What the hell? Whitney Houston is dead?

I can't believe it. How is this possible?

I mean, I knew she had drug problems, but damn. Whitney was only 48. And now she's dead? Michael, Amy, now Whitney, all these super talented artists. Someone better tell me Prince is okay. I just watched Madonna on the Super Bowl, so I know she's alright.

I wore Whitney's debut album out.


I heard nothing but great things about her upcoming role in Sparkle. I was excited to see Whitney make her great comeback. I was just talking about the movie to one of the producers. Salim Akil, who directed Jumping The Broom, also directed Sparkle. It's a freaking shame.



Yes, Whitney was known more for pop music, but the woman had an incredible voice. A talent like hers is rare, so rare. I do think it's a gift.

She grew up singing gospel and soul music. Whitney was influenced by her mom, singer Cissy Houston, her cousin Dionne Warwick, and her godmother Aretha Franklin.

Whitney was one of the world's best-selling music artists. She broke many records and like Michael Jackson was one of the few black artists to "cross over" in the early days of MTV.

She was also a mom, model, and actress.

One of my favorite Whitney tracks is from her second album. Produced by John "Jellybean" Benitez, it was the JAM.


RIP Whitney Elizabeth Houston

Flashback Friday - Heavy D & The Boyz "Somebody For Me"

R.I.P. Mr. D.

When I heard Heavy D died last week from pneumonia at 44, I couldn't believe it.

Dwight Arrington Meyers was born in Jamaica (Caribbean represent!) and raised in the NYC suburb of Mount Vernon. He was very popular in the late '80s and the '90s.

Not only was he a successful rapper, he played a big role behind the scenes as well. As President of Uptown Records he hired a young Sean "Puff" Combs as an intern and guided the early career of Mary J. Blige. He collaborated on too many hits to list. Like Janet Jackson's "Alright" and the theme song to "In Living Color." He was also an actor.

Here's one of my favorites from 1989. Man, most rap was so innocent back then. You had your fun/party rap and your more political/social conscious rap like P.E., instead of the sexist super materialistic crap that dominates hip-hop now.

This video cracks me up. Check out the high-top fade haircuts and Al B. Sure!

Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday - New Edition - "If It Isn't Love"

With all the controversy over "Bejesus" being accused, yet again, of ripping off other artists' videos/work, I watched the original that "inspired" her latest.

In Beyonce's defense, I doubt she comes up with these dance steps herself. It's clear she needs a new choreographer.

Here's some New Edition from 1988.

Have a great weekend!

An one night stand is not an affair.

Where did this woman go to school? Since when is a random night of sexy times considered an affair?

What is the deal with all these jump offs selling their stories to the press? Don't they have parents?

What is the point of this? Fame, money? Does she think she'll get a reality show out of it?

I don't get it.

Get Your Art On: Mario Testino "Todo o Nada"

I finally made it to this exhibit at the Fondazione Palazzo Ruspoli Memmo on Via del Corso. It opened in July and closes on November 23rd. The show is co-hosted by the foundations of Fendi, Gucci, and Valentino.

Testino is one of my favorite fashion photographers and I heard great things about the show. It did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it.

As we walked through the exhibit, my friends and I were talking about how celebrities have replaced models on fashion magazine covers.

When you look at the photographs, it's clear while this could be good for sales, artistically it's depressing, boring, and lazy.

Many actresses are drop-dead gorgeous, but they are not models. I know many people think anyone who is tall, and pretty can be a supermodel. Despite what reality shows say, that is not true.

There is something about the way the camera captures the faces of models that makes them stand out. Also, I'm not surprised many models used to be dancers. You do have to know how to move your body when you're posing for photos. Not all actresses have the physicality.

The exhibit was heavy on models, but there were a few actresses in the mix. It's no shock that Cameron Diaz's portrait was one of the most interesting. Cameron was a model.

Some of my favorite portraits were of Daria Werbowy. Stunning.

It was nice to see some of the ladies from the '80s, Naomi, Linda, Christy, Stephanie, and Cindy, represented. I miss that era.

I'm glad we're moving away from the "hanger" phenomenon. I disagree with the notion that famous models are too distracting for the clothes. Look at the '80s. Those model were super famous and yet you noticed what they were wearing on the runway, in ads, and editorials.

If you're going to be in Rome during the next few weeks and you're into photography and/or fashion, this show is fantastic.

Here's a little video about the opening:

Friends, Cookies and Campari – Rome’s Fashion Night Out.

Italian Vogue's editor Franca Sozzani


The delicious cookies given out at Gente on Via Babuino


Cool display at the Campari party which was held in the "Roman Holiday" palazzo on Via Margutta


A model in the archway on Via Margutta.


Cocktails!


Leaving the party. Next stop, Stella McCartney.

Last Thursday night, Rome held her version of Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. Anna Wintour, the EIC of American Vogue, started the event a few years ago to kick off Fashion Week in New York City.

There are rumors this year will be the last one in NYC, but nothing has been confirmed.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Two of my fashion loving friends met up with me at Miu Miu and off we went.

Courtney invited a young Italian friend of hers to join us. She was super sweet and it was interesting to hear the POV of an early 20-something. I don’t know if she realized all of us were technically old enough to be her mom. Heh.

Just as I arrived at Miu Miu I saw Franca Sozzani, the EIC of Italian Vogue. She was surrounded by a ton of press.

The night was a blast. We kept bumping into friends. I couldn’t believe how crowded the streets were. Red Valentino served the best cocktails.

Several stores hired DJs. The Stella McCartney store had a hot popcorn machine. Erica heard a rumor they also had cupcakes, but by the time we got there we didn’t see any.

Gente on Via Babuino served cookies (they were very cute and delicious), prosecco (in nice glasses) and appetizers. It was my first time in that store. Oh Mio Dio, why did I do that to myself? They sell Repetto ballet flats and other wonderful things.

One thing that jumped out at me was seeing so men out and about with their girlfriends/wives. People really got into the spirit of the evening.

Some of the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross. This would explain why we saw so many nurses wearing vintage Red Cross uniforms. Fashion + function.

EMMYS

I woke up at 1:55 a.m. to watch the EMMYs.

An intense thunderstorm rolled through Rome around 3ish and the cable went down for a few minutes. I didn't get to see Peter Dinklage's win.

Overall, I thought Jane Lynch was funny. She had some great one liners.

I was confused by Charlie Sheen's comments. Dude, it's not about you. Clearly, he's doing his apology tour. I wonder what brought the change of heart. New publicist?

Can wait for the new season of MAD MEN. When will it air, 2017?



Some favorite moments:

When the women nominated for Best Actress Comedy ran up on stage.

The MAD MEN sketch during the opening montage.

Ashton saying he was looking for the half man during THE OFFICE sketch.

I fell out over the Michael Bolton (!!) Akon/Maya Rudolf mash up.

My former boss Don Cheadle looking sharp.

Guy Pearce winning. He is one of the nicest people in the biz.

Julie Bowen, who played Amy in our movie, surprise win.

Ty Burrell's great acceptance speech.

Seeing Idris in a tux. Bummed he didn't win. LUTHER is amazing. I heard nothing but negative things about THE KENNEDYS mini-series. Did you see it? I was surprised to see how many nominations it received.

Loved Sofia, Kate and Lea's red dresses and the color of Dianna Agron's dress.

I think Gwyneth's dress would have been gorgeous if it were one piece.

I was perplexed by Julianna Margulies' dress. I just started watching THE GOOD WIFE. Great show.

RIP Amy Winehouse

I saw her once at the Soho Grand in NYC. She was so petite. A big voice and talent is gone at only 27. Sad.

I was watching CNN Int'l. They interrupted the program with breaking news. I thought it was going to be more news about Norway. When they announced Amy was dead, I couldn't believe it. I read she had been struggling lately. I was hoping she would make it.

Flashback Friday - Larry Hagman and Diana Ross - Yes, really

This has got to be one of the most random pairings of all times. I know it was done in the early '80s, but still.

Buon weekend!

The new trailer for Jersey Shore reminds me of the drunk idiots I see every night in Campo

Mamma mia. Drama.

I still don't know why MTV decided to go to Florence. There's no beach.

Judging from the trailer, Season 4 is going to be a big hit. I wonder what the Italian press will make of the show.

This is why the Internet was invented - Cat videos

This remix of the infamous E Harmony "I Love Cats" video is beyond ridiculous and yet I laughed my ass off.

Bongos Cat might be my favorite part.

Flashback Friday - TLC - "No Scrubs"

There were a bunch of videos in the early - mid 90's that had the same look as this video. Silver background, fish-eyed lens, etc.

It's a shame the members of TLC went through so much drama. Just as Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was getting her life back on track, she died in a car accident during a family retreat in Honduras.

I thought of this song the other day when some random dude sitting in the passenger seat of a car tried to holla at me. His lines were weak. No scrubs! heh

Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday - New Kids On The Block - "Please Don't Go Girl"

Am I the last person in America to know NKOTB is teaming up with BSB for an album and a tour?

It seems we don't have any boy bands out there now. Are the Jonas Brothers still recording? This is a sad situation.

While no boy band in history will EVER top the Jackson 5 or the Osmond Brothers, I thought NKOTB, New Edition, BSB and N'Sync had some great pop hits.

I haven't seen this video in years. I forgot Rebecca Romijn was in it.

Happy 4th of July to those of you Stateside. Buon weekend.

I must respectfully diasgree with Ms. Eva Mendes regarding the Cute vs Sexy debate

The last few weeks I've been working on my novel like crazy. I've neglected my apartment (which is a hot mess), my blog, etc. etc.

I have finally had an opportunity to come up for air the other day. I heard about this comment Ms. Mendes made to New York Magazine.

If I looked like Ms. Mendes perhaps I too would be sick of being called sexy. I don't.

I'm stuck on f-ing team cute. Guess what? Being called cute when you're over the age of thirty is not cute!!

I know being short has something to do with it. Eva claims being cute is more difficult than being sexy. What? Maybe for her. I don't know what she's talking about.

I'm not saying I need to be sexy 24/7. I'm sure sexy women get sick of it sometimes. That said, it would be nice to hear, "Wow, you look sexy" instead of, "Oh my God. You're so cute", or "That dress is too cute." Hello, I'm a grown ass woman. I don't want to be cute, dammit.

Okay, so that was my random post for today. There might be more randomness coming as my brain is completely fried from work.

R.I.P. Clarence Clemons - Born To Run

Compared to my classmates at H.B. Whitehorne Middle School and then Verona High School in Verona, NJ, I was not the biggest Springsteen fan. I don't know all the lyrics to all his songs.

I did spend many an afternoon trying to learn Clarence Clemons's tenor sax solo in this song.

Back in the day some crazy Jersey politicians wanted to make "Born To Run" the office state song. Hello, did they not listen to the lyrics?

Every time I hear this song, I get chills. It's so f-king Jersey!

Good-bye Mr. Clemons. Some of the youngins may only know you as that guy who played sax with Lady Gaga. But for us folks who grew up in Jersey in the '80s, you will always be The Big Man.

The Jersey Shore Cast Has Landed In Italy

Florentines must be so excited.

Jezebel.com has a nice write up HERE with a clip from the Today Show.

I still don't understand why the show is shooting in Florence and not a beach town like Rimini.

Finally, a few pics from the Jumping The Broom premiere

My sister has been on my case to post some pics. Hello, I've been busy.

I haven't been to a premiere in a while and this was my first as a screenwriter. To say it was a surreal experience would be an understatement.

The entire night was a blur. I heard the food was amazing. I may have had two bites of the plate my friend Corrina fixed for me and only one and 1/2 cocktails. I barely sat down. I did have a bite of the wedding cake. It was excellent.

My friends are very camera happy. Here are a few pics.

On the way to the premiere in front of Robin and Jay's house. Robin would not let me get into the car without taking a photo. I told her it wasn't the prom... calm down. heh

The driver, Nadine, was super sweet. She took a photo of me with my friend, but Robin wasn't dressed yet so she refused to forward it to me.


Julie Bowen, who plays Amy the wedding planner, hits the red carpet.


This photo cracked us up. I was telling Robin (not to be confused with my friend Robin) the first time I met him (he came in to meet on a project years ago) he was still rocking the J.C. haircut. Paula started laughing. He sings the song that played during the ferry ride to the Vineyard. I need to get the soundtrack.


What was I smoking standing next to Paula? I look HUGE. When she started shooting JTB her son was only a few months old. Paula and her husband are two of the nicest and most down to earth people I've ever met in Hollywood.


Two of our leading men Laz Alonzo and DeRay Davis.


I think Brian Stokes Mitchell (his niece is also in the photo) should be in more movies. I know he's more of a Broadway actor, but I wish there were more film roles available for someone so talented. The cake pop was the bomb.


With my friend Samantha.


Toward the end of the night. I was exhausted, but Corrina wanted to see Prince so we went back inside.

Flashback Friday - Two Ari Gold Classics

I've been eating a lot of sushi on this trip. Pivenian levels.

Ari Gold is one of the funniest characters on TV. Based on a real Hollywood agent, at times I couldn't watch ENTOURAGE as it hit too close to home.

This clip is NSFW. I crack up at Lloyd's hand gesture and the look on Ari's face.



When Ari got his anger back. Also NSFW.



Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday -I Say A Little Prayer For You - My Best Friend's Wedding

Continuing with the wedding theme... here's one of my favorite wedding movie scenes. Rupert Evert and Cameron Diaz were great in My Best Friend's Wedding.

This also happens to be one my favorite Aretha Franklin songs.

I did watch the Royal Wedding and I am surprised how much I teared up. I loved everything about it. The pomp and circumstance, Catherine's beautiful House of McQueen dress (Sarah Burton is crazy talented), the handsome princes in their uniforms, the gorgeous Westminster Abbey.

I lost it when Prince William said, "You look beautiful" to Catherine.

Have a great weekend.

Jumping The Broom Mondays - What's Your Favorite Wedding Movie?

On Friday, Prince William and Catherine Middleton are getting married. The global TV audience for the royal wedding will be massive... more than the Superbowl, the Olympics or the World Cup.

Do you plan to watch the wedding? What are some of your favorite wedding movies?

Here are some of mine:

The Philadelphia Story
The Best Man
Four Weddings And A Funeral
The Wedding Crashers
The Princess Bride
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Date
My Best Friend's Wedding

Thanks to Yvonne's comment, I'm adding Monsoon Wedding and Muriel's Wedding to my list. Can't believe I forgot them.