Clarity

 

Clarity is an interesting word. It means the quality of being easy to see or the sharpness of an image. In the business world, both concepts may be difficult to decipher. I find perception of one's self to be vulnerable to the outside opinions of others. The problem is most people internalize their own failures and project their feelings of jealousy through hate or disbelief. "Every time someone rises up in this world, there's always some ******* trying to bring him down." -Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street)

The world today is very serious and can be extremely cruel. It is important to have a good sense of humor to get through difficult times. I consider myself a playful person who is often sarcastic and laughs at most things. Just because I happen to be funny, does not mean that I can not conquer my goals and be successful... Yes, I am aware that the name of my blog is pretentious. Yes, I know that some phrases I use such as "old sport" is silly and it is supposed to be. Yes, the Wolf of Crestwood is meant to be amusing but it is still awesome either way! Yes, talking about money is tacky but we all do it... The key is to not take yourself too seriously. People have many sides to them and it may be hard too see someone's true talents just by having a light conversation with them or by judging what kind of car they drive. 

A friend of mine recently appeared on a reality television show where he was portrayed as a snooty rich man. When I finally asked him about said portrayal, he said that he hated it and that his words were taken the wrong way. I have noticed that this happens quite a bit when talks of money, religion, or politics arise. Take the boxer Floyd Mayweather for example... He flaunts his money and that kind of attention causes ill feelings from many people. I however, enjoy his money persona. I do not take it seriously as it is a performance for the world's stage. Now allow me to clarify something, I am not saying that it is just a show. Floyd has real money and does actually live a certain way. I do bet that there are days when he is not showing off his money and simply sits at home on the couch watching funny videos and eating cereal. Does that make him fake? Does he HAVE TO be Money Mayweather 24 hours a day? The answer is no... Each person has a many characteristics of themselves. He is allowed to be silly and loving with his kids and serious when he enters the ring!

What is my point? Clearly the public only gets to see a fraction of someone's life and the assumptions fly uncontrollably. There are days where I wear a power suit to an important business meeting and there are days where I wear sweats to visit my niece and nephews. At night I can playfully joke around like a teenager and in the morning build a 1.5 million dollar mansion. (Insert my Bruce Wayne smirk here)
Some people find it interesting that amongst my many careers, I teach theology during the day. They think the guy who talks money and watches Scarface every month can not also be about theology. The real interesting part comes when their facial expression changes after I flex my knowledge in the subject area.

There is a scene from the film American Gangster where Frank Lucas is trying to find out who shot at him. Dominic Cattano says, "Success. It's got enemies. You can be successful and have enemies or you can be unsuccessful and have friends."
That is a very powerful line that I am reminded of everyday at one of my jobs. With that said, I believe that being kind, being honest, and being a good person will shine through any situation to the right people. I have a talent of making situations more special. The way I see it is, you can have a simple birthday cake or you can have an entire birthday party. A nice car to me symbolizes the party! A big house to me symbolizes fun! I am just trying to make my time here as much fun and special as possible. Success is not saying that you are better than someone else, it can be as simple as a kid who liked rap videos and gangster movies and wanted to prove to his pop that he could make it!
As long as you be yourself and be every funny, serious, rich, silly, professional version of yourself, it does not matter what others think of you.

"The Wolf does not concern himself with the opinions of sheep!"  

Powerball

People always ponder the thought of what the wealthy life would bring...
Are you imaging yachts, brunch in Monaco, and a service staff of a hundred or more just patiently waiting on you hand and foot? If so, you must have fancied yourself to a Powerball ticket!
If you have not already heard, the Powerball winnings are up to over a billion dollars. Yes, I did just say a billion old sport! Just to put that into perspective, the future winner would double the net worth of boxing's money man Floyd Mayweather. According to Celebrity Net Worth, my good friend Floyd is worth an estimated $400 million. If you have had the pleasure of seeing how Money May lives, you would be more than excited to win this amount of cash!

I have my tickets handy for the life changing announcement. My very good friends always ask me what I would do if I won the Powerball. Some have even suggested that I would spend it all in a matter of weeks. I would argue that point and I am personally insulted that they think it would take me that long! I am indeed kidding, kind of...

Let us get down to it, shall we? First thing I would do bright and early in the morning is travel to Greenwich Connecticut to purchase my new Rolls Royce Phantom in pristine white. This has always been my most favorite luxury automobile. From there, I would drive into lovey Westchester where I would visit Tourneau Luxury Watches and pick up the new Rolex President in 18 karat gold. Did I mention the diamonds in the face of the Rolex? That's cause I shouldn't have to...

My main purchase would be to buy a large property. On this property I would build my own town. Picture this, a beautiful gated community of large estates occupied by all of my good friends and family! Everyone showered with only the finest things that money can buy. There would be a great pool in the center of town where fountains would spray a rich mixture of pool water and Cristal. I am also thinking a few statues of myself throughout the private gated community. Did I say a few? I meant over a thousand or so... One statue portraying each moment of genuine happiness!

Best of luck tonight to all the players who wish upon a star.

P. Diddy always says, "Dream BIG!" Well Mr. Combs, consider it done!

One of my favorite commercials of all time! Watch below.

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself...

A piece of coal is rough, unshaped and lacks a certain shine to its exterior. When coal is subjected to various geological processes, its chemical composition undergoes a very intriguing change. High pressure deep inside the earth challenges the small prospect. If the piece of coal rises to the challenge, it transforms into a vibrant beautiful diamond.

Not everyone is lucky enough to start out as a diamond in the world. Maybe under the right pressure or situation, we can find a certain shine that lives in all of us. I grew up in the Bronx and honestly believe where a person comes from makes them appreciate where they are going.
People are always interested in what I do. My father was a very intelligent man who constantly had to learn and master new things. Whether it was music, art, or sport, he had to have a taste of everything. I am the same way... Ten years ago I got into the music business and worked with major record labels to promote artists. Music is in my blood so of course this was the path laid out before me. When I was a teenager, I remember watching Diddy on stage with Biggie and Mase. Puff and I always had similar qualities. Aside from being driven by success with a heaping side of flash and flare, we are hard workers who appreciate good business. He was always corporate even before starting Bad Boy Records. I enjoy the balance of the corporate world and the music world. I can be in the studio in front of a mixing board at 3 a.m. or in an office meeting wearing a tailored suit signing contracts with a diamond Montblanc. My music company is similar to a record label in where we promote new and existing artists as well as find and coach new talent. It could be an amazing life if you love what you do, trust me.  

Being in the entertainment industry allows me to branch off into other areas as well. I started a champagne distribution company three years ago offering bottles of my brand "Success" to clients. I have tried many different brands of champagne but by far this is my favorite! You may think that's a bias statement, I do however challenge you to prove me wrong. It is very important to me that when my name is put on something, it has to be the best! I do have a new website being designed by the Trump corporation as we speak, more information will be available, should you need to inquire.

As my father before me, I had to explore different fields of work as well. I went to school to get my bachelor's degree in education so I could teach during the day hours. I decided to get my master's degree in administration simply to have more options and to be able to explore different positions in the education field. I might want to add college professor to my extensive resume one day. I have also expanded my company in the area of real estate. I have great friends in the business and my customer relations department is nothing shy of impressive. The real estate consulting department of Carparelli Enterprises focuses on advising clients on investments and building opportunities in today's market. I had the pleasure of discussing luxury watches with Million Dollar Listing's star Josh Altman late Wednesday evening. His new book about real estate was just released and I highly recommend giving it a read.    

I take pride in what I do.
My father used to say that pride was a sin, then again he also named me Damian so...

"Really what do you see
when you looking at me?
See me come up from nothing,
to me living my dreams?
I done been to the bottom,
I done suffered a lot,
I deserve to be rich,
headed straight to the top!"

 -Maino

 

 
 

The Richness of Crestwood Living

Filthy Rich Entertainment is BACK for a new season!!!
Would I dare to brag about thousands of views and multiple celebrity promotions on just 25 posts? Why yes, yes I would! Get ready for a new year of top shelf blogging! Ladies and gents, buckle the seat belts on your G5 and enjoy the ride...

The Richness of Crestwood Living

If you happen to find yourself cruising with the top down on a Sunday afternoon in Westchester county, I highly recommend passing through a quiet neighborhood filled with beautiful and extravagant homes known as Crestwood. This posh neighborhood is perfectly located in the middle of Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville and Scarsdale. You'll know you're in the right place when you see a classic model Porsche parked right next to a new one! Late Monday evening I attended a dinner soiree a few blocks away in the town of Bronxville. I must say that I was impressed by the number of restaurants and quaint boutique stores that were located within a few blocks of each other. Being smitten with the area, I of course had to invest and purchase a piece of property there for myself.

I was originally drawn to Crestwood about six years ago when I noticed a fairly large house being built in the neighborhood. Calling it a house may be a tad insulting since Home Plans Incorporated states that mansion plans begin around the 5,000 square foot mark. After all, the late gangster Al Capone's mansion in Miami was indeed around 6,000 square feet. Needless to say, I was dazzled by the magnificent architectural work and even more by the $20,000 Baccarat crystal chandelier hanging above the foyer window. As you should already know, this was definitely my cup of tea!

According to city-data.com, the median household income of Crestwood is over $100,000 and the average home is valued around $811,325 to $1.2 million. In the heart of town you can find the Crestwood train station. With Manhattan just 30 minutes away, business tycoons can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and the crisp feeling of the Wall Street Journal as they ride to work. During the Christmas season, a tree lighting ceremony takes place outside of the station and beautiful lights and decorations fill the entire neighborhood.

Crestwood itself is an independent community. Equipped with their own representatives, the neighborhood has successfully established its own identity as a unified community filled with grand estates, an appealing mix of professional people, its own fire department and the Roman Catholic Church of Annunciation. Many children in the neighborhood attend Annunciation school which is conveniently located on Westchester Avenue in Crestwood, New York (as stated on their website).

Skeptics of the area like to point out the school system and knock the uppity atmosphere. They try to put down a neighborhood that successfully strives to be its own entity. I believe that everyone has a certain job. Skeptics are meant to be skeptic, I however, am meant to sit in my versace tiled bubble bath drinking a glass of vintage 1961 Dom Perignon and not think about such skeptics... Cheers!

Sincerely yours, 

The Wolf of Crestwood

Mansion Life

You want to live fancy? Live in a big mansion? Party in France? Well according to Ms. Spears, you better work!

When I hear someone speak of old money, I envision a grand mansion with a Rolls Royce parked in the driveway. Maybe tennis courts are available on the property where the butler serves brandy on a silver tray? Today's times have replaced that image with the younger generation's hunger for success. The new money suit and tie generation, where new construction homes are flashy and tennis courts have been replaced with billiard rooms for entertaining. You may notice a Mercedes instead of a Rolls in the driveway and a glass of chilled champagne over brandy. Do not give up on horseback riding and croquet just yet. Younger generations have not changed the ritzy lifestyle, they just modified it...

According to the New York Daily News, Kim Kardashian recently sold her five bedroom 4,000 square foot mansion in Beverly Hills to build a custom home with her husband Kanye West. Kim's younger sister Kylie has followed suit and purchased a similar sized property in Calabasas. She spent a reported $2.7 million on the 4,900 square foot beauty. The Kardashian empire has grown in both money and fame over the past few years and their lifestyle reflects it! Miami resident hip hop artists Drake and Rick Ross have also been mansion hopping over the years. Complex.com reports that back in 2012, Drake moved from Miami to California to live in a $9 million dollar 7,000 square foot mansion built for a young money king. In 2013, rapper Rick Ross allowed cameras from MTV to film his luxurious Miami Estate. Rick Ross showed off his 4,700 square foot mansion on MTV Cribs. The estate showcased seven bedrooms and four bathrooms complete with a gorgeous Miami view.

If you would care to live like Tony Montana, his Scarface mansion is available for $30 thousand a month. You can rent the 10,000 square foot piece of cinematic history but you should know that the tiger does not come with the property! One major factor that separates a large house from a mansion is the decor. Homeplans.com offers mansion plans for 5,000 square feet and up. Whether you prefer a classic look or a more modern decor like Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian's 5,199 square foot Colonial-style abode, hiring an interior decorator is always a good idea. So cheers to all my readers who fancy my articles! May all your champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true. See you in the great room next to the piano and self portrait!   

Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2015

Could this be the boxing match of the year?

Undefeated champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather has reportedly agreed to fight long time nemesis Manny Pacquiao. According to sources at TMZ, Mayweather agreed to fight Pacquiao this year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Fans have been anticipating this event for nearly six years. Floyd Mayweather stands at 47-0 with 26 knockouts. Manny Pacquiao holds a record of 57-5-2 with 38 knockouts. The hype of the Mayweather battle faded after Pacquiao was knocked out in the Marquez fight but fans still want the epic event to occur!

I would not get my hopes up quite yet. ESPN has reported that the deal has not been finalized. The actual business part of the event has yet to be worked out. Anybody who knows Money Mayweather can assume that much of the fight's cash value will go straight into his ever growing bank account! Who doesn't need a new Rolls Royce to add to the collection? 

There is talk of a May 2^nd fight. ESPN states that the event promoters would like to possibly push back the fight date to build up excitement and publicity. 

Will the reigning king of the boxing world face the Filipino sensation in 2015?
Only time will tell…

I'M BATMAN!

Holy billionaire bank accounts Batman!
Which superhero happens to be my personal favorite? Could it be the billionaire C.E.O of Wayne Enterprises, Master Bruce Wayne? But of course it is! Living in a mansion, driving expensive cars and having a personal butler is my true definition of superpowers! Who wouldn't need a hot cup of Tieguanyin tea and a silver tray of beluga caviar after fighting crime?

Throughout the years, many actors have attempted to fill the utility belt of the Capped Crusader but unfortunately many have fell short of expectation. Adam West was the famous Batman of the good old days. Aside from the rubber sharks and the less than appealing wardrobes, you have to appreciate a classic. The 1966 series only lasted for three seasons but the term, "To the Batcave!" will live on forever!

My personal favorite Batman film was the 1989 version. Bruce Wayne will forever be Michael Keaton in my book. I can remember attending a showing in the theater as a child. Crowds were amazed by the new Batmobile upgrade. Jack Nicholson played the Joker and did a superb job at that. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for the role. According to Variety Magazine, Michael Keaton was asked if he was envious of Ben Affleck's role as the new Bruce Wayne in the next Batman vs Superman movie. He responded in true Micheal Keaton fashion and said, "No. Do you know why? Because I’m Batman. I’m very secure in that.” Could his response be anymore Bruce Wayne like? I can picture Alfred standing beside him whispering in his English accent, "Well said sir."

One former Batman star did express some jealousy over Affleck's new role. Christian Bale was the latest actor to play the part of Batman in the Dark Knight trilogy. US Weekly reported that Bale stated, "The fact that I’m jealous of someone else playing Batman… I think I should have gotten over it by now."
I don't believe that Mr. Bale will have any problems finding a job beyond the Batman legacy, he is currently playing Moses in the new Exodus flick.

Look out for Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice coming to theaters in 2016 and check out Fox's new hit series Gotham!


V.I.P Facts from this blog: 

*Alfred Pennyworth hails from jolly old England 

 *Tieguanyin tea is $3,000 per kg.

*Beluga caviar comes from beluga sturgeon and is found in the Caspian Sea. Market prices can range from $7,000 to $10,000/kg.

* Michael Keaton turned down $15 million for the third Batman movie because he thought it was awful. -(moviepilot.com)

A Short Story About Big Dreams

Swagger- To walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way

The key to having confidence is knowing yourself! What have you accomplished? Where are you going? After I graduated from college, I became a teacher. As you may have heard, teaching is very much an underpaid profession. I remember sitting on the sofa one afternoon after work. I was enjoying a late lunch and a music video caught my attention. I was amazed by the fancy cars, the vibrant jewelry, the expensive clothes and the Scarface lifestyle that was being portrayed. I thought to myself, the road to success can't possibly begin with me on the sofa in the afternoon on a Monday. That was the day that I decided to start my own company. A close friend of mine introduced me to the music business and things began to take off. The rest was up to me to put the time in and stay loyal to my connects. I remember smoking a cigar in the backyard with my friend David who turned to me and said, "Do you realize that music has shaped your entire life?" I didn't realize it until that moment but he was absolutely right. Music not only helped shape who I was, it also defined who my father was.

I recall a sunny afternoon in the spring of 2005. I had just purchased my first new car. I was always interested in the Accord by Honda. Believe me when I tell you, I felt quite jubilant when I drove my new car home from the dealership that day. I even purchased the fully loaded model thanks to the influence of my good buddy Keith. It was an amazing feeling to drive that car home. That feeling lasted for exactly twenty two minutes until I pulled up next to a diamond white Cadillac. Talk about a broken heart old sport? How could I resist the shine of that American made beauty? The desire for my long awaited Honda diminished almost instantaneously. For the next twelve months I worked day and night to build my business. Visions of grandeur lit fire to my motivation like a five o'clock espresso in the hands of a businessman on Wall Street.

Exactly one year after buying my Accord, I drove to the dealership and returned it. At six o' clock that evening, I was handed the keys to my new diamond white Cadillac. I drove home unusually slow that night. I remember feeling victorious, like I accomplished something great. You may find this to be a bit silly but it was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced. It wasn't the car that made me feel great, it was the hard work that it took to get the car that made me feel great!

I will always be fond of the classic gangster automobile. I haven't drove one in a few years now. Not to say that I won't go back, but for now I'm happy with my Mercedes. I fancy the class and the style it represents. There is a song titled Stuntin Like My Daddy where Lil Wayne says, "When I was sixteen I bought my first Mercedes Benz!" That was the music video that sparked my interest while I was sitting on the sofa that afternoon. I might have had to wait until my twenties to buy my first Mercedes Benz but like the old saying goes, better late than never!

I would like to end this article with a motivational quote from the film The Pursuit of Happiness. I hope what I write inspires people to go after their dreams!

"You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period." -Will Smith (Christopher Gardner)

Did It My Way...

       

Frank Sinatra said it best, "For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels; and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows- and did it my way!"

My Father used to always say, "No matter what, always keep your cool." He was a signed musician with a top ten hit on the Boston charts. He was also the headliner at the famous Copacabana in New York City during the days of gentlemen and gangsters. I have been told that I took on some of his personality and style. My Father always stressed the importance of how a man should represent himself.

I try to live by the standards: dress well, speak noble, and be better than you were yesterday!
Whether your actions are James Bond like or business chic, the heart of a man is meant to represent honor and leadership. On occasion I'll drive to my office listening to classical music. Does that make me a better person? Probably not, but I do believe there is a richness to it and I can appreciate the culture it represents. I also find myself drawn to certain types of films that showcase certain characters that I can relate to. Just the other afternoon, I read an article about the Sex and the City star Chris Noth. He played the older sophisticated gentleman known as "Mr. Big" on the Golden Globe winning series. He appeared in 41 episodes as a big shot executive who was always seen driving in a Mercedes Benz. I think it is important to teach the younger generations about old school class! In fact, according to Statisticbrain.com- 76% of women date men that are at least five years older than them. Take a note fellas... 

I recently viewed a film titled Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Ryan Gosling. Ryan's roll of a wealthy well dressed gentleman type brought the style of the 50's into the 2000's. After dating around, he realizes that the one thing missing from his life is a good woman. Emma Stone plays the sassy love interest in the movie. After realizing that the guy she was with wasn't up to par, she captures the attention of the professional bachelor and things take off from there. The connection between the two characters is a perfect combination of sexy and cute. (You may have to watch the movie to get that line)
As you should know, I am a fan of all things classy. There is scene in the film where Ryan is courting Emma and makes her a stylish drink called an Old Fashioned to set the mood.

Gentlemen write this down: Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a glass and soak it with a few dashes of Aromatic Bitters. Add a splash of water and muddle the sugar until it dissolves. Add one large ice cube and 2 oz. of bourbon. Use a vegetable peeler to remove a piece of an orange peel. Squeeze the peel over the drink to express oils of the orange. Finally, place orange peel on the glass as a garnish and enjoy.

The Chrisleys, The Housewives, The Kardashians Oh My!

Money, fame and wealth have taken over prime time television! 
We most definitely have come a very long way from the millionaire Thurston Howell III on Gilligan's Island and the wealthy Park Avenue business man Mr. Drummond on Different Strokes. Shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians, Chrisley Knows Best and The Real Housewives have brought fancy cars, luxurious homes, and glamorous lifestyles right into our very own living rooms!

In 2007, Ryan Seacrest and Eliot Goldberg created a reality show that would change reality television forever. Keeping up with the Kardashians gave home viewers a look into the lives of the pretty and privileged. The show developed multiple spin offs which to no surprise, became just as successful and also jump started the careers of the youngest sisters Kylie and Kendall. I was personally introduced to Kim, Kourtney and Khloe and found them to be quite lovely in person. I must say that I do enjoy Khloe's ability to keep the show lighthearted and funny even through the toughest of times. If you are an avid reader of my articles, you know Scott Disick (Kourtney's boyfriend) and I share similar interests such as watches, fashion, boats, and luxury cars. His posh personality adds a certain charisma to the ever growing franchise.
Fans are currently sitting on the edge of their seats awaiting the latest spin off, Kourtney and Khloe take The Hamptons! The girls recently opened a new Dash clothing store in the Hamptons located near Ralph Lauren. I recently passed by Dash Miami while I was vacationing there this summer. I was only there for a moment but the store seemed very busy and the location was superb. I couldn't stay long because I was on my way to the Versace Mansion but sadly it had closed early that afternoon. I did however settle for a yacht cruise down the famous Millionaire's Row, but I'm not complaining of course... 

New to the wealth on prime time is a family show titled Chrisley Knows Best. It is a delightful show about family values and success. The father of the show is Todd Chrisley. Todd certainly has a larger than life personality! Although Todd is a millionaire, he keeps his family level headed and in good moral standing. Some may view Todd's personality as a little overprotective but as you watch the show, you can obviously see that his actions are purely out of love. In a recent episode, Todd's son Chase deliberately goes against his father's wishes and sneaks out with his friends. The very next morning, Chase finds a boot placed on the front tire of his Range Rover. It may sound a bit extreme but you do have to admit, it does sound entertaining! You may recall an article I had written some time ago expressing my excitement for the new Mercedes Benz E class. I was inspired to write that piece because Todd purchased that particular automobile in one of the earlier episodes. Of course I ended up buying the Mercedes and I am very pleased thus far. Great marketing you might say.

Who doesn't fancy themselves a little Real Housewives franchise? Year after year we watch in suspense how each family grows in controversy and style. Is it the shiny new Bentley in the driveway that captures our attention? Could it be the many diamond studded Breitling watches that appear throughout the series that lures America to tune in? I believe it just may be the insanity that goes on in every family that makes for good T.V. Either way, there is no question that money and family issues do mix!  



 

Bringing Classy Back!

I was attending a dinner party late Friday evening and a discussion arose about how people used to dress back in the good old days. I had a picture of my grandfather on my phone and showed it to the table to point out how well dressed he was. It was easy to see that even the most expensive of t-shirts could not compare to a fine tailored suit. Why did I choose a photo of Sean Connery to head this blog? This photo spoke to me on many levels. First and most obvious, this is a clip from a James Bond film. From the bow tie to the brandy decanter, you can get a sense of how gentlemen were portrayed years ago. In old movies, everyone is dressed well and manners were present at all times. You can still see this behavior today but it is often acted out by those of royalty or old wealth. What happened to the cool classy things people used to do? Can we bring classy back?
For example, there is something to say about a person who has a library in the home or a wine cellar in the basement. It adds a sort of sophistication to the house. Playing a competitive game of chess or sipping tea in the afternoon has high class style to it. I love the simple idea of having my hands wrapped around a cherry wood steering wheel surrounded by gold trimmed accents on a 30' bowrider on the open water. I find playing a musical instrument shows culture and work ethic to one's life resume. In fact, I am currently in the beginning stages of learning the piano. While conversing with my good friend Brian last week, he asked me if I was playing the piano because I thought it was a "fancy" thing? I wasn't thinking of it that way but the old sport was spot on! I do believe that it is a very classy skill to add to my repertoire. What beautiful sophisticated woman wouldn't mind a nice glass of Harlan in front of the fireplace while the sound of a piano filled the room? Beethoven once said, "Music should strike fire from the heart of  man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
Have you ever asked yourself why the opera is so special or why giving a fancy name like caviar to fish eggs makes it a delicacy? It may not be the contralto you're attracted to from the balcony of the Royal Opera House in London or the crisp pop of wild sturgeon roe from the Russian Tea Room in New York City. What draws you in just may be the representation of these things. We like fancy. We want exclusive. It is quite expensive to enjoy the finer things in life but the feeling you can get from it is priceless.          

Dress To Success

Filthy Rich Entertainment is back to blog for a new season!
I would like to personally thank my readers for following my articles and taking interest in my world!
Filthy Rich Ent. is the official blog for D-Star Entertainment LLC.
My first blog post was viewed by only 21 people. Now I average about 200 views per post. That 's over 3,300 views on just 17 blog posts.

You should have heard the term "dressed to impress" a few times in your life. In order to be successful, one must project success at all times (American Beauty 1999). Perfection may be difficult to reach but the simple act of reaching may be all you need to become successful. Simple changes in attitude and perception may help a person get on the right path. John Gotti used to always have his car washed, a fresh hair cut and a clean pair of shoes on. He took pride in his attire because his appearance meant something. Donald Trump said, "Remember one simple rule: dress for the job you want to have, not the one you have." There are constant fashion trends that can confuse a person on what to wear and how to look. I fancy the old money look. My motto is: "If what you're wearing goes well with a Rolex on your wrist, you're fine." Everyone knows that I 'm a fan of James Bond. Where do you think the Scott Disick's and Leo DiCaprio's got their fashion sense from? The timeless style of polo shirts and slacks have been a staple of the wealthy since the 1800's. From Wall Street to the golf course, this look is accepted as an everyday wear.
Designer Ralph Lauren made it easy for men and women to look good with his popular clothing line. We have been seeing his famous Pony logo since the 1970's. In fact, it was the recognition he got as the clothing designer for the film The Great Gatsby that secured his upper class image. As we all know, Gatsby is the poster boy for the mysterious, rich and successful. When I was a child, my father used to wear pajamas around the house. At the time I thought it looked uncomfortable and I couldn't understand why a t-shirt wasn't his choice of lounge wear. When I got older I began to understand that that's what gentlemen used to wear in the good old days. The classy pajama and pipe or cigar in hand look was a very Bond like back then. Playboy owner Huge Hefner still sports this look today! Fellas, don't be scared to wear your church clothes on a Monday, your lady will appreciate it.

"It's amazing, this suit actually makes me feel like a better person." -Nick Cage (The Family Man)

Having an "Entourage"

   

Every wealthy individual understands that good company is a pleasure that money CAN'T buy!
In 2004, a television series appeared on HBO about an actor who succeeded in Hollywood and brought his neighborhood friends along for the ride. The show is based on the prodigious movie career and experiences of Mark Wahlberg. Mark is also one of the executive producers of the show. Aside from the numerous celebrity cameos, the series has a brilliant cast. Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven are the stars of Entourage. Without being too verbose, I'll share a synopsis of my favorite episode with you from season one. The star actor Vinny Chase (Adrian Grenier) receives a shaky film review from a local popular critic. His agent Ari Gold, who is played by veteran actor Jeremy Piven directs the boys to take Vince out and keep him happily distracted from the article. Needless to say, the entourage ends up at a Rolls Royce dealership in Hollywood to purchases a stunning black Phantom. The next scene sums up the whole idea of the series as the team cruises down the strip listening to 99 Problems by Jay Z. I can appreciate a show that promotes success and friendship. I have extremely loyal friends and can relate to the show's vision of "extended" family. Ari Gold is my favorite character in the series. He is a successful movie agent who speaks his mind and gets things done. I honestly enjoy television shows that spark my interest and motivate me. Ari Gold is a character who is either pushing his company to the top, playing golf with Hollywood's finest or power suit shopping before meetings! Jeremy Piven was a perfect choice for this role. The Golden Globe winning series ended in 2011 but fans await Entourage the movie coming to theaters in 2015! Who wouldn't shower their friends with gold watches, fancy cars and a life that only the voice of Robin Leach can explain?
      

Luxury Driving

 

One of the greatest accessories and most luxurious toys to own is an automobile. Choosing the right vehicle to purchase is important especially if you want to make a statement. The American made Cadillac has been tied to many mobster movies such as The Godfather, Scarface and Goodfellas. The owner of  a car like this may be going for a view of power and respect. If you are striving to achieve the James Bond look, you may consider the smooth lines of an Aston Martin or the speed of a BMW. I particularly liked the silver Z3 roadster in the1996 version of Golden Eye. I hope to add it to my collection one day. In recent years, companies such as Rolls Royce, Bentley and Maybach have become popular through music videos and reality television. You may spot Jay Z's black Maybach cruising down route 22 in Scarsdale. Boxing sensation Floyd Mayweather owns a fleet of luxury cars but has been known to favor his white Rolls Royce Phantom. Kim Kardashian is also a fan of Rolls Royce as she recently bought the new Ghost model. 

Other companies like Audi, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti and the return of Lincoln have been rising in popularity over the past few years. The one staple of luxury cars that defies the test of time is Mercedes Benz. Whether you are a celebrity or a C.E.O of a fortune 500 company, this car owns a place in the driveway. The reigning king of luxury automobiles has sat on the throne since 1886. The new S-Class has wowed buyers by its appearance and upgraded technology. Nothing says luxury like massaging front seats and reclining back seats! Perhaps you would enjoy some grey poupon on the fold out tray that comes out of the middle console? The S-Class may be a little too big for drivers who prefer a more sporty feel. If you like to drive, the E-Class is the perfect option. The sleek sophisticated style of the E-Class has a younger feel, at the same time it offers a bold statement of success. To take it a step further, you may also enjoy the new convertible model or the AMG series.

Floyd Mayweather's Car Collection

                                        

         

Yacht Life

   

It is no surprise that I tend to enjoy the little luxuries that life has to offer. After recently viewing Scorsese's latest film The Wolf of Wall Street, I began to look into luxury boating. There is a specific scene in the film where Leonardo DiCaprio is enjoying lobster on his yacht as he is being questioned by the authorities that I found quite entertaining. Leo's character refers to the yacht as a boat fit for a Bond villain. I guess all he needed was a shark tank on the boat to complete the stereotype. I recently read that the same yacht in the film can be rented for $125,000 per week. A small price to pay for a name dropping and/or social media opportunity? The Wealth Channel offers a show called Wealth on the Water which allows viewers a VIP glance into the world of boating. One thing is for sure, living the yacht life is an expensive hobby! So far, I have taken an interest in a boat that I think fits my lifestyle. The Sea Ray Sundancer is a well known and well respected luxury sport yacht. The price tag on a Sea Ray can vary anywhere from fifty thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The only issue that I have with owning a big toy like this is the amount of time I will actually get to enjoy it. With New York winters lasting longer than usual, I definitely want my quality time on the water. As I dig deeper into the specifics of boat ownership, I will be sure to choose my yacht club wisely. I do fancy a captain's hat in my near future... After all, one could only enjoy his champagne on land for so long! (Insert snooty laugh here)

Rich Kids of Beverly Hills

Oh my gosh..... It's Cristal! 

Looks like E has done it again! If you grew up watching the Kardashians, you will love Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. If you think this is a show about spoiled rich adults with snobby attitudes and posh dispositions, you are right! In fact, that's where the humor and substance of the show thrives! What is the point of being rich if you can't flaunt it? (insert rich person laugh here) The show was inspired by a blog on Tumblr named Rich Kids of Instagram. This is where you will find rich kids showing off their wealth through photos and captions. E's new show stars Dorothy Wang and Morgan Stewart. Cameras follow them around as they live their extravagant lives of partying, taking selfies and shopping on Rodeo Drive. The show also stars E.J. Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson. He is nothing short of fabulous! In a recent episode, the viewers learned what a grouper is... According to one of the cast members, a grouper is a bottom feeding fish who tags along and takes whatever they can get. If that wasn't bad enough, they added that Kardashian's star Scott Disick was indeed a grouper himself! We will see if Lord Disick takes kindly to these words.
Below are some cast quotes from the show which will further prove my point that this is something worth watching!

“I feel like my blood would come out looking a little bit taupe, with a little hint of gold and a little sass.”

 “Honestly, money can’t buy happiness. My Birkins aren’t going to hug me back at night and tell me they love me, even though sometimes I think they do.”

“The number one rule of caviar etiquette is, don’t be the person that goes, ‘Ew, what’s that?"

“Fridays at clubs, it’s almost like amateur night. It’s like New Year’s Eve. We definitely just would much rather throw our own penthouse party away from all the sloppiness.”

“I’ve never opened my own bottle of wine before… Why do we need to know how to open our own wine when there’s always a sommelier?”

“I was born and raised in Beverly Hills, California, the best city in the world, and my occupation is being funemployed and fabuluxe.”

"I like to be within a 5 mile radius of Barneys at all times!"

"If you feel like you need to have a big house party, obviously there are some issues with you and you're trying to hide something. i.e., Gatsby"
  

   

Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist

The number of billionaires in the world have reached an all time high. According to Forbes, there are 1,426 reported billionaires and most of them are from the United States. As of September 2013, Microsoft C.E.O Bill Gates graced the list with a reported net worth of $72 billion dollars. What is the obsession with money, power, and respect? Do rise to the top movies such as Scarface and Wall Street fuel the fire of up and coming power players? Welcome to the world of riches, where a nice cigar and a glass of Louis XIII can represent success and social standing. What could be better than the feel of a sharp tailored suit and the sound of a luxury car engine that you alone worked hard for?
Millionaire hip hop artist Meek Mill said it best with his lyric, "It was something about that rollie when it first touched my wrist!" Many musicians flash expensive jewelry such as Rolex watches in music videos to show off their wealth and promote their popularity. In fact, you shouldn't be surprised to see many music videos staged as a scene straight out of the movie Scarface. Rick Ross, Drake and Jay Z have used the Tony Montana fantasy right down to having a tiger on a leash in the music videos. Movies, music, and even comic books glorify wealth and power. When money tycoon Bruce Wayne isn't fighting crime as Batman, he sits in his mansion (Wayne Manor) and is served drinks by his butler Alfred. Billionaire Tony Stark is better known as Iron Man. Tony Stark coined the phrase, "Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist" during the filming of The Avengers. Celebrities such as Hugh Hefner, Charlie Sheen and George Clooney have embraced the playboy lifestyle and make it look nothing short of fabulous. It is not a life for everyone, but it seems to work for the James Bond type! "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." -Napoleon Hill