Dog-Friendly Ritz-Carlton Helps Pets in Need

Among its many dog-friendly services, the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers guests the opportunity to interact with its resident Labrador retriever, Bachelor.

Friends who can’t bear time away from their beloved pooches have told us that traveling with a pet can have its challenges, from figuring out how to transport a pup to finding a pet-friendly hotel. But even when accommodations are located, what is there for a dog to actually do at a resort? The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has come up with a solution that will not only make your life easier and your pooch happier, but will help less fortunate dogs as well.

The hotel — located on Beaver Creek Mountain in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where guests can ski, golf and relax at the on-site spa — now offers a wide variety of pampering services for its four-legged visitors. These include freshfetch organic and all-natural gourmet puppy chow available for in-room orders, as well as the loaning of pet supplies, such as food and water bowls and an overstuffed dog bed. Canine-friendly retail items, including leashes and doggie raincoats, can be found at the resort’s gift shop.

“Doggie Daybreak & Twilight” guided hikes are also available so you and your pet can get some exercise. Plus there are “Fido’s Spa & Fitness” in-room doggie massage services ($75 for 25 minutes), where a therapist works to ease your pup’s muscle tension and soothe his aching joints, finishing with a light spritz bath. In addition, a VIP (Very Important Pooch) handbook is provided that lists the names of area pet-friendly restaurants, nearby dog parks and a directory of local veterinarians, pet supply stores, and doggie day-care and grooming services.

For guests traveling without a furry friend or for those who seek a temporary canine commitment, the hotel offers a complimentary Loan-A-Lab hiking program: The resort’s resident Labrador retriever, Bachelor, is available for visitors to take on 30-minute or one-hour hikes or snowshoeing on designated trails. Though a reservation to hike with Bachelor is required through the concierge, you’ll get a chance to meet him, as he greets guests in the lobby from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Through November, the resort will also help animals in need by donating $25 of the $125-per-stay dog fee to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA’s fight against inhumane treatment of animals includes such actions as raiding puppy mills, assisting in the animal rescue efforts after natural disasters and, most recently, providing funds to teams responding to animal emergencies resulting from the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Other hotels that offer dog- and cat-friendly services include Loews Hotels, which offer an array of pet supplies and a pet room-service menu; Kimpton Hotels, which have special pet packages that include food, dog-walking services and chew toys; and Starwood W Hotels, which will provide leashes, cleanup bags and pet first-aid kits upon request.

For more tips on pet travel, check out “Your Pet’s Travel Advisory” in the May/June issue of VIVmag. Have you ever brought your a pet on vacation?

Model comeback, American Apparel stock plunges, PPR profit leaps, Bulgari’s modest gain, Buranis arrested

Zimmerman and Jovanovic for Gucci A/W 2010 | Source: Fashion and Runway

Why fashion has fallen out of love with its A-list clotheshorses (Independent)

“This time around, the women chosen… are united by their anonymity outside of [fashion]… prompting many insiders to wonder: is fashion’s long-running love affair with celebrity finally over?”

American Apparel Shares Plunge as Auditor Steps Aside (WSJ)

“American Apparel shares plunged as much as 25% Thursday after the retailer said accounting firm Deloitte & Touche resigned as its auditor, the latest blow for the cash-strapped company.”

PPR First-Half Profit Rises 87 percent (Bloomberg)

“PPR, the owner of Gucci and the Fnac retail chain, said first-half profit surged 87 percent, led by renewed demand for clothing and accessories.”

Italy’s Bulgari posts modest 2Q profit (Bloomberg)

“The Italian jeweler Bulgari returned to a modest profit in the second quarter as sales of jewelery in all categories except watches picked up.”

Burani Arrests (Vogue.com)

“Walter Burani and his son Giovanni… have been arrested for alleged fraudulent bankruptcy. Giovanni, the company’s former ceo has been sent to Milan’s San Vittore prison while Walter has been granted house arrest.”

"Best 2k I Ever Spent!" Our Favorite TV Characters From Childhood Have A BBQ

Guests were in Good Company at Finger On The Pulse's Summer Blowout BBQ. The event brought together daring DJ's and seriously powerful culinary visions by some the city's greatest chefs. As an ode to the past, guests channeled their favorite child star, and behold! The flashback to the past and all of it's greatness ensued..

Guests nibbled on some old world yiddish soul food classics provided by Mile End as Au Revoir Simone moved the crowd with organic electronic music.

People seemed nostalgic to say the least as we were strangely reminded of some of our favorite characters from our childhood's finest TV programming…

Disney channels beloved surfer, Johnny Tsunami hangin' 10 with a bodacious babe.

Richie Rich bringing back all those old feelings of disappointment that not all of us can afford to have an amusement park in our backyard.

Everyone's belovedly bashful Cousin Itt making her annual appearance.

Roger, the infamous green-skinned bully from Doug, shows he still has the pent up anger from never winning Patty Mayonnaise's love.

Oliver Twist still asking, "Please sir, I want some more."

Angelica from Rugrats planning her next attack on Tommy Pickles.

Wishbone! The greatest history teacher of all.

Cast member of "Are you afraid of the dark?"… Still afraid of the dark.

Hey Arnold's stoop kid. Afraid to leave his stoop. Drowns his sorrows in delicious BBQ.

(Images courtesy of NickyDigital.com)

A Night of Music: Making Books Sing Summer Fling

Go HERE for more pictures by Donald Lee and tag yourself and your friends!

Books rarely sing, but last night in Brooklyn they made an exception to the rule. Making Books Sing is an inspiring program that brings literature to the stage with live performances, encouraging young children to open their minds to the world of imagination. Their main goal is to make sure that children walk away with new ideas, insights, and information.-

Performing in last nights line up were: Soce the Elemental Wizard, Garry Novikoff, Gabrielle Gewirtz, Hank Wagner, and Gabrielle Gold. These crowd pleasing artisans left the crowd begging for more. Guitars, keyboards, and the sounds of a flute filled the sweet summer nights air. These performances supported SAFE (Shelters, Arts, Families and Education) program serving homeless children and families.

There were no limits to the performances that night, the performers pulled out all of their tricks. Amongst these tricks of theirs were the unbelievable dance moves that had the audience up on their feet grooving to the beats.

The breezy, cool weather made up for a wonderful night of great tunes and charity fund raising. Performers put their hearts and souls into the concert and the audience left with their ears still swimming with the great sounds of the night.

Too Broke For The Hamptons: Local Beaches

According to a Zagat survey, New Yorkers are broke homebodies. Let's face it, the Hamptons on the cheap just ain't worth it. A lackluster alternative is staying at home, watching endless reruns of The Real Housewives and perfecting your 'Twilight' pallor.

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To save some face, head out to one of the many prime beaches nearby, soak up some sun and give faking that post-Hamptons vacay glow your best shot.

Near and far, there's a wide selection of sandy beaches, from upstate NY to suburb-ville Connecticut. Commutes are no longer than 2 hours, tops. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite beach excursions…

1. Long Beach, NY

Deets: A five-mile stretch of beach paradise along the south shore of Long Island. It's a tried and true destination of surfers, who make the trek religiously for the surprisingly daunting waves. After you've paid your dues and collected some enviable tan lines, rent a bike from Buddy's Bike, and cruise along the kitschy boardwalk, or nosh on a crab cake hoagie at Yard House.

Travel: Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station, 55 minutes.

Fees: Beach admission, $7.

2. Fire Island, NY

Deets: As cars are banned, Fire island is an exhaust-free haven ideal full of bikes and wagons. It's an ideal destination for New Yorkers in need of some R&R, and a breath of fresh sea air. This more down-to-earth version of the Hamptons is sectioned off into several distinctive areas, from the gay mecca that is Cherry Grove, the exclusive, gated Point O' Woods, to hotspot Ocean Beach. Start your day off on the right foot with syrup-drenched blueberry pancakes at Rachel's, and explore the island's beautiful dunes.

Travel: Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to the ferry, 2.5 hours.

Fees: Ferry, $14 Mon.-Fri., $9.50 Sat.-Sun. $14, roundtrip. Free beach admission.

3. Jones Beach, NY

Deets: It's most famous for its annual concert series, with headline acts like Rihanna and Kesha this summer drawing hordes of people from all over the country. Overshadowed by comparison are the four miles of bike paths, and a pristine Olympic-size pool. If you get bored of the beach, get your mini-golf on at the 18 hole course, or. indulge your seafood habit at the Fisherman's Catch. Here's a fun fact…The brothers Baldwin (Alec, and …. those other ones) used to be lifeguards here!

Travel: LIRR from Penn Station to Freeport, transfer to Jones Beach shuttle bus, 1 hour.

Fees: Round-trip train/bus package deal, $15 (Manhattan, Brooklyn), $11 Jamaica. Beach admission: $8 daily in summer, $59 for a season pass.

4. Manhattan Beach, NY

Deets: This ridiculously close destination flanking Coney Island is nestled in Brooklyn. Known as Coney Island's classier sister, it's clean, convenient, and relatively quiet (even on the weekends!). An ideal way to escape the oppressive summer heat, it may not be the most picturesque, but the ease more than makes up for it.

Travel: B, Q to Brighton Beach, B1 Bus to Oriental Blvd. 1 hour.

Fees:$2 subway. Free beach admission.

5. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk CT

Deets: To really give a day-trip that luxurious vacation feel, there's nothing like heading to the suburbs. Norwalk's Calf Pasture Beach is 33 acres of sandy strip. It's a sports enthusiast's paradise, kitted out with everything from softball fields to volleyball courts. Rent a boat and get your sail on, a la Zac Efron, or tone those biceps with some kayaking. Then, be prepared for serious carbo-loading at the popular concession stand.

Travel: Metronorth to East Norwalk. 1 hour.

Fees: $24.70 RT Peak, $18.52 RT Off-Peak. Beach admission $7-11.

6. Todd's Point, Greenwich CT

Deets: For your dose of suburbia, there's none other than Greenwich's Todd's Point. On the weekends, it's packed to bursting with Vineyard Vine-clad families, but this makes for prime people watching. Pack a picnic and hang out in the tree-filled enclave past the concession stand, or explore the Point on its meandering walking trails.

Travel: Metronorth to Old Greenwich. 1 hour.

Fees: $20.42 RT Peak, $15.42 RT Off-Peak. Beach admission is $5, and daily parking passes are $20.

Who says the Hamptons are a must to get your Baywatch on Pack up your most indecent swimwear, pile on the sunscreen, and you're ready to go!

[Photos via kriyayoga.com, realself.com, bridgeandtunnelclub.com, tripadvisor.com, loving-long-island.com, city-data.com, petrocelliinc.com, kayakforacause.com]

Soho House Photo Policy: Not As Strict As They'd Like You To Think

Page Six ran an item today claiming that Soho House banned the photographer who took pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo hanging out at the pool earlier this month. "Soho House takes member privacy quite seriously.", the article states. Not so, says our source!-

Soho House is notoriously private, but apparently they made an exception on July Fourth.

"Normally Soho house has a no photo policy, but on July 4th they allowed people to take photos for some reason…there are hundreds on Facebook. Not kidding you–everyone was blatantly taking pictures."

A quick perusal of Facebook corroborated this story: there are tons of photos online, all from different sources, of the July 4th party at Soho House. In many of the pictures, you can even see people in the background holding cameras. (The Post says management "combed through hours of surveillance video to find the culprit." That was…unnecessary!)

The members-only club apparently makes exceptions to the no photography rule at parties. Cristiano Ronaldo just happened to be at said party; we can't imagine he was unaware of all the cameras, so he implicitly agreed to be photographed.

The Page Six article says the photographs were taken "around July Fourth", so it's possible the contentious pictures were in fact from that weekend and not the heavily photographed party.

The Times Of India (Yeah, random, right?) has a slightly different spin on the story.

"Evidently, football star Cristiano Ronaldo and his model girlfriend Irina Shayk were being clicked by his photographer while playing around in the club pool around July Fourth. But despite being a member, he has now been banned from the club and had his membership revoked."

The use of pronouns in this clip is especially telling: HIS photographer? Meaning Ronaldo's personal photographer? If that's the case, then this isn't even about celebrity privacy, it's just about keeping Soho House itself underwraps which just seems a little…futile.

Either way, revoking someone's membership for this seems a little extreme, and a little too "Ahem, do you KNOW who we ARE!" of Soho House. Don't make photos ok for one afternoon, but contraband for the other 364 days a year.

Jules Kirby, taking pictures at the pool last year.

[Every last one of these pictures, via Facebook, but NOT the banned photographer]