Bullying, Sex, Addiction , Redemption: ‘Twinkies & Beefcake’, a novel by first time author T.H. Forest
Twinkies & Beefcake, a novel by first time author T.H. Forest, is a gripping tale of bullying, sex, addiction, redemption, and the longing for true love at any cost.
Available in Paperback, Hardcover and Kindle.
SYNOPSIS
Told in the first-person narrative, Robby, a sharp-witted and posh London teenager, spends his days with his best friend Dee, sharing secrets and yearning for sex and love, while also dodging the torment of bullies from his elite prep-school. When he meets the man of his dreams, he falls fast.
Maybe too fast.
Hailing from the dregs of Manchester, and twelve years Robby’s senior, Vas is gorgeous and irresistible, and swears he’s equally smitten with Robby.
But during their wild sexual exploration of each other, the cameras come out, as do the drugs, and the booze.
Soon, Robby is in over his head: addicted, porn-famous, and still yearning for love.
Amid family tensions, trips to rehab, and finishing university, Robby’s past finally catches up to him when a bully from secondary re-enters his life and everything is exposed. Robby is forced to contend fully with the trauma of his adolescence so that he can find, and be with, his soulmate.
Striving for happiness, inner-peace, and true love, Robby must decide if his sins can ever be overcome.
EXCERPT
“Where are you prancing off to princess?” Gareth, Marcus’ lead henchman, said in a chiding voice. I looked behind me and saw his large face sneering at me. “I saw you duck behind the building, you’re right to be scared.”
“I’m just off, I don’t want any trouble,” I mumbled, more fearful of Gareth than I was Marcus, who somehow kept his goons in line. I went from wanting to avoid him, to willing him to come back outside and call off his dog. I kept walking and suddenly felt the beanie snatched from my head. “Hey! Give that back,” I cried, smoothing my hair reflexively.
Marcus emerged from the store with a drink in his hand and looked between us. “Hey Gareth,” he smiled and opened his bottle. He took a sip and looked at me. “Where are you off to?” He asked me, his green eyes sweeping over my new outfit, the jeans and an Adidas t-shirt with my Duke + Dexter trainers. I saw him sniff the air. “Are you wearing perfume?”
Shit, why did I put on cologne? “It’s my birthday, I’m going to the mall,” I looked at Gareth. “I just want my beanie back.”
Marcus nodded his head at Gareth and held out his hand. I prayed that Marcus would do the right thing and give it back to me. He was handsome in a straight way, appealing to the masses of girls who followed him around, or he would be if he weren’t such a bully, because when he was being cruel he was not attractive. He put the beanie on his head.
“How’s it look?” He asked Gareth.
“Suits you,” Gareth shrugged. “You of course make it look hetero. This one makes everything look gay,” Gareth nodded at me derisively with his chin.
“Please Marcus,” I pleaded with my eyes, not feeling very hopeful.
“It’s your birthday today?” He asked, ignoring my pleas.
I nodded.
He looked at Gareth. “Why don’t you go inside and get the little princess here some champagne.”
Gareth snickered and went inside.
“Marcus, I’m late, I just want my hat,” I shifted on my feet, uncertain of his mood. “Late for the mall?” Marcus scoffed and shook his head. “I’ve got something for you for your birthday,” he said in a low menacing sounding tone.
“I’m meeting my boyfriend,” I said in a rush, not knowing why I blabbed.
Something passed over Marcus’ features and settled behind his eyes. “You’ve got a boyfriend?” he laughed meanly. “What does your fag-hag think about that?” He stepped closer to me.
He looked angry, not just playfully mean and I turned and fled before he could grab me, running as fast as I could down the stairs and away hurrying through the stiles, my eyes searching for any uniform I could find to hide behind. I shouldn’t have said anything about a boyfriend.
WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING
“The key psychological dynamic revealed for Robby
is the mistake many make in searching for self-confirmation and acceptance.
Robby suffers from deep seeded issues of insecurity and self-acceptance
caused by his being subjected to consistent bullying by his classmates.
These issues manifest in his near desperate eagerness to please, which ultimately results in his exploitation during his teenage years. The step for procreation is the acceptance and valuing of oneself. Once older and cycled through his past trauma through intensive rehabilitation and therapy, his role of parent, provider and husband brings him balance and self-awareness; the love and acceptance of his spouse, family, and closest friends, in a world which still manifests many reasons for suppression, is how he completes his long journey of self-identity.”
– Dr. Carol Hartman, DNSc, BS, MS.
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Jérôme Peschard Leads Vietnam Art Renaissance, Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/From-Left-Betty-Qiffe-Pallard-Consul-General-Daniel-Stork-of-the-Netherlands-to-Vietnam-Nykky-Do-and-Milena-Padula-Spouse-of-Consul-General-of-Italy-to-Vietnam-1024x684.jpg)
From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-1-scaled-e1719530418374-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
![French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/French-Pop-Artist-Jerome-Peschard-Portrait-2-683x1024.jpg)
French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/group-1024x684.jpg)
From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-4-scaled-e1719530504956-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-2-scaled-e1719530437404-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Saigon_03-970x1024.png)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Join Us MidTown NYC for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Join Us for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Prosecco has gone from a little known mountain fizz to a vinous superhero, overtaking Champagne (and every other sparkling wine out there) and enjoyed by wine drinkers throughout the world, as the base of a cocktail or an everyday quaff.
But despite its huge popularity, most people don’t know much about it.
And there is much more to Prosecco than many people are aware.
”My objective is to
clarify the critical differences
between the original ancient Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco and
the DOC Prosecco that was enacted in 2010.”
Alan Tardi
New York Wine Studio
Prosecco is produced only in Italy, in the Northern regions of Veneto and Friuli, and there are three official Prosecco appellations.
Prosecco DOC
One of them, Prosecco DOC, was created in 2010. It occupies a huge, mostly flat area encompassing almost two entire regions and accounts for most of the 700+ million bottles of Prosecco produced each year.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is a tiny area in the foothills of the Dolomites consisting of 15 small municipalities in the province of Treviso. This is the ancient winegrowing area where Prosecco was born and made a miraculous comeback in the aftermath of World War II.
![New York Wine Studio's Alan Tardi](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-24-at-6.13.37 AM-898x1024.png)
New York Wine Studio’s Alan Tardi
Besides its pedigree, there are numerous factors of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene enclave that distinguish it from any other winegrowing area in the world: complex and diverse topography, variety of soils, native grape varieties, distinct sub-areas, ancient history, and varied typology—bubbly, fizzy, and still; secondary fermentation in tank or in bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle (known as Ancestral Method) or removing it (Traditional Method).
In this class—which takes place right in the middle of National Prosecco DOC week—we will discuss the origin and evolution of Prosecco in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. We will also examine the two additional Prosecco appellations created in 2010.
But most of the time will be devoted to exploring and tasting Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco through a lineup of 8 exceptional terroir-driven wines, in a variety of styles, that demonstrate the unique characteristics, complexity, and diversity of the original Prosecco.
Participants will also learn how to say “CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE” like an Italian!
Alan Tardi has arranged a fantastic lineup of unusual and exceptional wines (half of them are coming directly from Italy) which demonstrate the various factors that characterize the complexity and uniqueness of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Different production methods (“Tranquillo” i.e. still, Martinotti, Classico/Traditional, Ancestral); frizzante, spumante; single vineyards, Rive, native grape varieties; diverse, soils, terroirs and topographies.
List of Wines
- Prosecco Tranquillo DOCG “Il Canto Antico” — BORTOLOMIOL*
- Colli Trevigiani IGT Verdiso Frizzante Sui Lieviti — GREGOLETTO
- Progetto 5 Varietà Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut — MARCHIORI*
- Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Ogliano Extra-Brut — BIANCAVIGNA
- Superiore di Cartizze Brut DOCG — RUGGERI*
- Superiore di Cartizze DOCG “Private” Rifermentato in Bottiglia 2014 — BISOL
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Carpesica “S.C. 1931” Metodo Classico — BELLENDA*
- Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asciutto, Rive di Colbertarldo, Vigneto Giardino — ADAMI
- Torchiato di Fregona Colli di Conegliano DOCG “Ciàcoe” 2016 — CA’ DI RAJO*
*Shipped directly from the winery in Italy
Find more information and buy tickets at New York Wine Studio or at the link below.
https://www.newyorkwinestudio.com/original-prosecco
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
MC Petey Majik hosted the 2-day Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 June 14-15 celebrating with flavor, masterclasses, magic, competition. Tracie May captured it all.
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
![Tracie May at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dancing-with-DJ-1024x1024.jpeg)
Tracie May at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A spectacular 2-day summer celebration, welcomed over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
The vibrant cocktail carnival featured a dazzling array of over 130 cocktails from 36 premium global spirits, liqueurs and mixer brands.
![Fernet Branca poured at event](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fernet-Branca-684x1024.jpeg)
Fernet Branca poured at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A gathering of Vietnam’s top mixologists, innovative concoctions were expertly mixed by a combination of the country’s most respected bartenders and up-and-coming talents.
Cocktail Carnival part of Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
At the heart of the festival was a showcase of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and creativity, where seasoned mixologists flexed their skills to craft tantalizing libations.
![The Botanist at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Botanist-684x1024.jpeg)
The Botanist at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
From classic cocktails with a Vietnamese twist to avant-garde creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, each drink was a testament to the artistry and innovation within Vietnam’s ever-growing cocktail scene.
For guests inspired to continue the cocktail adventure at home, Mercantile Vietnam provided the option for attendees to purchase a bottle of their favorite brand from the event and have it shipped directly to their door.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event’s charismatic MC Petey Majik led the carnival atmosphere and captivated the audience with a spellbinding magic show accompanied by igniting cocktail flaring performances from the talented Chương and Phước.
![Tracie May with Clase Azul at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ClaseAzul-678x1024.png)
Tracie May with Clase Azul at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
On Friday, the stage was taken over with a charismatic live performance from Vietnam’s premier DJ and saxophone duo Omar and Pierre. The party continued Saturday with the contagious energy of DJ PIA.
Interactive Masterclasses and Exclusive Tasting Room
For spirits connoisseurs the festival also offered a wealth of knowledge with 4 optional interactive masterclasses hosted per day, where industry experts from Lady Triệu, Bruichladdich, Jose Cuervo, Highland Park and Lý Gia Viên shared their craft and insights with eager participants.
![Tracie May with Michelin Star Chef:Owner of Ănăn Saigon Peter Cường Franklin](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tracie-May-with-Michelin-Star-ChefOwner-of-Anan-Saigon-Peter-Cuong-Franklin-677x1024.png)
Tracie May with Michelin Star Chef:Owner of Ănăn Saigon Peter Cường Franklin
Luxury spirits aficionados could enhance their experience further and purchase tickets to enter the event’s Exclusive Room, featuring personalized tastings from 8 of the world’s super and ultra-premium brands, with a combined retail price of over 600 Million VND.
Competitive Spirit
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly anticipated Best Cocktail, Best Bartender and Best Brand Competitions with guests encouraged to vote for their favorites.
Bartenders from across the country battled it out for top honors.
With precision, flair, and a dash of showmanship, contestants dazzled spectators with their signature creations, showcasing the ingenuity and talent within Vietnam’s cocktail community.
![Shanky’s Whip at Vietnam Cocktail 2024](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shankys-Whip-1024x684.jpeg)
Shanky’s Whip at Vietnam Cocktail 2024
On Saturday 15th June, the 2024 winners were announced: Mai Thanh Phong’s “Banh Mi Saigon” cocktail, made with Matusalem Rum, won Best Cocktail.
Nguyen Tuan Cuong, who works at Yugen Bar and is sponsored by Shanky’s Whip, was named Best Bartender. Also, Jägermeister was awarded Best Brand of the event.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the cocktails themselves, the festival served as a social celebration of cultural fusion, from modern Vietnamese influences to global trends, the event highlighted the diverse tapestry of brands and the pioneering people shaping the country’s dynamic cocktail scene.
Vietnam’s Cocktail Revolution
As the final glasses were raised and the last drops were savored, the Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all those who attended. With its vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for mixology, the festival has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event on the global cocktail calendar, promising even more excitement and inspiration in the years to come.
Cheers to the next chapter of Vietnam’s cultural cocktail revolution!
Awards were announced on Saturday, June 15th, at 8 PM
Best Cocktail of the Event 2024
- Cocktail Name: Bánh Mì Sài Gòn
- Bartender Name: Mai Thanh Phong
- Brand Name: Matusalem Rum
- Bar Name: Madam Kew Bar
Best Bartender of the Event 2024
- Bartender’s Name: Nguyen Tuan Cuong
- Brand Name: Shanky’s Whip
- Bar Name: Yugen Bar
Best Brand of the Event 2024
- Brand Name: Jägermeister
Participating Brands:
- Large Exhibitors: Lady Triệu, Jose Cuervo, Cointreau
- Medium Exhibitors: Bushmills, Naked Malt, Kaibutsu, 1800, Campari, RCR Crystalleria Italiana.
- Small Exhibitors: Kurayoshi Matsui, Duncan taylor, Lark Distillery, Hangar 1 Vodka, Maestro Dobel, Bruichladdich Distillery Company, Passoa, The Botanist, No3 London Dry Gin, Dictador The Arthouse Spirit Brand, Colombian Gin, Stranger & Sons Gin, Fernet Branca, Espolon Tequila, Michter’s, Shanky’s Whip, Gran Centenario Tequila, Jägermeister, The Kyoto, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Matusalem, Brookies Byron Gin, Ly Gia Vien, Torani, Fentimans, Mercantile.
Participating Bars (in collaboration with brands):
- Kraken x The Dot Bar
- Sexton x Dram Bar
- Wild Turkey x Lost Birds Bar
- Glenrothes x Firkin Bar
Master Classes: Lady Trieu, Bruichladich, Jose Cuervo, Ly Gia Vien, Highland Park
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
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Adam Driver, Filmmaker Noah Baumbach’s ‘White Noise’ Open 60th New York Film Festival
Adam Driver, Filmmaker Noah Baumbach “White Noise” will open the 60th New York Film Festival.
After its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival Film, Noah Baumbach’s feature take of Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel White Noise opens the 60th New York Film Festival, making its North American premiere at Alice Tully Hall on September 30.
In the Netflix movie, Adam Driver plays Jack Gladney, a professor and father-of-four whose comfortable suburban college town life and marriage to the private Babette (Greta Gerwig) are upended after a horrifying accident creates a toxic event.
DeLillo’s novel is known for being a pop-philosophical nightmare on unbounded consumerism, ecological catastrophe, and the American obsession with death.
“In 1985 my father and I drove from Brooklyn to see Kurosawa’s Ran open the 23rd NYFF, the same year that he brought home the hardback of Don DeLillo’s White Noise,” said Baumbach.
“Opening the 60th NYFF with White Noise is truly special for me.
This festival was part of my film education and has been a home for me and many of my movies over the years.
I couldn’t be more excited and honored to return.”
“Opening the 60th edition of the New York Film Festival with Noah Baumbach’s ambitious, funny, and resonant White Noise underscores this Festival’s history of introducing new filmmakers to New York audiences.
A regular attendee of the Festival as a kid, Noah Baumbach saw his indie filmmaking career take off after debuting Kicking and Screaming at NYFF in 1995,” said Eugene Hernandez, Executive Director of the New York Film Festival.
“White Noise will usher in a 60th NYFF selection of films by established directors and vibrant new voices;
we’re looking forward to sharing the communal experience of cinema with audiences at Lincoln Center and in other parts of the city this fall! Stay tuned!”
Baumbach’s previous NYFF Main Slate selections include Kicking and Screaming (NYFF33), The Squid and the Whale (NYFF43), Margot at the Wedding (NYFF45), Frances Ha (NYFF50), The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (NYFF55), and Marriage Story (NYFF57 Centerpiece). Baumbach’s While We’re Young was a secret screening at NYFF52.
Baumbach co-directed the documentary De Palma with Jake Paltrow, which was a special event at NYFF53.
The NYFF Main Slate selection committee, chaired by Lim, also includes Hernandez, Florence Almozini, K. Austin Collins, and Rachel Rosen.
Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival will run from Sept. 30-Oct. 16.
Previous New York Film Festival Opening Night Films:
2021 The Tragedy of Macbeth (Joel Coen, US)
2020 Lovers Rock (Steve McQueen, UK)
2019 The Irishman (Martin Scorsese, US)
2018 The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos, Ireland/UK/US)
2017 Last Flag Flying (Richard Linklater, US)
2016 13TH (Ava DuVernay, US)
2015 The Walk (Robert Zemeckis, US)
2014 Gone Girl (David Fincher, US)
2013 Captain Phillips (Paul Greengrass, US)
2012 Life of Pi (Ang Lee, US)
2011 Carnage (Roman Polanski, France/Poland)
2010 The Social Network (David Fincher, US)
2009 Wild Grass (Alain Resnais, France)
2008 The Class (Laurent Cantet, France)
2007 The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson, US)
2006 The Queen (Stephen Frears, UK)
2005 Good Night, and Good Luck (George Clooney, US)
2004 Look at Me (Agnès Jaoui, France)
2003 Mystic River (Clint Eastwood, US)
2002 About Schmidt (Alexander Payne, US)
2001 Va savoir (Jacques Rivette, France)
2000 Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier, Denmark)Post Views: 29 -
High blood pressure has a tastier solution than even before Thanks to Music Producer Ira Antelis — 120/Life to Help Us All Be Healthier
High blood pressure has a tastier solution than even before thanks to Music Producer Ira Antelis — 120/Life to Help Us All Be Healthier
Have high blood pressure? Over 100 million people do. Music Producer Ira Antelis wanted to do something about it, so he created 120/Life to help himself and others become healthier.
“Your blood pressure’s sky high,” founder Ira Antelis ’s doctor told him. “Get it down in 3 weeks, or it’s surgery.” So Ira went started changing his lifestyle. But also, investigating health.
It turns out, there’s answers out there. And he wanted to know more.
Today I sat down with 120/Life’s Ira Antelis for a conversation about music, creativity, getting healthy and Ira’s inspiring message about following your passion and inspirations.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The full conversation can be found on our YouTube channel.
So as we just jump right in, Ira, can you give us a little background on you? What did do for a living before 120 life?
Sure. Most of my life has been writing and producing music. A lot of television commercials. The famous one is a Michael Jordan like Mike if I could be like Mike, which was just in the close the closing credits of the “Air” movie, and 30 years later.
Songs from McDonald’s for Disney, artists like Christina Aguilera, Regina Bell, Patti LaBelle, have recorded or sung my music.
The concept of how I got from there to a blood pressure drink is always like mind boggling to many, and including me, because it’s a path I never would have thought would have arisen to be honest, and it came out of a health issue, and it’s funny because you relate to blood pressure and music. There is a relationship because in music, you put things together. So let’s say I create a piece of music on the piano and say, okay, great. So now I’m going to get a, I wrote the music, I’m going to get… The bass player, I’m going to get the drums, I’m going to get the violins, and then I’m going to put it all together. And I’ve been doing that for many years, it’s like putting ingredients together. And a health issue my blood pressure had risen really high, dangerously high. And then we’re like you have to get this fixed.
If not, we’re going to have to do surgery. Because over time, the first thing anybody I think would do is say what if you have high blood pressure. What do you do? What do you eat? What do you drink? And when it came to the drinks, I kept reading about these things that they all have studies.
I was like, wait a minute. Pomegranate juice, I’m reading the studies. You drink it for six weeks. And one day it just struck me. If I take all of these ingredients, I think it’s like mixing a piece of music and putting them all together. I just knew in my mind they would work because I think the music related to the blood pressure and that’s how it all began.
You literally almost produced a beverage in the same way you produce music.
You brought in several elements together, let’s say drums, a guitar, a vocalist, all the elements of a band. You thought of it like that, but you found these superfood ingredients and said, gosh, these ingredients could all work together.
Yes, that’s 100% correct. Now what I was doing is that I think like I’m going to produce this drink like I’m producing music. No, but I’ve had a recording studio for 30 years of my life and I’m making music every day of my life.
It’s just secondhand nature to do things in combinations for me. So when I thought about it later on, I’m like, Oh yeah, that’s why it works. I saw the ingredients, they look the same. I knew I can mix them together. Just from my process of music. I think that’s what happened.
If you’re doing the music every day, do you think you use creativity to solve a health concern?
Yeah, I think on some level that’s what happened. I was looking at things and I saw it, but in a way maybe nobody else saw it. And I think when you’re a creative person, then that tends to be the, where you go first on some level. I’m always thinking of things from a creative standpoint.
Is there a life lesson at all in here for people, using creativity and trial and error and the confidence to try new things.
Yeah, it’s funny because I did this music project with music from the Holocaust. And we, I wrote the Carnegie Hall and we sold it out, beyond the most successful thing in my life. And I was sent to somebody, if I had to write a book about my life, I would title the book, “Everybody Says No”. And I think that’s the way, the mission of my life don’t ever let anybody stop your ideas. Ever.
If you are passionate about anything, go figure out a way to do it. And I think it’s a life lesson about creativity. What it is, go do it.
So from a step by step process, you have a doctor’s meeting, you’re told you have a health concern, can you just walk us through what those next steps were?
So the first thing somebody tells you, you have extremely high blood pressure. It has to come down. And most of the people I’ve ever met would say we know what high blood pressure can do.
But my question was not that. My question is what is causing the high blood pressure? What is it? My dad was a pharmacist; he knew about strokes and heart attacks. I was trying to figure out what it is and how do you stop it?
And the truth is even though the doctor is a friend of mine that they will basically go figure it out.
First thing I learned is to cut your salt. That was stop number one. Most studies show if you cut your salt, it will lower your blood. I’m just doing everything I can do, even taking medication. I’m going on a salt free diet for three weeks. So you have fruit, vegetables, but not just salt. Every cookie that has sodium, I’m not eating.
That was like step number one.
Then I’m Googling what are the best foods to eat? What are the best things to drink? And that began the process. Reading about these did lower my blood pressure to the point where they didn’t have to operate.
But you get stuck or passionate about some things. So every day I’m on the computer, looking up drinks for high blood pressure. Many of the same things come up, beet juice or beet powder, lowers your blood pressure. Hibiscus tea lowers your blood pressure. Pomegranate juice
I’m reading the studies. Then one day It just dawned on me. Wait a minute if all of these lower your blood pressure a little bit. Together, maybe it will lower it a lot.
I figured, somebody had done it. Not only was that not there. Even to this day, there was nothing there. Zero.
There’s 110 million people that have high blood pressure. And there’s nothing, there is not a drink out there with these ingredients.
Yeah. But that began the journey.
So on this journey you had different levels of support. You have a nutritionist in your life, Susan Schachter, talk about her involvement
So as I’m making this drink, [I’m thinking] what’s the best way for people to try it? So I kept thinking, okay, I’m going to make these jugs that contain 112 ounces. And I would give it to people that I knew had high blood pressure and say try it for two weeks. I’m doing that because one of the people I gave it to is my cousin who at the time was the sole distributor for Keurig the coffee machines and the K cups. I’m thinking okay I need to get him to distribute this drink.
So I gave it to him and said look if your blood pressure lowers from this drink, you got to promise me you’ll distribute it. He said, ‘Okay’, because he’s very skeptical and he thought there’s no way.
And sure enough, his blood pressure lowered 30 or 40 points. He said, ‘Okay, I’ll distribute it. But, what do you know about this stuff?’
My childhood friend Susan Schachter has a Master’s in nutrition. I sent her the drink. She made some tweaks and that’s how I got her involved.
Can we go through all six natural ingredients?
Let me start with beets; the superfood for athletes so I knew I was going to have beets in my drink.
Hibiscus tea has been around for years and have said a multitude of studies. even in the Middle East about lowering your blood pressure. I think some of the qualities are in medical terms that can act like an ACE inhibitor.
The third ingredient is pomegranate juice. It can act as a beta blocker. It has a lot of antioxidants. So I think those three were the really big things in the drink.
Susan added magnesium and potassium. It relaxes your blood vessels.
Through the studies, I was reading about cranberry juice and tart cherry juice, which has been used for recovery for athletes for soreness of muscles.
I enjoyed the taste. I’m always worried health products will “taste like science” Your drink doesn’t. What does it taste like to you and how do you recommend drinking it?
The most important thing is it can probably really help you. Some people really like how it tastes.
I say mix it with cranberry juice or put it in your smoothie, especially now we have a powder. So there are different options. I think the point is that high blood pressure is not something to mess around with. Too many bad things could happen.
Is there anything that you want to talk about?
We’re in a society where people age out, we become disposable after a certain age in so many industries, so I’m inspired by my own story, 60 years old rather than retiring or doing something I had the wherewithal to say, I’m going to do this, it’s never too late in life if you want to do things.
And I think that’s a message for a lot of people. Most people do not start a business at 60. But my thought is like, you have this passion, you have this dream, go for it. I’m very thrilled to just be a part of it. I let my CEO run it.
The second thing is that I, we always say to people, Susan always says, know your numbers. Be responsible with your health. Drink 120 life. Pomegranate juice. Beet juice, Hibiscus tea, Cut your salt. That’s my message.
Please tell us how can we help you. Please tell us how to find your website and where to browse your products
Ira: If you want to try 120 life, www.120life.com
If you want to try it for two weeks, purchase it. But if you’re unhappy for any reason, money back guaranteed.
So thank you so much for your time. Thank you for discovering this health idea.
Thank you. You have a great day.
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The view! The tastes! Visit La Barca Cantina, NYC’s floating Mexican restaurant on the Hudson River
Get a taste of La Barca Cantina, NYC’s floating Mexican restaurant on the Hudson River
On May 4, La Barca Cantina, NYC’s only Mexican restaurant on a boat, re-opens to the public with a summer street food-inspired menu for you and your friends all summer-long.
Taste through the yummy flavors – refreshing agave-based spirits and tasty tacos served onboard the three-story boat in the Hudson River.
La Barca Cantina’s boat embarks at Pier 81, next to its sister-restaurant North River Lobster Company.
La Barca Cantina’s layout
La Barca spans three levels with a spacious outdoor top deck that has a bar and table seating, a bi-level interior space with two bars, table seating and booth-like tables — large groups are welcome.
La Barca Cantina’s cruise offers stunning NYC views
The floating restaurant takes short cruises multiple times per day, five days a week, offering up sweeping views of the NYC skyline. Imagine cocktails at sunset with that view.
Get a taste and a view at La Barca Cantina, NYC’s floating Mexican restaurant on the Hudson River
The cocktail menu, created by Craig Kanarick and Wesley Rincon, the beverage director for New York Cruise Lines, features agave-based spirits, such as mezcal, tequila, sotol and racilla, with a diverse bottle list and flights for sampling.
Most cocktails can be served in large format to be shared among couples or groups.
The menu is full of crowd-pleaser items like tacos, the grouper ceviche, the four-cheese quesadilla or a “Fiesta Platter,” which comes in two options: the Pollo Barca Fiesta (Mexican-spiced fried whole chicken, chorizo empanadas, chops, yuca fries, jalapenos, onion rings and salsas served on a little boat) and the Tower of Tacos Fiesta.
You can add a margarita pitch for $50.
La Barca Cantina, located at Pier 81 at 41st Street and 12th Avenue will be open five days a week, Thursday through Sunday. It sets sail Thursdays and Fridays at 4, 6 and 8pm; Saturday at 2, 4, 6 and 8pm; and Sunday at 12:30 to 2:30pm for brunch with regular dinner sails from 6 to 8pm.
Tickets go on sale on April 3.
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