The London Review of Books celebrated its 30th anniversary in the United States by hosting a series of talks in New York City April 19 – 24, 2010, with a special party at the Puck Building Thursday evening. The scheduled talks feature well-known authors closely associated with the London Review of Books, who have contributed to the extraordinary collection of more than 12,000 essays, reviews and poems published since 1979.

Over the last 30 years, the London Review of Books has launched the careers of many notable authors and has published countless groundbreaking and seminal works such as Oliver Saks’ “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”; “The Morning After” by Edward Said; “The Israel Lobby” by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.

Circulation for the LRB has increased each year since its founding and it is currently the largest literary magazine in Europe. It has re-launched its website this past fall, www.lrb.co.uk, providing access to archives of all the issues it has published and increasing an on-line subscription base of about 78,000 readers.

During my conversation with Mary-Kay Wilmers, editor of the London Review of Books, about the effect of having LRB on-line, she remarked, "I think it's great. Where information was only available to a particular demographic, it is now available globally." The website has three full articles available to everyone and each entire issue accessible to subscribers. LRB on-line also has a blog, which facilitates and encourages discourse amongst the writers and their readers.

The growth of the London Review of Books as a literary force over the last three decades has been the result of an unswerving commitment to the art of the essay and the needs of the ‘common reader’- that community of lively, intelligent, interested people who delight in complex, witty and surprising writing on a wide range of subjects. If anyone thought that the reading public was losing its appetite for demanding and entertaining literary prose, the success of the London Review of Books proves otherwise.

Events:
April 19 – “Obama’s War” – A talk by Tariq Ali, given via satellite due to the volcano eruption; Britain’s most outspoken authority on Western engagement in Pakistan and Afghanistan will present a powerful polemic against Obama’s current policies for the region.

April 21 – “J’Accuse: Dreyfus in Our Time” – A talk by Jacqueline Rose, author of The Question of Zion and co-founder of Independent Jewish Voices, on the Dreyfus Affair and its relevance for us today.

April 22 – 30th Anniversary Party
Exclusive invite only party at 295 Lafayette, Puck Building

April 24 – “The Author in the Age of the Internet”
A panel discussion with leading critic James Wood, novelists John Lanchester, Andrew O’Hagan and Colm Tóibín, and editor of the London Review of Books Mary-Kay Wilmers. They will debate the future of the author in the age of the Internet.

For more information, please visit: London Review of Books

Photo courtesy of PatrickMcMullan.com / Jonathon Ziegler: Nicholas Spice and Mary-Kay Wilmers

One night during Miami Art Basel, I ended up at a Duncan Quinn pop-up shop uber-hot Cocktails and Croquet party hosted by Social Diva. I was promptly introduced to the fantavulous Peg Samuel, CEO of Social Diva Media. Obvi, we clicked right away and made plans to meet up at Soho House. I knew that Scene B Seen readers would love to know all the deets about Social Diva.

Scene B Seen: What is Social Diva?

Peg Samuel: Social Diva™ is a go-to resource for all of your social needs. We keep you in the know and enhance your social life by providing info on fun events, handy time savers, invitation-only sales, and the best places to go. On top of all that, we host our own fabulous events in select cities.

SBS: When and how did the idea for your website, Social Diva, begin?

PS: I started Social Diva in an attempt to answer to the infamous, age-old question, “Where can a girl go to have some fun?” Voila! Social Diva was born to solve weekday and weekend doldrums. We produced unique, hip, exciting events with creative, carefully selected themes in the hopes of making going out more fun.

SBS: How has SD developed and/or changed since inception?

PS: We add on more cities every year and also host destination events, like our prior events at Turks and Caicos Film Festival, and our UK book launch in London at the Shoreditch House.

SBS: How do Social Divas vary from city to city?

PS: Social Diva’ism is a mindset; it really is about knowing yourself. You know what you like, love, want and how you want to be. And then you go after it. Being a Social Diva is all about the person and what’s on the inside not where they live.

SBS: You’re based out of New York City, is NYC Diva central?

PS: Yes, we love love NYC. And it loves us right back!

SBS: SD is heavily subscriber based, how does this work and what sort of insider info will a member receive by being on the list?

PS: We have events, insider scoop and divas deals. But most importantly we personally check out everything we report on to make sure it is diva-worthy before reporting on it. We also will never tell you what you’ve missed, we are always inviting.

SBS: I love that! There is nothing worse than receiving a newsletter with "What You Missed..." in the subject line.

PS: Exactly! That makes you feel like an outsider, SD wants you to be an insider.

SBS: SD is like the link for SBS readers. Speaking of, you recently published a book, How to Be a Social Diva. What’s the scoop?

PS: How to be a Social Diva has all the tips of the Social Diva trade: wardrobe guidelines for every event, how to fit your life into a clutch bag, plus essential instructions on how to entertain, travel, shop, eat, look, party and relax like a Diva.

SBS: My fave tip is the Blister Buster.

PS:  We Divas love our stilettos, who knew it was so simple to make them comfy?!

SBS: Right? Obviously, parties are essential to social divaness, when did you start hosting parties?

PS: We’ve always been hosting parties! That is what makes us unique, we not only report on where to go, we provide it too!

SBS: What can one expect to find at an SD fete?

PS: Fabulous, like-minded, approachable, fun, interesting people… and YES guys too!

SBS: And what is a party without great tunes? You recently dove into the music business, do tell...

PS: After success in publishing, Social Diva wondered, “Where-to next?” The answer? Well, the recording industry of course. After all, who knows better about music that utterly rocks than a Diva? The Strictly Social Diva™ compilation gives Divas a fabulous mix of heart thumping House music to groove to- whether you’re primping for a party, mingling with the fashionistas, prepping a Divalicious dinner for friends, or just cruising around in your convertible Smart Car.

SBS: Nice! So, I have to ask, what is your fave part about being a Social Diva?

PS: Meeting people, having fun and having others enjoy what we are providing.

SBS: How do people find out about SD parties and other hot parties around town?

PS: Well that's easy! Sign up and we’ll put you on the list! http://socialdiva.com/sign-up/

Tuesday evening on the Upper East Side, sipping champers and shopping. A lovely way to celebrate the glorious dance career of New York City Ballet's Darci Kistler. The kick-off event for the NYCB's Annual Luncheon, Saying Goodbye to Darci, was held at the Valentino Boutique on Madison Ave. The cocktail party hosted gorgeous guests, including several NYCB dancers all dressed from head to toe in Valentino.

Ms. Kistler, known as the last of the "Balanchine ballerinas", will be retiring after 30 years years with the Company. Peter Martins, Ballet Master-in-Chief, and the Annual Luncheon 2010 Chairmen will host the NYCB Annual Luncheon on Wednesday, February 10th at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The luncheon will tribute Ms. Kistler's remarkable life as a dancer, Mother, and teacher.

The afternoon program will include dance selections with Ms. Kistler and students of The School of American Ballet, as well as excerpts from Anne Belle's 1989 film, Dancing for Mr. B: Six Balanchine Ballerinas.

The Luncheon will also recognize this year's Janice Levin Dancer, Kaitlyn Gilliland.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the New York City Ballet Annual Luncheon 2010, please call the Special Events Office at 212.870.5585

To view more photos from Kick-Off event, please click HERE

In the wake of the recent deaths of Brittany Murphy, Casey Johnson, DJ AM, Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger, I felt it imperative to address the issue of addiction and more specifically- prescription drug abuse. Addiction comes in all forms, doses, and quantities. In the past few years, we have heard how many celebrities have died from prescription drug cocktails. Just think about how many deaths from the same causes don't make the nightly news. In fact:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, unintentional overdose deaths involving prescription opioids increased 114 percent from 2001 (3,994) to 2005 (8,541)*

During 1999--2006, the number of poisoning deaths in the United States nearly doubled, from approximately 20,000 to 37,000**

This is the most recent nationwide data available. As you can see, this is a fast growing epidemic with a lack of efficient research and education. Despite the FDA and Health Insurance bureaucratic regulations and policies, the public has found various loopholes to obtain and abuse prescription drugs without the proper knowledge ANY drug interactions.

Rule #1- Uppers and downers DON'T mix.

Being of the Paxil and ADD generation, there is an inherent likelihood of adverse drug interactions between stimulants and depressants. Why? While doctors are quick to write a script if you're feeling blue, they often don't inform you of the chemical properties of the drug. Some anti-depressants are stimulants, some are not. For example, if you are taking meds with more up and an anti-anxiety med (Xanax, Ativan) to take the edge off, then find yourself scheduled for a root canal and a script for Vicodin, you could be in serious trouble.

River Phoenix had been on a slew of meds when he decided to go to The Viper Room in LA and do a few lines of coke. Realizing he was too sped up, he took some xanax to calm down, the fatal move. To put it simply, his brain fritzed, his synapses didn't know how to feel- up or down, nor did his heart. It was like two cars driving driving right at each other and crashed head on... his heart just stopped.

Thought: If you do find yourself too wound up, don't try and fix it with another drug.

Do: Have a warm glass of milk, go for a walk, take several deep calming breathes, call or visit a friend and talk their ear off until the speedy effects tone down. Of course, if you have chest pains or start vomiting, put your paranoia aside- call 911.

Don't: Stay home alone or think that going for a midnight jog is a good idea.

Rule #2: Have at least one Doctor know all the medications and recreational drugs you are taking, preferably your primary health care provider, not Dr. Feelgood.

It is an addicts nature to manipulate, especially when it comes to those with prescription pads. You know what to say to whom to get what you want. You leave certain info out so Dr. Feelgood will give you what you want, and he/she usually would rather not know all the details in fear of a lawsuit. What you may not know, is even cold medicine, Advil, foods, or alcohol can be a fatal interaction with certain meds, including ADD medications and painkillers. Also, disclose exactly why you are taking a specific med. Drugs have many different uses and could greatly effect other interactions

Brittany Murphy was on several medications including Topamax. While commonly used for migraines, it's also used to treat bulimia and often prescribed with an anti-seizure or heart medication. Taking Topamax alone, there is a severe threat if the patient vomits, combined with other meds that threat can be fatal.

Thoughts: If you have the wherewithal to obtain meds, you have the ability to take a couple minutes to know the facts and risks of what pills your popping.

Do: Great sites which even rate severity of interactions: Healthline or Medscape. Make sure you tell your Doc everything you're taking and all medical issues, no matter how minor you may think it is.

Don't: Assume because it's a prescription it's safe. Think because your boyfriend that's twice your size takes a certain amount, you should take the same dosage. Likewise, just because it's prescribed to your Mom or Dad, doesn't mean it's safe for you.

Rule #3: Break the cycle.

Depressants make you more depressed. Just like after a sugar rush, the crash is hard. We may think that alcohol or downers like painkillers, can make you feel better, happier, or calmer- but after the effects wear off, the depression is worse, especially if you are predisposed to depression. An addict, will increase their intake of whatever to avoid feeling the inevitable depression, thus manifesting a vicious cycle.

Thoughts: You're not alone. We often find it difficult to talk to those who care about you the most, but getting out of your head can get you out of the downward spiral.

Do: Talk to someone, even the coffee guy you see every morning may just be the impartial ear you need. Take small steps. Acknowledgement is the first step and even thinking about the one thing that makes you happy once a day, is a step in the right direction.

Don't: Think you're hopeless or helpless. Stay addicted to the thoughts in your head or keep them to yourself.

Rule #4: Find what works for you.

Every addict is unique with different issues, DNA, and addictions. Therefore, it is impossible to think that there is one cure-all for addiction. The greatest chance of success is to find a program or plan that suits your needs mentally and physically. I am grateful that 12-step programs and similar clinics exist, I also know that they don't work for everyone. Some people respond well to this type of approach. Non-conformists instinctively reject the idea regimented plans and beliefs, therefore, the chance of relapse is high. This is ok, there are several alternatives. However, nothing will help you dry up and stay dry unless you have a definitive desire to do so.

Thoughts: Getting clean is tough, staying cleaning is tougher, deciding to get clean is the toughest and bravest.

Do: Know that no matter how you feel, there is a way. Research your options. Try, try, and try again. Accept and forgive yourself.

Don't: Give up. Be too proud to ask for help. Let your health insurance (or lack of) inhibit you from getting the best care possible- there is always a way.

Addiction can be selfish, selfless, or self-destructive. Regardless, addicts are slowly killing themselves. No matter if they are escaping from day to day life, cutting themselves off from friends and family, or attempting to quell their inner thoughts, they are ultimately taking the slow road to the end of life- whether they know it or not.

Obviously, the aforementioned are just a few conjectures and there is much more to all of this. Yet, it is an undeniable issue that needs attention.

***MH- I love you and you will always remain in my heart. See you on the other side.

****NB- stay strong, slowly you arrive.

*****Note: SBS does not condone or advocate recreational drug use. The situations mentioned above are hypothetical and opinions, and should not be taken as fact. They shall in no way serve as a proponent of illegal or prescription drug use in any manner.

*National Drug Assessment 2009 http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs33/33775/index.htm

**Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5842a1.htm

Image of River Phoenix courtesy of Katie Loves Life

All other images courtesy of Getty Images: © copyright 1999-2010 Getty Images, Inc.

Dignitaries, scholars, family dynasty members, artists, editors (including the stunning Devorah Rose of Social Life Magazine), an heir apparent or two, and socialite ingenues such as Tinsley Mortimer and Stephanie Newhouse, gathered at Lincoln Center to celebrate New York City Opera's Theater Debut.

Opening night of the David H. Koch Theater, renamed in honor of Mr. David H. Koch’s $100 million lead gift to the joint capital campaign, unveiled the state-of-the-art renovations, and welcomed General Manager and Artistic Director George Steel for his inaugural season. This landmark evening honored David H. Koch, whose extraordinary generosity has provided a new home for New York City Opera and New York City Ballet.

After a spin on the red carpet, guests were escorted up to the grand promenade to sip some Dom and have a look at the much buzzed about installation by E.V. Day, best known for transforming clothing into sculpture material. The artist was given free reign to rummage through the theater's closets, which resulted in 13 works. A cast of Opera characters from Don Giovanni to Mimi, suspended from the promenade catwalks using dozens of pieces of fishing line attached to the cloth with fishing-tackle connectors (called swivel snaps).

Act II: Around 7pm, the familiar bells chimes, and guests filed into the auditorium for the opening concert, American Voices. This gala concert, marked the company’s return to the stage, the start of the 2009/2010 season, and the first under the direction of Mr. Steel. American Voices showcased performances from great American opera and musical theater performed by world-renowned New York City Opera stars including; Amy Burton, Joyce Castle, Anna Christy, Joyce DiDonato, Lauren Flanigan, Anthony Dean Griffey, Marc Kudisch, Samuel Ramey, Julius Rudel, and a special performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and by the New York City Ballet.

FYI: New York City Ballet will hold its Opening Night Benefit in the David H. Koch Theater on November 24, 2009, when it will mark its first performance in the renovated theater with a world premiere ballet by Peter Martins to a score by John Adams.

Following American Voices, guests returned to the promenade, which had been gloriously transformed into elegant table seating, to dine, chat, and participate in the live auction. Auction Chairman, Luziah Ismail-Hennessey, paired luxury items and priceless experieces such as; An African Fishing Adventure, a trip to Jordan, a Greek Art Trip, and an Italian Grand Tour, to be auctioned off by Chairman of Sotheby's North and South America, Jamie Niven.

Encore: All proceeds from the Theater Debut Celebration support City Opera's mission to produce innovative productions of new and classic work, reach a wide audience with affordable ticket prices, and bring music into the lives of thousands of students each year through its acclaimed education programs in New York City public schools.

SEEN: Alex McCord, Amy Fine Collins, Annette Mcevoy-Bronheim, Arie Kopelman, Ashleigh Sekoski, Atilla Tetik, Bassima Ghawi, Bianca Kawecki, Carolina Herrera, Catherine Farley, Coco Kopelman, David Koch, Devorah Rose, Diana Picasso, E.V. Day, Edmee Firth, Elaine Sargent, Elizabeth Peek, Emre Tetik, George Steel, Gilles Hennessey, Gillian Miniter, Habib Ghawi, Harold Bronheim, Jeffrey Peek, Jesse Newhouse, Jorn Weisbrodt, Julia Koch, Lorry Newhouse, Luziah Hennessey, Margo Langenberg, Mark Newhouse, Michael Lynch, Nicholas Firth, Nicolas Mirzayantz, Paula Zahn, Princess Alexandra of Greece, Rachel Roy, Reinaldo Herrera, Reshma Shetty, Robert Meya, Robert Vacca, Rufus Wainwright, Sarah Steele, Simon van Kempen, Stephanie Newhouse, Stephanie Stokes, Susan Baker, Sylvester Miniter, Terry Clark, Tinsley Mortimer, Wyndham Lewis, and Xavier Hermes.

To view more Gala Photos, please visit the SBS DHKT Debut Gallery

Please visit New York City Opera for season performance tickets and information

*All photos by Nick McGlynn

*photo 1: Rufus Wainwright and Jorn Weisbrodt

*photo 2: Tinsley Mortimer and Julia Koch

*photo 3: Richard Taylor and Mark Newhouse