Columnists

The Role of Insurance in Wealth Management

For one thing, without insurance the IRS can potentially become an unwanted beneficiary of your estate when you die. So, let’s take a look at how this can be minimized and, in some cases, avoided.

Afraid of Subtitles? Get Over It!

Some of the very best television series available are in a language other than English. Granted, none of the streaming platforms make these foreign language gems easy to find, but a little perseverance and guidance can overcome all obstacles. Watch these shows in their original language. It’s worth it.  

“Independent Spirit Awards” — Always Distinctive

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony will take place March 4 under a tented pavilion in Santa Monica, provided the weather cooperates. Although they’ve survived rain in the past, the recent gale force winds might put a dent in the tent. But first and most important, what are they?

Family Defined in Different Ways

Two seemingly different films open in theaters on Feb. 24. The first, called “Juniper,” is universal in its subject matter—family, healing, growing. Director/writer Matthew Saville approached this story through the eyes of a resentful teen. The growth and change, as imperceptible as it seems to be, is seismic in the end, giving it even more resonance as we watch everyone change. The second film, “Cinema Sabaya,” written and directed by Israeli filmmaker Orit Fouks Rotem, is about a group of women, Palestinian and Israeli, who come together at a local community center to learn about filmmaking. As they begin their personal storytelling journeys, we watch them become a family, dealing with similarities and differences in order to grow.

‘The First Deep Breath’ – Leaves You Gasping

Get thee to the Geffen Playhouse and get there before March 5. “The First Deep Breath” is a major play that analyzes what it means to be alone within a family unit in many of the same ways explored by August Wilson, Tracy Letts and Eugene O’Neil. Make no mistake, Lee Edward Colston II is an important playwright to contend with.

How to Choose a Financial Advisor

When choosing a financial advisor, a number of important factors come into play.

‘Bill Russell: Legend’

This two-part series on Netflix plays out chronologically beginning with his family’s move from Monroe, Louisiana to Oakland, California.

The Oscars: The Who, What and Why

The Oscar nominations have been announced and there is as much hand wringing as celebrating. It’s really a game of “you never can tell.” We all understand Best Picture, the Best Acting categories, Best International Feature, and Best Animated Film. We also have our own favorites, some of which made the cut and others, in a teeth grinding sort of way, didn’t.

‘Close’ – Too Far

“Close,” winner of the 2022 Grand Jury Prize at Cannes and directed by Lukas Dhont who wrote the screenplay with Angelo Tijssens, is the intimate portrait of two close friends whose relationship is hit by the wall of adolescent misinterpretation.

‘When You Finish Saving the World’ — Is There Room for Me?

Jesse Eisenberg, in his feature film writing and directing debut, has given us a remarkably insightful film about longing, miscommunication, emotional connection and disconnection, and the need for understanding.

With the Golden Globes, Awards Season Begins

Come January, awards season commences. And first up was the rejuvenated — or so they say —Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on Jan. 11 and broadcast on NBC.

The Best Movies of 2022

The beginning of the new year brings out all the lists for “best movies” of the previous year. I am no exception. One thing you will definitely notice is that so many of the “best movies” appeared in theaters beginning in late September. Awards season voters have short memories, so studios tend to release their best adult fare toward the end of the year. This year was no exception.

“Turn Every Page” – And Read Every One

What a concept — a film about writing, a writer, and an editor told in an intelligent and compelling manner, using a visual medium to make it all jump off the page, so to speak.

“Corsage”- Full Frontal

Austrian Empress Elisabeth of the Habsburg Empire was originally young Sissi, Duchess of Bavaria, a carefree royal who enjoyed a rather unstructured life. Courtly protocol was often abandoned in her preferred countryside.

“Living” – There’s Always Time

Today is the first day of Peter Wakeling’s new civil service job in the public works division. Boarding the train into London, he meets his colleagues, Middleton, Rusbridger, and Hart, all long-termers with helpful advice. Their boss, Mr. Williams, will soon board the train, but ride separately.

Magnus Walker: LA’s Own Urban Outlaw

Walker has been featured in TedX talks and innumerable television and radio interviews. He has an impressive number of Hot Wheels cars in his signature line at Mattel (over 25 so far) and currently has an exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

“The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari” – Breathtaking, Literally

Written by the team of Mark Bailey and Dallas Brennan Rexer, Kennedy tells the story of the eruption of Whakaari, the White Island, on the north coast of New Zealand in what is called the Taupõ Volcanic Zone. Whakaari is an adventure tourism destination, long thought to be relatively safe even though the volcano on the island is active. 

“Empire of Light” – Dimmed

Mendes apparently believed that it was enough to assemble a marvelous cast and that his incomplete concept would come together; that the performance would generate itself.

“Invincible” – Not Yet

So many things these days start with the disclaimer “This is a work of fiction based on a true story.” “Invincible” should lead with the caution “This musical is a work of imagination loosely based on a famous play.”

The Journey of “EO”

EO is a donkey, but not just any donkey. EO is a circus performer in an act with Kasandra, his beloved and loving mistress who treats him as a friend.

“The Fabelmans”— Not a Fairy Tale

So much has been made of Steven Spielberg’s newest film being autobiographical but dissecting the personal aspects of this wonderful movie diminishes its universal impact. The filmmaking is sly and misleading. Ostensibly his own origin story, undeniably it is that, but it is so much more.

“Love, Charlie” — Bittersweet

Although this is not a “rise and fall” story because Charlie Trotter never really fell from the heights he worked hard to achieve, it is a “warts and all” tale about a perfectionist who expected the same from everyone around him.

“Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams”— Footlight parade

Salvatore Ferragamo set the world on fire with his creations. He lived his motto: “A good foot is a masterpiece of divine workmanship.”

Holiday Movie Releases to Watch For: Part One of Two

From funny to sad, sunny to dark, intellectual to mindless, there’s something for everyone during this Holiday season.

“Holy Spider” – Come Into My Web

“Holy Spider” is the thrilling, complex, revealing story of a serial killer in Iran who targeted prostitutes and was hailed a hero.

“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Foretold

“The Banshees of Inisherin,” written and directed by the incomparable Martin McDonagh and bringing back his dynamic duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson from “In Bruge,” is elegiac, humorous, and tragic, all at the same time.

“Reboot” — Again Please

“Reboot,” from the deviously clever mind of Steven Levitan (“Modern Family”), is one laugh out loud moment after another, played in front of the curtain of Hollywood and behind the wall of family dysfunction. And it all works!

How to Navigate the Emmys

With the proliferation of content, there has been what seems to be an exponential increase in the number of episodic submissions for Emmy consideration in an endless array of categories.

How to Navigate Streaming Services: Part Two

Part I of “How to Navigate Streaming Services” gave you the basics on what to look for and how to make your way through the most commonly watched streamers: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO Max, Disney+, and Apple TV+. Here, we will go into a deeper dive on the plethora of services available. 

Must-See Family TV Viewing

Today’s reviews are as different as they are alike. What do a nature documentary and a series about adolescence have in common? Both are terrific family viewing, although each stands alone across multiple demographics.

The Future of Driving in Beverly Hills

Here we take a look at the latest advances in safety, efficiency, communication, navigation, and emergency services to aid us in our 2D world.

Petersen Automotive Museum Celebrates Iconic Ford Anniversary

The Petersen Automotive Museum will honor the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford with a new national holiday, “Hot Rod Day,” on June 11, and celebrate the special day with the Museum’s new “Ford Fever: The Deuce Turns 90” exhibit in the Ross and Beth Myers Gallery.

Oscar Night: Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock was shocking. I am glad that everyone is thinking and talking about it as there is much to learn about how we manage our hurt and anger.

Judge Issues Tentative Ruling in Beverly Hills Business Partner Feud

“Until the fall of 2019, Barth and Black had offices in the same suite, separated by about 20 feet with a shared wall.”

From the Pandemic to Ukraine: It’s OK Not to Feel OK

Tragically, our sympathetic nervous systems, responsible for our “fight or flight” responses, are once again in overdrive.

Boost Your Brain with a Museum Visit

A new study conducted by Art Fund in the UK showed that 1-2 hours of leisure activity daily significantly reduced stress and added to one’s sense of purpose and meaning in life.

New Year’s Resolutions

Albert Einstein said, “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Instead of focusing on what I want to change next year, I decided to reflect on what I accomplished last year as a way to lift my own mood and spark hope for the future.

Exercise Makes You Smarter During the Holidays and Always

If you do one thing during the holidays, it should be this: get up and move!

Electrifying Your Holiday Wish List

“May you live in interesting times.” Based on your age and where you went to school, that phrase can mean several different things. But it’s used here to reflect that we are on the cusp of a new age, a time when “electric car” or even “hybrid” doesn’t mean “counterculture” or “eco-freak” or any of the many slightly pejorative connections which these cars may have had in the past.

Petersen Automotive Museum Showcasing James Bond Vehicles

I was lucky enough to have a pre-opening private preview of the newest exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum, an incredible display of over 20 screen-used vehicles from many James Bond 007 films over the past six decades.

Electric Update: Karma GS-6, Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4

This article explores three recent entries into the e-world.

Lessons To Carry into a Post-Pandemic Sex Life

The COVID pandemic brought into clear relief the potential of our own mortality and for many families, the loss of beloved parents, siblings, and friends. For many people, the experience of sudden or early loss can heighten the meaning they carry forward in the rest of their lives.

Challenges as Life Resumes

Interacting with family or friends that you haven’t seen in over a year can be tricky. Many relationships were strained or cut off during quarantine. 

Time to Change Your Brain

Beverly Hills Tour d’Elegance Brings Smiles Along the Route

Tour d’Elegance is Coming to Beverly Hills on Father’s Day

This historic drive begins at 10 a.m on June 20. The parade route travels up San Vicente Boulevard and turns left (west) on Burton Way.

Cruising in California Convertible Style

Just to whet the appetite (and who doesn’t like a whetted appetite for the summer?) we are looking today at some serious iron, each of which just happens to have an open-top option, beauties from Aston, Bentley, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche and Rolls. 

Out and About In Beverly Hills: An Influencers’ Guide

Unlike last year, which was marked by closures and restrictions, this summer is colored by rebirth and reopening.

One Beverly Hills is Approved by City Council

 “This has been a very long journey and the outcome is very exciting,” Alagem told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Teens Create a Drink to Give You Confidence

“We’re a brand with purpose,” Gores told the Courier. “The purpose is to really give people confidence, make people feel good, and to live a more full life.”

Local Luxury and Exotic Car Dealership Wins Prestigious Award

On May 14, Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills, a division of O’Gara Coach Company, was honored as Rolls-Royce North America’s 2020 Global Provenance Dealer of the Year as the number-one dealer for “previously owned” Rolls-Royce motorcars.

Rotary Club in Action

FOGO (Fear of Going Out)

Talk with your closest friends and see how they are choosing to resume activities. You are not alone in experiencing FOGO. 

Bouncing Back in Spring in Beverly Hills

We are innately wired to adapt to adversity. Humans are naturally resilient. 

New Business is Booming in Beverly Hills

Each year, the Chamber, in partnership with the city, travels to New York City in the fall and San Francisco in the spring to scout new businesses to bring into Beverly Hills.

Vaccine FOMO

Remind yourself that “this too shall pass.”  Summer will come and access will become easier and easier with each passing week. Everyone will have access to the vaccines and gradually life will resume for all of us. The 1918 pandemic passed in two years without a vaccine and ushered in the roaring 20’s.  Better times are ahead! Do your best to stay positive and safe.  

A Trio of McLarens The Three Ami – GOES

First International African Contemporary Art Gallery Opens on Melrose

Since its inception, Rele has served as a critical interface between the art world in Africa and the international sphere. The original gallery in Lagos has become the leading space for contemporary art and artist development in Nigeria.

Visionary Women Hosts Suze Orman in Virtual Salon

During the one-hour virtual webinar, Orman described the new year as “The Great Reset.” She provided a roadmap for ensuring a manageable financial cushion.

Part 2 of 2: Rabbi Steve Leder on His New Bestseller

The other beautiful thing about memory is that it enables us to round the sharp edges and leave behind what we choose to forget. This is where the book title comes from.

Rabbi Steve Leder on His New Bestseller—A Courier Conversation

“If we have one miracle to make our own, one strength to choose—let it be the strength to turn curses into blessings, to learn joy from sadness and life from death.”

Hope and Resilience in 2021

Emotional Balance: Anxiety and depression were easy to fall into in 2020. But as we emerge, the pendulum will swing the other way. We must actively focus on positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and optimism.

College Admissions During COVID-19. Separating Fact from Fiction

What does this mean for current juniors, sophomores, and freshmen? As it stands now, the most competitive schools plan to require the ACT and SAT for next year’s application cycle.

Celebrate “Thanks-Goodness”

We can become that nation you know.  We can each lead a generous life of giving to those who have less and to make real inspired visions to better our city, our people, our nation, and our planet.

Peace, Love and Holiday Wishes

This holiday season will present us with a unique opportunity to find cheer in new places.

Wishes on Wheels

For a relatively small company, Aston Martin consistently punches well above its weight.

New Models Electrify the Auto Industry

Ford announced that it was creating an all-electric car some time ago.

COVID’s Unexpected Cosmetic Surgery Bump

“We can’t go out, we can’t go to parties, we don’t go to restaurants, we don’t dress up, we’re home in our pajamas and our robes,” said Koplin.

Williams & Williams to Launch Their Own Firm

They are also experienced designers and developers.

How to Support Teens During a Strange and Uncertain School Year Tips for Creating a Sense of Normalcy During These Abnormal Times

While you’re in planning mode, encourage your kids to pin passwords and Zoom log-in information right on their desks, where they can see it easily to avoid a mad scramble during school hours. And be sure they set up systems—binders, digital folders for various subjects, and workspace areas—to help stay organized.

Remote Learning Isn’t Going Away — Yet.

Finally, I suggest that students always keep their camera turned on during class – this allows teachers to see that they are engaged. Plus, there’s nothing like knowing you’re being watched to keep you on your best behavior!

California Dreaming

California is blessed with this history of garden influences that allow us to mix and match as needed, along with a climate that has welcomed an influx of plant species from around the globe.

School Is Out. Camps Are Closed. Internships are Cancelled. Now What?

I suggest encouraging your teen to use this summer to pursue twin goals: 1) prepare for adulthood, and 2) relish the joys of childhood.

Plant Names Are Long, But Full of Spirit

A Crisis of Anger

Mind Body and Soil — Improving Your Life Through the Garden

What Does Your Garden Want To Be When It Grows Up?

Tips for Coping During the COVID-19 Crisis

Anxiety, Relief and a COVID-19 Test: A Courier Staffer’s Story

Our Brains on Coronavirus

Happy Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, and Palentine’s Day

New Year’s Resolutions and Our “Lazy” Brain

Reflections for a New Decade and Beyond

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Can Fire Safety be Beautiful?

COURIER COLUMNIST Eva Ritvo, MD on Sleep