This movie frustrated me! Why did Sofia Coppola make this film? The movie looked beautiful and there were some very nice shots. I couldn't figure out if Sofia purposely made a very shallow movie in order to say something about our celebrity worshipping times or the movie is just shallow.
Why do half the cast speak with French/European accents but Kirsten, Jason and esp. Rip Torn speak with modern American accents? Took me out of the movie. Maybe I shouldn't have watched this movie after seeing THE QUEEN. That movie also dealt with an isolated Queen and something to same about the cult of celebrity but it had depth.
I don't know how/why you make a movie about a Queen who reigned during such a turbulent time in history and reduce it to a long music video with some nice costumes, scenery and music.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Last King of Scotland, enough with the no underwear shots
Finally caught up with this one. I read the script last year and loved it.
Forest gives an incredible performance. There are some scenes in the 3rd act that are tough to watch. The supporting cast was excellent as well.
I need to keep watching movies like, Casino Royale, Scotland and The Queen to remind me why I work and live here. I was at the gym this morning and two of the monitors were on E!. After the top ten "celeb news items", they ran the top 25 sexiest hookups. Hilarious. More than half the couples are not together anymore ( I think this special was from last year) and several of the men are gay.
I am so over the new dynamic duo of Paris and Britney. Where are Britney's PR people? This is not the way to stage a comeback; partying with Paris, stepping in and out of cars without wearing underwear so the paparazzi can take photos of your vagina, wearing bad extentions, the list goes on.
One of my friends is tired of Britney using the "we're country" excuse. This friend is a Southerner who grew up in the country and has impeccable manners.
Forest gives an incredible performance. There are some scenes in the 3rd act that are tough to watch. The supporting cast was excellent as well.
I need to keep watching movies like, Casino Royale, Scotland and The Queen to remind me why I work and live here. I was at the gym this morning and two of the monitors were on E!. After the top ten "celeb news items", they ran the top 25 sexiest hookups. Hilarious. More than half the couples are not together anymore ( I think this special was from last year) and several of the men are gay.
I am so over the new dynamic duo of Paris and Britney. Where are Britney's PR people? This is not the way to stage a comeback; partying with Paris, stepping in and out of cars without wearing underwear so the paparazzi can take photos of your vagina, wearing bad extentions, the list goes on.
One of my friends is tired of Britney using the "we're country" excuse. This friend is a Southerner who grew up in the country and has impeccable manners.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Queen, Rome, and fishnet stockings
Okay first let me say I only watched the Bachelor this season because they shot it in Rome. I couldn't watch the whole thing last night. Lorenzo (the non Italian speaking, Italian Prince) is a knucklehead. His comment to Sadie was not gracious, there is a better way to break up with someone. Jen might be sweet but she seems like an airhead. I wonder what grades she teaches. Also, who shows up to meet someone's parents ("royalty" at that) wearing skin tight jeans and a spagetti strap tank top?) Overall I have a real problem with the concept of these shows in the first place. Do people not take matters of the heart seriously anymore?
Clearly Pam Anderson and Kid rock don't. After a very long marriage of three months they are getting a divorce. What was the point in getting married in the first place?
I'm glad Paula told me I can take out my landlord and move to France and not have to stand trial (joking). She stopped by my apartment last night to give me the notice about my rent going up. Ha, ha why did she write on top, second notice? I never received the first. She thinks she's slick.
This is one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons. One, I love the holidays and two, the Oscar screeners. I can catch up on all the movies I missed. I loved THE QUEEN. Helen Mirren was outstanding. I am not going to comment on the Da Vinci Code but I thought book was a fun, quick read.
Several bloggers and friends have asked me what it is exactly I plan to do in Rome? I would like to continue to work in film and write. That is why I can't just pack my bags and go. I will have a better idea of my time table after next year.
In my quest to dress like a grown woman I wore fishnet stockings and heels with my conservative outfit. My boss (a woman, not to worry) said I looked very sexy. Mind you I'm wearing a cashmere turtleneck and a herringbone print skirt from J Crew, a store which I see as preppy not sexy. LOL.
Clearly Pam Anderson and Kid rock don't. After a very long marriage of three months they are getting a divorce. What was the point in getting married in the first place?
I'm glad Paula told me I can take out my landlord and move to France and not have to stand trial (joking). She stopped by my apartment last night to give me the notice about my rent going up. Ha, ha why did she write on top, second notice? I never received the first. She thinks she's slick.
This is one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons. One, I love the holidays and two, the Oscar screeners. I can catch up on all the movies I missed. I loved THE QUEEN. Helen Mirren was outstanding. I am not going to comment on the Da Vinci Code but I thought book was a fun, quick read.
Several bloggers and friends have asked me what it is exactly I plan to do in Rome? I would like to continue to work in film and write. That is why I can't just pack my bags and go. I will have a better idea of my time table after next year.
In my quest to dress like a grown woman I wore fishnet stockings and heels with my conservative outfit. My boss (a woman, not to worry) said I looked very sexy. Mind you I'm wearing a cashmere turtleneck and a herringbone print skirt from J Crew, a store which I see as preppy not sexy. LOL.
Monday, November 27, 2006
French Passport
Bonjour everyone!
I went to the consulate last week. I thought it would be a huge red tape nightmare. Fifteen minutes later the nice lady said to me, "Your passport should arrive in three to four weeks."
She also gave me a picture I.D. which says on the back, "The holder of this card is under French authorities protection." Not sure what that really means. I was reminded to vote in next year's election. I did read in Vogue (American) about one of the candidates who is running. I have to do more research on her.
I was shocked things went so smoothly. The consulate told me it was because my parents already did all the paperwork. Had they not registered our births with the New York Embassy, applied for the "Livret de Famille" (the family book), it would have been very difficult for me to obtain my French citizenship. I would have to track down and fill out a ton of paperwork (mine and my parents) and be interviewed. I had the stamped copy of my French birth certificate therefore I didn't have to prove anything.
I do prefer the French (and correct) pronunciation of my name. Growing up I did not like having a name from the 50s. The only other Arlenes I heard of as a child were, Arlene Francis and 40 something Jewish women from Syosset or Great Neck, Long Island. I was supposed to be named Jacqueline but my mom changed her mind. She didn't like the name Jackie and eveyone was naming their daughters after Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. I guess Jackie was the Britney of the mid to late 60s. I understand, but why not Stacey, Melissa or something? Plus my middle name is Antoinette. Hello, did she not have her head sliced off? I know some of these really old school name are coming back, Grace, Hazel, Ella, but I don't expect to see Arlene on those lists anytime soon.
I have no idea why my parents dropped the accent. It's on all my French documents. It's funny all my Italian friends and teachers pronouce it the French way as well. It's too late now. People will think I'm weird if I insist they start calling me Arlène (Arlen or as the Italian say, Arrrlen) instead of Arlene (Arlean). I do have one or two friends who call me Arlen but more as a joke.
Anyway, I am very excited about getting my EU citizenship. If I had savings and way to make a living, I would be on the next flight to Rome. In the meantime I am looking foward to next year. I will finish my novel and work wise we have a few interesting projects coming out. Hopefully I will get a little raise. Having paid off all debt this year, I cannot wait to live below my means for a change.
I know I said only a couple days ago I would stay in this dumpy ass apartment and deal with my insane landlord for a while since my rent is stablished. That might be unhealthy. I spend 48 weeks a year here, I should have home, not just a place I sleep. I think 2007 will be my last year here. I do want to save money but I can't be sad every time I walk into my apartment.
I went to the consulate last week. I thought it would be a huge red tape nightmare. Fifteen minutes later the nice lady said to me, "Your passport should arrive in three to four weeks."
She also gave me a picture I.D. which says on the back, "The holder of this card is under French authorities protection." Not sure what that really means. I was reminded to vote in next year's election. I did read in Vogue (American) about one of the candidates who is running. I have to do more research on her.
I was shocked things went so smoothly. The consulate told me it was because my parents already did all the paperwork. Had they not registered our births with the New York Embassy, applied for the "Livret de Famille" (the family book), it would have been very difficult for me to obtain my French citizenship. I would have to track down and fill out a ton of paperwork (mine and my parents) and be interviewed. I had the stamped copy of my French birth certificate therefore I didn't have to prove anything.
I do prefer the French (and correct) pronunciation of my name. Growing up I did not like having a name from the 50s. The only other Arlenes I heard of as a child were, Arlene Francis and 40 something Jewish women from Syosset or Great Neck, Long Island. I was supposed to be named Jacqueline but my mom changed her mind. She didn't like the name Jackie and eveyone was naming their daughters after Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. I guess Jackie was the Britney of the mid to late 60s. I understand, but why not Stacey, Melissa or something? Plus my middle name is Antoinette. Hello, did she not have her head sliced off? I know some of these really old school name are coming back, Grace, Hazel, Ella, but I don't expect to see Arlene on those lists anytime soon.
I have no idea why my parents dropped the accent. It's on all my French documents. It's funny all my Italian friends and teachers pronouce it the French way as well. It's too late now. People will think I'm weird if I insist they start calling me Arlène (Arlen or as the Italian say, Arrrlen) instead of Arlene (Arlean). I do have one or two friends who call me Arlen but more as a joke.
Anyway, I am very excited about getting my EU citizenship. If I had savings and way to make a living, I would be on the next flight to Rome. In the meantime I am looking foward to next year. I will finish my novel and work wise we have a few interesting projects coming out. Hopefully I will get a little raise. Having paid off all debt this year, I cannot wait to live below my means for a change.
I know I said only a couple days ago I would stay in this dumpy ass apartment and deal with my insane landlord for a while since my rent is stablished. That might be unhealthy. I spend 48 weeks a year here, I should have home, not just a place I sleep. I think 2007 will be my last year here. I do want to save money but I can't be sad every time I walk into my apartment.
Friday, November 24, 2006
It's the day after Thanksgiving
I know for many it's the beginning of the shopping frenzy but for me it means I can take out my Christmas music.
It's time for Nat King Cole's Christmas album. My sister tracked down the Mario Lanza CD for me a couple years ago. That one was a favorite of our Dad's and he played that one, Nat's and a few others every single Christmas. I have a few contemporary ones from my Sony days; Mariah, Luther and Manhattan Transfer (okay that one is random but it's good) but it's the ones I grew up with that mean the most to me. Many years ago our dad bought the Motown Christmas album because he knew how much I loved the Jackson 5.
Sound of Music is not technically holiday music but I think the movie used to air around the holidays. Speaking of the Sound Of Music, Gwen Stefani's new single (with a sample from The Lonely Goatherd) is just wrong. She needs to stop sampling Broadway classics.
To hear a rendition of a SOM single that will not make your ears bleed, I recommend John Coltrane's, "My Favorite Things". Even if you don't like jazz, it's pretty special.
It's time for Nat King Cole's Christmas album. My sister tracked down the Mario Lanza CD for me a couple years ago. That one was a favorite of our Dad's and he played that one, Nat's and a few others every single Christmas. I have a few contemporary ones from my Sony days; Mariah, Luther and Manhattan Transfer (okay that one is random but it's good) but it's the ones I grew up with that mean the most to me. Many years ago our dad bought the Motown Christmas album because he knew how much I loved the Jackson 5.
Sound of Music is not technically holiday music but I think the movie used to air around the holidays. Speaking of the Sound Of Music, Gwen Stefani's new single (with a sample from The Lonely Goatherd) is just wrong. She needs to stop sampling Broadway classics.
To hear a rendition of a SOM single that will not make your ears bleed, I recommend John Coltrane's, "My Favorite Things". Even if you don't like jazz, it's pretty special.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Brothel for women?
I read a book a couple years ago by writer Jill Nelson about two women who open a "spa with benefits". The book was fiction. On the news there was a report that Heidi Fleiss is going to open a brothel for women in Nevada. Who is the audience for such a place?
Mike Tyson is going to be one of the men at said brothel. I don't know about anyone else but I just can't see paying a lot of money (or any money) for a tumble in the sack with him. I can't deal with the high pitched voice, face tattoo, and oh yeah that rape conviction a couple years ago. He is not known as being a gentle lover (heard that from a good source but the friend of a friend was into that kind of thing).
I have a male friend here who told me he does know of women in Hollywood, busy execs who pay for sex. I think he is pulling my leg. I mean when would they have the time?
Maybe Heidi's idea will work. I just don't see it. There will be no fantasy, emotional or romantic element. So many women have sexual hang ups as it is. Are they really going to fly to Nevada to get their freak on? Where is Heidi going to find the guys, out of work actors, pornstars? Charlie Sheen famously said he paid prositutes (over 40 thousand dollars) so the women would leave after sex. Many women want men to stay. I have never been to a bachlorette party with male strippers or gone to Vegas to see Thunder from Down Under. Women may go and scream throw underwear and grind with the guys but that's it. It's a big leap to go to from looking to having sex.
I don't get the male stripper thing either. The overly waxed chests, the cheesiness, those men are not sexy to me.
Mike Tyson is going to be one of the men at said brothel. I don't know about anyone else but I just can't see paying a lot of money (or any money) for a tumble in the sack with him. I can't deal with the high pitched voice, face tattoo, and oh yeah that rape conviction a couple years ago. He is not known as being a gentle lover (heard that from a good source but the friend of a friend was into that kind of thing).
I have a male friend here who told me he does know of women in Hollywood, busy execs who pay for sex. I think he is pulling my leg. I mean when would they have the time?
Maybe Heidi's idea will work. I just don't see it. There will be no fantasy, emotional or romantic element. So many women have sexual hang ups as it is. Are they really going to fly to Nevada to get their freak on? Where is Heidi going to find the guys, out of work actors, pornstars? Charlie Sheen famously said he paid prositutes (over 40 thousand dollars) so the women would leave after sex. Many women want men to stay. I have never been to a bachlorette party with male strippers or gone to Vegas to see Thunder from Down Under. Women may go and scream throw underwear and grind with the guys but that's it. It's a big leap to go to from looking to having sex.
I don't get the male stripper thing either. The overly waxed chests, the cheesiness, those men are not sexy to me.
Monday, November 20, 2006
French birth certificate and Daniel Craig
The two really have nothing to do with each. However, I received a copy of my French birth certificate with nice note from the French Embassy in NYC and saw Casino Royale this weekend.
First let me say all the Craig haters need to shut it down. He is the best Bond since Connery and closer to the Fleming books. Movie was a little long but very entertaining.
I am going to try to get to the French Consulate this week.
So looking forward to the long Thanksgiving weekend. I didn't write a damn thing this weekend I was so busy. Very frustrating. I am looking forward to working on the novel this week.
I'm done with my Christmas shoppping and won't have to brave the crowds on Friday. I might bake a apple crumble but other than that, I will be writing all day.
First let me say all the Craig haters need to shut it down. He is the best Bond since Connery and closer to the Fleming books. Movie was a little long but very entertaining.
I am going to try to get to the French Consulate this week.
So looking forward to the long Thanksgiving weekend. I didn't write a damn thing this weekend I was so busy. Very frustrating. I am looking forward to working on the novel this week.
I'm done with my Christmas shoppping and won't have to brave the crowds on Friday. I might bake a apple crumble but other than that, I will be writing all day.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Why couldn't TomKat have a nice small wedding?
You know since their love for one another is so real, they don't need all this publicity.
Re: Oprah. Girlfriend, don't be upset. I wasn't invited to the wedding either. :)
What happened to Katie? I worked with her a couple years ago and have a friend who was friends with her (post Tom she changed all her numbers, agents, managers etc.) Her devout Catholic parents are not thrilled she's marrying a twice divorced older man who seems devoid of any human emotions. I don't like how he pressured her to workout twice a day so she wouldn't be "fat" on her wedding day.
Hold up, I just had a baby and you're telling me to lose weight faster? As Whitney Houston would say, "Hell to the no!"
The weird thing is Tom Terrific never seemed old to me until he started "dating" Katie. Being with her is not helping him gain a younger fan base, if anything, it's turning them off. (I'm sure everyone has heard the rumor about him auditioning his next girlfriend. Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johannson all passed).
I'm used to men in their late 30s/early 40s (esp. out here) only wanting to date women in their early to mid 20s. My expiration date has come and gone. I guess I could date a much younger guy but most of the 20 something men I meet are straight up knuckleheads. I mean, what are we going to talk about? Again this could be because of what I do/live but I don't want to talk about Playstation and comic book movies all the time.
Re: Oprah. Girlfriend, don't be upset. I wasn't invited to the wedding either. :)
What happened to Katie? I worked with her a couple years ago and have a friend who was friends with her (post Tom she changed all her numbers, agents, managers etc.) Her devout Catholic parents are not thrilled she's marrying a twice divorced older man who seems devoid of any human emotions. I don't like how he pressured her to workout twice a day so she wouldn't be "fat" on her wedding day.
Hold up, I just had a baby and you're telling me to lose weight faster? As Whitney Houston would say, "Hell to the no!"
The weird thing is Tom Terrific never seemed old to me until he started "dating" Katie. Being with her is not helping him gain a younger fan base, if anything, it's turning them off. (I'm sure everyone has heard the rumor about him auditioning his next girlfriend. Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johannson all passed).
I'm used to men in their late 30s/early 40s (esp. out here) only wanting to date women in their early to mid 20s. My expiration date has come and gone. I guess I could date a much younger guy but most of the 20 something men I meet are straight up knuckleheads. I mean, what are we going to talk about? Again this could be because of what I do/live but I don't want to talk about Playstation and comic book movies all the time.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Jamie Olivier's Great Italian Escape
I love this series. Last night he stayed with some monks. They had a herb garden that was over 1500 years old! Unfortunately it had seen some better days. As his gift, Jamie replanted it.
Food aside, the whole Monk experience was interesting. One of the monks had lived there since WWII another for over 50 years, since he was 10. I wonder how he ended up at the monestary. Did someone drop him off at 10? There used to be 80 monks now there are only 7. The grounds were stunning.
Jamie then went to Le Marche to stay with a hunting family. I had a hard time watching him kill a cute little lamb. Later he was entered into a pasta contest, the only man up against the Nonne (the grandmothers) of the village. So they had to hunt a boar for his ragu sauce. The wife of one of the hunters was ready with her own gun. Those boars are no joke. Back at the house the kids would just look at the boar hanging upside (I assume to drain the blood) like it was no biggie. Talk about being close to your food source.
Jamie is trying to figure out how everyone he meets rich to poor, old to young knows so much about food. He is going to visit an elementary school next week in Puglia and then on to the Amalfi coast for his 30th birthday.
If you love food, Italia or both, check out the Travel Channel on Wednesday nights.
Today is going to be crazy busy. So looking forward to the weekend.
Food aside, the whole Monk experience was interesting. One of the monks had lived there since WWII another for over 50 years, since he was 10. I wonder how he ended up at the monestary. Did someone drop him off at 10? There used to be 80 monks now there are only 7. The grounds were stunning.
Jamie then went to Le Marche to stay with a hunting family. I had a hard time watching him kill a cute little lamb. Later he was entered into a pasta contest, the only man up against the Nonne (the grandmothers) of the village. So they had to hunt a boar for his ragu sauce. The wife of one of the hunters was ready with her own gun. Those boars are no joke. Back at the house the kids would just look at the boar hanging upside (I assume to drain the blood) like it was no biggie. Talk about being close to your food source.
Jamie is trying to figure out how everyone he meets rich to poor, old to young knows so much about food. He is going to visit an elementary school next week in Puglia and then on to the Amalfi coast for his 30th birthday.
If you love food, Italia or both, check out the Travel Channel on Wednesday nights.
Today is going to be crazy busy. So looking forward to the weekend.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
A nice call from the French Embassy
The French Embassy in NYC called to tell me a copy of my French birth certificate is in the mail. Yes!
I have six months from the date stamped on it to get my passport. I hope it's not too painful a process.
I have six months from the date stamped on it to get my passport. I hope it's not too painful a process.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
I freaking hate my landlord
This chick has lost her damn mind. She calls me today saying I underpaid my rent. She said left a notice on my door a week ago, before the first (hello today is the 14th). Even if the notice (which I never saw) was left when she said it was, why can't she understand she is supposed to give me 30 days notice?
I have a migraine so I didn't want to deal with her dumb ass. I am sending a check for the difference and will start paying more rent in December. I wish she would be diligent about taking care of her apartments and not just collecting rent.
I'm going to ask her next year to replace the carpet. We'll see what happens. She wants me and a couple of the other tenants out so she can jack up the rent by at least $500.
Also spoke with my car insurance company. The stronzo that hit my car (and let his insurance laspe), still hasn't paid anything. My accident was in March and who knows when I will get reimbursed for my deductible?
Okay, I just have to hold on until Dec. 20.
I have a migraine so I didn't want to deal with her dumb ass. I am sending a check for the difference and will start paying more rent in December. I wish she would be diligent about taking care of her apartments and not just collecting rent.
I'm going to ask her next year to replace the carpet. We'll see what happens. She wants me and a couple of the other tenants out so she can jack up the rent by at least $500.
Also spoke with my car insurance company. The stronzo that hit my car (and let his insurance laspe), still hasn't paid anything. My accident was in March and who knows when I will get reimbursed for my deductible?
Okay, I just have to hold on until Dec. 20.
Rigatoni con Salsiccia , artificial deadlines and Bachelor Rome
Yesterday I truly woke up on the wrong side of the bed. My neighbor and her child did their usual 1:00, 3:00 a.m. thing. I started riding the crimson wave (a CLUELESS reference for you) and I was frustrated because I wanted to write so badly but I had too much work to do.
I felt a little better after going to the gym, but all day my phone was ringing. We are trying to set up a pitch at work before the holidays and time is running out. Last week I finally had an "aha moment" regarding the novel. One of the notes said at times it reads more like a script, all action and dialogue and not enough POV. Without the protangonist's internal voice some of the emotional beats are missing.
I was so excited to get back into the book but I realized I was putting too much pressure on myself to "finish" by a certain date. It's good to be disciplined but I can't let the rest of my life fall apart. One, I need to work so I can keep a roof over my head. I like my job but I have to read so much for it and it's not a 9-5 kind of gig. Two, everyone writes at their own pace. Some writers brag about finishing a novel in a couple of months, some take years. I really started writing the book in February. Trying to get everything done by Thanskgiving is not realistic given the amount of hours I have to spend on my day job.
I have been trying to cut back on carbs and lose some weight. I happened to write a line in the book about food and I thought life is too short to have bad/unsatisfying meals all the time. I went to Bristol Farms and bought some sausage and arugula and made Rigatoni with Sausage. It was so good with a nice glass of red wine.
re: Bachelor Rome. Why was Lisa crying? She should have left weeks ago. The resort in Sicily looked amazing.
I felt a little better after going to the gym, but all day my phone was ringing. We are trying to set up a pitch at work before the holidays and time is running out. Last week I finally had an "aha moment" regarding the novel. One of the notes said at times it reads more like a script, all action and dialogue and not enough POV. Without the protangonist's internal voice some of the emotional beats are missing.
I was so excited to get back into the book but I realized I was putting too much pressure on myself to "finish" by a certain date. It's good to be disciplined but I can't let the rest of my life fall apart. One, I need to work so I can keep a roof over my head. I like my job but I have to read so much for it and it's not a 9-5 kind of gig. Two, everyone writes at their own pace. Some writers brag about finishing a novel in a couple of months, some take years. I really started writing the book in February. Trying to get everything done by Thanskgiving is not realistic given the amount of hours I have to spend on my day job.
I have been trying to cut back on carbs and lose some weight. I happened to write a line in the book about food and I thought life is too short to have bad/unsatisfying meals all the time. I went to Bristol Farms and bought some sausage and arugula and made Rigatoni with Sausage. It was so good with a nice glass of red wine.
re: Bachelor Rome. Why was Lisa crying? She should have left weeks ago. The resort in Sicily looked amazing.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Little Black Book: Rome by Erica Firpo & Christel Brenting
Blogger Erica Firpo (her Moscerina link is on the right) and Christel Brenting have put together a great little guide to dining and entertainment.
This is not a guidebook with maps and photos but an excellent supplement to an Eyewitness, Fodors or Rick Steves. The book is group by main piazzas and neighborhoods. There are places listed only locals know about. There are also bonus sections listing places like Aveda, internet cafes, nail salons etc.
The book was published in 2005, not sure how often they plan to update it. Overall this thin guide is a fantastic buy. You can find it on Amazon.com.
Speaking of entertaining, I went to a great dinner party Saturday night. Just five of us having excellent food (P. is quite the cook and hostess), wine and conversation. It was such a cool group of smart, funny women (my fellow diners left their menfolk at home). I love to cook and would have people over if I liked my apt. I am too crazed right now to deal with it anymore but once I'm done with the book I have to get back to making some improvements. I talked to my sister about moving. My rent is stablished and my goal to move out of L.A. she agreed it doesn't make sense to pay almost double the rent instead of keeping my expenses low. I can suck it up for a couple more years.
This is not a guidebook with maps and photos but an excellent supplement to an Eyewitness, Fodors or Rick Steves. The book is group by main piazzas and neighborhoods. There are places listed only locals know about. There are also bonus sections listing places like Aveda, internet cafes, nail salons etc.
The book was published in 2005, not sure how often they plan to update it. Overall this thin guide is a fantastic buy. You can find it on Amazon.com.
Speaking of entertaining, I went to a great dinner party Saturday night. Just five of us having excellent food (P. is quite the cook and hostess), wine and conversation. It was such a cool group of smart, funny women (my fellow diners left their menfolk at home). I love to cook and would have people over if I liked my apt. I am too crazed right now to deal with it anymore but once I'm done with the book I have to get back to making some improvements. I talked to my sister about moving. My rent is stablished and my goal to move out of L.A. she agreed it doesn't make sense to pay almost double the rent instead of keeping my expenses low. I can suck it up for a couple more years.
What did I say?
Ray Charles could see that Ms. Ray with Batali by her side was going to win. If she said "I'm not a chef" one more time I was going to scream.
It's Sunday so I'm going to keep my snarky comments to myself. LOL
It's Sunday so I'm going to keep my snarky comments to myself. LOL
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Iron Chef America: Rachael Ray vs. Giada De Laurentiis
This is it folks. The show down is on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. This battle is right up there with the "Thirller in Manila" (Ali vs. Frazier), Knicks vs. Bulls (circa Ewing and Jordan), Red Soxs vs. Yankees.
Rachael will be teamed up with Mario Batali and Giada with Bobby Flay. Unfortunately Jeffrey Steingarten (sp?) the tough food critic from Vogue will not be one of the judges.
I think Rachael will win. She is the most popular personality on the Food Network, her daytime show is produced by Oprah, and technically she is the underdog so of course she will win. Giada is a trained chef, worked on the line at a very busy restaurant, and can actually cook. I wish they had teamed her up with Batali. Flay is fine but I love Batali and now will have to root against him.
It should be Rachael vs. Sandra Lee of Semi-homemade. This seems more like a P.R. stunt (a very good and effective one at that. Hello, I will be watching).
Speaking of food, last night on the Travel Channel they started airing a series Jamie Oliver shot in Italy for British Television. He spent a month traveling around the country in a van, eating and cooking. Last night he left London for Sicily and the second show he was on a small island off the coast of Sicily where he worked in the kitchen.
Seriously, I want to just sell my crap and go. I would love to be back in a place where people enjoy eating and food is not just a means to an end. A meal doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Some of the dishes from last night were very, simple. Jamie was told that some of his spices were overwhelming the flavors of the fish.
Some of my happiest moments in Rome had to do with eating. I would wake up the morning some days and the most pressing question was "Where to eat today?" I could sit on the fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere and eat gelato all day. The pizza bianca (pizza with just olive oil and a little salt) from the Forno in Campo dei Fioro is worth standing in line for. I still think about the fava bean, truffle oil fava bean dish at Le Mani in Pasta. I also dropped a size in Italy. Let's see, now I eat less but I weight more. Something is not right. :)
In a few weeks I will be in another place where food is very important. I remember last year at Christmas my dad and I had to drive all over the island to find fresh mushrooms for a dish I wanted to make for dinner that. So much has to be imported and if you do not get to the supermarket early, the vegetables will be sold out, or very wilted. I learned my lesson. This time I will see what is available then cook with that. It's the same with the markets. My mom would rush out of the house so she could get to the outdoor market in Marigot before her favorite stand sold out of the yams, plantains, and other food she needed.
Cannot wait until December 20th.
Rachael will be teamed up with Mario Batali and Giada with Bobby Flay. Unfortunately Jeffrey Steingarten (sp?) the tough food critic from Vogue will not be one of the judges.
I think Rachael will win. She is the most popular personality on the Food Network, her daytime show is produced by Oprah, and technically she is the underdog so of course she will win. Giada is a trained chef, worked on the line at a very busy restaurant, and can actually cook. I wish they had teamed her up with Batali. Flay is fine but I love Batali and now will have to root against him.
It should be Rachael vs. Sandra Lee of Semi-homemade. This seems more like a P.R. stunt (a very good and effective one at that. Hello, I will be watching).
Speaking of food, last night on the Travel Channel they started airing a series Jamie Oliver shot in Italy for British Television. He spent a month traveling around the country in a van, eating and cooking. Last night he left London for Sicily and the second show he was on a small island off the coast of Sicily where he worked in the kitchen.
Seriously, I want to just sell my crap and go. I would love to be back in a place where people enjoy eating and food is not just a means to an end. A meal doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Some of the dishes from last night were very, simple. Jamie was told that some of his spices were overwhelming the flavors of the fish.
Some of my happiest moments in Rome had to do with eating. I would wake up the morning some days and the most pressing question was "Where to eat today?" I could sit on the fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere and eat gelato all day. The pizza bianca (pizza with just olive oil and a little salt) from the Forno in Campo dei Fioro is worth standing in line for. I still think about the fava bean, truffle oil fava bean dish at Le Mani in Pasta. I also dropped a size in Italy. Let's see, now I eat less but I weight more. Something is not right. :)
In a few weeks I will be in another place where food is very important. I remember last year at Christmas my dad and I had to drive all over the island to find fresh mushrooms for a dish I wanted to make for dinner that. So much has to be imported and if you do not get to the supermarket early, the vegetables will be sold out, or very wilted. I learned my lesson. This time I will see what is available then cook with that. It's the same with the markets. My mom would rush out of the house so she could get to the outdoor market in Marigot before her favorite stand sold out of the yams, plantains, and other food she needed.
Cannot wait until December 20th.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Jamie Oliver: Jamie's Italy
How excited am I? I received his cookbook I ordered from Amazon.com. I cannot wait to try some of these recipes this weekend (diet be damned, at least for a day or so).
Speaking of Italy two of my friends are going to Florence next week. Sono molto gelosa. ( I am very jealous).
Speaking of Italy two of my friends are going to Florence next week. Sono molto gelosa. ( I am very jealous).
Being spontaneous
As you know I am trying to have a better attitude about living in the City of Angels. One thing that has helped is avoiding people who complain about it non-stop. Seriously, if it's that bad they need to move or make an effort to make some changes in their lives.
The other thing is, I am being more spontaneous. I was on the phone yesterday with a friend and we decided to get together for brunch this Sunday, not next year. She is an actress but we met through Italian class so when we do get together with our other classmates, a lawyer and a teacher, we do not talk about the biz.
This business is brutal on friendships. I haven't seen one of my good friends in 2 months, she is so busy as a studio exec. Another friend moved back to NYC and we see each other more often than when she lived within walking distance.
Last night I held my provisional neighborhood meeting at Bandera in Brentwood. I went to say good-bye to some of the ladies and bumped into a colleague and an agent I know eating at the bar. I was going to come home and eat some rabbit foodish salad and read scripts, but instead accepted their invite to join them. I had one of the best burger and fries ever and a nice glass of Cabernet. So scandalous for a Tuesday night. Kidding.
It has been less than 24 hours and already I am sick of hear about the Federline divorce. Who cares? The Dems just won control of the house, Arnold won in a landslide and yet they still found time during the news to talk about this couple divorcing, like it's suprising information. Britney is going to put out an CD next year. I wonder who is going to buy it? Hasn't her audience moved on?
The other thing is, I am being more spontaneous. I was on the phone yesterday with a friend and we decided to get together for brunch this Sunday, not next year. She is an actress but we met through Italian class so when we do get together with our other classmates, a lawyer and a teacher, we do not talk about the biz.
This business is brutal on friendships. I haven't seen one of my good friends in 2 months, she is so busy as a studio exec. Another friend moved back to NYC and we see each other more often than when she lived within walking distance.
Last night I held my provisional neighborhood meeting at Bandera in Brentwood. I went to say good-bye to some of the ladies and bumped into a colleague and an agent I know eating at the bar. I was going to come home and eat some rabbit foodish salad and read scripts, but instead accepted their invite to join them. I had one of the best burger and fries ever and a nice glass of Cabernet. So scandalous for a Tuesday night. Kidding.
It has been less than 24 hours and already I am sick of hear about the Federline divorce. Who cares? The Dems just won control of the house, Arnold won in a landslide and yet they still found time during the news to talk about this couple divorcing, like it's suprising information. Britney is going to put out an CD next year. I wonder who is going to buy it? Hasn't her audience moved on?
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Ho dimenticato tutto (I have forgotten everything)
I was trying to speak with a friend of mine the other day and couldn't remember basic words. I didn't take classes this summer or fall and I'm very rusty.
I am going to review the Prego textbook starting from the beginning. I can't show up in Intermediate lev. 2 next year and not know things from Beginning Italian.
Off to vote.
I am going to review the Prego textbook starting from the beginning. I can't show up in Intermediate lev. 2 next year and not know things from Beginning Italian.
Off to vote.
Monday, November 06, 2006
In the zone with Seal, Squeeze, Sade, Joss Stone, and Stevie Wonder
This was a great weekend, for writing that is. I was so stressed out about the book, esp. the first act. I had a freak moment of "What am I doing? Who am I to think I can write a novel?"
I had dinner with a screenwriter friend on Friday. She started out as a development exec. She finally wrote a script, it sold, and she started to write full time. I met her when the production company I used to work for hired her to do a page one re-write. She took a dead project and made it sing. An a-list actress is attached and the writer went on to do very well. She is incredibly talented.
I felt so much better after my dinner. I have to say the generousity of time, advice, and just encouragement from the community of writers I know is amazing.
I wrote all day Saturday and most of the day on Sunday. I took a break yesterday and went to the Grove to buy some jeans. I only have one pair that fits. It was 91 degrees. Too hot to shop and nothing fit. I returned to my dumpy apartment (which looks crazy. I have so much going on I haven't had time to clean) with a stank attitude. Then something pretty cool happened, I started to work on certain chapters and my mood completely changed. I was thrilled Matteo's voice is becoming clearer, I cut nine pages out of the first act and don't miss them, and the opening paragraph is a zillion times better.
Yesterday I didn't stop until dinner. I was in the zone for at least six hours. I changed up my music and listened to CDs I haven't heard in a while.
A friend gave me The four disc Stevie Wonder box set AT THE CLOSE OF A CENTURY for my birthday a couple years ago. I have most of his CDs pre-Lady in Red but this is an essential CD for any Stevie fan. CD number 4 is okay but the first three? Incredible.
SQUEEZE SINGLES. I love this CD. Brings me back to early - mid 80s. Great British Pop. Speaking of British, I was big on the Brits yesterday.
SEAL IV - Excellent. He has such a beautiful voice and the songs are gorgeous.
THE BEST OF SADE - This is not easy listening. The musicianship is outstanding and Sade is a bad ass. I wore out STRONGER THAN PRIDE, PROMISE (there is a track called "You're Not the Man" which was not released as a single, that is devastating, seriously.) and LOVE DELUXE back in the day.
Joss Stone, MIND BODY & SOUL - I think she was 17 when she made this record. Crazy. Great voice and music.
The "S" thing was not intentional but maybe I should stick with what works. Today might be a "P" day; Prince, The Police, and Public Enemy.
Off to write.
I had dinner with a screenwriter friend on Friday. She started out as a development exec. She finally wrote a script, it sold, and she started to write full time. I met her when the production company I used to work for hired her to do a page one re-write. She took a dead project and made it sing. An a-list actress is attached and the writer went on to do very well. She is incredibly talented.
I felt so much better after my dinner. I have to say the generousity of time, advice, and just encouragement from the community of writers I know is amazing.
I wrote all day Saturday and most of the day on Sunday. I took a break yesterday and went to the Grove to buy some jeans. I only have one pair that fits. It was 91 degrees. Too hot to shop and nothing fit. I returned to my dumpy apartment (which looks crazy. I have so much going on I haven't had time to clean) with a stank attitude. Then something pretty cool happened, I started to work on certain chapters and my mood completely changed. I was thrilled Matteo's voice is becoming clearer, I cut nine pages out of the first act and don't miss them, and the opening paragraph is a zillion times better.
Yesterday I didn't stop until dinner. I was in the zone for at least six hours. I changed up my music and listened to CDs I haven't heard in a while.
A friend gave me The four disc Stevie Wonder box set AT THE CLOSE OF A CENTURY for my birthday a couple years ago. I have most of his CDs pre-Lady in Red but this is an essential CD for any Stevie fan. CD number 4 is okay but the first three? Incredible.
SQUEEZE SINGLES. I love this CD. Brings me back to early - mid 80s. Great British Pop. Speaking of British, I was big on the Brits yesterday.
SEAL IV - Excellent. He has such a beautiful voice and the songs are gorgeous.
THE BEST OF SADE - This is not easy listening. The musicianship is outstanding and Sade is a bad ass. I wore out STRONGER THAN PRIDE, PROMISE (there is a track called "You're Not the Man" which was not released as a single, that is devastating, seriously.) and LOVE DELUXE back in the day.
Joss Stone, MIND BODY & SOUL - I think she was 17 when she made this record. Crazy. Great voice and music.
The "S" thing was not intentional but maybe I should stick with what works. Today might be a "P" day; Prince, The Police, and Public Enemy.
Off to write.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Chicken Cacciatore, national novel writing month
Last night for dinner I made Chicken Cacciatore (Cacciare means to hunt in Italian) from a recipe in the Dean and Deluca cookbook. This is one of the first cookbooks I bought and I love it. There are no photos but over the past nine years I have used it countless times.
There is a great wine shop on Larchmont Blvd. and they recommended a great half bottle of wine, Benton-Lane Pinot Noir from Oregon, 2002. The recipe, which I cut in half, calls for wine but to buy a whole bottle of red made no sense. A half bottle is perfect for one person. I had a glass while cooking last night and will have the rest of it with dinner tonight. Dinner was delicious.
A friend told me it's National Novel Writing Month. Good luck to all the writers out there. I have a lot of work ahead of me. My first act is too slow and long. Damn. As a film exec I have discussions all the time with writers who can't bring themselves to edit words that they have fallen in love with. Now I'm doing the same thing. I'd hate to lose certain jokes or lines of dialogue but I need to be ruthless. If the word, sentence, paragraph is not moving the story forward it has to go.
I wish I had taken a creative writing class recently (I did in college but that was back in the stone age). I would have a little more confidence about what the hell I'm doing. I am going really focus on my first act this weekend.
Okay, it's 6:00 a.m.. Waiting for the sun to rise a litte before going to Runyon Canyon to hike. It will be good to relax and just think about the book. On Wednesday I was getting frustrated because I kept coming up with dialogue for book number 2 as I walked up the mountian. Very annoying. I must finish book number 1 first.
There is a great wine shop on Larchmont Blvd. and they recommended a great half bottle of wine, Benton-Lane Pinot Noir from Oregon, 2002. The recipe, which I cut in half, calls for wine but to buy a whole bottle of red made no sense. A half bottle is perfect for one person. I had a glass while cooking last night and will have the rest of it with dinner tonight. Dinner was delicious.
A friend told me it's National Novel Writing Month. Good luck to all the writers out there. I have a lot of work ahead of me. My first act is too slow and long. Damn. As a film exec I have discussions all the time with writers who can't bring themselves to edit words that they have fallen in love with. Now I'm doing the same thing. I'd hate to lose certain jokes or lines of dialogue but I need to be ruthless. If the word, sentence, paragraph is not moving the story forward it has to go.
I wish I had taken a creative writing class recently (I did in college but that was back in the stone age). I would have a little more confidence about what the hell I'm doing. I am going really focus on my first act this weekend.
Okay, it's 6:00 a.m.. Waiting for the sun to rise a litte before going to Runyon Canyon to hike. It will be good to relax and just think about the book. On Wednesday I was getting frustrated because I kept coming up with dialogue for book number 2 as I walked up the mountian. Very annoying. I must finish book number 1 first.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Sweetwater by Roxana Robinson and L'America by Martha McPhee
I really enjoyed SWEETWATER. Thanks Nichelle for the recommendation. A widow, Isabel Green disconnects from her life until she meets Paul Simmons. She marries him quickly and visits his family's summer lodge in the Adirondacks. While deal with his WASPy family she has to confront issues in her current marriage and issues from her first marriage. To say there is some family tension would be an understatement. I thought the writing was beautiful, very descriptive. The last third of the book was so tense I couldn't put it down. There were some very funny moments, esp. with her mother-in-law.
L'AMERICA is the second book I have read this year about a dysfunctional relationship between an American woman and an Italian man. Beth and Cesare, 18, meet in Greece during summer vacation in the early 80s. The book follows their relationship to 9/11 with some comments on the next generation. Beth is the daughter of a man who started a commune after her mother died. Cesare is the son of a powerful Northern Italian banking family. The relationship is off and on for years. Beth and Cesare at times are very cruel to each other. They taunt each other with the stories of their affairs. The things that they loved about each other; Beth fearlessness and casualness, Cesare family's history, start to annoy them.
This is supposed to be an epic tale of love, history, loss, old world versus new, etc. However, both characters are so self-absorbed I really didn't care about them.
L'AMERICA is the second book I have read this year about a dysfunctional relationship between an American woman and an Italian man. Beth and Cesare, 18, meet in Greece during summer vacation in the early 80s. The book follows their relationship to 9/11 with some comments on the next generation. Beth is the daughter of a man who started a commune after her mother died. Cesare is the son of a powerful Northern Italian banking family. The relationship is off and on for years. Beth and Cesare at times are very cruel to each other. They taunt each other with the stories of their affairs. The things that they loved about each other; Beth fearlessness and casualness, Cesare family's history, start to annoy them.
This is supposed to be an epic tale of love, history, loss, old world versus new, etc. However, both characters are so self-absorbed I really didn't care about them.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Runyon Canyon, John Kerry needs to stop telling jokes
I made it up the Canyon this morning without passing out. yes.
Last night half a million people were expected in my neighborhood for the annual Halloween Parade. I walked up a couple blocks to check out some of the costumes. Hilarious.
Also not to get all political but someone please tell Senator John Kerry to stop talking. He is not helping anyone with his elitist comments. I saw the news. He did put his foot in his mouth. What a stupid (pun intended) thing to say. He is not funny therefore he should refrain from telling any more "jokes" until after the 2006, 2008, and yes the 2012 elections.
Last night half a million people were expected in my neighborhood for the annual Halloween Parade. I walked up a couple blocks to check out some of the costumes. Hilarious.
Also not to get all political but someone please tell Senator John Kerry to stop talking. He is not helping anyone with his elitist comments. I saw the news. He did put his foot in his mouth. What a stupid (pun intended) thing to say. He is not funny therefore he should refrain from telling any more "jokes" until after the 2006, 2008, and yes the 2012 elections.
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