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Darlene in the City
by Darlene Ford
(L.A. is always the same; only the names have been changed...)
Champagne dreams on a beer budget? Although a person who has struggled to gain/maintain fiscal fitness myself, I still always manage to land in or near the money/honey pot and enjoy a generous share of The Good Life: A year spent traveling, including living in Paris; invitations for weekends at a chateau in the Loire Valley, trips to Provence (San Tropez) and Amsterdam. So, I know that there are ways to have a good time even during lean times. Key to this is always cultivating relationships with people who are on a higher rung on the social ladder than you are on. This does not mean abandoning old/current friends. It's about creating Opportunity, by making it a goal to meet people who can open new and/or different doors (if you'd only just knock)..
The Art of 'Social Upgrading': This is not a "How To" for using or getting over on other people. There are many forms of currency; what I am describing is an exchange of Social Currency. (That's right, you still can't just show up 'empty-handed'. Sorry, freeloaders ;-) Use whatever natural gifts you have to your best social advantage, and develop others, as a matter of course. (Learning is a gift to yourself, and should not be avoided like a chore.) The Rich/Successful, like everyone else, want to have fun. And, if you can show them a good time, they will show you an even better time. And, it's not all about good looks (though, this can factor in), because other qualities such as, intellect, wit, a winning personality, etc., can take you a lot further (and last much longer). Real Life Example: See my story in the introductory paragraph above. Reel Life Example: The Sound Music (the character "Max" was my personal inspiration/template) or Vanity Fair ("Becky Sharp" sidles back & forth along the social spectrum).
Warning: Such alliances have a brief shelf life and do expire (often without warning). The Rich/Successful bore easily and are always on the lookout for 'The Latest Greatest'. (It can't be helped; it's an addiction, like Kracky Kremes.) After they suck all of the novelty out of you, they must adopt another 'commoner' to fatten then feast upon. Do not be bitter about this (and, for gawd's sake, do NOT cling). Just move on and take the memories and lessons learned with you. Next!
On Money: Asking for a discount is the only risk-free way to make money. It cost you nothing to ask and, if they say "yes", you've just made money.
On Art Investment: Find a work by an artist that was extremely popular but has fallen out of fashion. Buy, then hold on. The world of art is cyclical and if you wait long enough, there will be resurgence of interest and the value will soar. (This advice is only to those who can afford to buy then wait.)
On Entertainment: If you don't have it to spare, save your money. Instead, take advantage of events such as free concerts and art opening receptions. The advantage beyond free is that you might also find yourself in the presence of company worth keeping. (And, if they're giving it away, it's not freeloading.)
But if you're gonna spend anyhow, do it with style and where it counts. For example:
Theater -- in places that support Our Community's culture and interests, such as the Wilshire-Ebell Theater, the Skirball Cultural Center, and The Ahmanson Theater.
Fundraisers / Charitable Events: Chips for Charity (United Care Inc.; foster care program); Casino Night (The Junior League, L.A.'s, star-studded benefit for charities citywide). Blackweekly.com advocates"partying with a purpose", as was evident at our annual Power of. Black Community Awards / 5th Anniversary event, celebrating The Year of The Black Child (Coming Soon: My interview with CJ Sanders, who plays Ray Charles as a child in "Ray", and with CJ's mom, Stacie Sanders.)
Networking Events: Blackweekly.com's "Meet Me At..." and Sisters in Business, The New Leaders (TNL), i2i Networking and The Young Professionals
Blackweekly.com's L.A. Nights: For those of you who came out, I don't have to tell YOU! For those of you who didn't, you missed a TREAT! Blackweekly.com pulled out all the stops, to bring L.A. 5 cool days and 4 hot nights' worth of events. The hottest? Exotica2. We could not believe our EYES. (And, for those of you who've only heard about it, believe your EARS: Yes, the tales of "booty-wear" are all TRUE!) But, don't just take my word for it, do a double-take yourself [www.blackweekly.com/extoica].
Had the good fortune to attend the red-carpet, L.A. premiere of Guess Who? at Mann's Chinese Theater. After clearing little hurdles like, ohhhh I don't know -- NOT having a ticket NOR an invitation – plus a personal sacrifice by my Editor, sniff -- my comrade-in-arms, Tiffany, found ourselves in some of the best seats in the house THEN partying at Geisha House with the film's cast. The champagne, etc., never stopped flowing, and the food was divine (beef, chicken, or salmon brochettes, succulent lamb chops, shitake tempura, sushi, banana tempura, and MORE). Just Between Us: A little birdy (the stork?) whispered that there was this pile-up line in front of the Ladies Room. After an eternity, the door FINALLY opened, and a well-known star emerged with a woman, but not HIS woman. Was she helping him with those "hard to reach places"?
Carla and I attended The Red Party, a red-carpet event supporting The Life through Art Foundation, at the Shrine Auditorium was amazing. The food (mini Beef Wellingtons, for one), the drinks (esp. pomegranate martinis), and the entertainment (The Blind Boys of Alabama sang lyrics of "Amazing Grace" to the music of "House of The Rising Sun" -- a modern revelation.)
The Mirabelle party thrown by Town & Country Magazine, at Geary's of Beverly Hills was a gracious affair in sumptuous surroundings, with The Beautiful People. I partook of champagne and canapés galore. Thank you Carla for the invite!
Coming Blackweekly.com Events:
Harlem Nights, Saturday, April 2nd; "
Meet Me At..." The Bungalow Club, Monday, April 4th;
"Meet Me At..." YI, Thursday, April 14th,
The Girlfriend/Guyfriend Dinner , Saturday, April 16th,
"Meet Me AT"... The Belmont; Thursday April 21st (see below)
"Meet Me AT..." NIC's, Friday April 29th (see below)
DRUNKISMS (Looking at Life through Martini Glasses): Overheard, between sips and slips:
Short on drunkisms -- now THAT's a sobering thought! - below are a few places that inspire them.
THE HAPPIEST HOURS:
Nic's Restaurant & Martini Lounge: M-F, 5-7 pm, Daily Martini & all Bar Menu appetizers are $5. Suggest: Grilled Shrimp Cocktail; Potato Skins; Beef Skewers. Jazz on Fridays w/cover after 9 pm. 453 N. Canon Dr., B.H., 310-550-5705
The Belmont: M-F, 5-8 pm, Drinks & Appetizers ½ Price. Suggest: Grilled Shrimp Cocktail; Fish & Chips; Baby-Back Ribs; Mac & Cheese w/bacon & crab. 747 N. La Cienega, W.H., 310-659-8871
Paladar: M-F, 4:30 – 7 pm, ½ Price Appetizers, $3 Drinks; Thurs free mojito w/entrée; Fri & Sat night, 11:30 pm – 1:30 am, all call drinks $3 & serving food until 4 am. Suggest: Basket o'fries; Plantains; The Chop. 1651 Wilcox, Hllywd, 323-465-7500.
Border Grill: M-F, 4-7 pm, $3 Bar Menu Appetizers & Drinks. Fri & Sat, 10 pm – Closing $3 margaritas & appetizers. Recommend: Fish Tacos; Chicken Panuchos; Plantain Empanadas. 1445 4th Street, S.M., 310-451-1655.
The Bungalow: M-Su, 3-7 pm, $5 Martinis, Mojitos & Appetizer Menu. Mondays, 1/2 price drinks from 11 am 'til closing. Recommend: Bangkok Hummus; Chicken Eggrolls; Mojitos; Martini Royale (introduced by me to a bartender; now it's on menu). 7174 Melrose Ave, 323-964-9494. Check out the Pajama Brunch on weekends (1 free mimosa if your wear p.j.s). Blackweekly.com will host "Meet Me At.." The Bungalow on Monday, April 4th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm (arrive early for seating).
Public Service Advisory: When you know you've gone "a drink too far", "Home, James" (www.homejames.com), is just a phone call away, gets you AND your car home safely. But, whether it's using a designated driver, cab, or even the foot-mobile, know your limits and be responsible beyond them.
(That's right, I got an opinion on everything!)
Guess Who?: What could be better than a "Bernie Mac Attack"? His expressive face + imposing body = perfect physical comedy, minus the slapstick. Love it when a film flips the script to show how Sistas can find love along the color spectrum too.
Constantine: Keanu Reeves is hot, ruthless, deadly. Making the ladies shiver and the underbelly of The Underworld quiver. Meanders in spots, but enough thrills & chills to make you jump in your seat.
Hitch: Hmmm, I normally adore Will Smith no matter what (I try not to think about "Wild, Wild West") but, in this one, he exudes as much smarm as charm. Doesn't help that the (unworthy) object of his affection is a most unpleasant person. (Ho hum: Another Brotha jumps backwards through burning hoops, for an "OTHER" woman" How tired is that?) Cared a little about "him", not at all about "them". Subplot of The CPA + The Socialite = this film's saving grace.
As always...see you in the City!
Archived Articles
Of Wine, Men and Song
L.A.nd of the Free?
Digital Schmooze on A Bunny Trail
Boxers or Briefs? In Praise of Both
About Darlene Ford
Darlene Ford is an award-winning Film Producer, Writer, Music Aficionado, World Traveler, and Gourmet.
The daughter of two party animals, some of my favorite memories of growing up in Detroit were of my Big Mama's Basement Parties. At least one Saturday night per month, people would flock to her pay-parties, where they could buy a home-cooked meal & drinks then ante up at the card & dominos tables. In the back room there was hi-fi music and/or a live band with dancing. (At one such party, my father wooed and won my mother.)
I always crouched down on a step peering in at the revelries -- of, often as not, sneaking all the way to the back room - then Big Mama would catch sight of me and send me off to bed. Of course, this only made me hungry to see more.
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