Entertainment & Celebrities

"A Bold Beauty:"Andie MacDowell talks about her 20-plus year career, as well as her passion for family, in this cover story. The article ran as the August 2006 cover in Orange Coast Magazine. "Don't Ask Her About Her Age:"Sandra Bullock talks about marriage, Keanu and how 40 is not a milestone in her life during our interview about her latest film, The Lake House. This article ran in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "Luck Plays A Part:"Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers hang out with me and chat about their critically acclaimed drama, Woody Allen's Match Point. This article ran in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "Real American Hero:"Television and film actor Mark Harmon talks about his career, life and goals in this cover story. The article ran as the March 2006 cover in Orange Coast Magazine. "A Man of Many Passions:" Hollywood's "Renaissance Man" sits down with me to talk about politics, horses, photography and his latest film, A History of Violence. This article ran in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "If the Shoe Fits...:" Best-selling author Jennifer Weiner spills the beans about her novels, her latest novel-turned-movie, In Her Shoes, and her love of a good purse. This article ran in the Sunday entertainment section of the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "Diane Keaton's Life Lessons..."Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton tells readers how much her dogs add to her life. This article ran in Dog Fancy . "Clay-Nation...""American Idol" superstar Clay Aiken debuts his first album (and makes women across generations drool in delight). This article ran in the Pasadena Star-news . "Beauty Therapy:" Queen Latifah, Andie MacDowell and the rest of the cast of Beauty Shop dish our best beauty secrets—and disasters. This article ran as a cover story in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "A Four-Legged Way of Life:" Diane Lane and the cast of Must Love Dogs explain what great things canines add to our lives. This article ran in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "It's a Bird..."Director Brad Bird scores a huge hit with his animated film "The Incredibles." This article ran in the Campus Times newspaper, part of the Los Angeles Times. "Tell Us Again How Much Fun It Was..."George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and the rest of the gang had wayyyyy too much fun filming the "Ocean's Eleven" sequel, "Ocean's Twelve." This article ran in the Campus Times newspaper, part of the Los Angeles Times. "Still Waters Run Deep:" Keanu Reeves is more than just a Hollywood hunk—he's a powerhouse actor worthy of respect, say his Constantine co-stars. This article was written for the the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News, part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group . "Too Hot To Handle..."Big-name stars--like the always-hypnotic Joaquin Phoenix--grace the screen and fire engines in "Ladder 49." This article ran in The D newspaper, part of the Riverside Press-Enterprise. "Home Run..."Bernie Mac shows how to score big in this sports-themed comedy, Mr. 3000. This article ran in The D newspaper, part of the Riverside Press-Enterprise. "New Century Indiana Jones..."Nicolas Cage discusses his love of history while promoting his latest film, "National Treasure." This article ran in the Campus Times newspaper, part of the Los Angeles Times. "Latin Explosion:"Top movies in many Latin countries make it big in the States. This feature was published in Video Store Magazine. "Trading Spaces Guru Talks About Life, Love and Laminated Flooring:"Frank Bielec of the hit decorating show Trading Spaces discusses his career, design trends and his co-workers. This article ran in the August 2002 edition of the Pasadena Star News. "Traffic Star Recalls Joy, Wrenching Moments of Movie:"Amy Irving discusses how difficult, yet rewarding, it was to make this Oscar-lauded and talent-packed movie. This article ran in Video Store Magazine . "Thumbs Up, Or Thumbs Down?"Famous Film Critics Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper host a special DVD-only version of their review show. This article ran in a December 2000 issue of Video Store Magazine . "Who's Up for Some Old Time Hockey?"Universal Studios brings back the famous hockey goons known as the Hanson Brothers for the much-awaited sequel to the hockey comedy Slap Shot. This article ran in an April 2001 issue of Video Store Magazine . . "Slap Shot 2 Stars Had A Blast Filming Sequel"Actors such as Gary Busey and Stephen Baldwin loved working and skating with the famous Hanson Brothers. This article ran in an April 2001 issue of Video Store Magazine . . "When In Rome..."The director of the no-holds-barred movie The Lifestyle: Swinging In America got naked while shooting the film in order to "blend in" with the film's subjects. This article ran in Video Store Magazine . "Summer 2002 Movie Preview:"With such hits as Spider-Man and Signs, this could be a blockbuster season. This article ran in the April 2002 issue of the She Likes DVDs.com.

The Doggie Diva

I write a regular, "Doggie Diva" column for papers in the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. I deal with all aspects of dogs, from hot topics to breed profiles to happy-ending shelter stories to education to rescue-group profiles. This first-person column often runs as a cover story in the entertainment section of the newspapers. "Respect Your Elders:" Sweet Frankie, an aging German shepherd mix, was on death's door until teacher Ryoko Matsui and her class stepped in to save him. "Happy Endings for Frankie:" After reading about Frankie's plight in the newspaper, a couple from Pasadena opened up their hearts and home to this senior gentleman. "It Must Be In His Blood:" Knotty, the famous bloodhound from Topanga, earned top billing at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. "Saving Dogs One at a Time:" Karma Rescue reaches out to the "bully breeds," saving those in need and making sure they receive love, training and good homes. "Fight the Deed, Not the Breed:" Many "bully breed" lovers and animal advocates fight lawmakers who try to ban certain breeds. "Tis the Season to...Make Shelter Dogs Merry:" There is so much you can do to help make the holidays better for dogs in shelters. "Taking Their Work Home:" The employees of the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA know that sometimes, taking your work home with you is OK, so long as that work has a cold nose and an ever-wagging tail. "Save a Life—Adopt a Shelter Dog:" Tips on how to adopt a rescue or shelter dog and make her homecoming as smooth as possible.

Dinner and a DVD

The following "Dinner and a DVD" columns ran weekly in the Pasadena Star-News and other publications within the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. Each week, a different DVD is reviewed and paired up with a recipe to make for dinner and some talking points to discuss over dessert. "May DVD New Releases:"A collection of all the DVDs I reviewed in May 2006. "April DVD New Releases:"A collection of all the DVDs I reviewed in April 2006. "A Day and Night With Oscar:" This special-edition "Dinner and a DVD" featured a review of Academy Award-nominated movies out on disc, paired with meals throughout the day. The November 2005 "Dinner and a DVD:" Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, War of the Worlds, Deuce Bigalow European Gigolo and Madagascar were profiled. The October 2005 "Dinner and a DVD:" Films like Herbie: Fully Loaded and Batman Begins were some of the DVDs profiled.

Creature Connection
	I write this bi-weekly animal-focused feature for papers in the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. Topics include education, legislation, tips, health issues and events.

Movie Reviews, DVD News

Features "DVDs are like Internet Porn?:"Director Oliver Stone has some opinions to express about movies on disc. This exclusive was published in Video Store Magazine. "Burning Down the Disc:"Cast and crew of Ladder 49 talk about what might be on an upcoming DVD of the firefighter action drama. This story was published in Video Store Magazine. "So What IS On the DVD?:"No one, but NO ONE, will talk about what might be on The Incredibles DVD. And that sparks our interest. This story was published in Video Store Magazine. "Treasure Hunting 101:"This is just one of the many options the creative folks behind National Treasure have when creating the DVD. This feature was published in Video Store Magazine. Reviews "Small-Screen Anticipation:"Top movies we have to look forward to this month as they debut on DVD. This review was published in The D Newspaper. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding DVD Review:"This review was published in the online review magazine She Likes DVDs.com. "Gone In 60 Seconds Movie Review:"This review was published in Video Store Magazine. "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back DVD Review:"This review was published in the online review magazine She Likes DVDs.com. "Frank McKlusky, CI Movie Review:"This review was published in Video Store Magazine. "Kermit's Swamp Years Movie Review:"This review was published in Video Store Magazine. "Women In Film Movie Review:"This review was published in Video Store Magazine. DVD News "Film School on a Disc:"With the advent of DVD and all its extras compiled on a tiny disc, many film buffs are learning more and more about the industry they adore. This article was published in Video Store Magazine. "Feel My Tummy!:"Fitness gurus like Denise "Tight Abs" Austin have turned to the DVD format, giving at-home exercisers more options and better workouts. This article was published in Video Store Magazine. "DVD is Natural Format for Horror Films:"Studios are giving horror fans plenty to scream about with the release of many old and new "scary movies" on disc. This article was published in Video Store Magazine.

Features

"King of Horror and Puppy Love:"Prolific author Dean Koontz has written dozens upon dozens of best-sellers, but top billing is reserved for his beloved Golden Retriever Trixie. This article was a cover story in the July 2004 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "A New Leash on Life:" People all across the country are experiencing new lives after receiving service dogs who help them with their needs. Three families discuss how their trusted canines changed their todays and gave them hope for their tomorrows. This article ran in the March 2006 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "Pasadena Has its Own 'Animal Cop':"Sgt. Nemesio "Memo" Arteaga of the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA is one of the elite crew hired to protect animals and seek out those who harm them. This article ran in the Pasadena Star News. "Top 35 Ways to Love a Shelter Dog:"These pups often make the most ideal pets, if only we give them a bit of time, lots of love and some patience. This article ran in the Dog Fancy Magazine. "Move Over, Dr. Doolittle:"Dr. Stephanie Brown of Lawndale is making a name for herself as a renowed animal communicator who successfully "tunes into" the words and thoughts of pets. This article ran in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. "Turning Dogs Into Service-Oriented Miracles:"Dog trainer Steve Welch transforms dogs into aids, training them to predict, or alert to, heart problems, migraines, fainting spells, amputation and siezures in their owners. This article ran in a June 2003 issue of the Pasadena Star News. "All that Glitters:"What's hot in jewelry for the new season? This article ran in Preferred Destinations Magazine. "Humanitarian Doctor:"Dr. Bedros Kojian spends his vacation time and dime helping poor women in his native Armenia. This article ran in the Orange City News, part of the Orange County Register.

Columns
	Please see the Columns page on this site.

News

"Yes, I Answer to My Dog:"How do dogs get to be so bossy? And what can we do about it? This article ran in the Dog Fancy Magazine, March 2005. "Tails Wag for a Good Cause:"Hundreds turn out for the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA's annual "Wiggle Waggle Walk." This article ran in an October 2002 issue of the Pasadena Star News. "How Does Your Puppy Grow?" This informative article outlines the first 16 weeks of your dog's life. It ran in the January 2004 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "Flushing for Funds:"Toilets became works of art as one group attempts to auction them off to the higest bidder. This article ran in an August 2002 issue of the L.A. Daily News. "Internet Piracy:"The downloading of movies and other copyrighted material via the Internet has touched off a controversy between proponents of free downloads, Hollywood representatives and legal officials. This article ran in Video Store Magazine. "Fearing a Deadly Virus:"The dreaded West Nile Virus slouches across the nation, but there are ways to protect yourself and your animals. This article ran in a 2002 issue of Capital Press Agriculture Weekly. "How to Lodge a Veterinary Complaint:"Dog owners have many ways to fight poor treatment by their pet's doctor. This article ran in the February 2003 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "Staff Members Make Veterinary Clinics Successful:"Doctors across the country believe that their employes either make or break their businesses. This article ran in Veterinary Practice News. "Using Fido the Help With Fireworks."Dog owners are turning to pet-themed dating services in order to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. This article ran in the February 2004 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine.

Investigative

"Chicago: It's a Canine Kind of Town:"After an extensive investigation, the "Windy City" was named Dogtown USA. A condensed version of this article ran as the November 2005 cover story for Dog Fancy Magazine. "Vaccinations: Not If, But When:"An in-depth look at the need for annual canine vaccines. This article ran in the June 2003 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "DVD In Depth:"As this format gains more and more ground, industry insiders speculate on its future. This article was published in Video Store Magazine. "Dog Owners Face Home Insurance Woes:"An article detailing how many dog owners are losing their home-owners insurance due to the breed of dogs they own. This article ran in the February 2003 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine. "Fat to Fit:"An article detailing how the nation's dogs are getting fatter and fatter, and it's our fault. This article was the cover story in the December 2003 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine.