Dr. Jamshid Nazarian: South Pacific Surgery Center & the Lap-Band Miracle

 

Being over weight is not just about looking fat.  Being over weight isolates you from life.  Each day you don’t make the decision to get help—means one more day you walk the line between serious illness and possible death.   

Millions struggle with over-whelming fear when it comes to taking charge of their lives and ridding themselves of the emotional baggage and pain behind their over-eating.  It is never easy to change a destructive life pattern.  So,   when it comes to guiding people with serious weight issues, Beverly Hills-based surgeon Dr. Jamshid Nazarian is one of the most qualified you’ll find.

A diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the Inter- national College of Surgeons, Nazarian is an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and International Federation of Bariatric Surgery.  He is trained for advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, revisional surgery and Lap-Band. Nazarian’s office is a revolving door of patients from all over the nation who come to him for help with their weight issues.  Why do people travel so far to see Nazarian?  One reason: He truly cares.  With more than 20 years of extensive Bariatric surgery training and having performed round 3,000 procedures, Nazarian’s deep understanding of both the physical and emotional needs of his patients keep him at the top of his field as a premier weight loss surgeon.  Nazarian’s development of advanced weight loss treatments go far beyond the operating room.  They continue on with his patients throughout their weight loss journey.

“Individual needs require customized care.  It’s about more than weight loss.  I can improve the quality of life for my patients through surgical expertise, but it’s the on-going personal care pre-and-post surgery that makes the difference.  My expert team of lung specialists, cardiologists, nutritionists and psychologists develop individual  treatment plans that don’t just last for a few months…but for a life time.”

Obesity significantly decreases the quality of life that a person has.  Nazarian’s weight loss programs help patients permanently lose their excess weight and regain their health and vitality.  His staff of medical professionals perform extensive pre-surgical consultations to evaluate each patient and determine if he/she is a candidate for surgical weight loss.  Nazarian also successfully treats difficult cases that are sent to him by other institutions.  His surgical approach is conservative, yet his weight loss treatments are definitive. 

“Bariatric surgery can be a complex, life-changing decision.  It’s imperative that patients be treated with the utmost compassion and dedication.  We want our patients to feel confident and comfortable with their weight loss decision.  The long-term success of our Lap-Band patients depends on their commitment to their weight loss plan.   The most important service we offer next to surgery is education.  Good eating habits and an exercise plan help patients achieve and keep their weight goals.”

As a member of South Pacific Surgery Center’s surgical team, Nazarian had this to say.  “South Pacific Surgery Centers employ the strictest standards of medical code, with the latest and most advanced surgery technology.  The medical staff is committed to achieving the most cutting-edge results in Bariatric surgery today.”    

South Pacific Surgery Center locations:

BEVERLY HILLS
99 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Suite 102
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
TEL 310.360.7368
FAX 310-360-7370

Dr. Rady Rahban: SlimLipo at South Pacific Surgery Center

 

South Pacific Surgery Center recently opened in Beverly Hills, California.  With a long-standing location in Encino, South Pacific Surgery Center is an accredited, state-of-the-art surgery facility that has gained a reputation for surgical excellence and professionalism.  Performing the multi-surgery specialties are some of the most recognized, board-certified surgeons in the nation. 

Simin Hashemizadeh, Operator/Manager has worked in the field for 15 years.  Her knowledge, training and expertise has helped thousands of patients including high-profile celebrities achieve excellent results. “Having surgery is not part of your daily routine.  We understand that.  Our caring physicians, nurses and staff want to make your surgery as comfortable as possible.  We are committed to surgical  excellence and a level of patient care unsurpassed in the medical profession.” 

Each month South Pacific Surgery Center will profile one of its surgeons who will answer questions about the most talked about and requested surgery procedures on the market.  

For the ‘inside scoop’ on SlimLipoTM, we spoke with Dr. Rady Rahban.  Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Rahban earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego and trained in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery at the esteemed school of Medicine, at the University of Southern California. 

“I have recently developed a great relationship with South Pacific Surgery Center and Simin Hashemizadeh at their newly opened surgery center in Beverly Hills.  The facility is not only state-of-the-art, but highly focused on patient care.  My patients have had a great experience, and I too find the facility enjoyable to work in.  Laser Liposuction is one many advanced technologies offered at this location.“

WANT THE FAT GONE?

• not traditional liposuction  

• melts fat

• minimal downtime/recovery

• less invasive body trauma

• little or no bruising

•tightens sagging skin as fat disappears

BHT: Drawbacks to traditional lipo are bruising, extended post-surgery pain and long recovery.  Traditional lipo breaks up and sucks out fat cells; SlimLipo melts and liquifies fat that is gently removed from the face and body.  SlimLipo seems much easier! 

RR: I’ve used SlimLipo at both South Pacific Surgery Center and in my own private practice.  As surgeons we are always looking for more advanced technology to improve our outcome.       

In the area of liposuction surgery, the SlimLipo procedures are a natural progression in the search for more natural and advanced result.  First, came traditional Suction Assisted Liposuction, which uses a vacuum to remove fat from specific areas; then Ultra- sound Assisted Liposuction which proved a little aggressive for some patients.  The newest evolution is Laser Liposuction.  In addition to sucking out fat, which we still have to do, at the tip of the lipo cannula a laser beam is emitted that selectively melts, and ruptures fat cells.  The technology behind this is that by rupturing the fat cells—it assists in removing them.  

BHT: Is there a difference in the outcome of lipo surgery using SlimLipo?

RR: Yes.  Number one is the heat component.  The new technology behind SlimLipo is that not only does fat have to be removed, but skin has to shrink over the new shape.  A concern people have with traditional liposuction is that after the fat is removed—there can be loose skin. With laser liposuction, heat at the tip of the cannula heats up the skin, which then creates contracture which boosts collagen and tightens skin.  The SlimLipoTM laser procedures address both the subject of fat removal and skin tightening. 

BHT: Even with advanced SlimLipo technology is the outcome of the pro- cedure still in the surgeon‘s hands?

RR: Yes.  The same hands-on technique is needed by the surgeon to determine what area needs to be done and how  much needs to be removed.  But, the SlimLipo technology offers selective melting of the fat to be suctioned out ‘before’ you suction it— as opposed to just going in and suctioning it out as traditional liposuction does.

South Pacific Surgery Center locations:

BEVERLY HILLS
99 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Suite 102
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
TEL 310.360.7368
FAX 310-360-7370

ENCINO
16311 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 1010
Encino, CA 91436
TEL 818-990-9080
FAX 818-990-9758

GLORIA ALLRED: Octomom, Prop 8 and Sexual Harassment

 

Petition Gets Filed To Protect The Interests Of  The Octuplets

We filed a Petition in Orange County Superior Court on behalf of my client former child actor Paul Petersen, the President of “A Minor Consideration” (AMC).  The petition asked the court to protect the financial interests and opportunities of Nadya Suleman’s octuplets by appointing a guardian over the estate of the infants.  We did not seek custody of the babies. We filed because Suleman (who has six other children) entered into contracts and received payments for photos/videos of her octuplets and is set for a show with the children produced by Eyeworks.  Suleman reportedly said, “It is going to be an ongoing thing and it will follow them from now until they are 18″.  “A Minor Consideration” has for years worked to protect  rights and interests of child performers  and won laws requiring that earnings of children of all ages be protected and not spent or wasted by parents/third parties,   so that when a child reaches legal age she/he can enjoy the fruits of their labor.  The octuplets monetary compensation comes from use of the babies images in print, TV and on the internet.  Our petition for the appointment of a guardian will ensure that the babies receive their share of payments under the contracts which have required their images be shown.  Payments under those contracts will be placed into separate accounts and preserved for them as required by law.  A guardian assures that the children’s’ compensation is fair and their money is segregated and supervised to safeguard the babies’ separate interests.

 

Female Correctional Employees Sue For Sexual Harassment

We filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility, in San Bernardino County on behalf of eight female employees who are or were Youth Correctional Counselors and Youth Correctional Officers.  The suit alleges that plaintiffs were victims of rampant sexual harassment by juvenile offenders.  Female employees were retaliated against when they reported sexual misconduct and alleged that the State failed to take prompt and remedial action required by law to prevent the harassment.  This is a disgusting case where female staff members of Stark were subjected to sexually offensive behavior by certain  juvenile wards such as masturbation, and exposing genitalia and/or ejaculating in front of them, using offensive, obscene and  derogatory language when a female staff member went to check on them.  Some juvenile wards threatened sexual assault and did in fact sexually assault female staff by grabbing the women’s buttocks or chests.  Other times female staff were “gassed” or “iced” meaning  juvenile wards threw liquids at them that potentially contained urine, feces, sperm or other liquids.  When female staff reported the sexual misconduct, no punishment was ever imposed on offenders holding them accountable.  In many incidents, cases were not even referred to the DA for prosecution.  Because juveniles were not held accountable the environment for the women became sexually hostile and dangerous.  If these same acts were committed in a public place, offenders would be arrested, prosecuted and if convicted, sentenced and required to register as sex offenders. Yet, when the same acts are committed in the open, in front of female staff or as an assault on female staff they are generally not prosecuted or offenders held accountable in any significant way.  No employee should be forced to work in a sexually hostile/ offensive work place like these female staff members must function in every day.  An employer has the duty under the law “to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring” and if it did not it is liable.  Because the government failed to protect them, some of our clients have suffered extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress as well as other damages including medical expenses.  We are proud of our clients and the courage that they have displayed by filing this lawsuit.  They have done so not only to assert and vindicate their own rights but also to protect their co-workers and the community.  We look forward to a successful result.

 

New Developments in PROP 8

On May 26th, 2009, the California Supreme Court validated the constitutionality of Prop 8. permitting a majority of the electorate to deny to gay and lesbian couples what had previously been determined as a fundamental constitutional right– the right to marry.  In the same way that marriage is for better or for worse some decisions of our Supreme Court are better, but this one is for the worse. We are dismayed and shocked.  The idea that California law would permit a 50% +1 vote to deprive a minority group of its constitutional protections and that our Supreme Court deferred to the majority will of the electorate is we believe contrary to the constitutional foundational principles upon which our California and United States Constitution are founded.  We are pleased the court upheld thousands of marriages that took place between June 16,  2008 and the passage of Prop 8 in November  2008 because the court agreed with our position in our brief and oral argument that Prop 8 should not be applied retroactively, but it’s a shame that ­other gay and lesbian couples are denied the fundamental right to marry that heterosexual couples enjoy.  We are educating the public to the necessity of restoring marriage equality.  We look forward to winning in the court of public opinion and in the ballot box as soon as an amendment supporting marriage equality is placed on the ballot. 

We shall overcome!

BROWNDORF FSG, LLC: Piercing Barriers

 

There are many options to choose from when it comes to selecting a strategy in managing wealth.   Truly effective wealth management begins by taking charge of the process early in life before there are sustainable assets such as excess cash, stocks or bonds.  Having a longer time horizon with these financial assets will assist in overcoming the costs, fees and economic forces (such as inflation or our current recession) from eroding your wealth.  This is why 2009 is vitally important for families and wealthy individuals to take a disciplined approach to this process and protect that which they have been working toward for years.  We must view 2008 as a lesson insofar as many people in this country were simply not prepared, focused or diversified in their overall approach to having a proven wealth management strategy for multiple generations.  Individuals and families should measure financial performance on the basis of overall investment return.  A timeline should also be established for a regular review of the investment advisor’s job performance as well as the financial performance of investment portfolios, trusts, and other components of the family’s financial portfolio.  Depending on the portfolio, a review should be done on a quarterly or annual basis regarding the asset allocation or strategy diversification.

Diversification and focus combine the best of both worlds.  Diversification achieves risk mitigation and with focus comes the intensity to succeed over the long-term that many need to prosper in life.  The principle of diversification applies in other ways, with most individuals having both taxable and tax-deferred (retirement and deferred compensation plans) investment portfolios.  Some have life insurance savings plans that are tax exempt for the beneficiary and a select few also control corporations.  Each of these entities receives different tax treat- ment.  Because tax rates don’t all rise and fall at the same time, it makes sense to diversify the tax treatment of your assets.  Diversification needs to be allocated to several areas, such as alternative investments, private equity, real estate, oil and gas, and other emerging markets.

At the core of this topic of wealth management is the discussion of asset protection and tax minimization.  These concepts are increasingly relevant as we hear more frequently about the rich seemingly getting richer, while the poor seem to go in the opposite direction.  The wealthy utilize a company / trust structure to accomplish what is known as asset protection.   This allows these individuals to continue to accumulate wealth, just not in their name.  Not having this legal structure in place allows for exposure to creditors and hard earned wealth is left open and unprotected in the event of future economic crises.

As for 2009, we have seen and will continue to see a very low interest rate environment as our economy struggles through the worst recession since The Great Depression.  Companies that have maintained strong balance sheets will continue to gain interest in the corporate bond asset class as investors continue to seek out the quality yields and capital protection not currently available in traditional savings accounts or certificates of deposit.  This is also the year that investors will permanently adopt a much stronger awareness of where they are putting their money due to the continuing deterioration of the banking system.  In touching on the basics of wealth management, it’s easy to see this is a process that begins with education and patience.  It’s abundantly clear that further and continuing education in financial management is necessary to begin the wealth manage- ment process as early as possible.  Simply put, when visiting a doctor we want the best; why would we think otherwise when it comes to our wealth?

Matthew C. Browndorf, Esq. is the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of Browndorf Financial Services Group and Browndorf Private Equity Management, an attorney and Registered Investment Advisor Representative.  

Craig Taggart is the Director of Marketing at Browndorf Financial Services Group and an investment advisor.

 

Browndorf FSG, LLC
100 Bayview Circle, Suite 2060
Newport Beach CA. 92660
T 800.390.4206     F 800.290.9608 
www.browndorffsg.com

Michael Jackson: A Star is Gone…But The Madness Lingers On…

 

Carole Lieberman, M.D. is a Beverly Hills media psychiatrist and host of “Dr. Carole’s Couch”—she was also the psychiatric consultant to the 1991 biography, Michael Jackson, The Magic and The Madness.

Little did I know, when I was asked to be the psychiatric consultant to the 1991 biography, Michael Jackson, The Magic and The Madness, that I was embarking on a journey as his ‘analyst from afar’ that would weave through darkness, danger, drugs and death.  If only he had spent some time on my couch, or any other shrink’s, for that matter, he would not have met such an untimely demise.  But, Michael was spiraling downward in freefall for decades and no one insisted upon a safety net.  No one loved him more than they loved themselves, and their special spot in his inner circle, exploiting his fame and fortune. 

Michael’s troubles began with a verbally and physically abusive father, who literally whipped him into shape, so that daddy’s fantasies of being the ‘King of Pop’ could be lived vicariously through his son.  But, worse abuse occurred on tour, when young Michael, forced to share a room with his dad and brothers who brought groupies back for sex, became confused and terrified of the primal scene.   To young children, sex seems like a violent act.  It’s no wonder, but also no excuse, that Michael became stunted at a pre-pubescent level of sexual experimentation with little boys. 

In Fall 2002, when Michael dangled Prince Michael II over a balcony in Berlin, I was again called upon by the media to ‘analyze’ why.  “He’s identifying with his baby, trying to tell the world that he, too, is dangling by a thread.  It’s a cry for help,” I explained.  But, no one close to him heeded his cries.  I could no longer stand at the sidelines.  For years, usually after the cameras stopped rolling, I told interviewers that Michael was not a fit father and some- one should take his children away until he got help and lessons in parenting.  Surely his own parents were not good role models, as even his idealized mom didn’t protect him from his dad. 

So, since psychiatrists are mandated reporters of suspected abuse, and Michael had, in my opinion, at least emotionally abused Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II, I filed a complaint with Santa Barbara Child Protective Services.  They pretended that their lack of intervention was because Neverland had high gates, and his children didn’t go to school, so they couldn’t be interviewed.  Then, in February 2003, after scrutinizing the documentary, “Living with Michael Jackson”, I filed a second complaint, this time with Los Angeles Child Protective Services, and called a press conference so that they couldn’t continue giving him ‘star treatment’ and ignore the issues. 

Amongst the reasons I cited for Michael’s children needing protection, was his inappropriately sexual relationship with Gavin, the boy in the documentary. It didn’t take a psychiatrist to figure this out.  Gavin was even teased by his classmates who’d seen the documentary. CPS finally took action and interviewed Gavin, who denied any sexual improprieties at first, as is typical of children who feel ashamed and guilty about the abuse and fearful of the threats made by the abuser.  Ultimately, as we all know, Gavin testified against Michael in the 2005 trial. Had Gavin been better prepared by having psychotherapy and felt more comfortable telling his story, the jury would have found him more believable, and Michael would have wound up behind bars. Perhaps, he would be alive today, though surely his childhood demons would have haunted his cell unmercifully. 

Instead, Michael continued spiraling downward, unable to escape his psychological prison, regardless of how many doctors he convinced or coerced to supply him with drugs.  Painkillers can only kill physical pain, not the emotional torture of childhood memories, not the gnawing desperation to look in the mirror and see Peter Pan, not the humiliation of being branded a pedophile since Jordie Chandler’s charges in 1993, and not, despite his acquittal, the lingering sour aftertaste of the trial. 

Michael dreamed of being Elvis, and in many ways fulfilled his dream.  They both became musical icons, kings of their castle, and international superstars. They used sequins and sex as their signature.  Elvis gyrated in his jumpsuit and Michael grabbed his crotch with his glove.  But, ironically, just like Elvis, Michael’s dream ended in a nightmare of desperation and drugs.  Both kings, realizing that smoke and mirrors could no longer hide what they’d become, crossed that blurry Rubicon where ‘accidental overdose’ or ‘medical malpractice’ or even ‘manslaughter’ can hardly be distinguished from suicide.  

Michael toyed with death many times before the end.  But facing the grueling prospect of 50 concerts, when his health was failing, his head knew he would no longer get reviews fit for a king, and his heart was no longer in it, he—consciously or unconsciously—pushed the envelope too far.  Whether or not anyone is found guilty for his death, we know that his parents, siblings, doctors, concert promoters —and he, himself, all played a role the day the music died.  We also know that he leaves behind more than his music.  He leaves a cautionary tale to remind us that the scars of childhood abuse can last forever, that doctors must stick to their Hippocratic Oath to first do no harm, that greed is ugly, and that love means sacrificing guilty pleasures and telling the truth to save someone’s life. 

By Dr. Carole Lieberman

A Day In The Life of The Pooches of Shazdehs Party Planning

 

Met with a client wanting to host a glamorous dog party: valet, servers and security guards, the whole shebang.  First up; table- cloths.  Not ordinary table- cloths.   Antique French linen fabric and lace of superb quality and craftsmanship, hallmarks of European tradition.  The client wants them personalized.  Food. The people menu had names of exotic dishes we’ve never even heard of.  Thankfully, the doggie menu was easier.  Our Poochie Chef can create dog food in shapes of sushi, tacos, and French cuisine.  Location?  The client finally decided to play hostess at her estate in Beverly Hills. 

Party color?  Pink was my choice (my favorite color).  Her dog is a boy, she wasn’t happy.  We compromised. After discussing several themes she was thrilled about having a Luau Pawty where guests are greeted with an “aloha” and a kiss on the cheek.  Hula dancers of course, live band, leis for each guests, a silk flower for women to put in their hair and each dog was given a couture designer doggie outfit to wear and take home.  What’s a Luau Pawty without a luau bar and cocktails like barktinis?   Details  were complete down to an ice sculpture of the guest of honor, her doggy Oscar.  We even hired a premier Beverly Hills dog groomer to come and pamper the pooches. Amazing photos were a must, so I hired an award-winning pet photographer who specializes in documentary style pet photography.  And we had a pet psychic on hand to do readings on all the dogs.  WOOLAA!

Personalized plates, napkins, balloons and yummy doggie treats (I’ve tried a few and they’re delicious!) Shazdehs Party Planning offers a one-of-a-kind personalized party creations for your human and doggie guests.  Quite simply affairs to remember!  Then, we celebrated our party success with champagne and vegan caviar.  

Next day off to help one of our animal rescue organizations.  After the ”Let’s Spoil Oscar” party (who only drinks Voss water) we  decided to go to shelters until we found a rescue dog named Oscar.  We did.  Then, we found him a loving home and gave his new owners an $850 basket filled with doggie goodies.  The following day we sponsored an ACI fundraiser (Animal Cruelty Investigations) and donated an array of food from the restaurant Mediterranean—and donated $12,000 to the organization which protects farm animals from cruelty and death at the hands of inhumane abusers.  Time for a rest?  Not yet.  I went to G2 Gallery where they are joining forces with the L.A. Animal Services to find homes for our animal friends.  We started as event party planners for dogs and now specialize in fundraisers to find loving homes for our loving animal friends.  

If we had our way all animals would be out of shelters, away from abusive owners and in warm therapeutic massage beds, with a  poochie chef to give them breakfast, lunch and dinner.  We want all of our fury friends to be loved, spoiled and pampered Shazdehs Party Planning Style! 

From The Editor: August 2009

 

 

 

 

Great for business and terrific way to meet, mingle and enjoy delicious food at many of our favorite local restaurants and bars!

The Beverly Hills Times Supper Club. 

Each week local restaurants and clubs open their doors at reduced food and drink  prices to Beverly Hills Times Supper Club members.  It’s an absolutely perfect way in this economy for restaurants and bars to boost business, while offering customers the chance to wine and dine on 15% less when the bill arrives.  From intimate dinners to large private parties and business gatherings, the Beverly Hills Times Supper Club offers the best of two worlds—great food at premier restaurants and clubs in and around Beverly Hills, with hungry and thirsty customers wanting a great atmosphere while saving bucks when the check arrives!  If you own a restaurant or bar, check out the details.  In a slow economy where people are keeping a close eye on their budgets keep your business booming with a promotional event hosted each week in your restaurant or bar.  Nothing brings down the mood faster than people looking for a great night out only to walk into a bar or restaurant and see a dead zone.  Pump up the action. Join the Beverly Hills Times Supper Club and watch your business grow!

Suzanne Takowsky
Editor In Chief

RESCUE PLANET: How Far Will You Go To Save A Life?

 

Welcome to Rescue Planet.  No more sitting on the sidelines. Save the lives of dogs and cats throughout Southern California and beyond!  Each day healthy and loving animals are abandoned by their owners in the streets, left behind in foreclosed homes, or dropped off at animal shelters in which 70% of them  never make it out alive.  Their lives are extinguished, sometimes after only a few days because there are too many animals and too few people coming forward to adopt them, to give them forever homes, to save their lives.  

These stories will bring you joy and hope- fully move you to help animals who need you. There is nothing like the joy and gratitude in a dog’s smiling face and wagging tail or a cat’s grateful purr and loving nose nuzzle as they thank you for freeing them from their cages and giving them a safe home of their own. Thousands of babies are alone and afraid in cages at shelters or rescues waiting for a second chance at life before it’s too late.  You can be their chance.  

Pictured with me is Phoebe, a sweet senior German Shepherd mix medically neglected and found wandering the street.  She had one eye, arthritic hips and rotting teeth; 13 had to be removed.  Strangest Angels Rescue has done a great job caring for Phoebe and getting her back on her feet. She requires daily medication for her hips.  She’d love to be adopted to a home with a nice yard and cool grass to lie down in.  Contact Elle at strangestangelsr@yahoo.com. 

C.A.R.E: cat/canine assistance, referral & education.  This No-Kill & Cage Free animal sanctuary is struggling to keep its doors open.  Started in 1992, it’s home to 200 abused, abandoned, handicapped and just plain adorable homeless cats and dogs needing a loving home.  If animals are not adopted they are not euthanized. They lost state funding and need help to stay open.  Visit: www.care4pets.org or

email Joanna9@sbcglobal.net for info.   

The sweetest Chihuahua you’ve seen, Beasie was hours away from being euthanized at a shelter when rescued.  She has incredible spirit and loves to lie on her back for a tummy rub (who doesn’t?).  But 6-year-old Beasie needs knee surgery as both her back legs are lame.  Watching her walk using her front legs to propel forward while her back legs bounce along behind is truly an inspiration. Beasie needs about $2,000 in donations for surgery so she can walk again.  Contact Elle at strangestangels@yahoo.com.   

Always smiling Buttercup was not a happy girl when I intercepted her being turned in at a shelter.  Her poor owner was having both his legs amputated the next day because of an awful diabetic condition.  He was crying as he went up to the shelter doors, knowing he could no longer care for his beloved dog.  When I heard his story, I promised him that I’d find Buttercup a great home, and after a few weeks of fostering her, she was adopted by a true angel named Annie, who tells me that  ‘Butters’ is doing great in her new home.  Annie completely adores her.   What’s not to love with a face like that?   

Handsome King Buddha was rescued from a cat hoarder—a person who collects so many cats in her home that she becomes overwhelmed, and then ends up neglecting them and not giving them the proper care they need. After he was rescued, Buddha had to have some tumors removed from his right ear, so it’s a bit collapsed, but he hears fine and is as healthy as a horse and almost as big as one!  King Buddha is a spectacular people-loving cat.  There is not a lap on the planet he will not plunk down in, and he’s a total bedtime snuggler!  He’d do best with a guardian who is home most of the time, and with a female cat companion.  He can be a little aggressive with some male cats.  If you’re interested, contact me at david.sobel@att.net.

Sweet boy Chester came into the shelter as a stray after living in the streets much of his life.  His expressive face, big jolly cheeks and linebacker body make him irresistible to every- one he meets, and he loves to chirp hello and gently nibble your finger while you wrestle him on the floor.   Chester is an FIV Positive kitty, which is not the same health issue as human HIV can be, and can only be spread if he bites another cat, which he is far too nice a boy to do.  He is completely healthy and will live the same long life as any other cat.  He is being fostered now with several other ‘negative’ cats, and they get along great.  His foster mom adores him. We hope she just ends up keeping him!   

This shy Rottweiler was abandoned when her family lost their home.  She was so scared and terrified that everyone immediately started working to save her.  After much email networking, she was rescued by my good friend, Lisa, who already had two other big dogs. Camille is once again smiling and very happy—grateful to have such a loving new mama. 

Thousands of dogs and cats have been abandoned, neglected and need a loving  home.  ADOPT—DON’T SHOP!    It is a life changing act of love and kind- ness that you will never regret. 

David Sobel is a professional photographer in L.A. for almost 20 years.  David is also passionately committed to animal rescue, working with rescue groups and individuals throughout the city to save and re-home as many homeless dogs and cats as possible. 

RESCUE A PET:  www.strangestangels.com    www.kris kelly foundation.com    www.muttmatch.com    www.care4pets.org   www.FARescue.org   www.catconnectionla.org   www.kittenrescue.org  L.A. Animal

Services 888.452.7381 or visit: www.petfinder.com  

or www.LAAnimalservices.com to locate a lost pet or see thousands of dogs & cats for adoption that need a loving home.  

By David Sobel

LORENA SARBU BEVERLY HILLS: Luxury Boutique

Celebrity News: August 2009

IN/OUT OF THE OVEN 

Ana Ortiz of Ugly Betty and musician husband Noah Lebenzon have a girl.  

Gisele Bundchen and husband Tom Brady expecting. 

Nicole Richie ready to pop with baby #2 with baby daddy Joel Madden. 

Ugly Betty’s Ashley Jensen from the T.V series  and her husband, Terence Beesley preparing for a bundle of joy.

 

UNHAPPY RAPPER

Rapper 50 Cent said in court he’s sorry he bought Mike Tyson’s beat ass old mansion and is suing BVH Integrated Services Engineering.  He hired the firm to inspect the Farmington, Conn., home before he bought it from the boxer’s  ex-wife in 2003.  The company quoted $500,000 to fix roofs, decks, driveways and renovate other areas.  The rapper says that he spent well over $6 million to get it into shape. 

 

I-DO

Ace Young, former American Idol finalist has proposed to his girlfriend and Grease co-star Allison Fisher. 

Ex-Girl-Next-Door Kendra Wilkinson and Philadelphia Eagles footballer Hank Baskett not only tied the knot (at the Playboy mansion), but made the  announcement they were pregnant, and are now starring in their own reality TV show.   

Channing Tatum and Step Up co-star Jenna Dewan got hitched in Malibu. 

 

NO-CAN-DO

LeAnn Rimes confirms that she and Dean Sheremet have called it off.

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush come to an end after two years.  

Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey go their separate ways.

Divorce between Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil is final.  

Talk show queen Joy Behar halts her engagement to Steve Janowitz saying she is too busy for wedded bliss and gets ready for her new talk show set to air on CNN’s HLN network. 

Sports hunk Tony Romo calling it quits with his girlfriend of almost two years pop singer Jessica Simpson. It seems the breakup went down the day before Simpson’s 29th birthday.  

 

BOO HOO

Hayden Panettiere’s home in L.A. was robbed.  Value of the items stolen was not disclosed and of course her reps stated no comment.

Reports say that Rock & Roll Pop Art Auction will offer up several  of Madonna’s personal items some old microcassette tapes of erotic answering machine messages from the star and faxed notes of affection.

 

LEGAL WRANGLES

Rapper Coolio pleads guilty in L.A. court to felony cocaine possession charges and according to his sentence will spend 18 months in rehab. 

Tax difficulties for Chris Tucker who sources say owes an estimated $3.6 million to the State of California, for five years back taxes.

Comedian/actor Dane Cook’s sister-in-law Erika McCauley was charged with helping her husband, Darryl McCauley (Cook’s half brother and former business manager) embezzle millions of dollars from the actor.

Icky rapper R. Kelly at it again with reportedly another investigation for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a MINOR.  What’s up with the justice system?  Didn’t this happen to the rapper a year or so ago when he was charged with soliciting a minor for child pornography?  Oh that’s right he was miraculously acquitted on that charge.  WAKE UP  PEOPLE!   

The fight seems to be over.  Sources say that Hulk Hogan and his ex-wife Linda Bollea have finally come to an agreement  on a financial settlement.

Tracy Quinn, Tony Plana’s former manager filed a lawsuit in L.A. County Court saying she’s been cut out of her share of his Ugly Betty earnings on a deal that she says she made happen.  She’s asking $500,000. 

 

STOP THE PRESS

Jennifer Lopez has called it quits on her Sweetface clothing line.

Sources say Toby Maguire’s mother Wendy and his younger brother Weston are signed up to star in a reality TV show entitled what else…”Growing Up Maguire.”

 

ON THE MEND

Len Goodman, Dancing With the Stars judge underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his prostrate.  He will return to the show in September. 

 

HAPPY ENDING

Amy Winehouse found ‘not guilty’ on assault charges resulting from an  incident where a fan got too close snapping a photo of the star and Winehouse got into rumble mode. 

 

HOOK-UPS

After what seemed minutes when Jon Gosselin and Hailey Glassman opted for a marriage break…Jon had turned his sights on Kate Major, a former Star magazine reporter.  Dating?  Yes, according to just about everyone.  Some reports had Kate doing the same.  She says NO.  Crisis continues as does the shows failing ratings and the couple’s bad press. 

Sources say a love match is in the making for Sex and the City’s Kristin Davis and a celebrity photographer who have been seen together at cozy dinners and parties coast-to-coast?  We’ll keep you posted.  

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