Vol. 9 Issue 6
TRAVEL TIME The Highline New York City, NY
THE BEST OF THE BUNCH Among the urban atmosphere of New York City, get a fresh perspective by walking the High Line. This unique non-profit organization and public park was built on the historic freight rail line above Manhattan’s West Side and opened to visitors in 2009. Designers of the project were inspired by the natural and industrial history of the area, resulting in a diverse and captivating experience. It features outdoor artwork and installations, gardens, architectural design, performances, and food. Take your time with a self-guided tour or join a guided tour offered specific days of the week. Source: thehighline.org
T
here are few things more sumptuous in summer than a juicy slice of watermelon. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, watermelon makes an ideal summertime snack for kids and adults alike. In fact, watermelon is 91 percent water, hence its name. But how do you know you’re choosing the ripest, sweetest watermelon at the farmer’s market, grocery store, or farm? After all, unlike other melons, watermelons don’t continue to ripen after they are plucked from the vine so it’s important to choose carefully. Here’s how to make sure you’re picking the best of the bunch. (Psst! It’s all about color, shape, feel, sound, and smell.) First, look for a watermelon that is dark green. If the watermelon was picked from the vine too soon it will be lighter in color. You want to find one with contrasting green stripes. Another thing to look for: The yellowish field spot on the underside of the fruit where the watermelon was resting on the vine at the farm. The more yellow or orange the field spot (and the less white), the longer it ripened in the field and the juicier it will be. Next, look at the shape of the watermelon. Round watermelons tend to be sweeter while oval shaped ones may be less so. Pass on any watermelons with irregular bumps. See any marks that look like brown webbing? These are actually signs of bee pollination and indicate the watermelon will be sweet. Next, pick the watermelon up and give it a feel. The fruit should feel firm and never soft or squishy. It should also feel sort of heavy for its size. Pick up two that are relatively the same size. The heavier of the two should be the ripest and full of sweet juice. Then, give it a tap or a knock. You should hear a deep sound (some say it should sound like a knock on a door). If the knock sounds flat or dull, the fruit may be overripe. Finally, give that fruit a sniff. If you smell a fruity sweet aroma, the watermelon is ripe. If there’s no smell, choose another watermelon. A few signs that your watermelon is not safe for eating: Dents, nicks, or soft spots, which can lead to rot; a foul smell; or dark spots, which could indicate bacteria. Avoid these watermelons if they happen to make it to the store or stand.
LIFEWISE
tension. Jimmy Stewart plays a professional photographer stuck in a wheelchair after an accident, whose boredom leads him to start spying on his neighbors from his window. He soon stumbles upon a secret he wishes he hadn’t.
WHAT TO WATCH
Sunset Boulevard (1950, Director Billy Wilder): Hypocritical Hollywood gets lambasted in this dark comedy. When a struggling screenwriter takes a job to help a delusional has-been star make an impossible comeback, he gets drawn into her dark fantasy world with murderous results. Wilder incisively shows that below the surface of the Hollywood dream lies a Hollywood nightmare.
W
hile movies may be a relatively new art form, they’ve been around long enough to include plenty of works that are so loved they’re now considered artistic staples. Here are five classic films you must watch in your life. Stagecoach (1939, Director John Ford): While not John Wayne’s first film, this was undoubtedly the breakout film for The Duke, as he plays outlaw-with-a-heart-of-gold Ringo Kid. This ensemble Western about a variety of different people having to make a perilous stagecoach journey together features spot-on performances and suspenseful action. This film was the first of many where director John Ford famously used Monument Valley for epic chase scenes.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952, Director Stanley Donen): There may not be a more joyful and entertaining film than “Singin’ in the Rain.” The story of two Hollywood stuntmen who find big opportunity as the industry moves into the realm of the “talkie,” this film also is about Hollywood’s growing pains when sound was introduced. The performances are flawless, the humor is laugh out loud funny, the songs are classic, and the sets and dance numbers are stupendous. Jaws (1975, Director Steven Spielberg): Before visual effects and CGI, filmmakers had to use limited resources and the imagination of the audience to create tension and fear. Jaws withholds showing too much of its titular monster until near the end of the film, and as a result creates an atmosphere so scary people were literally afraid to swim in the ocean for years afterward. Combined with an incredibly clever marketing campaign, Spielberg and Jaws basically created what we now know to be the “Summer Blockbuster.”
FLAVORFUL
Rear Window (1954, Director Alfred Hitchcock): If someone pitched you an idea about a movie that takes place entirely in one room, you’d be forgiven for being worried. But in the hands of the master of suspense, this idea is elevated to sheer cinematic
Berry Parfaits WITH ORANGE CREAM SAUCE INGREDIENTS 2 pkgs 14 oz. 1/2 cup 1 tbs 1 tsp
Cream cheese Sweetened Condensed Milk Orange juice Grated orange peel Vanilla extract
3 cups 1 cup 2
Assorted berries Chopped Maria cookies Chocolate Bars Fresh mint leaves
DIRECTIONS Mix cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, grated orange peel and vanilla extract in medium bowl until smooth; cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Layer each of 6 dessert cups with 1/4 cup berries, 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture, 1 tablespoon chopped cookies and 1 teaspoon chopped chocolate. Repeat layer and top with mint leaves. Serve immediately.
GoodNes.com
OMHO
TAKE IT TO THE MAX Minimalism has been an interior design staple since its rise to popularity after world war i. But while minimalist enthusiasts are certainly still out there, recent years have seen the rise of maximalism in design, which takes an opposite approach by mixing bright colors, busy patterns and curated clutter to create a space filled to the brim with personality. When done correctly, maximalism showcases the items you love, from books to artwork and other details, creating a one-of-a-kind home you can love. — HOMESANDGARDENS.COM
Alicia Kitagawa Walker • • • • •
REALTOR®
8388 E. Hartford Dr. Ste. 100,
• Cu s to m d es i g n ava i l a b l e Beautifu l 4 - page Newslet te r Scottsdale, AZ 85255 • Ta i l o r t o y o u r F a r m o r S p h e r e B randed to you! • D i g i t a l N e w s l e t t e r E - b l a s t a d d - o n $ 95 M a g a z i n e s t y l e cove r Direct: 480.324.6755 • NEW quantit y discounts Commissioned ar ticles • S t a r t i n g a t $1. 5 0 p e r i s s u e M o n t h l y o r B i - M o n t h lRealtorAKWalker@gmail.com y mailing
www.GuidingYouHomeAZ.com
p r i m e s o u r ce a z . co m
U TRI V GEU M I DAE RTKOE TAI N Z GR EM AA L DE ES TAT E ! E FYO FEC E A SY If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by Prime Source & DLP • 480.921.0511 • PrimeSourceAZ.com