Brother, I'm Dying - Edwidge Danticat, Dreams of Rivers And Seas - Tim Parks, Lunar Park - Bret Easton Ellis

My friend Erica let me borrow her copy of Lunar Park. I read it before Ellis recently ran his mouth about why there aren't more female directors. His theories (having something to with the male gaze) were full of crap. Anyway, while I HATED the book American Psycho (I threw it across the room when I was done with it. But I LOVED the movie, which was hilarious and featured an amazing performance by Christian Bale) I did enjoy Lunar Park. It's a weird book. The first part reads like an autobiography where Ellis expresses some regret for his past excesses and talks a great deal about his difficult relationship with his father. He uses real names from the publishing world and writes about how his life changed after Less Than Zero was published. Then all of a sudden, it becomes a thriller. Ellis swears his stepdaughter's doll is alive and is trying to kill them. No one believes him and thinks he's coked up again. I haven't read Glamorama or Ellis's new book but I think this is his best work since Less Than Zero.






I won this book in a contest on Milanese Marsala's blog. I've only read Tim Park's non-fiction in the past. Dreams Of Rivers And Seas is beautifully written but his characters were so damaged, I became frustrated with them. Albert, a well known and controversial anthropologist, has died. His son, John, flies to India from England for the funeral. John's mother, Helen, is a strange bird. I was very impatient with her. She's extremely cold to her son, as if he was an inconvenience. John, searching for an identity, finds India confusing. What were his parents doing there? Why did his dad die so suddenly? John is full of questions but may never find the answers.



A heartbreaking true story, this book by noted novelist Edwidge Danticat was hard to read. I don't want to give away the ending to those who didn't see the newspaper articles/press about the book. Danticat writes about her father and her uncle. Her parents moved to America leaving her and her brother to be raised in Haiti by her uncle until her parents could bring them to the States. The story moves between the present and the past. What happened to her uncle made the international press. Even though I knew about it, as I read about it in her book I became furious. That something like that could happen in my home country infuriated me. I have heard from non-Americans black and white that going through US Customs is not pleasant. Apparently it's so bad, it's one of the reasons Chicago lost the Olympic bid. I do understand why post 9/11 why we have more security. However, I find it a little frightening that the "Underwear Bomber" was able to get into the country (while on a watch list, with no luggage, a one-way ticket he paid for in cash, etc.) but a friend's British girlfriend is given the third degree while traveling to the States with her American boyfriend for the holidays.

Flashback Friday - The Go-Go's "Head Over Heels"

Love this song. It was the last single from the Go-Go's before they broke up.

I'm pretty sure I had a Naf-Naf shirt cut just like Belinda's. And those earrings.

Have a great weekend!

Dear rude Anonymous Italian,

Clearly you have a problem. I've never even been to Torino, so I have no idea what you're talking about. That you only see ugliness in all Italian cities says more about you than about me.

Why are you constantly coming on my blog and trashing my POV of the country I choose to live in?

I have a French passport. If I wanted to live in France I would do so. You, as an Italian, can live in another EU country. Why are you still living here? Move to France, England, Holland etc. It's obvious you have no intentions of trying to make things better here, so go. Note, my parents are French and trust me the French give the Italians a run for the money when it comes to bureaucracy.

I cannot wrap my head around why you would read an expat's blog who moved to Italy in the first place. Since you hate Italy so much, why the fuck are you reading my blog? What's the point? What are you trying to do? Convince me to see Italy through your POV? I'm not you, so how could I?

Given how much bitterness is in your heart and your lack of a life, I'm glad I'm not.

You must have me confused with someone else. I know and so does anyone who reads a newspaper knows Italy has its problem. As does every single country on the planet. If you're looking for paradise, good luck with that.

You're the one with the rose-colored glasses. You are NOT American and therefore have no idea what it's to live there. Don't you fucking dare tell me, a black first-generation American, how I should feel about the country I grew up in.

Basta.

Day Trip to Gaeta

Last week in an attempt to escape the heat, I hopped on a train and went to Gaeta.

I had a refund from Trenitalia and I really needed a break from my non-AC apartment. It was a perfect little trip.

I walked around the Historic Center and took a lot of pictures. For lunch I sat on La Cantinella Gaetana's outdoor patio and enjoyed the cool breeze. The restaurant a friend had suggested, Masaniello, was closed for lunch.

I had a conference call, so I headed back to Rome after lunch. I would love to return to Gaeta and explore the area a little more. There are national parks near by, beautiful beaches, historic churches, etc.

The locals were very nice and also very tan. A group of outrageously gorgeous people got on the bus on their way to the beach. It was too much. To paraphrase Zoolander, they were really, really, ridiculously good looking.

There is also a NATO base in the area, where many Americans are stationed.

It's about an hour train ride from Termini to Formia station...30 euros round trip. You catch the local Cotral bus to Gaeta. Buy your ticket (one euro) at the newsstand in the station before getting on the bus. It's approximately 15 minutes to the Historic Center.

Walking around the hills reminded me of St. Martin. I was happy to see the ocean.

It was so quiet. There were hardly any tourists. I saw a few Italian families taking photos.

Gaeta is closer to Naples than it is to Rome. The history (see link above) of this small ancient city is incredible. During WWII the German troops who occupied the city made the locals leave. Those who couldn't, were sent to concentration camps.

Flashback Friday - Tu Vo Fa l'Americano from the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

Took a quick trip to Gaeta yesterday (pics to come next week) and heard this song on my iPod.

Directed by the late Anthony Minghella, I remember people gasping in the theater when Jude Law first appeared on screen.

I love this film.

Have a great weekend.

What the heck....Doesn't Don Draper know I don't smoke?

I just noticed the vespa. ha




I can't wait for Season Four.

Day Trip from Rome: Castel Gandolfo

This little town 40 minutes (by train) outside of Rome is the Pope’s summer residence.

A couple weeks ago I decided to take quick trip out of the city. Unfortunately, it was a Saturday. I had no desire to deal with all the crowds going to Sperlonga, or any other beach, so I headed for the lake instead.

Castel Gandolfo is definitely worth a day trip if you have time. It’s easy to get to and cheap. Only 1.90 euros each way.

The center of town is tiny! On the main square, Piazza della Libertà, there’s a very pretty church, San Tommaso di Villanova. It was designed by one of my favorites, Bernini.

The day I went just happened to be the same weekend as their Sagra. They were setting up dining tables, a stage and music was playing.

There were also tables selling local wines, cheeses, hand made crafts, African jewelry, etc. I saw one table filled with Scientology paraphernalia. It tripped me out to see Hubbard’s Dianetics in Italian. I wanted to take a photo but didn’t want to risk the Scientologists asking me to take a “test”. For a minute I felt like I was back in L.A. on Franklin Blvd. across from the CoS’s Celebrity Center.

For lunch I went to the restaurant, Hosteria La Fraschetta. All the outdoor tables were packed. I ordered the Rigatoni alla Carbonara. My glass of wine was a very full pour.

There were so many photos inside of Pope John Paul II. I can see why the Pope liked La Fraschetta. My pasta was delicious.

I got completely lost walking down to the lake. I should have turned left, not right leaving the train station. On the upside I saw a lot of pretty villas. I talked to a tourist from Toronto as we took photos of two donkeys. I assume they were wild. I wondered where they came from.

It was cooler by the lake. When I arrived it looked like it was going to pour but then it cleared up. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Hosteria La Fraschetta
Corsa della Repubblica, 58
Castel Gandolfo (centro storico)
+(39) 06-936-1312
Closed on Mondays

Random donkey sighting.


View from a restaurant on a side street in the Historic Center.


Get your Sagra on!


Perfectly cooked pasta. I could eat it every single day.


I'm an ocean person but this small lake is very pretty. Lots of green.

Flashback Friday - Bob Marley and The Wailers "Get Up, Stand Up"

I just finished reading Edwidge Danitcat's award winning book, "Brother, I'm Dying". I will post a review once I can get past my anger. What happened to her uncle is inhumane. I'm horrified something like this can take place in America.

The book, along with the six month anniversary of the Haitian earthquake, made me think of this song written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Lo Shopping: There's a Jo Malone in Rome!!!

I was jogging up Via del Babuino on my way to Villa Borghese park last week and saw the brand spanking new store. I couldn't believe it.

A Jo Malone opened in Milan in 2007.

I adore her line. The first time I heard of it was when a co-worker went to London years ago and brought us gifts. No one in the US outside of the fragrance/fashion worlds knew who she was.

Then a few years later she started selling the line at high-end American stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys etc.

Her stand alone store in NYC's Flatiron District is gorgeous. It was very close to my apartment and I spent way too much time and money in there. Excellent place for gifts.

I went to London for my birthday a few years ago and had to check out the flagship store on Sloane Street.

My favorite scents are Lime Basil Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis and the Pomegranate Noir.

I stopped by the store yesterday to buy myself a "start gift". Then I met up with with Erica, her friend and her friend's two adorable children at Hotel de Russie's garden for an outrageously expensive mojito. It was delicious.

Jo Malone
Via del Babuino, 42/43







The packaging is so classic and pretty.

I have a feeling there are quite a few people in Holland who want to eat some grilled octopus

Dang. Paul the octopus was 7 for 7. Congrats to Spain.

I can't believe the World Cup is over. I will miss this past month of meeting up with friends to watch the games, cheering for my teams (all of them lost) and, I'm not going to lie, appreciating the beautiful men who play the beautiful game. The after game shirt swap was a highlight.

Will Pedro Pinto cover other sports for CNN International? He knows his stuff.

Kudo to South Africa. There was a lot of negative press about the WC before it started. Now many journalists admit those fears were over the top. The Cup went well.

As far as the short term impact, the better infrastructure and tourism dollars will help the local economy. I was watching CNN Int'l and one of local journalists was saying you can't put a price tag on what this cup meant emotionally for South Africans and the continent in general.

Living in Europe I see a much broader coverage of Africa then I did in the States. I wonder why that is. Is it because it's closer? There isn't a great deal of international news coverage in America in general so that could be the reason right there.

The next WC will be in Brazil. There's going to be a lot of pressure on Brazil to win at home.

Flashback Friday - DeBarge "Love Me In A Special Way"

I'm rewriting a script set in the '80. I've been listening to a LOT of '80s music lately.

I read El DeBarge is making a comeback. Does this mean that Al B. Sure isn't far behind?

I loved this song and played it to death. El had a beautiful voice.

I totally remember the cover art from this album. I wish folks would stop trying to bring back 80's fashion. It wasn't fly the first time around.

Have a great weekend!

It's Spain vs. Holland in the World Cup finals

So interesting. During the early rounds the European teams (other than Germany) were not looking good at all.

Now an European team will win a World Cup title outside of Europe for the first time.

I will miss Germany's style of play.

I think the Spain/Holland game will be a good match. I wish I could watch the game in St. Maarten. It's going to be so fun.

Any predictions?

Lines down the block for the summer sales in Rome.

The summer sales started on Saturday. It was bananas.

In the States there are sales all the time. Not so here.

In Italy the big sales are in July and January. You might see a small store here or there hold a special but sales here are regulated by the State. They start in Milan and then continue down the boot for about a month.

The air was festive. I would say the crowds were split 50/50 between Italians and tourists.

The markdowns were no joke. Next sale season I will be ready!


The line outside of Gucci went on forever. Even after the store was opened.


Line outside of Burberry before it opened.


I wonder if any classic trench coats were on sale.


Line outside of Fendi. This building is gorgeous inside.

I hope Holland puts a shellacking on Uruguay in the semi-finals

Okay so I get that rules are rules. Strange things happen in sports all the time. It's one thing that makes them fun to play and to watch.

However, after listening to Luis Suarez's post game interviews, I'm hoping his team goes down.

Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut and let people think it was just instinct that made him touch that ball.

No, he keeps running his mouth and it's as if he's proud of cheating. Really? Talk about poor sportsmanship. He's not hero but a freaking cheater. The goal was in. He was standing behind the goal line. Is he a goalie? No, so he should have keep his damn hands off the ball.

Now he's acting like getting a red card is as bad as being eliminated from the tournament? Is he serious?

The World Cup - the upsets keep coming

Brazil is out?!

The last minutes of the Uruguay vs. Ghana game were too hard to watch. I felt so bad for the Ghanaian team.

Flasback Friday - Martha & the Vandellas - "Heatwave"

Seriously it's about to get very, very hot in Rome starting this weekend.

The Scirocco winds from Africa make L.A.'s Santa Ana winds seem like a cool breeze from the North Pole.

When I heard the forecast, I thought of this song immediately.

A great Motown classic.

Have a fab weekend. Stay cool. And for those Stateside, Happy 4th of July.

Angela Bassett and more Jumping The Broom casting news.

I swear this is not going to turn into the JTB blog but I'm very excited about the latest news about our movie.


From The Hollywood Reporter:

THR EXCLUSIVE

By Borys Kit and Jay A. Fernandez

June 29, 2010, 11:00 PM ET

Angela Bassett will star alongside Paula Patton in Columbia's "Jumping the Broom," a wedding-themed ensemble comedy directed by Salim Akil.

Also joining the cast are Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine and Romeo Miller.

"Broom" revolves around the clash of two black families from opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum meeting for the first time during a weekend wedding in Martha's Vineyard.

Bassett will play Patton's mother, an heiress and a pillar of the Washington elite. Miller plays Patton's cousin, a senior at Yale. Alonso will play Patton's love interest. Shooting begins in early summer in Nova Scotia.

Arlene Gibbs wrote the script, which is undergoing a minor rewrite by Elizabeth Hunter. Bishop T.D. Jakes, Curtis Wallace, Tracey Edmonds, Glendon Palmer and Elizabeth Hunter are producing.

Bassett just wrapped shooting on "Green Lantern," playing Dr. Amanda Waller in the Martin Campbell-helmed Warner Bros. tentpole. She is casting her directorial debut, "United States," which is slated to go before cameras in the fall. She is repped by Gersh and Lighthouse Entertainment

Alonso, repped by ICM and Thruline, appeared in "Avatar" and has the remake of "Straw Dogs" in the can. Devine, repped by Innovative Artists, appeared in the April release "Death at a Funeral"; rapper-actor Miller, repped by Fortitude and Adam Robinson, toplined the 2004-06 Nickelodeon series "Romeo!"

Michelle at Bleeding Espresso writes about the Amanda Knox case

I have been asked by many Americans what I think about this case.

To be honest I stop reading the American press and websites that discussed the case months ago. However, I'm very curious to hear what Michelle has to say.

Michelle's an American who has lived in Italy for seven year but she's also an attorney who writes on legal issues.

Like I said before I don't know if Amanda is innocent as I wasn't at the house that night.

Were there issues with the trial? Yes, but Michelle's post today eloquently explains why I was fend up the "OMG Italians hate America and this poor girl is being railroad" or "Italy is backwards and our justice system is the best" narrative in the American media.

Really? At least in Italy, and every other Westernized nation for that matter, no innocent person have been put to death by their government.

HERE is a link to Michelle's post. She will be writing about the trial this week.

Flasback Friday - Italia 2006

What the heck happened? I was watching CNN International and one sportscaster said Lippi was slammed for the players he picked. Some felt he left some very talented but inexperience Italian players at home.

Here's a pic from the last WC. Have a great weekend.

photo:calciofreestyle

Many surprises this World Cup

What the heck happened to the French? The finalists from the last World Cup completely imploded. Things were so bad, President Sarkozy wants some answers.

The USA won their group for the first time since 1930. They play Ghana next. Ghana is the only African team to make it to the round of 16.

The match everyone is talking is England vs Germany on Sunday. After a rough start England (who along with America, has the most fans traveling to South Africa) avoided elimination.

The South American teams are kicking butt. Will Argentina go all the way?

Italy plays later today. Nobody is giving them a chance to retain their title. Poverino.

Al Settimo Gelo Gelateria in Prati goes to the top of my gelato list

I've been meaning to check out this place. Recently Katie Parla wrote about it.

One sunny afternoon I decided to treat myself after waking up at 5:00 a.m. to work. I read some article online that said Al Settimo is near the Vatican. It's not. It's in the Prati area but it's north of Piazza Mazzini. It's a good 30 to 40 minute walk from the Vatican.

This place is not close to my house at all. I don't care. I will be back.

The sour cherry sorbetto brought tears to my eyes. Seriously. I will take the slow ass 280 bus or walk an hour from my house to have it again.

This artisanal shop is known for it's interesting flavors, like Greek gelato with cardamom. The lemon sorbetto took me back to the Amalfi coast...so refreshing on a hot summer day.

It's a small local place on a side street. It was busy when I went and there wasn't a single tourist in the joint. If you are staying near that side of town, it's well worth a visit. Just brush up on some basic Italian. I don't think there's a lot of English spoken there.

Closed on Mondays.

Al Settimo Gelo
Via Vodice 21/A (corner of Via Oslavia)
06-3725567

Twlight: Eclipse mania arrives in Rome

I was walking home from Prati and cutting through St. Peter's Square. All of a sudden a noise that nearly shattered my eardrum.

I went to investigate. This is what I saw:

Flashback Friday - Interview with Idris Elba

This World Cup has me thinking a lot about zee menz. I'm overwhelmed. I need to focus on work, not athletic attractive men.

That said, I love hearing Idris speak with his real accent.

Have a great weekend!

"How do you come up with your ideas?"

This question was left in comment in a post I wrote about my screenwriting process.

Gigi, in St. Martin (where my family is from) is one of my favorite blogs. I told her I would write a separate post regarding her question.

My original ideas usually start with questions like:

What if...
If only...
I wonder...

I tend to write scripts are more character driven than plot driven. However, Hollywood wants films that are plot driven. Sigh. I'm trying to come up with "bigger" ideas.

Most of the things I've written have been comedic. Unfortunately for me I love comedies, one of the toughest genres to sell (it's very subjective) and to execute.

The saying, "write what you know" exists for a reason. You may not have lived through the exact same experiences as your characters but you might understand them emotionally.

I read the idea for The Hangover came from one of the producer's own bachelor party in Vegas. Did he steal a tiger from Mike Tyson? No, but the kernel of the idea came from him.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received about working in film was from Forest Whitaker. He said, "how can you be a creative person if you're not living in the world?"

I agree. You can't be inspired if you're not paying attention to the world around you. You have to be open. A great idea can come from anywhere, anyone or anything... a song, a funny sentence your friend says, a dream, one word in a book or newspaper/magazine article, a really bad date with a guy who then tries to push up on you for a kiss, a photograph, your family, etc.

Where do your ideas come from?

The Karate Kid...the first surprise Hollywood hit of the summer

Finally.

Everyone is freaking out over the low box office numbers this summer.

The A-Team was expected to be number one last weekend but The Karate Kid made almost double what the studio projected.

The reviews from "civilians" (this what our industry calls people who do not work in "the biz") were outstanding.

Reading various sites, people kept saying over and over again, they liked the story, they cried, they cheered, etc. It's one of the few family movies out there and I can't remember the last "non urban" film that had a tween of color as the lead. While this is based on a 80s movie, they kept it simple. No CGI, no 3D, just tell a good story.

Box office analysts also noted many parents who came of age with the original films took their children and a lot of kids study the martial arts. All of this is true but if the movie didn't work on an emotional level it wouldn't have made so much money.

In international markets the film will be called The Kung Fu Kid.

For personal reasons I'm super psyched as the Sony executive who oversaw The Karate Kid is the same executive on our movie. He's having a very good week.

Regarding the A-Team, I pity the remake that doesn't have the original Mr. T in it. He thinks the movie is too violent and very different in tone from the series.

World Cup 2010....I would hate to be Robert Green

The British press (and fans) are ripping him a new one for his goalie mistake in the England vs. USA game. His error is considered one of the worst in World Cup history. I have a feeling he's going to be replaced. I don't think England or USA played particular well. What the heck is up with USA uniforms? Me no like.

Germany...who knew? They spanked Australia 4-0

Ghana was the first African team to win a match and Cameroon is considered one of the strongest teams from the continent. They also have one of the best nicknames in the tournament...The Indomitable Lions.

The defending champs, Italy, are so under the radar it's hilarious. I was watching CNN International and of of the French players said people really need to stop underestimating Italy. Many say the squad is too old and with Pirlo out it's going to be ugly. We'll see, the Azzuri play tonight.

I'm glad I didn't get the SKY package for the tournament. I have to work and can't spend all afternoon and evening watching football/calcio/soccer. I have to pick which games to watch at my local bar.

And it goes without saying some of the player are fiiiiiione, oh mio Dio! That isn't the reason I watch the "beautiful game" of course, just an added bonus.

I was watching African Voices on CNN Int'l. They've been running specials on the World Cup for the last year. I got chocked up during the interviews with locals about what hosting the Cup meant to them. I'm glad to see some good news for a change. While the continent has its problems, there's more to the Motherland than war, disease and famine.

Flashback Friday - Italian National Football Team 2006 - Dolce & Gabbana Ad

Yes there's a new series of ads for the 2010 team but Gattuso and Canavaro are not included. I have an issue with that.

Have a great weekend!

Just one day left!!

Before the World Cup starts. USA vs England is on Saturday. Should be a very good match.

Love this ad directed by Alejandro Inarritu featuring my boyfriend Cannavaro. Amores Perros is one my favorite films.



Who do you think will win the World Cup?

In the company of women....my lunch with le Signore

One of my neighbors left me a handwritten note inviting me to lunch at her house.

I didn't know what to expect but ran down to the market the day of to get some flowers.

She has always been super nice (she knows my landlord) but before there was a huge language barrier. La Signora speaks Italian and French. Now that my Italian is stronger we can have a conversation.

There were a dozen women or so at the luncheon. The average age was mid 50s. I was the youngest person there and the oldest lady was probably in her 70s.

These women were fab. Smart, funny and fly (the accessories!). One woman said her wrinkles were getting worse and her friend replied, "don't worry nobody is wearing their glasses." There was plenty of food and wine.

The only other American at the party was African-American and has lived in Italy for over 40 years. She lives in the Center and was telling me what it was like living in Rome back then. She has known my neighbor for 17 years. All the women at the luncheon work out at the same gym.

Since that luncheon we bump into each other all the time. Hilarious.

I found out that my building is over 400 years old. Crazy.

When I lived in NYC, I knew my neighbors and our doormen. There was a sense of community.

I really missed that sense of community when I moved to L.A. You can find pockets of it depending on the area. I never did.

In my building, people barely spoke to each other. I lived next door to this one guy for years, never knew his name, or anything about him other than he had an annoying little dog and boyfriends with anger management issues. He didn't seem to work (he was home all the time) yet drove a Mercedes. I thought he could be a struggling actor but then he would actually have to leave the house for auditions or something.

Here, it's more like NYC or DC (where I lived after college). It cracks me up when I see one of the cashiers from the supermarket on the street and they yell, "Buon giorno!"

Some of the women at the luncheon were married and had grandchildren. The conversation was lively and covered a lot of topics. I tried to keep up. It was like hanging out with the Italian version of the Golden Girls.

The lack of plastic surgery really stood out to me. I don't know any women in L.A. in that age range who haven't had work done. Hello, women younger than me are getting brow lifts.

I thought about how older women are devalued or mocked in American society. It's ridiculous. I had to stop reading certain film websites/blogs because of all the hatred toward the "old" women of SATC 2. Criticize the movie but to say these women shouldn't even be on screen with their "leathery skin"? Are you kidding me? What's that about?

Love this scene from "Something's Gotta Give". So dead on.

A book signing in Rome for David Lebovitz's "Ready For Dessert"

David Lebovitz is a very talented pastry chef. His blog is a must read. It's hilarious and filled with fantastic recipes and photos.

David's an American and has been living in Paris for several years. I love reading about his life in Paris. I agree with a comment left on one of his posts...there should be a Euro Cup for bureaucracy. France and Italy would be in the finals. heh.

Context Travel, along with Elizabeth and Domenico Minchilli, hosted a book signing in Rome for David's latest book. David writes about the event HERE. He includes links and mentions two gelato places I must try right away. There some great pictures as well.

I'm glad I bought my book when I first arrived as they sold out. The Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere will be ordering more.

It was a fun event. I got to reconnect with friends I haven't seen in a while and meet some new people.

Last year I said I would not buy another cookbook. I had to get this one. I've spent the last two days pouring over the book.

I will try a bunch of recipes and inflict them on my friends. I say inflict because my baking attempts here have not been very successful. However, this one has metric and American measurements so things might work out better.

David told me The Cook's Library bookstore closed last year. I'm in shock. It was one of my favorite stores in L.A. Most of my cookbooks were bought at that store and I brought all of them to Rome. Tim, the manager, was beyond helpful.

While I do get some books online, nothing beats going into a bookstore. Sure, Amazon can send you suggestions but I like browsing and talking to people who know books. It's sad that over 50% of the independent books stores in America have gone out of business and more will be shutting down.

Yes we have to pay a little more if we go to the "shop around the corner" but I think we'll lose more as a society if our only options are big box stores like Walmart.

Look at that cover. To quote Rachel Zoe, "I die!"


Nice spread. I had a sparkling rosè that was fantastic. I know what I will be drinking this summer.


David getting ready to sign some books.


This courtyard is so pretty. I walk past it all the time. Usually the gate is closed. I would love to rent one of the offices.

Flashback Friday - Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer

Aretha's singing. Burt Bacharach wrote the song. 'Nuff said.

Have a great weekend.

Some photos from the Festa della Repubblica parade

Yesterday was "Festa della Repubblica" a national holiday celebrating when Italian citizens voted to become a republic after the end of World War II.

I haven't been to a parade in ages. They're not a big deal in L.A. compared to NYC. When I lived in New York there seemed to be a parade every other weekend, St. Patrick's Day, Puerto Rican Day, Dominican Day, Halloween, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day, Gay Pride Day, West Indian Day, Easter Hat, etc.

It was gorgeous out, so I decided to walk over to Piazza Venezia. The parade route was packed. I bumped into two American expats who live near me and watched the parade with them.

It was fun. I cracked up when people cheered for the AMA (sanitation) trucks. They weren't part of the parade but were there to clean up after the horses.

I wasn't able to get good photos of the various troops. I was too far back. I felt sorry for the scuba unit. It was too hot to wear such outfits. The nuns (I think they were nurses) were looking sharp.

The highlight was the military jets flying over Piazza Venezia at the end. As much as we all dislike that huge building, the planes flying over it was a nice visual.

The planes, the planes


This boat reminded me of the show "Miami Vice" for some reason.


I guess the dog was too tired to walk.


Gorgeous horse.


The planes over Piazza Venezia

(Italian) School's Out For Summer.

Anyone remember that song?

Last night was the final class of the semester. My professor said my Italian has definitely improved since the class began. (Uhmm too bad I had to ask the British guy next to me to translate her comment. heh)

Two other students brought gelato and pastries. I think all the sugar made us a little crazy. Our poor professor's lesson plan went out the window. Instead of reviewing grammar, for two hours we argued about Italian politics, American politics, bad urban planning, food, why is Italian grammar so freaking difficult, the best places to live, the difference between Tuscan, Roman and Sicilian accents, etc.

One of the other British students and I got into it because he said he preferred to watch American films dubbed in Italian. He said he couldn't stand American accents. Everyone in class started laughing. I told him not to get it twisted...not every British accent sounds like Laurence Oliver's.

Then he preceded to talk smack about Naples. One of our TAs (teaching assistant) said she was from Naples. Boh. Another student said to him, "What's wrong with you today?" ha.

It was fun to argue in Italian. My verb tenses weren't too bad but my vocabulary was a sad situation. I ended up speaking some ungodly combination of Italian and English.

My professor asked if I plan to continue on to Level 3 this fall. Level 2, which was supposed to be intermediate Italian, kicked my butt. I'm not sure if I can handle Advanced Italian but I have to try. I refuse to be that expat who can't speak the language.

Over the summer I'm going to do my best not to forget everything I've learned. One of the TAs and I plan to meet. I will help her with her English (she speaks Spanish fluently but has trouble with English) and she will help me with my Italian.

I'm finally at the point where I can read Italian magazines without looking up every other word. It used to take me forever to get though Vanity Fair or Italian Vogue which was very frustrating. I bought a book of poetry "Ballate Non Pagate" by Alda Merini which is challenging but rewarding.

I also have several childrens' books and a few novels to read. The May issue of Italian Conde Nast Traveller has several fantastic articles on the Italian coasts. I'm ready to go to the beach.

Glad SATC 2 is kicking butt at the box office but wish the movie was better.

Prince of Persia, which costs a ton of money to make, is not doing well. Not sure who thought Jake was an action star. It came in at number #3 this weekend. It was expected to rule the box office.

*** edited 6/1 now box office estimates have Shrek at number #1. The studios are going to be arguing about the number 2 spot for a while.****

I went to see SATC 2 (in English) with some girlfriends Friday night.

I'm happy a female driven flim is making a mint so maybe more will be greenlit.

However, for the love of God, please bring back the female writers. The wit, charm and depth from the series is completely missing in SATC 2.

It's like the writer/director took all the criticism from the first one and said, "I'll show you shallow, ignorant, tone deaf, materialistic and unaware of their privilege women in their 40s and 50s who act like children."

The reviews of this movie were beyond scathing. I thought, well it's sexism and ageism.

While some of the reviews are just that, the Middle Eastern setting of the film is problematic.

It's sad to see such great characters reduced to caricatures.

I think Women & Hollywood brings up some great points.

The movie brought to mind some issues I have been thinking about lately. Why is it that gay men have become the purveyors of women’s stories? Is there something more comfortable about a gay man telling women’s stories than women doing it ourselves? Is it easier for Hollywood executives to write the check to a man for an obscene amount of money that they would never do for a woman? It made me think about Mamma Mia, a movie written and directed by women. That movie has made over a half a billion worldwide. We know there are tons of Abba songs out there, yet no noise about a sequel. Just makes me wonder.

When watching Sex and the City 2 I thought that a woman would never have made this movie. She could never get away with it. It’s not only a female fantasy, but it’s a gay male fantasy of women — that we all wear couture and three inch heels to take out the garbage. Because it is a movie it has lost some of the bite of the series and I also think that the series benefited from having women’s voices as part of the writing. They kept it grounded in some semblance of reality.

But this movie is not a hard look at reality. It’s a summer escape movie just like all the movies that blow shit up. You don’t think that guys who go see Iron Man have any expectation of becoming like Iron Man (except in their fantasies), just like I don’t expect to ever be able to fit in or wear a versace skirt. Women know this is not real, in fact 76% of the people (mostly women) who took a survey on fandango.com look at the film as a “great escape.”

Flashback Friday - Nocera - "Summertime, Summertime" Mantronik Mix

It's Memorial Day weekend the States...the unofficial beginning of summer.

This jam from 1986 reminds me of summer in NYC. Listening to Hot 97, going to the Limelight. This song was played at EVERY party.

I went out with a DJ who made me a mix tape with this song, Joyce Sims and other classics from that era. I still have it. Back in the day, almost everyone and their mother had two turntables and mic.

I finally downloaded this song from iTunes as I haven't used my old Walkman in years.

Have a great weekend.

Nuns, Jesus and mammograms

Only in Italy.

I went to get my yearly mammogram. I had to start getting them early as my mom is a cancer survivor.

My doctor here is French and speaking Italian and English fluently. She has quite a few expat patients. She gave me the name of the place to get my mammogram and I made the appointment. I thought the office would be very similar to hers. A typical doctor's office.

Instead I show up at this very pretty villa on the Aventine Hill. I pay for my screening and sit in a reception area. There's a MASSIVE picture of Jesus staring at me. Okaaaaay.

A nun (full habit) comes out to take my forms. She's very nice and speaks not a word of English. We managed to have a conversation. There are several other nuns working in the office as well.

Soon I go into the room for my x-rays. The technician is very efficient and speaks Italian slowly.

The doctor comes in for the sonogram. In rapid fire Italian he asks me a bunch of questions. Non capito. He repeats. I answer.

As I lie on the table I look to my left and there's another picture of Jesus.

I look at the picture and say (not out loud of course), "You're everywhere in this city. I don't think I ever saw you in L.A." Then I had to restraint myself from laughing because that's a beyond stupido thing to say.

Everything was okay with my x-rays. Phew. They put also put my photos on a DVD. That's a first.

On the way home, I cut through the huge blooming rose garden. There must be a ballet school or class near there. I saw a bunch of little girls in leotards and tights by the gate and in the garden.

A piece of music from the Nutcracker started playing. I walk through the garden listening to the music. Circo Massimo is in front of me with the Palatine Hill in the background. It was a surreal moment. It felt like a movie, not real life.

All this negativity is making me more motivated.

Rant level: High

I can't go into details, but the last few weeks regarding work have been beyond terrible. The words, "no", "impossible" and "too difficult" keep coming up time and time again.

I had several long conference calls with my lawyer and a few good friends who work in the "industry".

To all this negativity I have one thing to say, FUCK YOU!

Really. I've busted my ass (at no money) for twelve years in this business. I'm well aware of the statistics regarding successful screenwriters, especially for black women. I'm not stupid. That I went ahead to pursue this career in the face of such discouraging stats either means I'm crazy or passionate. Or both.

I got up at 4:00 a.m. back in L.A. to write before I went to my intense job. Obviously I'm passionate about writing. I take it seriously. I love writing. I love movies. This is what I want to do. There's no plan B.

My industry friends don't understand why there's all this negativity AFTER I've sold a script. It's fucking bullshit. Throughout my film career I've had to deal with people constantly (mostly men) underestimating me.

Why does this happen? Is it because I'm short? Too nice?

All of this caused a minor set back. A complete lack of confidence. I was having a hard time writing and was staying up all night stressed out about my finances/future.

Yesterday was gorgeous out. I went on a three hour walk to Via Appia Antica. My mind was racing (as usual) and was I thinking about the past few weeks. I started to get angry. Why was I internalizing everything? I have a choice, I can accept the negativity, pack my bags and give up or I can keep writing, pitching ideas and working hard.

I chose the latter. My parents used to say I was "hard headed". When people tell me I can't do something that's an attainable goal, I love to prove them wrong. Another American expat told me it would be impossible for me to get my Italian license (she failed three times). Her comments pushed me to study harder. I passed the exams and got my license.

I'm reading "Tales From The Script". Fifty top screenwriters share their stories about the craft, breaking in, sustaining a career and the overall insanity of the business. It's inspiring. All these writers have written scripts that never sold, been fired off projects, been re-written etc. None of the stories of their success are the same. However, they do have a few things in common; discipline, love of the craft, love of movies, thick skin, sense of humor, an ability to see the big picture, etc.

Something clicked this weekend. I woke up today at 5:30 a.m. motivated like a mofo. I started working on my latest script immediately and had a very productive morning.

I need to listen to my gut more and negative nonsense less.

Soon my money will run out. Until that point I'm not going to think or worry about it. I'm putting on my blinders and focusing on the work. Stressing out about money is not going to make it suddenly appear in my life.

TRAITOR, the movie I was a producer on, has been playing on SKY Cinema lately. Working on the movie in Toronto was an incredible experience. I was surrounded by very talented people who clearly love what they do and do it well. It was on that movie I decided to leave L.A., move to Rome and pursue screenwriting full-time.

I'm going to make some changes that I'm excited about. Sometimes a negative can turn into a positive. I'm so focused now, it's a little scary.

Flashback Friday - Duran Duran - Rio

I'm feeling very summery with the warm weather. This weekend is supposed to be a stunner.

Do I wish I could go "chillax" in Portofino, Puglia, Sicilia, Positano, Sperlonga, etc.? Yes. Instead I will be working.

Oh well, some day I will be able to rent a place with ocean views for the summer like other writers.

Until then I'm going to listen to some upbeat MUSIC and keep writing.

Have a great weekend.

It's mojito and Aperol Spritz weather...finally!

It's been a strange spring. I'm not going to complain given that this time last year I was complaining about the heat.

After weeks of rain the sun is out. And the forecast calls for more sun.

So bye-bye bold red wines and hello Mojitos, Aperol or Campari spritzes, white wine, prosecco, Bellini, etc. etc.

You've Got Mail! Girl Scouts Samoas Cookies

Imagine my surprise when I opened my mail today. Girl Scout cookies!! Thanks Dawn.

I asked my sister about them a few weeks back and was sadly informed that I had missed the season. Tears.

However, my friend Dawn, a mom of two in Montclair, New Jersey, clearly had the inside track.

The timing couldn't be more perfect as I'm dealing with some depressing work related stuff right now. This made my day.

That no one at Poste Italiane ate my cookies is shocking to me. Maybe they haven't heard of the yummy goodness that are Samoas and left my package alone. heh

I already put GS cookies season on my iCal for next year. I was a Brownie and then a Girl Scout. Cookie season was the best.

Two cookies have 150 calories. Do I care? No. I putting them in the freezer and will try to not to eat the entire box in one weekend.

Sigh...Inter wins the Serie A Italian League, again

Of course my friend G, a hard core Inter fan, is in a very good mood.

It's still a miracle that Roma was only two points behind given how terrible Roma's season stared.

This is the fourth year in a row Inter has won the Scudetto. If they beat Bayern Munich in next weeks Champions league, they will have won the tremble: The Coppia Italia, the Scudetto and Serie A. Barcelona won the tremble last year.

We'll see what happens next season. Roma played with a lot of heart.

Yesterday, after Roma won their last game of the season, I heard the song below over and over again. Some of the lyrics are in Roman dialect, right?

It's the end of the season but the biggest sporting event on the planet starts next month...The World Cup!!

Flashback Friday - Queen Latifah - "Come Into My House" Live

All hail the Queen!

Her new movie "Just Wright" opens in the States today.

A mix of house music and hip-hop, this song was the jam back in the day.

The clip is from a 1991 concert.

Have a great weekend.

Gelateria del Teatro... some of the best gelato in Rome

There are many places in Rome that sell gelato. You have the chains and then there are little places like Gelateria del Teatro.

I read about this place on Moscerina's blog back when I was still living in L.A.

She loves this place and so do I.

It's tiny. Service can be slow. However, they use fresh ingredients. The gelato is made on-site and their prices are similar to the generic chains (2 euros for a small).

The blood orange made from Sicilian oranges is in season for a few weeks. It will take every bit of will power I have for me not to walk over there every day for a cup.

It's a little hard to find, located on a side street off Via dei Coronari a few blocks east of Sant' Angelo Bridge.

Gelateria del Teatro
Via di San Simone 70
06 454 74880

Namastey: For tea lovers in Rome

I am a loose tea convert thanks to Diana. I stayed at her fantastic B&B last August for my birthday.

With her outrageously delicious breakfasts, she served a tea she bought at a store in Rome.

I finally tracked down Namastey at its new location but they were out of the Rooibos tea I wanted.

Instead I bought green tea (a Spicy Chai) and a Rooibos Zenzero which has a touch of cinnamon and chocolate.

The store has a very wide variety of teas and the staff is very helpful. Namastey is located right behind the Pantheon.

Namastey
Via della Palombella, 26
06-681-35660
www.namastey.it

Lena Horne died yesterday.

Ms. Horne died in New York City at age 92. The world legend is used so often, it has lost some of it's meaning.

She was a legend.

The New York Times ran a piece about her life and her work.

A couple of lines jumped out at me:

Ms. Horne might have become a major movie star, but she was born 50 years too early, and languished at MGM in the 1940s because of the color of her skin, although she was so light-skinned that, when she was a child, other black children had taunted her, accusing her of having a “white daddy.”

Ms. Horne was stuffed into one “all-star” musical after another — “Thousands Cheer” (1943), “Broadway Rhythm” (1944), “Two Girls and a Sailor” (1944), “Ziegfeld Follies” (1946), “Words and Music” (1948) — to sing a song or two that could easily be snipped from the movie when it played in the South, where the idea of an African-American performer in anything but a subservient role in a movie with an otherwise all-white cast was unthinkable.

She had been singing at the Manhattan nightclub Café Society when the impresario Felix Young chose her to star at the Trocadero, a nightclub he was planning to open in Hollywood in the fall of 1941. In 1990, Ms. Horne reminisced: “My only friends were the group of New Yorkers who sort of stuck with their own group — like Vincente, Gene Kelly, Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen, and Richard Whorf — the sort of hip New Yorkers who allowed Paul Robeson and me in their houses.”

Since blacks were not allowed to live in Hollywood, “Felix Young, a white man, signed for the house as if he was going to rent it,” Ms. Horne said. “When the neighbors found out, Humphrey Bogart, who lived right across the street from me, raised hell with them for passing around a petition to get rid of me.” Bogart, she said, “sent word over to the house that if anybody bothered me, please let him know.”

Flashback Friday - Whitney Houston - "Hold On, Help Is On The Way"

Love this uplifting gospel song from the movie "The Preacher's Wife." I needed to hear this song today. It's been a challenging week.

I miss this Whitney.

Have a great weekend.

Moscerina's very funny (and informative) post on our trip to Bologna

It's clear Erica writes about travel. Her POST actually has addresses, photos, links, etc.

I agree with her that Mister Gal is not a great name for a boutique.

Day Trip to Bologna: Part 2.. .Chocolate, Kettle Chips, Balenciaga and Porticos

Last week I wrote about the lunch we had in Bologna.

The first thing I noticed when we arrived in Bologna, was the lack of tourists. Like Naples, Bologna is not packed with international tourists compared to cities like Venice, Rome and Florence. I would highly recommend taking a trip to Bologna if you have time. For such a small city there is a lot to see and do.

You can tell this city doesn't cater to tourists because most places shut down at lunch time. Even the MAC make up store was closed from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

There are several stunning piazzas in Bologna. Basilica di San Peitronia near Piazza del Nettuno is a must see. The facade is incomplete. The locals wanted to make it bigger than St. Peters but the Church put the kaboosh on that idea. No pictures are allowed inside. I didn't know this until I heard, "Scusa, no foto."

Being a broke ragazza is no fun. We went to EATALY, a book/food store. This Torino based store has a branch in Milano, Bologna, Tokyo and New York City but not in Rome? This is an outrage!

E and I walked in and saw KETTLE CHIPS. Americans, you know of what I speak. I haven't seen those chips since I moved overseas two years ago. I bought the Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar. Delicious. I also found the Limone Gazzosa soda I've been looking for all over Rome. They sell four-packs of them. There were rows of pasta from all over Italy and other food items. I had to get out of there.

We also stepped into a very funky clothing store. I looked to my right and there was a wall display with several Balenciaga bags. TEARS.

The Professor did not understand why E and I were going on and on about this store. The clothes were very fashion forward but I also saw some nice classic styles. Too bad everything was out of my price range. My range these days is 7 euros...enough for some chips and soda. The 1,400 euros Balenciaga bags will have to wait.

In the afternoon, we went to the Roccati chocolate store when it re-opened. Founded in 1909, it's a little pricey but good handmade chocolate always is.

This store was on Via Clavature, the same street as the MAC store and the hip clothing boutique.

Neptune standing over his piazza.


What the heck is she doing?


Some of the porticos are very elaborate. This one is more minimalist.


Chocolate.


More chocolate.