The Scoop On What The Stylish Are Splurging On Right Now

                                                                   by Barbara Barton Sloane

This Fall, runways erupted in luxe layering, opulent textures and shiny, sculptural designs. A favorite of the social set, Raul Melgoza of Luca Luca is honing his point of view.  “Feminine in look, strong in character” is how he has described his image and for Fall he’s stayed with an understated palette, charcoal and burgundy, with touches of jewel-tone teal from time to time.  Melgoza offers up a refined collection with luxurious embellishments and – a first for the designer – fur. One wool-knit vest, shown as a belted dress was layered totally in fox.  His collection’s emphasis though, was on suiting with the flat-front silk-wool pants that opened the show being one of the exciting options, worn with a shiny, granite-colored, hip hugging jacket and encircled with a black fur shawl collar.  The designer downplayed the glitz and glitter allowing the opulent setting of the Plaza’s Palm Court to make up for that.

Rufus Wainwright was on one side of the aisle, Mischa Barton on the other, but once the lights went down at Miss Sixty’s show, all eyes were on the models stomping down the catwalk in one street-sweet getup after another.  Skinny acid-washed jeans, patterned tights, graphic tops and shiny jumpsuits illuminated the looks.  One sculptural, cheetah-patterned suit had perky, pointed shoulders, a wide, thrice-closed black cummerbund, the pants streamlined and worn inside short ankle boots.

Elie Tahari couldn’t help bringing a little fun to his creations, and so for Fall, even a sober tweed jacket and skinny black knit pants were finished off with an embellished obi belt for a hint of shine.  Continuing the animal-print theme, Tahari showed a trim burgundy top and skirt encircled with a wide, patterned belt and topped with a short leopard print coat. You might be headed to the office, the look said, but that doesn’t mean you have to be glum.

At Ralph Lauren, the show opened with a little black dress but he soon moved into taupe-y tweed suiting, soft pastel knits and rich velvet dresses. Along the way he showcased his great-looking outerwear while referencing such treasured motifs as haberdashery, the equestrian world, and a spot of Anglophilia for good measure.  Lauren made a point of showing plenty of cozy coats and jackets.  One of the highlights, a toast colored, fitted jacket glammed up with sumptuous Mongolian lamb, was paired with Jodhpur pants tucked into sleek brown leather boots.  The look fairly glowed and, for 15 minutes at least, Lauren had you believing that everything is going to be just fine.

Donna Karen may not have invented uniform dressing in the eighties but she went a very long way toward making the idea a sexy one.  In these financially troubled times, she’s now brought the clever, potentially budget-saving concept back for Fall, resulting in one of her strongest looking collections in years.  It starts with a jacket or draped jersey top with major sculptured shoulders and a wrapped or belted waist.  It ends with either a long, lean skirt or tapered trousers.  That powerful, triangular silhouette cruised down the runway in all sorts of arrangements, and a favorite was a coffee-colored, floppy shawl-collar jacket, tightly belted in brown leather, paired with an espresso-hued pencil skirt ending just at the knee.  This look was ready to be pulled apart and reconfigured with any number of different pieces. Karen’s design has been battle-tested not only for sex appeal but also for ease.  Now that’s a uniform we’d all like to slip into.

Since Phoebe Philo departed, which is a rather long time ago, Chloe has been struggling to get its mojo back. Hannah MacGibbon is now at the desk and after a rather rushed debut last season, she’s now showing signs of getting a grip.  She has offered up for Fall a soft version of the early eighties, all high-waisted, fluid pants, wrapped belts and big blanket coats, a much-needed dose of the easy glamour Chloe was once known for. MacGibbon’s  green velvet pants cuffed with crystal hit a nice casual note for the girls who have the confidence to walk into a party in flats (albeit very special ones). Sauntering down the runway was a model in a slouchy, soft, sand-colored jumpsuit, harem legs stuffed inside ankle boots, a self-belt tied at the waist and long sleeves worn unbuttoned.  The designer was hitting a spot that evoked something of Saint Laurent and generally this show put Chloe back on firm footing, just like the old days.

From the first look out, a taupe suede trench coat worn with a big fur stole, it was evident that Derek Lam would be giving the ladies what they wanted.  With superluxe versions of the sportswear that his girls know and love him for, Lam touched on more than a few of what has shaped up to  be Fall’s key items, including skinny black leather trousers, an oversized tuxedo jacket, and draped, wrapped jersey dresses.  Giving the long sweater and tights a super cool, modern twist, Lam scored with a dove gray knit, mock-turtle top and below, super tight pants in a slightly paler shade of the same color palette, polishing it off with the knees done up in shiny satin for a little sixties spin.

A full squadron of female flying aces took off at Hermes.  Soundtracks from Casablanca and propellers turning in the background accompanied the models just in case some dullard in the house didn’t quickly get the meaning of the Amelia Earhart headgear and bomber jackets. An adorable gal in a russet leather suit, again fur-collared and belted, continued the flight theme, wearing an insouciant aviator cap topped with goggles.  With this show, Jean Paul Gautier winged it with aplomb.  It’s a season for leather, after all, and since Hermes is the ultimate venue for luxurious skins, the conceit gave full vent to the house expertise.

Overall, Fall 2009 has a somewhat forties mood floating around.  Styling is at its furthest distance from seasonal trendiness.  That’s especially the case in an era when even the very rich are hunkering down and extremely costly purchases should come with a lifetime guarantee of utility.

                                                                   By Barbara Barton Sloane

“We’ll always have Paris.” Those iconic words uttered by Bogart to Bergman in Casablanca so many years ago are just as true and meaningful today.  Maybe even more so.  You see, recently Bertrand Delanoe, the Mayor of Paris, has created something called Paris Tourist Day, meant to encourage Parisians to adopt a more cordial view of tourists.  Launched two years ago – and acknowledging that an estimated two million jobs here are linked to tourism - this project looks to become a regular fixture.  This lesson in Parisian etiquette includes the vow to take the time to give information to visitors and to attempt to reply to them in their own language.  Merci!

A Cemetery Extraordinaire

On a recent visit to Paris, I came with a check list of all the “must-dos” that I hadn’t done in the past.  At the top of this list my first day in town was to visit a cemetery.  No, not just any cemetery -  the Pere Lachaise Cemetery with its starry lineup of illustrious corpses - indeed the celebrity resting place in Paris. Hopping on the Metro to the far reaches of Belleville in the northeast part of the city, I visited the graves of old-timers such as Delecroix, Proust and Bizet, as well as the more recent dearly departed Jim Morrison, Simone Signoret and Yves Montand.  Opened since the 1790s, Pere Lachaise was designed as a public park and still today is a green and pleasant, albeit somewhat somber place to wander. With the help of a map supplied upon entering, one can check out the sites of almost anyone French, talented and dead.  They’re all here.

Bubbles in a Glass of Champagne

That evening, local friends, knowing my love for glamour, luxe and the great American songbook, suggested we visit the very elegant Georges V Hotel (www.fourseasons.com/paris).  An acquaintance of theirs, Flavien Compagnon, sings and plays piano in the Georges V cocktail lounge, and, turns out, the entertainer’s love of Cole Porter and George Gershwin matched mine exactly.  Sitting on a burgundy velvet banquet, sipping some bubbly, the room low-lit by crystal chandeliers and fragrant votives, and with floor to ceiling windows giving onto a perfect formal garden in the distance,  it was a pinch-me moment.  My companions gladly obliged.

Twinkle, Twinkle Eiffel Tower

Departing this grand hotel, my friends had a perfect nightcap idea to end the evening: a visit to La Tour Eiffel. We timed it just right.  Moments after we arrived at this most iconic symbol of Paris, the Tower began to do its thing - The Great Eiffel Tower Light-Up!  Back on New Year’s Eve 1999 to mark the new millennium, 20,000 light bulbs were added to the tower and illuminated.  And because we all like things that sparkle, the tower continues to be lit up every night for 10 minutes. We watched as this grand structure came alive, twinkling and dancing before our eyes! The Eiffel Tower, symbolic and special, became something magical to behold. Ever since its appearance on the Parisian skyline in 1889, the Eiffel Tower has drawn both criticism and praise aplenty.  Guy de Maupassant called it a giant and disgraceful skeleton while Paul Gaugin hailed it as a “triumph of iron.”  I second old Paul’s sentiment.  What a kick-off to my first day in Paris! Bonne Nuit.

Going In Seine

Another day I took a Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine at twilight when the sky was pale mauve turning to shell pink.  The lights were coming up all over the city, and each monument was bathed in its own special glow. No matter how many times you take this lazy meander down the Seine, slipping silently under Paris’ 37 bridges, gazing up at the Notre Dame Cathedral and gawking at the stately, exclusive residences on the Ile St. Louis, it never fails to thrill. 

Yes You Can Can

What is a trip to Paris without visiting the neighborhood of Montmartre and experiencing the touristy but oh so fun show at the Moulin Rouge?  This world-famous nightclub opened its doors in 1889, and the show that I saw was not dissimilar from what I might see in Las Vegas with one delightful exception: this is, after all, the place where the French Cancan was born over a hundred years ago, and today the Cancan dance still ends each show.  I can report that the, er, end is quite saucy and tres French.  The 60 Doriss girls sure Can!  Leaving Moulin Rouge and looking forward to some quiet and calm, I retired to my hotel, the innovative Hotel Jules (www.hoteljules.com), a touch of grace in an otherwise frenetic part of town.  A homey, timeless ambience was what I was seeking.  I found it here.

Field of Dreams

The Champs Elysees remains a symbolic gathering place, from July 14 Bastille Day celebrations to New Year’s Eve displays – not to mention the joy of sitting at one of its sidewalk cafes, aperitif in hand, simply people watching.  I stayed around the corner from the Champs at the Hotel Marignan (www.hotelmarignan.fr), a peaceful haven in the heart of this bustling business and fashion center.  This property has a cozy, intimate feel, with an added plus: Alain Ducasse’s Restaurant Spoon is on the hotel’s site, serving a light and inspired menu from all corners of the globe.

One of the coolest and most colorful neighborhoods is Montparnasse with its good-time feel which recalls the area’s artistic heyday of the 1920s and 30s.  Bars, restaurants and cinemas abound and it was here on August 25, 1944 that the German forces surrendered Paris.  My stay in this environ was made all the more pleasant by checking into Hotel Le Littre (www.hotellelittre.com).  Consisting of just 90 guest rooms with views of either the charming rue Littre or their quiet courtyard, Le Littre is equipped with all the up-to-date features you’ll need to be totally comfortable.

All too soon, it was time to say Au Revoir. Translation: “Till we meet again.”  I feel confident that’s gonna happen.  After all, I’ll always have Paris!

Paris 411

If you’re planning to go, be in the know! The most complete Paris Guide: TimeOut Paris.  (www.timeout.com). It helps you find all the best spots in Paris – restaurants, landmarks and places only the locals know about.  It’s essential!

Courtesy of Nice Office of Tourism

The light shimmers bright and golden on a cerulean sea.  The soft, warm breeze stirs the palm trees and threatens to take my napkin off into the blue.  I’m sitting at a terrace café on the Cote d’Azur, drinking a cappuccino and asking my friend Karen to pinch me to prove I’m not dreaming.  Since the beginning of the 20^th century, many of the world’s greatest artists have made this the birthplace of modern art.  Painters have long celebrated the sensational light, the sensual climate, the diversity of the landscape and the beauty of the Mediterranean.

This year, France pays homage to Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and there are, through September of this year, both on the Riviera and in Provence, important exhibits of Picasso’s work including some paintings never seen before.  My group of five women had the lucky opportunity to view exhibits, studios and homes of Picasso, as well as those of Matisse and Cezanne – two painters that had a profound impact on the artist.

NICE – IT’S MAGIC

Southern France played an essential role in Picasso’s life and the soul of this great Spanish artist continues to be felt here, so we began our sojourn in Nice, a city that has inspired artists for centuries.  In fact, it prompted Matisse, upon moving here to exclaim: “When I realized I would see this light every morning, I could not believe my good fortune and I decided to live here for the rest of my life.”  Nice is elegant and trendy, cheerful and bustling, and when the sea spray meets the fragrance of the tall Aleppo pines, this town is downright bewitching!

We visited the Matisse Museum, a Genovese-style villa filed with his masterpieces and personal possessions.  After the museum, wandering around town, we experienced a deeper level of appreciation for Nice as we saw it now through the eyes of Matisse. Lunch at Oliviera, (entrees between $15-$25), was amazing.  We were attended to by the owner himself, Monsieur Nadim, who has a love affair going with olive oils, and diners here are the lucky recipients of his passion!  Our hotel, the Beau Rivage (from $364/night) just happened to be where Matisse himself lived till the end of his life.  Sadly, my room there was not the one he occupied, but from my window the view of the sea and the special Nicoise light was exactly what the artist saw and that alone sufficed.

LIVE THE DREAM

Courtesy of Nice Office of Tourism

Next, we went to the Rivera town of Vence.  There’s an Old Town of quirky houses showing the patina of time and a walk through its colorful market captivated us with the scent of delicious herbs and bouquets of lavender.  Here we found the Villa Le Reve where Matisse lived and worked from 1943 to 1949.  Today it’s a charming house that can be rented by groups of artists.  After touring the studio, we descended upon the garden where a small group of Swedish women were attending to their easels on the vast sloping lawn, all the while taking their inspiration from the grand master.  Matisse named this place The Dream, a name that is, quite literally, spot-on!  We dined nearby in Juan les Pins at La Passagere, (dinner from 90EU), now under the direction of its new and famous chef, Alain Llorca. With his collection of Michelin stars and personal exuberance, the restaurant lives up to its promise: “The fun starts here!”

The enchanting Picasso Museum in the Grimaldi Castle lies amid the calm beauty of pine groves and is located in the town of Antibes. This is the first museum to be dedicated to the painter, and it is home to some 245 of his works.  The exceptional exhibit includes his gay and lyrical work “La Joie de Vivre” – the joy of living – with flute playing fauns, dancing goats and a female nude model, his then love Francoise Gilot. Lunching at Le Bastion ($22-$33),  was a happy experience.  It’s tres elegant with good food and great music. Our hotel, the Garden Beach Hotel, (from $223/night), afforded us smashing views of the sea.  Antibes has grand estates, dense vegetation and park-like settings.  F. Scott Fitzgerald, staying here wrote: “We’ve found a splendid location – a big house, the seaside, and the casino is hardly 100 m. away.”  Apparently the Fitzgeralds were enchanted by Antibes, as were we.

THE POWER OF PEACE

The town of Vallauris is where Picasso discovered the art of ceramics.  From the summer of 1948 until 1955 when he left, he created 4,000 ceramic works.  In the town square rests his iconic bronze “Man with a Sheep” which he gave to Vallauris in 1950 when he was made an honorary citizen.  One of the artist’s most famous works “War & Peace,” his last great political composition, was installed in the 12^th century chapel of the Vallauris chateau in 1959.  It is a powerful work that takes the viewer from the horrors of war to peaceful times.  Picasso depicts his belief that all is possible through peace with images of a boy plowing the sea, fish swimming in a bird cage, and birds happily existing in a fish tank.  Through peace, all is possible.

PICASSO AND CEZANNE

"Cezanne's Man with a Pipe." Courtesy of Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery, London

Leaving the Riviera and driving to Provence, the landscape began to change dramatically, from exotic plants and palm trees to purple mountains and fields filled with yellow rape flowers.  Aix-en-Provence has always been associated with water.  Springs and fountains abound in squares and along streets lined with centuries-old plane and olive trees.  This was once a Roman city, and it is thoroughly Mediterranean.  Artists’ studios, artisan shops, restaurants, cafes and market stalls today make this ancient city modern and lively.

In Aix there are two major events that will run through September, 2009.  Picasso-Cezanne is at the Granet Museum. This exhibit brings together a hundred works by the two artists and explores the significant influence Cezanne had on Picasso throughout his life.  Of Cezanne, Picasso said “He was my one and only master.”  I saw first-hand how the colors Cezanne favored were used again and again in Picasso’s works.  It was enlightening to compare the artists’ works, and two in particular were most revealing: Cezanne’s “Man with a Pipe” and Picasso’s “The Smoker.”  Picasso once said “I don’t paint what I see but what I feel.”  In these paintings one observes how Picasso, inspired by the Cezanne work, painted essentially the same subject but in abstract form.

"Picasso-Le Femeur." Courtesy of Collection Particuliere

The second event is the opening of the Chateau Vauvenargues, which lies at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire Moutain, and is where Picasso worked and died.  In this austere castle he now rests alongside his wife Jacqueline.  The chateau will be opened to the public until September 25.  Advanced reservations are required and can be made through the Granet Museum.

UNESCO SITES AND BULLFIGHTS TOO

Picasso was deeply attracted to the city of Arles whose extravagant atmosphere, climate, and bullfights reminded him of his birthplace, Spain.  The town is known as “the daughter of the South” and cultivates a way of life that cries out to be sampled – on terraces, in shaded alleyways or beneath trees in tiny village squares, and boasts seven UNESCO-ranked World Heritage Monuments. We guested at the Hotel d’Arlatan (from $146), and visited the Reattu Museum which has 57 drawings and two paintings by Picasso, including the charming “Portrait of Maria,” Picasso’s mother.

WHIRLING, TWIRLING PICASSOS

Our last stop was Les Baux, a pearl of Provence.  The town is ranked as one of France’s most beautiful villages and is home to a most wondrous thing: the Cathedrale d’Images, an audio-visual center carved out of a quarry featuring, until January 3, 2010, Picasso! You will gorge on his beguiling images shown 50 feet high on thousands of feet of rock face used as screens.  The works appear in unrestrained profusion of colors, curves and shapes which swirl around you and are set to some great music, including Nino Rota’s haunting theme from The Godfather and his circus music from 8 ½. This is an immense retrospective from every period of the artist’s work and I believe Cathedrale d’Images could be considered, truly, something new under the sun. It’s fabulous!

Picasso did not paint what he saw but what he felt.  “We need to get to the bottom of the story,” he said “and see all the pictures underneath a picture.  I have tried, by destructuring, to illustrate and help reveal the hidden picture.”  On this magical romp through Picasso-Land, we saw what he saw, felt what he felt and, as his feelings were revealed through his work, we gained a profound and lasting insight into his world.

IF YOU GO:

www.franceguide.com

www.AirFrance.us

WEB RESOURCES

Matisse Museum

Beau Rivage Hotel

Oliviera Restaurant

Villa Le Reve

La Passagere Restaurant

Picasso Museum

Le Bastion Restaurant

Garden Beach Hotel

Granet Museum

Hotel d’Arlatan

Reattu Museum

Cathedrale d’Images

Known for fun, Atlantic City is a relative bargain get-away at this challenging financial time. Of course, visitors still come primarily to gamble, but today Atlantic City offers a growing number of options for a get-away, whether it’s relaxation you seek, great dining, or shopping its sprawling retail outlets.

Miss America’s Gone but So What?

Calling itself “The city that’s always turned on,” Atlantic City definitely lives up to this claim.  From New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse to deep sea fishing and everything in between, this place is full of fun things to do.  On a recent visit, I chose to spend my weekend quietly relaxing at two of the city’s premier spas, The Water Club at the Borgata Hotel and the Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Atlantic City.

Roman Splendor

The Qua Spa, which opened a year ago and is modeled after the famous Qua Spa in Las Vegas, offers an alluring and artful oasis guided by the healing and calming powers of water.  Here I found lavish Roman Baths, beautifully appointed rooms and a range of treatments from Chakra Balancing, Crystal Body Art and a beguiling treatment called Dieci Mani, which means “ten hands” and features the touch of five therapists.  Opting for something slightly more intime, I went for the Chakra Balancing treatment.  Everyone needs their chakras balanced sooner or later, right?  That evening I enjoyed Asian Fusion at the Buddakan Restaurant where both the food and the décor are authentic and inspired. (www.quabathsandspa.com).

Sybaritic Pleasures

The next day I wandered over to the Water Club at the Borgata Hotel.  This is the city’s first boutique/lifestyle hotel, and offers a distinctive cosmopolitan setting while just steps away from entertainment, nightlife, gambling and dining at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Checking out the Immersion Spa, grand at 36,000 square feet, I was welcomed into a soothing world as I passed through a river rock archway with cascading water, lush indoor greenery and an interior of slate, green marble, stone and glass.  I took a plunge in its 80 foot long, two lane infinity-edge lap pool and then rested on a lounge by floor- to- 42 foot ceiling windows.   For romantic interludes, Immersion offers a Japanese-style room with Hanoki soaking tubs and ensemble massages. I tried the funky-sounding soft-pack flotation device table and I must say that my body treatment on this watery platform was enhanced by a feeling of literally floating away.  That evening I had dinner at Bobby Flay Steak, a restaurant at the Bogata.  I had the Surf & Turf Skewers (lobster and steak), sweet potato soup with smoked chilies and baked Alaska for dessert.  Friends, haute cuisine has come to Atlantic City. (www.TheWaterClubatBorgata.com).

The Fab Four Are Back!

The Beatles “Live” Tour opened here in 2007 at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel’s Liverpool Club.  Called “The British are Coming!” this clever production depicts the Beatles “Live” US performances, beginning with their unforgettable appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show through their historic Shea Stadium concert. This is a show the whole family will enjoy (www.tropicana.net).

Summer Shows

On June 4, Harrah’s Resort Hotel & Casino is hosting a beauty pageant slightly different from the Bert Parks’ kind.  It’s the Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant in which fifteen elegant ladies, 60 years and older, will compete for the coveted title of Ms. New Jersey Senior America (www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.blogspot.com).  John Edward, famed for channeling those who have gone up, up and away….appears at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino on June 9 (www.trumpplaza.com) .The ageless Tony Bennett enchants one and all at Caesars Atlantic City on July 10 & 11 (www.caesarsatlanticcity.com). Jimmy Buffett will continue looking for his lost shaker of salt on August 23 at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall (www.boardwalkhall.com) and, as a fitting end to summer, on September 13-17, Trini Lopez (yes, he’s still alive) appears at the Hilton Casino Resort (www.hiltonac.com).  Lots to do, lots to see.  It’s Atlantic City and its better than ever.

Atlantic City 411:
Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau

An Elegant Exhibit for your Summer Viewing Pleasure
by Barbara Barton Sloane

Philippe deChampaigne (1602-1674) Presentation of Christ in the Temple, ca. 1648, Photo: John Betancourt

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut has on view an exhibit featuring over thirty-five works of European masterpieces including Italian, French, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, German and Austrian schools of painting which come from the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. The exhibit opened on June 13 and will be on view through Sunday, September 6, 2009.  Among the artists represented are Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Bartolome Esteban Murillo and Francisco de Goya, spanning the 14th through the early 20th centuries, and including many works that have never been exhibited outside of Puerto Rico.  What a lovely jolt of pure esthetic culture in a season best typified by beach, blanket and a Jackie Collins novel.

The Bruce Museum sits high on a hill overlooking Greenwich Harbor, and continuously offers a changing array of exhibitions and educational programs that promote the appreciation of art and science.  It has been voted the best museum in Fairfield County and plays an integral role in the cultural life of area residents.

This collection, acquired by the philanthropist Luis A. Ferre “for all Puerto Ricans” to enjoy, is ours to experience this summer, thanks to the Museo de Arte de Ponce’s temporary closing as it undergoes a major renovation and expansion.  The Ponce masterpieces offer exceptional variety and transcend time in their beauty.  The paintings represent some of the largest ever to hang on the walls of the Bruce Museum, with some measuring seven feet high by nearly ten feet.  These works find their inspiration in classical mythology, ancient Greek and Roman history, the Bible and even fleeting moments from everyday life, conveying major trends in European art from the Renaissance to the present.

So treat yourself. Plan a visit to the Bruce this summer and view this very spectacular show.

The Bruce Museum 411:
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $7 Adults; $6 seniors and students; free for children under 5. Free to all on Tuesdays.
For information, visit the Museum website: www.brucemuseum.org or call (203) 869-0376

Gaspare Traversi (1722-1770) The Seduction, ca. 1752, Photo: John Betancourt

Marian Tortorella has been practicing astrology for over 35 years. She is available for private readings by calling 845-688-3108. Woodstock Astrology Suite is also on the web.

aries

It’s time to transform your look. Not a red head yet? Go for it. Men can be daring and creative. Grow your hair or even a mustache. Art, beauty, love and romance are in the air with Venus in Aries through most of spring. For those born between the 20th - 25th of March, Pluto squares now, and this can mean any number of major changes in your life from job to children growing up and leaving home. Let go of any desires to control where there’s resistance and get away from any situations you feel are not right for your personal growth. As barren winter fades flowers will emerge, such is the way of picking up the pieces you left behind for a fresh new start.

taurus

Opportunity is on every corner as Saturn trines your sign all year, and the security you need is there. Career advances are # 1 on your list so take advantage of opportunities and be ready. While Pluto trines favorably from another angle, those born April 20 – 24 reap the benefits of increased will power, and positive transformation. Insurance matters and investments bode well if done cautiously, while spiritual studies and meditation bring about positive results. Neptune and Jupiter square for some, and overindulgence can spoil your progress. Time to cut back on those sweets, especially before sleep if you want a good nights rest. Plant the seeds of life so your foundation, whatever it may be, brings rewards of good karma.

gemini

Did someone say you just gave birth to twins? Or maybe you have more than one project going on simultaneously? Either way, there is not a dull moment for Gemini’s this spring. Jupiter and Neptune stroll hand in hand forming a very favorable trine aspect to your sign, especially those born between the 14th and 16th. The new moon on the 24th of April in Gemini adds to the mystique of this bonus. Let inspiration and love guide you to the man or woman of your dreams. Those already hitched may find a new baby on the horizon. Dance, music, painting, photography and guided meditation, all fit into activities. With Saturn and Uranus not so favorable for some, caution is advised. Tread softly. A follow up to the dentist is waiting and keep the tiger balm on hand. Good poets speak volumes…read, write and listen to their hidden messages.

cancer

Are chimes of freedom flashing? Could very well be the season you manage to break free as a much more liberating and exciting cycle emerges for you! Even in this economy new jobs arise, and new romance. This holds especially true for Cancers born between the 14th and 20th of July as Uranus trines favorably on your sign throughout the year. Mars also joins in and gives all Cancers the boost of energy they need to start their gardens, redecorate homes or join a spa. Want to study metaphysical subjects? Now is the time. For Cancers born June 21st - 26th major transformations are in store and you may need to cut your losses. Of course there is a light waiting for you at the other end of the tunnel. Set your emotions free. Find a quiet place in the forest and hug a tree. Listen to a gentle flowing stream and record harmonious bird songs when you feel out of balance. Let nature cure as spring awakens.

leo

You may have what it takes to win many a popularity prize when spring equinox arrives on March 20th. As Venus and Sun favor you the first few weeks of April, get out and socialize. Sing songs of love and romance because for some you can’t avoid it when Mars and Venus join together in May. A good time buy new clothes, have hair styled and feel as beautiful as you look. Leos born August 10th-20th Jupiter opposes, and you may be tempted to go into excess over anything. Keep a lid on. Neptune also opposes those born between the 18th and 20th of Aug. creating illusion and fantasy. Don’t let your imagination take over and remember that only one half of the truth might as well be no truth at all. Eventually it all becomes clear, and the flowers will bloom with the sun’s rays. Get your camera ready.

virgo

Has someone put the brakes on? In order to move forward you must first let go of something from your past. Your work situation may not be right for you now. For Virgo’s born Sept 6-12th, patience is the way to success. Saturn is smack on your Sun and takes 28 years to come again. Time to make serious decisions that affect you and your loved ones for a very long time. Getting lots of extra shut eye, a dental exam or chiropractor may come in handy. Those born from the 23rd- 27th of August have the most success this spring. Obstacles have past. Your goals are right on target and ready to conquer the world with Pluto on your side. If you have children, they are most inspirational and a new one may be on the way. As Uranus opposes those born from the 14th- 20th of Sept, it’s hard to relax. Meditation, Tai Chi and Yoga can be your best friend now. One thing is for certain…all things must change.

libra

Fortune smiled upon you as Jupiter began to trine your Sun Sign since the beginning of this year and continues! Looking for romance? New child on the way? Your charm is delightful and doesn’t slip by unnoticed. Travel, education, religion, law and publishing are a plus as finances hold steady and even increase. Libran’s born between Sept. 23rd and 27th have a more difficult time of it though with Pluto’s square. Learn to transform and shed old skin if tattered and worn. It takes time for broken hearts to heal or just get back to the way things were but they eventually will once you realize it’s OK to let go of ego. Power struggles never win. If born around Oct. 16th – 20th, Neptune is forming a trine to your Sun sign. Dreams manifest and your creativity sours. Your imagination is peaking. Have you wanted to learn Photoshop, an instrument or web design? Do it this spring. That marriage you’ve waited for can happen. Dance till dawn and be that shining morning star that you are. Dreams do come true.

scorpio

Are you ready for a new and exciting life? Move to a new home? There is nothing standing in your way for positive change this spring. Especially those born between the 15th – 20th of Nov. as Uranus trines your Sun. New and unusual friends as well as opportunities arise. Metaphysical studies are right in line. Use caution though not to believe all you see and hear as Neptune and Jupiter square. Excessiveness and exaggeration should be avoided. Make sure that new job position is secure before you leave the one that holds fast and true. A Neptune square can fool ones imagination although creativity soars. All Scorpios have their hands tied with tons of paper work, local travel and balancing the budget as Mercury opposes you. This should clear up after June 14th when Mercury stations and moves into Gemini. Saturn and Pluto both are on your side bringing about a secure and transforming effect. Times are changing so go with the flow as opportunity leads the way towards your success. Keep your glasses on straight and you won’t miss your mark.

saggitarius

Can’t seem to figure out which end is up and which down? Life was moving really fast and then suddenly everything was at a halt. You seem to be caught in a major traffic jam on a fast moving highway. Saturn and Uranus have both been pulling strings from opposite ends with you caught in the middle. Mars joins in to form a Grand Cross in April as tempers may flare. Time to let go of your past and move forward. Do not resist change. You might find the answer you were looking for if you can just let go of your fears. After all what have you got to lose? This holds especially true for those born between the 7th and 17th of December. Romance is not far from those looking. With Mars and Venus favorable starting April 23rd- - June 6th do not turn down any social activities. Look and feel your best. Between May and June as Neptune and Jupiter conjoin, Sagittarius can reap the benefits of meditation classes, music, film and dance. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and let the aroma of spring uplift and mend whatever ails you.

capricorn

While everyone else is crying the blues about the state of the economy you are cutting your losses and still holding strong. Business ventures and opportunities seem to be profitable, or at least secure as you continue to build upon the solid foundations you lay down some time ago. Saturn your planetary ruler, is favorable throughout the year. This will bring you recognition from your peers and those higher up. Those especially born between Jan. 4th– 9th are reaping the benefits of their hard work this spring. Make improvements towards your investments and revamp insurance policies. With Pluto at the start of Capricorn, those born Dec. 22nd– 26th will find major forces beyond your control. This may bring about major transformations such as buying or selling a home, relocating, or letting go of an important partnership or marriage. It would be good for all Capricorns to keep a conservative diet and refrain from sweets…especially when business and socializing is unavoidable between late April and all of May. You or someone else is a secret admirer that finally comes forward. Stay cool and take your time. All’s well in the end and just the way it’s suppose to be!

aquarius

Woke up from a beautiful dream today you can describe to a T, but you can’t remember what day or time it is? You are not alone. With Neptune conjunct your Sun it’s normal for you to have your head in the clouds. Take advantage of this time to follow your bliss. This means play music, write poetry, do yoga, meditate, or get a new camera to capture the poetic moments you and your partner shared while hiking through a pristine forest. Water will fascinate you so make sure you get some time to reflect on those tiny sparkles that ripple along the Hudson if you have a boat. Those most influenced by Neptune now are Aquarians born Feb. 12th – 16th. You can count on your lucky stars with Jupiter transiting your sign. You can also count on adding pounds if you don’t watch those calories during the merry month of May. Aquarians will benefit greatly by joining a spa. Enjoy sports activities, and foreign travel as they are all in line for you now. Live joyfully and laugh plentiful.

pisces

Spring starts with Mercury transiting your sign. Are you tired of those lengthy business telephone calls, emails and paperwork? You may want to take a small trip just to get away from it all. Those born between the 9th and 18th of February may need to re think some of your future plans. It’s time for a change and rid yourself of old baggage. That quiet compassionate side of Pisces can come in handy if you can only relax. Sometimes it’s best to meditate on a problem rather than trying to wake up a sleeping bear. April is full of surprises as Uranus and Mars conjoin in your sign and Saturn opposes. Watch your speedometer and stay within the limits of the law. Avoid clashes with authority at this time. Your dental, chiropractic, accounting, insurances and taxes all need attention. Don’t worry, seasons change and the planets will move on to a better climate. Let the healing sound of a trickling stream calm the spirit.

In today’s world, looking good is important. Having a beautiful, white smile is a commodity for most dental patients. To achieve the whitest smiles, Dr. Lane McEwan uses the Zoom! Advanced Power technique. Most patients with mild to moderate staining get “WOW” results, meaning they get up to twelve shades lighter.

The procedure is relatively quick and easy. It requires only one hour of your time in the dental chair. While the patient is comfortably reclined, the Zoom! Whitening Gel is applied to their teeth in three consecutive sessions of fi fteen minutes each. A UV lamp is placed close to the patients teeth to activate the whitening gel during each session. Some pa-tients experience some slight sensitivity that generally subsides within twelve hours after the procedure. To maintain the result, home bleaching trays can be fabricated in the offi ce that day.

To give back to the community, every year Dr. McEwan participates in the Smiles for Life campaign. Each year over a four month period, Crown Council dentists offer professional teeth whitening at a considerably reduced price and donate 100 percent of the proceeds to children’s charities.

Dr. McEwan has chosen Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh as the local charity of her choice. The 2009 campaign runs this March-June and Dr. McEwan is offering the service at 50 percent off her normal whitening fee.

by JPA 

The Archangel Michael is viewed by all three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam as being the greatest of all the Angels. The name Michael is of Chaldean origin where he was worshipped as a deity. The name Michael translates to “He who is as God.” It is interesting to note in Genesis 11:31 “ And Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran his sons son, Sarai his Daughter –in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran and dwelt there.” All three monotheistic religions can be traced back to Abraham and with the Chaldean Michael connection beyond Abraham. 

Michael is considered to be Chief of the Order of Virtues, “The Brilliant Shining Ones” the Angels of miracles, encouragement and blessings. Michael is also considered to be Chief of the Archangels, prince of presence and the Angel of righteousness, mercy sanctification and ruler of the seventh heaven. 

In ancient Persia Michael was called Beshter “Provider of sustenance for mankind”, a title also given to the Archangel Metatron who is credited with authoring Psalm 37:25. 

Michael is most noted as protector of both the living and the dead given the role of psychopomp “soul conductor” since the days of captivity. Most commonly rendered as winged with sword unsheathed and as a warrior of God and slayer of Satan, divine order triumphant over the chaaos of darkness. Michael is said to have appeared in World War 1 during battle at Mons when an overwhelmingly superior German army was inexplicably annihilated. Witnesses from the battle described a phantom army over the Allied lines, led by a resplendent argure on a white horse. 

It is foretold in Daniel 12: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: 

angels at work… 

What? Encourages its readers to support ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans - ONE by ONE - to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE is a coalition of over 2.3 million people and 70 of the nation’s most well-known and respected non-profit, advocacy and humanitarian organizations. For more information and a list of all ONE coalition partners, please visit: www.ONE.org.

by Ed I. Torre 

The Vesica Pisces which translates as “fish bladder”, has been a symbol of mystical proportions throughout history. The vesica Pisces in the visual sense relates to the overlapping of two circles of equal circumference whereby the outer edge of one passes through the center of the other, the overlapped portion resembling the shape of a fish. How can something come from nothing, that is the mystery to unfold. This same nothing is the very something our thoughts come from. It was this primordial desire to create that began the creation process. Desire is one of the keys of the master. Children are all masters of this key, you must be childlike in nature, accepting things at face value to fully utilize the key of desire. How does this relate to our symbol? The true essence of the symbol is hidden. 

The vesica pisces is a puzzle of sorts for the symbol as you see it with your physical eyes has no power in itself yet it is one of the most powerful symbols of ancient wisdom available. It is taught by the sages that from a point within a circle so began creation. Something to meditate on…with eyes wide open.

by Nitin Chouda 

For women, shaping the muscles of the thighs is an important fitness goal. A shapely lower body is considered very feminine, and the right proportion of the waist to the hips is part of the equation. Thigh toning exercises can be done at home, without equipment and results can be seen in 4-6 weeks. Thigh and hip toning gadgets are not required if you know which exercises work, and how to do them. Most importantly, thigh exercises are most effective when combined with aerobic exercise and a healthy diet. 

For best results, start with 15-20 repetitions and one set. Increase gradually to 2 sets. Complete the routine at least 2 times a week for best results. This is an effective beginner to intermediate toning program. Please remember that these numbers are general guidelines only. For an optimum program tailored to your needs, please consult a certified personal trainer. If you have any injuries or medical ailments, please obtain a physicians clearance before starting any exercise program. 

Wall Squat: Front Thigh Exercise

Starting Position: Place your upper back against a smooth wall. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet and lean back against the wall. Movement: 

– Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position while sliding down the wall. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required. 

Standing Dumbbell Squats: Front Thigh Exercise 

Starting Position: Hold a dumbbell in each hand and allow them to hang down at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet. 

Movement: Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required. 5 lb dumbbells work well, but you can start with 2 lbs and then work your way up to 5 lbs within 3-5 weeks. 

Lunges: Front Thigh Exercise 

Starting Position: Assume a standing position with your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart. Grasp a barbell with a wider than shoulder width grip and place it across your shoulders. Movement: Inhale, keeping your back vertical and slightly arched, slowly step forward with one leg making a long stride, lowering your body down slowly until your rear knee lightly touches the floor (if you cannot go as low as this, then work your way up to it over 2-3 weeks). Exhale and shift your weight backwards, taking one step (or 2-3 small steps if that sounds difficult) to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Remember to consult your doctor before this or any other knee exercises if you have had any knee trouble! 

Lying Face Down: Front Thigh Stretch 

Starting Position: Lie on your stomach with your legs together. 

Movement: Reach behind you and grasp your right ankle with your left hand. Pull your right heel up as far as you can. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Please remember to hold for 10 seconds for this stretch. 

Seated Split Stretch: Inner Thigh Stretch 

Starting Position: Sit and spread your legs as far as you can. 

Movement: Lean to your right side and reach for your toes. Rest your hands on your toes or at your ankle. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. 

Seated Butterfly: Inner Thigh Exercise 

Starting Position: Sit with your back straight. Movement: Bring the soles of your feet together and pull them in as close to your body as you can. Allow your hands to rest on your feet or to apply light pressure to your thighs. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Hold this position for 10 seconds. You will find this most effective if you gently push your knees down using your hands, be careful not to push too much. 

Seated Hip Twist: Outer Thigh And Rear Thigh Exercise

Starting Position: Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. 

Movement: Bend your right knee and place your right foot over your left leg. Wrap your arms around your right knee and gently pull it in towards your left shoulder. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds. 

Lying Leg Pull: Total Thigh Exercise

Starting Position: Lie on your back with your knees in the air and feet flat on the floor. 

Movement: Bring your right heel to rest on your left thigh. Loop your hands around your left thigh and pull it towards your chest. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds in each set.