Hip Young Things

While Ottawa may not be the perfect city for celebrity sightings, it is a fairly fantastic place to be, if you happen to be young and famous.  It’s far enough away from the coasts to attract too many fans, and urbane enough that there are a dizzying array of things to do in the city.  The cultures move in concentric circles, so there is a pleasant familiarity among friends, and still more than enough new people coming to the city every day to make it constantly shifting.  Not everyone looking for ways to spend a night on the town will fall in love with the city and start looking for apartments for rent.  But that’s one of the positives, because it is a place where one can be well-connected, and still immersed in a local neighborhood culture.

If there’s any doubt about the quality of entertainment offerings in the city, a brief look at the Ottawa Film Society‘s listings will show a generous array of national and international films in French and English.  There is a dedication to culture here that is deep set.  It is the heart of the country, after all, with a very impressive record on everything from the environment to education, demonstrating a commitment and a knowledge of the bigger picture.  If film is a way of looking at the world in a mirror, then there are enough mirrors here to provide diverse visions that occasionally fan together, much like the local cultural scene.

Unlike the larger entertainment centers, however, in places like Toronto or Vancouver, the local ottawa apartments are not necessarily housing superstars of music or movies.  But there are those who decide to opt for a life outside of the spotlight, and a very livable city from which they can base their lives and do their work.  It’s been the birthplace, or childhood home of a rather impressive list of famous people.  It’s an interesting assortment, to say the least.  The list is also rather eclectic, with Margaret Atwood, Keshia, Bryan Adams, and Dan Aykroyd among the big names.  These represent entirely different disciplines and art forms, and the people are all entirely accomplished at what they’ve set out to do.  It is an exciting city, and the things that are not visible on the surface are here, but need to be discovered in their own good time.  The charm of the city is always present, however, and provides a generous invitation to keep discovering more.

It’s part of the charm of a subculture to find so much passion in the details.  The small touches, executed with what is obviously a deep love and care, gives a look and a lifestyle a special coherence.  Boosted with careful attention and a sense of style, small details can make something absolutely pop.  Any hot rod aficionado will find their own way into the realm of complicated choices when they have to find discount vintage tires for the first time.  This is when the search for the authentic needs to meet with the economically feasible, and that’s the point where style can give way to form.  In the best scenarios, however, it’s possible to find a place where they both actually marry, and this can innovate the style for the rest of the subculture.

There are those who have argued that the current crop of celebrities, of which Ashton Kucher is by now almost a grandfather, is not sophisticated enough to capture enough detail to offer any real depth.  However, it’s also pretty clear that the argument against any generation for their lack of substance is a very traditional one.  Aristotle argued that kids today just weren’t as respectful as his generation, and it’s been that way for over 2,400 years since then.

One big distinction between now and then is, of course, the way the methods of transportation have changed.  Although the time that the automobile set its rubber to the road of history is relatively short, it has changed things utterly.  In terms of Aristotle’s thoughts on the youth of today, however, the attitudes of young people probably have not changed all that much.  In car culture, there are those of a generation or two ago who will certainly make a good case that the kids of today don’t know as much as they did, and don’t have the same attention to detail or appreciation for finer points of modification.

It might be true to say that buying wheels at  hotrodhanks.com is not the same thing as scouring the junkyards in other days.  It is much easier.  Even the youngest mechanic will say that it’s different now, and that there are more accessories, and more convenient means of acquiring them.  At the same time, these considerations actually only make more room to focus on details in other areas.  Skimping on tires is never a good idea, and in street racing, new definitely has advantages over vintage.  But this means there’s more room to find the perfect rear view mirror, the right color for pin-striping, or more time to talk to other enthusiasts and share trade secrets.  This means time to share wisdom and experience, passed from one generation to another, a cycle that never goes out of style.

Ladies Day in any race holds a special place, but there is no comparison in great events than Ladies Day at the Aintree John Smith Grand National horse races. The prizes for the fashion show are great and include packages such as a trip to London where you will spend the night at a luxury hotel, a photo shoot with Jeff Banks who will also give you his advise to help you spend the £500 Matalan voucher, handpicking a new wardrobe just for you, and dinner at the Ivy where you will meet a number of celebrities, or another package which includes an all-inclusive 10 night stay for two at your choice of Almond Resorts. There are also smaller prizes like a Boodles Raindance Diamond Ring, or one pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Needles to say there will be a number of women competing for the chance at any of these great prizes. You will need to register with them, and they have not made it clear yet if there will be fashion scouts looking about for lovely women who look lost. There are a limited number of spots in the competition, so you will want to head to the table as soon as you get there. Below is a video of some of the contestants from a few years ago.

There are a few tips on how to win the competition, but there is no way to guarantee you are the winner unless you absolutely look your best. The thing to remember here is that spring has now come, with the start of these races and the best outfits to wear should match accordingly. This means that it is up to you to determine the new spring fashions, coming in your trendiest clothing. Keep the outfit to spring colors, pastel yellows, blues may want to be the focus of your dress, but don’t forget the vibrant reds and greens in your accessories. If you dress down the main part of your clothing, you can show off the accessories better.

It’s one of the great jewels of India, offering sumptuous views everywhere you look.  This is one of the most celebrated exotic places in the world, and its surface, which bears ancient palaces and spectacular vistas is only the beginning of its charms.  There is a remarkable sense of elegance everywhere you go here, and it’s a joy to explore the city and to experience all that it has to offer.  Curious travelers wanting to experience another world will find many nooks and crannies here to satisfy all their desires to explore, and the weary traveler will find splendid opportunities to relax in the heart of an ancient place, letting the world’s pace come to a halt and offering a glorious rest from the responsibilities of the everyday.

There is nothing about the every day when you’re staying in an Udaipur palace hotel. These are some of the most beautiful lodgings available on the planet, with magnificent surroundings and fantastic interiors.  You never forget you’re staying in a palace here, and there’s no reason to forget, because the novelty never wears off, and there’s always more details to increase the sense of luxury and elegance.  It’s tempting to stay in the whole time you’re here, but there are many amazing things the city has to show you.  There are some fantastic sights, and there are also celebrities.

The roll call for famous people visiting this city is enormous, and you can now add Madonna to the list.  She was here with her husband, Guy Ritchie, enjoying a few weeks off her busy schedule, taking in the city with a few close friends.  Their time here was less than a week, but they were drawn by the spectacular things the city offers just like other visitors, the beautiful sands, the lakes, and the palaces that speak to its incredible royal heritage.  You may not see Madonna or Taylor Swiftrank on your trip, but there’s something beautiful for everyone to love here.

I’m standing in line with my 11 year old niece to get inside the Madame Tussauds for a Broadway performance and to get my limited addition of ‘The Great American Mousical’ signed by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton who are the official ambassadors for this year’s ‘Kid’s Night on Broadway.’ But, we have to be the first 150 people in line, which we are!  I thought this would be Fun Event Tickets for her while she was visiting me here in New York. Luckily, my niece if a huge fan of Broadway musicals and knows who Julie Andrews is. We both don’t know Julie’s daughter, but we figure we soon will.

With the purchase of the ‘Kid’s Night on Broadway’ tickets, which is only good for children of the age of 6 to 18, I’ll be able to get discounts for a Pre-Theater Fan Festival which will let my niece participate in how live theater is produced with special activities run by the actual cast and crew of all the participating shows. Like getting to see how theatrical make-up is put on, they’ll get to sing famous Broadway tunes karaoke style and learn some take Broadway dance lessons. My niece is most happy about the singing part, as I’ve said, she loves all Broadway Musicals. For me, there will be plenty of Broadway stars available to sign autographs.

For food, area restaurants are offering family-affordable dinners including free dishes for the children participating in the ‘Kid’s Night of Broadway.’  There will be special fun with participating shows which will let kids stay after the show is over and ask questions and listen to speeches given by cast members. My niece and I will most definitely have a memorable night out and I’m sure will be singing show tunes all the way home.

It all started with MTV’s reality show about rich High School Students called Laguna Beach. The focused mostly on the teen trials of relationships in a California beach town, and for one reason or another everyone on any world maps could just not get enough of it.

During Laguna Beach, Kristin Cavallari was its star. But when former show mate and reality rival Lauren Conrad decided to take her show up the map of California to LA, she was given her own show. Alas, The Hills was born and after five seasons Conrad has decided to leave the cakey-st job in the entire world.

So Hills fans across the entire map of the world were left wondering what would happen to their Monday night guilty pleasure. Although, admittedly, Conrad has been fading into the background in the show, being replaced by the bizarre relationship of Heidi and Spencer.

Ironically enough, it has been announced that now Cavallari will be taking over the “lead role” in The Hills. The season five finale will introduce Kristin as the new focus of The Hills.

It should be a good move for the reality franchise, showing that it can be adaptable to whoever is the most interesting person to follow. Cavallari was always the focus of the previous show but fell to the wayside after Conrad was given her own series.

She was always the leader of the drama on Laguna Beach, so Kristin should inject a little main character drama that Lauren Conrad never really did. She just doesn’t really seem like a real dramatic person.

Here’s hoping that Cavallari will bring the show to a new level with her addition. At least to the level of guiltiest pleasure on Monday night, next to Gossip Girl, of course.

With 35 locations across the state of Maryland to choose from, Next Day Blinds has your window treatment bases covered — with knowledgeable and friendly sales staff to boot.

Next Day Blinds is a retailer of high-quality window treatments, utilizing only the highest-quality goods for their wide range of home decorating/window treatment products. All of their products are custom made in their own state-of-the-art factory in Jessup, MD (in the Columbia, Maryland area). They have 35 stores throughout the Washington, DC and Baltimore MD metropolitan areas, showcasing a wide variety of window blinds, shades, shutters, and cornices. They’ve also dedicated themselves to top-notch customer service, including low-price guarantees on their products.

Next Day Blinds Columbia, Maryland has a full range of attractive and stylish blinds, shutters, cornices and shades which fit perfect for nearly any home design. They offer unusual amenities such as free swatches, online shopping and catalog, a free in-home consultation, and much more.

Customize your space with Next Day Blinds, and create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation or stylish retreat. They utilize only the highest quality materials from which to manufacture their products, as they would have nothing less for their clientele. To quote from their web site:

You will get a better deal on the blinds because they manufacture what they sell.

Don’t feel like stopping into our showroom? Shop online and experience the Next Day Blinds site whether you are on the couch watching tv or even on your iphone!

A host of Bollywood celebrities turned out for the recent Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. However, it was “Slumdog Millionaire” star Anil Kapoor who received the most attention.

Kapoor was mobbed by international fans at the event and later at an English pub. Other stars, such as Monica Bellucci, Chunky Pandey, and Jas Arora were surprised by the amount of attention the actor generated.

“I could have understood if Indians would have gathered around him but it was crazy to see so many foreigners literally pouncing on him.” Chunky Pandey explains. Pandey accompanied Kapoor to the pub and mentioned that the tourists at the event weren’t just ordinary fans, but autograph-seeking “gentry” types.

Anil Kapoor and other celebrities attended the Polo Challenge, which was graced by the presence of Dubai’s Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. Dubai has become a mecca for Middle Eastern, Indian, and other celebrities who can be found at only the best five star hotel Dubai as well as the top restaurants and clubs in the city.

Frieda Pinto, the attractive Indian starlet made famous by her role in the Oscar-nominated “Slumdog Millionare” is making headlines for a secret marriage. Pinto, 24, broke off her ongoing relationship to Rohan Antao last month. The two were believed to have been engaged, but new reports indicate they actually tied the knot in December 2007

Pinto and Antao met in college and were together for four years. The marriage is said to have been the result of an impulse when they were visiting Antao’s hometown in Goa, India. Goa is the smallest state in India and known for its fabulous beaches and vibrant nightlife. Many of the best hotels Goa are beach resorts to capitalize on the area’s best feature.

The press has been speculating since the breakup that it is a result of Pinto ‘s sudden international stardom. Even though Antao supposedly supported Pinto during the “Slumdog” production, she abruptly broke off contact with him once the film began picking up international acclaim such as the BAFTA and SAG awards and a number of Oscar nominations.

Pinto is expected to attend tonight’s Oscars wearing a dress specially designed for her by a Mumbai designer. But Antao will not be her escort.

Pinto’s representative refused to confirm the allegations, stating that they challenge whoever is making the claims to produce documentation that the wedding took place.

New York City is always a great place to spot celebrities. Whether partying at the best nightclubs, dining at trendy New York restaurants, or shopping at designer boutiques on Fifth Avenue, there’s always someone famous to see.

With New York’s famous Fashion Week in full swing last week, celebrities were everywhere. Some of the more notable names spotted in and around Bryant Park were Paris Hilton, Julia Stiles, and Eva Longoria. Justin Timberlake, Kanya West, and Lil Kim were some of the musical guests on hand. Others attending the events in Bryant Park included Jessica Biel, Claire Danes, Heidi Klum, and Aubrey O’Day.

Elsewhere, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley were spotted shopping on the Upper West Side and Michelle Tractenberg and Amanda Bynes were caught having lunch at Fred’s at Barneys New York.

Paris Hilton was snapped by fans in the Indochine ladies room during the Vladimire Restoin-Rotifeld Collect Hardward photography exhibit. Others in attendance at the exhibition were Clain Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Angelina Jolie was also in New York this week. She took two of her daughters on a shopping spree that included a stop at Lees Art Shop. Angelina is expected to be back in LA in time for the Oscars where both she and husband Brad Pitt are nominated for awards.