by Contributor | Oct 10, 2024
Here’s a ranking of the top airlines in the world for 2024, based on the most respected airline rankings by Skytrax and AirlineRatings:
Top 10 Airlines in 2024 (Skytrax & AirlineRatings Combined):
- Qatar Airways
- Best for: Business Class, service quality, Middle Eastern routes.
- Awards: Best Business Class, Best Airline in the Middle East
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- Singapore Airlines
- Best for: First Class, cabin crew, Asia routes.
- Awards: Best Cabin Staff, Best Airline in Asia
- Emirates
- Best for: In-flight entertainment, premium economy, and Middle Eastern routes.
- Awards: Best Premium Economy
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Best for: Cleanliness, Japanese routes, and service reliability.
- Strong across: Business and economy cabins(
- Cathay Pacific
- Best for: Economy class, Asian routes, safety.
- Awards: World’s Best Economy Class(
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- Best for: Premium economy, punctuality, customer service(
- Turkish Airlines
- Best for European and global connectivity, business class catering.
- Awards: Best Airline in Europe, Best Business Class Catering(
- EVA Air
- Best for: Service excellence, trans-Pacific routes(
- Air France
- Best for: First-class dining, Western European routes.
- Awards: Best First Class Catering(
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Best for: Service efficiency, safety record(
Other notable airlines include Korean Air for its service across North Asia and British Airways for its family-friendly services
Mothership
For U.S.-based airlines, Delta Air Lines ranks highest at 21st globally, recognized for its excellent cabin crew and class offerings in North America(
by Dennis Richardson | Oct 10, 2024
This month brings a rare and exquisite offering from Leading Hotels of the World’s Malibu Beach Inn and Cucina Cipoletti! The two have teamed up to offer an extremely limited time four-course menu featuring wines from Demeine Estates and Lawrence Family Wine Estate.
Courtesy of Malibu Beach Inn
Freddie Cipoletti, the Founder of Cucina Cipoletti, and Josh Balague, Head Chef of Malibu Beach Inn’s Carbon Beach Club (CBC), have created a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines Mediterranean flavors with a Malibu twist, showcasing Cucina Cipoletti products and ingredients. This gourmet pairing highlights Freddie’s dedication to Italian tradition alongside Chef Balague’s mastery of locally sourced ingredients, creating a dining experience that celebrates both the rustic charm of Italy and the breezy elegance of Malibu. The menu will include Scallop Crudo, Cucina Cipoletti Paccheri and Spaghettoni, Grilled Octopus, and more.
Courtesy of Cucina Cipoletti
In addition to the exclusive menu, guests can indulge in an elevated stay with a special room package available from October 1st to 31st. Those who book the King Premier Ocean Front Room will be treated to the Cucina Cipoletti Package, which includes a carefully curated Cucina Cipoletti Wine Tote, filled with artisanal goods, recipes, and premium products like Cucina Cipoletti pasta. To top it off, a complimentary dinner for two from the Cucina Cipoletti menu at CBC is included, allowing guests to fully embrace the spirit of la dolce vita, or “the good life.”
About Malibu Beach Inn
Nestled along Malibu’s iconic Carbon Beach, often referred to as “Billionaire’s Beach,” Malibu Beach Inn offers a luxurious, intimate escape with unmatched access to the Pacific. This boutique hotel boasts 47 elegantly appointed rooms, each featuring full glass doors that open onto private balconies, granting sweeping ocean views from nearly every corner. With only 34 steps separating the hotel from the sandy shores, guests can easily stroll down the exclusive private stairway to enjoy the surf and sand.
Courtesy of Malibu Beach Inn
Whether indulging in a gourmet meal at CBC, unwinding at the oceanfront spa suite, or lounging on the hotel’s private beach chairs, Malibu Beach Inn provides a haven of opulence and serenity. With impeccable service and an unbeatable location, this is the ultimate setting for a truly unforgettable seaside getaway.
The hotel’s private beach access—one of the few along the California coast—allows guests to enjoy the ocean at their leisure, guided by a daily tide chart. For those seeking a blend of elegance, exclusivity, and natural beauty, Malibu Beach Inn offers an unparalleled coastal retreat. Make your reservation to take advantage of the limited-time special offer, here.
About Cucina Cipoletti
Cucina Cipoletti is a family-owned brand dedicated to delivering premium Italian pantry essentials, sourced straight from Italy’s most celebrated regions. Founded by the Cipoletti family, the company is driven by a passion for sharing the joy of authentic Italian cuisine with American households, while promoting the idea that quality ingredients can lead to a more enriching, flavorful life.
The journey of founders Jenny and Freddie Cipoletti began over a shared love for Italian culture, discovered during a memorable Sunday Supper. Surrounded by the warmth of family, the aroma of home-cooked food, and the sound of laughter, the couple realized their deep connection to Italy’s culinary heritage. Freddie, a third-generation Neapolitan from New York, and Jenny, who spent her childhood summers on her family’s olive grove in Tuscany, both felt a calling to preserve and share the rich, authentic flavors of Italy. Their shared vision became the foundation for Cucina Cipoletti, bringing a taste of Italy to kitchens across the U.S.
With an unwavering focus on tradition and excellence, Cucina Cipoletti offers a carefully curated selection of products that bring the essence of Italy to every meal, elevating everyday dining into something special. Discover more about Cucina Cipotelli and the Cipotelli family and story, or shop the brand here.
by Randy Dunbar | Oct 8, 2024
How often do you say: “what a fun store?” But, that is what will happen when you visit the brand new Halloween shop called Spirit Halloween at 1601 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027. With Halloween being a mere four weeks away, it is time to get into the spirit, and into the costume. A large space with some very large and scary tableaus, it is a store full of surprises—and reasonable prices (that’s rare these days!)
It’s also time to plan your Halloween outing this year. Here is a list of the usual suspects, but guaranteed to thrill nonetheless:
Here are some top Halloween events happening in and around Hollywood this year, along with links to their official websites:
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Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Experience immersive haunted mazes, scare zones, and attractions based on popular horror franchises like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Insidious. Runs through select nights in October.
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West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
- One of the largest outdoor Halloween street festivals, with thousands of attendees showcasing extravagant costumes, live entertainment, and street performers. Takes place on Halloween night.
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Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
- A spooky hayride through Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, and eerie surprises. Open on select nights in October.
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Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
- This haunted attraction takes place aboard the historic Queen Mary ship in Long Beach, known for its paranormal activity. It features haunted mazes and ghostly encounters. Dates run from late September through Halloween.
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery Dia de los Muertos
- Celebrating the Day of the Dead, this event features altars, traditional Mexican food, live performances, and art displays. Held in late October.
These events vary from full-on scares to cultural celebrations, offering something for everyone! Make sure to visit their websites for ticket information and schedules.
by Randy Dunbar | Oct 4, 2024
The idea for a book took a long time. Maybe eight years or more. I had such a vast collection of images and writings that it seemed like a book was the perfect publishing outlet.
I had used a Nixon FE for decades and that was the camera I used on a trip to Bali and Maldives. When the iPhone became a good tool that could take excellent images and not hang around your neck, it was an easy to go.
I have always loved photography.
The play of light on a face, a wall was an instance waiting to happen. One had to only look. It was there.
Photographing people can be trickier. I was in Paris and a group of models were outside a museum smoking—all elegantly dressed and I was too shy to ask for a picture. You can regret those moments, for a long time.
Travel photography was a calling. I needed new and unique places. I loved visiting elegant hotels and parts of the world rarely visited. I tried to avoid cliches. I sometimes succeeded, But I made this book of the hopefully unique. moments to share.
My family rarely left the country. Other than some road trips to Tijuana,
the National Parks, and Crestline, we never left the country.
At an early age, I did visit San Francisco and Palm Springs frequently, and after
high school, trips to New York City were frequent. But it wasn’t until that first
flight to Hawaii the notion that travel could make you feel different happened.
It’s not easy to know just what it is because, until you’ve been there, you’re only
As I think about it, having grown up and still living in Los Angeles, despite that
sojourn of eight years in New York City, I know this town, maybe too well.
A trip to Bali in the 90s convinced me that what I was seeking was “otherness”,
something other than American culture. When a bare-chested woman was walking
down a dirt road in Ubud with fruit on her head, I thought, I am not an American
anymore. Later, a bloody cockfight would cement that notion.
Heat and humidity could not wrest my love of traveling from me. I went to Bali.
Australia, Europe, the Maldives, Mexico, Belize, and many other countries
I didn’t always have a camera. I missed what I am sure would have been an
award-winning photo (Paris 2015, Vogue’s 95th Anniversary Party) and numerous
other “moments” where people shifted, the light changed, or a car blocked the
Some pictures were taken with a 35mm camera—most with an iPhone, which
in many ways is the better camera—certainly when traveling, it is the more
Traveling creates stories. All places have their stories and the people you meet
on a journey have their stories. We engage with a culture other than the one we
know—language, cuisine, and dress come together to create a story vastly unique
and, for many, wonderous. It can be arduous, it can be boring (airports, delayed
flights and toll tickets from other countries
by Contributor | Oct 1, 2024
First, the weather: An Indian Summer refers to a period of unusually warm and dry weather occurring in autumn, typically after the first frost. It often happens between late September and mid-November in the Northern Hemisphere. The name originated in the U.S. during the 18th century, possibly because the warm spell allowed Native Americans (referred to as “Indians” then) to continue hunting and harvesting. And that is what we have as October starts out with three-digit days. But, it is also a time of festivals, events and experiences. Here are just a few
October in Los Angeles offers a variety of exciting events, perfect for every interest:
- Hans Zimmer Live (Oct 1 & 11): Experience the legendary film composer at the Crypto.com Arena with a live band and orchestra, performing iconic movie scores in a stunning audiovisual show
- (Secret Los Angeles) (Experism).
- American Idiot (Oct 2 – Nov 10): Green Day’s rock opera returns to the Mark Taper Forum, blending music with ASL performances by both Deaf and hearing actors
- (Experism).
- Punk in Drublic Festival (Oct 5-6): Celebrate the final stop of NOFX’s tour with live punk rock music, craft beer tastings, and food trucks in San Pedro
- (Experism).
- House of Spirits: Casa Vega: For a haunted twist, explore themed cocktails and eerie interactive experiences inspired by Francisco Goya at this immersive event
- (Secret Los Angeles).
- Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience: Dive into the world of Beetlejuice with live entertainment and photo ops at Ovation Hollywood (
Secret Los Angeles).
