Author: William Mullane

From Teenage Coder to AI Trailblazer: Christoph Heike on Founding Greetmate.ai and the Future of AI Communication

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Christoph Heike, founder of Greetmate.ai, has been building things since he was a teenager—literally. From his early web dev experiments in Germany to launching a cutting-edge AI communications platform in California, his story is one of persistence, curiosity, and bold reinvention.

We caught up with Christoph to dive into his journey from Europe to Silicon Valley, how Greetmate came to life, and why he believes voice AI is the next frontier in business communications.

Early Days in Germany

Q: What first drew you into web development back in Germany?
“I started building websites at 13 and just loved creating things. I was always fascinated by how computers work. By five, I was already playing with them. I loved the massive opportunities that the internet offered – The ability to connect millions of people just by technology is simply mind blowing.

Q: What was your first web dev business like?
“I got started in hobby forums—PC water cooling, online communities. People found out I could build websites and started asking for help. I didn’t even realize at first that this could be a paid service. I just did it for fun first. Then, I started to charge small amounts. By 14, I was running my own small business, and by 19, I had dropped out of my computer science study to pursue it full time.”

Q: How did Germany’s tech scene shape your path?
“Germany was behind in many ways—government agencies still used fax machines. But that also meant high demand for digital talent. At the same time, I stayed connected globally through open source communities. That gave me the perspective that the world was much bigger than my local scene.”

A Leap Across the Atlantic

Q: What inspired your move to California?
“California always felt like the heart of tech, but it seemed so far away. I finally made the move at 27, slightly after the COVID pandemic. I’d vacationed here before, and the combination of opportunity, weather, and a more optimistic business culture really stood out to me.”

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges in transitioning to the U.S. tech ecosystem?
“The tech stack wasn’t the issue—we mostly use the same tools globally. The bigger challenge was adjusting to the American mindset and business culture. It’s very different from Germany, but in a good way.”

Q: Was there a moment when you knew California was the right fit?
“Pretty early on, I just felt it. The positivity, the entrepreneurial spirit—it clicked. In Germany, success can sometimes be met with skepticism. Here, people celebrate it.”

From Web Dev to Voice AI

Q: What inspired the shift from web development to AI?
“I wouldn’t call it a full shift—it’s more like a natural extension. I’ve been building with AI since GPT-2, and when GPT-3 dropped, it was obvious this tech was going to be huge. With 16+ years of software experience, I just leaned in.”

Q: How did Greetmate come to life?
“I’d been thinking about reviving a boat broker platform and wanted to add an AI voice receptionist. At the time, I was also using a human virtual receptionist service for my web dev business, but it wasn’t always reliable. I thought, ‘Can’t AI do this better?’ So I built the MVP for Greetmate in July 2024—and people were interested right away.”

Q: What were some of the toughest challenges in building it?
“Building the AI engine for real-time phone conversations was hard. I didn’t use off-the-shelf APIs—I built it all myself. Dealing with live audio, streaming, integrating various services—it was a technical mountain. But I’m proud of that. And I’m still working on it daily.”

On the AI Industry Today

Q: What excites you most about AI right now?
“AI is transforming how we communicate. It’s not optional anymore. Businesses that adopt it early will have an edge. That’s just reality.”

Q: Where do you see AI—and Greetmate—heading next?
“Voice AI is going to explode. We’re seeing major progress in voice generation and computer vision. I want Greetmate to become the go-to AI communications platform—handling as much business communication as possible.”

Giving Back

Q: You also lecture and judge hackathons. What’s the motivation behind that?
“I love giving back. I see a younger version of myself in so many of the people I meet. I just wish I had someone offering that kind of feedback and mentorship when I was starting out.”

Q: What’s your approach when speaking to students or early-career pros?
“Never look down on anyone. Whether they’re new or experienced, there’s always something to learn from each other.”

Q: Any memorable moments from your university talks?
“At a recent workshop, students came up to me asking for job advice. That stuck with me—it was a shift. I’m no longer the young prodigy; I’m now someone they look up to.”

Looking Ahead

Q: When you reflect on your journey, what stands out most?
“How fast things have evolved. Just five or ten years ago, the tools we take for granted today didn’t exist. It’s incredible to look back and see how far we’ve come.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out?
“Build hundreds of things—even if they go nowhere. You need a high frustration tolerance. It’s not about success every time. It’s about learning and refining your skills through repetition.”

Q: What’s next for you and Greetmate?
“Big product updates. More customers. Growing the team. We’re just getting started.”

Conclusion:
From humble forum gigs at age 14 to leading a cutting-edge AI startup in California, Christoph Heike’s journey is a testament to what happens when relentless curiosity meets fearless execution. With Greetmate.ai, he’s not just building tools—he’s building the future of communication.

Written in partnership with Tom White

April 29, 2025
Cleaning Your Pool? These Are the Tools You Need for the Job
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Once you finally install that pool in your backyard, you’ll soon be surprised by how quickly it needs cleaning. It can be a perfect addition to any home, but certainly requires the right tools—or the right team—to keep up with maintenance. It is important to know exactly what tools the professionals use to ensure that pools stay clean, especially for the luxury homeowner.

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Pool Clean

As perfect and pristine as your pool may seem, maintaining the quality of a body of water is not exactly an easy task. Without proper cleaning precautions, these still spaces can become homes for algae, bacteria, or all manner of nuisance contaminants. While chemical balance will keep pools clean for a good amount of time, filtration and system upkeep are necessary to ensure constant cleanliness.

Depending on the location of your home, you might choose to position your pool under a tree or next to some bushes. Dirt, leaves, and even branches could end up in your pool, contaminating the water itself and potentially damaging the mechanisms that keep your pool clean.

Fundamentally, a pool is a stagnant body of water. Once something gets in, it’s not coming out on its own—you’ll have to clean it out. Regular cleaning does make the task easier than it would be if you waited for the mess to accumulate, but a proper cleaning job can only be done with the right tools.

The Best Tools for a Clean Pool

Whether you need to keep algae from growing on the walls or you’re constantly fishing out branches and leaves, there’s probably a tool to suit your needs. ProTuff is one company that ensures its customers can clean their pool like professionals, with products they can depend on.

The pool cleaning experts at ProTuff recommends having the following tools handy:
- Pool Brush Heads: Professionals look for brushes with sturdy bristles and maximum coverage. Curved ends are key for navigating the typically round edges of the pool wall and scrubbing any contaminants away.
- Fine Mesh Nets: Nets are perfect for extracting debris from the pool, but a poor-quality product may be prone to breaking. Be sure to choose an abrasion-resistant option that can hold up when scraping the pool floor
- Leaf and Silt Rake: Silt and leaves will collect at the bottom of your pool from time to time, and a quality rake will help capture this debris.
- Pool Pole: Every pool cleaner relies on a lengthy pole to reach each part of the pool from its edge. Professionals depend on sturdy aluminum poles, which often feature useful adjustment mechanisms.
Clean Your Pool Right

Cleaning your pool doesn’t have to be difficult. A proper upkeep schedule and the right tools can go a long way, ensuring that you can enjoy your pool more often than you have to clean it. Whether you’re a luxury homeowner or a professional team, a product you can depend on makes life easier.

Written in partnership with Tom White
March 27, 2025
NASA Radar Imagery Reveals Palos Verdes Landslide Area’s Expansion

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A NASA radar aboard an airplane flew over the decades-old active landslide area on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to reveal that its previous boundaries have expanded. While slow-moving, the analysis determined that the area consistently slid toward the Pacific Ocean by nearly four inches per week.

Results of NASA’s Analysis

The analysis was carried out by NASA’s Southern California Jet Propulsion Laboratory via airborne radar, measuring the movement of landslides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County. It occurred during a four-week period in the fall of 2024, and it was observed that the land in the residential area moved about four inches each week, for a total of 12 inches during the observation period. Furthermore, the active landslide area expanded from when it was last mapped in 2007 by the California Geological Survey.

“In effect, we’re seeing that the footprint of land experiencing significant impacts has expanded, and the speed is more than enough to put human life and infrastructure at risk,” said NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory landslide scientist Alexander Handwerger.

Handwerger is the principal investigator for NASA’s upcoming Landslide Climate Change Experiment, which will use similar airborne methods to study the effects of wet and dry precipitation patterns on landslides across some of California’s coastal slopes.

Potential Causes for Landslide Acceleration

Certain areas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula are part of a historic landslide complex that has been active for at least the past six decades. The complex’s velocity has accelerated and expanded, likely due to unprecedented rainfall across Southern California in 2023 and into 2024. The area has damaged several buildings and affected many others, making it a consistent point of concern for nearby residents.

Fires are also a potential risk for accelerating the historic landslide complex. When waxy leaves are melted by wildfires, they create a hydrophobic layer in similar areas, which can be more easily carried away by water—such as the water brought by consistent rainfall. While rain is beneficial for putting out wildfires, landslides demonstrate where new issues can arise after the fact. In 2022 and 2024, researchers found that a buildup of vegetation and subsequent dry conditions made the county more susceptible to fires.

How Data Was Gathered for Valuable Insight

“To create this visualization,” NASA’s report stated, “the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) team used data from four flights of NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) that took place between Sept. 18 and Oct. 17. The UAVSAR instrument was mounted to a Gulfstream III jet flown out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and the four flights were planned to estimate the speed and direction of the landslides in three dimensions.”

Insights from the UAVSAR flights were also combined with data from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel 1A/B satellites, and the analyses were provided to California officials to bolster the state’s response. These resources are also available to the public at NASA’s Disaster Mapping Portal.

The Problem of Landslides in California

Landslides have proven to be a consistent issue across California, especially in coastal areas. The landslide area in the Palos Verdes Peninsula may have been experiencing gradual shifts in terrain for decades, but other areas might experience landslide accelerations due to climate-driven weather extremes. Increased water in the soil in certain areas has brought unanticipated weight and instability to coastal slopes, which may result in new and faster-moving landslides across the state.

A Predictive Solution

What this means for California infrastructure, including roads and communities, is uncertain, but long-term monitoring will be key to maintaining safety by predicting future shifts in the landscape. By expanding radar flights and monitoring high-risk regions, California can prepare itself for a range of future issues.

February 10, 2025
The LA Art Show’s Thirty-Year Anniversary Is a Celebration of the Past and Future of LA Art

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The LA Art Show is coming to the Los Angeles Convention Center in February for a big anniversary bash. The bash will celebrate art and the show’s full three decades.

The thirty-year celebratory event will occur from Wednesday, Feb. 19, to Sunday, Feb. 23. The show will commemorate this milestone with DIVERSEartLA, the fair’s educational and non-commercial platform curated by Marisa Caichiolo.

DIVERSEartLA will further highlight the LA Art Show’s evolution, progress, and lasting impact over the last several years. It helps amplify marginalized perspectives, and the upcoming exhibition emphasizes the importance of diverse representation and advocacy.

Looking Back to Move Forward

The 2025 retrospective mirrors the evolution of the platform’s curatorial vision. Each piece featured at the event will be representative of a significant milestone that worked to challenge the status quo and encourage critical conversations about race, gender, and the complexities of modern existence at the time.

By utilizing this celebration to showcase all the ways in which pieces from the LA Art Show have helped cultivate a caring, empathetic, and vital conversation about pressing issues, the show can serve as both a congratulatory reflection upon the greatness that has been achieved and all that is to come.

The goal is not to pat the showrunners on the back but rather to remind people that they must stay abye in securing and sustaining their rights; the fight for equality is never truly over, and this exhibit’s work has been a pioneering voice in this field for three decades now, making it worthy of such weighty work.

“This is the largest DTLA art event every year,” said LA Art Show director and producer Kassandra Voyagis. “It’s diverse, and holds a multitude of components from celebrating all forms of art. From the moment guests walk through the event to the second they leave, they will be immersed in extraordinary installations.”

A 32-foot bear sculpture from the Danubiana Museum in Slovakia will greet patrons in the lobby. The bear symbolizes resilience and power and will set the event’s tone.

DIVERSEartLA 2025 will also feature eight installations, a catalog, and a timeline showcasing performances and videos from previous years. The event will present works by a diverse group of artists and institutions.

The Works on Display

“Celebrating Diversity” by Chiachio & Giannone, curated by Gabriela Urtiaga, chief curator at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), and presented by the museum, highlights themes of diversity and pride. This installation was created by renowned Argentine artists Leo Chiachio, Daniel Giannone, and over 3,000 LA residents.

Over 100 volunteers carried the flag created for this installation during the 2019 Long Beach Pride Parade.

“Dactiloscopia Rosa: Video Art and QUEER Constructions,” curated by Nestor Prieto and presented by Museo La Neomudejar in Madrid, offers a historical overview of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in Spain from 1970 to 2016. The exhibition draws from the transfeminist and Queer archive of the museum, reflecting on the social movements during the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s under the Franco dictatorship.

Carlos Martiel’s “Cauce/Riverbed,” curated by Marisa Caichiolo, addresses the struggles faced by immigrants in California and the United States. Through his performance, Martiel delves into the realities of undocumented immigration, shedding light on the lives of approximately 11 million immigrants and their families. His work presents a poignant view of the human tragedy faced by those who risk everything to pursue the “American Dream.”

“This is going to be a massive celebration in supporting arts and culture,” Marisa Caichiolo said. “We want to embrace these amazing 30 years with our guests for encouraging artists and their work. While we bring in work from other cities and countries, we also want to honor local artists with a big art celebration. DTLA brings together so many diverse artists, and getting to showcase their work and watch other people experience these pieces for the first time is why we created this event.”

DIVERSEartLA 2025

WHEN: Various times Wednesday, Feb. 19, to Sunday, Feb. 23

WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, DTLA

COST: Tickets start at $35

INFO: laartshow.com

January 6, 2025
The Best Cannabis Dining Spots in Los Angeles

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For those looking for a 420-friendly swanky restaurant in Los Angeles, there are multiple dining spots to explore and enjoy. These restaurants serve stunning dishes that aren’t your ordinary culinary delights. They feature weed-infused dishes that are a “union between fine dining and the herb” that appeals to many people.

It’s not a surprise that Los Angeles, a hub of cultural richness, has been the center of restaurants that feature THC-infused food. Cannabis cuisine is no longer just a fun novelty; it’s become an essential part of the dining landscape.

The best cannabis dining in Los Angeles not only offers a place to eat good food but also immersive and vibrant experiences that expand on the boundaries of more traditional food options. The crème de la crème of cannabis restaurants has much to offer foodies and lovers of THC.

The Standout Among Smoke and Eat Restaurants

The ganja life is strong and vibrant at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, even though the food is not cannabis-infused. There are plenty of places that are BYOB, but in this case, it stands for Bring Your Own Bud. This restaurant features decor celebrating the entertainment industry’s finest memories while also offering lunch and dinner.

This smoke-and-eat restaurant has been associated with celebrity culture since the 1950s. Famous diners include Vincente Minnelli and his then-wife Judy Garland, the parents of Liza Minelli. A legendary blind date occurred in the restaurant when Joe DiMaggio met Marilyn Monroe for the first time.

Later, the Rainbow Bar & Grill became a popular hangout for famous musicians and their groupies. Among the regulars were Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Keith Moon, Elvis Presley, Grace Slick, Ringo Starr, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

Weed-Infused Organic Food

Popcultivate is the perfect dining spot for those who enjoy “luxury-infused, carefully sourced, organic ingredients” paired with “sun-grown cannabis.” The chef-curated cannabis menu brings the delight of gourmet cooking to everyday dining. The meticulously created menus include seasonal and sustainable dishes with a standard dose of 5 mg. There is also a curated selection of artisanal psychedelic-infused alcoholic beverages. The dining theme is “self-exploration and discovery.”

The chef behind the extraordinary cuisine that is a perfect “marriage of food and cannabis” is Pop, who is also an event planner and designer.

The First Original Cafe

Los Angeles is the home of America’s first original Cannabis Cafe, which has been serving the community since 2019. The menu features all the familiar favorites but with the added ingredient of cannabis. The Cannabis Cafe also features a brunch where people enjoy cannabis-infused food that smells and tastes amazing. It’s a great place to get high and explore the menu but remain in control enough to enjoy table conversations.

Baked Goods With Cannabis To Enjoy

Cheba Bakery offers delicious and reliable edibles for those who are trying them for the first time or those who’d like to try something different from their regular THC treat. The bakery provides edibles that are sweet without an unpleasant aftertaste. Cheba’s edibles are made with quality ingredients that create mouth-watering treats, and they pay diligent attention to portions and balance. The bakery ensures customers know exactly how much weed is being consumed.

Cheba Bakery’s mission is to create the best products, provide consistent customer service, and have the most attractive presentation of their baked goods in the market.

Los Angeles Cannabis Restaurants Are Not To Be Missed

For tourists and Angelinos, these are a few of the places to enjoy cannabis cuisine and discover captivating new flavors. Whether a cannabis enthusiast or someone just exploring a new realm of enjoyment, the city of Los Angeles is the perfect place to explore the fusion of cannabis and delicious food.

December 26, 2024
Wound Pros CEO Dr. Bill Releford Partners With LA Rams on Community Health

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It was announced that Dr. Bill Releford, founder, president, and CEO of The Wound Pros, will partner with the Los Angeles Rams. Dr. Releford is a renowned podiatric surgeon and community advocate.

Focusing on Community Health

The focus of the partnership will be to advance health and wellness in Southern California communities. Dr. Releford has multiple brands that will be integrated with select Rams community outreach programs. These include The Wound Pros, Bloom Ranch, and 5 Colors a Day to Better Health. The programs will emphasize accessible health education, nutrition, and physical activity. Other programs involved in the partnership include PLAY 60, local school visits, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry.

Dr. Releford said, “Choosing to partner with the LA Rams to spread my message was easy for me. I have a mission to educate people far and wide about the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity to starve off any chronic health issues. I know this is not a mission I can do alone. At the heart of our partnership is a shared calling to improve access to healthy living resources, inspiring individuals to lead healthier, more productive lives. With the Rams, we can reach deeper into the community, raising awareness of the importance of nutrition, activity, and health education, especially among underserved groups.”

Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer of the Los Angeles Rams also discussed the partnership.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Releford to bring comprehensive wellness resources directly to our community. Together, we’re partnering with a purpose and addressing needs by combining education, nutrition, and physical activity to empower our fans and neighbors to take charge of their well-being. This collaboration allows us to connect with our community in impactful ways, providing valuable resources and inspiration for healthier living,” she said.

The collaboration will benefit from the “cutting-edge technology” and “state-of-the-art diagnostics” The Wound Pros utilize as a national leader in advanced wound care management. Rams community events will include The Wound Pros to promote the importance of proper wound care for effective recovery and injury prevention not just for athletes, but for community members, too. The Wound Pros are leaders in modern wound care solutions, combining innovation with personal wellness advocacy.

Nutritional Education for the Community

Bloom Ranch is the largest minority-owned ranch in Los Angeles County and is known for its organic produce. As the owner, Dr. Releford hopes to “extend his passion for fresh, locally sourced food” through the partnership. In a bid to bring a genuine Farmer’s Market experience to communities, Bloom Ranch will provide fresh fruit and vegetables at select Rams community events. The initiative’s goal is to teach the community the role of nutrition and how sustainable agriculture can ensure quality produce for everyone.

In Dr. Releford’s book 5 Colors a Day to Better Health, he advocates for a balanced diet rich in natural nutrients. He brings his mission for nutritional education to the new partnership with the Rams. The plan is to engage communities with the book’s central theme to incorporate a variety of colorful, nutritious foods daily into meals. The goal is to make nutrition education not only accessible but engaging. Supported by the Ram’s outreach, the 5 Colors a Day to Better Health initiative hopes to help boost the overall health and well-being of Southern California communities.

A Holistic Approach

The integration of Dr. Releford’s health-oriented brands with the Rams’ already impactful community initiatives is expected to make a meaningful difference across Los Angeles and Southern California communities. The partnership between the Los Angeles Rams and Dr. Bill Releford will empower people to achieve healthier lifestyles and better overall well-being through improved resources, education, and inspiration.

This holistic approach to health, focusing on nutrition, advanced care, and community support, is what the partnership is all about and is poised to make a significant difference.

December 21, 2024
Christmas Events to Enjoy in Los Angeles During This Holiday Season

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While it probably won’t snow in Los Angeles, there are plenty of Christmas events and other holiday activities to enjoy. From Christmas light displays to parades, theme parks to movies, Los Angeles isn’t lacking in holiday spirit. The following is a list of the best events you can participate in this season.

The LA Zoo Lights

The Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park is inviting visitors to take part in an immersive landscape of lights and lantern sculptures this Christmas season. The zoo has a long tradition of lights on the holidays, but the “Animals Aglow” event is entirely new. The seasonal celebration features larger-than-life lantern animal sculptures along a colorful trail of lights. The event lasts until January 5, 2025, but be sure to visit the zoo’s website for details and to buy tickets.

“A Christmas Carol”

Has showings until December 23 at A Noise Within’s classic theater in Pasadena, so you don’t want to miss out on this classic. “A Christmas Carol” is Charles Dickens’ tale of becoming a better person through holiday spirit, directed in this case by Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. The play stars Elliott and other resident artists of the theater company, all of whom are among Los Angeles’ best classical actors. Visit the theater’s website for more information and tickets.

Christmas at Santa’s Village

Lasting until January 5, 2025, Lake Arrowhead’s Santa’s Village is one place where you might find snow. The village features light displays, a train ride, and a nighttime walk through the forest. There’s ice skating, snacks, and plenty of things to do. You can even enjoy breakfast with Santa or tea with Mrs. Claus with a separate ticket. Visit the village’s website for details and ticket information.

The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

Whether you gather at Fisherman’s Village or Burton Chace Park, the view of the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade is undoubtedly a unique experience. Boats compete to win in categories including Best Theme, Best Animation, Best Lights, and more. Seventy boats will pass you in the marina, boasting holiday lights and other decorations. The event takes place on December 14, beginning at 5:55 pm with a fireworks show, and the boat parade starts at 6 pm.

Yuletide Cinemaland

Until December 23, Street Food Cinema is hosting a series of outdoor activities. With a cup of hot chocolate, you can enjoy a stroll through a light tunnel, take part in a piano sing-along, or even go on a Victorian home tour before stopping to watch an outdoor holiday screening. With classic films like Elf, Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more, Yuletide Cinemaland is full of holiday cheer. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit Street Food Cinema’s website.

“The Nutcracker”

The Los Angeles Ballet is performing “The Nutcracker” with a distinct SoCal twist in Westwood, Pasadena, and Hollywood theaters until December 28 this holiday season. The ballet is a classic show filled with excitement and dance for the whole family. The show will have ten performances in Hollywood, with an orchestra accompanying it. Visit the Los Angeles Ballet website for more information.

The Los Angeles Christmas Market

Situated in the Downtown Arts District at ROW DTLA, the Los Angeles Christmas Market aims to bring you the experience of a European Christmas market. The event features festive food and drink, ranging from schnitzel to eggnog, and plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping, photos, and holiday activities. Visit the Eventbrite page for more information on tickets.

Christmas in LA

All in all, Los Angeles looks like a festive place during Christmas. From classic shows to modern takes on the holidays, there is plenty to do in the city.

December 16, 2024
The New Age of Dentistry: Dr Jason Cellars Crafting Smiles with Precision and Care

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In a world where first impressions count, your smile can make all the difference. At the helm of SeaCliff Dental in Huntington Beach, Dr. Jason Cellars is revolutionizing the dental experience, combining art, science, and a personal touch that elevates every patient interaction. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he aims to create not just beautiful smiles, but lasting impacts on his patients’ lives.

A Master Craftsman

Dr. Cellars’ journey into dentistry was inspired by a positive experience with his orthodontist. “My initial inspiration for a career in dentistry came from my positive experience with my orthodontist who seemed to have a fun and enjoyable job,” he shares. “It wasn’t until high school and undergrad that I fully realized the scope of what dentists do, and I was drawn to the field because I realized how much it combined my love to work with my hands, science, and people.”

Growing up, he spent countless hours working with his hands, learning the value of precision from his father, a welder. “Dentistry to me is like combining art, engineering, sculpting, and medicine,” he says. This hands-on experience would later translate into his meticulous approach to dental care.

A Personalized Approach

The name SeaCliff Dental holds a sense of community and continuity. “We kept the name to ensure a smooth transition for our patients,” Dr. Cellars explains. His practice, much like its name, is rooted in trust and familiarity, while constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern dentistry.

At SeaCliff Dental, no two smiles are the same, and neither are the treatment plans. From routine cleanings to complex full-mouth reconstructions, Dr. Cellars and his team offer a wide range of services tailored to each patient’s needs. “We believe in personalized care,” he emphasizes. “This means understanding a patient’s lifestyle, budget, and priorities, and crafting a treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals.”

“Many dentists think there is one right treatment plan just by looking at the teeth but the patient’s individual needs must be taken into account based on what is most important to them at the time, whether it is saving money, pain, time commitment, etc.,” he adds.

Comfort and Care

Dental anxiety is a common hurdle for many, but at SeaCliff Dental, the focus is on creating a stress-free experience. From offering amenities like headphones and blankets to providing sedation options, every effort is made to ensure patients feel at ease. “Comfort is key,” Dr. Cellars notes. “We put an emphasis on our patients’ comfort. We offer headphones, TVs, blankets, pillows, nitrous, sedation, and things like that. But we always try to find ways to go out of our way to make an experience better. Putting the patient’s comfort first and taking as much time as needed with each patient is what makes the biggest difference.”

Giving Back

Giving back is an integral part of SeaCliff Dental’s mission. Dr. Cellars founded the Smile Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising funds for oral health education and providing comprehensive care to those in need. The foundation works closely with local women’s shelters, offering free reconstructive work that restores not just smiles, but confidence and hope.

“Our goal is to make a difference, both in our community and beyond,” Dr. Cellars says. “Sea Cliff Dental is involved with the Smile Foundation which is a charity that we started. It is a charity that raises funds for oral health education and comprehensive dental care for those in need. The practice organizes fundraising events and works with local women’s shelters to provide free reconstructive work, helping to restore confidence and improve the lives of those facing difficult circumstances.”

Mastering the Art of Oral Health

While Dr. Cellars is passionate about the transformative power of dentistry, he also emphasizes the importance of proper at-home care. “Flossing is often misunderstood,” he says, pointing out that many people see it as a quick fix rather than a crucial part of their routine. Proper technique involves rubbing both sides of each tooth, much like brushing, to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.

Another common mistake is relying solely on water. “It’s a great addition but not a replacement for flossing,” Dr. Cellars advises. Similarly, brushing immediately after eating can wear down your enamel due to the acidic buildup in your mouth. “Wait at least 15 minutes, or rinse with water first,” he suggests.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked habits is snacking and sipping throughout the day. “It keeps your mouth in an acidic state, which is harmful to your teeth,” Dr. Cellars warns. His advice? Enjoy your treats in one sitting to give your saliva a chance to neutralize the acids.

The Future of Dentistry

As Dr. Cellars looks to the future, his goals are clear: to establish SeaCliff Dental as a premier cosmetic practice while maintaining excellence in all areas of dentistry. “I want my brand to be the best in the world,” he states confidently. His vision is one where patients leave not just with healthier teeth, but with a renewed sense of confidence.

“I really want my brand to be the best in the world. I want the patient’s experience to be amazing,” he says.

For Dr. Cellars, the joy of dentistry lies in the perfect blend of technical precision and human connection. “I love studying dentistry and trying to perfect my craft,” he says. “But what truly excites me is seeing the impact on my patients’ lives.”

As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in dental care, one thing is certain: Dr. Jason Cellars is not just shaping smiles—he’s shaping lives, one patient at a time.

Written in partnership with Tom White

December 12, 2024
Michael Douglas Says Hollywood Is Being Dumbed Down by Silicon Valley

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With a career that spans over 50 years, Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas recently discussed his thoughts about changes in the movie business and being called a “nepo baby” during an informal conversation at the Red Sea Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Throughout his acting career, Douglas has seen how the rise of digital technology and streaming platforms are impacting Hollywood.

“The biggest change in my lifetime and career has been digital,” especially in sound production, Douglas said during an informal conversation last Friday. In the 1970s, filmmakers had more control over the production process, while studios focused more on the distribution business.

“It’s gone the other way in terms of both studios or, in this case, streaming services, and now this latest chapter is the advent of Silicon Valley dumbing down and just taking over what we thought was this big industry,” Douglas stated.

“Between Apple, Amazon, and Netflix, the designs of their companies are so huge, and they can afford so much,” he added.

Response to Being Called a “Nepo Baby”

A large part of the wide-ranging conversation focused on Douglas’s early acting achievements, with the actor recalling how challenging it was to make it in Hollywood in the shadow of his father, legendary actor Kirk Douglas.

Douglas doesn’t take kindly to being referred to as a “nepo baby,” which is short for nepotism baby and is a term used for individuals whose parents have succeeded in the same or similar careers. As criticism rises for actors, musicians, and other celebrities whose fame and fortune come behind that of their families, implications that these individuals receive a leg up from their families in competitive industries have circled around.

Douglas shared his thoughts on being called a “nepo baby,” stating, “I don’t know a father in whatever business, be it a plumber or a contractor or a carpenter, who doesn’t try to help his son join him … I’m a nepo baby too, you know? So that’s the way it goes,” he added.

While Kirk expressed early his reluctance at Douglas following him into acting, Douglas remembered convincing Kirk to let him executive produce Milos Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This film went on to become a best-picture Oscar winner and raked in a fair few dollars for Kirk.

When Douglas entered the acting scene again, he established himself as an entertainment star with roles in hit movies like Fatal Attraction and Wall Street. He later added to his portfolio the lead role in the 1992 drama Basic Instinct.

Douglas shared that making it as an actor required him to overcome his early anxieties about stage fright. He said, “There’s a risk factor that also gives you the nerves when you’re starting a project. But then the nerves are just part of your career, part of your work.”

Adapting to Change

In August 2010, Douglas disclosed that he had developed a throat tumor, which required medical treatment. The actor has now recovered, sharing, “Now, I’m having a very nice time enjoying my life. I’m not retiring.” His more recent roles include Netflix’s The Kominsky Method and the Benjamin Franklin TV miniseries. Douglas also entered the Marvel Universe with his roles in Ant-Man and The Wasp, which got him into green screen acting—a first for the actor.

But Douglas is still on the lookout for new films that venture outside his comfort zone. “I still have to find a horror movie,” he added.

Douglas’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, was also at the Saudi Arabia festival, where she had a similar wide-ranging informal conversation. The actress reflected on her recognition for Chicago, her theater background, and the next foray into the indie film world.

“I want to turn up. I want to do some interesting work,” she said of her next project. “It goes back to my theater thinking because I don’t feel I have to prove anything to anybody. I don’t have to work hard for other people,” Zeta-Jones said.

The Red Sea Film Festival continues through Dec. 14.

December 11, 2024
The L.A. Thanksgiving Dining Experience

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As Thanksgiving nears, many LA residents are heading to the stores to stock up on essential ingredients for their holiday feasts. However, not everyone has the cooking skills or the time to prepare their own home-cooked entrees. For those with schedules too packed to spend an entire day on cooking or for any who just wish to enjoy a relaxed holiday weekend, these restaurants are combining the best of L.A. dining with Thanksgiving traditions.

Thanksgiving Celebration at Spago

For a fine dining experience with the trappings of a holiday feast, Spago is offering diners a four-course, family-style meal of Thanksgiving classics. Located in Beverly Hills, Spago has long been synonymous with the culinary arts of the famous Wolfgang Puck.

For $210 per person, diners will enjoy a slow-roasted organic turkey with sourdough and chanterelle mushroom stuffing, sage natural gravy, cavatappi mac & cheese, and a Yukon gold potato purée. For dessert, there will be an assortment of decadent options at Della’s pie station.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving in West Holiday

Diners who require vegetarian-friendly options but still want a Michelin-star experience can visit Ardor at the West Hollywood EDITION. Founded by Michelin-recognized chef John Fraser, this signature hotel restaurant will provide both traditional meat entrees and a variety of vegetarian options in a menu that combines Ardor signatures with holiday classics.

Those who reserve their table for Thanksgiving will be able to choose between a traditional roasted turkey, prime rib, sweet potato curry, and branzino for their main course. The menu will also feature many cozy sides, such as mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable medley stuffin’, in addition to various starters, appetizers, and a mid-course pumpkin agnolotti.

Deep-fried Turkey at Little Dom’s

Deep-fried turkey has grown from a fad into a family holiday tradition. For those who would like to sample turkey dinners done in this fashion without purchasing their own deep fryers, Little Dom’s is cooking up deep-fried turkeys to go. Blending Italian and American fare, Little Dom’s has specialized in crafting favorite local dishes.

Little Dom’s Thanksgiving offerings will be take-out exclusive. Customers can pick up a single deep-fried turkey to take to their holiday table or grab an entire Thanksgiving bundle featuring a deep-fried turkey with two sides or pies for $246.10.

Smoked Turkey at Charcoal

If deep-frying turkeys is one fad, smoking is a cooking style many eager cooks and diners want to bring to their holiday spreads. Charcoal Venice specializes in comfort foods prepared over the coals and served family-style. Their Thanksgiving menu features a smoked turkey with wild mushroom-chicken-apple-stuffing and gravy.

For $125 each, diners will enjoy a five-course dinner with fiery starters such as cabbage “baked in embers,” a roasted pear and persimmon salad, a choice between smoked turkey or slow-roasted prime rib for a main course, traditional and inventive sides, such as whipped potatoes or Szechuan green beans, and seasonal pies for dessert.

Giving Back with Everytable

For those looking for a casual Thanksgiving experience and who also want to honor the sentiment of the holiday, Everytable is teaming up with My Friends Place to create a holiday meal perfect for a family or group. Everytable has worked with local governments, nonprofits, and schools to serve fresh, ready-to-eat meals to local communities, and My Friend’s Place is an L.A.-based nonprofit that supports unhoused youths.

The collaborated My Friends Holiday Meal will feature roast turkey breast, savory cranberry stuffing, sweet potato mash, charred brussel sprouts, chipotle cider gravy, and cranberry chutney. Customers can order two days in advance to support these organizations and bring classic Thanksgiving dishes back home.

November 24, 2024
Skyduster Beer Finds Great Success in Los Angeles

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Despite many small-batch beer companies disappearing across Southern California, one emerging craft beer brand has found great success. Skyduster has become one of Los Angeles’s coolest beer brands almost overnight.

But how?

Skyduster’s success can be attributed to the founders’ willingness to hit the pavement, ultimately generating quite a buzz with chefs in the area.

While the craft beer brand’s website does not reveal too much detail beyond a short blurb about its name, which comes from the lanky palm trees that can be seen across the Los Angeles skyline, Skyduster’s origins, founders, and brewing location remained a bit of mystery until Jonny Marler and Nick Smith showed up to answer Eater’s questions about the company.

Marler and Smith met during the pandemic as part of a chef’s cycling group, despite neither of the founders being chefs. Toronto-born Marler has spent his time bouncing around in jobs that range from fixing boats to working in television, and eventually working in sales and marketing for Batloe, a hard cider brand in Australia. Smith is a Harvard graduate and former Goldman Sachs analyst who started an app to help individuals book private dining spaces in restaurants—which became rather obsolete when the pandemic led to shutdowns. Between Marler’s entrepreneurial talents and Smith’s business knowledge, the two launched Skyduster.

“Beer was getting boring and stale, it was all about the hops they use, the machinery. We got into beer because it was fun,” stated Marler.

“We’re also passionate about people, and we wanted to find a vehicle to stay connected in an industry that Nick and I loved,” adds Smith.

The founders helped expand the business by hitting the pavement—but with a twist. “A lot of people have forgotten the art of making friends. We focused on amazing customer service and getting in with chefs,” said Marler.

Marler further stated, “We want to follow what natural wine or Casamigos did, brands that were hyper-focused on cool restaurants for building their brand… Our customers are the chefs, back-of-house, and front-of-house. We want to be known as the beer that people in the restaurant industry drink.”

And chefs have welcomed Skyduster into their spaces with open arms. Chef Ori Menashe of Bavel, Bestia, and Saffy’s discovered the brand through his beverage director Garret Sprague. “It’s a very drinkable beer—you can pound multiple ones, and it’s not too hoppy. They work well with our grilled meats and even some of the seafood,” says Menashe. “The beer is very food-friendly, and it’s not like they’re trying to show off.”

Appreciating their old-school approach to marketing their product, Marler and Smith have also found success with chef and owner of Pizzeria Bianco Chris Bianco in Downtown L.A. Bianco stated that his approach has always been to work with local, small producers who have to compete in a competitive market.

Skyduster’s bold colors, clear typeface, and relaxed style create a relatable vibe, which also appeals to Bianco. “I’m a sucker for great packaging, and it’s great,” says Bianco. “It’s clean, it’s all business, there’s something pretty groovy about it.”

For chef Melissa Lopex of the tiny Portuguese restaurant, Barra Santos in Cypress Park, Skyduster is the only craft beer on tap. The James Beard Award finalist who has some of the most coveted tables in the area said, “We only serve things we love to drink ourselves. It’s just cold, crisp, and super-easy to drink. It’s a perfect complement to our food.”

Currently, the craft beer is produced in Oceanside, California, with a flavor profile that is crisp and refreshing and pairs well with food. Skyduster’s lager incorporates rice for something reminiscent of an easy-going Japanese beer, and their West Coast IPA, Italian pilsner, and Citrus wit are brewed to maintain a restrained approach.

Smith and Marler stated a brewing facility in L.A. is a possibility in the future, but the two plan to open a taproom and restaurant in Silver Lake next year in the former Malo and Bar Restaurant space on Sunset Boulevard.

“Our goal is to have a home where consumers can come and experience our brand,” says Smith.

September 12, 2024
2 Chainz Lost $1.5M After Investment in LA Cannabis Company

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Tauheed K. Epps, who is better known by his stage name 2 Chainz, is claiming that he invested $1.5 million into a Los Angeles cannabis company in a deal that quickly went south, which has left the famous rapper out of nearly his entire investment. The situation has brought to light a few of the ongoing legal battles surrounding the cannabis industry in California.

According to a report made by Law360.com, an investment company called Antimatter Holdings filed a lawsuit in early August claiming that the rapper had been scammed by the Pineapple Express dispensary in Hollywood. The lawsuit has stated that the Atlanta native was introduced to the company by Damien Roderick, who is Shoop Dog’s tour manager, and that 2 Chainz later arranged to invest $1.5 million in the dispensary.

2 Chainz is a Grammy-award-winning rapper who won his first award in 2017 as a featured artist on Chance the Rapper’s single “No Problem.” 2 Chainz has also been nominated for other Grammy awards and is one of the most well-known rappers in the trap style—a genre that originated in Atlanta and is known for slower deep bass beats. 2 Chainz is a noted fan of marijuana and has appeared in a Vice series that follows him as he samples weed products.

The Pineapple Express dispensary’s owners reportedly told 2 Chainz that the shop would be running by April 2021. However, the opening did not happen until March 2022 due to several issues. The lawsuit has also stated that 2 Chainz’s investment had a monthly dividend and that he could reclaim 110% of his money back whenever he liked as long as he gave a 30-day notice.

Antimatter Holdings tried to recoup the money in May 2022, but Pineapple Express made no payments. In December 2022, 2 Chainz reached out to the co-founder of the dispensary, Vincent Zadeh, about the repayment, but according to the lawsuit, he was told that the company would not honor the terms of their deal.

In a statement made to SFGATE, Matthew Feinstein, a co-founder of Pineapple Express, said that the lawsuit is filed with false claims and that arbitration will be filed where the matter can be settled outside of court.

This isn’t the first time that Pineapple Express has been hit by a lawsuit, as they’ve previously been sold by several investors, and allegedly never filed income taxes while owing almost $1.69 million in back taxes.

The store Pineapple Express has since been closed, but Feinstein claims he will try to reopen the location in September.

2 Chainz has managed several other business deals that are currently going strong. A previous report by AFROTECH™ notes that 2 Chainz and Mychel “Snoop” Dillard co-own the Atlanta, GA-based Esco Restaurant and Tapas, which established its first location in Columbus, OH in 2022.

“It’s more lounge with great food and great atmosphere. Of course, we have the best drinks in town,” 2 Chainz told Franchise Times.

2 Chainz’s portfolio also includes Smoothie King. He is now a franchisee along with his friend Philip Jones, and they have a location in the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA.

“As we continue to expand, we’re thrilled to welcome 2 Chainz to our franchisee family—not to mention in collaboration with one of our great partners in the Atlanta Hawks,” said Wan Kim, Smoothie King CEO, in a news release. “2 Chainz’s passion for health and wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle; that coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, embodies the essence of our brand and makes this a perfect match.”

August 29, 2024