Foo Fighters, in our humble opinion.
12 FEB
84TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS It’s Hollywood’s biggest night and A-List celebrities are on their best behavior… at least during the show, but after it is time to celebrate. Our suggestion for the afterparty agenda is to start the evening at the Governor’s Ball, then head over to the Vanity Fair party and if you are lucky enough to get an invite, head over to Teddy’s to party like it’s Oscar Night with rock and roll royalty, Prince.
music
l e t o s a i n tG m ROCK&ROLL
SAVIN
one song at a t
ime
by Michelle Willrich
Saint Motel is a busy band. The indie-rockers spent last summer opening for Nico Vega and Band of Skulls as well as co-headlining a tour of the western US. They recently hosted a launch party for the release of their 7” vinyl and their latest single, ‘At Least I Have Nothing’, received rave reviews. Rolling Stone Magazine called the song “anthemic” and their music has been labeled as “hard pop”, “infectious tunes” and a “breezily carefree musical trip that races along at 100 mph”. Quite a splash for the L.A. -based band that still remains unsigned. Members A/J Jackson Jr., Dak, Asharp and Greg Erwin are determined to keep creative control of their music. uG caught up with drummer, Greg Erwin, who gave some insight to the pros and cons of being a successful band without backing. For the record, the band remains unsigned by choice. They have passed on multiple offers from well-known record labels. SM- At first it’s exciting then you realize what they are trying to get from you and at what cost. If you are going to sign your life away then it better be worth it. uG - Instead of jumping at the first big offer, the band’s strategy has been to self-release their songs and so far it seems to be working. SM-We are doing more and have a lot more going on than a lot of signed bands and we are getting radio-play in different cities. When someone along the way tells you that your song is “whatever” and then it launches on Rolling Stone and gets rave reviews, and people respect and love it as much as you do, it is nice to feel that you stayed true to what you wanted. uG - Unfortunately, while releasing music is more accessible in the digital age, the goal of playing bigger venues remains elusive. SM-A lot of artists are paying to get on tours, which requires the support of a label. We are trying to forge relationships to make it happen but we just don’t have them yet. uG - Frustrating for a band that shines most brightly playing live on-stage. While hard to define, their sound blends the fun of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros with the talent and intensity of Foo Fighters. Their shows have a kitschy feel but at the heart of it all, they are four really talented dudes playing damn good rock and roll. SM-There is nothing like getting on a stage, any stage, anywhere, and doing what we are good at. We have proven to ourselves and to music fans that we can write good songs but now we need the reach. We’ve played to crowds of 3000-5000 people and we walk off the stage and think “fuck yeah, that is what we are supposed to be doing”. uG - Hopefully they will get the chance to prove to the world they are the real deal. You have to respect a band that refuses to sell their souls for success and because of this they just might single-handedly save rock and roll… one song at a time.
26 Winter 2012
social
moonshine
By Stacy Ellen It’s NOT prohibition anymore Thank GOD. When I think of Moonshine, I think back woods, cabin and a barrel of homebrews finest. Moonshine grew out of the prohibition era, when liquor was illegal in the United States of America. Ironically this was around the same time in America as the GREAT depression. As in true history, if you do not learn from your mistakes you are domed to repeat, our current global economy mirrors a GREAT depression but at least there is no global probation in sight. Now 75+ years after prohibition was abolished, a spirits company called “Moonshine” is born. The Original “Moonshine” Clear Corn Whiskey was created by international French-trained Chef and renowned BBQ restaurateur Adam Perry Lang who first experienced moonshine six years ago at a barbecue competition in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2010 “Moonshine” was introduced to the market place. “Having always been a whiskey drinker, Adam’s interest was immediately peaked once he tried the handcrafted authentic spirit from a mason jar. He realized that moonshine had great possibilities and was something that he thought he could help perfect. So Adam decided he would craft his own proprietary recipe for an irreverent spirit that could be sipped neat or mixed and he knew it could be paired well with just about everything.” The Taste
At 80 proof, the all-natural, small batch gluten-free proprietary recipe is charcoal-filtered for the highest purity, quality and taste. Offering a truly versatile tasting experience, The Original MOONSHINE is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The whiskey has a smooth, mellow taste, with a mild, warm sweetness of unrefined raw sugar, retaining the richness from freshly picked corn.The tempered finish is clean, pleasant and void of impurities with a diffused, balanced lingering of warmth. The clear corn whiskey handcrafted from 100 percent estate-grown corn and distilled four times in Chuck’s famous Prohibition-era copper pot still, is made on 124 acres in Culpeper,Virginia in the same authentic tradition that moonshine has been made for hundreds of years. (Description directly from Stillhouse marketing material)
Winter 2012
27
lifestyle Single Gent in the City
a continuing series about being a single father, the challenges and triumphs by Rib Hills
HOMEHOLIDAYS... FOR THE
OR NOT!!!
The holiday season can be challenging in the best scenarios: the insanity of trying to find that perfect gift and guilt, if unsuccessful; family gatherings fueled by too much eggnog that ultimately end up more like a UFC match than festive merriment; the travel; the over eating and more. But it proves to be extra hard for single parents: trying to manage all of the above while either caring for the children alone or trying to share time with their other parent. I am from the East coast, Boston to be exact, and my ex-wife is from So Cal, where we currently live. This was a wonderful situation when we were a happy family; the kids looked forward to the snow and a white Christmas every year as a break from sunny southern California. But when we divorced, the juxtaposition of Boston to So Cal proved to be a challenge to maintaining civil, and ultimately fun, holidays for the kids. I am very fortunate to have a great and loving relationship with my ex, and this helps out immensely during the holiday season. I think one of the reasons we are able to make it work is because we have always put the kids’ happiness first. We make a concerted and open effort to remove our own egos, or wants, from the equation and work together to have our kids’ desires met. This year the kids spent Thanksgiving with their mom and got to come back to Boston with me for Christmas. For me Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday, combining all the best of the other holidays, without the negative. It’s all about food, family, and football…without the pressure and commercialism of Christmas. Rather than getting bummed out that I wasn’t going to share my favorite day of the year with my twins (I did bake an amazing apple and pumpkin pie with them the day before – yummy!!!), I took the opportunity to enjoy adult time with my friends. And I know that my ex quietly enjoyed the ability to sleep in on Christmas morning, while I was up at the crack of dawn, bleary eyed, watching the chaos of opening presents. The holidays can be tough, and even tougher for single parents, but there are hidden opportunities to work together and enjoy the time, both with and without your kids. After all, what it all comes down to is: are the kids are happy? Right?
Winter 2012
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lifestyle
not your average VALENTINE’S GIFTS
DON’T BE THE AVERAGE “JOE” WITH CHOCOLATES AND FLOWERS FOR YOUR VALENTINE. THE URBAN GENT ALWAYS THINKS OUT OF THE CANDY BOX AND HERE ARE SOME GREAT IDEAS TO WOO YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE. TAP INTO YOUR LOVER’S SENSES FROM TASTE, SMELL TO TOUCH. BY STACY ELLEN
NibNobs Sweet Co serves up the most yummy and unique version of the chocolate covered strawberry. A chocolate coating hides seductive strawberry flavors, along with sweet frosting and strawberry preserves. The nib nobs are one perfect little bite of cake covered in just the right amount of frosting and sprinkles or other wonderful decoration. For a special occasion, or everyday treat, check out www.nibnobs.com
Le Labo Grasse - New York is all about making the perfect custom scent for your special someone - or for yourself. Whether you’re in London, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago or Miami, Le Labo makes an exclusive scent just for these cities. For your lady, my favorite is JASMIN 17 which not only comes in perfume, but also lotion, massage oil and perfuming balm. For you, try the ROSE 31, yes, roses for men with rose as the Centifolia and spicy, woody notes such as cumin, olbanum, cedar and a touch of amber…this is a great addition to your cologne collection. Visit a Le Labo near you www.lelabofrangrances.com
Le Petite Retreat Day Spa serves up an amazing Couples Champagne Bath for Two. Luxuriate in our bubbling Coppertub surrounded by a canopy of flickering candlelight, as you and your soul mate sip champagne in Zen elegance (or request sparkling non-alcohol). To make your romantic reservation check out www.lprdayspa.com
30 Winter 2012
I
was at a restaurant recently with some friends when two guys that I had noticed staring at me for quite a while started walking towards the table my friends and I were seated at. They both had this hesitation on their faces that I had seen many times before, the should-we-or-should-wenot-ask-her look. Guy #1: “Hi, you’re Christine Nguyen, right?” I usually just nod my head “yes”. “Oh cool! We love your movies….big fans!” Me: “Oh thanks! I appreciate the support!” Guy #2: “I bet you probably get asked this all the time, but I’ve always wondered, is it real?” This scenario happens to me all the time and those are usually the exact words that are exchanged whether it be in person, when I’m out and about, in an interview, or on a social media networking arena. So, for the umpteenth, millionth time, let me address this curiosity that burns in the nether regions of legions of late-night cable viewers. Me: (chuckle) “No, it’s all acting.” Guy #1: “Wow, it looks so real! Are you serious? It’s ALL fake? But it looks so real!” I find it quite interesting that no matter how many times I have answered this question, especially since it is usually prefaced with: “I know you probably get asked this all the time, but I just have to make sure for myself…”, people still want me to personally assure them. Or do they? Personally, I think that no matter what I say, people want to walk away with their beliefs intact. In other words, they want to believe it is real. In fact, I should want them to believe it’s real, every actor does. That’s why we do what we do! You see, I’m an actress… nothing shocking here, it is Los Angeles. However, I’ve become quite known for doing a certain genre of film and TV called softcore, also known as adult, erotic comedy, or as Ryan Reynolds’ actor character in The Changeup referred to it, lorno (light porno). Now that actually elicited a laugh out of me. For those of you who are not familiar with this type of entertainment, these are movies or TV series with light-hearted, campy plots that are basically written to get the action moving from one love scene to the next. Because many of the films and TV shows people have seen me in have quite a few love scenes, and because these scenes are played out from beginning to end, i.e., from the first kiss to the big “O”, I am mistakenly referred to as a porn star all the time and with that comes all the other big misconceptions about my life. First and foremost, I am not a porn star. In porn, the sex is real. The individuals you see onscreen are actually having sex. To be blunt, there is penetration. In softcore, we are acting. In fact, even though we look like we are butt-naked, the actors’ private parts never really touch because the male wears a covering that we call a “sock” over his unit and the female wears what we call a “patch” over her birdie. This is to prevent the actors’ skins from ever making direct contact, which usually prevents them from accidentally getting aroused during a love scene. Now if you noticed, I used the words “unit” and “birdie”.
That’s because I’m actually quite shy when it comes to talking about sex in real life. Contrary to what people might like to believe, I don’t walk around town in 8-inch Lucite stripper heals, fishnets and spray on dresses, nor do I have sex with multiple partners. The image versus the reality is night and day with me. I wear jeans, a hoodie, a ballcap and Chucks out for Taco Tuesday just like everybody else. This isn’t to say I don’t go out and have a good time, it just means my good times are not always, sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. A movie or concert will suffice. Now why would I take on such sexy roles when my father has never touched me and when I come from a family where my parents are still happily-married and have been for over twenty years? The answer is simple, I am a working actress and these are the roles that have been offered to me and I like to work as much as I can. Speaking of parents, people often wonder what my parents think of the softcore projects that I do. I used to wonder that myself. Believe me, every time my mother would call and leave a message for me to call her back, I would always think, yep, they just found out and I am going to get an earful. Well, I wonder no more. About 2 years ago, my mother called and told me my father was having a hard time sleeping one night so he stayed up late watching TV, and lo and behold, what did he see but me kissing and getting it on with another girl. She then proceeded to want to know my sexual orientation. I told her that no, I hadn’t jumped the fence, and that, yes, I still preferred men. (And for those of you about to ask, no, not many men, just one at a time. I love monogamy.) She then wanted to make sure that the sex was not real. I assured her, just as I do everyone else, that it wasn’t and that I was just acting. Then she wanted to make sure that I wasn’t doing it just for the money. I explained to her that no, it wasn’t just for the money, but also for the experience. Because I have been given the chance to work on so many of these types of movies, I have been able to learn much about the movie industry and also about what it takes to be a good actor, usually through trial and error. These films have let me cut my teeth in the entertainment industry and I will be forever grateful because I got to learn while doing. Much better than sitting at home or in class reading or “practicing” acting. Overall the conversation with my parents was anticlimactic. There was no name-calling and no nastiness. My parents just wanted to make sure that I knew what I was doing and that there was an overall goal for what my plans were in Hollywood. They didn’t have a problem with me for what I was doing because they knew what I do onscreen does not necessarily correlate to the person I am off. Guy #2: “Well, thanks for taking a picture with us. You’re really down-to-earth and cool. We hope you make it big one day!” And, at the end of the day, that’s exactly what I am, just a normal, down-to-earth girl who happens to work in the world of make-believe, aka, Hollywood. - Christine Nguyen
Winter 2012
39
lifestyle
A DAY AT THE RACES
BY STACY ELLEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALAN CLIFT
I was a virgin to the Hot Rod drag racing scene… until I went to the NHRA (National Hot Rod association) Finals in November of 2011. One could argue that drag racing was born in Goltry, Oklahoma, in 1913, with the birth of Wally Parks, who, nearly four decades later, would found drag racing's most successful and influential sanctioning body. The NHRA. Parks' family moved to California in the early 1920s and Parks had an early interest in cars. He attended his first dry lake speed trials event in the 1930s, which whetted his fascination for performance. In 1937, Parks, a military tank test-driver for General Motors who served in the army in the South Pacific in World War II, was one of the founders of the Road Runners Club. In 1947 Parks helped organize the Southern California Timing Association and later became its general manager. The first SCTA "Speed Week," held at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in 1949, was the result of a diligent effort by Parks, then its executive secretary. It was here that racers first began running "against the clock" - actually, a stopwatch - coaxing their vehicles to accelerate quicker, rather than simply to attain high top speeds. Parker became the Editor of “Hot Rod” magazine and had the influence to help to institute safety rules and performance standards that helped legitimize the sport. More than 4 decades later, the NHRA is the leader in the sport of drag racing. I began my ‘de-flowering’ by getting right into the racing pit. As you do. The great thing about the NHRA is every ticket allows you access into the pit.
40 Winter 2012
There you can see these huge, steaming beasts up close and personal. And that’s just the drivers. Knowing really nothing about drag racing, it was fantastic to see all that goes into creating and maintaining these amazing bodies… I mean machines. One of my focuses for the day was to interview a few female racers for a feature uG magazine will publish in the July/August 2012 issue. Honest. They too, were hot and raring to go. Frankly, between the guys, the girls and the engines, I really had no idea where to look first. They were all gorgeous. After that, it was off to experience THE RACE. As a nervous newcomer to the event, I had no idea how LOUD the racing would be. Fortunately my photographer brought ear plugs for us, so we could enjoy normal communication afterwards. The heat was ON - as soon as the first Hod Rod hit the track! The adrenaline was pumping as these powerful engines revved up and got ready to go. There is no clear indication of when each of the drag races will start, but when it does you have about 0.36 seconds to take it in and witness these awesome pieces of mechanical engineering scream by at an average of 320 MPH. Believe me – I was all hot and bothered in an instant. The NHRA has more than 20 categories of competition, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, so there are plenty of different types of racing to experience. For full season results check out www.nhra.com and look out for our Female Athletes feature in 2012.
Sophi s t i cat edSt y l e Ref i nedT as t e ur ba nge nt l e ma nma ga z i ne . c om
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CHARITY CAN BEGIN WITH THE GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE Even in a tough economic environment, with a little foresight and creativity, there are many ways you can support worthwhile endeavors and gain satisfaction knowing you’ll be able to contribute for the long term. Regardless of your income level, you can continue to support your favorite philanthropic organizations by donating through life insurance. When you name your chosen charity as the beneficiary of your policy,1 you are contributing to a worthy cause and can benefit from potential tax deductions. There are several methods of gifting life insurance as a charitable donation: • Designate a charity as owner and beneficiary. This benefits the charity and gives the donor a bonus in the form of income tax benefits. Premiums on such a policy are deductible to taxpayers who itemize their deductions. Consult a tax professional for details. • Designate charity as beneficiary. As policyowner, you retain the right to make changes to the policy including changing the beneficiary. While premium payments are not tax deductible, upon the donor’s death, the estate receives a charitable estate tax deduction for the proceeds, as allowed by law. • Donate an existing policy. If you own a policy with coverage that is no longer needed, you may consider donating it to a charity. The donor could irrevocably assign or transfer the policy to a charity as owner and beneficiary. This gift is generally not subject to gift tax, and, in most cases, may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction. • Create a charitable remainder trust. This is a complex planning option for donors with unproductive appreciated assets, such as real estate. This transaction can be structured to benefit the donor, heirs and charity. Consult an attorney or accountant for advice. This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by (Gale Singer). For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact (Gale Singer) at (818-577-7411) or gmsinger@ft.newyorklife.com. Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions. Gale Singer, CA Ins. Lic. # 0H30904 New York Life Insurance Company Must be a qualified charity. New York Life does not provide tax advice. For tax advice specific to your situation, please contact your professional tax advisor. Also, state laws vary with respect to charities and insurance. Consult your legal advisor for details.
Peace of mind is as close as the nearest New York Life agent. © 2011 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 | SMRU 00446565CV (Exp. 05/17/13)
Winter 2012
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