Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
“I always like to find a bakery and try something new – a cookie, pastry, cake. Anything that sounds interesting to me,” said “How My Neighbor Stole Christmas” bestselling author Meghan Quinn. “When I was taking a tour through the Highlands, we found a little bakery in a small town and purchased this jelly biscuit. I still think about it ‘til this day. So good.”
“When I was eight years old, I went on a trip to New York City with my aunt,” Ruben Studdard said. “It stands out to me because I went to my first Broadway show. I think that trip showed me what was possible.”
“Coming from Hawaii where so many different cultures influence one another, I was exposed to many different styles of music and have since built a grand love for all types and genres,” said “Moana 2” actor Hualālai Chung, of his burgeoning singing career. “My hope is to release music that can appeal to the masses.”
After Wonho completed his 21-month mandatory military duty in South Korea this past September, the pop star had intended on taking some time off before making his “comeback” – K-pop parlance for releasing new music. But when the opportunity came up to be a part of the iHeart Jingle Ball lineup – which includes a Dec. 9 concert at the Allstate Arena outside of Chicago – he got to work, quickly.
Kim Suhyun’s bestselling book “I Decided to Live as Me” (Penguin Life) reminds readers about the importance of self-care and self-love. The Seoul-based writer said that reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations piqued reader interest. And she also credits BTS member, Jungkook, for spiking interest in her book after the pop star was spotted reading it.
“Between filming and traveling, I mostly just go home to water my plants and check on my avocado tree,” said Eloise Mumford, who will next be seen in the Prime Video series “Cross.” “[The show] takes place in Washington, D.C., and the city is a huge part of the fabric of the series,” she said. “We filmed pivotal exteriors there. But as often is the case, the majority of the show was filmed somewhere else to double as D.C.”
On her latest album “soft winds and roses,” two-time Juno winner Diana Panton offers her interpretation of classic songs like the Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere,” Elton John’s “Your Song” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Showcasing her beautiful, evocative vocals, the artist said her Scottish father’s record collection introduced her to jazz.
“Charlie is the kindest, most level-headed, ever-patient husband you could ask for,” Devin Kawaoka said of the character he plays on the new Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.” “He feels deeply, sees the best in people and is always up for adventure – or some quality time over a glass of wine. He’s easy! If that’s not a good travel partner, then I don’t know what is.”
For Sung J. Woo (“Everything Asian,” “Love Love,” “Skin Deep”), favorite locations often make appearances in his books. His upcoming novel “Lines” – which deftly weaves a story of love, loss and forgotten possibilities – is set in suburban New Jersey, downtown Manhattan, Waimea (Hawaii), Portland and Breitenbush (Oregon).
“I’m lucky enough to say that my job doesn’t really feel like work,” said “Hysteria!” star Chiara Aurelia. “Filming in a new city is such an interesting experience, because you get the opportunity to see a city as not just a tourist, but also as a local. I’m originally from Los Angeles and most of my best childhood friends and family still live there. I’m lucky to have such a great excuse to visit and catch up with everyone.”