Newport Beach March 2015

Newport Beach MARCH 2015

NewportBeachLifestylePubs.com

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FROM RAP

TO TED TALK

Staying Afloat in Orange County Poet Ali takes to the airwaves, TED talks and more.

No Longer a Secret The man behind the newly energized Sherman Library & Gardens.

Inside the Land of Smiles Ka Po, Thailand

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Publisher's Letter

Don't Fight It! D

o you feel more energetic and have more vitality? Has your mood improved, and do you have a new spring in your step? Are you daydreaming and more distracted than usual? Then you are definitely battling a case of spring fever! The transition from overcast skies to continuous sunshine and warmth can have that effect on us. New seasons, new things, and even new people can be exciting and invigorating. They have the ability to change our mood and our outlook on our lives and our work.

Speaking of new, there are several new people that have joined our staff here at Newport Beach Lifestyle magazine. Mary McGeachy has been our Guest Editor for February and March, and brings her bi-coastal background, extensive experience with Business Week and Magazine Publishers of America, Rodheim Marketing and outstanding wit to us. Mary will have an ongoing role as public relations guru and as one of our main writers. Ana Launes is the new vice president of the magazine, and brings her education and expertise in marketing and finance to us. She will be helping with the overall development and brand growth of the magazine.

And, we are lucky enough to pluck Orange County’s own Donna Bunce to be the new editor. Donna brings a wealth of experience to the publishing world through her more than 24 years in the field. As executive editor and editor for two Orange County lifestyle publications – Coast Magazine and Newport Beach [714] – as well as society columnist for The Orange County Register, her contacts are invaluable.

MARCH 2015 publisher

Randy Harding | RHarding@LifestylePubs.com 714.600.4759

guest editor

Mary McGeachy | MMcgeachy@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Mary McGeachy, Gerald Nachman, Colin Roohan, Tom Strongman, Suzette Zara, Alysia Eck

contributing photographers Joy Reynolds, Colin Roohan, Tom Strongman, Sandie Ward, Faye Chapman, Hiro Landazuri, Keith Steele

account managers Roger Bloom, Ken Finocchio

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39.

Visit NewportBeachLifestylePubs.com

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

Spring also welcomes the return of the experiential Garden Fusions, the popular themed monthly dinner at Corona Del Mar’s very own Sherman Library & Gardens.

Last year the then-new Garden Director Scott LaFleur and Café Jardin’s Chef Pascal Olhats put their creative talents together and came up with the unique concept of an elegant garden-themed dinner. “Coconuts de Provence,” anyone? The first dinner is Wednesday, March 25 and once a month through October. Reservations for sure!

Oh, and one more thing: spring cleaning is also something we tend to focus on this time of year. Make sure to call Jerry Dino at The Maids so they can come out and make a “clean sweep” of your winter dust and dirt. Work guaranteed. Visit Maids.com.

production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

So enjoy the new-found energy and vitality that spring brings. Fire up the grill and barbecue a nice ribeye steak and some veggies. Take a deep whiff of the fragrances of spring.

by Community ™

Randy Harding, Publisher RHarding@LifestylePubs.com on the cover photography by DAVID MARCUS

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Newport Beach Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Kingdom Holdings LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Newport Beach’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Kingdom Holdings’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Kingdom Holdings does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Newport Beach Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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March 2015

Departments 10 Good Times 11 What's Cooking?

12

Financial Fitness

14 Road Trip 26 Tech Today 28

Artist's Palette

30 Driver's Notebook 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34

Parting Thoughts

14 Inside the Land of Smiles See Ka Po, Thailand through the eyes of writer Colin Roohan.

18 Staying Afloat in Orange County Locally grown, Poet Ali takes to the airwaves, TED talks and more.

22 No Longer a Secret The man behind the newly energized Sherman Library & Gardens.

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Lifestyle Publications California | Colorado | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Kansas | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Oklahoma | Massachusetts

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Good Times

Los Angeles Jewelry, Antique & Design Show

Foodstalker.com’s talented photographer Sandie Ward captured a few OC beauties looking at amazing collections of renowned

international dealers, tens of thousands of private collectors, museum curators, investors and interior designers. Our kind of party!

Mary Roosevelt, Ana Launes, Randy Harding

Karin Worden, Maria Frances, Mona Nesseth, Patricia Sytnyk, Olga Medvedeva

Sandie Ward dallying with Dali

Tsion Chudnovsky and friends

Foodstalker Sandie Ward

Mona Nesseth , Mima Ronson, Kevin Jones, Donna Bunce

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

Dinah Lee and Christopher Lee Brazelton, Donna DiBari, Hutton Wilkinson, Donna Bunce, Mona Nesseth

What's Cooking?

What’s Cooking?

Skinny Spring Smoothies Article Suzette Zara | PHOTOGRAPHY JOY REYNOLDS

A

s spring rolls in, most of us are ready to shed the sweaters and shed the calories. Studies have shown that adding a nutritious “smoothie” to your daily diet regimen is an easy, fast way to curb hunger and boost vitamins. Smoothies were originally just fruit juice drinks with added ice, but they have recently evolved into vibrant blended drinks, which can serve as satisfying meal replacements and healthy liquid snacks. There are numerous nutritious combinations of fruits and vegetables, which can add potassium, fiber and calcium to your smoothie.

These delicious Spring Smoothies feature a blast of vitamin C from strawberries and kiwi; a powerful punch of potassium from avocados and bananas; and disease-fighting antioxidants from blueberries and pineapple. Blended with milk and yogurt, these smoothies encourage bone strength by providing over a third of your daily calcium requirement in one eight ounce serving.

Try a smoothie for breakfast to help get you hydrated, a benefit soda and coffee don’t provide; the fruit fiber will also remove the temptation to indulge in the empty carbohydrate calories of all those office donuts, helping to keep your diet on track. Best of all, a nutritious smoothie will help get you in great shape for your summer swimsuit.

Strawberry Agave Smoothie

The classic combination of strawberries and bananas creates a pretty pink smoothie loaded with healthy antioxidants. With over 150 percent of vitamin C per serving, this creamy smoothie is also high in potassium and manganese. The soy milk, a rich source of calcium, helps the body repair bone cells. Lean soy protein is easily converted by your body and used as energy. This refreshing smoothie is sweetened with agave nectar, a syrup made from the agave plant native to Mexico, a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Plus, this super skinny smoothie has only five grams of fat.

10 large, fresh strawberries 1 banana (peeled and sliced) 3/4 cup ice 2 tablespoons agave nectar 2/3 cup soy milk (or 2% milk)

fiber, potassium and antioxidants. The exotic green kiwi fruit, wrapped in a thick brown shell, is a nutrition powerhouse. Kiwis give this pretty smoothie a large dose of vitamin C to protect the immune system, potassium for heart health and fiber to improve digestion. Plus, it’s amazingly low in fat and calories, to give you a beach body fast!

2 kiwi (peeled and chopped) 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, chopped 3/4 cup pineapple juice Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until desired smoothness.

Nutrition: Calories:295; Fat: 2.8g; Vitamin C: 285%.

Cost per serving: $2.15 Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

A healthy morning alternative to a fat-packed blueberry muffin, this fragrant blueberry smoothie will jump-start your day with a nutrition boost from its surprise ingredient: avocado. Packed with potassium, avocados also provide a healthy dose of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E), vitamin K, copper and folate. Antioxidant nutrients support the immune system and help protect the body from cellular damage. The avocado does not change the flavor of the berries, rather it gives this smoothie a creamy texture along with hearthealthy unsaturated fat known as monounsaturated fat, which helps lower overall cholesterol levels. Virtually fat-free and with only 80 calories per cup, blueberries add a vibrant color along with the health benefits of reducing belly fat and improving blood sugar. To keep this smoothie cool during your morning commute, simply add a few ice cubes before blending.

1 cup frozen blueberries 1 container (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt 1/3 fresh avocado (pitted, peeled and diced) 1 cup 2% milk 4 ice cubes (optional)

Preparation:

Preparation:

Place ingredients into blender, in order listed above, starting with strawberries and ending with milk.

Blend to desired smooth consistency.

Nutrition: Calories: 375; Fat: 5g; Vitamin C: 165% Cost per serving: $1.65

Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until desired smoothness.

Nutrition: Calories: 385; Fat: 13.8g; Calcium: 43%.

Cost per serving: $1.85 Suzette Zara is an author, certified nutritionist, frequent

Tropical Kiwi Smoothie

speaker on low-fat cooking and creator of “Devil’s Sal-

Get transported to a tropical pineapple paradise while sipping this smoothie, loaded with vitamin C,

sa” (DevilsSalsa.com). suzette@SuzetteZara.com March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

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Financial Fitness

Discussing money matters

So how does one go into a marriage with a solid financial standing? Those soon-to-be-wed couples who converse openly about their finances are more likely to enjoy their big day with an understanding of their mate’s views on money. The experts at Lexington Law offer these questions every newly engaged couple should ask before the big day: 1. How do you view money?

This is a loaded question, but your fiancé’s answer will help you understand their perspective and how it aligns with yours. Here are a few conversation starters on the subject: • How do you budget your money?

• Are you meticulous about your bills and expenses, or are you comfortable to just “wing it?”

• What’s the most you would ever spend on a home, car, piece of clothing, etc.?

2. How should we budget for a family?

Fiancé and Finances

Kids are expensive, especially if you haven’t planned for them. Talk to your partner about how many kids you would both like to have. Plan for child living expenses and how they will impact your budget, i.e. clothes, food, activities, medical expenses, schooling, etc.

Five Questions to Ask Before Marriage

Some couples are content to let one person handle the finances, and others like to split up the bills and share household responsibilities. Regardless of what you decide, it is important to have a plan in place before getting married.

M

arriage is a milestone in life; yet, many enter into the next phase without asking their spouse some vital questions about money. If you are among the soon-to-be wed, consider starting a conversation using the questions below. Couples who plan their expenses ahead of time are more likely to enjoy their earnings, and less likely to need credit repair intervention.

Men, women and weddings Females are often portrayed as materialistic or over-the-top when it comes to their big day, but recent findings from an online Harris Poll tell a different story. Surprisingly, the study found that twice the number of men stated they would or did go into debt to pay for their dream wedding.

The study also found that both men and women valued financial responsibility. In fact, 91% indicated a preference for entering marriage debt-free as opposed to having a dream wedding.

"Marriage is a lifelong commitment built on trust, clear communication and honesty," said John Heath, Directing Attorney for Lexington Law. "While some may find financial discussions unnecessary, understanding each other intimately in terms of what you both bring to the table – be it wealth or debt – will strengthen your relationship and help to avoid potentially serious friction to your marriage down the road."

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

3. How should we communicate about money?

4. What should we do when we disagree about spending?

You and your spouse won’t agree on everything. In fact, you may completely disagree on how to spend, save, and generally manage your money. The question is: What should you do when these disagreements arise? Avoiding the subject will put you at greater risk for financial (and marital) trouble. There’s no easy answer for this one, but presenting the topic during your conversation is a good start.

5. Do you have any debts that I should be aware of?

Secrets aren’t the best addition to a marriage, especially when it comes to debt. Be sure you and your soon-to-be put the credit cards on the table before walking down the aisle. Marriage is a life partnership; start by dealing with your debt together.

You’ll head into your new life as a married couple with ease when you have an open and honest dialog about your financial situation. For more tips for managing your money, or your credit, visit LexingtonLaw.com.

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Questions or Comments?

Info@LifestylePubs.com ~ 714.600.4759 March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

13

Road Trip

Behind the Land of Smiles

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

Article and Photography Colin Roohan

I

t’s 10 o’clock in the morning. The breeze is calm, the tide is gentle and the elderly Englishmen nearby have just ordered their first round. Island life is good. The allure of Thai islands is no secret, and throughout history travelers have been coming to the Land of Smiles for much needed rest and relaxation. Ko Chang, or Elephant Island, situated in the northeast corner of the Gulf of Thailand, is the second-largest Thai island. Despite being in the land of tourism, the island has retained remarkable charm.

I selected Ko Chang over more popular islands such as Ko Samui or Phuket because of descriptions I had read online and in guidebooks. Most describe Ko Chang as slower-paced and ideal for vacationing families, a con in some travelers’ reviews. However, the majority of reviews loved Ko Chang’s atmosphere and the fact that it is not known as a party island.

As my overly stuffed tuk-tuk pulled up to my resort I thought

about the scene in “Apocalypse Now” when the men arrive at Colonel Kurtz’s compound by boat. (You know, the scene with impaled heads, intimidating villagers and the maniacal photographer?) Well, Kurtz’s lush Shangri-La of a compound was just what this resort resembled, and the sounds of tropical birds and lapping waves only added to the sense of seclusion. The rudimentary check-in was followed by a walk along the beach with a Singha in hand, never a bad way to cap off a full day of traveling. The sense continued > of enjoyment was almost tactile.

Road Trip

(continued)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Ecotourism –

Hiking, kayak rentals and village homestays are all great ways to help the locals who live near Ko Chang’s mangrove swamps, in Ao Salak Kok bay.

Help keep the resort developers away by supporting the local fishermen and guides.

Volunteering –

The Koh Chang Pony Rehabilitation Project saves and rehabilitates mistreated horses and ponies. Stop by for a chance to help feed, clean or exercise these animals that are awaiting adoption.

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

After several days of slowly winding my way through the surrounding landscape, I was ready to take part in some of the numerous activities Ko Chang had to offer: island hikes that lead to waterfalls, sustainable elephant trekking, scuba diving and snorkeling and boat trips through Ko Chang’s surrounding islands. I mostly enjoyed my time on a daylong boat trip through the surrounding islands.

The staff, mostly made up of 20-somethings, kept me and a couple other passengers in stitches with their antics. These guys weren’t simply treating us like dollar signs; they seemed to genuinely enjoy showing us the views surrounding Ko Chang.

The crew attempted to teach me how to catch fish with my hands (which I couldn’t do) and how to properly maneuver a sea kayak (which I cannot wait to do again). If you do decide to see the surrounding ocean, hiring a local crew and negotiating your fee directly, with the captain bypassing package tours, will help sustain the local economy. If possible ask to visit Ko Wai, one of the most scenic beaches I have ever visited. There isn’t a lot to do on the island but a dip in the crystal-clear water and a visit to the island’s sea turtle nursery warrant a visit. The highlight of my day was enjoying the laughs with a couple crew members on the back of the boat while they showed me how to grill squid on a hibachi. The chili oil served with the squid still makes me salivate.

Rather than spending much time in the hotel, I walked the beaches and talked to countless people.

As a result I saw the value of gaining a local perspective. Any attempt to sum up Ko Chang as a relaxing destination would simply fall short. Ko Chang is a place of character and must be experienced firsthand. Sadly, like most of its relatives, Ko Chang is slowly changing and a few beaches have already begun hosting Full Moon parties. Get to Ko Chang soon before this quaint little beach develops any further and the guesthouses are all owned by foreigners.

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Staying Afloat in

“The OC” It’s all about community for Poet Ali Article Ami Damiani | Photography John Nasteff

O

nce in awhile it’s refreshing to stumble upon a Cinderella Story where the protagonist is from your own backyard and you take a guilty pleasure in catching them in the middle of their ascent to success. Somewhere in that sweet spot after they’ve attended the proverbial “ball” but before they’ve actually moved into the “castle.” This is where we catch up with Orange County native Poet Ali, a young man who has begun to make his mark (or “marks” rather) in more ways than one.

But why so many targets? How is his story like ours? And, exactly what does it take to stay afloat today in Orange County today?

The housing crash of 2008 caused a paradigm shift in the Newport community and the country. This shift had to do with staying afloat and being successful. Often

PoetAli.com.

Social Media: @PoetAliOfficial

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

times to “make it” one was required to create more than one income stream. Supplemental incomes started to become necessary. Whether you were a family, a small business owner, or a sole proprietor, it wasn’t enough anymore to simply do one thing. Diversified portfolios became a means of survival. The most compelling part of Poet Ali’s story is with this new “norm” and how it is interwoven with the Newport community. Not to mention the funfact: you probably have met him and never knew…

Poet spent a good portion of his formative years right here in Orange County and even more noteworthy than some of his accolades is the unassuming reality that he may have DJ’ed your wedding, been your kid’s teacher, or you’ve been front row at one of his shows and simply never knew Batman was Bruce Wayne. For years Poet was a substitute teacher for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and called in regularly to sub classes in English literature, Spanish language, and film and television production.

The inside joke was that he never mentioned to the kids that their “sub” was a touring hip hop artist and graduated from high here in Orange County. They also had little idea that their teacher was off to the races the second the bell rang. He was racing up the coast to teach an after school program and served the Newport Coast community for several years teaching Spanish as a second language for both elementary and middle school students.

He would then head back to his father’s office to change and clean the limo so that he could pick up some of their

top clients for an afternoon on the town. The family business was Limousines and DJ’ing. His guise included black driving gloves and full on driving cap and many families came to know Poet as their personal driver for proms, weddings and airport pick-ups. Once the clients were dropped off and ending their night, Poet was just getting started on his. Often times he was unable to perform because he was driving his clients to the very same restaurant where he was scheduled to perform. Using the juggling act and ambition as fuel, he was able to cover even more of the coastline.

In the entertainment world, Poet’s flamenco troupe was performing in many fine dining restaurants, including Ten Bistro, Tapas Restaurant, Bacchus Bar and Bistro, The Ritz Carlton, Posch Restaurant, the Taste of Newport and the St. Regis Hotel. El Poeta was both percussionist and singer.

After a flamenco show, Poet broke out the laptop and shed his customary black on black attire to DJ for one of the night clubs in the area. The costume changes were just only beginning as Poet would slip into something more comfortable, throw on a custom Poet hat and come out from behind the turntables as Poet Ali: hip-hop frontman jumping on stage, leading the club in an energy-packed hip-hop performance.

In this vein, he has given concerts for every macontinued >

Poet Ali appearing on Scott Hays' OC Caravan KX 93.5

Staying AFLOAT (continued)

jor nightlife venue in the greater Orange County area, including Club X, The Shark Club, Club Sutra, Avec Nightclub, Club Heat, Segerstrom Hall/Orange County Performing Arts Center, UCI’s Barclay Theatre, The Yost Theatre and The Galaxy Theatre. His shows attract fans from all walks and often include a live band, dancers and a hip-hop orchestra. A few hours of sleep and he would have a gym bag packed because in the summers he assisted the girls tennis coach at Mission Viejo High school in the mornings and taught tennis for years at several country clubs in the area. To top it off he would then teach 3-5 dance classes in the afternoon, and has been a resident teacher/choreographer at virtually every major dance studio.

A maddening work ethic and multi-entrepreneurial spirit seemed to have this talented, young, impresario with his hands in almost everything. Tracking Poet’s life feels like a long game of Where’s Waldo, except this Waldo is much better dressed, looks European and is Middle Eastern. Poet is the middle child of Iranian immigrants who after several transitory stops abroad and in the states chose Mission Viejo as the place to raise their kids. It was an unspoken trade-off for the eclectic and music driven family: the community provided safety and in return, Poet’s family (under the stewardship of his father Rocky) provided the community with a level of entertainment that grew and diversified as the kids did.

Poet’s father started their family business: Limozic. The former had Poet and his brother as pre-teens providing music, not only for all sanctioned (and unsanctioned) high-school functions, but also for events where the two boys often found themselves in amusing situations. Tipsy adults were often surprised when they approached the DJ booth to request a song and saw two baby faced boys 12 and 13 years old, brown eyes blinking inquisitively underneath jet black fedoras ready to take their request. The most important part about the business for Poet’s Dad was that it was based on family values and driven by community. Most of its clients and growth came from the best advertisement money can’t buy: good old-fashioned word of mouth.

Currently, Poet still runs the company and his team serves very exclusive clients for private parties/events.

The artistic seed manifested strongest in Poet and this training in front of large crowds and type of early attention could very well be the reason why Poet’s music as a hip-hop artist is not driven by the same “played out and tired” (as he puts it) “lame” message of “financial gain, fame or ‘dames’” as a lot of music in the genre. His work regularly incorporates a 20

Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

blend of musical and cultural elements and carries within it strong themes of self discovery, humanity and inspiration. Poet’s voice and poetry are not only seen and heard in his songs on iTunes (one of which is a hilarious parody called OCD, affectionately standing for Orange County Disorder), but also as a motivational speaker where he has been invited to share his talents at multiple national and international leadership and educational conferences, including the HOBY World Leadership Conference, Louisville celebration of Compassion, and the 2014 Iranian American Women leadership Conference. In the latter, Ali is also a speaker for Rachel’s Challenge (RachelsChallenge.org, a non-profit organization named after a victim of Columbine, that challenges young people to be more compassionate through the story of Rachel Scott) and has shared her story at many schools in Orange County, Newport and nationwide.

Most recently Poet gave a Ted Talk at the Soka University Performing Arts Center titled, “The Most Important Language you will EVER learn”. It received an “extremely humbling” (as Poet states) two minute standing ovation and has since gone viral on You Tube. The topic was how we connect with one another and was rather fitting subject matter for a person who seems to have his hand in the community, yet moves like a ghost with a busy touring schedule. His Instagram feed is filled with snapshots of global stages from Italy, Spain, the U.K., the Middle East, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but he still gets the most likes on pics with his Grandma and nieces and nephews because at the end of the day, he’s just another kid working hard to stay afloat like we all are. He works with many artists out of his recording and production studio, The Chateau, in Long Beach.

Although the nomad scarcely settles down in one place for anywhere to be called home, we are laying dibs and claiming him as our own because community is just like his story. It becomes hard to separate one from the other, his from ours, and where ones tragedy ends, another triumph begins. When we simply asked Poet, “Why do all this?” His matter-of-fact answer pointed to someone twice his age.

“It’s the opportunity granted us by our parents and their timeless values,” he says. “Life is the Field of Dreams and if you build it, they will come.’’

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No Longer a Secret Garden Enjoy all that Sherman Library & Gardens has to offer Article Mary McGeachy

Y

ou have to pay attention after the traffic light at Dahlia and PCH or you will miss the little adobe building which sits on the grounds of the beautiful Sherman Library & Gardens. It’s such an understated haven many are not aware that they can experience the joy of viewing exquisite exotic and native plants, dine at Pascal’s Café Jardin, browse the extensive library and even enjoy a gift shop. It’s all inside, which is really to say in California, “outside.”

However, we are pretty sure that Sherman Library & Gardens’ relatively new Director Scott LaFleur is changing that lack of awareness. We wanted to see how he has found the key to the “secret” of Sherman Gardens, which some might say, allows him to have magical powers of transformation and make it more visible to the community.

We asked to meet with Mr. LaFleur, who is beginning his second year as director. He came bounding in to meet us in his office, anxious to share his enthusiasm and tell us about the new and expanded programs and events. Just a note: he is so youthful in appearance, he may also have found the Fountain of Youth amidst the Gardens! And if it’s not fun enough that his last name is LaFleur, his daughter's name is Lilly LaFleur!

Educated in horticulture at the University of New Hampshire, LaFleur owned and operated a high-end perennial garden design company for 10 years. He was then commissioned to design and manage a $1.5 million landscape renovation (over a three-year pe22

Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

riod) of a private residence Sherman Library & Gardens in Vermont at an elevation Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. of 1,700 feet. The project enand for special celebrations and compassed 60 acres of rocky evening events. hillsides, and construction 2647 East Coast Highway of ponds, trail systems, nuCorona Del Mar, CA 92625 merous gardens and a greenSLGardens.org house. LaFleur then joined the New England Wild Flower Society’s “Garden of the Woods” as senior horticulturist, managing major exhibits and leading an effort to revitalize use of native plants in designed settings.

In 2011, he was lured to California and became director of horticulture for Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. There he helped re-launch the organization’s original plan to install a trail system and the “Gateways to the Communities” exhibit. And, in December, with the passing of beloved Gardens Director Wade Roberts, he got the call and became director in January 2014.

He is passionate about and often publishes articles on horticulture and ecological gardening. So we are not surprised to hear that LaFleur is an accomplished public speaker and has appeared in several episodes of a web-based video series, planet green. The topic of publishing leads him to talk about the Library which is devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest. The Library boasts

more than 25,000 in the collection. In fact, this last year the Library was given two extensive photo collections from ExplorOcean of Newport Beach. There are approximately 47,000 photographs with strong emphasis on maritime themes dating from 1898-1989. A research library, it houses microfilm of the Los Angeles Times dating back to its founding in 1881.

You can easily get Mr. LaFleur excited describing the botanical collections in their geographical origins, which span the globe, ranging from native California plant life to exotic vegetation of tropical climes.

“In effect, the Gardens provide a museum of living plants, displayed amidst a setting of fountains and seasonal display of flowers,” he says. “The Gardens supply a tranquil environment simply to be enjoyed for its beauty or, if desired, a place to observe and study firsthand flora from around the world.”

Amidst all of this beauty LaFleur and his staff have developed new programs and events. The monthly Garden Fusions dinner evenings created in collaboration with Chef Pascal Olhats last year have been a great success and returnMarch 25.

LaFleur’s eyes lit up when he described last Christmas’ offering, “The Nights of 1000 Lights.”

“It was gorgeous,” he recalls. “The Gardens were illuminated with 1,000 luminaries, holiday lights and festive decorations.

Luminary bags lined the walkways guiding visitors through this winter wonderland. We have so many events scheduled. Of course, we continue with the Private Gardens Tours of Corona del Mar, The Fuschia Festival, educational lectures and so many more activities!” He himself is known to fire up the barbecue and grill kabobs for the guests.

“Remember, the purpose behind establishing the Library & Gardens was to furnish our community with a botanical, educational and cultural center, a place whose gardens, library, facilities and wide range of programs would provide the people of Orange County a community treasure of lasting value,” he says. “However, and it’s a big however, I want to remind the community that it is public support that ensures our continued existence. Sherman Library & Gardens is a membership-based organization that recontinued >

Sherman Library & Gardens Staff March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

23

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No longer a secret (continued)

lies on a strong network of volunteers and supporters, known as our ‘friends’ organization. Our volunteer friends lead tours, maintain the gardens, assist the library and provide financial support through fundraisers and membership dues.

“Our dedicated and fun staff likes to feel the Library & Gardens provide something for everyone. Whether it is the serenity and beauty of the Gardens, the exquisite cuisine of Chef Pascal’s Café Jardin, exceptional programming or the collections of the Library we want people to visit and support this community treasure.”

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March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

25

Tech Today

ORGANIZING YOUR DIGITAL CABINET Innovative note and to-do apps bridge desktop, tablets, smartphones Article Christopher Clark

Y

ou’re more than a month into your New Year’s resolution (ahem, “goal”) of organizing your digital life. The first weeks of 2015 saw you blazing through task lists, organizing projects and consolidating those important meeting notes into one tidy place, right?

Me neither.

Fear not. There’s enough time and plenty of tools to turn this around. The productivity space is bulging with powerful apps that put your digital scraps and sticky notes wherever you are: smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop. Three apps in particular --Evernote, Wunderlist and Workflowy -- are winning raves because they’re easy to use and work across multiple computing platforms. Regardless of whether you rock an iPhone or Android smartphone, Mac or PC, these apps and your notes are ready when you are.

Evernote: As a digital filing cabinet, Evernote (Evernote. com) has huge name recognition because of its ubiquity and intuitive interface. With apps on nearly every conceivable platform, notes can be created and stored in subject-specific notebooks. Notebooks created around the same topic can be put in a “stack” for even more topical hierarchy. But Evernote’s real power may lie with tagging. Rather than organizing notes in a notebook metaphor, you can add label-like “tags” that act as searchable key words. Once you’ve created and regularly use tags (tip: start with a handful of tags and add more once you’re comfortable with searching for them) you may find it quicker to tag notes versus filing them in a proper notebook. The Web is full of Evernote tagging strategies, so a little searching will reveal a system you can customize. Whatever system you use, its success depends on actually using it.

What are you waiting for?

Cost: Evernote has a $5/month premium that adds a lot of power-user functionality, but the free tier has more than enough features for most users.

Wunderlist: As a straightforward list-maker, Wunderlist

(Wunderlist.com) has earned a huge user base with an intuitive and gorgeous interface, along with speedy syncing across devices. Grocery lists made using Wunderlist’s desktop application sync in near-real time with your smartphone app, handy when you’re banging out a list before heading to the store. You can add time-based reminders and notes to items for setting deadlines or extra reference, both of which can turn Wunderlist into a powerful personal project management system.

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

Cost: Like Evernote, Wunderlist starts free with features that will satisfy most users. A $4.99/month premium tier adds things like unlimited subtasks and collaboration features for sharing lists with friends or co-workers.

Workflowy: This web-based app is brilliant because it’s so sim-

ple. Workflowy (Workflowy.com) looks like an outlining service that does nothing but make lists. When you open the website you’re confronted with a canvas of white space. No notebooks, extra windows or superfluous options to distract you. Simply type a task and hit “return.” You’ve just created a list that’s ready for your next item. All lists can have sub-lists, and each of those can have their own sub-lists. It’s a dead-simple and highly navigable hierarchical approach to managing almost anything containing multiple steps or items. Clicking on the “+” or “-” symbol to expand or collapse a list is Workflowy’s lone graphical flourish, a simplicity that has earned it cult status. A Google search for “Workflowy” reveals countless ways people are using it to fit their, uh, workflows.

Cost: Workflowy has a free tier that allows for 250 items per month. That may be enough for some, though the app’s get-inand-get-out functionality makes the $4.99 monthly charge for unlimited lists and items, Dropbox support and formatting options more than worth it.

Artist's Palette

Jeannie Denholm, Wolfgang Bloch, Diane Nelson

Wolfgang Bloch at Scape Gallery Tucked away in Corona del Mar on E. Coast Highway is one of the most unique and special art galleries in Orange County able to boast a selection of truly unique artists. Southern CA Art Projects and Exhibitions | SCAPE, was founded in 2003 by Jeannie Denholm and Diane Nelson, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in the art industry. They say whether you’re looking for contemporary art, photography, paintings and more, for a residential private collection or a business setting, SCAPE can guide you.

Newport Beach Lifestyle magazine caught up with the internationally celebrated Southern California artist Wolfgang Bloch being featured at SCAPE.

Tell us about your background. Where are you from?

me. It’s beautiful, powerful, quiet, mesmerizing and grand.

WB: I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ec-

uador. A small country located on the west coast of South America.

Your presentation today is unique.

How did you develop your process?

WB: I started painting what I used to call

What was it about growing up in Ecuador that impacted your art?

WB: Almost every family vacation was spent

traveling in a VW throughout the country, either camping up the coast, or crossing through the Andes. I clearly remember images of the beautiful, rich and colorful landscape moving by.

In your art, what is it about the

“pretty pictures.” Realistically rendered seascapes, with perfect lighting, waves, palm trees, etc. I enjoyed the process, but not the end result. Out of frustration one day I painted over one of those paintings, creating two fields of color. Where the two colors collided, a small mark that resembled a wave appeared. I was immediately impressed by what I saw and decided to embellish the mark and make it a more obvious wave.

ocean that inspires you?

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

WB: The ocean is the inspiration and es-

How do you begin?

sence of my work. Its size, its constant physical and visual movement fascinate

WB: I have a room in my studio filled with interesting things that I’ve collected for years: old furniture, reclaimed wood, papers, fabrics, old magazines, album covers and more.

What inspires you and what do you like

It’s simplistic, romantic, and it communicates the primal power and the hypnotic beauty of the sea.

most about your work?

It’s where I go to get started; looking for a material, a texture, a color, something that sparks a vision and then the process begins.

In your early career you worked as an art director and a freelance artist/ designer for some of the then-biggest brands in the surf industry. How did

WB: I’m inspired by time spent alone in open, quiet and remote places. My work allows me to get lost in my own creative world. Spend hours constructing, manipulating material, layering and removing color, communicating with the work, creating textures and depth with paint, and in the end resulting with an image that moves people.

And on reflection, what are the best and worst of times in your artist’s life?

WB: I am blessed to be able to live near the

ocean with my two children and on a daily basis I get to do something I’m passionate about.

The worst--riding the financial roller coaster that most artists experience.

that come about?

WB: I graduated from the University of Flor-

Your work has been exhibited not

ida with a fine arts degree and then moved to California to study design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. I graduated with a bachelor of arts in graphic design and was hired by Gotcha Sportswear as an art director, designing their print ads, trade show booths and all promotional items. The surf industry at that time was very small and I had the opportunity to meet a lot of very talented and unique individuals. It was a great time for me.

only in Southern California, San Francisco and New York City but all around the world—Australia, England and Japan. How do you feel about your work being enjoyed by so many around the world?

WB: I feel very fortunate that my artwork

has given me the opportunity to travel to so many different places worldwide.

I think there’s something about my work that everyone can relate to and enjoy.

Pet Adoption and Fundraiser Day Sunday March 29, 2015 Join us from 11am-3pm for the Newport Coast Animal Hospital Pet Adoption Day and Fundraiser for Animal Abuse Prevention Agency ( AAPA), a non-profit organization.

Pets in Need of a Forever Family | Snacks and Drinks for Humans and Pets Training Tips with Mariela from Every Dawg’s Dream Pet Adoption and Fundraiser Day Sunday March 29, 2015 Animal Boarding and Daycare Information with Monica from Dog Ranch Bed and Biscuit Acupuncture Information and Demonstrations with Christina Heathcock, DVM *Pets in need ofInformation a forever family *Snacks and drinks for humans and pets Liquid BioCell Nutraceutical with John Giannone, DVM *Training tips with Mariela from Every Dawg's Dream *Animal boarding and daycare information with Monica from Dog Ranch Bed and Biscuit Face Painting & Color Time for the Kids | Raffle *Acupuncture information and demonstrations with Christina Heathcock, Newport Animal Hospital 21157 Newport Coast Dr., Newport Coast, CA 92657

Join us from 10am-4pm for the Newport Coast Animal Hospital Pet Adoption Day and fundraiser for Animal Abuse Prevention Agency ( AAPA) A non profit organization .

DVM *Liquid BioCell Nutraceutical information with John Giannone, DVM * Face Painting & color time for the kids *Raffle If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation visit Animalabusepreventionagency.org

Extra thanks to our Event sponsors : If you are unable to attend and wouldJustlike make donation AnimalAbusePreventionAgency.org Food For to Dogs / Mustard’s Cafe /a Pretty Face Painting / Newportvisit Coast First Class Pizza / Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit / Every Dawgs Dream / Newport Coast Animal Hospital

ExTrA ThANkS To our EvENT SPoNSorS:

21157 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657 - In the Newport Coast Shopping Center March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

29

Driver's Notebook

2015 Mustang: The Pony Car Rides Again Article Tom Strongman | Photography Tom Strongman and Ford Motor Co.

I

t’s only fitting that Ford used the 50th anniversary of the Mustang to unwrap the sixth generation of the car whose galloping pony logo has become an American automotive icon.

The 1964 Mustang was compact, sporty and affordable. Its success gave rise to competitors –the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Pontiac Firebird – and the whole segment soon became known as pony cars.

Restyling an icon is a delicate art. Designers need to move the car forward while retaining design cues that link it to the past. Ford has succeeded in creating a Mustang that is better in every way. It looks great, has three engine choices and an upgraded interior. It is notably free from wind noise and handles deftly because of the new independent rear suspension.

Kemal Curic, born in Bosnia, worked at Ford of Europe when one of his designs was chosen as the basis for the new Mustang. The car looks low and purposeful.

The bold grille and bulging fenders are recognizably Mustang, as are the individu-

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

al, three-dimensional taillights that blink sequentially as turn signals.

Ford would only say the coupe would be on sale “soon,” with no exact date given.

A convertible should be available in the near future.

The 2015 Mustang has a starting price of $23,600 with the 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 but for $1,570 more you can get the turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates a phenomenal 310 horsepower and delivers 32 miles per gallon in highway testing. Power hungry folks will love the 5.0-liter V-8 that packs 435 galloping ponies.

Auto writers were invited to drive pre-production models in Southern California. We could drive the EcoBoost four-cylinder or the V-8. For anyone with even a modicum of gasoline in their veins, these are the only two engines to consider.

While horsepower is seductive (more is usually better) I was thoroughly charmed by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four. Equipped with the Premium package, the sticker price was $33,480.

Back in the day, pure racing engines were lauded for delivering 100 horsepower per liter, but this sparkling gem produces a prodigious 137 horsepower per liter and does so while meeting stringent emission requirements and delivering as much as 32 miles per gallon in highway driving (according to EPA figures). Think racehorse that hardly eats.

Extracting this much power from such a small engine required deft engineering.

The twin-scroll turbocharger is fed by individual exhaust pipes from each exhaust valve. That lets each pulse of exhaust reach the turbo without interference from neighboring cylinders, and that in turn makes the turbo respond more quickly.

There is almost no discernible turbo lag.

On the first segment of our drive we had to endure crowded urban streets until we reached the Angeles Crest Highway. This twisted snake of a highway is legendary throughout the automotive world for the way it tests a vehicle’s handling, and it’s an oasis of mountain driving. With less weight over the front wheels, the Eco-

Boost Mustang felt lithe and balanced. A flick of the automatic’s paddle shifters initiated quick downshifts for corners, and the engine was eager to power out with a pleasing rush.

The car can be equipped with selectable drive modes — Normal, Sport +, Track and Winter. Sport + was most fun in the mountains as it tightens up the suspension and makes shifts crisper.

The independent rear axle keeps the rear tires planted, especially in choppy turns.

The performance pack of 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, stiffer springs and firmer chassis tuning would have sharpened handling even more, but at the expense of a choppier ride.

I had a short drive in a 5.0-liter GT with the performance pack.

The buttoned-down ride was better in fast turns but less compliant, and less comfortable, in everyday driving. The GT’s throbbing V-8 and six-speed manual were exhilarating, but it is hard to safely unleash its power potential on anything less than a track.

For everyday use, I would pick the EcoBoost.

Electronic controls are abundant in the new Mustang, witness the four drive modes, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and backup camera. An interesting twist is the availability of a line lock. A line lock applies the front brakes but not the rear, enabling drivers to do burnouts to warm up the rear tires for maximum traction during standing starts. Using line lock at the drag strip, however, could possibly void the warranty.

Inside, the Mustang’s cabin has a familiar look but the level of materials has been upgraded. The seats are deep and supportive, and the optional Recaro seats in the GT were outstanding. Various trim packages add adaptive cruise control, upgraded audio systems, navigation and MyFord Touch. Sync, or Bluetooth connectivity, is standard.

Price: Base prices start at $23,600 for the V-6, $25,170 for the EcoBoost four-cylinder, $29,170 for the EcoBoost Premium, $32,100 for the V-8 GT and $36,100 for the GT Premium.

A SET

of barbells for the

BRAIN.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000mile powertrain warranty.

You can reach Tom Strongman at TStrongman@gmail.com.

At A Glance

Point: The redesigned Mustang appears to be a resounding success based on a few hours behind the wheel. The styling is a home run, performance is better than ever and the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is a powerhouse that is relatively easy on gas.

Counterpoint: Back seat legroom is so tight that only small children, dogs or briefcases will fit.

2015 Ford Mustang Engine: 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6

2.3-liter, 310-horsepower turbo four-cylinder

5.0-liter, 435-horsepower V-8 Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 107.1 inches Curb weight: 3,526 to 3,729 pounds Base price: $23,600 to $36,100 MPG rating:

2.3-liter four-cylinder: 22 in the city, 32 on the highway

3.7-liter V-6: 19 in the city, 28 on the highway

5.0-liter V-8: 16 in the city, 25 on the highway

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March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

31

March Lifestyle Calendar

FEBRUARY 28

MARCH 6

OC RESTAURANT WEEK LAUNCH PARTY

FULL MOON DINNER CRUISE

HUNTINGTON BEACH

MARINER’S MILE/WESTCLIFF

At Hilton’s Waterfront Beach Resort enjoy an afternoon in “Seventh Heaven.” A celebration to kick-off the 7th year of Orange County’s most treasured culinary event. ocrestaurantweek.com/launch-party

A very romantic Hornblower Cruise visit newportbeach.com/events/full-moon-dinner-cruises

MARCH 1-7 ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ORANGE COUNTY

First week of March is the time to treat yourself in Orange County to the fare of top chefs with prix fixe menus at unbeatable prices. visit ocrestaurants.com

MARCH 3 STARS ON ICE HONDA CENTER

The Stars on Ice tour comes for one night only, with performances from top figure skaters, Sasha Cohen, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Illia Kulik and Kurt Browning. starsonice.com

MARCH 3-4, 10-11 FESTIVAL OF THE WHALES DANA POINT HARBOR

Parades,whalewatching,blockparties,exhibits and more. festivalofthewhales.com

MARCH 7

MARCH 15 ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND GREEN CELEBRATION ORANGE COUNTY MARKET PLACE

Celebrate in style and jig along with the Claddagh School of Irish Dance, McDermott Evans, Aniar Academy and the O’Connor School of Irish Dance. Food trucks go green. Ocmarketplace.com

MARCH 17 EL PRESIDENTE BALL

49TH PATRIOTS DAY PARADE

EL ADOBE, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

LAGUNA BEACH

The Fiesta Association hosts this themed annual dinner dance “How the West Was Fun.” Attire should be Western, Spanish, Mexican or early Californian. swallowsparade.com

“The home of the free because of the brave.”

For over forty years this OC Parade shows community spirit with music and floats.Parade entries from local organizations. lagunabeachparade.org

MARCH 8-11 CHOC’S LAGUNA BEACH ALA CARTE LAGUNA BEACH

A foodie and wine experience event benifitting CHOC’s Children’s Hospital with many participating restaurants lagunabeach/foodies.com

MARCH 15

MARCH 21-22 SWAN LAKE BARCLAY THEATER, IRVINE

The Festival Ballet Theater presents Swan Lake with San Francisco Ballet principal dancers Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets featured. Thebarclay.org

MARCH 25 “GARDEN FUSIONS” DINNER

NEWPORT-MESA SPIRIT RUN

CAFÉ JARDIN, CORONA DEL MAR

FASHION ISLAND

Chef Pascal Olhats and Sherman Garden’s director, Scott Lafleur bring back the monthly gourmet experiential dinners. Slgardens.Org

From the Toddler Trot to the competitive 10K, there are events for everyone. Dedicated to promoting health and fitness, the event also provides scholarships to low-income children. nmspiritrun.org

MARCH 26-29 MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! HONDA CENTER

A mind-blowing live action arena experience featuring the greatest Marvel super heroes!

Acrobatics, motorcycles and latest technologies in special effects. marveluniverselive.com 32

Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

Business Directory Animals & Animal Care

Newport Animal Hospital (949) 706-8380 newportanimalhosp.com

Community Events & Organizations Sherman Gardens & Library (949) 673-2261 slgardens.org

Dentists & Orthodontics Peter T. Smrecek, Jr. DDS (949) 759-8606 petersmrecekdds.com

Education

LearningRx (949) 262-0333 learningrx.com/newport-beach

Financial Services & Planning Back Bay Funding (949) 650-0770 backbayfunding.com

The Code Corporation (949) 795-3844 thecodecorp.com

Teles Properties, Inc. (949) 280-9762 tomunvert.com

Health & Wellness

Restaurants, Food & Beverage

PTX One (949) 870-7891 ptxone.com

Home Builders & Remodelers Julie Laughton Design (714) 305-2861 julielaughton.com

Home Services The Maids - Tustin (714) 838-2278 maids.com

Settebello (949) 715-2072 settebello.net

Tamarind of London (949) 715-8338 tamarindoflondon.com Wilma’s Patio (949) 675-5542 wilmaspatio@ymail.com

Medical Clinics & Facilities

Orange County Plastic Surgery (949) 888-9700 ocps.com

Property & Real Estate Santaniello Affiliates (949) 705-7373 bhhscalifornia.com

March 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Upstairs/Downton Revisited Words Gerald Nachman Note: While “Downton Abbey” on PBS was on hiatus this last season, bereft fans of the series needed something to sustain them Sunday nights during the interim, so Gerald Nachman took the liberty of devising his own miniseries from the outtakes of “Upstairs/Downstairs,” “Brideshead Revisited,” and “Downton Abbey”:

Lady Brideshead: I rang seconds ago for the footman to move this foot stool to the other end of the drawing room! Whatever can be keeping him?

Lord Brideshead: Come now, my dear, we mustn’t be too harsh with the staff. It is World War I, you know, not to mention all this nasty Spanish Influenza business.

Lady Brideshead: I recognize that, Charles, but Wilson has been highly unreliable of late.

Lord Brideshead: I suspect Wilson may be dallying in the pantry with the new undergarment maid, Betsy.

Lady Brideshead: My word, I wasn’t aware we had hired a new undergarment maid. Why wasn’t I told?

Lord Brideshead: You were busy discussing next week’s menu with Mrs. Ramekin about what to serve when the King comes to dine on Thursday.

Julia (Their eldest and least attractive daughter): Oh, no – not the King again! He can be such a dreadful bore.

Lord Brideshead: Yes, and he’s become quite a freeloader since the coronation, but all in all he’s a decent enough chap.

Margaret (Their conniving middle daughter): Is the Duke of Manners coming to call today? I was thinking of marrying him.

Lady Brideshead: I’m afraid he’s already engaged to Julia.

Julia: No, no, mother, I keep telling you – I’m engaged to Sir Basil Goodbody.

Margaret: Oh, then perhaps I shall marry the Duke, assuming he has a large enough endowment to keep me from being cast out into the streets.

Julia (Titters): I assure you, he is quite well endowed!

Lady Brideshead: I am so sorry, my dear, for forgetting your engagement to Sir Basil. Is he that dark haired fellow with the smirk or the slender blond chap with the lisp?

Margaret: Oh, mother, you’ve simply become impossible!

Lady Brideshead: You must forgive me – I have so much on my mind, what with the upstairs maid falling out of the window … and before I was fully dressed, too. That girl has such cheek! Dear, will you be riding to hounds this afternoon?

Lord Brideshead: I suppose so. First, though, I must have a word with Chauncey about forgetting to lay out my cravat yesterday. He seems to be getting awfully forgetful.

Julia: But Papa, he is 104.

Lord Brideshead: So he is, so he is. The old boy’s been here so long I tend to forget.

Lady Brideshead: Margaret, you seem to be weeks behind on your knitting. Have you been consorting again with the chauffeur?

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Newport Beach Lifestyle | March 2015

Margaret: Oh, mama – please! Dawson is a dear friend.

Julia (Sniffs): Oh, is that what you call him! I saw you two headed

for the caretaker’s shed.

Margaret: (Hesitantly): Well, then, it’s probably time I told you all. I am pregnant.

Lord Brideshead: I suspected as much. I’m not a bit surprised.

You’ll be disinherited, of course, and banished from the house at once. Please get your things and go!

Julia: Ooh, goody! Then I shall inherit Margaret’s share of the family fortune.

Lord Brideshead: I’m afraid there is no more fortune. I was at my club yesterday and learned from our solicitor, Sir Humphrey, that our estate is bankrupt.

Julia: But I was counting on marrying the Earl of Marmalade. I do so adore Earls!

Lady Brideshead: He’s two full notches beneath our social class, my child. If you marry him, the Brideshead name shall be tarnished forever and the scandal would ruin us.

Lord Brideshead: I had better tell Manfred that there will only be three for lunch now that Margaret has been banished from the Brideshead manor.

Margaret: You mean I can’t even stay for lunch and bid farewell to the downstairs staff that raised me from an infant? (stamps her foot) How frightfully beastly!

Lord Brideshead: I’m afraid not, my dear. You must leave at once, and you too Julia.

Julia (Weeping): Maybe I acted too hastily, papa. I’ll renounce the Earl of Marmalade and cancel my engagement if only I can stay for lunch.

Margaret: After thinking it over, I’ve decided that I won’t have the baby, after all, but I will definitely have lunch. I’m dreadfully sorry to have caused such confusion.

Lord Brideshead: So will that now be two or three for lunch? Oh, dear, Mrs. Ramekin will be beside herself! This means she will have to reset the table.

Lady Brideshead: I’m really quite exhausted by all of these changes of plans before lunch. Kindly make up your mind, girls. The future of the Brideshead name may depend upon it! (theme music swells and scene fades).

Gerald Nachman is the author of Raised on Radio, Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s, and Right Here on Our Stage Tonight!: Ed Sullivan's America.

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