Author: Alfredo Casuso

A Review of Lucinda Hawksley’s “Dickens & Travel”

One of the many things I learned in the superb “Charles Dickens & Travel: the Start of Modern Travel Writing” by the prolific and versatile author Lucinda Hawksley, is that “The Sparkler of Albion” was a nickname by which Dickens was known among his friends. His great-great-great granddaughter, Lucinda Hawksley, should henceforth be known as “The London Sparkle” having put a wise, witty and wonderfully detailed sheen not only on her ancestor’s history but on making a solid and page-
turning treatise that her forebear invented modern “travel writing.”

Reading this delightful biography while aboard ship was an especial treat for me as I dove bow first into Dickens’ trips to the United States (ante bellum and post civil war) and how Dickens was the first truly international celebrity to go on tour. Dickens and his tale of two continents paved the way for Jenny Lind in New York and Oscar Wilde in San Francisco.

Dickens’ sojourns in his native United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, France, Switzerland, Canada and a planned but unrealized trip to Australia round out Lucinda’s lucid and fact-filled journey. I loved every page, especially learning many things I should have known but did not. How can anyone write in the English language without knowing Dickens more fully? I’m happy to have been sent back to school by Lucinda.

The apples have fallen close to the Dickens family tree for now close on 200 years. Lucinda, a gifted and crowd pleasing lecturer in addition to being an author and biographer of other subjects, is continuing a liberal, literary legacy: Charles was only the most famous Dickens to write. Lucinda is more than equal to her lineage and a proudly progressive voice upon which the “Sparkler of Albion” would undoubtedly smile.

If you love travel, Dickens, history or just plain fantastic, impeccably well researched eloquent writing this is a book for you, and Lucinda Hawksley an author whose pages you should bookmark and turn.
— David Eugene Perry, author of “Upon This Rock”

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Grand Central Palm Springs
Art Gallery Setting features work by
Spanish-Brazilian Artist Maria Eugenia Casuso
along with works by local artists Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson

Artist Reception and Party Wednesday, January 18: 6pm

New 2023 Hours:
Breakfast 7-Days-A-Week: 7:30am – 3pm
“Nibbles & Bites” Tapas Menu Daily 3pm – 5pm
Dinner, Wednesday through Sunday: 5pm – 9pm

“Tequila Thursdays” offers wide range of
high end Mezcal food & drink

“Tasting Menu” for Dinner Offers Three of your favorites together!

“It’s always Grand Central Time”
#GCT-PS
www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com

11  January 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: EST? PST? What time is it? The answer is #GCT-PS — “Grand Central Time” — at the iconic Grand Central Palm Springs (www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com) for breakfast, brunch, munch, lunch, “nibbles and bites”, creative cocktails and casually elegant dinner.  On Wednesday, January 18 (6pm – 8pm) Grand Central hosts a special reception to highlight their new “Tasting Menu”, “Tequila Thursdays” offering a wide range of  high end Mezcal food & drink, and unveil the first of the year’s featured artists in their special event and party space:  work by the late Spanish Brazilian artist Maria Eugenia Casuso.

“2023 is off to a great start, and people clearly are ready to be back in classic Palm Springs style,” said Rita Capponi, founder and co-owner of Grand Central noting that Grand Central was just named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots in California. “Palm Springs has a unique, casual but sophisticated clientele, and that’s the sort of experience we offer at Grand Central, including a dining room and special event space filled with art.”

Along with the Mid Century Modernist colorful geographic work of the late Maria Eugenia Casuso, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2008, Grand Central’s gallery space continues to feature work by two local artists: Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson. All of the work is on sale, with 10 % of all sales from Casuso’s work benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

“As they used to say at our namesake Grand Central Station in New York City, ‘meet us under the clock’,” said co-owner and founder John Diskin. “After three years of COVID enforced restrictions, people are ready to mix, mingle and make up for lost time. We’re seeing a real bounce in requests for special events, including weddings and parties, for which our art gallery space is perfectly suited.”

With a patio, dining room and bar long known as the place “to see and be seen” by Palm Springs and Hollywood’s weekend glitterati, Grand Central also boasts a true “hidden gem”: its spacious special event space, complete with separate entrance, for the perfect Instagram-able wedding, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, birthday or business gathering.  In addition to its artistic backdrop, the spacious “Art Gallery” special event space can comfortably accommodate 150 for a seated dinner or over 200 for standing cocktail reception. Additionally, Grand Central is open for a full buyout of the restaurant with the “Art Gallery” room set up for dancing either with live music or a DJ. 

What makes Grand Central Café Palm Springs unique?

“Our brunch is very much based on California cuisine with influences of the coffee cafe culture of Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, Ireland and Melbourne, Australia,” John explains. “Our goal and our mission are to bring those flavors to Palm Springs.”

“For dinner, we expand our offerings to bring a fine dining experience in a more casual and relaxed environment,” says Rita, known for her personalized touch as hostess and creator of Grand Central’s iconic and seasonally changing “Book Holiday Tree” in the main dining room. “Good food doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and lovely surroundings don’t have to be stuffy. At Grand Central, we stand for approachable elegance.”

Why the name Grand Central?

“In cities and train stations throughout the years, people have been meeting ‘under the clock’,” explains John. “Grand Central’s iconic clock is a reminder to take a breath. Take some time to relax and enjoy innovative food and drink at our table.”

“Most importantly,” reiterates Rita. “Take some time to be with family and friends.”

Grand Central opened in May of 2018 after extensive renovations to the previous Palm Springs Institution, Desmond’s Department Store. After sitting vacant for over a decade, owners and husband and wife, John and Rita, revitalized and reimagined the space as a place for friends to gather and share good conversation, great cocktails, and a wonderful meal. The space was updated to a modern open concept with a large opening to the kitchen that helps bring the restaurant to life and ensures a one-of-a-kind experience, voted “Best of the Valley” 2020 by the Desert Sun

Grand Central is open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch: 7:30am ‘til 3pm. Wednesday through Sundays, “Nibbles & Bites” is served at the bar 3pm ‘til 5pm and dinner 5pm ‘til 9pm including the popular new “Tasting Menu” featuring three appetizers, three entrée selections, dessert and a special wine pairing. For more information or for special events call (760) 699-7185. Reservations at OpenTable.com. www.GrandCentralPalmSprings.com 
                                                                            ###

Media contact:
DP&A, Inc, / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Longtime LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS activist Nicholas Snow broadcasts PromoHomo.TV®—an online television network, from his bedroom!

What began as Facebook Live broadcasts in 2016 has evolved into a full-fledged online television network with multiple broadcast television-style series created for a global audience, streaming to hundreds of thousands of viewers on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and at www.PromoHomo.TV 

5 January 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: Almost a year ago on an unseasonably cold and windy night in Palm Springs, California, a crowd of big-hearted philanthropists, community leaders, politicians, healthcare providers and others gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for the second affordable housing complex on the campus of DAP Health, “the Coachella Valley’s primary not-for-profit resource for those living with, affected by, or at-risk for HIV or AIDS.”

At this event, Nicholas Snow, who for over a decade has been a grateful client of DAP Health and a resident of their first affordable housing complex (where he has a broadcast studio in his bedroom), was invited to share his story. He chose to bare his soul, revealing in detail, “The Powerful True Story of a Decade that May Have Never Happened.”

YouTube Link to complete speech for embedding: https://youtu.be/QD7AdUwChfw 

“The last four decades did not happen for so many people we still carry in our hearts. In the early 1980s, knowing and loving people who lived with and died of AIDS forever changed the trajectory of my story,” revealed Snow. “They taught me, ‘Life is precious.’ And life could be, my life may be, very short. They challenged me to make every moment count, to make my life matter, to make it all mean something.”

In 2016 when Facebook Live video streaming was enabled on smart phones, in an “aha” moment, Snow began broadcasting under the brand PromoHomo.TV®. His first major event coverage of White Party Palm Springs reached thousands of viewers in just a few days.

During California’s shelter in place phase when he was sequestered at home in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, Snow set out to realize his vision of expanding PromoHomo.TV® into a full-fledged online television network with multiple broadcast television-style series created for a global audience. This expansion was timed with the celebration of Global Pride in June 2020, a virtual event due to the pandemic. Snow’s inaugural live broadcast included panelists from around the world. 

The urgency in the fight for equality (for everyone) has powerfully informed the PromoHomo.TV® editorial mission of “Connecting the Circuitry of Humanity by Creating Programming for LGBTQ+ Everyone.” His personal mission statement, as he explains, is “to honor and express my creativity in a way that makes a difference.”

Recent PromoHomo.TV® broadcasts included a tribute to Leslie Jordan the day after he died; a World AIDS Day special focusing on Rapid Start (the process in which a person with HIV rapidly starts Antiretroviral Therapy (ART = HIV medications); a candlelight vigil for the Club Q shooting victims; an episode focused on Indigenous People’s Day honoring the contributions of Native Americans; a preview of Brothers of the Desert’s Annual Wellness Summit for black gay men and their allies; the Will Rollins and Christy Holstege combined election night event; the historic swearing in of Grace Garner as Palm Springs’ first Latina mayor; and more. In 2022, PromoHomo.TV® also broadcast the complete pride parades taking place in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Palm Springs.

NOW STREAMING

• The Nicholas Snow Show spotlights topics and conversations focused on expanding the consciousness of participants and viewers worldwide, both literally and philosophically “Connecting the Circuitry of Humanity.”
• Notes From Hollywood® features “Reports & Profiles of People Passionately Pursuing Professions in the Entertainment Industry.”
• HIGHRPOWRD® features “Stories of Experience, Strength and Hope, Infusing Infinite Views of Spirituality and Purpose.” 
• Hot in Palm Springs spotlights news, views, and profiles relevant to residents of and visitors to the City of Palm Springs and the Greater Coachella Valley
• Life Positive (Presented by DAP Health) spotlights people living with, impacted by, and/or working to bring about the end of HIV/AIDS. 
• Outinerary® spotlights “Out of this world travel while being out IN this world.”
• Tinseltown’s Queer is the historic public access television Snow produced and hosted throughout most of the 1990s reaching up to 600,000 households. Episodes are currently be restored. Save the date for an in-person, 30^th anniversary screening, Saturday, April 29^th, at 7:00 PM at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

For now, all the series are produced and hosted by Snow, but as the network grows, his vision is to lead a large creative team and perhaps collaborate with a major television network. Think Netflix. 2023 programming kicks off live 6:00 PM PST, Monday, January 9th, with a preview of the upcoming season; historic clips from Tinseltown’s Queer; and a new interview with historic queer icon Robin Tyler.

YouTube Link to Premiere Episode for Embedding: https://youtu.be/JPVmZljQLqU  

How, exactly, is Snow accomplishing all of this? 

On top of continuing to expand his own skill set, he’s invested his inheritance and a small business loan. He received pandemic assistance and has worked freelance and temporary jobs. And even though the PromoHomo.TV® audience is worldwide, since Palm Springs is a world-renowned travel destination, PromoHomo.TV® is sponsored locally by DAP Health (except for any political programming), as well as EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge owned by his longtime friends Willie Rhine and John Pascal.

Snow also has partnerships with longtime friends and fellow media entrepreneurs Matt Skallerud and Fabrice Tasendo, who own Pink Media and amplify Snow’s programming across Twitter with the #ILoveGay campaign; Brad Fuhr, owner of KGAY 106.5 Palm Springsand GayDesertGuide.LGBT; and David Perry and Alfredo Casuso and their company, David Perry and Associates, a marketing and communications firm.

Just as other Creators use crowdfunding platforms to support their film and television projects, Snow encourages viewers to donate in support of the free programming choosing a voluntary paid subscription in the amount of their choosing. Patrons are proclaimed PromoHomo.TV® Superstars. Join them at www.Patreon.com/PromoHomoTV and discover them at www.PromoHomo.TV/Superstars.  

Crystal Cruises Redux

Crystal Cruises, now part of the A&K Travel Group, appointed veteran captains to usher in Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony’s return to operations. 

‘We’ve been hard at work recruiting some of the industry’s finest captains to restore this iconic brand,’ said Roberto Fazi, SVP marine operations. ‘Working together, they are committed to restoring Crystal to its position as one of the most award-winning brands in the industry.’

Birger J. Vorland 

With an extensive maritime career that began at 19, Capt. Vorland will return to the Crystal helm. He joined the brand in 2003 and commanded Crystal Serenity on voyages covering most of the world, including Northwest Passage expeditions in 2016 and 2017.  

‘I am looking forward to rebuilding the staff and crew that achieved so many firsts,’ Vorland said. ‘The Crystal ships set the standard for luxury and service, and I can’t wait to welcome our guests back.’

Nenad Willheim

Born in a Croatian town with a long maritime tradition, Capt. Willheim started sailing as a deck cadet on a general cargo vessel while pursuing his education at the Faculty of Maritime Studies.  After several positions within the industry, he joined Crystal Serenity as first officer in 2006, later working his way up to vice captain in 2011 and captain of the former Crystal Esprit in 2015.

Tonci Hladilo

With a master mariner license, Capt. Hladilo joined his first passenger ship in 2002, eventually serving as chief officer while earning a diploma in nautical management from the University of Dubrovnik. In 2006 he joined Crystal Cruises as first officer, sailing on Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity and the former Crystal Esprit as navigation officer, chief officer and vice captain. In 2017 he was promoted to captain of the Crystal Esprit.

Vincent Taillard

After graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy in Marseille in 2003, deck & engine-dual-purpose-licensed, Capt. Taillard began his career aboard various vessels and private yachts. He earned his master unlimited class one license in 2007, becoming captain in 2008.  He is an ice pilot and ice navigation-certified captain and has commanded numerous cruise and expedition ships on all seven seas.