Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
I’m a city girl, born and raised in L.A. Coming to the Valley was always scary, we’d always get lost, the 1 or 2 times a year we’d venture out to visit some friends doomed to live in the boonies.
When I moved to Studio City in ’89, to raise my son in a cute little “affordable” house, I fell in love. Here were sweet, unpretentious, talented people proud of their community, even if they were horrific drivers. I discovered wonderful restaurants, stores with terrific bargains, beautiful gardens and parks, and no one ever dressed up. When the beautiful mural at the corners of Lankershim and Magnolia went up (painted with the supervision of super L.A. muralist Kent Twitchell, member of the illustrious L.A. Fine Art Squad) and The Pit Fire Pizza Company moved in, I wanted in, too.
And so I started this paper to be a part of and promote the coolness of NoHo, and all the little arty communities in L.A., for that matter. My great reward has been discovering the incredible talent and tradition that lies in No. Hollywood. In this issue I am sharing my best kept secrets about the turf with you.
See you at Actor Fest 2002, on May 11 at the Hilton Universal. It’s sure to be crawling with agents and talent schmoozing with each other. Maybe I’ll get discovered yet, I mean, isn’t that everyone’s secret dream in this town, to get discovered and then worshipped on screen, immortalized in celluloid? To tell you the truth, I just don’t have what it takes to be a star, but I’ll still be there, you never know, I just might be wrong! - Annie

That's Amoré
Quick, Concise Love Advice for the Romantically Challenged
by Laura Charelian
Control Freaks
Dear Laura:
My boyfriend always has to have his way. From the largest to the smallest decision, he has to have the last word and orchestrate all the details. He won’t apologize for anything, and will never admit when he’s wrong. His attitude has alienated a lot of our friends, and I’m starting to feel very claustrophobic. What can I do to get him to give me more respect? – Wanna Kill Him
Dear WKH,
Calm down, we don’t want you to end up in a holding cell downtown next to Mr. Blake. Sounds like you’re dealing with a garden variety control freak. Simple diagnosis; not so simple solution. People like your boyfriend suffer from a deep insecurity that permeates just about everything they do and drives them to control every situation. It’s not about respect for you, it’s about him modifying an ingrained behavioral habit. It can be done, but he has to want to change.
Successful, harmonious relationships involve partnership, connection, and compromise. This means working as a team, having empathy for the other person, and striving to meet each other half way in most situations. Almost everyone needs work in these areas, but controlling people have a particularly difficult time.
Tell your boyfriend how you feel. Explain very calmly and firmly that his behavior is jeopardizing your feelings for him and the relationship. Have this conversation when emotions are not high, and make every effort not to be confrontational. He may listen, or he may not. If he seems to be amenable to change, the next time a situation presents itself, voice your opinion and see what happens. Keep doing this as opportunities arise.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s a long tunnel. Realize this will be a lengthy process taken in consistent baby steps. You are trying to overcome habits of a lifetime, a challenge probably more difficult than kicking heroin. Eventually, your man should improve and may even learn to like the give and take. If he absolutely refuses to cooperate, then it is your choice to accept the situation or not. If it comes down to an ultimatum, don’t be surprised if he chooses his behavior and belief systems over you. Good luck.
- Looking for true love? Laura Charelian is a relationship consultant and author. She can be reached at her web site www.mytrueloveways.com.


Greta Blackburn's
Stay Youthful!

Plastic Surgery
Dear Greta,
Ever since that news personality on the Fox network had her eyes done I’ve been thinking about having something done myself. She looks so much better now! I’m even trying to talk my husband into having a facelift because I think it would help him in his business. Fact is, I think he lost out on a promotion recently due to his age. We are both in our late forties and look pretty good but we definitely look forty-something. He thinks that plastic surgery is for women only. What do you think? - Vain in Ventura
Dear Vain,
When that “Other” Greta (Greta Van Susteren) had plastic surgery, it really got a lot of people thinking. Men, in particular, have been turning to plastic surgery in increasing numbers. Whereas ten years ago it was nearly unheard of for a man to have this type of work done, now it is commonplace. You could well be right about your husband’s promotion- or lack thereof. Appearance counts in the workplace and sometimes, like it or not, looking a bit more youthful can help. In today’s tightening job market, no one wants to be passed over for an opening or a promotion if it can be avoided. A skilled surgeon can make a patient look younger and more vibrant without it being obvious that surgery has been performed. Most of us would like to slow the clock down a bit wherever we can, wouldn’t we? We baby boomers have been working out, stretching out, and emphasizing health and wellness in our lives for years now. Many want their faces to match their younger-looking bodies. The truth is that for many people today the question is not so much “if” but “when” surgery will be performed. (As in: “When it can be fit into the budget?!”) The key, of course, is to find the right surgeon to perform the procedure you choose. Do some comparison-shopping. Schedule consultations with several different doctors and look at their work. Ask to see before and after photos and be sure that you like what you see. I recently did a feature story for Ms. Fitness Magazine on some interesting procedures being performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Harvey Abrams (323-936 -1245) at Wilshire Aesthetics. He’s doing some very cutting edge - yet tasteful - procedures that enhance the appearance of men and women from all walks of life. In answer to your question, I think that it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. So do some research, pick your man (or woman surgeon), and let me know how going under the knife goes for you!
- Greta is an actress, fitness buff, and nutrition expert. www.fitcamp.com.

Cecily Speaks
by Cecily Knobler
Yes, I Get That All the Time!
I have a doppelganger and she’s one hell of a lady. It all started back in 1995 when I received an excited phone call from my Mother. “You’re on the front page of the Dallas Morning News!” she shouted with her distinguishing mixture of Texas charm and senility. “Oh, am I? What have I done this time?”, I goaded. “Well, you’re holding a microphone and apparently doing your little stand-up routine in front of thousands at Texas Stadium.” “Mom, why don’t you read the caption under the picture. Out loud.”

“A...lane....is Morrosomething,” she stuttered.

“Alanis Morissette, Mom, she’s a Grammy-award winning singer.” to which she replied, “You’re singing now?”

At first, the whole thing was cute. It made for predictably effortless conversations at bars where whomever would always say, “Do you know who you look like?” and I’d say, “hee hee...Jewel?” and they’d say, “NO...that Alanis person”, and because they didn’t get my “joke”, I’d refuse them my phone number.

Then I became annoyed by the comparison. I am my own person, not some look-alike for a younger, more successful version. My real problem with it was that she had become the ME I should have been. Had she not been born, I’d have had a hit show on Nickelodeon; I’d be known as the “angry, you oughta know” ex-girlfriend of Dave Coulier, (every girl’s DREAM).

I’ve become strangely defensive of Alanis, both as a songwriter and as a bad-ass chickie-chick. I was at the Skybar, recently, where a self-described “successful” screenwriter bought me a martini and asked, “Are you the girl who sang that song about Santa Monica Boulevard?” I actually got ANGRY and replied, “No? That’s Sheryl Crow! I’m Alanis Morissette!” Uh. Er. I then stormed out to my car and as I desperately tried to make my engine catch, I heard him say, “Look at Alanis go. I wonder why her car won’t start. And who’d have thought she’d drive an 85’ Pinto?”

I’ve learned a lot from my twin. Her latest album has a song called “21 Things (I Want in a Lover)”, where she describes what she looks for in a mate. Among other things, she wants a man who’s thriving in a brother-loving job, is politically aware, etc. I, personally, would have settled for a man without a prison record. But Alanis’s wise lyrics have inspired me to want more for myself. At least, maybe, to find a guy who’s up for movie theater hyjinx, (and yes, I WOULD do that in a theater.)

How strange that the person everyone thinks I am, is really the person I wouldn’t mind being. Now, THAT’s ironic. Don’t ya think? - Cecily Knobler is a stand-up comedian,and former morning host on KZLA.

The 6th Element
by Juan Maldonado
Hip Hop Appreciation Week
There’s an event that’s been quietly taking place for the past four years. It has been kept so quiet that not many people know of its occurrence, almost taking the form of an insider secret where even people on the inside have no idea that it exists. What ultra-secret, keep it on the down low event am I talking about? Hip Hop Appreciation Week of course!

The only problem is that Hip Hop Appreciation Week was never meant to be kept a secret, it’s supposed to be a time for people--both participating members and outsiders of the culture--to reflect on hip hop. Reflect on what our art form has given to the community, how it has changed and grown, and what we can do to ensure that it continues to grow in a positive direction. Above all, Hip Hop Appreciation Week’s main goal is to decriminalize hip hop’s public image and promote the unity of hip hop culture amongst its participants in order to form a common spirit amongst each other.

Founded by KRS-ONE and The Temple of HipHop, the 5th annual Hip Hop Appreciation Week will be taking place in the third week of May (May 13th – 20th 2002). This year’s theme is gratitude. Everyone involved in hip hop is encouraged to give thanks for the creation of the art form and all it has done to express the voice of urban youth and inner city people. For its commitment to the struggle, although at times it may seem like the culture has lost its way. Moreover, giving thanks is not only about showing gratitude but also a sign of humility, respect and strength in one’s character.

So whether you’re a full-fledged hip hop head or a casual listener, take time to reflect upon the art form and all of its 5 elements at some point during Hip Hop Appreciation Week. Think of how the music or any of its elements may have touched or transformed your life in some way. Pull out your favorite old school records and give it a listen. Then be sure to thank whomever you feel should be thanked for your introduction to the culture, for portraying a positive image of the culture, or for speaking on a subject that may have been relevant to your living situation. For more info on HHAW log onto www.templeofhiphop.org.

Get Real with Chris
Buying Frenzy!
What is going on here? Multiple offers, first day sales? We’re in a buying frenzy! If there’s a property on the market in an area that is the least bit sought after, and it’s priced near market value, it’s probably going to sell quickly and in many situations, in multiple offers. The indicators also show that if the local economy stays strong, homeowners refuse to sell, the stock market remains volatile and interest rates stay low, it’ll continue for the foreseeable future. What’s the cause of all this frantic action? There are too few homes available and large numbers of buyers looking to take advantage of low interest rates. Throw in a shaky stock market and the lure of quick equity and you’ve got the foundation of a red-hot market.
If you are buying, which, believe it or not, is still a good proposition, you should be prepared. You’ll need to make decisions quickly so please consult with competent professionals that can help you analyze the situation and help you negotiate. As sellers have the leverage it’s best to have someone with experience helping you make your decisions and pleading your case.
With homes selling in one, two, three days, you’ll need to have an aggressive professional finding these properties the day they come on the market and you’ll need to free your time to see them as quickly as possible. By the time you see a nice $300,000 home is advertised in the newspaper there’s a good chance it’s already been sold.
When you find a good home, you’ll need to make yourself attractive to the seller. The seller wants to know that not only does your offer look good on paper, they want to know that if they agree to get involved with you, you will be able to perform. You’ll need to share your tax and financial records with the seller. You’ll need to have at least one pre-qualification letter from a legitimate lender based on their review of your work history, credit, assets and debts. And it’s best if you’re represented by someone that knows how to present you professionally, make you as attractive as possible and send the right signals to the selling party by letting them know they will make sure you perform as expected.
It’s best to have a "clean" offer. It’s not the time to ask for the moon and give nothing. And you’ll most likely have to assign escrow, title, termite and home protection services to the seller.
You say you want to wait until the bubble bursts and the prices and competition die down? Every buyer wants that to happen but unless we have a catastrophic event that affects the home market the prices won’t come down for a while.
- Christopher Bradley is an award winning Estate Agent working with Prudential California Realty, Encino.
Reach him at 818-929-0180. s