(Long Island, N.Y.) Long Island Pulse Magazine held its kick-off event for its May 2010 Health, Wellness and Fitness issue at the recently opened Two Steak & Sushi Den Restaurant in New Hyde Park, Long Island. The evening, hosted by Publisher Nada Marjanovich, brought together some of Long Island’s most prominent society members along with those from the world of entertainment, publishing, fashion, and media.

Glamorous Nada Marjanovich, Publisher and Editor of Long Island Pulse Magazine (www.lipulse.com) established the publication in 2005. Nada’s passion for writing began in her childhood writing poetry and fiction.

LI Pulse features art, entertainment, fashion, dining, business and lifestyles on Long Island. At the event, I had the pleasure of interviewing LPN, Certified Laser Technician and Medical Consultant Camille Morrison.

Ms. Morrison holds a B.S. in Health Science & Community Health Education from Hunter College, New York City. Camille has worked extensively in the division of Women’s Health for over 20 years. Camille is currently working as the director of business development and marketing for Vita Ageless Medical Aesthetics in Roslyn, NY. As owner, she tirelessly works as a full-service business consultant for her company, CM Consulting. Her firm enables healthcare professionals to succeed in developing state-of-the-art, profitable medical spas and wellness centers. She works endlessly with health care practioners bringing a business component to their medical practices. Her aesthetic and medical spa background spans over eight years of medical spa business including training, education, marketing, and increasing revenue through sales management. Ms. Morrison has been a guest lecturer and educator for many companies throughout New York, and her passion is striving to stay informed about all new developments in the field of aesthetics, health, fitness and wellness. During our interview she expressed, “I pretty much educate and help empower women in the Medical Spa Industry about looking and feeling their best.”

To learn more about Camille Morrison please visit www.lipromotiongroup.com

I also had a chance to interview one of the most influential women on Long Island, Location Scout Debbie Regan.

Debbie Regan has been involved in the film and print industries for over seventeen years. Her company, Debbie Regan Locations, scouts out 3,000 premier locations for Film, Photo, TV, Video, Webisodes, Print, and Events on Long Island from Westbury to the Hamptons. Debbie Regan’s roster of clients include film stars such as Robert DiNiro, Woody Allen and Jeff Bridges to musical chart entertainers Ashanti and Busta Rhymes to blue chip firms like Dell Computers and Budweiser.

For the past five years her company has flourished significantly. “My business has grown by leaps and bounds,” confessed Debbie.

Her residential locations for film include historical Victorian mansions to regular, middle class, neighborhood houses. “It all started when I gave my husband an aerial photograph of our home as a gift,” revealed Debbie. During our interview she chatted about her latest project shooting the film “The Oranges” directed by Julian Farino, which is being shot in her Old Westbury one hundred year old house. Known as the “Mansion Lady,” Debbie goes on to say that “Her house was just perfect for the shoot.” After buying her own historical home a photographer informed her that her house would be an ideal location for filming movies and commercial print ads for bridal magazines. “The photographer was curious if I had a friend with a different style house for her to use as a setting on a shoot,” Debbie revealed. She decided to start a business connecting old acquaintances with the movie and entertainment industry.

On a typical day a homeowner that donates their home for a film shoot can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 if their house is selected. Film and television productions can go for weeks on end. Commercial shoots can take one day to three days and magazine print shoots can film for one full day.

Recently entitled a “Workforce Builder” an award presented by the Long Island Works Coalition recognizes Ms. Regan’s mission in prospering the local economy through the film industry. The film and media industry employs 75,000 people in the tri-state area and supplies funds to local businesses such as restaurants, pizza places, landscapers and hotels. Businesses such as these can benefit and increase revenue by a film or print shoot.

Ms. Regan also contributes her time on the Industry Advisory Board for the Jericho School District. She educates and informs students by bringing them to shoots, and devotes her time significantly to lecturing in the classroom. She willingly donated two professional cameras to Roosevelt Schools for use in a speech writing class and recently brought a group of eager students to a film shoot for EA Sports. EA Sports is a video game firm that was shooting a commercial with NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Webber and Steve Francis.

If you are considering listing your home for a location shoot please visit www.debbiereganlocations.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) After the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001, terrorism has become a very real fear in our society including constant terrorist attacks in Europe, The Middle East and most recently a horrifying bomb scare in Times Square last Week with the potential of killing hundreds of unsuspecting pedestrians. This past week I had the pleasure of interviewing Lt. Jay Fagan, Vice President of East Coast Operations for Gavin De Becker & Associates.

Gavin De Becker & Associates advises clients on the assessment and management of situations that might escalate to violence, and develops systems and strategies for improving high-stakes predictions.

The firm is famous for receiving many calls for assistance from individuals and corporations facing challenges that involve harassment, stalking, fear, or possible harm.

Gavin De Becker and Associates are notified by prosecutors to assist on major trials that involve stalking or the prediction of violence. The company advises the motion picture industry and celebrities who are targets of would-be assassins, stalkers, unwanted pursuers, and intrusive news-gathering methods. Gavin De Becker and Associates counsel cultural leaders on how to navigate between being overly despised and being uncontrollably adored. Gavin De Becker advises corporations, universities, and government agencies on managing employees who might act out violently, and they help managers reduce unwarranted fear.

Leading expert on managing terrorism, Gavin De Becker works tirelessly on the prediction and management of violence. His work has earned him three Presidential appointments and a position on a congressional committee. Mr. De Becker was twice appointed to the President’s Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Justice and he served two terms on the Governor’s Advisory Board at the California Department of Mental Health.

His 250-member consulting firm advises government agencies, universities, police departments, corporations, and media figures on the assessment of threats and hazards. Gavin De Becker & Associates maintains the world’s largest library of threat and obsessive communications, consisting of more than 400,000 pieces of material.

Mr. De Becker’s first book The Gift of Fear was the Nation’s Number One Bestseller, on the New York Times Bestseller List for seventeen weeks. The book has now been published in thirteen languages. Oprah Winfrey devoted an entire television show to commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the book’s publication in 2008. Not only has he appeared on Oprah Winfrey but he has also shared his philosophies about prevention of violence on 60 Minutes, Larry King Live, and 20/20. He has also been featured in Newsweek, Time, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and many other publications.

“De Becker has a lot to say about crime and the fear of crime, and he says it persuasively… with empathy, reassurance, and common sense.” – Newsweek

“Gavin De Becker is a pioneer in threat assessment.”
Dr. Park Dietz – Hinckley Prosecution Psychiatrist

“Gavin De Becker’s agency is considered unparalleled in public figure protection.”
NBC News

“Gavin and his staff provide what amounts to a secret service for famous people.”
Michael J. Fox in Esquire Magazine Article

During my interview with Lt. Fagan he spoke about his distinguished 24-year career with the New York City Police Department, managing several of the Department’s specialized units.

Mr. Fagan has served as the Commanding Officer of the NYPD Movie and Television Unit where he was instrumental in the substantial increase of filming, currently a 5 billion dollar per year industry for New York City. As the Commanding Officer he was the liaison for many city agencies including the Mayor’s office of Film Theatre and Broadcasting and Community Boards, overseeing and facilitating all filming. He was cited as the Film Industry’s best friend in the Hollywood Reporter as among many of his accomplishments.

He also supervised a Task Force unit that was responsible for City Hall Security and he was assigned to Presidential Details, the United Nations General Assembly, Papal visits, Parades, Protests and many other specialized events. He provided protective provisions for many influential dignitaries during visits to Ground Zero.

Lt. Fagan was responsible for the supervision and training of thousands of recruit officers in physical training and tactics. His supervision and training also included First Aid, CPR, Water Safety, Disorder Control, Vehicle Stops, Handcuffing, disarming armed suspects, etc. from 1991 to 1997. He was also responsible for developing department lesson plans. He has lectured on Integrity and instructed on performance evaluations.

Lt. Fagan, an important member of the Elite Task Force, was assigned to all Presidential and other high-profile details, dignitary protection and patrolling of many of the city’s highly sensitive locations. Lt. Fagan was instrumental in Operation Pressure Point, which helped transform the Lower East Side and Times Square.

Lt. Fagan received numerous awards in recognition of outstanding voluntary acts of courage, conviction and dedication to the City of New York and the New York City Police Department during and in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001.

Within his first two years in the New York Police Department, he was recognized on two separate occasions for meritorious service and received two commendations for acts involving grave risk to life.

Lt. Fagan is a certified New York State Law Enforcement Instructor and he worked as an instructor supervisor at the New York Police Department Training Academy, specializing in defensive tactics, fitness, disorder control, first aid, CPR, water safety, integrity, evaluations and community service. He has also served as a consultant on numerous films, was a delegate for the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, and he served on the board of NYPD Honor Legion.

Lt. Fagan is currently a member of the Superior Officer’s Council, NYPD Honor Legion, Fraternal Order of Police and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).

Gavin De Becker & Associates services include attending Presidential Inaugurations on one coast, the Oscars and the Emmy’s on the other. They have toured Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific—learning about violence in those places. They’ve accompanied clients in hot-air balloons, armored limousines, riding on elephants and rickshaws, avoiding hostile crowds, and being smothered by adoring crowds. Gavin De Becker & Associates testified before Senate committees and toured secret government installations. They have had staff meetings while floating down a jungle river in the dead of night. They have ridden in presidential motorcades one week and in buses used to transport prisoners the next. They been chased by tabloid reporters, paparazzi and have chased them right back.

Gavin De Becker and Associates mission in not only to prevent terrorism in the world but to bind all of their resources and services together in predicting an attack, preventing violence—and the managing fear.

For more information on Gavin De Becker and Associates please visit www.gavindebecker.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) The “World’s Premium Best Tasting Vodka,” MIAMI – GREY GOOSE®, collaborated with renowned Couture Milliner, Ellen Christine, to create a one-of-a-kind hat that was worn exclusively by Actress Rebecca Romijn at the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1st at Churchill Downs.

Celebrity, actress and model Rebecca Romijn contributed her devoted support by wearing the custom-designed hat at this year’s traditional prestigious race. Rebecca is famous for her roles as Alexis Meade in Ugly Betty and Mystique in the X-men movies, Celebrity Rebecca Romijn a, California native, along with Designer Ellen Christine, autographed the exclusive chapeau and have auctioned it on www.clothesoffourback.org starting from May 1st through May 20th. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit The Barnstable-Brown Foundation to support diabetes research.

Starting on May 2nd, a fabulous collection of hats inspired by the original will also be available for sale at Ellen Christine Millinery for $465. Ellen’s philanthropic wishes include donating twenty five percent of the proceeds to support The Barnstable-Brown Foundation. Ellen Christine’s boutique is located at 255 West 18th Street in New York City. (212) 242-2457.

The Barnstable Brown Gala is the Kentucky Derby’s premiere celebrity derby event. The Barnstable Brown Gala is thrown on Derby Eve by Socialites Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, former Doublemint Twins. For over twenty-years, the biggest celebrities in music, motion pictures, and sports have attended the Gala, held at glamorous Patricia’s Louisville, Kentucky mansion. This high profile gala has been featured in many publications including People Magazine, Us Weekly, and the Wall Street Journal and has been televised on Entertainment Tonight, The Tonight Show, and The Girls Next Door. This gala is named as one of the ten best parties in the world by Condé Nast Gold Traveler. In addition, the Gala, which benefits diabetes research at the Barnstable Brown Center for Diabetes and Obesity Research at the University of Kentucky, has raised over $10 million in funds for charity.

“The Kentucky Derby is considered the most prestigious horse race in the world and therefore a very important event for GREY GOOSE Vodka,” commented Shane M. Graber, vice president and brand managing director, GREY GOOSE Vodka. “We are proud to have Ms. Romijn–a woman with such presence, style, and elegance—working with the GREY GOOSE brand on such an exciting charitable endeavor.”

Ms. Romijn is no stranger to the world of fashion. Rebecca Romijn began her modeling career in 1991 as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. Her beautiful image has been revealed in Victoria’s Secret, bebe, Miller Lite beer, and for Anna Molinari strutting her catwalk on the runway, along with the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista,Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington. Rebecca was also the TV host for MTV’s House of Style from 1998 to 2000 and has been mentioned many times as one of the world’s most beautiful women by publications such as Maxim, AskMen.com and FHM.

In an interview prior to the event Ms. Romijn expressed, “I’m honored to wear the one-of-a-kind GREY GOOSE designer hat to the Kentucky Derby this season. Being able to support such an important cause and enjoy a fantastic day at the races is truly exciting.”

Critically acclaimed designer and Milliner Ellen Christine, is thrilled to bring her brilliant designs and inspiration to the creation of the GREY GOOSE hat for a tremendous cause.

In my interview with Ellen Christine, she remarked, “We designed a sophisticated picture hat for Rebecca that complemented her exquisite bone structure. The hat, made with horsehair and organic fibers in soft shades of white with hints of blue, will perfectly showcase the GREY GOOSE aesthetic,” said Ellen Christine. Ellen went on to say that the hat was designed with the Grey Goose’s signature hues of grey, white and blue. “I felt that the light shade of white with just a touch of blue would show up better on the red carpet than grey, so I created this white hat with organic fibers with a hint of blue cast.”

In addition to the auction of the designer hat, Derby fans twenty-one and over can enjoy the Run for the Roses cocktail which is the official GREY GOOSE Vodka cocktail served at the Kentucky Derby. GREY GOOSE Run for the Roses is a refreshing alternative to the Mint Julep as well as a tasty libation to serve guests at any grand red carpet event or spectacular celebration.

Run for the Roses’ has been the official Grey Goose Vodka cocktail and has been served for the last six years running at Churchill Downs. This tasty cocktail has once again made an official start at the 136th Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010. The Run for the Roses cocktail serves as alternative to the classic Mint Julep. However, Grey Goose served something special for VIP’s attending the Kentucky Derby this year – the Grey Goose Le Citron Bloody Mary. This delicious recipe was enjoyed only by those special guests at the races and now your party guests can enjoy its unique taste at home. Please sip responsibly and enjoy these delicious cocktails:

GREY GOOSE Le Citron Bloody Mary

 

• 2 parts GREY GOOSE Le Citron Flavored Vodka
• 4 parts tomato juice
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice
• Squeeze fresh lime juice
• Splash hot sauce
• Pinch prepared horseradish
• Splash Worcestershire sauce
• Dash celery salt
• Dash black pepper
• Dash salt
• Dash smoked paprika
• Celery salt and wedge of lime for rimming
• Celery stalk or wedge of lime for garnish

Rub the juicy side of a lime on the outer edge of a tall glass then roll the glass lip in the celery salt. Add ice and GREY GOOSE Vodka to the prepared glass. Top with Bloody Mary mix and garnish with a long stalk of celery or a wedge of lime.

GREY GOOSE® Vodka is carefully and strategically blended and bottled in Western France in the celebrated region of Cognac. GREY GOOSE Vodka ensures the very best in quality to their discriminating clients.. Every specific detailed element is attributed to its production promising that GREY GOOSE Vodka can stand alone as the “World’s Best Tasting Vodka.” The 80 proof super-premium spirit is packaged in beautiful artistic frosted glass bottles, with a clear window in the shape of a Grey Goose silhouette that allows a peek at the flight of the Grey Goose across the majestic Massif Central Mountains. Each bottle is sealed with a cork stopper and an elegant foil closure. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L’Orange and GREY GOOSE Le Citron flavored vodkas.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world’s leading wine and spirits producers. Bacardi U.S.A. boasts a brand portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits in the United States. Some of their top brands include BACARDI® rum, the international favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world’s most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the top-selling premium tequila worldwide; MARTINI® vermouth, the highly proclaimed top leader in vermouth.

Milliner Ellen Christine has had over 30 years experience designing and fabricating authentic à la main millinery for both the couture fashion crowd and the flamboyant theatre, Fashionistas from around the world have celebrated wearing her hats including Audrey Tautou, Clare Danes and Reuben Santiago Hudson.. Ellen Christine claims the undisputed crown for authentic époque and high fashion millinery. A doctoral candidate in costume history at New York University, Ellen’s passion for designing couture hats reigns at her Chelsea boutique, described by New York Magazine as evoking ‘Zelda Fitzgerald’s closet’. Ms. Christine designs are achieved by creating one-of-a-kind hats to her specific details, down to the opulent and historically accurate pattern making, stitching and materials. Catering to collectors, designers, and stylists alike, Ellen Christine’s mouth-watering styles are available exclusively at her boutique and they collaborate history, fashion and high drama in her unique milliner collections.

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses has been successfully established as the richest event in sports. Prior to this year’s Breeders’ Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the world. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders’ Cup Stakes Program. Breeders’ Cup has offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and in New York City. For more information please visit www.breederscup.com. All that are interested may follow the Breeders’ Cup on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BreedersCup.

For more info about Milliner Ellen Christine please visit www.ellenchristine.com, for more info on Grey Goose Vodka please visit www.greygoosevodka.com and for more info on the Kentucky Derby please visit: www.kentuckyderby.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Media and fans of dance in classic film and theater attended the announcement of the 2011 Fred & Adele Astaire Awards at Theater Row’s fabled Firebird Russian Restaurant located at 365 West 46th Street on Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

Nominees were announced by acclaimed Actor, Dancer, Choreographer & Director Lee Roy Reams at this special reception hosted by Carolyn Kendall Buchter, Ronald Buchter and Patricia Watt, Executive Producer of the Astaire Awards. The Fred and Adele Astaire Awards are the only awards that honor excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway and film.

Dancer/ Movie Star Fred Astaire and his sister Adele Astaire represented excellence in dance performance. Their dedication, passion and artistic vision brought dance on stage and in films to new awareness.

The mission of the Fred & Adele Astaire Awards is to continue that vision by not only celebrating the superb achievement of each nominee but by toasting the immeasurable talents and passion of each choreographer and dancer who continues the classic tradition of excellence. The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards were established in 1982 and recognize outstanding achievement in dance on Broadway and film each season. The award was established with the cooperation of Fred Astaire to honor him and his sister, Adele, who starred with her brother in ten Broadway musicals between 1917 and 1931.

This year’s Nominating Committee Chair is Sylviane Gold. Committee members include Anna Kisselgoff, Damian Woetzel, Wendy Perron, Manny and Lani Azenberg, Donna McKechnie, Lee Roy Reams, Wendy Federman, Barbara and Buddy Freitag, Michael Riedel, Marge Champion, Margaret Selby, Melinda Atwood, Bryan Bantry, Adam Zotovich, Andy Sandberg and Bruce Michael.

Honorary Chairs for the Awards Gala on May 15 are Judith Jamison and Wendy Federman. Awards Gala Chairs are Carolyn Kendall Buchter Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster and Bruce Michael. Producer is Patricia Watt. Co-Producer is Joe Lanteri; National Dance Alliance. Director is Joe Lanteri. Benefit Co-Chairs are Sara Kaplan Johnson and Jamie Watkins.

At the event I had a chance to interview the nominated cast from “Catch Me If You Can” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” I also chatted with Director Joe Lanteri, Director of The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation is passionately dedicated to empowering the next generation of professional dancers by advocating education and offering scholarships for secondary and college training.

A tremendous student and fan of dance, dark and quite good looking, Mr. Lanteri discussed his work with the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards and his favorite Fred Astaire film. “I am sure you must have seen every single Fred Astaire film ever made. Do you have one in particular that you really love the most?” I inquired. “I really love anything he did with Cyd Charisse. I think that partnership was elegant, beautiful and effortless,” Mr. Lanteri revealed so eloquently.

Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane interviews the nominees for the The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards at the Russian Firebird Restaurant on Restaurant Row.

After many years studying dance, Joseph Lanteri graduated from the University of Southern California with a BFA in Theater under the chairmanship of John Houseman. A master in professional dance and choreography, Joe wears many hats as a choreographer, director, producer, teacher and entrepreneur. His latest title as the Executive Director/Choreographer for New York City Theatrical Events, Joe has produced, directed, and choreographed countless live industrial shows and special events. He has a huge roster of clients ranging from IBM and Schering-Plough to Rite-Aid and Tupperware. His choreography has been featured in TV, film and stage from soap operas to MTV, Off-Broadway to theaters around the world – including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and the Edinburgh Theatre Festival.

An expert in dance, Joe was one of the original creative staff for the hit TV series, CLUB MTV, on the MTV Network. He has trained many notable stars such as Bill Cosby, Diahann Carroll, and Broadway greats Andrea McArdle, Lee Roy Reams, Lorna Luft and Lucie Arnaz. Mr. Lanteri has produced entertainment extravaganzas for international events and heads of state from Washington, DC to Istanbul, Turkey. He has choreographed and directed dozens of critically acclaimed conceptual song and dance revues, special events and New Year’s Eve Spectaculars for many of the Atlantic City Casinos including the Trump Taj Mahal in the Atlantic City. Joe’s explosive choreography and dynamic style have established him as a driving force in creating New York City’s dance style.

He continues to lecture and instruct students in New York City at STEPS ON BROADWAY and has served on the prestigious faculty of The Juilliard School since 1992.

I also had the chance to interview beautiful blonde Denise Faye, Choreographer of the film “Burlesque.” Ms. Faye is nominated for best choreography in film along with Choreographer Joey Pizzi.

Before arriving in Hollywood, California Ms. Faye appeared, as well as starred in, many hit productions on and off Broadway including Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Swinging on a Star, A Madhouse in Goa, Filumena and The Winter’s Tale. Her performances at prestigious theaters include Lincoln Center, New York Shakespeare Festival, The Public Theater, Second Stage and Williamstown. Denise’s gorgeous billboard photo for the musical Chicago has been 50 feet high over Times Square since the show’s Broadway opening.

Here is the list for this year’s Nominees:

Nominees for excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway:

Broadway Choreographer

• Rob Ashford – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
• Marguerite Derricks – “Wonderland”
• Kathleen Marshall – “Anything Goes”
• Jerry Mitchell – “Catch Me If You Can”
• Casey Nicholaw – “The Book of Mormon”
• Toby Sedgwick – “War Horse”
• Susan Stroman – “The Scottsboro Boys”
• Anthony Van Laast – “Sister Act”

Male Dancer, Broadway

• Nick Adams – “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”
• Norbert Leo Butz – “Catch Me If You Can”
• Colman Domingo – “The Scottsboro Boys”
• Colin Donnell – “Anything Goes”
• Josh Gad – “The Book of Mormon”
• Joshua Henry – “The Scottsboro Boys”
• Daniel Radcliffe – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
• Aaron Tveit – “Catch Me If You Can”

Female Dancer, Broadway

• Rachel de Benedet – “Catch Me If You Can”
• Sutton Foster – “Anything Goes”
• Jennifer Frankel – “Catch Me If You Can”
• J. Elaine Marcos – “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”
• Patina Miller – “Sister Act”
• Laura Osnes – “Anything Goes”
• Angie Schworer – “Catch Me If You Can”
• Megan Sikora – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
• Samantha Zack – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”

Nominees for excellence in choreography on film:Nominees for excellence in choreography on film:

Film Choreographer

• Benjamin Millepied – “Black Swan”
• Denise Faye/co-choreographer Joey Pizzi – “Burlesque”
• Michael Flatley – “Lord of the Dance 3D”
• Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon – “Mao’s Last Dancer”
• Jamal Sims – “Step Up 3D”
• Benoit-Swan Pouffer – “The Adjustment Bureau”

For more information please visit www.theastaireawards.org.

On April 27, 2011 Manhattanites enjoyed the First Annual Good Shepherd Services Charity Event hosted by Fashion Designer Isaac Mizrahi. The event was glamorously held at Highline Stages, 440 West 15th Street, New York. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a fabulous dinner curated by Mario Batali.

Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Isaac Mizrahi at Good Shepard First Annual Charity Event

Proceeds from this event will benefit Good Shepherd Services.

Good Shepherd Services is a primary youth development, education and family service agency that serves over 20,000 program participants each year. They provide vulnerable youth in New York City the opportunity to take ownership of their future, making a difference today and for the next generation.

The organization focuses on the necessary need of communities in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The organization provides a broad array of individual, family and school-based services to prevent youth from becoming disconnected from family, school and society. They also assist those who come to Good Shepherd Services already disengaged hoping to find motivation to reconnect with their community. When young individuals cannot stay in their families, Good Sheperd Services continues to provide a safety net of superior quality foster care and residential programs since its inception in 1857.

Celebrities that came to give their support included: Models Coco Rocha, Veronica Webb, Dominique Piek and Elbe van der Merwe, Actresses Kelly Rutherford and Mariska Hargitay, Filmmaker Ana Pincus, Food Critic Gail Simmons, and tunes were spun by Sky Nellor.

For more info please visit www.goodshepherds.org.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Realty TV Star and Jewish Mother, Jill Zarin continues to brand her name with her most recent accomplishment, “Secrets of a Jewish Mother.”

Not only is Ms. Zarin known as one of the zany housewives of Bravo’s successful hit realty show, “Real Housewives of New York city,” She is also a philanthropist devoting her time to many charity causes including combating Arthritic diseases as well as living the lifestyle as a glamorous socialite.

I met the pretty redhead while filming a charity event in the Hamptons, Help For Orphans. Help for Orphans mission is raising money for schoolhouses in Kisi, Kenya.

Jill’s passion for philanthropy stems from both her personal experiences dealing with her daughter and step son’s Arthritic ailments. Ms. Zarin has established her mission to raise funds for Arthritis by joining individuals together informing, enlightening, educating and helping them manage their lifestyles living with this illness.

Additionally, Jill was a featured speaker at the 2009 Bone and Joint Decade Global Network Conference, Featured Speaker at HSBC Bank Women’s Forum Speaker Series in October, voted one of 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers in US Weekly Sept 2009, Honoree at the MaryHaven Center of Hope and Co-Chair of Help for Orphans. Ms. Zarin is also an active participant in the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, People Reaching Out and many other charities.

While we are constantly reminded of a rift between Jill and Bethenny Frankel her co-star on Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of New York City,’ off-screen Jill goes on to promote her debut book, ‘Secrets of a Jewish Mother.’ Co-written with her mother, Gloria Kamen, and sister, Lisa Wexler.

The publication shares practical sound advice on everything including friendships, motherhood, dating, men and fashion not just for Jewish women but for all who are interested.

The book promises to be revealing and inspiring as Jill, Sister Lisa and matriarch Gloria reiterate their unique perspectives.

At the moment the Bravo Realty Show “Real Housewives of New York has transformed the differences between former best friends Jill Zarin and Bethenny Frenkel as the main focus of this season’s theme. “I keep getting judged on behavior I may have done already. I sort of wanted to let people know I have tried and I’ve been trying for six months. Should I bawl my brains out? What do you want me to do?” says Jill.

Ms. Zarin grew up on the south shore of Long Island in the village of Woodmere, New York. She attended and graduated Simmons College School of Retail Management. Because of her passion for fashion she started her career as Assistant Buyer at Filene’s and also held positions as Vice President of Sales at Royce Hosiery and National Sales Manager/Vice President of Great American Knitting Mills Jockey division.

Later she joined forces with her husband Bobby Zarin, owner of Zarin Fabrics and Home Furnishings in managing their family business. Jill serves as a senior executive at Zarin Fabrics and focuses on trends, marketing and sales while her husband Bobby concentrates on their real estate enterprises in New York, Las Vegas and Florida.

After being approached by executives of the Bravo network to co-star in the reality Show “Real Housewives of New York City,” she decided to embark on the challenge and reveled in the fabulous opportunity to promote the Zarin Fabrics brand.

Jill is currently busy developing products for the Home market for Zarin Fabrics and has now become the Brand Spokesperson for Kodak.

Ms. Zarin devotes her time between working as savvy businesswoman and philanthropist but still has time to be a devoted mother, daughter and sister. Her first novel that she co-wrote with her mom, Gloria Kamen and her sister, radio host Lisa Wexler entitled “Secrets of a Jewish Mother” has just hit the shelves, perfect timing for Mother’s Day 2010.

Excerpt from the book:

Do you have to be Jewish to embrace the secrets of a Jewish mother? OF COURSE NOT! There are plenty of similar stereotypes about Italian mamas and Greek and Russian and Latina ones too. And the reality is that most of what we share in this book is the universal truth about the importance of tradition, the art of motivation, the sanctity of family, the essence of friendship. One thing we do want to stress is that we have made lots of mistakes in life, and continue to do so. Perfect, we are not, whatever that is.

For more info please visit www.secretsofajewishmother.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Bravo Realty TV stars and happily married couple Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen launched their much anticipated book “Little Kids, Big City” on Thursday April 8, 2010 at Borders Book Store at 10 Columbus Circle.

This was part of three signings scheduled to promote the book in the New York Area. Park Slope was the first signing where the realty couple originally lived with their first child François and when Alex became pregnant with Johan.

The celebrity couple have been chatting with me at red carpet events throughout the year about their enthusiasm to express their thoughts and experiences on parenting in the big city with a tell all book.

In our interview at the Depesha Magazine Charity Auction to Benefit Russian Children’s Event last May, Almost a year ago, Simon revealed “It’s really memoirs of the last six years of our lives. It started with Alex’s pregnancy in December of 2002, what we discovered, the good, the bad and the ugly. The wonderful things about being a parent, our pitfalls but its an honest book about what we discovered parenting in New York.”

As breakout stars of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City, Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen have inspired, infuriated, and entertained parents everywhere. Their new book continues that trend, with the added bonus of informing (via the occasional rant,) families dealing with the daunting task of raising children in an urban environment. Writing with unique and humorous insight into the challenges facing city parents today, Alex and Simon use their own hard-won experience as a springboard to discuss a host of parenting topics, including baby’s first six months, traveling with infants, hiring caregivers, disciplining, dealing with accidents, dining out, making the most of urban life, and scheduling time for non-urban escapes. Their informative and often hair-raising stories of life in the concrete jungle, make Little Kids, Big City a must-read for urban parents, as well as for any fan of the show.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Bravo Realty TV Stars Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen at their Book Signing for “Little Kids Big City” at Borders Book Store in the Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle for the Long Island Exchange (Long Island’s Online Newspaper and Directory)

At the book signing the very fascinating and witty couple read excerpts from their book. Alex reads “You are not bringing that in here are you said by a snarling host at a normally child friendly restaurant. If by that you mean the stroller, No, I am going to fold it up and put it in the coat check. If you mean the baby perhaps you should work somewhere else. I know in the city particularly there are lots of people who don’t like kids and think the stroller brigade has taken over the neighborhood but all I want is a bowl of pasta, I promise I won’t show you my breast.” During the Q&A Simon revealed that Johan’s preschool teacher finally watched an excerpt from the show. She had never seen the show before and inquired “How does he get use to the television cameras in the house?” Simon answers “They have been there since he was one, it’s normal for him. I know it sounds bizarre but for three months out of the year, there have been cameras filming in our house.” Alex went on to say they actually used the show to discipline their children as a teaching tool for them, “There was a scene in the first season of a dinner party, the kids were over tired and you have crazy,” Simon jumps in to say “Ramona was two hours late that night,” Alex goes on to say “Well you know whether she was or whether she wasn’t what I did is I played that segment for Francois and I said you do see how badly they made you look, do you like that, no mommy he answered.”

In our interview that night the couple revealed that they will be touring around the country to promote the book and perhaps may also be going to Canada and Australia to endorse it further.

Celebrities that came to show their support included Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton, Filmmaker Vince Parenti, Bravo’s TV Host Andy Cohen and Realty TV Star Bethenny Frenkel looking very pretty and very pregnant.

The reviews are also very positive:

“Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen’s surprisingly down to earth account of their early days of parenting in NYC is as remarkable in its honesty as it is in its detail.”
– Cecily von Ziegesar, New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels and mother of two at PS Fab.

“Alex and Simon don’t take themselves too seriously which seems to be essential to parenting. Their fresh “he said she said” perspective on parenting is humorous and insightful.”
– Bethenny Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life

“A fun and entertaining read with an over the top enthusiasm for family and the joys of raising kids in the city. They manage to share lessons without sounding preachy and maintain a humorous light tone.”
– Alison Lowenstein, author of City Kid New York

“Little Kids, Big City is wonderful. Witty, funny, and interesting.”
– Divya Gugnani, host, Behind the Burner

The celebrity family of four (plus two cats) resides in a recently renovated brownstone in Brooklyn.

For more info on tour dates for the book signing at various locations please visit http://www.mccordvankempen.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Entertainer Willard Morgan rocked an avant-guard audience with a special preview of his new theater production “Saint Hollywood,” in the East Village.

“Saint Hollywood,” a multimedia performance musical written and co-conceived by Willard Morgan and Jerrold Ziman, begins previews at Ideal Glass, 22 East 2nd Street on Thursday April 14th at 8 p.m. This unusual production combines installation art, media art and a live interactive performance. “Saint Hollywood” takes the audience on a genre-bending ride into the belly of the Hollywood beast. “Saint Hollywood” stars Willard Morgan and features video design by Alex Koch and Lucia Jessum Lee. Scenic design was created by Anna Kiraly, lighting by David Tirosh and installation design by Darlene Ken. “Saint Hollywood” is provocatively directed by Jenny Lee Mitchell. The show opens Off-Off-Broadway on Thursday May 12th at 8 p.m. Performances for the world premiere’s open-ended engagement are Thursday through Saturday.

The synopsis of “Saint Hollywood” involves a New York comedian who is just about to abandon his Hollywood dreams when suddenly he is offered one last breakthrough gig. The audience wonders if this will be his big break or the final gig. After careening through Los Angeles from club to coffee house to open mic dive, Willard continues working his material for the perfect killer set and suddenly stumbles into Tinsel Town’s most celebrated martyrs of the Church of Eternal Fame, a gallery of extraordinary Hollywood eccentrics who stimulate his creativity and ignite his imagination further propelling his journey. Fascinated by their wondrous and tawdry shrines, Morgan is on the verge of joining their saintly order himself. Does Morgan measure up to their standards? Clearly this could be his day of reckoning that his friends, associates and colleagues’ individualism may be just beyond his reach.

A hysterical and audacious musical peep show into Hollywood celebrity, depravity and divinity, “Saint Hollywood” features songs by Morgan performed with an innovative, live-mix sound design created by the production’s music director John Sullivan. Onstage performers include DJ Eunice Wong and the live-mix video VJ Lucia Jessum Lee. Costume designs are created by Uta Bekaia and the production management is by Robert Signom III.

Willard Morgan is an innovative actor, director and producer. Morgan recently debuted “Saint Hollywood” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has appeared in numerous independent film features, theatre and comedy club stages in New York and Los Angeles. His comic personal documentaries have screened at festivals from Nashville, Tennessee to Milan, Italy, including Festival Fever which received the prestigious Sony Visions comedy award, the Best Short award at the Florida International Film Festival and the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. “Me and Michael,” his most controversial comedy feature, turns the camera on Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, who ironically titled Morgan a ‘stalker.’ He co-produced Babak Shokrian’s feature, “America So Beautiful,” that recently opened in Paris, Los Angeles, and New York. Other producing credits include the Broadway debut of “The Runner Stumbles” and Off-Broadway production of “Say Goodnight, Gracie,” both directed by Austin Pendleton. “Misguided Tours,” his comedy travel show, is currently still in development. Morgan is also known for his stage performance as Jelvis, the Jewish Elvis.

Willard recently inherited the multimedia performance space, Ideal Glass which is a laboratory and staging ground for cross-boundary experiments in theatre, music, performance, installation art and media art. For information visit www.idealglass.org.

“Saint Hollywood” begins previews on Thursday April 14th at 8 p.m. with an opening set for Thursday May 12th. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For more information on purchasing tickets please visit www.theatermania.com and for more information about the show please visit www.sainthollywood.com.

On March 4th filmmakers, actors and movie industry enthusiasts attended a special screening of the film “Rotten Luck” at Anthology Film Archives located at 32 Second Avenue New York, NY produced by Dangio Films and directed by Joseph Meli.

The synopsis of the film involves Prizefighter Duke Dealieso excellently portrayed by Mario Bokara, Jr. who fails to take a dive. Instead he produces a 2nd Round Knockout creating a jolt in the crime world provoking crooked fight promoter and local mobster ‘The Boss’ played by James Ciccone, who is determined to set an example. The Boss orders Duke beaten to death; but The Boss’s not too intelligent henchmen and employed goons Frank played by Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis and Gary played by Joe Meli botch the job. Duke plans a secret getaway using the Boss’s car which later develops into an insurance policy for Duke. The pattern of circumstances provokes an all-out manhunt which is even more compounded when Duke encounters the attractive seductive vulnerable Eve played by Xiomara Medina. During the course of the film it turns out that Eve is a fugitive from a Colombian drug cartel. Eve along with her ten-year-old niece Candy played innocently by Kiani Celis is on the run and seeks Duke’s assistance in getting away from an assassin hired by the drug Cartel. Audiences are gripping the edge of their seat wondering if this sexy couple will elude the Mob and Cartel, or is Rotten Luck in their near future?

Director Joseph Meli’s love of films began as a youngster growing up in Italy watching classic films from the golden age of Hollywood. The star of the film, Mario Bokara Jr., is new to acting but has been working for ten years as a professional wrestler.

Also new to acting in films is the beautiful sultry Xiomara Medina. Xiomara is an accomplished singer and songwriter. Xiomara’s humble beginnings began in her native San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the age of six Xiomara was expressing interest in music and the performing arts. Later Xiomara wrote and produced both her single “Borinquen” a song dedicated to her birthplace along with a sensational video that can be seen on youtube.com. Her triumphant success with “Borinquen” gave her the opportunity to share the stage with Puerto Rican legend Jose Feliciano and renowned NY Yankee player Bernie Williams among other celebrities throughout the tri-state area.

Xiomara’s recent experience includes dancing on MTV’s programs “Global Grooves” and “Jams,” hosting PDA Tournaments Series for ESPN Deportes and acting in comedy sketches for Telemundo’s late night comedy show “No te Duermas” in Puerto Rico. She also has proved her talents in acting appearing in local theater plays for “Arriba el Telon.” In San Juan, Puerto Xiomara was employed as a disc jockey for Fidelity 95.7 FM.

Later she was contacted by the all female group Aphrodite and wrote their first single, “Sex in New York City” The song was licensed and used in the smash-hit TV show “Sex and the City” during its successful run on TBS network.

For more information please visit www.xiomusic.com.

Not so new to acting in films is James Ciccone. James has appeared in a variety of television and motion picture productions; from the CBS television soap As the Word Turns to turning the Paparazzi away from Martin Scorsese in Shine a Light. In the recent lead role of Angelo Vatrano in a comedic Independent feature film “How I Killed My Roommate” James portrays a frustrated gangster in search of retirement from the mob to pursue a career in films. The movie is scheduled to be released in Spring 2011. In addition to starring in films, James’ credits extend to writer, producer and director. His recent body of work entitled “Neighborhood Nonsense” is viewable as a TV Web Series.

Mr. Ciccone learned his theatrical craft by attending the High School of Performing Arts on 46th Street in New York City and graduated from Marist College with a minor in theatre. He holds both master and doctorate degrees from NYTS and now instructs and teaches for St. Johns University, Metropolitan College of New York, and the CUNY system.

For more information on Mr. Ciccone please visit www.jamesjciccone.com.

Mr. Bill Lee Lanndis has a history of working in films for over twenty years dating back to his original film “Party Girls” as Benny in 1990. His more recent accomplishments are “Sunday Serenade,” “New York Stories 2010,” and “Urban Market” directed by Tim Schuebel.

For more info please visit www.bill-leelanndis.com and for more info on Dangio Films please visit www.dangiofilms.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Not only is Easter Sunday the most holy day on the Christian Calendar it is also a time for tradition as Christians flock to St Patrick’s Catherdal on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan wearing their elaborate Easter bonnets to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

By the 1880s, the Easter Parade had become a vast spectacle of fashion and religious observance. This annual event became famous in Manhattan, New York and around the country. It was an after-church cultural experience for the well-to-do—decked out in their expensive clothes and finery to stroll from their neighborhood church to others to view the impressive spring flowers in bloom and of course to be seen! Habitants from the middle classes would observe the parade to learn the latest trends in fashion. By 1890, the annual procession held an important tradition on New York’s calendar of festivities and had taken on its enduring designation as “The Easter Parade.”

Today modern fashionistas including Celebrity Stylist Patricia Parenti and Milliner Designer Ellen Christine have chosen to take part in this very necessary tradition on Easter Sunday as members of the Milliners Guild.

The Milliners Guild is an organization of small millinery business owners and milliners who specialize in the design, production and promotion of handmade headwear.

The group is committed to increasing the public profile of millinery as well as the public’s awareness and interest in millinery products.

The Guild is dedicated to working together to maintain and expand resources in order to ensure a steady flow of raw materials.

Through a collective website, special events and educational seminars the guild will provide consistent communication about this thriving and contemporary industry to the public, press and students of the craft.

Vice President and Milliner Designer Ellen Christine brings more than a good imagination and a selective eye to her specialty. Hats became part of Ellen Christine’s life ever since her grandmother let her select a pink straw hat for Easter. She began gathering practical design experience in her hometown, Philadelphia, where she apprenticed herself to an Italian tailor with main line clients. In Boston Ellen helped put together a costume shop for Strutters, the trendsetting antique clothiers. Her prize find was a wealthy socialite’s hoard of hats. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. “Those hats were my school,” says Ellen Christine, who perfected her craft by taking apart and reconstructing those 350 crushed beauties.

Ellen’s stylish Chelsea neighborhood hat boutique has created as much excitement in certain fashionable circles as did Calvin Klein’s Madison Avenue showcase and Cynthia Rowley’s SoHo store.

As for Celebrity Stylist and Glove Designer Patricia Parenti, her passion for fashion started on the streets of Rochester, New York. Now, what was a nice girl from Rochester, New York doing hanging out in the trendy trenches of the NYC club scene? Well, she couldn’t wear her trendy gloves with her crinoline skirts and fabulous hats in Rochester. She started her fashion career in New York City as an accessories buyer and department manager for “The New Store” on 7th Avenue directly located across from Fashion Institute of Technology. She also was a freelance merchandiser for Omanti, a manufacturer of women’s blouse and leather apparel. Ms. Parenti went on to work on New York’s eastside as a shoe buyer and department manager for Castaneda and eventually designed an exclusive line of women’s dress shoes. At present, she is an assistant designer and sales representative for HEAD DRESS hair accessories. She also is a monthly guest speaker on the topic of costume design resources at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City.

In the 90’s Patricia’s talent led her to fashion styling for video and stage. She worked as an assistant costume designer for Rosemary Ponzo on the play “Elison and Eden”. The video “You Got the Right”, starring Johanna Deneroff, was produced for the United Nations human rights conference. The production aired internationally on MTV. She is currently a celebrity stylist working with many influential TV Stars.

The world market for hats, caps and millinery is projected to reach $6.3 billion by the year 2015. This is primarily driven by surging demand from emerging markets, novel fashion trends and product attributes. Further, increasing demand for retro styled hats and premium, high-priced caps is also contributing to the market growth, according to a new report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

These two ladies work constantly on promoting the importance of fashion and trends. Their main objective is to dazzle the public and press alike.

For more information on the Milliners Guild please visit www.millinersguild.org. For more information about Milliner Ellen Christine please visit www.ellenchristine.com and to learn more about Celebrity Stylist Patricia Parenti please visit www.tenderglovingcare.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Fashionista and Lifestyle Guru Derek “Fabulous” Warburton hosted a glamorous evening and private VIP preview party on March 22, 2010 at the launch of their new boutique in Hell’s Kitchen.

Celebrities, New Yorkers and guests enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience viewing the Spring Previews sales and listening to the expert style advice from Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton. The new location is at 9th Avenue between 49th and 50th streets. The celebrity red carpet event featured the documentary premiere of Derek Loves Housing Works a special newly created edition of his trendy fabulous online series that can be found on Derek’s website, DerekLovesShopping.com. Other celebrities that attended the Red Carpet Gala were Realty TV Stars Alex McCord and Ramona Singer.

Fabulous Derek’s motto in life is to “Help, Teach, Inspire, Love and Have Fun”, Derek takes us on a journey inside the medical facilities of the HIV/AIDS organization. This documentary was produced to convey to the world how Housing Works helps and interacts with the community giving their support and participation.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews various celebrities at the VIP preview party on March 22, 2010.

Housing Works mission is to provide homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and their families with housing, meals, medical care, drug treatment, social support, employment opportunities and other lifesaving services.

Housing Works is especially committed to serving those who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere because they struggle with mental illness or chemical dependency.

Through political advocacy, Housing Works and its clients fight to ensure that homeless and low-income people worldwide who are living with HIV/AIDS have access to adequate housing, meals, medical care, drug treatment, social support, employment opportunities and other services fundamental to health and happiness.

Housing Works’ housing programs do more than put roofs over our clients’ heads. They are an essential foundation for their clients to achieve mental health, physical health, and political empowerment as people living with HIV/AIDS. All Housing Works clients who live in their housing are linked to their comprehensive services, which include primary care, job training, nutritional counseling and meals, drug treatment, and HIV prevention education.

Housing Works currently operates four housing programs in three New York City boroughs that provide homes for 71 homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, they provide 68 units of housing that are colocated with their Adult Day Health Care centers.

Fashionista and Lifestyle Guru Derek Warburton has adored fashion his entire life. After starting to brand himself as fashion enthusiast in high school, by creating fashions for school projects, he relocated from New Hampshire to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. Warburton styled and produced his first benefit, Fashion for Aids, a charity fashion show using vintage clothes to highlight the 1920s through the 1970s after graduating from college.

With his styling/production accomplishments and his fashion branding he decided to venture out exploring new possibilities and made Boston, Massachusetts his new home. Receiving tremendous publicity from being featured in publications such as the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald newspapers and acquiring the titles “It Boy” and “Boston’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Guru”, he began writing for fashion columns for “Stuff” and Platinum Magazines.

Derek has quickly become a TV and Internet Star traveling through Miami, London and Milan. His charm and unforgettable personality landed him co-hosting positions on “Britain’s Fashion Avenue”, “Big Boutique” on the Style Network, and as a fashion trend reporter for Fox News.

Derek continues to work on fashion editorials, co-styling Sean Paul for Interview Magazine and Beyonce for the House of Dereon Campaign. He also worked as fashion editor for Floridian magazines “Gulf Shore Life” and “Boca Raton”.

He now dedicates his time between New York and Miami for his flourishing fashion business. His latest creation is DerekLovesShopping.com.

DerekLovesShopping.com is a lifestyle destination that acts as a guide to “Help, Teach, Inspire, Love and Have Fun”! It features lifestyle topics, home DIY’s, beauty How To’s, street style and a quirky daily feature called “Budgalicious” which demonstrates to women of all ages how to shop on a budget, but still look fabulous! In addition, the site has also been the home of his popular web series called “Derek TV”, where he discovers the best shops worldwide and shares them with his fashion audience.

Derek currently is focusing on his “How to Be Derek Fabulous” workshop at the Bottomless Closet NYC, in which he teaches and inspires women who are in need how to get back into the work force. His work with the organization has received acclaim from The New York Times and The New York Examiner. In addition, he has an apparel and home line which is sold nationwide, and was recently named a “Lifestyle Guru” on behalf of Guru Nation.

Fashion Stylist James Aguiar also stopped by to chat with me at the event. In case you may not be aware
James Aguiar is best known as a host of the Emmy-nominated television series “Full Frontal Fashion,” the best known and most authoritative television program in fashion. As a sought-after media source of witty and to-the-point commentary on style and pop culture, James’ un-erring eye for all things vogue brings him to every major fashion capital in the world, such as New York, Paris, and London, as well as Miami and Los Angeles. His range as a fashion expert is extremely extensive and he has hosted “Behind The Label,” an in-depth portrait of the most influential designers in the industry, as well as “Where D’YA Get That?” where he bonds with the trendiest people on the street. He has been a regular on E! Entertainment’s Style Network since 2003 where he co-hosted “Style Court,” and is a recurring personality on the popular series “The Look for Less.” Other television appearances include Bravo’s ” The Fashion Show”, CBS’s “Early Show,” ABC’s “The View,” FOX’s “Good Day NY,” “Red Eye,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Chelsea Lately,” “Style Star,” “Fashion Police,” “The Jane Pauley Show,” “Living It Up! With Ali & Jack,” “The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life,” “Life and Style” and “E! 40 Crimes Of Fashion.”

In print James has been quoted in “ELLE,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “Vogue,” “Shape,” “Life & Style,” “Real Simple,” and ” TV Guide.” And he’s been featured in “The New York Times,” “New York Magazine,” “The New York Post,” “Quest,” “Genre,” and “Page Six.”

His latest projects are as host of the original web series “She got game” for WEtv.com and as fashion correspondent for tonic.com. James got his start in fashion as Fashion Director for the legendary Bergdorf Goodman.

Later that evening I chatted with Bravo Realty TV Star Alex McCord from “The Real Housewives of New York.”

Alex expressed how important it is to support and contribute to Housing Works. Alex McCord, the youngest of the cast is 36 and is married to Simon van Kempen, a hotel manager for the Chandler Boutique Hotel in Manhattan. She has two adorable children, Francois and Johan. While on the red carpet she enthusiastically mentioned that she and and her husband have written a tell all book book entitled, “Little Kids, Big City”, that will be in stores in April 2010. Alex is a former actress and model. She was a graphic designer for over nine years. In March 2009, Alex was laid off from her job in visual merchandising for Limited Brands/Victoria’s Secret. She is now consulting for Second Time Around, a luxury consignment chain. Alex was born in Washington, DC, raised in Kansas, TX and the US Virgin Islands, and has lived in New York City since 1996. She is a graduate of Northwestern University. She and van Kempen currently reside in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.

You can also visit her and Simon at their website www.mccordvankempen.com

For more info on Housing Works please visit www.housingworks.org and for more info on Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton please visit www.dereklovesshopping.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Long Islanders enjoyed a day of prom dress shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington, New York. Shoppers enjoyed a prom fashion show, sweets and pink ginger ale as they bopped to DJ Steven Charles Entertainment.

Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide teamed up with Scholarship America to celebrate prom season and raise funds for education. Customers who purchased an evening dress from the store between March 14th and April 17th will receive 15% off. Saks Fifth Avenue will then donate five percent of the purchase price of each dress sold during this time period to Scholarship America Inc., a nonprofit organization working to make education beyond high school possible for all students.

“Prom is one of the most special and fashion-centric occasions in a person’s life, and Saks Fifth Avenue is happy to celebrate this milestone with our clients and their families,” said Steve Sadove, Chairman & CEO, Saks Fifth Avenue. “Prom is also a time to consider one’s future. Our partnership with Scholarship America, which aims to secure the future of so many young people by making college a reality, is a perfect fit.”

Lauren A. Segal, President & CEO of Scholarship America, states “Scholarship America is kicking off our 50th year of helping students complete their education after high school, and we are honored to have been selected by Saks Fifth Avenue for this partnership. Funds raised through this effort will aid our establishment of a new national scholarship fund, which aims to help students complete their education and avoid excessive debt by providing financially meaningful, renewable scholarships.”

Scholarship America is a national education service organization that mobilizes support for students getting into and graduating from college. The organization has three core programs that help achieve their mission of Dollars for Scholars, Scholarship Management Services, and DreamkeepersSM. Scholarship America has distributed more than $2.5 billion in scholarship assistance to more than 1.7 million students since 1958.

More information is available at www.scholarshipamerica.org.

At the event I had a chance to chat with CEO Dennis Sneden of DSNY Group LLC. “With over 25 years of experience in the private sector, public service and business development I am proud to be the CEO of the DSNYgroup LLC. We are successful in providing companies, businesses and not-for-profits with complete business solutions,” revealed Mr. Sneden during our candid interview.

The DSNYgroup is a full service business development, integrated marketing, strategic consulting, public relations and event planning firm that partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to create the Prom Party Event at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The company’s mission is to increase visibility, profitability and financial success of each firm that is in need of a marketing campaign. Dennis is currently working on an event that will be held on March 31st on the importance of National Women’s History Month. The event “Women Inspiring Success” will be held at Caryle on the Green at the Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Long Island. The event will support the business development, networking and philanthropic achievement of the women’s community. For more information please visit www.dsnygroup.com.

Rosanne Slattery, Development Director of Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence was also at the Saks Fifth Avenue Prom Event to promote her organization LICADD.

LICADD’s mission is to address the addictive climate of our times by providing initial attention and referral services to individuals, families and children through intervention, education and professional guidance to overcome the ravages of alcohol and other drug-related problems.

This pioneer not-for-profit agency on Long Island has been on a mission to save lives for over fifty years. Their volunteers, supporters and staff are dedicated to assisting individuals, families and members of the workplace to prevent or recover from alcoholism and/or other drug addictions. They work to further this mission by being passionately engaged in many initiatives.

For more information on how you can help please visit www.licadd.org and for more information about events at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Walt Whitman Mall in Long Island, New York please visit www.saksfifthavenue.com.

Cast and crew celebrated the completion of the recent indie film ‘A Story About Ian’ at Gizzi’s Cafe in the West Village on March 25th in Manhattan. Guests and industry connected individuals enjoyed several screenings of the film, singers from the film performing, the film’s trailer, a screening of a fake commercial that was co-directed by actor and filmmaker Solomon Chertok and co-shot with Barry Brown and a Q & A with the audience.

The synopsis of the film ‘A Story About Ian’ is about twenty-five-year old Ian who is a not-so-recent graduate of a photography department at one of America’s prestigious universities. The character Ian, portrayed by Actor and Musician Matthew Dunehoo, is having a quarter-life crisis. Distraught Ian searches for the meaning of his life. He comes face to face with the fact that he hasn’t accomplished any of his goals. He hates his profession employed by a flamboyant, overzealous photographer Dean Roderick, portrayed by real life photographer Barry Brown. He is suspicious that his girlfriend Mia, portrayed by Zofia Nather, is cheating on him. To add to the complexity of the film Ian’s relationship with his father, portrayed by radio talk show host Evan Ginzburg of Legends Radio, is strained. Mr. Ginzurg was also the Associate Producer on the Mickey Rourke film ‘The Wrestler’. The film depicts escape from the restrictions in life beautifully produced, edited, and directed by Filip K. Kasperaszek.

Solomon Chertok was the Associate Producer and Casting Director for the film. The film was shot on the RED camera entirely on location in Manhattan and Queens.

The ensemble cast includes Lauren Francesca (famous for her Lady Gaga impersonation on the Barely Political website), TV host Hector Bosa, actor and filmmaker Solomon Chertok, Joe Sevier, Patricio Witis and Mauricio Bustamante. Guest appearances included singer/songwriter Michele Mupo, former female wrestler Dawn Marie, Scream Queens Debbie D, Tina Krause and female wrestler/former bodybuilder Melissa Coates.

At Gizzi’s cafe I had a chance to chat with the cast and crew including Associate Producer and Casting Director Solomon Chertok who invited me to the screening.

It has always been Solomon Chertok’s boyhood dream to be an actor. His love of film began when he saw the classic science fiction film ‘Star Wars’ on the big screen. Solomon has appeared in numerous independent films and recently has become involved in film production.

In 2005 Mr. Chertok established a New York City film event consisting of the screenings of independent features, shorts, animation, and documentaries. The much anticipated publicized event was a huge success and has become an annual event each year. This event showcases filmmakers and their productions in a non-competitive and fun environment providing networking with industry actors and fellow filmmakers. The event has assisted in introducing actors, singers, comedians, celebrities, casting agents, and production company representatives.

Solomon did crew work on a Batman fan film in the fall of 2007. The Amazing Adventures of Little Batman was directed by Joe Valenti of Valenti Vision Films. This film was produced by Jordan Wachtell of Wachtell Studios. The film pays homage to the Adam West 1966 TV Show and it has been screened at several top film festivals across the United States to standing ovations.

In January of 2008, Solomon did crew work on a documentary short film Lisa Loeb Songwriting Just Like You, directed by Joe Valenti for Valenti Vision Films. The documentary focuses on singer Lisa Loeb, who teams up with the Manhattan New Music Project to bring the art of songwriting to public school children.

Solomon was the associate producer for the short fan film Little Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Magic Scrolls in Autumn 2008. Solomon assembled the cast and crew for Little Indy. It was an amazing experience for Solomon being involved in the creative process of making a fan film.

“What inspired you to create this film,” I inquired. “Basically it was the red camera that brought me on-board this movie. It’s an amazing camera. It’s the same camera that they used for the ‘Social Network’ and also they are using it for the ‘Spiderman’ reboot that they are filming right now,” revealed Solomon.

“Where did your love of film come from,” I asked. “The first movie I ever saw was ‘Star Wars’ in the movie theater. As a kid when you see it on the big screen you hear ba..ba..bam..bam.bam..it had an effect on me and that is why I wanted to be an actor. Basically I fell into a state of shyness until high school and then I made my transition where I did my first acting role which was in ‘A Few Good Men,’ my high school production. I played the Jack Nicholson role. If it wasn’t for that we wouldn’t be speaking today. Not to mention I am related to Edward G. Robinson, the late Zero Mostel as well as Paul Mazursky who directed ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills,’ It’s in the family. It’s in my DNA,” announced Solomon.

I also interviewed celebrity female wrestler Melissa Coates who has a cameo appearance in the film. Ms. Coates is a female Canadian professional wrestler, fitness model, actress, and bodybuilder. Ms. Coates is perhaps known and famous for appearing in the first two seasons of the GS Network show ‘Extreme Dodgeball.’

For more information on this film please visit the film’s website www.storyaboutian.com.