Some days I really dislike this business

The movie is still going forward but there is a major hiccup with our deal with the studio. I am still going on location, it's now a question of how long. Of course I don't mind making cuts to help the bring the budget down, everyone should do their part. However, the way the decision was handled was bullshit.

Feature film producing is very male dominated and most of them are very Type A. The longer I stay in this business the more I understand why many successful producers are crazy and have anger management issues.

There are a couple female producers of note but their numbers are declining. For my generation it's pretty bad. Lydna Obst wrote a great article about it for New York Magazine. Her generation cracked the cement ceiling. She came up during the era of larger-than-life women, like the late Dawn Steel and Julia Phillips.

For Black women there are exactly two female producers making Hollywood movies (one is def. more indie but she does have a studio deal). Both of them have been in the business for years and were mentored by women like Dawn Steel and former Disney Production head, Nina Jacobson.

I was speaking with one of my bosses yesterday. She has been in the biz over 25 years, both her parents were in it and she said things are getting worse. Getting movies made has never been easy but this is bananas. Today is going to be very interesting. Good thing I don't do drugs. I would need to be coked up half the day to deal with this town.

Michelangelo Antonioni and Ingmar Bergman

Two giants in the arts died on the same day. Both of these directors, the Italian Antonioni and the Swedish Bergman are considered two of the most influential artists of the 20th Century.

I was reading Hollywood-elsewhere.com and several of the comments said their co-workers said "I thought she was dead already".

I don't know why I'm surprised a Hollywood executive wouldn't know or care who Bergman is. After all it's not like he could blow stuff up like Michael Bay.

Toronto, two weeks from today

I haven't done most of the things on my to-do-list because work has been insane.

Several friends and colleagues have asked "are you excited to go?" Once I'm on the plane it will seem real to me. There were no major hiccups during the last week. I am feeling good about the movie as of 3:01 p.m. today.

The production coordinator has been sending me photos of possible apartments. I bought some guide books on Toronto so I can get a sense of where things are. One building had a gym which is great. I am determined not to gain 10-15 "production pounds".

My first blog award!

Grazie mille, Avery.

She has nominated me for a schmooze award. No, this has nothing to do with Hollywood. So what is the schmooze award?

It goes to bloggers "who effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship."

I am touched to receive such an honor and appreciate all the people who stop by. Now I get to pick five fellow bloggers. I assume I can't pick the Blogger who nomimated me...but check out Avery's La Dolce Vita blog.

Yes, there is a theme. In no particular order:

1) Shelley in Rome gives interesting insight into my favorite city, complete with photos. She also has a great way of communicating. You feel like you are sitting outside in Piazza Navona sharing a gelato and catching up.

2) Sara's blog was one of the first I started reading. Amazing photography and a fun blog esp. if you love food and to travel. I love seeing Milan and other places through her eyes.

3) Michelle's Bleeding Espresso, is probably one of the more interactive blogs. She, like Sara, also posts recipes. Her POV of living in a small villiage is very interesting and entertaining.

4) Giulia's From Head to Boot is a newer blog for me. This fellow Jersey Girl is hilarious and look forward to seeing what she and her family are up to.

5) Okay, technically they are not expats yet, but Chris and Erin,The Olive Notes, will be in Florence shortly. They also take great photos and their positivity is infectous. I can't wait to hear about their adventures in Italy.


I was also going to give a shout out to Jess in St. Maarten but she already had "blog homework" to do. ha.


Here are the directions to participate:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that have schmoozed you into submission.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the award.
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Power of Schmooze Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.

I am finally digital, lime granita recipe

I put my gym membership on hold for a couple months. Using that money along with some from my parents (aka, the liquidated wedding fund) I bought a digital camera.

My old Pentax 35m took some great photos. I am still learning about the features of my new camera.

I made the lime granita again. It was very, very hot today and this was perfect for a blazing day. I wanted to put a sprig of mint on top but I only had cilantro. This is not as photogenic as I would like but I'm happy I was able download photos no problem.


Lime Granita adapted from Bon Appetit

6 servings

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Cool the syrup. Stir in the lime juice.

Transfer to a 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Cover and place in freezer. Use a fork and scrape every 45 minutes until frozen, about 3 hours. I used a Tupperware dish and that worked as well. You can make it 2 days ahead. Cover and keep frozen.

Moaning meme

Wanderlust Scarlett tagged me with this meme. I am finally getting to it:

The Moaning Meme

5 people who will be annoyed you tagged them.
Okay, I am only picking one person because all the other bloggers I know have done this one or stopped doing memes.
*Jess, an American in St. Maarten.


4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.
*hunger
*racism
*intolerance
*britney spears


3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.
*when they are passive-aggressive
*say "like" every other word
*make promises they can't/or have no intention of keeping (wait, that might fall under passive-aggressive)


2 things you find yourself moaning about.
*Los Angeles
*Not having a single date in '06 and so far not in '07

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.
*I need to move.


RULES
Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
Be as honest as possible. This is about letting people get to know the real you!
Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
Post these rules at the end of every meme!

The number one topic in Hollywood today

Was not the possibility of a strike for a change but Ms. Lohan's latest DUI arrest. This is not funny. The woman just got out of rehab 11 days ago. She could have killed herself and/or someone else.

It's sad to see someone fall apart. Her acting career for the time being is over because no company will insure her.

I hope she can get it together like Drew Barrymore or Robert Downey Jr. Maybe she should go to a non-Hollywood type rehab place, take a few years off and go to school, travel or something. This atmosphere is toxic even for those with strong family ties and confidence. For those who don't have a foundation it can be deadly.

A beach next to a runway?

Today my sister is leaving for St. Martin to meet up with my brother, my sister-in-law and my two little nephews. My parents will be meeting their latest grandchild for the first time.

My dad has no idea my sister is coming. I wish I could be there to see the look on his face.

There is a bar on the Dutch side we like to go to and watch the planes fly over the beach. When you see one of the big American Airlines, KLM or Air France planes fly over you have to wonder why anyone would "relax" on that beach.

Planes do come in quite low but this is bananas.

Una cena troppo tardi (A very late dinner)

It was very difficult to not read scripts this weekend. I kept looking at the pile and feeling guilty. On the other hand I'm almost done with one of the four books I'm reading. When I was at my friend's house on Thursday, she lent me two books I have to read. I had a great time on Thursday sitting out in their backyard, talking and drinking wine until almost midnight.

I am on pins and needles waiting to hear back from my editor. Trying to be patient, which is not one of my strong suits. In the meantime I am going to start going throught the ms again, to look for the dreaded typos.

Last night my former Italian professor had us over for dinner. The invitation was for 8:00 p.m. we left at almost 1:00 a.m. I go to bed at 10:00 maybe 11:00 p.m. if I'm living on the edge. Dinner was amazing! Anti-pasti, salad, pasta (rigatoni with eggplant and tomatoes), wine, bread, etc.

The night started out a little rusty for me since one of my classmates just spent two weeks in Italy and was speaking so fast. The other two are at a level higher but I was able to at least understand the conversation. I would freeze when it was mine time to speak. I just need to practice more. I read Italian much better since I'm constantly getting emails from one of my friends (we met in another class two years ago) who refuses to send me emails in English, I read Italian newspapers and magazines when I can, and I'm reviewing my text book.

Our professor's husband came home from work and joined us. He's an American, a musician and very, very funny. We could have stayed and talked for another hour or so.

Now it's back to work. As of 8:00 a.m. today, the movie is still on track. Hopefully there will be no major hiccups this week.

I am going to start my weekend right now

Leaving the office to meet friends at their new house for some vino and food. They are actors I met in my first Italian class, very sweet and not crazy. I do have a business lunch with a studio executive tomorrow. She is fantastic so it's something I'm looking forward to.

A couple of friends have suggested that my stank attitude might have something to do with working seven days a week. I have decided I'm not reading any scripts this weekend. I am giving myself a break from work for 48 hours.

I heard this song the first night I was in Rome last year. My former spinning teacher, the incredible David, used to play this song in class. Through him I met one of my closest friends in Rome. Thanks to Sara in Milan (Ms. Adventures) I finally tracked down the name and artist. Let the weekend begin.

It all makes sense now! Thank you, Us Magazine.

I was walking past the newstand with my boss and we started cracking up over this cover. Please. Like I'm supposed to shed a tear. My ass has never been married to anyone much less Brad Pitt or Nick Lachey. I told my boss if I were on the cover it would say something different. For example, out of shape, broke, and alone.

That said, I am glad this national magazine is bringing attention to the drama that is dating in Hollywood.

Therapy and Journey

"You need a therapist!"

This is what a friend said to me earlier tonight. I just got in from drinks at the wonderful Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. My friend who has known me for almost 20 years, is in L.A. for business. She was staying at the hotel and it was easier to meet there.

I haven't been there since my dinner with Clive. I forget how trippy it can be. I saw Al Sharpton. WTF? My friend is married with kids and lives in the NYC suburbs. She finds Los Angeles very interesting, like a science experiment.

She works on the corporate side of a big entertainment company but wants to move over to the creative side. After listening to me rant about the business, she said I needed to see a professional.

Okay stress about the movie aside, I am thankful I work with some very talented (and stable people). I have to keep reminding myself why I came out here in the first place. I need to keep believing.

Which brings me to today's musical selection. Not only was it the song Tony picked during the Sopranos finale, but it was on Scrubs, Family Guy, one of those MTV reality shows, the movie Monster, etc. This video cracks me up. Steve Perry's pants are so tight. One thing that is serious though, is his voice. This is live, no backing vocals or lip synching, like some so-called singers.

I don't know if I really need therapy. I might be one of only four people in Hollywood not seeing a therapist. I do know songs like this lift my spirits. This song is so Jersey. I love it.

Sade, helping make a crappy Monday better.

I always thought she was cool as hell. Great video. The black and white photography is stunning. It's sad to see the towers



I am in the middle of downloading my CDs to my iPod. I can only download 2000 songs so I won't be able to download everything. I am almost done with "S". Jill Scott, Sting, The Stones, Shalamar (!), along with some others and of course Sade.

I am having a tough week/month/year maybe decade really (okay, perhaps I'm being melodramatic) and listening to these songs made me a little sad. I should've stopped listening but sometimes, in a warped way, listening to love songs while single can be a good thing.

I was talking to a very good friend over the weekend and her dating stories were just horrific. I can't understand all the baggage and game playing. My friend is a beautiful, talented, divorced woman in her early 30s. She isn't trying to snag a man or looking for one to "complete" her. She, like many of us, would just like to meet a nice, smart, non-crazy, not trying to break into the entertainment business, man in his 30s/40s who doesn't hate his mom/ex-wife/, isn't looking for a model/actress, not addicted to drugs/sex/alcohol and doesn't have anger management issues. Is this too freaking much to ask for?

I was down on love then listened to "Nothing Could Come Between Us." Sade is one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Her band was excellent. I'm sure if she was starting her career now, the record labels would say she was too boring and classy.

I listen to these songs and I think it would be nice to feel this way about someone. :(

I've always loved the base line in this song.


Words: sade adu
Music: sade adu, andrew hale, and stuart matthewman

I always hope that you remember
We'll never really learn the meaning of it all
What we have is strong and tender
So hold on
In the middle of the madness

When the time is running out and you're left alone
All I want is you to know that
It's strong still
Cant pull us apart

Nothing can come
Between us
Nothing can pull us apart
Can come
Between us

I always hope that you remember
What we have is strong and tender
In the middle of the madness
Hold on

So it truly is a good thing
And I always wanted you to know
There is always this
And this is everlasting
Hold on

It's about faith
It's about trust, yeah yeah
It's about faith
It's about trust

Nothing can come
Nothing can come
Nothing can come between us
Nothing can come
Nothing can come
Nothing can come between us

Weird Godzilla dream thanks to my non-relaxing weekend

Back in the day, WABC the local NYC station used to show movies before the local news. This was pre-Oprah, Sally, and other syndicated shows. My younger brother and I loved "Godzilla Week". My favorite battles were with Mothra and anything featuring the son of Godzilla, Godzuki. Ask any person of a certain age from the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey, Conn.) about little Godzilla and they will do the impression including upper body movements.

Given this "history" with Godzilla I don't find him scary (the same cannot be said for that horrible remake a few years ago). Imagine my surprise when I had a crazy nightmare last night. I dreamt I was running from him and found shelter in a basement. My mom was there talking on a cellphone. I was worried because the monster could detect the signal and find us. She turned it off. I don't remember who the other person there was. The three of us heard the monster stomp past us. After a while thinking the coast was clear, we stepped outside to investigate. Another monster was coming right at us. He had a head shaped like a rack of lamb. I was freaked the $%*@ out and we started running.

That is all I remember and I had a hard time getting back to sleep.

I was trying to have a restful weekend, when I had a conversation yesterday with one of the other producers regarding some recent movie drama. Ugh!!! Tomorrow is not going to be a fun day.

I drove out to Malibu this morning. If I was going to read scripts all day might as well do it some place nice. I went to Zuma beach. It's the first time I've been to the beach in L.A. this year. The sand was kind of dirty, which reminded me why I usually drove a few more miles north. The drive on PCH was very pretty.

I have some Chianti wine left over from last night's dinner. I am going to try a new grilled chicken recipe later and I bought some apple pie for dessert. Hopefully a good meal will help me sleep better tonight.

scripts, books and T.G.I.F.

Our casting session for today was held on Wednesday instead so I have this afternoon free to get some work done. I have so many scripts to catch up on. Last week was so hectic I fell behind. Agents know I'm in pre-production so I am cutting way back on reading sample scripts from this point on.

I ususally like to read one book at a time. I am reading four now. I have a sickness. I cannot walk past a magazine stand without stopping and now that habit is slipping into my book world. I ordered a bunch of books from Amazon. I would just quickly look at the first paragraph and next I knew, I was a couple chapters in. I am going to try and finish the following this week.

MARGHERITA DOLCE VITA by Stefano Benni. I am reading the english translation because I have a tough enough time trying to read CAPPUCETTO ROSSO (Litte Red Riding Hood) in Italian. Book was a hit in Italy and has received great reviews stateside. It's told from the POV of a young girl as mysterious new neighbors move into a McMansion next door, disrupting their little town. Very funny so far.

DRINKING COFFEE ELSEWHERE by ZZ Packer. This short story collection was a PEN/Faulkner finalist. Many of the stories first appeared in the New Yorker and Harpers. Brillant writer, great storyteller, with stories that touch on race, family, friendship and life in the U.S. of A. There were some passages that were so funny and/or insightful, I had to read them again and again.

GOODBYE, COLUMBUS by Philip Roth. I have read some of his later works and there is a reason he is considered one of the most gifted writers of our time. This short story collection debuted in 1959. His first book put him on the map. The story "Goodbye, Columbus", (adapted into a movie starting Ali McGraw and Richard Benjamin) is about a poor kid from Newark, NJ in love with a rich girl from Short Hills, NJ. Although they share the same ethnicity and culture (Jewish) they pretty much have nothing in common. Many of Roth's novels are set in Essex County, New Jersey (as was that other great work...The Sopranos) and I like reading about this area where I went to jr high and high school.

FALLING PALACE: A ROMANCE OF NAPLES by Dan Hofstadter. He was a contributor to the New Yorker and has written books on art. This is a more literary verson of a travel memoir. He is in love with Naples and a beautiful women but finds both very confusing. I was only able to spend one day in Naples. I would like to go back and see more of it. It was truly one of the most incredible, crazy, beautiful, messy cities I have ever been to.

The Age of Love; Kittens vs Cougars

When I first heard about this show I was horrified. What kind of sexist nonsense was this? Now I feel sorry for the 20 somethings (the kittens). Where did casting find these women? When they are not saying the 40 somethings (the cougars) are old, have sagging breasts, wrinkles etc. they are crying.

The man in the middle, 30 year old, Austrailian tennis pro Mark Phippoussis, was at first freaked out when he met the older women. In the past he has only dated women younger than him. After he went out on his group date with the 20 somethings, who had nothing to say to him or each other, he said "I have to be honest I miss the older women." haha.

My last two assistants were both hired right out of college. Smart, hard working and 22/23. I don't know if the producers of the show picked only wanna be actresses for the younger group. These women are clueless and they look so much older. There was one girl Tessa who was wore so much make-up she could have used a spatula. At 23 that is not necessary.

The 40 somethings all have jobs, are more with it, can hold a conversation and have confidence. Unless Mark wants to have kids right away, I have no idea why he would pick one of the women from the 20 something group.

Very funny post from David Lebovitz regarding returning to the U.S.A.

Mr. Lebovitz is the author of my favorite new cookbook "The Perfect Scoop." He is an American pastry chef living in Paris. His blog is hilarious and the observations on this list made me laugh.

My friend Sfashionista and I were just talking about some of these things the other day. I'll admit it, I don't think twice about going to the supermarket after the gym. Yes, I'm sweaty, bandana on my head but at least I'm not rolling up to Pavilions in my pajama bottoms. I have seen people at brunch wearing PJ bottoms as well.

L.A. is more casual than New York. I do remember making an effort on the East Coast. I'm not saying men need to start wearing fedoras again but this sloppy dressing has gone too far. What the hell is up with wearing flip-flops everywhere? There were some members of a women's NCAA championship team who went to their White House ceremony in flip-flops. I don't care what your politics are, you do not wear freaking beach shoes to the White House.

My sister and I talked about the "skintern" thing happening in DC. These are interns who dress like they are going to strip at Crazy Girls. I worked on Capitol Hill after college and our interns wore suits most of the time. I am positive the Congressman's Chief of Staff would have sent any intern home who walked in dressed to party.

When I went to the Ocean's 13 premiere there was a producer in dockers-ish pants and converse sneakers. He is in his late 30s. My co-worker said "he doesn't look cool, just tacky". This was a big old school Hollywood, we are shutting down Hollywood blvd. type premiere.

I crack up reading travel boards where many of my fellow Americans whine about not being allowed to dress how they want at the Vatican (no shorts, shoulders covered). Uhm, hello it's a church and you are visiting another country, respect their rules. You are not at Walmart.

I'm curious how the expats view their countrymen as tourists and what do they notice when they come back to the States?

It's almost mid-July, how is that possible?

Living in Los Angeles really warps your sense of time passing. The difference in seasons here is very subtle. It's easy to wake up and ask "what month is this?"

I can't believe we are past the half way mark for '07. It doesn't feel like summer at all to me. Yes, it's hot but I'm not feeling the summer vibe. Part of it is because work is crazy hectic instead of slowing down. If everything works out with the movie it will be worth it.

I won't be able to meet my siblings and nephews (one is almost three and the another is 5 months old) in St. Martin. They are leaving in a couple of weeks.

The movie is scheduled to wrap in early December. After production you are wiped out. A nice litte trip to the Amalfi coast might be good way to decompress after a long and tough shoot. It will be off season and nice and quiet. Something to look forward to.

A little italian, lime granita, Charm School, a 124 mph serve and some Ramazotti

I sent my ms to my editor over the weekend. I have my mornings back for the next few weeks. Time to get back on track with my workouts and Italian.

I couldn't sign up for Italian this summer because of the movie schedule. I was supposed to be in Advanced Italian, (hahaha), instead I started to review from the very beginning. I'm in the middle of Pimsleur Level One. So far no c'è male (not too bad). I started Chapter One of my Prego textbook. My goal is to finish a chapter a week (well until I get to the dreaded Passato Remoto and the other more difficult verb tenses).

On Saturday I met a friend from class to practice. I stopped by Bay Cities Italian deli in Santa Monica which was packed at 4:00 in the afternoon. I couldn't believe how much traffic there was at the beach. Crazy. The bread there is so good I was tempted to start eating it while I sat in traffic on Lincoln Blvd. I had a good time on Saturday, a nice bottle of wine, salad from her garden and great if (somewhat butchered) converstion. I bought two books to help me get up to speed: "Better Reading Italian" and "Mastering Italian Vocabulary".

I made a fantastic and super easy Lime Granita...perfect for another hot weekend. I have been looking throught "The Perfect Scoop" cookbook and there are so many recipes I want to try.

The Flavor of Love, Charm School Reunion. Larissa might want to sign up for anger management. One day she is going to say something to the wrong person and get a serious beat down.

Venus Williams entered Wimbledon ranked number 31. She won helped by a serve clocking in at 124 miles per hour! Jesus. How does someone even return a serve like that? I miss playing tennis.

While at my friend's house she was playing Eros's CD "Eros". I know, I know. One of my friends cannot stand his voice...too nasally and yes some of the songs are cheesy. Well, since I usually have no idea what he is saying, the lyrics don't bother me.
There is one song on this CD I love "Memorie". It has a great melody. The last verse is:

e riscoprire come un dolore
senza capire perché
ricostruire un’emozione
fino a morire per te...

fino a morire per te...

Sounds molto bello in Italian. I looked up the translation on the web. I think the person did a literal one. Hmm seems a little intense in English.

and I rediscover
an unexplainable pain
I reconstruct an emotion
until I die for you...

until I die for you...

Yo I'll tell you wanna want, what I really, really want

Feeling down...don't. The Spice Girls are back!

Zigzig ha indeed. I remember the first time I saw the video for the song "Wannabe", I was like "WTF?". Against my better judgement I couldn't get the damn catchy song out of my head. I'm not going to lie. I like the first two Spice Girls CDs. It's good fun pop. I will say I was annoyed Mel. B the Black Spice Girl had to be Scary Spice. I'm glad she got that situation with Eddie Murphy worked out.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Finito!

With the latest draft of zee book. I am going to use the next few days to clean up typos and then send it off to my editor.

Yesterday was a great writing day. The gym didn't open until 7:00 a.m. (holiday hours) so I went on a walk instead. I wrote from 7:30-12:30 broke for lunch, then 1:30 to 4:30. It was fantastic to have a full day to do my thing.

I am feeling a little sluggish, one it's crazy hot and two I didn't go to the gym a couple of days last week. I felt like I was in a writing groove so I would get up at 4:30 a.m., skip the gym and get 4 hours of writing done before going to the office.

It will take a few weeks to receive notes on this draft so I will have time to work out again.

Had the weirdest dream last night. I was waiting in line at the post office...in Rome. I don't remember if I was speaking Italian in the dream. Not sure what I was doing there.

More cookbooks!

I know I said I was going to stop buying them but I swear this is it (for the next few months anyway). I came into the office today and waiting for me was THE PERFECT SCOOP and CHOCOLATE AND ZUCCHINI. I cannot wait to read them cover to cover and make something delicious this weekend.

Speaking of food, 85% of my clothes don't fit. I can't stop eating. Okay I'm going to get some candy then back to work.

Hope everyone has a safe 4th. I'll be writing all day.

It's too hot.

Too hot to even blog.

Writing, watermelon granita and Giada in Capri

So these things might not seem to have anything in common. Well, they were the highlights of my very non-social weekend.

I had a very productive and fun time writing Friday, yesterday, and this morning. I took a break early afternoon yesterday to make the recipe, Sara posted here. It was delicious, perfect for a hot weekend.

Rose mentioned Giada De Laurentiis did a special on Capri. I saw her Santorini one and just happened to catch the Capri one. Sigh. I hear it's better to go during off season. I have to get there some day. The food, the views, the ruins, wow.

I can't believe today is July 1. My siblings are going to visit our parents in St. Martin later this month. I can't go because everything is on hold until I find out what is going on with the movie.

Please let there be no strike.

This article is one reason a lot of folks are stressed out in Hollywood right now. We are trying to cast our movie and every day another actor is unavailable. Ugh!

If there is a strike, most of us at production companies will lose our jobs, even those with contracts. There is a clause, in all these contracts that under extreme circumstances they are null and void. A strike by the actors, writers, and/or director's Guilds would qualify.

Most people think well, these guys get paid a lot. That is true for a tiny minority. Over 90 percent of the people in the Screen Actors Guid are unemployed. The big issues are going to be over DVD profit sharing and other ancillary markets (the web, iPhone etc.). It might get ugly.

Why worry now? The problem is you need more than a year for most movies to prep, shoot and edit. It's going to be an interesting 11 months.

I hope our movie gets made. I need to get one movie in the can before June '08. If I lose my job, I will have a little bit more in savings. No movie = no Producer's fee = a broke-ass unhappy person.

100% Paris Free

I saw this cover at the newstand and it made me laugh. The editor said they had to comb through the issue to make sure she wasn't mentioned in the beauty/shopping sections as well.

Us Weekly was one of the places approached by Paris' reps for an exclusive. Us tried to make a deal where the money would go to the charity of Paris's choice. Her peeps rejected that deal. Hmm, I thought she had turned a new leaf and had found God in prison. Instead her greedy reps created a backlash (they wanted NBC to pay one million dollars) and now she had to be interviewed for free by Larry King. Okay this woman is loaded why should any news division pay her for an interview? I'm glad NBC was embarrased.

Hopefully she will go lay low but I don't think that is going to happen.

Stressed!

I was sitting in a meeting with my boss. He touched my shoulder and my co-worker's shoulder and said to "Wow, you are so tight. You need to schedule a message right away, put it on me." Then he told my co-worker to feel my upper back. She said "oh my God." I don't know if he is really going to pay for a massage. :)

Yesterday was one of those days. We are a week from pre-production and there is so much to do. I won't be going on location until late July or August 1st so I do have more time to get things done in L.A.

I saw BROKEN ENGLISH. It's a damn documentary, except I'm not that neurotic and no hot Frenchman is trying to talk to me. The latter could be one reason I'm stressed. haha

West Side Story-America

Given the intense immigration debate going on in Congress and around the nation, I thought this clip was appropiate. I saw it on J. Doe's blog a couple weeks ago. I love this movie. It swept the Oscars the year it came out in the early 60's (before I was born, so no I didn't see it in the theatre). I saw it for the first time on TV when I was very young. Then again in one of my English classes after we read "Romeo and Juliet". It's one of my favorite movies of all times.

I wanted to be a singer/dancer like Rita Moreno after I saw this movie. I used to dance and sing around our apartment all the time (I probably drove my parents crazy but they humored me). Once we moved to the suburbs I was able to join the choir, play in band but no dancing. I'm only 5'2, didn't have the legs for it. :(

The music and choreography was just incredible. This scene and the "Tonight" medley I could watch/listen to over and over again.

Random fact: Russ Tamblyn who was played the leader of the Jets is Amber's (Joan of Arcadia, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) dad.

Saturday Night Fever Dance Scene

This weekend the news was esp. depressing. More soldiers killed in Iraq. They found the missing body of Jessie Davis. She was due to give birth next week. She named her unborn daughter Chloe. The main suspect is the father of Chloe and her two year old brother, Blake. Michael Moore's new movie is coming out so there has been a lot of coverage about the American health care system. I may not be the biggest fan of Mr. Moore's (long story, a friend used to work with him) but it is unacceptable that the United States, the richest country on the planet is rank 39th, ahead of Slovenia, when it comes to providing health care to all our citizens. France, who many Americans love to talk smack about, is number one.

At the gym I also caught a snippet about how it's is the 20th anniversary of DIRTY DANCING and the 30th of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.

I cannot believe this movie came out in the summer of '77. Of course I didn't see it in the theaters. I caught the PG version years later as a teenager. It wasn't until I saw it again as an adult did I find out the original version was rated "R" and very dark.

As I watched the story on SNF I was able to smile for a few minutes and remember some good times. It has one of the best openings in film. John Travolta is strutting down the street, like he's the King of the five boroughs, only to end up at the paint store where he worked.

Every time I hear "You Should be Dancing" I think about Donna Castellano doing the moves at one of our school dances. We were all in a circle saying "Go Donna, go Donna!"

Whille there are some truly horrible songs from that era, I still love to dance to the music. Some of the singers were amazing, in any genre. Donna Summer has a great voice, period. The whole disco sucks mentality was about more than just repetitive music. Please, there was a bunch of rock music that sucked back then as well.

Disco never really went away. It called dance music now.

Los Angeles Film Festival

Last night was the opening night of the festival. The fantastic movie TALK TO ME premiered (semi-full disclosure, some friends of mine worked on the movie). The event was in Westwood with the after-party on a sectioned off street.

I went with my co-workers. We had a drink and some appetizers before the movie, which was a great way to kick off the evening (haha). I saw some of my favorite people and met the very talented Chiwetel Ejiofor. Sognatrice's man, Andy Garcia was there, he introduced the movie.


Speaking of movies, I'm looking forward to seeing BROKEN ENGLISH, a small indie movie written and directed by Zoe Cassavetes. Parker Posey plays a late 30s something single woman who meets a Frenchman. I read Ms. Cassavetes is engaged to a Frenchman. One of my friends saw this movie at Sundance and said it was great.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Destination: Rome, the rewrite

After two weeks of waking up at 4:30 to write before work, I printed out a copy of draft #14. I am happy with how things are going so far. I think I am addressing the notes from my editor.

I can't believe how much I missed writing and working on this particular story. I do like this part of the process. It's like the foundation has been built and now I'm picking the colors, hanging the drapes, etc. I had fewer moments of "What the hell am I doing? This is terrible. What made me think I could write a novel? I could be sleeping or working out".

I will be using the next couple of days to read through the ms with my red pen ready. I hope to be done with this draft by mid July.

O Canada.

Hopefully our movie will continue on track. If so, I will be in Toronto in a few weeks. I went to Montreal when I was in high school but this will be my first trip to Toronto.

I was told there is a huge West Indian community in Toronto and a big festival in August. Very excited about eating some good food, mon!

The hours are brutal in production but I can't wait to go. One, it's a great project and two, it's shooting in Canada and Morocco (maybe France depending on our final budget).

I will be gone until mid December. I am curious to see if my mood/attitude is the way it is because I live in L.A. or is it me? When I go to Italy or the Caribbean, it's a short trip and I'm not working like I do here. I will be gone for almost 6 months. I remember speaking with a screenwriter about one of our projects. She described a character in the script as being one of those people who thinks a change in location will change their lives when in fact they bring their issues with them wherever they go. hmm.

Thierry Henri, the soccer theme continues.

Bonjour Mr. Henri!! This concludes my favorite men post for now. These past few entries have lifted my spirits yet at the same time made me a little sad about my current situation. haha

Thierry plays for Arsenal, a UK team but was born in Paris to West Indian parents. His family is from Guadeloupe and Martinique. I have family from Guadeloupe. Maybe we are related.

Not only is he a fantastic player but he is very involved in charity. He is also a spokesperson against racism in "the beautiful game."

Favorite men continued, I Azzurri

I hope all the fathers out there had a great Father's Day. I spoke to two of the greatest fathers I know yesterday, my dad and my brother. I miss them.

You can tell this video is a few years old. Totti's hair is long and the fantastic Luca Toni is not in it. However, Gennaro and Fabio are. I assume this song was for a charity.

I decided to go back and listen to the Pimsleur Level One Italian CDs. Saturday night "la contessa" hosted a dinner and we tried to speak Italian. La contessa speaks Italian very well. Every time she left the dining room, I would start speaking English again. haha. It would be good to review some basics.

I had such a great time Saturday with my three friends. We all met in Italian class a couple years ago. Ci sono belle donne.

favorite men continued, Gennaro Gattuso

Can someone please explain to me the whole taking off his pants thing? I know trading shirts with the opposing team is a tradition but pants?

As a former midfielder I appreciate Gattuso's skills on the field. As a woman I appreciate all his other skills. I think there is something very sexy about Gattuso.

Dating update

There is not a damn thing to report!!

Okay, I really don't want be one of those negative women who is always complaining about men or lack there of, so I am going to do a few posts about some my favorite men. Let's begin.

I don't need to add anything to this photo. It speaks for itself.

Monopoli!

No, that is not a typo. Last year I volunteered with the Hollywood Boys and Girl Club. One of the women from our committee dropped the game off at my office. I have no idea why she was driving around with this game. The only Italian she knows is, Gucci, Prada, etc. :)

I enjoyed playing Monopoly as a kid. I'm looking forward to getting down Italia style with some friends from Italian class soon.

Out of Sight

This is one of my favorite movies, smart, funny and entertaining. It came out in the summer of 1999 and "underperformed" despite excellent reviews. I thought it was more of a fall movie and it got buried by the big blockbusters.

I know people like to clown J.LO's acting but she was great in this movie. She and Clooney had incredible chemistry. I have never seen a scene in the back of a trunk be so sexy. ha.

The end of an era

Arrivederci to one of the best shows on television...ever.

Hostel II

Hostel II is opening today against Ocean's 13. I wonder how many women will go see this movie? The director, Eli Roth, has talent but I have no stomach for this new genre (torture porn or gorno). When will it end? Never, unless these movies stop making money. Many people are up in arms about the movie's money shot. The actress Heather Matarazzo gets brutally tortured and murdered by another woman while hanging naked upside down. The other woman "gets off" while torturing her.

I laughed when I read an interview on Eli saying he was inspired by Fellini when he was writing Hostel II. He was in Rome and went to one of Fellini's favorite restaurants. Fellini and Roth do not belong in the same sentence. How this movie received only an R rating is beyond me.

As I see all the marketing for CAPTIVITY (another movie about torturing women) I can't help but think of Kelsey Smith, the 18 year old woman who was kidnapped in broad daylight in a Target parking lot. Her body was found and they have arrested a 26 year old who was seen following her on a CCTV camera.

Paris released from jail

WTF? Already?

On the news last night the reporter said she was having a difficult time. Hmmm, that is why it's called jail and not the St. Regis.

About last night

The premiere was fun. I have never seen a red carpet that long. It took the stars (of Ocean's 13) forever to talk to the press. Some walked over to the fans that were screaming and signed autographs. I was already in my seat when I heard a huge roar. They were showing the red carpet on the movie screen and we could see that Brad and Angelina had arrived. I thought some fans were going to pass out.

In the middle of the afterparty there were some kick ass fireworks. Warner Bros threw a good party. It was work but I enjoyed spending time with my co-workers and catching up with some of my colleagues. When we left the party some fans were still waiting outside. It was midnight.

It most be so weird to be that famous. You can't leave your house. The tabloids think it's okay to print vicious lies about you to sell magazines. Stars shouldn't complain about doing press (red carpet/press junkets/interviews), it is part of the job, but the paparazzi is out of control. I don't feel a bit sorry for people like Paris or Tom Cruise who court the press and the paparazzi. I was talking to a publicist last night and she was saying things are getting worse. It's too bad. I think it's one reason everyone says there few movie stars today. We know too much about them. I was reading an article in the L.A. Times that said movies used to be aspirational. The was a well known quote from the President of Paramount who told famous in-house costume designer Edith Head to make a gown so beautiful no one in the audience could possibly afford it. Now there is an entire magazine (InStyle) which details what the stars wear, live etc. so if buy we same shampoo as Jennifer Anniston we will be connected to her/or like her somehow.

Over exposure is not good for an actor. Some make a choice they want to be celebrities but the ones who really stick around and build careers are those who are actors first.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The Broker by John Grisham

I finally finished THE SECRET which has become a monster hit in the U.S. It is basically about the laws of attraction. What you put out in the universe is what you get back. If you are always negative you will be surrounded by negativity. That said the focus on materialism really bothered me. Why is making ton of money so freaking important in this culture? Also there is no room for fate. Maybe a couple years ago I would have agreed with this warped view that anything is possible if you try hard enough. So if someone is poor it's only because they don't think "richly" or they don't work hard enough? All the people who died in tsunami were thinking negative thoughts? Sometimes people are at the wrong place at the wrong time or vice versa.

I think we set people up by pushing this idea that we control evertything that happens to us. No wonder so many people in this country are on anti-depressants, stressed out, and unhappy despite all the opportunities here.



I haven't read Grisham in years. I knew this book was set in Bologna and all the other books I wanted to borrow from the library were not available.

It was a quick fun read but if you are a hardcore Grishman fan you might be disappointed. I was reading some of the reviews on Amazon. I didn't have a problem "with all the Italian" in the book. Hello, it's set in Bologna. Clearly, some of his fans did. LOL.

Speaking of Italy, I'm going to the Ocean's 13 premiere tonight. Since this one is set in Vegas there would seem to be no connection to Italy. However, there is. George Clooney is in Ocean's 13 and he has a house in Lake Como. I would be willing to house sit.

The Sopranos

I have to watch last night's episode again. Brillant and sad.

Back to the book and more on Andrew Speaker, the TB passenger

I spoke to my editor yesterday. She really likes my book and I should be getting her editorial report this weekend. Very excited but also freaked out. I have to re-work the beginning of the book. This is note I heard from several readers. They enjoyed it but felt it takes too long to get into the meat of the story, which is set in Rome not Los Angeles. I wrote the ms in a linear way and might start the book with my protagonist in Rome and flashback to the horrific two weeks that proceeded her arrival.

I haven't worked on the book in 7 weeks. While I have enjoyed being able to get things done (gym, downloading CDs to my iPod, watching Good Morning America, spending time reading blogs and other things on the internet), I missed my book. Sometimes at the gym funny dialogue (to me anyway) that one of the characters might say pops into my head. I started to keep pen and paper next to my bed. I never felt like getting out of bed to write down good ideas and assumed I would remember them in the morning. I never did and it would drive me crazy all day.

Taking a walk or walking on the treadmill listening to music gets the creative juices flowing. Being in the shower and driving also seems to work. I read on one screenwriter's website it's because your subconcious is at work. This is why I like to write in the morning. After working all day my brain is fried and I'm not a night person.

I am looking foward (fear aside) to getting back into the swing of things. I love writing. I love the world the book is set in. Working on the book again will bring some non-caloric enjoyment back into my sad little life. I was in a foul mood all week (my co-workers even noticed) because the long weekend was so booooooring. I was glad to go on a hike with a friend Sunday morning but sitting at home Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night made me salty. I thought "why am I spending every night at home watching Emmy DVD screeners?" or "would it be a really bad idea to bake a cake for one person?"

I watch the GMA interview at the gym with Andrew Speaker. He has changed his attitude. Before he said "I'm a smart, successful person, I'm not going to do that" meaning staying in Rome until the CDC could figure out a way to get him to Denver without him flying commercially. Now he says he's sorry, started crying and saying he never meant to put anyone at risk.

What is outrageous is when the border officer swiped Speaker's passport it said to detain him. The officer thought Speaker "looked" healthy and let him through. WTF?!! The report said not to let him in the country. If Speaker wasn't a good looking lawyer with his pretty wife next to him, would they have stopped him. What part of DO NOT ALLOW ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES did the officer not understand? This person should not be protecting our borders.

The TB carrying passenger

This story has been all over the news.

On one hand I can understand wanting to get back home but he may have put people at risk. He said he never coughed during the trip. The thing that did make me angry was his excuse. He said he didn't want to stay in Europe because he was worried about the quality of treatment. Right, France, Italy and, England don't have top doctors. This guy better hope he didn't pass this deadly strain to anyone. If my relative had been sitting on the plance next to this selfish fool, I'd be pissed. He shouldn't have flown in the first place.

Lindsay Lohan

This kind of press is not good. Yes, when I was 20 (back in the Stone Age) I did some stupid things. However, I didn't drink and drive, leave the scene of an accident and then drink/party so much that I pass out in public during the same weekend.

Seriously, it seems everyone and their mother is going to rehab (except for Amy Winehouse, no, no, no) but I feel like it's done for more P.R. reasons. Are these celebs really getting the help they need? Lindsay was going to hold a 21st birthday bash next month. What is up with the club owner, her mom and other friends who thought it would be a good idea have a vodka brand host her party? WTF? She just went to rehab in January.

And since when did one go to rehab for using inappropiate language? I would think for Isaiah, anger management, might have been a better move.

Lohan is a talented actress. Now she is more famous for being infamous. It's hard to make the transition from childhood to adulthood in this business. It doesn't help when almost everyone around you makes their living off of you. I think Lohan would have benefited from going to college, like Natalie Portman, Claire Danes, Jodie Foster, etc. just to get away from Hollywood and meet normal people.

Stephen King on Writing, Because She Can, The True and Oustanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters

I enjoyed King's book. It's part memoir, part inspiration for writers. He, like Walter Mosley, talks about writing every single day. I highly recommend this book for any King fans, writers or fans of pop culture.

The following I checked out of the library:

BECAUSE SHE CAN by Birdie Clark is the latest addition to the Former Assistant Chick Lit genre. I read it because I am fascinated by Judith Regan. Clark work for Regan's imprint for a year. The novel is about an idealistic young woman who's super sweet boss retires. She goes to work for the notorious Vivian Grant. Although the title and pay are much better, soon Grant is working our poor protagonist toward an early grave.

Ms. Regan was one of the most successful women in publishing before she was fired by HarperCollins after the whole OJ book fiasco. The book was a quick and fun read, similar to the movie DEVIL WEARS PRADA. However, the stories I've heard about Ms. Regan were so outrageous no fiction could possibly be more scary/entertaining. Ms. Regan has been lying low but I am sure we have not heard the last of her.

THE TRUE AND OUSTANDING ADVENTURES OF THE HUNT SISTERS by Elisabeth Robinson. Robinson is a Hollywood producer and there were sections of the novel that hit a little too close to home. Like her scathing letters to backstabbing colleagues. ha.

The format takes a minute to get used to. The protangonist writes letters, faxes and emails while trying to produce a movie and take care of her dying sister. Some of the letters to her sister are quite moving.

I am in the middle of Andrea Levy's THE FRUIT OF THE LEMON. Talented writer but at first I had a hard time relating to a character who didn't know anything about her parents's background or whether her grandparents were dead or alive. She seemed really clueless about life for a 22 year old. I am enjoying it more now and zipping through the novel.

Grazie Dolce & Gabbana

For the ad featuring players from the National Italian soccer team. During last year's World Cup these ads were everywhere. I am not a fan of waxed chests but I will make an exception for this case.

This campaign made me chuckle. I could not imagine Derek Jeter or A Rod posing in underwear made by Ralph Lauren.

Perhaps D & G were inspired by the subject of yesterday's post.

Michelangelo's David

Yet another chilly non-spring like day in Southern California. In keeping with the Italy theme that seems to be happening this week, I want to post about another one of my favorite things.

I went to Florence last year. The city was so crowded it was ridiculous. One Italian historian refers to Florence as the most English speaking city in Italy. While the crowds were suffocating, the art was incredible, as was the Gucci flagship store.

We all have seen many photos of The David. Seeing him in person takes your breath away. I walked into the Accademia, turned the corner and there he was. There are a few uncompleted sculptures leading up to David. When you finally get to the end of the hall, you just stare. The form, the detail, when you look at David's hand you see the veins. How the hell did Michelangelo do this? He believed David was already in the block of marble, similar to how (most) humans have a soul. It was his job to let him out. Michelangelo was only 29 when he created this masterpiece, one of the most recognizable works of art in the world.

It's interesting that the city of Florence commissioned the work in 1501. Michelangelo finished in two years. It makes me livid arts funding in this country has been slashed to the bone. It's one of the first things to be cut from school budgets and not taken seriously. What are we doing?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

A big grazie to Shelley in Rome for the fantastic idea. She read the book WHEN IN ROME: Chasing La Dolce Vita, raved about it but noticed is was only in print in Australia (where she went for her honeymoon).

I thought I was getting the book after Sara in Milan. Yesterday I went to my mailbox and found the book sent to me by Sonya (I don't know if she has a blog) from Australia. What a nice surprise. After I read it, I am to write a note in the book and send it off to Michelle in Milan (not sure if this the same Michelle with the blog). Apparently there are two books "traveling".

I started reading it last night and I'm almost done. The book is a fun memoir. Of course I freaked out a little when I saw there was an actress friend named Patrizia in her book. I have a character in my novel with the same name and occupation. I need to remember it's very propular name like Matteo, Luca etc. Also all the American/British/Australian in Italy books have very similar stories about the cultural differences between their home countries and Italy. It's how the story is told and the point of view that makes the books unique. That said I read EAT, LOVE, PRAY after several drafts of my manuscript had already been written. I was worried when she wrote about spending Thanksgiving in Italy and buying lingerie, two things I wrote about. Oh no. Anyway I told my editor about it and she said they were very different.

Piazza del Campo - Siena, Italy

È bellissima! This is one of my favorite places in the world. I found this website thanks to Erin and Chris. It's a short video. Enjoy.

The Sopranos (spoilers)

I am still reeling over last's night episode. When Tony first saw A.J. and said "A.J. WTF?", I let out a nervous laugh. Tony seemed annoyed that he had to put down his sandwich. It wasn't until he got closer, did he realize what was going on. I started crying when he pulled A.J. out of the pool and said "It's okay my baby". I just lost it.

The "curbing" scene in the restuarant, I turned my head and put my hands over my ears. Couldn't watch that scene in American History X either.

Dr. Melfi's therapist told her sociopaths feed off of therapy. She was not happy to hear that news after treating Tony for five years.

I couldn't believe Carm went off on Tony's family like that.

Only two episodes left and I have no idea what is going to happen.

Notes On A Scandal, The Spring '07 Workout Playlist

Judi Dench is a bad ass. Ms. Blanchett was also outstanding. So well written with some of the most scathing lines since ALL ABOUT EVE. The object of Ms. Blanchett's affection was gorgeous. That said, her actions were completely inappropiate.




Per Ms. Adventures and Gibber's request here is my Spring '07 Workout playlist:

The New Workout Plan/ Kanye West (ironic, no?)
Tell Me Something Good/ Chaka Khan & Rufus
Round & Round/ Hi-Tek Feat. Jonell
The Weekend/ Michael Gray
Jump (Axwell Remix)/ Madonna
World,Hold On/ Bob Sinclar
Change For Me/ Osunlade Presents Erro
Amora, Amor/ Bob Sinclar
The Look of Love/ ABC
Outta Space (Meitz Remix Dub/) Daniel Paul
Love On My Mind (Club Mix)/ Freemasons
MJB Da MVP/ Mary J. Blige
Remind Me (Radio Edit)/ Royksopp (the song from the Geico commercial)
Senamou (c'est l'amour)/ Angélique Kidjo, featuring Amadou & Mariam
Pass the Courvoisier (Clean)/ Busta Rhymes
Rehab/ Amy Winehouse


Two songs, Change for Me and Outta Space are from a great CD called "For Those Who Like To Get Down" by Margues Wyatt. My former spinning teacher played Change for Me in class and I had to buy the CD from Amazon.com.

A letter to my iPod

Dear Red iPod,

It's great that some of the money used to purchase you goes to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS. Plus, the color is so pretty.

I don't know what took so long for us to meet. Oh yes, I just remembered, my broke ass had no money. You have changed my life for the better. How can something so small as a Nano, bring me such joy?

I used to get bored on the treadmill. I could barely stay on for 20 minutes. There is only so much E! television one can watch at the gym. Now, thanks to you I can listen to my custom made "Spring '07 workout" playlist. At the end of a great 50 minutes workout, I was sad it was over. Working out longer will improve my physical and mental health. I didn't realize when I walked into the Santa Monica Mac store, it would add years to my life.

I am able to get rid of the CDs I held on to for only 1 or 2 tracks. I sold those. Wow, Red iPod you have brought material riches into my life as well.

My sister warned me not to go on iTunes too often. She is right. I went to buy one song, and 25 songs later I was still buying. I wish I could quit you Red iPod but I can't.

Sincerely,

Your biggest fan

Thick marine layer (aka June Gloom)

We are really socked in today. Hopefully the marine layer will burn off and the sun will come out later. I have no idea what to wear when it's this chilly in the morning.

While it may not rain often in Southern California, this June gloom phenomenon (which happens year around) is dreary.

This time last year I was sitting in my apartment in Trastevere. Good times.

Oh my god...poor Paris

Excuse me for not commenting earlier on the biggest news story of our times. The war, the Sudan, the election, global warming all this pales in comparison to the story dominating the local (and some national news), Ms. Hilton going to jail.

She clearly has a new lawyer advising her. Before she was saying the judge who sentenced her to 45 days in jail was unfair. Her mother went off on the judge. Mama Hilton sees her daughter as a poor victim, not someone who broke the law. This did not play well with the public because we all know if any of us were arrested TWICE for driving with a suspended license ( the license was suspended for a D.U.I. in the first place) we would in major trouble. Saying you didn't know you couldn't drive with a suspended license, is not a good excuse.

The L.A. county jail is no joke. Not sure if she will serve the full term, since the place is so over-crowded. If Paris had taken the suspension seriously she wouldn't have this problem. Instead she assumed the law didn't apply to her because she hot and rich. I still for the life of me can't figure out why this person is so popular and esp. why young girls see her and her equally clueless friend, Nicole as role models.

One of my producer friends says P. is actually very smart and this is all an act. I don't believe it. First of all, I don't think people should be famous for being famous. Second, that sex tape was vile. Yes, I saw during a pitch meeting (only in Hollywood would that not be considered inappropiate). I was sitting there, the only woman in the room and the exec put it in. I thought it would be a grainy unexplicit thing. The tape was full on hard core porn. It was also boring and not sexy. If that was my child I would have at least cut her allowance and insisted she go volunteer somewhere. Instead P. had no shame and made money off the tape.

Ms. Hilton has been busted twice for using racial slurs in public. Who knows what she says in private. I know Nicole thinks she's white (on one official doc, she is listed as black, on another white) but she's not. I guess she thinks Paris is not talking about her or the black parents (Lionel Richie formely of the funk group The Commodores) who raised her.

Paris is supposed to report to jail next month. No hair extensions, no make-up, no cell phones etc. but you know, Entertainment Tonight, US magazine etc. is going to report on this like it's the presidential election. When she gets out she will be even more famous. Great.

One of my friends said they wished the Taliban would take her ass out. LOL!!

The Sopranos

spoilers below:




R.I.P Christopher Moltisanti

I couldn't believe it when Tony killed Christoper! I was screaming noooooo. Very Shakespearean. When Tony saw how the branch demolished the baby seat, he was done with Chrissy. Michael Imperioli played the hell out of that role.

I think the last three episodes are going to be very dark.

New strike terms

A very wise friend said to me last night that saying I'm on strike is a negative thing. She brought up the massive supermarket strike that took place in L.A. a couple years ago. We, along with many other people, did not step foot into a Vons, Pavilions or Ralphs until it was over. My friend said I need to be "open for business 24/7." :)

I hear what she is saying but I can't negotiate with only myself. I did notice in NYC and Rome conditions improved greatly.

However, in the spirit of turing a negative into a positive and trying to live in the moment, I will at least sit at the bargaining table. I strongly believe these steps will lead to a positive end of the strike.

Live Free or Die Hard

Yippee Ki Ay M.F.!! I swear it's the early 80's. Bruce Willis is on the cover of VANITY FAIR, the billboards for Die Hard are everywhere, and INDIANA JONES starts shooting this summer.

I have no idea if Die Hard 4 is any good but that title kicks ass. It's so over the top and gung-ho, I love it.

I saw several billboards DH4 on the way to my last Jr. League Provisional Advisors meeeting in Santa Monica. We met at the Bodega Bar (Broadwy and Lincoln). Cool little spot, nice vibe. I enjoyed my assignment and was flattered I was nominated for the position but I am so glad it's over. I don't know what I was smoking trying to take on that much work given my schedule.

I told one of the leaders I wanted to just be a committee member next year.

We had a meeting with the director and producer of our project yesterday afternoon. It was my first time meeting the producer. I was in NYC for Tribeca when he met with our team. It went really well. I was so stressed out about it earlier in the week. My bosses said I was the point person for our company and will be the producer going on location. It's going to get very hectic in about a month but looking forward to it.

A cure for the summertime blues

I need a cure.

I met a friend on Sunday from Italian class to practice (after a rocky start, words started to come back to me) and she asked me if I was looking forward to the summer. I told her summer is the toughest time for me in L.A. She was surprised.

I used to think my summer funk was crazy. While I was in NYC the other week, I was talking to a friend who moved back to NYC after living in L.A. for 8 years. She told me she used to get really depressed during the summers. Now she can't wait. She's renting a house in the Hamptons this year.

I did go to the beach a couple of times during my summers here. I pack my car with a chair and umbrella, grab scripts and head to Zuma. The drive up PCH is pretty. I have also been to a couple birthday parties in Malibu.

I miss the community feeling of Sag Harbor, 'the Shore' or Fire Island. Before I moved to Los Angeles, a friend (a native Angeleno who lived in NYC) rented a house with two couples in a small villiage on Fire Island. You can't bring cars on the Isand and it's accessible by ferry. It was the most relaxing weekend get away. We were far from the day trippers section, Oceanside and the Pines which is the happening gay area. There was really nothing to do but sit on the beach, hike, read, eat, drink, and talk. I met some of my closest friends that summer. The guests were eclectic and interesting, a fashion designer, a documentary filmmaker, an exec at a non-profit, a woman who is now a senior editor at Vogue. We would visit one of our friend's parents which how we ended up spending a Friday night playing charades with the 60 plus crowd.

At sundown people go the litlle pizza place by the dock, get a slice, a beer and talk to the neighbors/meet friends arriving. Once the sun sets everyone claps. Those old school red wagons were very popular on the island to cart groceries from the market or young kids. Sunday night we would take the last ferry out, then the train, arriving back in NYC at Penn Station. On Monday I would walk into work feeling like I had a true mini-break.

Other summers the same friend rented a place in Sag Harbor. Sag Harbor is great because it's not so crazy as other parts of the Hamptons. There isn't really a scene, it's just a cute villiage. People are friendly and some of the nearby beaches are just gorgeous.

You didn't have to be rich to get out of town. Assistants or poorly paid jr. media execs would do shares in houses. One year my sister and I drove out to East Hampton. I still think about that market in Amagansett.

Staying in the city on weekends was also fun because almost everyone cleared out. No lines at the movies, museums, or the supermarkets. I would walk uptown to Central Park or the Met and afterwards just sit on the steps and people watch. A perfect day of doing nothing.

I thought maybe the culture out here was different since most people live in houses. They didn't feel the need to get out of an apartment. However, when we lived in the suburbs most of our neighbors rented or owned houses at "the shore". Every town had it's own vibe. Bayhead was stupid wealthy and kinda Waspy, Long Beach Isand (LBI) cool for families, certain beaches were "the tacky non-ironic beaches". The further south in Jersey you went, the beaches became more Philly friendly. This presented a problem when discussing things like football (Giants vs Eagles). My family went to the Caribbean mostly but we did go to Ocean Grove a couple times. The first week of school, my classmates would go on and on about their shore romances.

I will not go through the summertime blues this year. Hopefully I will be in production. Out of town shooting is usually a 6- day week. Working 16 hours a day plus trying to write an hour before going to set will give me little time to get sad about anything. (like the fact that almost half the year is gone, and I still haven't been on a single date).

If for some reason the movie falls apart, I am going to try and be more social this summer. Maybe I can get a group to the beach for a cookout or something. I can hear the moaning already, "I have scripts to read," "I don't want to drive that far west", "I'm going to be in the office all weekend". I not trying to hear any excuses. Some of these same friends complain they don't have a life. Well, it's time for us to change that.

I can't put my life on hold until I move to Rome, who knows when that will be?

Scary fire in Griffith Park

I was at work yesterday looking at the huge flames rage behind the iconic Griffith Park Observatory. By the time I left the office the fire seemed to be contained, it was no longer breaking news and the smoke was better.

After dinner, I got to work but was having a hard time making through a blah script. Turned on the TV...what the heck happened. The fire was moving away from the Observatory but now had spread to over 600 acres and was very close to homes in the Hollywood Hills.

I called my boss who lives west of the fires in the Hills to see if they still had power. The firefighters battled the fire all night using the big water dumping helicopters (very dangerous because of not being to see power lines) and this morning the fire is 40% contained and no homes were destroyed. Some people are still not able to return home. Last 300 people where told to leave and only 12 refused.

The terrain in that area up the homes is very, very rugged and dry. The house below are expensive. The local councilman said Dante's View (a cool garden/lookout) was gone. The deer and coyotes were trying to flee the flames. There are also stables up there.

They are not sure how the fire started but one theory is: a homeless man fell asleep while smoking. He is still in the hospital. Incredible to think one tiny little cigarette could cause so much damage.

I was planning to going hiking this weekend (it's going to cool down starting tomorrow) at Ruynon Canyon. I may gave to go out toward the beach instead. The air quality, not great to begin with, is going to be very bad.

Do I need really need air conditioning in Southern California?

I asked myself that question when my mechanic told me the cost to repair my A/C was $1200 ($1500) without the discount. I have a major electrical problem and several parts have to be replaced. This was an unexpected expense. It was almost a 100 degrees yesterday. I have to man up and just pay.

Instead of obsessing about what I could use the $1200 for (a plane ticket home, a printer/digital camera, a new sofa, shoes etc.) I was thankful I had the money to pay for it. I was a little sad to use the last chunk of my Christmas gift which I had set aside for a trip this fall and some of the "liquidated wedding fund".

To me $1200 is a lot of money but I won't let this budget hiccup ruin my day, week, month or year. My dad likes to say "it's only money". Of course it is easier to see the world this way when you have it. However, as I get older I get what he is saying.

I was watching ABC News last night and they were interviewing the victims of the Greensburg, KS tornado. The storm wiped out 95% of the town. Were it not for the warning sirens there would have been more deaths. One woman lost everything, I mean every single thing that was in her house and the house were gone. She had nothing. She looked at the camera and said she was thankful to be alive and she would rebuild.

Insurance can cover material things but all the photos, sentimental belongings, etc. losing those items must be heartbreaking.

My first meme tag

Cherrye tagged me. Here we go:


Four jobs I've had
1. Congressional aide
2. Campaign staffer
3. Assistant in the event dept. at the Carrier Dome (work study, baby)
4. Waitress at Cosmos, Marshall Street, Syracuse NY

Four movies I can watch over and over (okay I really can't narrow it down to 4 but I'll try)
1. The Godfather 1 & 2
2. Out of Sight
3. La Finestra di Fronte (Facing Windows)
4. All About Eve

Four places I have lived
1.New York City
2. Verona, N.J.
3. Austin, TX
4. Washington, DC

Four television shows I love to watch
1. What Not to Wear (british and american vesions)
2. Law and Order (the Chris Noth years)
3. Everyday Italian
4. BBC World News

Four places I have been on vacation
1. Itlay
2.Paris, France
3. London, England
4. Anguilla, B.W.I ( I don't count going to St. Martin as a vacation) :)

Four of my favorite dishes (only four?!)
1. my mom's west indian dishes (fried plantians, beans and rice, red snapper, johnnycakes etc)
2. Gncocchi at La Buca
3. Linguine con Vongole (linguine and clams)
4. A really good steak

Four websites I visit daily
1. Hollywood elsewhere
2. New York Times
3. Trip advisor.com
4. Google

Four places I would rather be right now
1. Rome, Italy, eating a gelato sitting in Piazza Navona
2. Chilling with my family on the beach, Le Galion, French St. Martin while drinking an ice cold margarita and eating the awesome chicken sandwich. The bread alone is worth the $1300 airfare.
3. Hiking in Positano
4. The garden at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), NYC with my friends.

I am going to tag Delina, Shelley and Sara (let me know if you are down for the meme). I know Tracie B has been tagged already.

Mestolando, Chocolate and Zucchini

First thanks to everyone who sent in their favorite music memories.

I first read about Mestolando,HERE , on Chris and Erins's blog HERE. I can't wait to try some of these recipes. The site is run by Claudia and Brian. Claudia is a native Florentine who lived in the U.S. for five years. Brian is an expat living in Florence.

Another recent blog discovery is Chocolate and Zucchini,HERE . I heard about it when reading about upcoming cookbooks. I swear I wasn't going to buy any more this year but I might have to get this one next week. Clotilde Dusoulier is a 27 year-old Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre. She lived in the Bay Area after college and moved back to Paris a few years ago.

Buon appetito.