Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
“The Sense of Wonder” is a revelatory book that takes a humorous look at pop culture, while also pointing out the inherent racism that pigeonholes minorities into what they can and cannot be. Matthew Salesses’ latest novel incorporates two of his interests: basketball and K-dramas.
“Jessica Jones” actress Susie Abromeit (“King Richard,” “Chicago Med”) said Utah is the perfect place for her home base, because she loves “being in nature by the mountains and lakes. I feel my best when I’m living in nature.” That said, Abromeit – who’ll next be seen in the Great American Family network movie “Love in Bloom” – said she often gets the itch to travel. “I think I was made to travel,” she said. “I usually just have the best time being in another country exploring new cultures and eating delicious food. Even when I would have challenging moments, I’m still learning about myself and others. So even the tough moments are great, because you learn something from it about yourself and humanity.”
Lauren Blumenfeld is working on two series, including “Nightcap,” the latest from Pop and Lionsgate. In 2017, you may see her on CBS in the Katherine Heigl legal procedural “Doubt.” When she gets some time off from work, the busy actress says she’d like to head to Tennessee: “I’m a big Dolly Parton fan, so Dollywood is definitely on my list (of places to visit).”
Author Matthew Salesses says his year in Prague was one of his favorite years: “It was very cheap for Americans when I was there. Beer cost about one dollar, rent was about $600 per month for a four-bedroom apartment and you could get a really good meal for a few dollars. As soon as I ran out of my American money, I had to live off my earnings. I was paid in crowns, not dollars, so then I was even poorer than I am now. It’s not the kind of place where you can make a lot of money and travel around. But it was such a beautiful city and there was plenty to see. There is this great beer garden in Prague on Letna Hill where you can have a drink and look over most of the city.”
“The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison says, “When I travel to any country, my goal is to really try to get lost in that city and hit the local haunts. I’m never a big fan of doing touristy stuff. Sometimes you have to do these things like in Rome seeing all the sights and historic places. But even there I like to get off the main streets and find little shops and cafes you wont find on most maps. I talk to locals everywhere. I go and ask for bars, restaurants, shops and activities.”
When Jennifer Knapp decides to take time off, she really goes for it. When the 36-year-old singer from Kansas wanted to reassess her life, she took seven years off and spent a good chunk of that time exploring Australia. She didn’t return to the United States until she was good and ready to start recording again. And she announced that she was gay.
Ivanka Trump could’ve coasted on her good looks and her father’s money, but that’s not her style. Armed with a degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Trump, 28, may be more low-key than her famous father, Donald, but she may be just as driven. Besides being a vice president at her family’s real estate company, Trump has authored the new book The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life (Touchstone, $24.99). She also has a line of fine jewelry featured in her Ivanka Trump Collection.