By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director, Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director

Chicago differentiates itself from other major US cities in several ways. First, it is located in the Midwestern region of the USA, the famously-dubbed "heartland". Its residents come from a wide-range of backgrounds, ranging from farmer's children to Asian businessmen to aristocratic foreign diplomats. It's nickname, "The Windy City", derives not from the heavy winds received due in part to Lake Michigan, but from the flowery words the city's politicians are infamously known for.

Chicagoans take pride in the vibrant mix of Midwestern hospitality and international flair. D'Agostino's Pizzeria and Pub, a Chicago tradition, combines both elements and adds a third: delicious fun. D'Agostino's Pizzeria and Pub has been serving and delivering pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, and much more to residents of Chicago's north side since Joe and Jan D'Agostino established their first spot in 1968. Within walking distance of Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs), the D'Agostino name has become associated with some of the best thin crust pizza in the city.

By popular demand, Joe and his two sons felt it made sense to expand. The second location is in the River West neighborhood of Chicago, and is managed by Joe's youngest son, Scott. His eldest son, Jeff, manages the first suburban location, D'Agostino's Pizzeria at The Glen in Glenview, Illinois.

One of the latest additions to the D'Agostino's Pizzeria name is its Park Ridge location, managed by Ryan Johnson. While it has only been around for 3 years, D'Agostino's Pizzeria in northwest Chicagoland has already integrated into the local community. Ryan attributes the success of this location to providing quality food, service, and fun. Check out PdM's exclusive interview with Ryan where he discusses the history of D'Agostino's Pizza, the importance of staying true to one's goals and vision, and the wide-range of goods and projects this Chicago gem has in store for 2013.

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director

Delicate spring breeze. Ellie Marleen is both the wind we feel and the energy we exhale. A native of Switzerland, Ellie's acting, modeling, and vocal talents have taken her to opposite ends of the world. From working within the tourism and hospitality industry in Laos to engaging with local and international talent in Thailand to performing in some of the most respected venues in Berlin, this young actress is currently taking Germany by storm.

In a recent interview with PdM, Ellie Marleen spoke of her goals, aspirations, and words of wisdom for those who wish to seek the most out of life. Her character, attitude, and façon d'être radiate positive energy that spreads to those who are fortunate enough to meet Ellie or watch her perform. Fusing elements from her experiences abroad and multicultural background, she believes in the philosophy that the only true constant in life is change. Cette belle est vraiment sage.

Name: Ellie Marleen

Age: 27

Current Job/Career: Actress

Location: Berlin

Favorite Travel Destination: All the places I haven’t been to yet.

Favorite Cuisine: My mom’s Thai food!

Favorite Cocktail: I prefer red wine.

Where in the world have you lived/worked: I grew up in a town in Switzerland, then moved to Zürich, traveled around South East Asia, lived and worked in Laos and in Bangkok, and now I’m based in Berlin.

Role Model(s): Every person I meet can bring me closer to the person I want to be.

Hobbies: Movies, theater, writing, reading, cooking, spending time with friends

How did you get involved in acting: Since I was in Kindergarten, I have always been fascinated by movies and plays and already loved to act. I joined a theatre group when I was in high school and, after graduation, I went to drama school.

What is your daily routine: I don’t have a daily routine! That’s one of the things I love about acting. I exercise and do voice and speech training every day. Depending on the role I play or the casting I’m preparing for, I have various ways of working on the character and the scene/play. Additionally, I have different side jobs.

For an actress in Berlin, what is essential to succeed in the industry: Patience and determination.

What are some of your goals for 2013: To make the best of every opportunity and to grow as an actress and as a person.

What is the best acting gig/opportunity you've had so far: The acting jobs I did were very different, and I learned something from all of them and enjoyed them. The last (and ongoing) job I had at the State Opera of Berlin, for example, opened up this whole new world of opera to me.

Where would you like to travel for work: I make it depending on the project, not the country. Because we are in the middle of the Berlin winter, heading somewhere warm would be nice...

Best thing about Berlin: Berlin is changing all the time, it is full of inspiration, creativity and opportunities, it is so very much alive!

One thing you would change in Berlin/Germany: The relation of income to the living costs.

What is your impression of Chicago: I have never been there, but when I think about Chicago these are the first things that come to my mind: my friends who live there, cold winter wind, business city, and the “Cell block tango” from the musical Chicago.

Any words of wisdom for our viewers:

The only constant in life is change.

Be aware of everything that is in your power.