A good friend told me she was head over heels for a guy she met. The good news, she could still have those feelings, the bad news, she could still have those feelings.
She went through a tough divorce a few years ago. So while she's glad to have some romantic feeling back in her life, unrequited love, let's be honest, sucks. It doesn't matter if you're 16 or 60.
She's a screenwriter as well. Most of the writers I know are expressive and/or in tune with their emotions, very raw, close to the surface. Doesn't matter if they are screenwriters, novelist or songwriters, male or female.
There's a downside to this. While it can be helpful in writing, it can be rough for "real" life. Of course one doesn't have to be a creative person to get "twirly" about someone. I have another friend who's going through the roller-coaster thing right now. At least she's dating the guy. My friend's crush has no idea.
All I'm going to say is I'm in the middle of the same BS now and it's not cool. I'm working on a script dealing with some similar issues so I try to channel some of my twirly energy into it.
I must be a glutton for punishment because why am I listening to all these love songs? Why? Why? Why?! Damn you Sade and Maxwell.
You'd think watching GOODFELLAS, a gansta flick, I would safe but one of the best montages in film is set to the instrumental section of "Layla." Poor Eric.
Have a great weekend. I will be working and thinking about the object of my affection.
Marvin, as always, brings it in this song. The emotion, everything. Madonna working with Massive Attack did a great cover of this.
Lyrics "I Want You"
I want you the right way
I want you
But I want you to want me too
Want you to want me,baby
Just like I want you
I give you all the love I want in return sweet darlin'
But half a love is all I feel
It's too bad,It's just too sad
You don't want me now
But I'm gonna change your mind
Someway,somehow,oh baby
Repeat
This one way love is just a fantasy, oh sugar
To share is precious, pure and fair
Don't play with something you should cherish for life,oh baby
Don't you wanna care
Aint it lonely out there
Repeat
Lyrics "Layla"
What do you do when you get lonely
and nobody's waiting by your side?
You've been running and hiding much too long.
You know it's just your foolish pride.
Chorus: Layla, you got me on my knees.
Layla, i'm begging darlin' please.
Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind?
I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had let you down.
Like a fool, I fell in love with you,
You turned my whole world upside down.
Chorus
Let's make the best of the situation,
Before I finally go insane.
Please don't say we'll never find a way,
Or tell me all my love's in vain.
Chorus
Friday, November 06, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
My own Top Chef challenge: Fennel
Along with trying to rely less on recipes, I'm also trying to cook with new ingredients. I have never cooked fennel before.
While this vegetable is not that popular in the States, it's huge here. You see it everywhere.
I saw chef Giada de Laurentiis cooked with it several times on her Food Network show when I lived in America.
I was at the market and on a whim I bought some.
I made her Roast Fennel with Parmesan.
This dish is so easy (I used slightly less olive oil) and absolutely delicious. The salty cheese works well with the sweet fennel. I will make this one over and over again and next time I might add some pancetta.
With such a simple dish the quality of the ingredients must be excellent.
You can find this recipe in Giada's fantastic cookbook "Giada's Family Dinners".
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 fennel bulbs, cut horizontally into 1/3-inch thick slices, fronds reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fennel in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan. Drizzle with the oil. Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.
Not only does it taste good, it's a pretty dish. I forgot to sprinkle the fronds over it.
While this vegetable is not that popular in the States, it's huge here. You see it everywhere.
I saw chef Giada de Laurentiis cooked with it several times on her Food Network show when I lived in America.
I was at the market and on a whim I bought some.
I made her Roast Fennel with Parmesan.
This dish is so easy (I used slightly less olive oil) and absolutely delicious. The salty cheese works well with the sweet fennel. I will make this one over and over again and next time I might add some pancetta.
With such a simple dish the quality of the ingredients must be excellent.
You can find this recipe in Giada's fantastic cookbook "Giada's Family Dinners".
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 fennel bulbs, cut horizontally into 1/3-inch thick slices, fronds reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fennel in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan. Drizzle with the oil. Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.
Not only does it taste good, it's a pretty dish. I forgot to sprinkle the fronds over it.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Randomissimo - Am I the only American who has never had a flu shot?
I've reading and hearing a lot about the Swine Flu vaccine.
As a child I went to the pediatrician every year for a check up. My mom was a nurse. Yet I never had a flu shot. In L.A. it seemed everyone I knew would get a shot for the season.
Should I get one? Do you? Why or why not?
As a child I went to the pediatrician every year for a check up. My mom was a nurse. Yet I never had a flu shot. In L.A. it seemed everyone I knew would get a shot for the season.
Should I get one? Do you? Why or why not?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Flashback Friday – Gladys Knight and the Pips "I Heard Through The Grapevine"
A little before my time but my parents and their friends were big fans.
I'm not sure how young Gladys was in the early '70s (pretty young) but she was bringing it. Like I said yesterday, good thing she came up in the '70s. She would have a hard time getting a record contract now.
"If I Were Your Woman" and "I've Got To Use My Imagination" are also fantastic songs.
What the hell happened to American R&B? Can we please bring back live instruments, a little bass, some drums, something other than machines?
Sorry but most of this current sampled stuff sounds soulless. I wish artists like Jill Scott were topping the charts. When they sing you feel something, like there's actually some emotion in their voices. I miss Lauryn Hill. L Boogie, where are you?
Yeah I know I sound like an old lady but my sister is ten years younger than me, from a completely different generation and she complains about the same thing.
I love Marvin's version of this song as well. Another great artist. I miss Marvin too.
Have a great weekend.
I'm not sure how young Gladys was in the early '70s (pretty young) but she was bringing it. Like I said yesterday, good thing she came up in the '70s. She would have a hard time getting a record contract now.
"If I Were Your Woman" and "I've Got To Use My Imagination" are also fantastic songs.
What the hell happened to American R&B? Can we please bring back live instruments, a little bass, some drums, something other than machines?
Sorry but most of this current sampled stuff sounds soulless. I wish artists like Jill Scott were topping the charts. When they sing you feel something, like there's actually some emotion in their voices. I miss Lauryn Hill. L Boogie, where are you?
Yeah I know I sound like an old lady but my sister is ten years younger than me, from a completely different generation and she complains about the same thing.
I love Marvin's version of this song as well. Another great artist. I miss Marvin too.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Great thing about living in Rome? I don't have to deal with African- American jacked up hair issues.
Good morning bloggisti, I'm warning you now, this is a rant.
My good friend sent me the following link from Jezebel.com.
I can't believe Ms. Samuels wrote a rebuttal. Her first article created a firestorm. To this day, I'm not sure why Newsweek published it.
I commented on Jezebel the first time Ms. Samuels decided to put a 4 year-old on blast and call a little girl's hair a "hot mess". Never mind that her hair is actually healthy and combed. Who the fuck is this woman? Zahara is not her child, or even her friend's child.
Anyway I know the Jolie-Pitts do take care of little Z's hair, as I worked with someone who is friends with them. LaToya at Jezebel really breaks down this article well. The fact is Z. is NOT African-American but African. Why is Samuels putting all our baggage on this child? Aren't there more important things to write about with a platform like Newsweek?
You have to read the articles Ms. Samuels wrote. They're insane. Reading them made me so happy I don't have to deal with ignorant people like her anymore. Clearly Ms. Samuels has some self esteem/self hatred issues. Cool she can hate the hair that grows out of her head but body snarking on a 4 year-old in the name of "cultural awareness" is not cool.
In the first piece Samuels said something about how, yes Zahara has famous parents but at the end of the day she will be judged as JUST an African-American girl. There's so much wrong with that sentence. Samuels is projecting.
She also talks about how Zahara, who travels all over the world, is missing out on that special "doing hair with mommy" bonding experience. Oh really, like dreading getting your hair washed because you know your mom has to put a hot comb through it and the smell of burning hair is not pleasant?
Of course there are hair issues in the Caribbean and Africa but in the States it's on a whole other level. And now thanks to our omnipresent media, black women in other countries are trying to emulate Western stars like Beyonce, even if they look nothing like her. Skin bleaching creams sales are skyrocketing.
When I went natural I didn't get flack from white people, it was from other black people. Many (not all) African-American women would say things like, "You're so brave." Uhmm for what? Wearing my hair the way it grows?
Then I moved to L.A. Black men compeltely ignrored me and/or felt comfortable telling me "You have nice features, why don't you straighten you hair or get a weave?"
My white female friends find the whole thing bizarre. Relaxing is not the same as coloring, so while they can try to empathize, they don't truly understand what a loaded issue hair texture is in the African-American community.
The issue, like most jacked things in our community, stems from slavery. The lighter your skin, the straighter your hair, the better you were treated. Minus a 10 year "black is beautiful" movement in the 60/70s when 'fros were in, the vast majority of African-American women (over 75%) are still spending serious money on taking out or hiding the kinks in their hair.
I'm not sure if how one wears their hair is political but I do know that the billions we pump into this industry do not enrich the pockets of our people. The impoverished Indian women who give their hair so we can pay $1000 for a weave don't benefit. The majority of Korean markets in black neighborhoods who sell the hair and products don't participate in those communities. The biggest names in black hair care are owned by companies like Revlon and Unilever. The same companies who sell skin lightening creams in Asian and African countries.
Almost every single black actress/celebrity has a weave. When you read black hair magazines and they do that one feature on natural hair, 9 times out of 10 the model is biracial. So even in the "natural world" there's a scale. Loose curls, so cute! Tight kinks, no. High fashion, which has never been known for being PC is why ahead of Hollywood. That alone says something.
Black women's hair has been in the news a lot lately because we have a African-American First Lady and all the press about Chris Rock's documentary.
Discussion is great but I'm sad it's 2009 and we are still talking about "good hair".
Being in Rome, there aren't many black Americans here. There are more black Americans in Florence. The majority of my black women female friends here are from the Caribbean, England, or Africa. They wear their hair in a variety of styles. Two friends relax, the others wear their hair naturally.
I mentioned to an Italian friend how I used to have the Halle Berry pixie cut and while the style was slamming it was a pain to upkeep. Every 5 weeks I paid $125 (mind you this was over 10 years ago, so I'm sure it would be more expensive now) to have my hair trimmed and relaxed. She couldn't understand the whole relaxing thing. She asked why would you want to look like everyone else?
Because in America assimilation is the name of the game. It seems like we are going backwards. Gladys Knight and Aretha would never have careers now. Beyonce's sister Solange, who just did "the big chop" to much ridicule, used to spend 50k a year on her weaves and had her first relaxer at 4.
And this is what Samuels wants for Zahara. To feel her natural hair is ugly?
Are there days when I get a bored with my hair? Yes. But I'm relieved to no longer live in a culture that looks at my hair and thinks either I'm a hard core militant, it's unkept, or I cry in my pillow every night because I don't have "good hair."
My hair is what it is. I find it beyond ironic that in America the closer you are to an "European esthetic" the better. My very dark brown, natural self lives in Europe and I'm treated completely different here. I noticed it when I was in London as well. Before the summer I cut my hair really short, all the Italians in the salon were "bellissima, you can really see your smile, etc. etc." When I went that short in L.A.? Disapproval.
Good hair is healthy hair. Like Marcus Garvey said, "Get rid of the kinks in your mind, not on your head."
Signed,
Team Zahara
My good friend sent me the following link from Jezebel.com.
I can't believe Ms. Samuels wrote a rebuttal. Her first article created a firestorm. To this day, I'm not sure why Newsweek published it.
I commented on Jezebel the first time Ms. Samuels decided to put a 4 year-old on blast and call a little girl's hair a "hot mess". Never mind that her hair is actually healthy and combed. Who the fuck is this woman? Zahara is not her child, or even her friend's child.
Anyway I know the Jolie-Pitts do take care of little Z's hair, as I worked with someone who is friends with them. LaToya at Jezebel really breaks down this article well. The fact is Z. is NOT African-American but African. Why is Samuels putting all our baggage on this child? Aren't there more important things to write about with a platform like Newsweek?
You have to read the articles Ms. Samuels wrote. They're insane. Reading them made me so happy I don't have to deal with ignorant people like her anymore. Clearly Ms. Samuels has some self esteem/self hatred issues. Cool she can hate the hair that grows out of her head but body snarking on a 4 year-old in the name of "cultural awareness" is not cool.
In the first piece Samuels said something about how, yes Zahara has famous parents but at the end of the day she will be judged as JUST an African-American girl. There's so much wrong with that sentence. Samuels is projecting.
She also talks about how Zahara, who travels all over the world, is missing out on that special "doing hair with mommy" bonding experience. Oh really, like dreading getting your hair washed because you know your mom has to put a hot comb through it and the smell of burning hair is not pleasant?
Of course there are hair issues in the Caribbean and Africa but in the States it's on a whole other level. And now thanks to our omnipresent media, black women in other countries are trying to emulate Western stars like Beyonce, even if they look nothing like her. Skin bleaching creams sales are skyrocketing.
When I went natural I didn't get flack from white people, it was from other black people. Many (not all) African-American women would say things like, "You're so brave." Uhmm for what? Wearing my hair the way it grows?
Then I moved to L.A. Black men compeltely ignrored me and/or felt comfortable telling me "You have nice features, why don't you straighten you hair or get a weave?"
My white female friends find the whole thing bizarre. Relaxing is not the same as coloring, so while they can try to empathize, they don't truly understand what a loaded issue hair texture is in the African-American community.
The issue, like most jacked things in our community, stems from slavery. The lighter your skin, the straighter your hair, the better you were treated. Minus a 10 year "black is beautiful" movement in the 60/70s when 'fros were in, the vast majority of African-American women (over 75%) are still spending serious money on taking out or hiding the kinks in their hair.
I'm not sure if how one wears their hair is political but I do know that the billions we pump into this industry do not enrich the pockets of our people. The impoverished Indian women who give their hair so we can pay $1000 for a weave don't benefit. The majority of Korean markets in black neighborhoods who sell the hair and products don't participate in those communities. The biggest names in black hair care are owned by companies like Revlon and Unilever. The same companies who sell skin lightening creams in Asian and African countries.
Almost every single black actress/celebrity has a weave. When you read black hair magazines and they do that one feature on natural hair, 9 times out of 10 the model is biracial. So even in the "natural world" there's a scale. Loose curls, so cute! Tight kinks, no. High fashion, which has never been known for being PC is why ahead of Hollywood. That alone says something.
Black women's hair has been in the news a lot lately because we have a African-American First Lady and all the press about Chris Rock's documentary.
Discussion is great but I'm sad it's 2009 and we are still talking about "good hair".
Being in Rome, there aren't many black Americans here. There are more black Americans in Florence. The majority of my black women female friends here are from the Caribbean, England, or Africa. They wear their hair in a variety of styles. Two friends relax, the others wear their hair naturally.
I mentioned to an Italian friend how I used to have the Halle Berry pixie cut and while the style was slamming it was a pain to upkeep. Every 5 weeks I paid $125 (mind you this was over 10 years ago, so I'm sure it would be more expensive now) to have my hair trimmed and relaxed. She couldn't understand the whole relaxing thing. She asked why would you want to look like everyone else?
Because in America assimilation is the name of the game. It seems like we are going backwards. Gladys Knight and Aretha would never have careers now. Beyonce's sister Solange, who just did "the big chop" to much ridicule, used to spend 50k a year on her weaves and had her first relaxer at 4.
And this is what Samuels wants for Zahara. To feel her natural hair is ugly?
Are there days when I get a bored with my hair? Yes. But I'm relieved to no longer live in a culture that looks at my hair and thinks either I'm a hard core militant, it's unkept, or I cry in my pillow every night because I don't have "good hair."
My hair is what it is. I find it beyond ironic that in America the closer you are to an "European esthetic" the better. My very dark brown, natural self lives in Europe and I'm treated completely different here. I noticed it when I was in London as well. Before the summer I cut my hair really short, all the Italians in the salon were "bellissima, you can really see your smile, etc. etc." When I went that short in L.A.? Disapproval.
Good hair is healthy hair. Like Marcus Garvey said, "Get rid of the kinks in your mind, not on your head."
Signed,
Team Zahara
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Adult Education in Rome
Why did I just hear about this place recently? I was telling an Italian friend I wanted to take an Italian class as I work in English all day, know a bunch of American, Canadian and British expats and all my Italian friends speak perfect English. Therefore I live in Italy but rarely speak Italian. This is a problem. I don't want to be one of those expats who lives here for years and can't communicate.
First, the Italian friends said my statue of limitations is up. They're going to speak Italian to me for now on. Okay. I'm ready. Kind of.
Second, expat friends, who are all stronger speakers than me (several are married/dating Italians or they have been in the country longer than me) will split our conversations, half English/half- Italian. Certain things like the trials and tribulations of Kate Plus 8 and American health care reform legislation are easier to discuss in English.
Third, I started classes at Upter. This school has every class under sun. There's even a Shakespeare class that goes to England at the end of the course. My friend said since classes are all about the professor, why pay double or triple for a private language school? I think Upter receives some funding from the State and the EU.
I'm the only American in my class. I sat next to a British man and was told by the professor to stop speaking English. Busted! Two classmates are from Germany. Not sure where the other three are from. One woman from Romania was speaking Italian so fast, no one in the class other than the professor understood her. She also spoke forever. I completely zoned out as she went on and on and started thinking about how fine Tom Selleck was in Magnum P.I. and why did mustaches go out of style?
I wondered if I was in the wrong level as I couldn't not complete this adjective/pronouns worksheet she gave us. Then again no else, including a student who's lived here for 10 years, could finish it either.
At the end of the class I was saying how I wish I could speak faster. My professor said just because someone speaks quickly doesn't mean they speak correctly. There's some exam at the end of the course. Sigh. I pray it's easier than the darn Italian driver's license test.
Now I have homework to do. A presentation a page long for next week's class. Great. What the heck am I going to talk about?
First, the Italian friends said my statue of limitations is up. They're going to speak Italian to me for now on. Okay. I'm ready. Kind of.
Second, expat friends, who are all stronger speakers than me (several are married/dating Italians or they have been in the country longer than me) will split our conversations, half English/half- Italian. Certain things like the trials and tribulations of Kate Plus 8 and American health care reform legislation are easier to discuss in English.
Third, I started classes at Upter. This school has every class under sun. There's even a Shakespeare class that goes to England at the end of the course. My friend said since classes are all about the professor, why pay double or triple for a private language school? I think Upter receives some funding from the State and the EU.
I'm the only American in my class. I sat next to a British man and was told by the professor to stop speaking English. Busted! Two classmates are from Germany. Not sure where the other three are from. One woman from Romania was speaking Italian so fast, no one in the class other than the professor understood her. She also spoke forever. I completely zoned out as she went on and on and started thinking about how fine Tom Selleck was in Magnum P.I. and why did mustaches go out of style?
I wondered if I was in the wrong level as I couldn't not complete this adjective/pronouns worksheet she gave us. Then again no else, including a student who's lived here for 10 years, could finish it either.
At the end of the class I was saying how I wish I could speak faster. My professor said just because someone speaks quickly doesn't mean they speak correctly. There's some exam at the end of the course. Sigh. I pray it's easier than the darn Italian driver's license test.
Now I have homework to do. A presentation a page long for next week's class. Great. What the heck am I going to talk about?
Monday, October 26, 2009
I need to update my wardrobe after I emptied my closet. I have no winter clothes.
Along with my cooking and Italian goals, I want to add more sophisticated pieces to my wardrobe.
A friend had a "sale" at her house over the weekend. It was a good excuse to go through my closet. I showed no mercy. Anything that was unflattering or I haven't worn in two seasons went to the sale.
I found a Issac Mizrahi wool skirt I bought years ago at Bergdorf Goodman that still had the tag on it. I guess I never wore it in L.A. because it was too "conservative". Now it's too short.
What didn't sell will be donated. Thanks to the purge, I basically have no clothes.
I've decided I need to start dressing for the body I have. No more baggy outfits which make me look heavier than I am.
I'm getting older. No more disposable clothes. Other than a summer cotton top here or there, bye-bye, H&M, Zara, Top Shop etc. I have a build similar to Joan's on Mad Men but shorter. I need clothes that are better constructed. On me cheap clothes don't look cute, only cheap. Plus I no longer live in super casual L.A., I got to step it up.
Trust, I know the difference between clothes that are well made and worth the price and clothes where you are paying for a label. I have a very tight budget, I'm not interested in the latter.
I'm going to slowly build back my wardrobe by focusing on classics and accessories. Of course I need to earn some money first. sigh.
It feels good to once again live in a city where we have fall, people dress up even when they don't have a job interview (I must write a separate post about the men and their suits) and people know the world is not their living room so you can't wear flips flops every where.
I can't believe how I used to dress in L.A. I think I gave up and just didn't give a you know what.
First on my list, a gun metal grey or black wool dress. Three-quarter sleeves would be great.
I love this dress from Bottega Veneta. At 900 euros, I won't be buying it anytime soon but the lines of the dress are very flattering.
Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary, is an example of classic but not boring style. She does not play. I love her sense of color and it's clear she knows what looks good on her body. She is fifty and fab.
photo:Vogue Magazine
I definitely need to find a very good tailor. Because I'm so curvy, I might have start buying dresses and shirts a size up (especially since European sizes are cut so slim) and have the waist/sleeves taken in.
A friend had a "sale" at her house over the weekend. It was a good excuse to go through my closet. I showed no mercy. Anything that was unflattering or I haven't worn in two seasons went to the sale.
I found a Issac Mizrahi wool skirt I bought years ago at Bergdorf Goodman that still had the tag on it. I guess I never wore it in L.A. because it was too "conservative". Now it's too short.
What didn't sell will be donated. Thanks to the purge, I basically have no clothes.
I've decided I need to start dressing for the body I have. No more baggy outfits which make me look heavier than I am.
I'm getting older. No more disposable clothes. Other than a summer cotton top here or there, bye-bye, H&M, Zara, Top Shop etc. I have a build similar to Joan's on Mad Men but shorter. I need clothes that are better constructed. On me cheap clothes don't look cute, only cheap. Plus I no longer live in super casual L.A., I got to step it up.
Trust, I know the difference between clothes that are well made and worth the price and clothes where you are paying for a label. I have a very tight budget, I'm not interested in the latter.
I'm going to slowly build back my wardrobe by focusing on classics and accessories. Of course I need to earn some money first. sigh.
It feels good to once again live in a city where we have fall, people dress up even when they don't have a job interview (I must write a separate post about the men and their suits) and people know the world is not their living room so you can't wear flips flops every where.
I can't believe how I used to dress in L.A. I think I gave up and just didn't give a you know what.
First on my list, a gun metal grey or black wool dress. Three-quarter sleeves would be great.
I love this dress from Bottega Veneta. At 900 euros, I won't be buying it anytime soon but the lines of the dress are very flattering.
Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary, is an example of classic but not boring style. She does not play. I love her sense of color and it's clear she knows what looks good on her body. She is fifty and fab.
photo:Vogue Magazine
I definitely need to find a very good tailor. Because I'm so curvy, I might have start buying dresses and shirts a size up (especially since European sizes are cut so slim) and have the waist/sleeves taken in.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Flashback Friday - Hey Ya/Peanuts Smashup
Today was the last day of the International Rome Film Festival. I am wiped out. Great experience but I really don't want to see the words "International Rome Film Festival" for a while. ha
This song came to mind when I left the office. It's Friday, the job went well and the darn cold snap ended. Autumn is back.
Hey ya!
Have a great weekend.
This song came to mind when I left the office. It's Friday, the job went well and the darn cold snap ended. Autumn is back.
Hey ya!
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
UP IN THE AIR/JULIE & JULIA
Loved this movie. I read the script after a friend told me it was one of her favorites of the year. She is very hard on material so when she likes something, I read it.
My hours at at the Festival are a little crazy so I haven't been able to see too many films. I feel a little out of sorts because I can't work on my scripts. Looking forward to getting back to writing next week.
I did make it to a press screening of UP IN THE AIR. It makes me sad that these kind of films are becoming rarer and rarer. Remember films like BROADCAST NEWS? Those days are over. The studios are now owned by big multinational corporations who think making movies and light bulbs are the same thing. They are not!
Anyway, the entire cast was fantastic. The movie is bittersweet but there were some laugh out loud moments. The audience clapped at the end. I thought there was one third act sequence that was a little on the nose (and not in the script) but still, this was one of the best movies I've seen this year.
Below is one of the trailers.
I saw JULIE & JULIA, enjoyed it as well. Like many others, I really loved the Julia part. Meryl Streep, as always, was fantastic. She and Stanley Tucci had so much chemistry. I admit it, I choked up when he said how much he loved her.
To me the movie was inspiring because it celebrated having passion. Julia Child was not supposed to have that kind of life. She found her way, later in life and she had a great spirit. I've spent way too many years around people who were the opposite, negative, angry and bitter. I'm getting older, I don't have time or space in my life for that kind of energy anymore. Basta.
Before the movie I found myself in line next to a "talker" who told me her husband just left her after 30 plus years of marriage, her child was in a coma (she's recovered now) and she just lost her job. What does one say to hearing news like that from a stranger? I told her I hoped the movie would lift her spirits and that 2010 would be a better year. She sat next to me and she did enjoy the movie, laughing and crying.
So when I get down on this bat shit crazy industry I work in, I must remember how it feels when I sit in a theater, the lights go down and the opening credits start. That's the reason I work in film.
My hours at at the Festival are a little crazy so I haven't been able to see too many films. I feel a little out of sorts because I can't work on my scripts. Looking forward to getting back to writing next week.
I did make it to a press screening of UP IN THE AIR. It makes me sad that these kind of films are becoming rarer and rarer. Remember films like BROADCAST NEWS? Those days are over. The studios are now owned by big multinational corporations who think making movies and light bulbs are the same thing. They are not!
Anyway, the entire cast was fantastic. The movie is bittersweet but there were some laugh out loud moments. The audience clapped at the end. I thought there was one third act sequence that was a little on the nose (and not in the script) but still, this was one of the best movies I've seen this year.
Below is one of the trailers.
I saw JULIE & JULIA, enjoyed it as well. Like many others, I really loved the Julia part. Meryl Streep, as always, was fantastic. She and Stanley Tucci had so much chemistry. I admit it, I choked up when he said how much he loved her.
To me the movie was inspiring because it celebrated having passion. Julia Child was not supposed to have that kind of life. She found her way, later in life and she had a great spirit. I've spent way too many years around people who were the opposite, negative, angry and bitter. I'm getting older, I don't have time or space in my life for that kind of energy anymore. Basta.
Before the movie I found myself in line next to a "talker" who told me her husband just left her after 30 plus years of marriage, her child was in a coma (she's recovered now) and she just lost her job. What does one say to hearing news like that from a stranger? I told her I hoped the movie would lift her spirits and that 2010 would be a better year. She sat next to me and she did enjoy the movie, laughing and crying.
So when I get down on this bat shit crazy industry I work in, I must remember how it feels when I sit in a theater, the lights go down and the opening credits start. That's the reason I work in film.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My own Top Chef challenge
I've been catching up with re-runs of the American cooking show (on Season 3 now) on SKY Uno.
It's very motivating. One of my big goals (along with getting my Italian up to speed) is to be more of an instinctive cook. I use recipes a lot. Sometimes I will change them.
My mom is a very good cook. If she was trying something new she would use a recipe but otherwise most of the food she made was from her head. Baking is another story. There were some recipes from "back home" that were not written down but for certain cakes, cookies, etc. she had a few favorites.
I learned to cook from watching my mom, 7th grade Home-Ec and the Brownies. For a long time I was "too busy" to cook. A few years ago I stopped doing takeout and started cooking more. When I moved into my L.A. apartment I didn't own a microwave so no more Lean Cuisines. They took so long to cook in a regular oven, I thought might as well cook something from scratch. I don't own one here and have no plans to buy one.
My kitchen is tiny so I can't have a well stocked pantry. However, I always have pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, white beans and tuna, so if push comes to shove I can make something for dinner. I live within walking distance of three excellent farmer markets open 6 days a week and the supermarkets near me have excellent produce as well. At last count there are five butchers within a few blocks, and a cheese co-op near by. I really have no excuse not to experiment more.
In L.A. I would decide what I wanted to make, wrote a list then went to the supermarket. Here I go to the market and see what's in season.
My "challenge" is to go to one of the butchers or fish mongers, see what looks good, buy it, make something with it. I have gone to the butcher's for polpette/meatballs but that's it. I find the fish places intimidating because I'm not sure what to look for and I fumble speaking Italian when I don't know what I'm doing, which makes the experience more frustrating.
Thanks to Megan, at least now I know some of the fish names in Italian. I'm ready for this challenge (kind of).
It's very motivating. One of my big goals (along with getting my Italian up to speed) is to be more of an instinctive cook. I use recipes a lot. Sometimes I will change them.
My mom is a very good cook. If she was trying something new she would use a recipe but otherwise most of the food she made was from her head. Baking is another story. There were some recipes from "back home" that were not written down but for certain cakes, cookies, etc. she had a few favorites.
I learned to cook from watching my mom, 7th grade Home-Ec and the Brownies. For a long time I was "too busy" to cook. A few years ago I stopped doing takeout and started cooking more. When I moved into my L.A. apartment I didn't own a microwave so no more Lean Cuisines. They took so long to cook in a regular oven, I thought might as well cook something from scratch. I don't own one here and have no plans to buy one.
My kitchen is tiny so I can't have a well stocked pantry. However, I always have pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, white beans and tuna, so if push comes to shove I can make something for dinner. I live within walking distance of three excellent farmer markets open 6 days a week and the supermarkets near me have excellent produce as well. At last count there are five butchers within a few blocks, and a cheese co-op near by. I really have no excuse not to experiment more.
In L.A. I would decide what I wanted to make, wrote a list then went to the supermarket. Here I go to the market and see what's in season.
My "challenge" is to go to one of the butchers or fish mongers, see what looks good, buy it, make something with it. I have gone to the butcher's for polpette/meatballs but that's it. I find the fish places intimidating because I'm not sure what to look for and I fumble speaking Italian when I don't know what I'm doing, which makes the experience more frustrating.
Thanks to Megan, at least now I know some of the fish names in Italian. I'm ready for this challenge (kind of).
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Balloon Boy hoax
When is this reality TV craze going to end? I was working in an office so I missed the play by play that riveted millions not only in the States but made international news.
From the very beginning some were questioning the story. It turns out there is no way the balloon would have been able to hold the weight of six year old Falcon.
This "balloon boy" hoax should be a wake up call but it won't be. I hope this dumb ass dad gets the book thrown at him. If you want to be famous, whatever, but to tell a six year old to tell a big lie like that? No words.
I'm sure somewhere Jon Gosselin is relieved. Richard Heene has taken over the "most disliked" realty TV dad title away from him.
Why are parents taping their babies and putting it on YouTube? So if you get enough hits you get to sit down with Matt Lauer and talk about what a special snowflake your child is? Does the child have any say in this?
Anyway, the Sheriff is going to press charges.
Here is the story in the NY Times.
From the very beginning some were questioning the story. It turns out there is no way the balloon would have been able to hold the weight of six year old Falcon.
This "balloon boy" hoax should be a wake up call but it won't be. I hope this dumb ass dad gets the book thrown at him. If you want to be famous, whatever, but to tell a six year old to tell a big lie like that? No words.
I'm sure somewhere Jon Gosselin is relieved. Richard Heene has taken over the "most disliked" realty TV dad title away from him.
Why are parents taping their babies and putting it on YouTube? So if you get enough hits you get to sit down with Matt Lauer and talk about what a special snowflake your child is? Does the child have any say in this?
Anyway, the Sheriff is going to press charges.
Here is the story in the NY Times.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Flashback Friday – Bend It Like Beckham
With the qualifying matches for next year's World Cup taking place, I was reminded of this movie. I love this film.
Soccer in America is a cute suburban sport. In the rest of the world it's a big deal and not a "cute sport". So when I told my dad I wanted to play on my high school's new Girls team (the Boys team was state champs for years and they finally started a Girls team), he was incredulous. Girls playing soccer!?
However soccer is not the reason this movie hit home. It was the parents. Oh my God I saw so much of my mom in in this movie. I was on the floor with laughter.
I bumped into a friend who's parents were Jamaican when I went to see the movie at the Grove (in L.A.). Like me she grew up in America. She had tears in her eyes as she walked out of the theater. She said she felt like someone had taped her phone calls with her mom.
Now that I'm older I can crack up about some of my mom bluntness (plus it prepared me for living in Italy) but when I was younger her words sliced through me. I felt a lot of pressure to live up to certain expectations while at the same trying to fit into American culture. Being black in non-diverse suburban town was not fun but to have parents who were never teenagers in America didn't help at all.
I talk to my mom at least once a week. Every week she asks the same questions, "Do you need money? Are you dating? Do you get enough sleep?"
She worries about me even though I tell her not to. She can't help it, she's my mom.
Have a great weekend.
Soccer in America is a cute suburban sport. In the rest of the world it's a big deal and not a "cute sport". So when I told my dad I wanted to play on my high school's new Girls team (the Boys team was state champs for years and they finally started a Girls team), he was incredulous. Girls playing soccer!?
However soccer is not the reason this movie hit home. It was the parents. Oh my God I saw so much of my mom in in this movie. I was on the floor with laughter.
I bumped into a friend who's parents were Jamaican when I went to see the movie at the Grove (in L.A.). Like me she grew up in America. She had tears in her eyes as she walked out of the theater. She said she felt like someone had taped her phone calls with her mom.
Now that I'm older I can crack up about some of my mom bluntness (plus it prepared me for living in Italy) but when I was younger her words sliced through me. I felt a lot of pressure to live up to certain expectations while at the same trying to fit into American culture. Being black in non-diverse suburban town was not fun but to have parents who were never teenagers in America didn't help at all.
I talk to my mom at least once a week. Every week she asks the same questions, "Do you need money? Are you dating? Do you get enough sleep?"
She worries about me even though I tell her not to. She can't help it, she's my mom.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Capoeira class...file under: What was I thinking?
A person I met at dinner party over the summer, invited me to try their Capoeira class. I thought, "why not?"
Well despite working out 5-6 days a week, the class kicked my butt. The next day it hurt to walk down steps. I understood why my legs were sore but my entire body?
A few classes in, no more pain but the steps are getting more and more difficult. I really don't think I'll be doing a backflip any time soon. I'm no spring chicken.
Our Professor is from Brazil, so my friend translates from Portuguese into Italian. Thank god I do know enough Italian to follow.
One of my friends back in L.A. who's a dancer, told me to really be careful with the transitions. I haven't take dance classes since I moved from NYC to L.A. over 12 years ago.
It's fun to try something new but there are moments in class when I say to myself, "What was I thinking?"
Those thoughts also come to mind when I watch Capoeira videos:
Well despite working out 5-6 days a week, the class kicked my butt. The next day it hurt to walk down steps. I understood why my legs were sore but my entire body?
A few classes in, no more pain but the steps are getting more and more difficult. I really don't think I'll be doing a backflip any time soon. I'm no spring chicken.
Our Professor is from Brazil, so my friend translates from Portuguese into Italian. Thank god I do know enough Italian to follow.
One of my friends back in L.A. who's a dancer, told me to really be careful with the transitions. I haven't take dance classes since I moved from NYC to L.A. over 12 years ago.
It's fun to try something new but there are moments in class when I say to myself, "What was I thinking?"
Those thoughts also come to mind when I watch Capoeira videos:
Monday, October 12, 2009
Via Cola di Rienzo, one of the most dangerous places in Rome for an Expat.
I went to Castroni in Prati to buy one thing, BRITA water filters. That’s it.
Next thing I know my arms are filled with stuff I didn’t even buy back in the States. I got a grip and put everything back except for a box of black cherry Jello (yum!) and the Castroni brand of granola with cranberries (it’s very good).
Castroni stocks over 2000 imported foods. They have a great Asian foods section. Prices are probably cheap in shops near Piazza Vittorio but Prati is walking distance for me. There are a few locations. The Prati store is the biggest.
I’ve been hearing about Franchi, the deli next door, for at least a year. I stopped by and bought some imported English cheddar cheese. I was jonesing for a grilled cheese sandwich and was so happy to have a little cheddar back in my life. Clearly, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Franchi also has an amazing selection of cheeses from all over Italy. I found tonino there, a cheese I had in Piedmonte.
FYI for tourists, they do shrink wrap things so you can take them on the plane.
I love the presentation. I’ve never had my cheese and prosciutto tied up with pretty ribbon before. I now know to avoid that area when I'm hungry.
Next thing I know my arms are filled with stuff I didn’t even buy back in the States. I got a grip and put everything back except for a box of black cherry Jello (yum!) and the Castroni brand of granola with cranberries (it’s very good).
Castroni stocks over 2000 imported foods. They have a great Asian foods section. Prices are probably cheap in shops near Piazza Vittorio but Prati is walking distance for me. There are a few locations. The Prati store is the biggest.
I’ve been hearing about Franchi, the deli next door, for at least a year. I stopped by and bought some imported English cheddar cheese. I was jonesing for a grilled cheese sandwich and was so happy to have a little cheddar back in my life. Clearly, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Franchi also has an amazing selection of cheeses from all over Italy. I found tonino there, a cheese I had in Piedmonte.
FYI for tourists, they do shrink wrap things so you can take them on the plane.
I love the presentation. I’ve never had my cheese and prosciutto tied up with pretty ribbon before. I now know to avoid that area when I'm hungry.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Flashback Friday – Jennifer Lopez - "If You Had My Love"
I cannot believe this song dropped TEN years ago.
I remember my colleagues saying she was going to be huge. From her first scene in "Selena" you could tell she had "it". I still think her best performance was in OUT OF SIGHT.
The "Bennifer" backlash hurt both her and Ben Affleck. And now she's at that tough age for Hollywood film actresses. I'm curious to see how her career progresses.
The camera LOVES her. Even in a blah film like MAID IN MANHATTAN you have to look at her. That's star quality and unfortunately in Hollywood it's in short supply.
Have a great weekend!
Here's the first VIDEO from J. Lo.
I remember my colleagues saying she was going to be huge. From her first scene in "Selena" you could tell she had "it". I still think her best performance was in OUT OF SIGHT.
The "Bennifer" backlash hurt both her and Ben Affleck. And now she's at that tough age for Hollywood film actresses. I'm curious to see how her career progresses.
The camera LOVES her. Even in a blah film like MAID IN MANHATTAN you have to look at her. That's star quality and unfortunately in Hollywood it's in short supply.
Have a great weekend!
Here's the first VIDEO from J. Lo.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
My bad, I thought Italy was a Republic
The high ruled that the Alfano law which gave Berlusconi immunity from prosecution was unconstitutional. The law was passed last year right before he took office again.
As in the States, there are laws to protected the President/Prime Minister, however, it clearly states in the Italian constitution that no one is above the law.
Berlusconi's lawyers did not agree with the constitution. As expected, Berlusconi and his party has said this is the work of the left. The judges are in the left's pocket. They have governed before without laws and will do so again.
Someone needs to school our Prime Minister. You cannot govern without laws. That's a dictatorship. If one has a problem with the constitution you can try to change. It's difficult. It should be. That piece of paper is the bedrock of a Republic.
That this man controls so much of the media, is cause for alarm. That he thinks it's okay to sue a newspaper for asking questions that any journalist would ask of an ELECTED leader, is outrageous.
To blame this on the Communists (yes they went there) is laughable. The Communist party in Italy used to be the strongest outside of Russia which is why the CIA was all up in Italy's business back in the day, but now? Are you kidding me? Try harder PDL.
I'm hoping with the Internet, that he will not get away with dismissing the laws that you and I have to follow just because he doesn't feel like it.
His lawyers defense that Berlusconi is "first above equals"? I have no words.
Anyway, between the economy, his sex scandals, the divorce, gaffes, etc. his approval rating is slipping fast, especially among practicing Catholics.
From the Globe and Mail:
The 15 judges of Italy's constitutional court ruled 9 to 6 that the immunity law, which shields the Prime Minister and the three other top state officials from prosecution, while they are in office, breaches constitution articles making all citizens equal before the law.
Mr. Berlusconi's small army of lawyers used extraordinary arguments to try to keep the immunity law intact. One of them told the court that "He is no longer 'First among equals,' but ought to be considered 'First above equals.' "
While some political analysts thought that the ruling will, at best, turn the billionaire media and sports mogul in to a lame-duck leader and, at worst, end his career, others thought his amazing survival instincts, strangely enduring popularity and Italy's deeply flawed legal system will allow him to escape once again.
"If one thing is true of the last 15 years, it's that the justice system has never derailed Berlusconi," said Alexander Stille, the Columbia University professor who wrote The Sack of Rome, a book about Mr. Berlusconi's power grab.
"There is always a face-saving compromise or way out, like the statutes of limitations. The idea that Berlusconi will be convicted in one of these cases, and issued a serious sentence, I find hard to believe."
Mr. Stille has said Mr. Berlusconi, who controls Italy's top three commercial TV channels and, through his role as Prime Minister, the Italian state broadcaster RAI, has more power than any leader in Western Europe. He considers Mr. Berlusconi's power on par with that of Russia's Vladimir Putin or Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.
In this BBC clip Berlusconi's referred to himself in the third person. I find it humorous when athletes, entertainers or friends do it. In this case, not so much.
BBC CLIP
As in the States, there are laws to protected the President/Prime Minister, however, it clearly states in the Italian constitution that no one is above the law.
Berlusconi's lawyers did not agree with the constitution. As expected, Berlusconi and his party has said this is the work of the left. The judges are in the left's pocket. They have governed before without laws and will do so again.
Someone needs to school our Prime Minister. You cannot govern without laws. That's a dictatorship. If one has a problem with the constitution you can try to change. It's difficult. It should be. That piece of paper is the bedrock of a Republic.
That this man controls so much of the media, is cause for alarm. That he thinks it's okay to sue a newspaper for asking questions that any journalist would ask of an ELECTED leader, is outrageous.
To blame this on the Communists (yes they went there) is laughable. The Communist party in Italy used to be the strongest outside of Russia which is why the CIA was all up in Italy's business back in the day, but now? Are you kidding me? Try harder PDL.
I'm hoping with the Internet, that he will not get away with dismissing the laws that you and I have to follow just because he doesn't feel like it.
His lawyers defense that Berlusconi is "first above equals"? I have no words.
Anyway, between the economy, his sex scandals, the divorce, gaffes, etc. his approval rating is slipping fast, especially among practicing Catholics.
From the Globe and Mail:
The 15 judges of Italy's constitutional court ruled 9 to 6 that the immunity law, which shields the Prime Minister and the three other top state officials from prosecution, while they are in office, breaches constitution articles making all citizens equal before the law.
Mr. Berlusconi's small army of lawyers used extraordinary arguments to try to keep the immunity law intact. One of them told the court that "He is no longer 'First among equals,' but ought to be considered 'First above equals.' "
While some political analysts thought that the ruling will, at best, turn the billionaire media and sports mogul in to a lame-duck leader and, at worst, end his career, others thought his amazing survival instincts, strangely enduring popularity and Italy's deeply flawed legal system will allow him to escape once again.
"If one thing is true of the last 15 years, it's that the justice system has never derailed Berlusconi," said Alexander Stille, the Columbia University professor who wrote The Sack of Rome, a book about Mr. Berlusconi's power grab.
"There is always a face-saving compromise or way out, like the statutes of limitations. The idea that Berlusconi will be convicted in one of these cases, and issued a serious sentence, I find hard to believe."
Mr. Stille has said Mr. Berlusconi, who controls Italy's top three commercial TV channels and, through his role as Prime Minister, the Italian state broadcaster RAI, has more power than any leader in Western Europe. He considers Mr. Berlusconi's power on par with that of Russia's Vladimir Putin or Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.
In this BBC clip Berlusconi's referred to himself in the third person. I find it humorous when athletes, entertainers or friends do it. In this case, not so much.
BBC CLIP
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
What the what?! New flavors from San Carlo chips.
I was walking along near the Pantheon minding my own business. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this packaging in a cafe. What the heck is this? Why, why, why San Carlo must you tempt me so?
Just when I've finally broken my San Carlo Rustic chips obsession, here comes these amazing flavors.
I wonder if these chips are for their foreign market? Do they have one? The packaging is in English and Italian and the flavors Cheddar & Onion, Tomato Ketchup, etc. are not traditionally Italian.
So far I've tried the Cheddar & Onion and it is fantastic!! I never heard of tomato flavored chips until I went to Toronto where that flavor is very popular. There's also a chicken flavor (Roasted Chicken) but I walked past that one as it kind of freaked me out. I have to try the Sea Salt.
At the bottom of the bag it says sapori di Scozia (flavors of Scotland). Hmm very interesting. So far the bags are small (50 grams) but if they bust out with the 180 grams bag I will be in trouble. Once in a while in the States I ate Doritos. I never bought bags of potato chips at the supermarket. Not sure why I love them so much here.
Well, after the comments from Madame Doctor (see yesterday's post) I know I have to keep this love in check. ha
Monday, October 05, 2009
"By American standards you're fine, but by European standards you need to lose some weight."
Hilarious!
The title is a direct quote from my new French doctor. She's fantastic but man is she blunt. She reminds of some people I know...my Caribbean family.
Toward the end of my check up, she asked me to step on the scale.
The metric number didn't register with me since I'm still metrically challenged. I do know I have lost weight since I've moved to Italy. So when when she told I needed to lose some weight I was surprised. I told her I'm the thinnest I've been in years and that's when she made the above comment.
Now I do have a sweet tooth, a San Carlos chips tooth and prosciutto tooth etc. but I love what she said next, "Don't diet though. Dieting is so stressful. Just watch the sweets and keep working out. You'll be fine."
I also think dieting is stressful and doesn't work. In L.A. I was either doing the Zone, South Beach or cutting out bread/pasta etc. and working out at the gym 5-6 days a week.
I move to Rome, where I eat whatever the hell I feel like, and boom, I drop weight without trying to .
Dieting is short term solution. Changing eating habits makes more sense. The amount of processed foods I eat here is miniscule compared to the States. Other than chips I really don't eat processed stuff. I buy fresh bread, fruits, veggies and the snacking has gone way down too.
My doctor is right. Overall European women are smaller, which is why the clothes are cut smaller (much to my chagrin).
My Italian friends are so slim. I don't have a single female friend who's bigger than an American sized 4 or 6. I feel like a giant next to them. And these girls eat.
I know that Italian children are getting heavier. Studies blame the fast food culture that is taking over the traditional Mediterranean diet.
A few years ago I was doing the South Beach diet and the first week was horrible. My assistant wanted to buy me a bagel because I was beyond cranky. I did lose weight that year but the minute I started eating carbs again the weight came back and then some.
Later for that craziness. Life's too short not to eat carbs.
The title is a direct quote from my new French doctor. She's fantastic but man is she blunt. She reminds of some people I know...my Caribbean family.
Toward the end of my check up, she asked me to step on the scale.
The metric number didn't register with me since I'm still metrically challenged. I do know I have lost weight since I've moved to Italy. So when when she told I needed to lose some weight I was surprised. I told her I'm the thinnest I've been in years and that's when she made the above comment.
Now I do have a sweet tooth, a San Carlos chips tooth and prosciutto tooth etc. but I love what she said next, "Don't diet though. Dieting is so stressful. Just watch the sweets and keep working out. You'll be fine."
I also think dieting is stressful and doesn't work. In L.A. I was either doing the Zone, South Beach or cutting out bread/pasta etc. and working out at the gym 5-6 days a week.
I move to Rome, where I eat whatever the hell I feel like, and boom, I drop weight without trying to .
Dieting is short term solution. Changing eating habits makes more sense. The amount of processed foods I eat here is miniscule compared to the States. Other than chips I really don't eat processed stuff. I buy fresh bread, fruits, veggies and the snacking has gone way down too.
My doctor is right. Overall European women are smaller, which is why the clothes are cut smaller (much to my chagrin).
My Italian friends are so slim. I don't have a single female friend who's bigger than an American sized 4 or 6. I feel like a giant next to them. And these girls eat.
I know that Italian children are getting heavier. Studies blame the fast food culture that is taking over the traditional Mediterranean diet.
A few years ago I was doing the South Beach diet and the first week was horrible. My assistant wanted to buy me a bagel because I was beyond cranky. I did lose weight that year but the minute I started eating carbs again the weight came back and then some.
Later for that craziness. Life's too short not to eat carbs.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Flashback Friday – Johnny Kemp - "Just Got Paid"
The first time I heard this song on NYC radio station WBLS, I knew it was going to be a monster hit. It came out in the 1988. If you were at a club and the DJ spun this, you were on your feet immediately.
N'Sync did an okay cover a few years ago. Teddy Riley wrote the original for Keith Sweat who suggested his friend Johnny. I do miss that New Jack sound from the late 80s, early 90s.
So it's Friday and I didn't just get paid but love the long version VIDEO. Gotta love those high top fade haircuts and folks doing the Roger Rabbit.
Have a great weekend.
N'Sync did an okay cover a few years ago. Teddy Riley wrote the original for Keith Sweat who suggested his friend Johnny. I do miss that New Jack sound from the late 80s, early 90s.
So it's Friday and I didn't just get paid but love the long version VIDEO. Gotta love those high top fade haircuts and folks doing the Roger Rabbit.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Places to Eat and Drink in Rome..DRINK
I don’t do pub-crawls, Sloppy Sams or The Drunken Ship, as I’m a grown woman, not a 19 year-old exchange student looking to get wasted. That said, I do love to get my “cocktails on” with my friends. Here are some of my favorite places:
Freni & Frizioni – near Pz. Trillussa, Trastevere,
Youngish crowd, mostly under 30. One of the best mojitos in the city. Great in summer/spring. It gets packed so not the kind of place where you get to chat up the bartenders.
Via del Politeama
Friends Café
Part of a small chain
Good Wifi , young crowd
Piazza Trillussa
Bar della Pace - near Pz. Navona,
Nice place to sit outside.
Via della Pace 3-7
Etabli – near Pz . Navona
Good winter/cold weather place. Nice décor with a fireplace
Vicolo delle vacche 9/9a
'Gusto Wine Bar, great aperitivi – off Via del Corso south of Piazza del Popolo
Drinks during aperitivi are 9 euros and up.
There is another ‘Gusto cocktail place located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore which also has excellent cocktails but the aperitvi are not self-serve.
Via delle Frezze
Tre Scalini - Monti area
Very chill spot in a great neighborhood. I think it’s owned by some actors. Good selections of wines.
Via Panisperna 251
Hotel de Russie – Near Piazza del Popolo.
Very expensive, ala the Four Seasons or L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills. The terrace garden is lovely and the bar is fantastic. I’ve only been there once, for drinks with a film exec. Thank God she paid.
Via del Babuino, 9
Salotto 42 – near the Pantheon
Funky little bar co-owned by a Swedish ex-model. Library is filled with books on art, fashion and design. Crowd spills out into a pretty piazza
Piazza de Pietra 42
Caffe Farnese – Historic center
More expensive than places on the Campo. You’re paying for the view. Older crowd. Mostly well dressed locals mixed with some tourists. I had an Aperol Spritz there that was crazy strong.
Piazza Farnese
Places on/by Campo dei Fiori:
Aristocampo, Obika or Vineria.
Vineria was one of the first bars/caffes to open in Campo. Since the owners of Teste Matte sold their place (to a chain type place) many in that crowd have moved on to Vineria.
I live close to Campo, but it's not the place I go to for aperitivi or for lunch/dinner.
On weekend nights the Campo is full of mostly high school and college aged young people. There's a heavy police presence because in the past the crowds were quite rowdy.
Salotto Locarno added 3/14/11
Very L.A. reminds me of Chateau Marmont. Not sure when it became such a scene. I stayed at the hotel during my first trip to Rome and the bar was lovely but quiet.
Drinks are expensive. The mostly Italian crowd is very chic/hip. Not sure how the crowds are earlier in the week but Thursday - Saturday, it's packed. Reservations recommended or go early in the evening.
Salotto Lorcano
Hotel Locarno
Via della Penna, 22
+(39) 06-361=0841
Freni & Frizioni – near Pz. Trillussa, Trastevere,
Youngish crowd, mostly under 30. One of the best mojitos in the city. Great in summer/spring. It gets packed so not the kind of place where you get to chat up the bartenders.
Via del Politeama
Friends Café
Part of a small chain
Good Wifi , young crowd
Piazza Trillussa
Bar della Pace - near Pz. Navona,
Nice place to sit outside.
Via della Pace 3-7
Etabli – near Pz . Navona
Good winter/cold weather place. Nice décor with a fireplace
Vicolo delle vacche 9/9a
'Gusto Wine Bar, great aperitivi – off Via del Corso south of Piazza del Popolo
Drinks during aperitivi are 9 euros and up.
There is another ‘Gusto cocktail place located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore which also has excellent cocktails but the aperitvi are not self-serve.
Via delle Frezze
Tre Scalini - Monti area
Very chill spot in a great neighborhood. I think it’s owned by some actors. Good selections of wines.
Via Panisperna 251
Hotel de Russie – Near Piazza del Popolo.
Very expensive, ala the Four Seasons or L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills. The terrace garden is lovely and the bar is fantastic. I’ve only been there once, for drinks with a film exec. Thank God she paid.
Via del Babuino, 9
Salotto 42 – near the Pantheon
Funky little bar co-owned by a Swedish ex-model. Library is filled with books on art, fashion and design. Crowd spills out into a pretty piazza
Piazza de Pietra 42
Caffe Farnese – Historic center
More expensive than places on the Campo. You’re paying for the view. Older crowd. Mostly well dressed locals mixed with some tourists. I had an Aperol Spritz there that was crazy strong.
Piazza Farnese
Places on/by Campo dei Fiori:
Aristocampo, Obika or Vineria.
Vineria was one of the first bars/caffes to open in Campo. Since the owners of Teste Matte sold their place (to a chain type place) many in that crowd have moved on to Vineria.
I live close to Campo, but it's not the place I go to for aperitivi or for lunch/dinner.
On weekend nights the Campo is full of mostly high school and college aged young people. There's a heavy police presence because in the past the crowds were quite rowdy.
Salotto Locarno added 3/14/11
Very L.A. reminds me of Chateau Marmont. Not sure when it became such a scene. I stayed at the hotel during my first trip to Rome and the bar was lovely but quiet.
Drinks are expensive. The mostly Italian crowd is very chic/hip. Not sure how the crowds are earlier in the week but Thursday - Saturday, it's packed. Reservations recommended or go early in the evening.
Salotto Lorcano
Hotel Locarno
Via della Penna, 22
+(39) 06-361=0841
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Guess what, a person can be a talented artist and a rapist.
It's fascinating to me to see all the people who have rushed to defend director Roman Polanski. I have received an email asking me to sign the Free Roman Polanski petition. That Woody Allen signed it is not a surprise.
Debra Winger said it's an outrage that he is being treated this way over a "minor technicality".
Mel Gibson was blasted for his drunken anti-Jewish rant a few years. A prominent talent agent said nobody in Hollywood should work with him again. So drunken rants are bad, rape is not.
Others say this happened 30 years ago, let it go. Really? if Polanski was a priest, I'm sure they would say justice must be served and throw in a little Catholic bashing as well.
He experienced terrible things in his life. Yes, this is true, horrific things. So did Mike Tyson who had to serve his three years in jail for rape.
On one film website, the creator who slammed Michael Jackson in death, said this once again shows how puritanical America is. Never mind that Jackson was found innocent in a court of law, while Polanski plead guilty and then jumped bail. I guess if Jackson had reportedly messed around with teen girls instead of teen boys that would've been okay.
I agree America is puritanical but while French artists (except at this point Luc Besson) and the rich intellectual class are slamming America, the French public, according to several polls, overwhelming believes Polanski should serve his time.
That the victim has said she wants to move on should be taken into consideration, during sentencing. The case is the LA courts vs. Polanski. The victim, who received a substantial settlement from Polanski, doesn't get to decide whether or not the case should be dismissed.
Some say, well the mom dropped her off at the house. So that means the girl deserved it? I'm confused.
Polanski is a rich, educated, talented, white male, so we should be outraged that he can't return to America? All this time Polanski has been making movies, having a family,traveling, etc. not an awful life for a fugitive. He's a citizen of France, he was NOT in exile.
Was there judicial misconduct? Maybe but a judge has the right to change his/her mind regarding plea bargains. You don't get to jump bail because you're worried the judge might give you a stricter sentence.
I keep hearing his defenders say, he served his time. No he did not. He jumped before the sentence came down. He was in jail for a psych evaluation for 42 days. That time would have been applied as time served.
And finally for those who don't get it, please read the victims testimony. That she was 13 makes it worse but I don't care if she was 33 to his 42. Rape is rape (I don't know what Whoopi Goldberg is talking about, what the hell is "rape-rape"? On The View she kept saying we know it wasn't "rape-rape").
He gave her champagne and pills. She asked him to stop several times and said NO several times. He continued to have sex with her vaginally and then anally despite her protests. That is sex without consent, which is rape. He plead to a lesser charge of sex with a minor.
I love Roman Polanski's work. He is one of my favorite directors. Several of his films are masterpieces. It's terrible that his mother was killed during the Holocaust and his wife was brutally murdered while eight months pregnant.
However, what he did was wrong and he should serve his time like any body else.
Debra Winger said it's an outrage that he is being treated this way over a "minor technicality".
Mel Gibson was blasted for his drunken anti-Jewish rant a few years. A prominent talent agent said nobody in Hollywood should work with him again. So drunken rants are bad, rape is not.
Others say this happened 30 years ago, let it go. Really? if Polanski was a priest, I'm sure they would say justice must be served and throw in a little Catholic bashing as well.
He experienced terrible things in his life. Yes, this is true, horrific things. So did Mike Tyson who had to serve his three years in jail for rape.
On one film website, the creator who slammed Michael Jackson in death, said this once again shows how puritanical America is. Never mind that Jackson was found innocent in a court of law, while Polanski plead guilty and then jumped bail. I guess if Jackson had reportedly messed around with teen girls instead of teen boys that would've been okay.
I agree America is puritanical but while French artists (except at this point Luc Besson) and the rich intellectual class are slamming America, the French public, according to several polls, overwhelming believes Polanski should serve his time.
That the victim has said she wants to move on should be taken into consideration, during sentencing. The case is the LA courts vs. Polanski. The victim, who received a substantial settlement from Polanski, doesn't get to decide whether or not the case should be dismissed.
Some say, well the mom dropped her off at the house. So that means the girl deserved it? I'm confused.
Polanski is a rich, educated, talented, white male, so we should be outraged that he can't return to America? All this time Polanski has been making movies, having a family,traveling, etc. not an awful life for a fugitive. He's a citizen of France, he was NOT in exile.
Was there judicial misconduct? Maybe but a judge has the right to change his/her mind regarding plea bargains. You don't get to jump bail because you're worried the judge might give you a stricter sentence.
I keep hearing his defenders say, he served his time. No he did not. He jumped before the sentence came down. He was in jail for a psych evaluation for 42 days. That time would have been applied as time served.
And finally for those who don't get it, please read the victims testimony. That she was 13 makes it worse but I don't care if she was 33 to his 42. Rape is rape (I don't know what Whoopi Goldberg is talking about, what the hell is "rape-rape"? On The View she kept saying we know it wasn't "rape-rape").
He gave her champagne and pills. She asked him to stop several times and said NO several times. He continued to have sex with her vaginally and then anally despite her protests. That is sex without consent, which is rape. He plead to a lesser charge of sex with a minor.
I love Roman Polanski's work. He is one of my favorite directors. Several of his films are masterpieces. It's terrible that his mother was killed during the Holocaust and his wife was brutally murdered while eight months pregnant.
However, what he did was wrong and he should serve his time like any body else.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Places to Eat and Drink in Rome...EATING
It seems this fall everyone and their mother is passing through Rome. I have received so many emails from friends and friends of friends asking where to eat and drink.
I thought I would post a list of a few places. Please feel free in the comment section to add your favorites.
The best overall advice I can give is, go to places Italians go. The touristy places are a rip off and the food is suspect. While any place can have an off night, if there are no locals, that’s a sign you need to pass.
Also, service is not like it is in States. Waiters for the most part do not hover and ask you every five minutes is everything okay. It might take a while to get your check, as it’s considered rude to give you one while you’re still eating dinner.
Regarding the following places, earlier in the evening there are more tourists, but locals do go to these restaurants (Italians eat later than most Americans, something I’m still not used to).
I left off some of the smaller places that are impossible to find or are “very local”.
Today I’m posting places to eat and later in the week, places to drink. Most of these restaurants are either inexpensive or moderately priced and near or in the Historic Center.
Reservations are recommended for the first four. Some restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays. I don't think the last two places take reservations:
TO EAT
Le Mani in Pasta - Trastevere (near Santa Cecilia)
Great for pasta, small place. Downstairs is the smoking area and where most of the Italians sit.
Via de’ Genovesi 73
06-581-6017
Taverna Trilussa – Trastevere
Good Roman style food. Not fancy but has a nice outdoor area.
Via del Politeama 23-25
06-581-8918
Maccheroni – Historic center near Pz. Navona
One of the first restaurants I went to in Rome. One of the waiters is a bit much, but he’s harmless. American female students swoon over his antics.
Piazza delle Coppelle 44
06-6830 7895
Osteria ar Galletto – Piazza Farnese 102
Good “home”cooking and one of nice prettiest places to sit outside and eat.
The restaurant spills out into Piazza Farnese
06 686 1714
La Montecarlo - Historic center off Corso Vittorio Emmanuel
I think the children of the owner’s of Da Baffetto own this restaurant.
The service can be surly and the bathroom is one of the most unpleasant I’ve ever seen but man, is the pizza good. This place along with Da Baffetto gets packed.
Viccolo Savelli 12
06 – 686-1877
Added 4/19/2010
Sora Margherita - Jewish Ghetto
This restaurant is a little hard to find. There's no sign. It's small and gets crowded very quickly. The crowd is eclectic. From construction workers to judges, this is a well-known local place for down home Roman and Jewish cuisine. It's not fancy...at all. Some think the food is overpriced and not that "authentic". I'm not Jewish or Roman but I thought the prices were moderate.
When you go for the first time you have to fill out a little card to become part of the "Associazione Culturale". Reservations recommended.
Sora Margherita
Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30
Rome
06-68-74-216
A post about places to eat near the Spanish Steps, including the restaurant GiNa.
Added 5/24/11
Roma Sparita - known for it's Cacio & Pepe. Post is HERE.
UPDATE: See Katie Parla's post about Roma Sparita HERE. I only been there twice, both times with Italian Americans who speak Italian fluently. We didn't have any issues with our bills. That said, there are other nice places to eat outside who don't do things like this.
I thought I would post a list of a few places. Please feel free in the comment section to add your favorites.
The best overall advice I can give is, go to places Italians go. The touristy places are a rip off and the food is suspect. While any place can have an off night, if there are no locals, that’s a sign you need to pass.
Also, service is not like it is in States. Waiters for the most part do not hover and ask you every five minutes is everything okay. It might take a while to get your check, as it’s considered rude to give you one while you’re still eating dinner.
Regarding the following places, earlier in the evening there are more tourists, but locals do go to these restaurants (Italians eat later than most Americans, something I’m still not used to).
I left off some of the smaller places that are impossible to find or are “very local”.
Today I’m posting places to eat and later in the week, places to drink. Most of these restaurants are either inexpensive or moderately priced and near or in the Historic Center.
Reservations are recommended for the first four. Some restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays. I don't think the last two places take reservations:
TO EAT
Le Mani in Pasta - Trastevere (near Santa Cecilia)
Great for pasta, small place. Downstairs is the smoking area and where most of the Italians sit.
Via de’ Genovesi 73
06-581-6017
Taverna Trilussa – Trastevere
Good Roman style food. Not fancy but has a nice outdoor area.
Via del Politeama 23-25
06-581-8918
Maccheroni – Historic center near Pz. Navona
One of the first restaurants I went to in Rome. One of the waiters is a bit much, but he’s harmless. American female students swoon over his antics.
Piazza delle Coppelle 44
06-6830 7895
Osteria ar Galletto – Piazza Farnese 102
Good “home”cooking and one of nice prettiest places to sit outside and eat.
The restaurant spills out into Piazza Farnese
06 686 1714
La Montecarlo - Historic center off Corso Vittorio Emmanuel
I think the children of the owner’s of Da Baffetto own this restaurant.
The service can be surly and the bathroom is one of the most unpleasant I’ve ever seen but man, is the pizza good. This place along with Da Baffetto gets packed.
Viccolo Savelli 12
06 – 686-1877
Added 4/19/2010
Sora Margherita - Jewish Ghetto
This restaurant is a little hard to find. There's no sign. It's small and gets crowded very quickly. The crowd is eclectic. From construction workers to judges, this is a well-known local place for down home Roman and Jewish cuisine. It's not fancy...at all. Some think the food is overpriced and not that "authentic". I'm not Jewish or Roman but I thought the prices were moderate.
When you go for the first time you have to fill out a little card to become part of the "Associazione Culturale". Reservations recommended.
Sora Margherita
Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30
Rome
06-68-74-216
A post about places to eat near the Spanish Steps, including the restaurant GiNa.
Added 5/24/11
Roma Sparita - known for it's Cacio & Pepe. Post is HERE.
UPDATE: See Katie Parla's post about Roma Sparita HERE. I only been there twice, both times with Italian Americans who speak Italian fluently. We didn't have any issues with our bills. That said, there are other nice places to eat outside who don't do things like this.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Information on the 4th International Rome Film Festival
On Friday I went to the press conference announcing the line up for this year's festival (October 15th to October 23rd).
There are quite a few American films screening, including the latest from the Coen brothers and Jason Reitman's UP IN THE AIR. One of my friends sent me the script saying it was excellent.
I really want to see the short documentary I KNEW IT WAS YOU about the late great actor John Cazale (Fredo in Godfather I & II) who died young after starring in only five films.
However, each of those films (the Godfather movies, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter, and The Conversation) were nominated for Best Picture Academy Awards. He was already dying of cancer while filming The Deer Hunter and the studio wanted to fire him. His fiancee Meryl Streep, who was also in the movie, threatened to quit.
Speaking of Meryl Streep, she's scheduled to attend the festival and several of her past films are screening. JULIE & JULIA is closing the festival.
The festival will also hold several exhibitions, concerts, and Q&As.
Here is the official SITE (the English version)
There are quite a few American films screening, including the latest from the Coen brothers and Jason Reitman's UP IN THE AIR. One of my friends sent me the script saying it was excellent.
I really want to see the short documentary I KNEW IT WAS YOU about the late great actor John Cazale (Fredo in Godfather I & II) who died young after starring in only five films.
However, each of those films (the Godfather movies, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter, and The Conversation) were nominated for Best Picture Academy Awards. He was already dying of cancer while filming The Deer Hunter and the studio wanted to fire him. His fiancee Meryl Streep, who was also in the movie, threatened to quit.
Speaking of Meryl Streep, she's scheduled to attend the festival and several of her past films are screening. JULIE & JULIA is closing the festival.
The festival will also hold several exhibitions, concerts, and Q&As.
Here is the official SITE (the English version)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Flashback Friday – Lisa Stansfield- "All Around The World"
This song was played to death in '89/'90. It was a big crossover hit playing on both Top 40 and "urban" radio stations.
I hope she found her baby. I haven't found mine yet. sigh.
Have a great weekend.
I hope she found her baby. I haven't found mine yet. sigh.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
It's good to be back.
I didn't go any where but had a major assignment this week for the International Rome Film Festival. Yesterday afternoon I hit the wall. If I saw one more word in Italian I was going to cry. Given I live in Italy this was a problem. Thank god for good friends. I still have a bunch to do today, but its manageable.
Two of my favorite people Michelle of Bleeding Espresso and Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy are hosting a contest to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Rules and information about this disease are below.
CONTEST RULES
O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row, Sara of Ms Adventures in Italy and Michelle of Bleeding Espresso are hosting the O Foods Contest to raise awareness of this important health issue.
There are TWO WAYS to take part in the O Foods Contest:
ONE: Post a recipe to your blog using a food that starts or ends with the letter O (e.g., oatmeal, orange, okra, octopus, olive, onion, potato, tomato); include this entire text box in the post; and send your post url along with a photo (100 x 100) to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
PRIZES for recipe posts:
1st: Signed copy of Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Babbo Ristorante in NYC, who is currently battling ovarian cancer, inspired this event, and will be choosing her favorite recipe for this prize;
2nd: Signed copy of Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home by Mario Batali (winner chosen by Sara);
3rd: Signed copy of Vino Italiano: The Regional Italian Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich (winner chosen by Michelle).
OR
TWO: If you’re not into the recipe thing, simply post this entire text box in a post on your blog to help spread the word and send your post url to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
Awareness posts PRIZE:
One winner chosen at random will receive a Teal Toes tote bag filled with ovarian cancer awareness goodies that you can spread around amongst your friends and family.
———
From the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund:
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women; a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose, but include bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).
There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms.
In spite of this, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% survive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region.
When ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.
And remember, you can also always donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at our page through FirstGiving!
Please help spread the word about ovarian cancer.
Together we can make enough noise to kill this silent killer.
I didn't go any where but had a major assignment this week for the International Rome Film Festival. Yesterday afternoon I hit the wall. If I saw one more word in Italian I was going to cry. Given I live in Italy this was a problem. Thank god for good friends. I still have a bunch to do today, but its manageable.
Two of my favorite people Michelle of Bleeding Espresso and Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy are hosting a contest to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Rules and information about this disease are below.
CONTEST RULES
O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row, Sara of Ms Adventures in Italy and Michelle of Bleeding Espresso are hosting the O Foods Contest to raise awareness of this important health issue.
There are TWO WAYS to take part in the O Foods Contest:
ONE: Post a recipe to your blog using a food that starts or ends with the letter O (e.g., oatmeal, orange, okra, octopus, olive, onion, potato, tomato); include this entire text box in the post; and send your post url along with a photo (100 x 100) to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
PRIZES for recipe posts:
1st: Signed copy of Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Babbo Ristorante in NYC, who is currently battling ovarian cancer, inspired this event, and will be choosing her favorite recipe for this prize;
2nd: Signed copy of Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home by Mario Batali (winner chosen by Sara);
3rd: Signed copy of Vino Italiano: The Regional Italian Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich (winner chosen by Michelle).
OR
TWO: If you’re not into the recipe thing, simply post this entire text box in a post on your blog to help spread the word and send your post url to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
Awareness posts PRIZE:
One winner chosen at random will receive a Teal Toes tote bag filled with ovarian cancer awareness goodies that you can spread around amongst your friends and family.
———
From the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund:
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women; a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose, but include bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).
There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms.
In spite of this, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% survive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region.
When ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.
And remember, you can also always donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at our page through FirstGiving!
Please help spread the word about ovarian cancer.
Together we can make enough noise to kill this silent killer.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Flashback Friday – Chaka Khan - "I Know You I Live You" (live)
This is one of my favorite, favorite jams of all freaking times.
Chaka is from a generation of singers who could actually sing.
"I Know You I Live You", was one of the first songs I put on my playlist for Jumping The Broom (the script I just sold).
I always put together a list for each script. Some songs deal directly with the themes of the movie, some are songs that I happened to be listening to when inspiration (the idea and/or dialogue) struck and some help me stay motivated.
I don't know if this song will be in the movie (if it gets made) but I wrote it into a big scene of the movie.
It's been quite a hectic week. The film festival job is interesting but kicking my butt and I just turned in a new draft of my other script. I'm so looking forward to this weekend.
Today the sun is out, finally. I went on a long workout through Villa Borghese Park and this song popped up on my iPod. I started singing out loud until I caught myself. ha
Have a great weekend.
Chaka is from a generation of singers who could actually sing.
"I Know You I Live You", was one of the first songs I put on my playlist for Jumping The Broom (the script I just sold).
I always put together a list for each script. Some songs deal directly with the themes of the movie, some are songs that I happened to be listening to when inspiration (the idea and/or dialogue) struck and some help me stay motivated.
I don't know if this song will be in the movie (if it gets made) but I wrote it into a big scene of the movie.
It's been quite a hectic week. The film festival job is interesting but kicking my butt and I just turned in a new draft of my other script. I'm so looking forward to this weekend.
Today the sun is out, finally. I went on a long workout through Villa Borghese Park and this song popped up on my iPod. I started singing out loud until I caught myself. ha
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I sold a script in Hollywood...FINALLY!
I think it's okay to say that Sony Pictures made an offer on the wedding movie script I mentioned before. Details to follow. It's for one of their indie deals so it's indie money (i.e. none).
However, I'm going to be in the WGA (Writers Guild of America). It's official, I'm a working screenwriter.
Oh the irony. This is the script I was told wouldn't sell. That I would be pigeonholing myself. Like I said before, there are no, not one, A-list commercial black female feature screenwriters ala Nancy Meyers, Aline Brosh McKenna, Susannah Grant, Diablo Cody, etc. We're pigeonholed anyway.
Hollywood is what it is. I'm going to write the stories I want to tell and try not to second guess what the marketplace wants. As the marketplace wants movies like TRANSFORMERS and I have no desire to write SLINKY:The Movie.
I've tried to write a plot driven movie versus a character driven one and it was horrible. There are some big, fun action movies and comedies I love. However, I do know what my wheelhouse (the most overused Hollywood word right now) is and my goal is keep getting stronger, to improve with every new script I write.
The timing of the sale couldn't be better. I was close to giving up. After all this time and so much writing, I was beginning to think this was not possible. In this POST, I said 2009 was my make or break year.
I'm still processing what all this means. A few of my screenwriters friends know and I swear could hear them screaming from Los Angeles or New York. Several have said the first sale is always the hardest. I also know there are writers have sold one script, never to be heard from again.
For now, I'm not going to worry about that. I'm going to finish my current script and see what happens. My manager is energized and feeling good about it.
He told me 76 spec scripts went out in July only one sold. The spec market is dead. I'm glad I listened to my gut and focused on my character driven wedding movie script. All the pressure I put on myself last year and earlier this year come up with a big spec film was insane.
Now I have a strong sample of my writing that my manager can send out. In Hollywood nobody wants you until somebody wants you. It's a very frustrating Catch-22. I know he's relieved. ha
However, I'm going to be in the WGA (Writers Guild of America). It's official, I'm a working screenwriter.
Oh the irony. This is the script I was told wouldn't sell. That I would be pigeonholing myself. Like I said before, there are no, not one, A-list commercial black female feature screenwriters ala Nancy Meyers, Aline Brosh McKenna, Susannah Grant, Diablo Cody, etc. We're pigeonholed anyway.
Hollywood is what it is. I'm going to write the stories I want to tell and try not to second guess what the marketplace wants. As the marketplace wants movies like TRANSFORMERS and I have no desire to write SLINKY:The Movie.
I've tried to write a plot driven movie versus a character driven one and it was horrible. There are some big, fun action movies and comedies I love. However, I do know what my wheelhouse (the most overused Hollywood word right now) is and my goal is keep getting stronger, to improve with every new script I write.
The timing of the sale couldn't be better. I was close to giving up. After all this time and so much writing, I was beginning to think this was not possible. In this POST, I said 2009 was my make or break year.
I'm still processing what all this means. A few of my screenwriters friends know and I swear could hear them screaming from Los Angeles or New York. Several have said the first sale is always the hardest. I also know there are writers have sold one script, never to be heard from again.
For now, I'm not going to worry about that. I'm going to finish my current script and see what happens. My manager is energized and feeling good about it.
He told me 76 spec scripts went out in July only one sold. The spec market is dead. I'm glad I listened to my gut and focused on my character driven wedding movie script. All the pressure I put on myself last year and earlier this year come up with a big spec film was insane.
Now I have a strong sample of my writing that my manager can send out. In Hollywood nobody wants you until somebody wants you. It's a very frustrating Catch-22. I know he's relieved. ha
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Working day and night...International Rome Film Fesitval
Now it really feels like summer is over.
It's 20 degrees cooler, it's raining and the noise level in my neighborhood has dropped quite a bit. I guess no one likes to drink outside when it raining.
I just received notes from my manager on the CE script so I'm in deep rewrite mode. He was enthusiastic about my script, which is a good thing. Will it sell is a completely different issue.
Once again, I wrote something character driven. I must think of some "high concept ideas."
Also, I started working for the fourth annual International Rome Film Festival (October 15-23). I pretty much jumped into the deep end on this one.
I will be working with the International press office. The head of the office informed her colleagues (who are multi-lingual) to speak Italian with me. Oh oh.
She's right. Time for some tough love, after a year and a half I should be speaking more. She was kind enough to say that I am getting better.
My Italian is going to be so much stronger after the festival ends.
It's 20 degrees cooler, it's raining and the noise level in my neighborhood has dropped quite a bit. I guess no one likes to drink outside when it raining.
I just received notes from my manager on the CE script so I'm in deep rewrite mode. He was enthusiastic about my script, which is a good thing. Will it sell is a completely different issue.
Once again, I wrote something character driven. I must think of some "high concept ideas."
Also, I started working for the fourth annual International Rome Film Festival (October 15-23). I pretty much jumped into the deep end on this one.
I will be working with the International press office. The head of the office informed her colleagues (who are multi-lingual) to speak Italian with me. Oh oh.
She's right. Time for some tough love, after a year and a half I should be speaking more. She was kind enough to say that I am getting better.
My Italian is going to be so much stronger after the festival ends.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Some pictures from Acqui Terme
Acqui Terme is in the Piemonte region of Italy.
That this tiny town has so many butchers, bakers and wine shops in addition to the excellent selection found in the grocery stores, tells you they are not playing when it comes to food.
The area is known for it's hot springs. In the center of town you can feel the heat pouring out of one.
I saw very few tourists. Everyone was super friendly. The garbage man saying buon giorno caught me off guard.
I went to the Cathedral, which was beautiful. I spent a lot of time inside looking at all the art.
The archeological museum is small. I was the only person in there. Most of the exhibits were of pottery and jewelry so I was pretty happy.
The trip reinforced my desire to buy a weekend place in the country. For a minute I was thinking I should focus on buying an apartment in Rome first. However, I really want to garden and the chances of me being able to afford a place in Rome with a terrace is rather slim.
I’m going to keep thinking positive thoughts about buying property. So what if I’m broke? I have to believe this state is temporary or I would have a complete, “I’m going to end up a bag lady” meltdown.
This water was boiling hot. You could see the steam a block away.
Inside the cathedral.
I like this blue light. So striking.
The front of the cathedral.
That this tiny town has so many butchers, bakers and wine shops in addition to the excellent selection found in the grocery stores, tells you they are not playing when it comes to food.
The area is known for it's hot springs. In the center of town you can feel the heat pouring out of one.
I saw very few tourists. Everyone was super friendly. The garbage man saying buon giorno caught me off guard.
I went to the Cathedral, which was beautiful. I spent a lot of time inside looking at all the art.
The archeological museum is small. I was the only person in there. Most of the exhibits were of pottery and jewelry so I was pretty happy.
The trip reinforced my desire to buy a weekend place in the country. For a minute I was thinking I should focus on buying an apartment in Rome first. However, I really want to garden and the chances of me being able to afford a place in Rome with a terrace is rather slim.
I’m going to keep thinking positive thoughts about buying property. So what if I’m broke? I have to believe this state is temporary or I would have a complete, “I’m going to end up a bag lady” meltdown.
This water was boiling hot. You could see the steam a block away.
Inside the cathedral.
I like this blue light. So striking.
The front of the cathedral.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A wine tasting at Borgo Maragliano, Piemonte, Italy
The Piemonte area of Italy is known for its outstanding wines.
The ride up to the Borgo Maragliano vineyard was very pretty but scared me. Seriously, the hair pin turns going up the mountain were no joke. As we continued up the mountain, I wondered how do people manage when it snows?
It was Diana and Micha's first visit to this vineyard. It had been recommended by another Piemontese.
The vineyard has been in the family for five generations. Silvia, the daughter-in-law, did the tasting. She was fantastic. Silvia really knows her wine and has a great personality. She has a degree in literature and speaks several lanauges. Her husband studied oenology. She travels all over the world and Italy for the vineyard.
I’ve been to wine tastings before in Napa. This was more personal. We met Silvia's husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law who was with her great grandchildren.
The wine was excellent and very reasonably price.
I like being able to buy directly from the grower. I think it’s important to support local growers. When I went to pay for my wine, Silvia refused to take my money and wished me a happy birthday.
I picked the Crevoglio Chardonnay. I loved their prosecco but since I live by myself I thought sparkling wine was not the way to go. Once you open a bottle, you have to drink it pretty qyickly. Their Moscato d’Asti was also incredible. It’s one of their biggest sellers, especially in Asia.
When I lived on the States I avoided Chardonnay (when did Chardonnay get such a bad rep?). The Crevoglio, however, is delicious.
Here is their website. I believe you need to call ahead and make reservations for a tasting.
The vineyard.
This was in the old wine cellar. The family used to fill this section with snow (there was a hole in the ceiling) and it would be the refrigerator for the farm. It was so nice and cool in the cellar.
Silvia in the tavernetta which dates from 1750.
The Madonna keeping an eye on things.
The ride up to the Borgo Maragliano vineyard was very pretty but scared me. Seriously, the hair pin turns going up the mountain were no joke. As we continued up the mountain, I wondered how do people manage when it snows?
It was Diana and Micha's first visit to this vineyard. It had been recommended by another Piemontese.
The vineyard has been in the family for five generations. Silvia, the daughter-in-law, did the tasting. She was fantastic. Silvia really knows her wine and has a great personality. She has a degree in literature and speaks several lanauges. Her husband studied oenology. She travels all over the world and Italy for the vineyard.
I’ve been to wine tastings before in Napa. This was more personal. We met Silvia's husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law who was with her great grandchildren.
The wine was excellent and very reasonably price.
I like being able to buy directly from the grower. I think it’s important to support local growers. When I went to pay for my wine, Silvia refused to take my money and wished me a happy birthday.
I picked the Crevoglio Chardonnay. I loved their prosecco but since I live by myself I thought sparkling wine was not the way to go. Once you open a bottle, you have to drink it pretty qyickly. Their Moscato d’Asti was also incredible. It’s one of their biggest sellers, especially in Asia.
When I lived on the States I avoided Chardonnay (when did Chardonnay get such a bad rep?). The Crevoglio, however, is delicious.
Here is their website. I believe you need to call ahead and make reservations for a tasting.
The vineyard.
This was in the old wine cellar. The family used to fill this section with snow (there was a hole in the ceiling) and it would be the refrigerator for the farm. It was so nice and cool in the cellar.
Silvia in the tavernetta which dates from 1750.
The Madonna keeping an eye on things.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Flashback Friday – Whitney Houston - "It's Not Right But It's Ok (remix)
Whitney's new album drops soon.
A music journalist from Rolling Stone said it's a Beyonce world and she didn't think there was a place for Whitney.
hmmm. Seeing how Beyonce has yet to drop a ballad ala Whitney, Mariah or Christina, let's take it easy.
Even people who were not fans of Whitney's genre recognized the woman had some serious pipes. To compare her to Bey is ridiculous.
I remember when this SONG came out. It was quite the club hit. It's also an excellent song to work out to.
Have a great weekend.
A music journalist from Rolling Stone said it's a Beyonce world and she didn't think there was a place for Whitney.
hmmm. Seeing how Beyonce has yet to drop a ballad ala Whitney, Mariah or Christina, let's take it easy.
Even people who were not fans of Whitney's genre recognized the woman had some serious pipes. To compare her to Bey is ridiculous.
I remember when this SONG came out. It was quite the club hit. It's also an excellent song to work out to.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Roma's coach steps down
Oh snap. After back-to-back defeats, Luciano Spalletti resigned.
Not many men can rock a "soul patch" like Spalletti (i.e. Billy Ray Cyrus).
Claudio Ranieri has been hired. Next up for Roma is Siena on the 13th. We'll see what happens.
Here is more info (in English) from ESPN Europe.
Not many men can rock a "soul patch" like Spalletti (i.e. Billy Ray Cyrus).
Claudio Ranieri has been hired. Next up for Roma is Siena on the 13th. We'll see what happens.
Here is more info (in English) from ESPN Europe.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Eat, Pray, Love movie shooting in Rome
This morning while running an errand, I bumped into the crew again.
Yesterday they were all over Campo dei Fiori. Tourists were standing around trying to get a photo of Julia Roberts.
I stopped by the set to say hi to the producer, who is in from L.A. and one of the African security guys asked me out. Uhm, I'm just trying to say hello to someone.
Anyway I didn't see him later that day (he said he would give me his number) but I wouldn't be surprised if I see him on the way to the post office tomorrow. ha
I also spoke to an American guy who lives here now and is a fireman. He was one back in the States, fell in love with a Roman woman and moved to Rome. He was able to get a job as a fireman specializing in production work.
I kind of miss being on set. However, I imagine shooting a big Hollywood movie in a place with so many tourists and narrow streets must be tough. The poor P.A.s and security had their hands full trying to clear the set.
Turning a sunny afternoon into an early evening night.
A light crane in front of the Forno. Once of the greatest places in Rome.
Yesterday they were all over Campo dei Fiori. Tourists were standing around trying to get a photo of Julia Roberts.
I stopped by the set to say hi to the producer, who is in from L.A. and one of the African security guys asked me out. Uhm, I'm just trying to say hello to someone.
Anyway I didn't see him later that day (he said he would give me his number) but I wouldn't be surprised if I see him on the way to the post office tomorrow. ha
I also spoke to an American guy who lives here now and is a fireman. He was one back in the States, fell in love with a Roman woman and moved to Rome. He was able to get a job as a fireman specializing in production work.
I kind of miss being on set. However, I imagine shooting a big Hollywood movie in a place with so many tourists and narrow streets must be tough. The poor P.A.s and security had their hands full trying to clear the set.
Turning a sunny afternoon into an early evening night.
A light crane in front of the Forno. Once of the greatest places in Rome.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Peace out August...
It's like someone pressed a massive button and pow, the Italians are back.
I'm glad. While I didn't miss the insanity that is Rome traffic, I missed my friends and the energy of the city.
The two expats friends who were still in town, were over the whole Ferragosto situation by August 16th. Ha.
Last week I went to lovely Piemonte for my birthday. I have to go though a billion photos before I can post about it.
It was a great birthday, thanks to some very special people.
I'm excited about the fall.
Perhaps it's something left over from our back-to-school days but I always feel recharged going into fall. Not to mention I'm so sick of this hot weather.
I can't wait to start cooking again. When it's 103 F outside and you have no AC, the last thing you want to do is turn on an oven.
The Serie A season has started. Let's hope Roma has a better year than last year. They have lost their first two games. Zero points in the rankings! Mamma mia. This is no way to start the season.
I'm glad. While I didn't miss the insanity that is Rome traffic, I missed my friends and the energy of the city.
The two expats friends who were still in town, were over the whole Ferragosto situation by August 16th. Ha.
Last week I went to lovely Piemonte for my birthday. I have to go though a billion photos before I can post about it.
It was a great birthday, thanks to some very special people.
I'm excited about the fall.
Perhaps it's something left over from our back-to-school days but I always feel recharged going into fall. Not to mention I'm so sick of this hot weather.
I can't wait to start cooking again. When it's 103 F outside and you have no AC, the last thing you want to do is turn on an oven.
The Serie A season has started. Let's hope Roma has a better year than last year. They have lost their first two games. Zero points in the rankings! Mamma mia. This is no way to start the season.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Siamo in Ferie/We're on Vacation!
Well the blog is. I'm still working. Tears. Last summer was my first in Italy and it blew my mind to see EVERYTHING shut down on August 15th which is Ferragosto.
Ferragosto is a Catholic holiday celebrating the Assumption of Mary. Before christianity it was the day the Roman Empire celebrated the gods, in particular Diana. The word Ferragosto is based on the Latin words for "Holidays of the Emperor Augustus." The month of August gets it name from the Emperor.
I hope everyone has a great vacation.
See you in September.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Rome in mid-August, Aperol spritz and no traffic.
Yesterday my friend A. rode past my apartment and yelled from the street,"Come down and let's go for a ride." She had just finished a scooter tour. She had a gorgeous white Vespa and an extra helmet.
Since it was 6:30 ish and I'd been working all day, I thought why not being spontaneous? I changed, put on a scarf and off we went.
It was SURREAL. There was no traffic on Lungotevere, the main street that runs along the river. During rush hour, it's stand still traffic.
Yesterday? Niente, nada, nothing.
We couldn't believe it. Rome has really emptied out (except for the tourists.)
After zipping around the Aventine Hill, we went to a bar on the Gianicolo hill.
Aperol spritz, a perfect summer drink.
Rush hour traffic yesterday.
Since it was 6:30 ish and I'd been working all day, I thought why not being spontaneous? I changed, put on a scarf and off we went.
It was SURREAL. There was no traffic on Lungotevere, the main street that runs along the river. During rush hour, it's stand still traffic.
Yesterday? Niente, nada, nothing.
We couldn't believe it. Rome has really emptied out (except for the tourists.)
After zipping around the Aventine Hill, we went to a bar on the Gianicolo hill.
Aperol spritz, a perfect summer drink.
Rush hour traffic yesterday.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Too broke for a spa trip…Aveda Caribbean Therapy to the rescue.
I recently went to the Aveda store next to the Spanish Steps. When I first moved to L.A. I used to receive gift certificates to Burke Williams Spa for my birthday/Christmas all the time.
I went to the one in West Hollywood. However, the prices kept going up and I found it too crowded.
A friend who was a writer on Will & Grace told me to try a masseuse at the Four Seasons her fellow writers loved.
Since I was not a writer on one of the top five shows on television, I thought she was tripping.
In fact, it was only a few dollars more than the same massage at BW. After receiving a gift certificate for massage at the Four Seasons, I never looked back. Quiet, clean and with a kick butt massage it was the perfect stress reliever.
Last week friend was in town after visiting the Amalfi Coast and went to the spa at Hotel de Russie. She said it was excellent.
Well a spa day for me will be in my apartment. I’m thinking about doing it this Saturday when everyone I know will be gone for Ferragosto. I’m also going to try and not work all day. A day at the spa does not include working. Kind of defeats the purpose.
I love this product from Aveda. It, along with Origin’s Ginger Scrub, are excellent exfoliators. They also smell fantastic.You have to stir it up before using and the tub gets slippery so take extra care getting out.
I haven’t finalized the “menu” for my spa day. I'm going to make bruschetta and something light. I assume it will still be too hot to cook.
Have you ever done a “spa day” at home? What did you do (or didn't do..i.e. work, cleaning etc.)?
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Julia & Julie opens nationwide (in America) tomorrow.
I have nothing to do with this movie. I haven't seen the movie or read the script. However, several of my friends have and loved it. Julia & Julie will close the Rome Film Festival late October. I believe the movie will open in France and the rest of Italy that week.
I'm sure if the movie does well the frat boys in Hollywood will say it was a fluke. As you know, women never go to the movies and what man would want to see such a film?
I had to stop reading certain movie websites/blogs because the bashing of Nora Ephron was getting on my nerves. Yes her last few movies didn't do well. So what? Male directors are allow a few strikes or singles before they are kicked to the curb.
I hope this movie exceeds all expectation. Julia Child didn't become JULIA CHILD until she was 49. Think about that. She grew up during time when women's roles were very narrow.
Her influence on American cooking cannot be underestimated. Because cooking was seen as women's work (this is pre-chef as celebrities) it was undervalued. Julia never spoke down to housewives (most American women back then did not work outside the home) and encouraged people to throw out canned mushroom soup casseroles and embrace French cooking...from scratch.
I found her recipes very complicated but I adored her anyway. I used to watch reruns of the old shows on PBS when I was a child. She made cooking seem fun. When I was older, I read more about her life story and it was inspirating.
The first weekend of a movie's release is very important.
Here is the TRAILER. The movie is based on two true stories. Have great weekend!
I'm sure if the movie does well the frat boys in Hollywood will say it was a fluke. As you know, women never go to the movies and what man would want to see such a film?
I had to stop reading certain movie websites/blogs because the bashing of Nora Ephron was getting on my nerves. Yes her last few movies didn't do well. So what? Male directors are allow a few strikes or singles before they are kicked to the curb.
I hope this movie exceeds all expectation. Julia Child didn't become JULIA CHILD until she was 49. Think about that. She grew up during time when women's roles were very narrow.
Her influence on American cooking cannot be underestimated. Because cooking was seen as women's work (this is pre-chef as celebrities) it was undervalued. Julia never spoke down to housewives (most American women back then did not work outside the home) and encouraged people to throw out canned mushroom soup casseroles and embrace French cooking...from scratch.
I found her recipes very complicated but I adored her anyway. I used to watch reruns of the old shows on PBS when I was a child. She made cooking seem fun. When I was older, I read more about her life story and it was inspirating.
The first weekend of a movie's release is very important.
Here is the TRAILER. The movie is based on two true stories. Have great weekend!
Monday, August 03, 2009
"Let me tell you about a couple of three things." Phil Leotardo
A favorite quote from the SOPRANOS.
Today my parents have been married for 46 years. That's a long time.
German blogger Andre Wegner asked me some questions. The answers (in English) are HERE. Grazie Andre.
It's still hot.
I need to wear wrap dresses more often. Went a small party Saturday night. Didn't get home till late. It was a GREAT party. I tried to speak Italian but everyone knew English. They were being polite by speaking in English but I asked them to switch to Italian. I will never become fluent if all the Italians in my life speak to me in English. I met some amazing new people. Too bad everyone is leaving for the summer. First time I wore the dress since buying it at a boutique on Larchmont (L.A.) two years ago. I think the dress might be magical. I will wear it again.
Yesterday I had breakfast with one of my closest L.A. friends. She 's traveling in Italy with friends who are celebrating a big birthday. She said she can't believe I actually live here. Sometimes I don't believe it either. She brought presents: ESSENCE magazine with fine ass Idris Elba on the cover, the latest issue of American ELLE DECOR magazine, enough Crest toothpaste to last until 2011, manila file folders and Sudifed among other things.
I strongly dislike Glenn Beck.
I might have to hijack this truck. I cannot find the Rustica chips anywhere. That's a problem.
Today my parents have been married for 46 years. That's a long time.
German blogger Andre Wegner asked me some questions. The answers (in English) are HERE. Grazie Andre.
It's still hot.
I need to wear wrap dresses more often. Went a small party Saturday night. Didn't get home till late. It was a GREAT party. I tried to speak Italian but everyone knew English. They were being polite by speaking in English but I asked them to switch to Italian. I will never become fluent if all the Italians in my life speak to me in English. I met some amazing new people. Too bad everyone is leaving for the summer. First time I wore the dress since buying it at a boutique on Larchmont (L.A.) two years ago. I think the dress might be magical. I will wear it again.
Yesterday I had breakfast with one of my closest L.A. friends. She 's traveling in Italy with friends who are celebrating a big birthday. She said she can't believe I actually live here. Sometimes I don't believe it either. She brought presents: ESSENCE magazine with fine ass Idris Elba on the cover, the latest issue of American ELLE DECOR magazine, enough Crest toothpaste to last until 2011, manila file folders and Sudifed among other things.
I strongly dislike Glenn Beck.
I might have to hijack this truck. I cannot find the Rustica chips anywhere. That's a problem.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A great thing about living in Rome? The fountains.
There are close to 300 fountains in Rome. I know I haven't even seen half of them. Many times I'm running errands or on my way to meet a friend and boom, I "discover" a new fountain.
There is something soothing and even sexy about being surrounded by all these fountains.
In L.A. we have the fountain in Grove which is a big Vegasy thing in the middle of a mall. The owner of the Grove, like the founder of Starbucks, was inspired by his travels in Italy. I don't blame him. They are inspiring.
Some are more about function, some are works of art and they are part of the neighborhood. You don't have to go to a mall to see them.
I'm linking to Lola's great POST on fountains. She has a bunch of outstanding photos.
Lola grew up in Italy and works in film. Her mom is Italian and her father is American. She has spent a lot of time in States and it's interesting to read her POV on Rome, Italy, etc. She's an incredible writer and cook.
I you love Italy, Rome, food, or just excellent writing check out her blog.
There is something soothing and even sexy about being surrounded by all these fountains.
In L.A. we have the fountain in Grove which is a big Vegasy thing in the middle of a mall. The owner of the Grove, like the founder of Starbucks, was inspired by his travels in Italy. I don't blame him. They are inspiring.
Some are more about function, some are works of art and they are part of the neighborhood. You don't have to go to a mall to see them.
I'm linking to Lola's great POST on fountains. She has a bunch of outstanding photos.
Lola grew up in Italy and works in film. Her mom is Italian and her father is American. She has spent a lot of time in States and it's interesting to read her POV on Rome, Italy, etc. She's an incredible writer and cook.
I you love Italy, Rome, food, or just excellent writing check out her blog.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Unfortunately, when my contract is up I have to leave my neighborhood.
Mini rant alert.
I'm done.
I love this tiny apartment. I do. Great character, lots of light, excellent design, close to public transportation, etc. However, the noise that spills over from Campo is out of control. I'm noticing more cafes/bars are taking over antique and clothing stores on my street and other streets around here.
I don't even live on the Campo but on a residential side street. Last night around 2:40 a.m., despite wearing ear plugs (which I have to every night when it's nice out), I heard a drunk American student screaming into a megaphone.
I was pissed. A megaphone...really? So I told him to please shut up!
He yelled, "live somewhere else."
"Some of us have to work in the morning."
"Whatever, you won't have a job tomorrow." This witty remark caused the girls he was with to giggle. Then when they were walking down the street, he continued to yell into the megaphone saying, "This is your wake up call."
I had to check my attitude because I was so angry I was tempted to throw on some clothes, walk out, take the megaphone and shoved it down his throat. Usually I'm not a violent person.
Excuse me, he and his dumb ass friends are guests in this city. If he wants to spend his parents study aboard money on getting wasted that's on him but I don't have to hear it on a Monday/week night at almost 3:00 a.m.
When I first moved to Rome I went to a party with G in Prati. I thought, "Man it's so quiet here. I expect to see tumbleweeds rolling down the street." G hates Prati. I don't care. ha
My neighborhood is only going to get worse. At least I don't own. If I had a place in the country or mountain like my neighbors I would stay but I don't.
My contract it not up for a while. Maybe I'll change my mind by then but I doubt it. I'm so over the crowds of students and tourists. So much so that Monti is out for me too. The American Apparel store opening was the start of the Apocalypse.
I'm going to look in Flamino and Prati (not the area close to the Vatican of course). Both are close enough to the Center. I would love to stay in the Center (there are some areas that are quiet like Via Giulia where G. lives) but those areas are out of my price range. I lucked out on my place, paying below market. Another reason I'm salty I have to move. I hope my next landlord is as fantastic as my current one.
Two American expat friends and I were having gelato and walked past Campo a few Fridays ago. I knew things were bad when both of them said, "How can you live here?" They come to Campo all the time but one friend lives near Pz. Vittorio by the train station which is not the quietest area and the other lives in a lively part of Monti.
I don't want to live anywhere near tourist attractions or American students. I want a building that's not above or next door to a cafe/bar/restaurant/karaoke place. Even a clothing store makes me nervous unless the zoning laws are air tight and no disco could be put there.
I know not all students come here and act a fool. But living so close to the Drunken Ship and Sloppy Sams has lowered my tolerance for stupid behavior.
I'm done.
I love this tiny apartment. I do. Great character, lots of light, excellent design, close to public transportation, etc. However, the noise that spills over from Campo is out of control. I'm noticing more cafes/bars are taking over antique and clothing stores on my street and other streets around here.
I don't even live on the Campo but on a residential side street. Last night around 2:40 a.m., despite wearing ear plugs (which I have to every night when it's nice out), I heard a drunk American student screaming into a megaphone.
I was pissed. A megaphone...really? So I told him to please shut up!
He yelled, "live somewhere else."
"Some of us have to work in the morning."
"Whatever, you won't have a job tomorrow." This witty remark caused the girls he was with to giggle. Then when they were walking down the street, he continued to yell into the megaphone saying, "This is your wake up call."
I had to check my attitude because I was so angry I was tempted to throw on some clothes, walk out, take the megaphone and shoved it down his throat. Usually I'm not a violent person.
Excuse me, he and his dumb ass friends are guests in this city. If he wants to spend his parents study aboard money on getting wasted that's on him but I don't have to hear it on a Monday/week night at almost 3:00 a.m.
When I first moved to Rome I went to a party with G in Prati. I thought, "Man it's so quiet here. I expect to see tumbleweeds rolling down the street." G hates Prati. I don't care. ha
My neighborhood is only going to get worse. At least I don't own. If I had a place in the country or mountain like my neighbors I would stay but I don't.
My contract it not up for a while. Maybe I'll change my mind by then but I doubt it. I'm so over the crowds of students and tourists. So much so that Monti is out for me too. The American Apparel store opening was the start of the Apocalypse.
I'm going to look in Flamino and Prati (not the area close to the Vatican of course). Both are close enough to the Center. I would love to stay in the Center (there are some areas that are quiet like Via Giulia where G. lives) but those areas are out of my price range. I lucked out on my place, paying below market. Another reason I'm salty I have to move. I hope my next landlord is as fantastic as my current one.
Two American expat friends and I were having gelato and walked past Campo a few Fridays ago. I knew things were bad when both of them said, "How can you live here?" They come to Campo all the time but one friend lives near Pz. Vittorio by the train station which is not the quietest area and the other lives in a lively part of Monti.
I don't want to live anywhere near tourist attractions or American students. I want a building that's not above or next door to a cafe/bar/restaurant/karaoke place. Even a clothing store makes me nervous unless the zoning laws are air tight and no disco could be put there.
I know not all students come here and act a fool. But living so close to the Drunken Ship and Sloppy Sams has lowered my tolerance for stupid behavior.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Just What Rome Needs...
Another Burger King.If this was going to be an In-N-Out Burger that would be good news. After reading Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" I avoid all fast food chains except In-N-Out. I wish they would expand but then I guess the things that make them stand out, fresh potatoes cut on the premises for their fries, higher wages, better quality meat, etc., would suffer.
The last time I flew home to St. Martin for Christmas, I got stuck in Miami International Airport during my return to L.A. The plane had to refuel in Puerto Rico. We all missed our connecting flights. I spent the night in the airport. The only place that was open was Burger King. I had a Whopper Jr. and some fries. I got so sick.
There are more MickyD's here than Burger Kings. Maybe BK is trying to catch up.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A great thing about living in Rome? Being single doesn't suck.
Of course there are times I wish I had an amazing man in my life. However I feel less pressure here to be “coupled up”.
There are no commercials for Match.com, E’Harmony, etc. You walk into a bookstore and there isn’t an entire aisle of relationship books with titles like, “How To Find A Man,” “How To Keep A Man”, “How To Get Married after 35,” etc. etc.
In the States we move so much and many of us live far from our families. Is this one reason why being part of a couple is so important? Too many people think something is really wrong with you if you’re over 35 and never married. It’s better for a woman that age to be divorced. I'm tired of explaining that for my demographic, college educated, professional, black woman, my situation is the norm so stop bugging me about my single status.
My Italian single girlfriends are not sitting at home wallowing over Cathy cartoons (is there an Italian version?). They travel, have dinner parties and while they would like to date don’t seem to be having meltdowns about being 30,40, or 50 and single. They are part of something bigger, their families. They’re not alone. And while they have to deal with some concern from their moms, being single is not the number one topic of conversation when we get together.
One year in L.A. my core “posse” all had boyfriends at the same time. I never saw them. I met one of my closest friend’s boyfriends only once during the year they went out. They hung out with other couples or just the two of them.
I notice here couples and singles mix more. I get invited to dinner parties and aperitvi all the time by my married, or in a serious relationship, friends.
I don’t obsess about being single in Rome like I did in the States….probably because now I actually have a life. I’ve been more social in the past year and a half than the previous 10 years.
Men flirt here even though nothing will come of it. I’m not talking about crass remarks or anything like that. I’m talking funny, witty comments. In Los Angeles I was completely invisible. I’m not exaggerating. Thank god I had to go to NYC once in a while for work or I would have felt like Jabba the Hut 24/7. Los Angeles is truly no country for old ladies. In all the years I lived there I can count on one hand the times someone flirted with me. One guy was British and the other person was a lesbian film exec who was trying to convince me to go out with her despite me telling her several times I was straight.
I’m not saying I need outside validation to feel good about myself. But when you live in a culture where how you look is, to be blunt, considered ugly it’s tough. Add the age thing and it’s no wonder so many of my peers are getting Botox, hair extensions, eye lifts, brow lifts, tummy tucks, etc.
I’m appreciate living in a place where men from the ridiculously good looking, to the geriatric (gramps you gotta be kidding me. No, you are not trying to mack), to the butcher who calls me Ms. Hollywood, flirt.
Before move to Rome I felt as sexy as a cardboard box. Although I haven’t gone to the other side and started dressing like Cleopatra Jones meets Sophia Loren I notice I don’t leave my house looking sloppy anymore. I will put on lipstick just to run to the bakery.
So yes, I’m still single but at least now I don’t feel like this:
One of the best opening credits ever. "You have NO messages." Ha.
There are no commercials for Match.com, E’Harmony, etc. You walk into a bookstore and there isn’t an entire aisle of relationship books with titles like, “How To Find A Man,” “How To Keep A Man”, “How To Get Married after 35,” etc. etc.
In the States we move so much and many of us live far from our families. Is this one reason why being part of a couple is so important? Too many people think something is really wrong with you if you’re over 35 and never married. It’s better for a woman that age to be divorced. I'm tired of explaining that for my demographic, college educated, professional, black woman, my situation is the norm so stop bugging me about my single status.
My Italian single girlfriends are not sitting at home wallowing over Cathy cartoons (is there an Italian version?). They travel, have dinner parties and while they would like to date don’t seem to be having meltdowns about being 30,40, or 50 and single. They are part of something bigger, their families. They’re not alone. And while they have to deal with some concern from their moms, being single is not the number one topic of conversation when we get together.
One year in L.A. my core “posse” all had boyfriends at the same time. I never saw them. I met one of my closest friend’s boyfriends only once during the year they went out. They hung out with other couples or just the two of them.
I notice here couples and singles mix more. I get invited to dinner parties and aperitvi all the time by my married, or in a serious relationship, friends.
I don’t obsess about being single in Rome like I did in the States….probably because now I actually have a life. I’ve been more social in the past year and a half than the previous 10 years.
Men flirt here even though nothing will come of it. I’m not talking about crass remarks or anything like that. I’m talking funny, witty comments. In Los Angeles I was completely invisible. I’m not exaggerating. Thank god I had to go to NYC once in a while for work or I would have felt like Jabba the Hut 24/7. Los Angeles is truly no country for old ladies. In all the years I lived there I can count on one hand the times someone flirted with me. One guy was British and the other person was a lesbian film exec who was trying to convince me to go out with her despite me telling her several times I was straight.
I’m not saying I need outside validation to feel good about myself. But when you live in a culture where how you look is, to be blunt, considered ugly it’s tough. Add the age thing and it’s no wonder so many of my peers are getting Botox, hair extensions, eye lifts, brow lifts, tummy tucks, etc.
I’m appreciate living in a place where men from the ridiculously good looking, to the geriatric (gramps you gotta be kidding me. No, you are not trying to mack), to the butcher who calls me Ms. Hollywood, flirt.
Before move to Rome I felt as sexy as a cardboard box. Although I haven’t gone to the other side and started dressing like Cleopatra Jones meets Sophia Loren I notice I don’t leave my house looking sloppy anymore. I will put on lipstick just to run to the bakery.
So yes, I’m still single but at least now I don’t feel like this:
One of the best opening credits ever. "You have NO messages." Ha.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Knowing our Prime Minister doesn't wear condoms might fall under TMI, just sayin'.
I'm going to take a break from Italian political news for a moment as well. I really didn't need to know that Berlusconi doesn't wear condoms. WTF? Signor, wrap it up.
His polls numbers are dropping. I'm not surprised. He needs to focus on Italy's problems and quit fooling around.
Article from the Times UK.
His polls numbers are dropping. I'm not surprised. He needs to focus on Italy's problems and quit fooling around.
Article from the Times UK.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Professor Gates' arrest...I thought America was "post racial" now.
Clearly the Cambridge Police Department didn't get the memo. Also, I guess they don't watch PBS or read any newspapers. Professor Gates is a pretty well known scholar. I didn't know accusing a police officer of racial profiling could get you arrested.
I know all about DWB (Driving While Black) and SWB (Shopping While Black) but now some of my relatives and friends back in the States need to worry about Being In Your Own House While Black?
Anyway between this, the pool incident in Philly and Mr. Pat Buchanan saying since white men "built" America they deserved more, I need to take a break from the Stateside news for a minute.
And p.s. America is not "post racial" whatever the heck that means.
I know all about DWB (Driving While Black) and SWB (Shopping While Black) but now some of my relatives and friends back in the States need to worry about Being In Your Own House While Black?
Anyway between this, the pool incident in Philly and Mr. Pat Buchanan saying since white men "built" America they deserved more, I need to take a break from the Stateside news for a minute.
And p.s. America is not "post racial" whatever the heck that means.
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