Listen to the Podcast Interview above with author Neil Somerville about his new book, “Your Chinese Astrology 2010: The Year of the Tiger”. Find out what’s in store for this explosive and powerful year ahead which begins on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2010.
Your Chinese Horoscope 2010: What the Year of the Tiger Holds in Store for You
Download Podcast at iTunes
Dinner and a movie just went to a higher plateau thanks to the Landmark Theatres adding a bar and cafe to its Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley, CA.
The Shattuck was already one of the best theatre venues in the Bay Area, thanks to its beautiful renovation last year. Now it’s even better, as it takes on a chic style and comfort class with the opening of the Lot 68 Lounge.
The bar-in-a-theatre is not new to movie theatres, or Landmark, by any means. Landmark has bars and lounges in their Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Milwaukee, and Detroit cinemas. Original or not, it sure makes going to the movies more worthwhile. Moviegoers anxious to discuss a movie after a show no longer have to re-park at some other bar or restaurant; it’s all under one roof at Lot 68.
While all theatre patrons and visitors can enjoy the full bar and tasty food offered in the lounge itself, those viewing movies can also take their cocktails into the screening rooms during specially designated performances. All attendees to these screenings must be 21+ years old, according to Steve Indig, Landmark’s publicist.
Lot 68 provides everything a full bar has to offer, as well as some excellent food choices. Appetizers, such as hummus, sweet potato fries, chicken nuggets, vegetarian egg rolls and cheese plates range from $6-14. More substantial fare, like salads, sandwiches or pizza, is available for between $7-11. Dessert selections, including chocolate molten lava cake, or ginger beer float start at around $8. All can be packaged to take into the theatres, says Scott McChesney of the Shattuck.
“The addition of Lot 68 at Shattuck Cinemas is part of our ongoing commitment to the City of Berkeley in providing patrons with the perfect evening out, in terms of an overall entertainment experience,” said Ted Mundorff, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Theatres.
The bar is named Lot 68 in tribute to Berkeley’s rich history, as lot 68 was the parcel of land purchased in 1860 by Berkeley’s founder, Francis Kittredge Shattuck, to serve as his homestead, and is the present day block where the Shattuck Cinemas is located, at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Kittredge Street.
In early 2009, the Shattuck Cinemas completed a comprehensive remodel with new spacious and luxurious theatre seating in all auditoriums, new lighting design, carpets and paint. Two auditoriums were transformed into Landmark’s exclusive Screening Lounge with unique seating options of home-style couches, love seats, chairs and ottomans (these are the screening rooms you can drink cocktails in during special screenings). Upgrades in the lobby and concession area were included in the comprehensive makeover. The new Lot 68 Lounge completes the renovations, making Shattuck Cinemas the area’s premier cinema complex, and an East Bay entertainment destination.
To attract not just movie customers, but others looking for quality food and drink in the area, Lot 68 is going to be open 365 days a year, Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 11pm; Friday, 5pm – 12am; Saturday, 1pm – 12am; and Sunday, 1pm – 11pm. The Shattuck Cinemas and Lot 68 are located 2230 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA. Information for film programs and other details are available at (510)464-5980 or www.landmarktheatres.com.
See more about Lot 68 at http://www.landmarktheatres.com/mn/shattuck/lot68/lot68.html, or be a fan on Facebook.
It’s true the brainchild of Anna Wintour’s 1st and hopefully bi-annual event, FASHION’S NIGHT OUT, appeared to be a complete success as the city was exhilarated with fashionistas from every walk of life storming the Fall-like streets to partake in the carnival of fashion. It felt like a fashion block party with everyone in elated moods from young to old and conservative to outrageous. Ms. Wintour is one savvy businesswoman coming off the heels of her highly anticipated “September Issue”, which opens nationally today, to produce a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion. The events took place here in the 5 boroughs of New York as well as international cities where Vogue is produced including: United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan. Retail stores ranges from Oscar De La Renta and Prada to Macy’s, The Gap and American Apparel. 
Meg Okura trio from Lincoln Center
DJ REACH
I attended the Wall Street Journal and Paul Stuart event held at the Paul Stuart store on Madison Avenue. Guests were treated to a champagne bar, full bar featuring cucumber mint gin martinis, delicious and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres featuring the best sliders, music by DJ Reach who spinned soulful new and old school classics like D’Angelo’s “Brown Sugar” and Suzanne Vega’s, “Tom’s Diner”, Live Jazz by Meg Okura trio from Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist series, prize drawings and of course complimentary copies of the Wall Street Journal. PAUL STUART is one of those boutiques that has stood the test of time since 1938 but, has a reputation for being conservative, traditional and do I dare say, ‘boring’…However, my friend Mario and I were pleasantly proved wrong as today PAUL STUART could easily be the wardrobe that leads us into a positively, modern ‘MAD MEN’ era especially with the help of celebs like Jay-Z and Nick Cannon donning the duds.
I know the initiative and undertaking (FASHION’S NIGHT OUT) was to stimulate retail and it worked – my friend walked away with a classic and original chocolate brown double-breasted suede vest that fit him like a dream. Work that vest today at the office, Mario! On our way to the D&G party we stopped in front of the Oscar de la Renta boutique just in time to catch Oscar himself singing a cabaret number with Barbara Walters – a la gay twenties vibe. Quite the opposite and a few doors down at the GUISEPPE ZANOTTI boutique featured a sexy female go-go dancer while singer; Rhianna was reported to be tearing up the dance floor. Upon arriving at the D&G store we were amused at the live male models posing in the windows adding life to the store window motif. Take a look at shots from New York’s first FASHION’S NIGHT OUT below.
Dapper Jason: Modern Day MAD Man
Beautiful, Caroline Kasabian (Screenvision) and WSJ's William Gasperoni
Dancer in the window at the GUISEPPE ZANOTTI boutique
D&G Male Models add life to the window
Onlookers gather outside Oscar de la Renta boutique to see Oscar and Barbara Walters perform cabaret number
Someone needs to rock this Roberto Cavalli number....Halle, Jennifer???
Bond No. 9 Fragrance Mobile was out on the town. The mascot for the fragrance collection that celebrates New York's neighborhoods
Mark Christopher enjoys FASHION'S NIGHT OUT at Paul Stuart
Mario Pulice helps make FASHION'S NIGHT OUT a success by walking away with this Paul Stuart chocolate brown vest
Trying to pose at the Paul Stuart store - bad! Btw it's ME...
SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS are ‘better than your boyfriend’s band’ according to drummer Dan Crean. Led by frontman, Justin Tranter, SPW are rounded out by Cole Whittle (Bass) and Stevy Pyne (Guitar & Backing Vocals). Although the album came out last Fall and according to Tranter will disappear very soon in favor of a new debut that will land them on the radio, “Semi Precious Weapons” the album is a must have for your collection in the event it does in fact disappear… With titles like, “Magnetic Baby” which immediately spews out the lyrics, “It’s not my fault I look better in her party dress, it’s not my fault that you left your slutty girlfriend…” and the title track, “Semi Precious Weapons” which states, “I can’t pay my rent but, I’m fucking gorgeous…”. Of course you can’t leave out, “Her Hair Is On Fire” where Tranter screams, “Her Hair Her Hair Her Hair is on Fire, she don’t want no water let her fuckin head burn…”. And there’s more unapologetic lyrics on the rest of the album but, it’s the music and arrangements produced by Tony Visconti (Morrissey, David Bowie) that deserves to stand on its own.
The music can be described as edgy rock, punk, party music but, because Tranter has a unique way of blatantly phrasing aspects of his life “Semi Precious Weapons” is fun to blast at home alone for a party of one or on your iPod to release all that aggression when you’re at the gym. Even better catch one of their live shows and you’ll be screaming back at the stage the lyrics to songs you just learned while jumping up and down like the rocker you always wanted to be. According to the band, they’re all about the live show!
Don’t let the Parental Advisory on the cover or the outrageous costumes of Justin Tranter fool you, Semi Precious Weapons are serious about their music. All members attended the Berklee School of Music. However, it’s the fusion of music, lyrics, style and in your face antics that set Semi Precious Weapons apart from the rest.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO INTERVIEW OF SPW HERE: http://www.progressivepulse.com/music/music.htm
1. Lisa Shaw – “Music in You” Album: “Free”
2. Los Amigos Invisibles – “Mentiras” Album: “Commercial”
3. Tortured Soul – “Home To You” Album: “Did You Miss Me?”
4. Swing Out Sister – “Butterfly” Album: “Beautiful Mess”
5. DJ Cliffy – “Our Sound” Album: “Black Rio 2: Original Samba Soul 1971 – 1980″
6. Vieux Farka Toure – “Fafa” Album: “Fondo”
7. Ciam – “Over the Edge” Album: “Anonymous”
8. Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics – “Masengo” Album: “Inspiration Information 3″
9. Amp Fiddler and Sly & Robbie – “Crazy Day” Album: “Inspiration Information”
10. Ashley Beedle & Horace Andy -”Babylon You Lose” Album: “Inspiration Information 2″
11. Vanessa Williams – “Close to You” Album: “The Real Thing”
12. Lisa Shaw – “Feel” Album: “Free”
13. Poet Name Life & Orishas – “14Me” Album: “Revolution”
14. Carlon – “Mixed Messages” Album: “Johari Window”
15. Los Amigos Invisibles – “Como Sabes Tu” Album: “Commercial”
16. Incognito – “Step Aside” Album: “More Tales Remixed”
17. Norman Cook – “Siente Mi Ritmo” Album: “Revolution”
18. Tosca – “Springer” Album: “No Hassle”
19. Swing Out Sister – “Beautiful Mess” Album: “Beautiful Mess”
20. Midival Punditz – “Drifting” Album: “Hello Hello”
You just loved it when you bought it. But is it really ’so over,’ now that you’re over it? Not necessarily.
Recent ‘recessionomics’ has forced many to get a little creative when it comes to our closets. So what would normally be replaced, is now being Reinterpreted, Reinvented, and Reused: the 3 R’s of recession fashion!
Two of my skinny belts have become my new favorite accessories. These thin belts are visibly in, often shown adorning waists. However, I occasionally use them as arm candy by fashioning them into bracelets. A few wraps and they’re instantly transformed from skinny waist belts to strappy wrist bracelets, giving me a look I couldn’t get with any of my traditional bangles. Try this with necklaces as well. Guys can also do the same with masculine versions of these items, including other articles like ties; perhaps fashioned into a wrapped boxer-like arm band like the one picture to the right.
Don’t stop there. A good look around your home is the perfect place to find ordinary materials that you can turn into extraordinary and original accent pieces for your look. I created a silver necklace simply out of key rings, keys, and an old chain in the spirit of boredom, inventiveness, and necessity. Now, one of my more original and valued pieces actually cost me nothing but a little time.
If you have purchasing power, brilliant! I say go, buy, and generate the economy. But, if you don’t, or would just like to constructively utilize leisure time and old items, look for opportunities to reinterpret, reinvent, and reuse. Following trends is great, setting them is even better.
Michelle Bernstein was the guest judge on Top Chef this week on Bravo and proved that even a celebrity chef who owns her restaurant in Miami, Michey’s can not only offer wise words but, admit when her food is not up to par. On this week’s show Michelle had some wise words for seemingly too proud Top Chef contestant, Eugene. Check out what she had to say:
” With all due respect, If you only get 8 ribbons, you have to think that maybe there might have been something wrong. I understand, standing by things, but when one person in my restaurant tells me, ‘hey this isn’t right’, I go back and I taste it. Well how can I fix it? So people say I’m good, You know what? I’m only as good as my last dish and if people don’t like it, then fix it!”
Wow, bravo (no pun intended) to Michelle for making this a standout honest moment on television! You may or may not remember but, we mentioned dining at Michy’s earlier this year and truly adored the food as well as venturing away from typical Miami Beach. Check out the former blog.
If you can’t make it to Miami anytime soon and you’re finding cooking at home makes more sense these days, then check out Michelle Bernstein’s recently released cookbook, Cuisine a Latina. Publishers Weekly states that this Jewish-Latina studied classical French technique, worked in several four-star restaurants, danced ballet on a professional level and now runs Michy’s. Though primarily a latin cookbook, Bernstein draws inspiration from her extensive travels to Spain, Italy, Greece and even variations on her own mother’s cooking.
Have a look at the following video as Michelle Bernstein cooks up Shrimp Tiradito!
Cocktail Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Premium Vodka
1/2 oz. Sweet and Sour
Splash of Pomegranate Juice
Splash of Rose Petal Essence
Splash of Champagne
Recipe Instructions:
Fill shaker with ice. Pour all ingredients into shaker . Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Float a splash of Champagne over the top of martini. Garnish the exterior of the martini glass with rose petals. Enjoy!
Comment and let us know what you think!
Click on image to watch video:
1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka
1 1/2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Godiva Dark Chocolate Bar shavings
Wet rim of martini glass with grenadine and dip the rim
into a plate of Godiva Dark Chocolate bar shavings.
In a shaker combine ice, Vanilla Vodka and Godiva White
Chocolate Liqueur. Shake vigorously and strain into prepared
martini glass.
Let us know if you tried the BLACK & WHITE or if you have
another New Year’s Cocktail.
When is San Francisco visit AsiaSf:
Featured Song:
Conciousness of Gravity (AlphaMotive Club)
Xisco Ponce Jr.
Click on image to download at iTunes:
Progressive Pulse Lifestyle Blogging
Vino Volo
Progressive Music
TWFS: Travel, Wine, Food & Spirits
SUBSCRIBE TO PROGRESSIVE PULSE