Keating Hotel Grand Opening - A Girls Night Out

Last night was the first time I have gone out since I moved from Hillcrest. Hmm.. let me clarify that - it was the first night out with someone other than my P. I am not complaining: I've been traveling with him and money is tight right now since I quit one of my jobs, but I must admit I had a great time last night going out with a big group of model girl friends for the opening of a swanky new hotel downtown called the, "Keating Hotel."

My friend and ex boss, Stefanie, had been contacted to submit about 20 fine-looking, classy models from her agency. For those who don't read previous posts (link), she owns her own promotional and spokesmodeling agency, Elios Enterprises. That said, she has a fine stable of promotional girls - which isn't quite the same as working fashion or print models. In need of help, she asked me to contact some of my model lady friends to see if they were interested in working the evening.

The job was shamefully easy: we were simply eye-candy, supposed to mingle and chat up the VIP guests and look pleasant and have a good time. Well, much to my joy a group of some of my favorite co-working models accepted and we all ended up getting into 3 stretch-hummer limos (I do disdain limos - a little too cheesy and pretentious for my humble tastes - but it was nice not to have to deal with parking) - and got dropped off on the red carpet amidst a flash of camera bulbs in front of the hotel.

I was joined by my lovely bridal show co-models: Lauren (lovely redhead) and my comadre y tocaya, Yolanda; my salsa dance partner-in-crime: Ashley; my wonderful runway walking partner (we have the same stride): Kristen; and my little 'sister' in modeling: Alison and her very blonde friend, Keagan. There was even a surprise appearance from non-model but should be a hair model: Richele (see previous blog) who got invited last-minute. She had never looked better - - stressful grad school must be good to her! But it was hilarious to see her squirm at all the pictures she was obliged to pose for. As she stated, "I am not used to so many pictures being taken of me." I told her that she looked fabulous and had to suck it up for the evening and continued to pose her and snap shots with my own camera as well. Firstly, please allow me to say that the gals were all lovely in their nice clothes. I was very happy and proud to be strolling around with them in the big circus-tent that had been erected in front of the hotel. They actually closed the street off for it. The open bar served fabulous Cuban mo'jitos and the BEST DRINK I had EVER had: pink watermelon martinis made with Belvedere Vodka lined with green-dyed sugar on the rim - oh...my....golly. Lip-smacking h'ordorvous were also served but I must critique that there was not enough of them and too much of red-meat products (yucky for those vegetarians like me). But the marinated mushrooms with a dollop of whipped potatoes were scrumptious as well as the grilled shrimp shisk-a-bobs.

Plied with too many free drinks, we giggled while mingling and posed for pictures, and then went into the hotel to check out the 3 rooms they had on display. Now this is my kind of place. Swanky, with a dark red color theme, mood lighting, and darkwood metrosexual furniture: I was in heaven. We "oooed" and "ahhhed" as we turned every corner and then, when we thought it couldn't get better we went to the suite which had the most amazing outdoor jacuzzi-spa amidst zen Japanese plants on on a gorgeous wooden floor. We understood that the suite - 2 bedroom, 1 living/wet-bar area, plus the outdoor spa goes for a whopping $3300 a night - Holy frijoles!!!

Eventually we made our way back downstairs and exited the lobby to go to the adjacent underground lounge bar. Oo la la. Again: with red mood lighting and my kind of lounge furniture and European lounge music playing: it was definitely my kind of place to clean up well and sip a cosmo.

Alas, 10pm struck and just like Cinderella fearing to turn back in to a pumpkin (you know what I mean) the girls did one last runway sashay back to the waiting, gas-guzzling limos.

We definitely were overserved (my drink was knocked over in the bathroom, and Alison wanted Yolanda and I to teach her how to say something sexy in spanish - tee hee), but I have got to say that I had a blast with the gals and we all agreed that we need to do that again. Life is short after all, verdad?
Click below for slideshow!

Hotel Keating Opening Night

Jordy debut!

Jordy-the-Cat was submitted to a photo contest because his mamma needs some money to buy her man a new pair o' shoes...

Click here

"Dancing" Supermodel is robbed!!

Banner night tonite as I adjusted the rabbit ears that Patrick lent me (I don't have cable) that are attached to my flat screen TV so I can watch American Idol and alternated that with "Dancing with the Stars'. As far as the latter I felt compelled to blog (after they shamelessly dragged out the voting long) by the injustice brought upon a model hero of mine - Paulina Poriskova, who was the first to be booted out of the competition.

Firstly, allow me to comment that, overall, this year has the best naturally gifted group of contestants. Leila Ali was fabulous, I still can't get over her mambo and her grace - I mean, she is a muscular prize fighter for Pete's sake! She can probably crush cans in her hands he he he! I have a crush on Olympic skater Apollo (also a great job) and from "90210", Ian Z. - who has, as I always remark: aged wonderfully at the age of 40 - such a yummy age for men. I also am going to be a fan of the older "Cheers" guy, John R., who did a splendid job performing and selling it. Major kudos to Heather Mills and her fake leg - hello! Awesome back walk-over!

Meanwhile, back to Paulina. She was so beautiful, oozing class and grace - she ain't no spring chicken either, and I have to also point out that the taller you are and longer your limbs, the harder it is for a dancer. She has the same body as she did 20 years ago as a supermodel - hello!!! She has been my first and ultimately favorite model through the years (she is long retired, of course) but she was amazing back in the 80s with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers and appearing as the original face of Estee Lauder. My sisters and I just adored her. She was so foreign and beautiful (from the Czech Republic) but not overtly sexy like top models are nowadays. She had class, humility and grace and it reflected in a lot of her editorials - even when posing in a tiny swimsuit. It's easy to be just "hot" and stick out your boobs - the difference with her was her character, sense of humour and brains behind her beauty. Myself being an a-typical model, I can say that she was a lesson in relying on something else besides the external.

I was so pleased to see her on this show and she actually was well-received by the judges - placing 5th out of 11 couples by their scores. That said: the public votes on the other half and this is where it becomes a popularity contest. Like she said, "Her fan base is her family at this point and it's not extensive enough." No one under 30 probably knows who she is at this point or how huge she was. Kids are voting for fat Joey from N'Sync and Billy Ray Cyrus (who SHOULD have left) because he is dad to Nikolodean's "Hannah Montana".

She was robbed!! But she is still stunning!!

Springtime - Bridalshowtime

One of my jobs is modeling. And I encourage anyone who wants to get in the business or learn about it to read my blogs on modeling because I am always leaving helpful and interest hints. Knowledge is power!

Tis the season - I do a lot of bridal show modeling during the spring. This evidently is a huge, lucrative business - the whole wedding scene. Shoot, I used to sing for free at weddings, and now I know that my being a professionally classically educated and trained singer I could've been charging a $100 an hour for my God-given talents!!??

Well, now I make sure I do get paid by exhibiting one of my other God-given talents -that of knowing how to "work" long, flowy dresses - and if you think I am being cute - I can assure you, that not EVERY model knows how to work (or present) dresses.

Alas, I am referring to bridal shows. A totally different style of runway modeling. No, not just because we do get to smile and make eye contact with the audience (unlike high fashion modeling where we look either like non-smiling zombies or sexy "fierce" with high-powered walks). It is definitely a much more presentational and warm, pleasant modeling since the point is that we are not trying to alienate our audience but trying to encourage them that they, too, can wear these dresses! :)

So sweet, so fun, even though one will never, EVER see me wearing a wedding dress should I ever be so inclined to get hitched. he he he. They are just a little too princessy and wedding-cakey for me. I much prefer a vibrant-colored sundress of some sort to get married in. Perfect for the gypsy in me!

Click on web photo album to see me and some model friends from 2 different shows last year!

Bridefest Fashion Valley 2006

80s Song of the Week - Thompson Twins - "Lies"

I think this was the first TT song I had ever heard. Their album "Into the Gap" was just huge with hits though! And I just love the hands shoved in pockets, unkept mod look that lead singer Tom Bailey wears while bitterly peering into camera, "You told me you love me, so I don't understand..." But what I love the most is that this is one of the ultimate 80s songs that one can 'skank' dance to (you see the 3-some come out doing it somewhat at the beginning of the video). Such a great beat and chorus, "Lies! Lies! Lies! Ye-ah!"

Some thoughts tumbling out of my head...

To truly fall in love
don't seek it - as so many people mistakenly do.
For true Love is
Accidental
Unexplainable
Unexpected
Fortuitous

Uncle Sam has tight pockets!!!

Man, I remember the days when I used to get a substantial refund back for Taxes. Those days are sadly long....gone. :(

I suppose I should be happy that in the past 4 years that I have made most of my income modeling (as opposed to my teaching job). But that said, taxes aren't taken out of my modeling paychecks (just the agent's percentage cut). So come tax season, Uncle Sam says that this Gurl has gotta pay!!

Alas, the wonderful thing about being a model and actress? The write-offs save me every year. But this year just barely: I got back a whopping $74 bucks. Groan. Couldn't he squeeze out another nickel or two?? Shoot - I was hoping for some monetary help for my Ireland trip in May but what can you do? It's better than owing any day!!!

A little bit of (Achoo!!!) American Idol

Achoooooo!! DRAT. I am really sick. And I spent 2 hours waiting at Urgent Care today to see what was wrong with me. Yikes. I hate being sick - I can't sing, can't talk and can't work out. Total drag..

That said I DID get to enjoy the TV show "American Idol" and wanted to comment on its progress. Firstly, my picks for the Final Top 2 would be Melinda Doolittle and Jordan Sparks. Let me back this up - Melinda stood out to me (I wrote a blog about it weeks ago) on her first audition appearance. She is a fantastic singer and very humble (although Simon can stop commenting on how humble she is, it's starting to wear a bit). She'll probably win it, she is THAT good and her story (producers and audience LOVE a story) of being a back-up singer for years and now coming into her own just can't be ignored. I must point out that, also, that it's wonderful that only on a show like this would this girl really get to be a star - she is NOT a looker and I KNOW that the Industry would never have opened its doors to her before. Let's face it - they want a 'package' that can be produced and marketable. Melinda Doolittle will do just fine now after having the sense to try out for this show.

Now, on to the 17 year old firecracker Jordan Sparks. First of all she has a great stage name already. It suits her. She is fantastic for a kid her age. Very poised and pretty (without being stick-thin) - she has the youth factor in her voice that is very radio-friendly as opposed to superb Ms. Doolittle who reminds me of Gladys Knight at almost 40.

Lastly, I heard the whole country of India is voting and praying for the other 17 year old, Sanjayah. God bless him, he is SO sweet, so gay, with such great hair and he even knows how to hula dance - I told Patrick he should go to Bollywood in India and have a successful career singing and dancing in Bollywood films. I am NOT kidding. He would be a star there! That, or in 10 years if he keeps his great hair and stays rail thin he can be a great men's runway model. Mark my words. And by the way... I'd manage his career in a second!

A little bit of Blarney and Birthdays!

I have been saddled down by a really bad cold and cough all week. So I have been MIA (missing in action) on my blog lately. That said, I want to acknowledge St. Patrick's Day (no, my Irish boyfriend and I did NOT go drink green beer...he said only silly Americans do that). I am really looking forward to our trip to Ireland in May, though!!!:)

Secondly I'd like to birthday shout out to my college friend and roommate, Heather, roughing it living in Hawai'i with her JAG marine husband and cute son, Robbie - it's the big 35 for her!!!!

And lastly, we are presently celebrating my dear nephew, Ryan's 6th birthday complete with Jumpee and Pinata - I am exhausted! Whew!

Happiness and blessings to all!

80s Song of the Week - A-HA "Take on Me"

Oh, how I ADORED this video in my teens!!! I think it is so innovative and creative - even by today's technological standards in video-making. This first hit by the Norwegian trio, A-HA, was a massive hit in the early 1980s with a simply perfect video that was way ahead of its time!

I remember being a romantic teen and reveling in the wonderful, creative, story line in this video with parts of it drawn like a cartoon as it tells the romantic story of a young, unfulfilled gal reading a comic book which turns into reality when the lead singer and hero of the book invites her into his dream-like cartoon world. (I ate the romance of this right up, let me tell you!) And my young heart would break that they could only see each other as real humans (not cartoon drawings) when on either side of a mirror. Of course, the antagonists show up, break the mirror and harm our handsome, boy-faced hero as he sacrifices himself to let the girl escape back to reality before they miraculously are reunited again at the end. ISN'T IT ALL DELICIOUS??!!

I just love, LoVe, LOVE it!! :)

Soy "Lunatica" for Gotan Project

I wanted to write about this group, Gotan Project for quite some time. I say this because they are AMAZING and I think some of my readers might enjoy them. They are truly one of my favorite groups in the world - and I have a pretty diverse musical taste. That said, meet Gotan Project - made up of 1 Swiss, 1 Argentine, and 1 Parisian (sometimes joined by a Spanish female vocalist). Their music is part chill, ambient, electronica - all infused with original, basic tango influence. Sometimes political, and always pure art and sexy - they are truly one-of-a-kind. No worries about the language barrier - a lot of it is instrumental and besides, the music itself will make you feel so sensual - even if you are NOT a spicey latina like me! I came upon them about 5 years or so ago, on the Los Angeles NPR station: KCRW. Regular pop American stations will not play this kind of music, you see - even if they are famous from Tokyo to Mexico to Australia. I imagine, in North America, they are at their least popular or known. *Well, someone DID have the foresight to include them in the Jennifer Lopez remake of the Japanese movie, "Shall we Dance?". Their song plays when she seductively teaches Richard Gere how to REALLY tango and feel the music and passion. Holy hot tamales! If you've seen the movie, you KNOW the scene I am referring to.

A couple years back in Italy, I had the good fortune to see them live in concert - without the thrills of being young and gorgeous, with choregraphed dancing - they were just real, talented, unique musicians hard at work and doing what they do best - bringing the native sounds of Argentina music mixed with modern ambient electronica to an international fan base of all ages.

As for the above video, "Diferente" from their sophomore album, "Lunatico" - I not only LOVE the song and love both the beautiful Argentine young woman AND handsome young man featured in it - but it's a brilliant show of unique video-making. Note the use of the mirror doubling-effect and the very interesting surprise at the end of the video! Bonus points goes to who comments first on what "Gotan" means... :)

It's "Absolutely FABULOUS", Dahling....!!

I hate the term but I've been a fa* hag for quite some time. I figure growing up with all those musicals and then getting into theater did it. Heck: I'm open-minded! Well, I was knocked down a rung or two when it took my conservative (if somewhat Metrosexual) boyfriend, Patrick, to introduced me recently to the hit BBC television show, "Absolutely Fabulous".

Known as "The Fab AB" - this show is a RIOT! It mostly consists of the foibles of Eddee and her childhood friend, Patsy, now both about 40. The pair is an absolute fabulous M-E-S-S! Eedee has a teenage daughter (perfectly cast) who is a total nerd, conservative brainiac - much to her super liberal mother's chagrin. Eedie is twice-divorced (the father of her daughter turned out GAY, of course!) Even though Patsy and Eidee are a mess, they are quite successful in, what else, the Fashion industry. So we always get to hear funny commentry on lables and designers. The 2 are also rarely seen NOT guzzling down some alcohol or lighting a fag (cigarette, darling, I mean lighting a cigarette!) They are constantly making trouble for some poor soul and their comedic timing and facial expressions are hilarious!

Well, far be it for me to somehow miss that this show was HUGE within the Gay community. Patrick said that they even used to do viewing parties of it at one of the gay bars in Hillcrest. Shoot. I somehow missed all of that. Maybe it was because I haven't had cable in over 10 years???

Enjoy a taste of it, Dahling....!!

Sempre c'e Speranza...

Tutti gli amici sono preoccupati per ti.
Ma ti conosco il più bene.
E so che siete Felici.
Queste parole d'amore e la vita che ho imparato, anche se in ritardo, da voi...


Non ho bisogno piu di niente
Adesso che
Mi illumini da´amore immenso fuori e dentro

Credimi se puoi
Credimi se vuoi
Credimi e vedrai non finira mai

Ho desideri scritti in alto che volano
Ogni pensiero è indipendente dal mio corpo

Credimi se puoi
credimi perche
farei del male solo e ancora me

Qui grandi spazi e poi noi
Cieli aperti che ormai
Non si chiudono piu
Che ha bisogno di vivere da qui

Vivimi senza paura
Che sia una vita o che sia una´ora
Non lasciare libero o disperso
Questo mio spazio adesso aperto ti prego
Vivimi senza vergogna
Anche se hai tutto il mondo contro
Lascia la´apparenza e prendi il senso
E Ascolta quello che ho qui dentro

Cosa diventi un grande quadro
che dentro me
Ricopre una parete bianca un po´ anche stanca

Qui tra le cose che ho
Ho qualcosa di piu
Che non ho avuto mai
Hai bisogno di vivermi di piu

Hai aperto in me
La fantasia
Le attese i giorni di una´illimitata gioia
Hai preso me
Sei la regia
Mi inquadri e poi mi sposti in base alla tua idea

Vivimi senza paura
Anche se hai tutto il mondo contro
Lascia l´apparenza e prendi il senso
E ascolta quello che ho qui dentro

80s Song of the Week - Duran Duran "Lonely in your Nightmare"

Reading like poetry, this song from the "Rio" album was not a hit, but one of my favorite DD songs ever. It was songs and lyrics like these that I lost - and then found - myself in. They don't write songs or make videos like this anymore. This one is for the original DD fans, and those of us who must fight the nightmare in our heads...