Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
British mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins is known for her beautiful voice. Over the past decade, she has performed with opera legends such as Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Jenkins — who also was a runner-up on “Dancing with the Stars” — spends much of her time touring and has performed in South Africa, China, Abu Dhabi, Europe and the United States.
“I didn’t make it to Perth, but I went all over Australia,” says actress Carla Renata. “I was working over there long enough that I could take vacations. If I could figure out a way to make a living there, I would move there. The food is to die for. Everything is fresh and prepared spectacularly and the people are really loving and warm. The theater and arts scene is wonderful.”
Author Dianne Hales says, “If you were to offer me a ticket almost anywhere, but I had to leave in an hour, I wouldn’t hesitate. There’s nothing I need that can’t be bought somewhere.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel from a young age,” says actress and jewelry designer Katie Barberi. “I’ve grown up seeing so much diversity and beauty in different cultures. I draw inspiration from that all the time.”
“My favorite trip to Italy was my post-college backpacking trip and my best friend and I ended up in Cinque Terre,” says “Family Guy” actress Alex Borstein. “It’s a small stretch on the Italian coast that’s made up of five magical-looking villages.”
As a child, Sarah Piampiano dreamed of being an Olympian. But, as an adult, she figured her life as an investment banker would prevent her from becoming a full-time athlete. Five years ago, she made a lifestyle switch, quitting her job, moving to the West Coast and devoting all her time and energy into becoming a pro triathlete. Piampiano, 34, says that switching from finance to the world of elite athletes hasn’t been the easiest transition, but one for which she has a passion.
Best known for her roles on “JAG” and “Dirty Sexy Money,” Zoe McLellan stars as Meredith Brody in the hit CBS series “NCIS: New Orleans.” The actress, who was born in California and raised in Washington, is based out of Louisiana, where her series is filmed. “I currently reside in New Orleans and have never felt more at home anywhere in my life,” McLellan says. ‘It’s in my blood now.”
In her new book, “The Beat of My Own Drum: A Memoir,” musician Sheila E. talks candidly about her rise to fame, her engagement to Prince and the backstory to how Lionel Richie ended up adopting her niece, Nicole.
Few business journalists make their way into pop culture. Then there’s Maria Bartiromo, who was dubbed as the “Money Honey.” Joey Ramone of the Ramones was clearly smitten with her, too. He sang her praises in his song, “Maria Bartiromo.” “I’ve traveled the world, largely on business going from Asia to Europe and Brazil,” says the 46-year-old New Yorker. “I’ve been to so many places and it’s hard to get out and see all the things I want to because I’m so busy with work. But I try to make time and go back on my own.”
Julie Chu is the forward for the U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team. A seasoned hockey veteran, the Harvard graduate is proud to be representing the United States at the Sochi Olympics, which will be her fourth Winter Games. Chu, 31 — who already has won a bronze and two silver medals — is hoping to win a gold medal this year.