Brian Patrick Flynn
Interior Designer
Segment host for interiors, TBS Movie and a Makeover
1-You studied film and television production and yet you’re an interior designer, what lead you to your passion?
As a student, I was always super broke so I spent my weekends in Fort Lauderdale doing stuff that was free but I also LOVED being a student so I didn’t mind doing creative stuff on Saturdays and Sundays. Sleeping in was not on my agenda (but apparently ironing my pillow shams was…..way too often). This led to my obsession with the glamorous world of garbage picking versus beach going with friends. And when I say garbage picking, I mean grabbing discarded furniture from the curbsides of wealthy Fort Lauderdale homes and refurbishing them with bold color and unexpected materials, of course. After I’d fill my rental house with them and create a set for a project, I’d then hold garage sales and sell the furniture and accessories I’d refurbished. That’s where I realized interior design was something I truly loved.
2-Describe your style?
Graphic, vintage inspired and packed with juxtaposition. I’m OBSESSED with the work of David Hicks and Dorothy Draper as well as the 1970′s. Hicks introduced the masculine side of decorating (most of my clients are bachelors) and Draper was the master of playing with scale and contrast (black and white are present in most of my work). 1970′s interiors had a sexiness to them that made spaces seem edgy and lounge-like. My spaces usually go BIG with art and lighting and then add masculine shapes in the textiles. I also like to create playful, chic spaces that make you want to take your shoes off and curl up. You can spill a glass of wine in my spaces and not feel like you will be hunted, killed and stuffed as taxidermy by the homeowner.
3-Your go-to places to shop for interiors?
95 percent of everything in my spaces comes from flea markets and antique stores because I love mixing old with new. But as far as retail stores go, Room & Board is my go-to place for affordable, chic sofas and mid-century inspired tables and dressers. When it comes to online shopping, www.cb2.com is my favorite for lighting, coffee tables and dining chairs. My secret to high-end area rugs without hefty designer price tags is Crate & Barrel. Their “Memphis” line of rugs KILLS!
4-Your “Oh My God” moment in design—when you knew you were headed for a big success?
Great question and this moment occurred this week when I was selected as part of the design council for a major leading manufacturer for home building products. One of the other members of the council is a famous interior designer whose work I’ve turned to for inspiration for years.
5-Favorite design element/choice in your own home?
Dammit! Another good question. It would have to be an original piece of pop art by Colorado artist Jonathan Fenske called “Chivalry is Dead”. It’s a portrait of a Fisher Price Little People castle set. The knight lays still on the ground aside his horse and it appears that much like his master, the horse no longer has a sense of purpose. It’s happy at first because its pop art but the title changes the entire way you look at it. I love it so much, it was the basis for the entire color scheme of my home.
6-Your upcoming plans for yourself and business?
I had a successful column in a now defunct Atlanta lifestyle magazine, which has inspired me to start a new design resource blog. Also, I’d really love to eventually be branded as the go-to designer for bachelors. I love designing for guys because combining elegant and tailored with masculine and relaxed is such a challenge. Its still a challenge for me as a professional so I’d love to have a body of work that showcases decorating doesn’t have to be girly.
7-Who’s homes would you like a sneak peek of and who’s home do you wish you’d get a call to design?
I would love to see what Anna Wintour’s (Editor in Chief, Vogue) home looks like simply because she is the most reputable source for good taste so I can only imagine that her home would be the epitome of glamour. Private high-profile people intrigue me. I start to wonder how fantastic their own homes must be to keep them inside away from the spotlight. Tom Ford would be another. I just picture a ton of black and white tailored pieces with to-die-for art and beautiful objects in his home. And I envision his parties packed with gorgeous people strategically holding gorgeous martinis placed meticulously within the space. As far as who I would go bananas over designing for… probably Tina Fey. I’d love to do a space for a highly respected icon in the entertainment industry who is both smart and funny. If a room doesn’t have a sense of humor, I don’t feel comfortable being in it.
Brian’s work is chronicled in the monthly Associated Press column “Ask A Designer.” Check out his outdoor living spaces at
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=7267656
For more of Brian’s work go to, www.DecorDemon. There you’ll be able to view a gallery of many of the interiors he has designed plus view interactive webisodes of his installations.
Jonathan Fenske-Fischer Price art LR and Master Bedroom
May 4th, 2010 by Ali
Chuck Nice
Comedian
Host of We tv’s Cinematherapy
Contributor to Today show and CBS Early Show
1. Why are you jealous of kids and older people?
They get to take naps. Naps are one of the most wonderful things in the world. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to wear depends so I can sleep and pee myself at the same time. When I’m 80 I’m not going to be incontinent, but I’m sure going to act that way so someone will care for me, wipe my butt and let me sleep.
2. What advice would you give….?
A married man? Consider your wife before you consider yourself
A single man? Do not get married
A married woman? Constantly show your man respect and admiration. It feeds us. And lose your sexual inhibitions because if you don’t lost them when you’re married your husband will a have a problem.
3. Best city to perform comedy?
New York City, hands down. New York has such a great mix of people. New Yorkers get it.
Toughest city?
Philadelphia is a tough town. And I’m from Philadelphia. They are angry people, they threw snowballs with batteries in them at Santa Claus.
4. Being a comedian, how do you handle talking to your kids about facts of life?
I don’t make jokes. I am a strict disciplinarian. Kids need clearly defined barriers. I draw the line and when I say something they do not cross it.
5. Any indulgences?
Are you kidding? I have kids. A glass of wine is a necessity now, not an indulgence. I gave up my motorcycle. I can’t party like I used to since you can’t be the dad who comes home drunk. I guess what I’m saying is my kids have ruined my life.
6. So where do you find the fun?
ACTUALLY, I find the fun in spending time with my kids. When they’re happy, I’m happy. I don’t travel much anymore so I can be home with them much more. They’re cool kids.
7. What’s next on your wish list?
Several of my own TV shows that I host and produce.
You can find Chuck as host of We tv’s Cinematherapy and regular contributor on Today show’s mens panel, CBS Early Show news round up and on many comedy stages in New York City.
April 22nd, 2010 by Ali
Heath Hyche
Comedian
1. My most unexpected moment in entertainment… I was coming out of the curtain in the middle of a bit showing the different way cool guys/dorks enter a nightclub. The visual payoff for the dork was an open fly as if I forgot to zip up… Three old ladies were in the front row and started to giggle and point, then gasped. Unknown to me, I had re-entered the stage with my fly unzipped (as planned) totally exposing myself though the fly of my boxers! (unplanned) Needless to say, the bit came to an abrupt halt and the laughter ceased… I did get three phone numbers that night though!
2. Someone once dared me… to drink and entire 12 oz. glass of concentrate lemon juice for $20. I was allowed ice to make it easier! I took a breath, held my nose and chugged it. I almost immediately barfed. I did get the money from that evil person… who was, in fact, my mother! True story!
3. Where and what joke do you recall having the most laughs and what joke unexpectedly fell flat? Most comics would agree that the best “laugh moments” are when you have something ready in the chamber and someone yells out from the crowd a phrase that leads you right into it. You feel like a rock star as the wave of laughter hits you. Most everyone will come up afterwards and say, “Was that planned?” or “Did you set that up?”
On the other hand, my show is made up entirely of characters and small sketches. I once had a crazy idea that a little boy playing in the bathtub would be hilarious. I spent weeks building a giant façade of a bathtub complete with a bubble machine for added hilarity. I pulled the giant cardboard basin onstage, ducked behind it and removed my shirt for added realism. I popped up and got a great visual laugh,.. then I realized that I had forgotten the most important piece of the sketch… to write funny material! The jokes fell flat and the bit immediately crashed and burned. I stood up and slowly put my shirt back on and pushed the monstrosity off stage in the deafening silence. The only laugh I got from the crowd was during the next comedian’s routine. He told a story that fell flat and received a few jeers. He stated, “Hey, at least I’m not up here in a cardboard bathtub!”
4. My best kiss happened… in college. I was dating a girl and we were at her apartment. She was making lunch and I was sitting on the couch watching football. She walked away from the kitchen over to me and kissed the back of my neck and went back into the kitchen. I don’t know if it was the fact that it was spontaneous or the fact that I didn’t initiate it but WOW! it was nice. However, I always feel that the second kiss of a new relationship is the best. The pressure of rejection is gone and it’s only filled with excitement.
5. Something most people don’t know about me…. I wanted to be a football player with all my heart in high school. The only problem was, I was 4”11 and weighed 95 lbs. I did get in a game once and ran my pass routes like I was Heath Ocho-Cinco! As it turned out, the coach said maybe I should wait until I grew. I reluctantly walked off the field and decided to become the high school mascot. The rest is comedy history.
6. What do you find the easiest to ridicule-politics, religion, pop culture or everyday life? Do you have a favorite to knock, and any you topics you steer clear of? I have stayed clear of most topical material. I vowed years ago to create a show that had no time line reference to anchor it. Therefore, I’ve never had to worry about writing a John Bobbit or George Bush joke. I love to knock everyday humanity. When I meet new people, I always study them to see if there is anything I can steal like a speech pattern, facial tick, or interesting posture. I try and combine those traits into a new character or improve an old one. I like the fact that we are all different but can laugh at the little things that make us all alike.
7. What five things would you want if left stranded on an island for 30 days? My iPhone, my iPhone charger, a boat, a map of how to get off the island, and toilet paper.
Check out Heath at www.heathhyche.com for more hilarity and upcoming dates so you can laugh out loud. He even has video clips of many of his characters.
And become a fan at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heath-Hyche-Show/174089632996
March 15th, 2010 by Ali
Deborah Gibson
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actress and Dancer
You grew up knowing her as Debbie Gibson, our Original Pop Princess. This girl is all grown up.
1) Someone once dared me to ….wow! I’ve never been dared! Am I missing out? I am daring in general however!
2) Your most unexpected moment in entertainment?
Being asked to perform onstage by Elton John with both he and Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden!
3) At 15, who did you love?
I was in love with a lifeguard at Newbridge Pool in Bellmore, LI, listening to Paul Young and Wham, and on the verge of signing a record deal with Atlantic Records.
4) Your biggest fashion faux pas?
Like everyone in the 80′s my faux pas was shoulder pads. A surefire way to look a hundred years older. My fave now is a “vintage” (sounds better than “old”) Versace vest that’s silk in the front and leather in the back and ties. It’s part soft and flowery, part rock n roll
5) Five things you’d want on an island are: 1) my man 2) eggs 3) something to cook them in 4) iPod w/speakers 5) a blank notebook
6) My best kiss?
Too personal to share with you. But, I will say that it’s recent! Things seem to get better with age!
7) Something people don’t know about you?
That I’ve just recently fallen in love with cooking.
photo credit: Olivier Henry
Dress by Leon Le
Gibson exploded on the pop music scene at the tender age of 16. She quickly became the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single, (“Foolish Beat”), a record she still holds today in the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide.
After becoming a teen wonder woman in the pop world she her sights on the theater. Gibson took a star turn in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” as Eponine. She broke box office records in the London West End production of “Grease” as Sandy, and then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway tours of “Grease” and “Funny Girl” playing Rizzo and Fanny Brice. Gibson also wowed critics as Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” Gypsy Rose Lee in “Gypsy,” The Narrator in the national tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Cinderella in the national production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,”Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of “Cabaret.”
Gibson recently returned to her Broadway roots for a successful run of “The King and I.” Steven Stanely of StageSceneLA said, “From the moment this Broadway vet steps onto the stage, there is magic in the air, and no one can doubt that this Anna will enchant the King from their first meeting.” Les Spindle of Backstage said, “Gibson exudes grace and warmth as the patient but determined Anna. She brings renewed luster to beloved songs such as “Hello Young Lovers,” finding the passion in Rodger’s eloquent lyrics and Hammerstein’s lush melodies.” Cary Ginell said, “Utilizing a meticulously cultivated British accent, Gibson is excellent in her portrayal of Anna.” Gibson is now the composer and co-lyricist on a new musical in pre-production for Broadway: “The Flunky”, written by Jimmy Van Patten.
Deborah’s passion to mentor and foster young performers and songwriters led her to create “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth,” a series of performing arts camps and songwriting/recording boot camps. In addition, she formed the “Gibson Girl Foundation” that awards scholarships to those who desire to attend an entertainment camp, but are unable to afford tuition. For more information, visit www.deborahgibsonselectricyouth.com and www.gibsongirlfoundation.org.
Or to learn the latest on our favorite pop princess,
log onto www.deborah-gibson.com
February 28th, 2010 by Ali
Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN
Nutrition/Diet expert for the TODAY Show—leader of NBC’s popular series, The Joy Fit Club, and New York Times bestselling author of YOUR INNER SKINNY.
1. For someone who is looking to get healthy and fit what is the single most important thing they need to do to take that first step? Get your head in the game. You absolutely must have the right mentality when it comes to eating well and exercising. Once you do, the rest is a piece of cake.
2. How do you keep your clients motivated and inspired to reach their goals? I focus on triumphs and troubleshoot on their setbacks. And although long term goals are great, I’m also a big believer in short term goals. In fact, I try to make weekly, tangible goals with all of my clients so they can continuously feel a sense of accomplishment. Nothing is more motivating than prevailing week after week!
3. How did you get involved with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre? Growing up as a kid, I was a competitive gymnast. So I’ve always been interested in sports nutrition and have been working with professional athletes and dancers for more than a decade. About 4 years ago, Peter Martin decided to put together a wellness team for the New York City Ballet. He asked a group of their star principal-dancers to interview several nutritionists and make the final selection. I feel very lucky to have been chosen! At the same time, I began consulting for American Ballet Theatre, as well as working one-on-one with professional dancers from around the world. I am a HUGE fan of the ballet and I’m in awe of their talent!
4. What do you believe to be the top five foods that, if added to a person’s diet, would improve their lives?
Wild Salmon
Berries
Spinach
Red Bell Peppers
Lentils
5. My most unexpected moment in media _When Meredith Vieira nailed me in the face with a pumpkin pie on The View!
6. My favorite thing in my closet at the moment is _A super-oversized white bathrobe that my kids bought me for Mother’s Day. It’s the BEST—cuddly, warm and sexy (NOT)!
7. Something most people don’t know about me _ I was in a rock band in high school and college. Yup-I was the keyboard player
Joy Bauer MS, RD, is America’s favorite and most trusted nutrition expert. Joy’s mission is to improve the health of our nation. She believes that smart food choices combined with an active lifestyle are the keys to healthy living. As the nutrition and health expert for The TODAY Show, Joy shares reliable, practical, and straightforward advice that helps millions of Americans eat better and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. She also hosts the program’s popular weekly series called the “Joy Fit Club,” which celebrates determined people who have lost and kept off 100 pounds or more through diet and exercise alone.
The author of multiple New York Times best sellers, Joy has two upcoming books that will help Americans eat and live better. Published just in time for the ever-popular New Year’s weight loss resolutions, Your Inner Skinny is filled with tips on how to achieve permanent weight loss—and ongoing fringe benefits—through combining delicious, healthy food with a manageable exercise program. Joy takes dieters who have tried everything—low-fat, carb-free, pure-protein, and gimmicks galore—from desperation to success in four completely spelled-out, mistake-proof steps. (Collins Living, December 29) Joy’s must-have new cookbook, Slim & Scrumptious, will hit shelves this spring. Packed with more than 75 easy-to-make and family-friendly recipes, the book helps adults and kids eat healthier from morning ‘til night. Plus, Joy offers tips, tools, and techniques that save you time and money in the kitchen, so you can put together quick, affordable meals without compromising on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or just need help planning a more balanced diet for your family, this is an essential addition to any cookbook library. (Collins Living, April 6) Joy’s other New York Times bestseller titles include Joy’s LIFE Diet (Harper Collins, December 2008) and Joy Bauer’s Food Cures (Rodale, April 2007). In addition to authoring several books, Joy is the nutrition expert and contributing editor to PARADE & PARADE HealthyStyle magazines, as well as a contributing editor and monthly columnist to SELF magazine. As Yahoo’s nutrition expert, Joy provides the latest nutrition, health, food and diet-related information to millions of their online subscribers. Joy is the founder of one of the largest nutrition centers in the country, with offices in both Manhattan and Westchester, and is also the nutritionist for the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, as well as an associate faculty member at Columbia University. Joy received her Bachelor degree in Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Maryland and a master of science in nutrition from New York University. At the beginning of her career, Joy completed a five-year post as Director of Nutrition and Fitness for the “Heart-Smart Kids Program” - a program that she developed for the Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Pediatric Cardiology in New York City. Joy also served as nutrition consultant for the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where she designed and supervised their ongoing research in eating disorders and weight management. Furthermore, Joy served as the clinical nutritionist with the neurosurgical team at Mount Sinai Medical Center and taught anatomy & physiology and sports nutrition at New York University’s School of Continuing Education. She was also the exclusive nutritionist for New York University’s faculty, students, and athletes. Joy lives in New York with her husband, Ian, her daughters Jesse and Ayden Jane, and her son Cole.
Joys Professional Affiliations:American Dietetic Association: Registered DietitianAssociate – Columbia UniversityNew York State Certified Dietitian–NutritionistAmerican Dietetic Association: Sports & Cardiovascular Nutritionist GroupAmerican Dietetic Association: Pediatric Practice Group
January 10th, 2010 by Ali
Amber Riley
Actress, GLEE
1. Who are you listening to now?
I’ve been listening to John Mayer everyday lately.
2. Best laugh on Glee so far?
When we did the wheelies episode we only had one day to learn how to manuever the wheel chairs. I thought I was doing really well and went ahead and popped a wheelie, but I had no brakes and fell over the ramp. The whole room went quiet for a few secnds and then we all burst out laughing. I was a little sore, but the alughter broke the ice and we all had a good time.
3. Since you definitely have a hip sense of style and tips?
Make sure you’re wearing the right size. Many of us curvy girls would like to think we’re a size 8 and we try to squeeze into clothes, but it looks so much better if we wear the right size even if it’s a 12.
4. Where will you be for the holidays?
Home is where my mom is. I’ll be home in Long Beach with my mom and sisters for the holidays.
5. Any songs you’d like to sing on the show and what has been your favorite song you got the opportunity to sing on Glee?
I really want to do a Black Eyed Peas song like, “Boom Boom Pow,” and I really enjoyed singing “Sombody to Love.”
6. What music genres do you enjoy singing and what’s the plans for 2010?
I love so many kinds of music from blues and du wop to gospel and R & B. I’m hoping 2010 will bring success for my own album.
7. If you could share a stage with any artist who would it be?
Hands down, Beyonce. She’s beautiful, a great singer and is amzing on stage.
I’m on stage singing Christmas Carols with Amber (Mercedes), Corey (Finn) and Mark (Puck) of Glee and Kimberly Locke of American Idol in Bryant Park in New York City as park of a Carol-Oke event for the holidays.
Toy for Tots event in conjunction with TJ Maxx and Marshalls recently held in Bryant Park in New York City with cast members of Glee.
December 6th, 2009 by Ali
