Flasback Friday - Italia 2006

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

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

photo:calciofreestyle

Many surprises this World Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed on Mondays.

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

Twlight: Eclipse mania arrives in Rome

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

I went to investigate. This is what I saw:

Flashback Friday - Interview with Idris Elba

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

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

Have a great weekend!

"How do you come up with your ideas?"

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

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

My original ideas usually start with questions like:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where do your ideas come from?

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

Finally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend!

Just one day left!!

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

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



Who do you think will win the World Cup?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


David getting ready to sign some books.


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

Flashback Friday - Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer

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

Have a great weekend.

Some photos from the Festa della Repubblica parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

The planes, the planes


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


I guess the dog was too tired to walk.


Gorgeous horse.


The planes over Piazza Venezia

(Italian) School's Out For Summer.

Anyone remember that song?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think Women & Hollywood brings up some great points.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend.

Nuns, Jesus and mammograms

Only in Italy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All this negativity is making me more motivated.

Rant level: High

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flashback Friday - Duran Duran - Rio

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend.

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

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

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

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

You've Got Mail! Girl Scouts Samoas Cookies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All hail the Queen!

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

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

The clip is from a 1991 concert.

Have a great weekend.

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

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

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

She loves this place and so do I.

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

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

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

Gelateria del Teatro
Via di San Simone 70
06 454 74880

Namastey: For tea lovers in Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lena Horne died yesterday.

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

She was a legend.

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

A couple of lines jumped out at me:

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

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

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

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

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

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

I miss this Whitney.

Have a great weekend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neptune standing over his piazza.


What the heck is she doing?


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


Chocolate.


More chocolate.

Flashback Friday - Sandra Bullock- Trailer for SPEED

Ms. Bullock has been in the news a lot lately. At least this cover is something positive.

She and the man who shall not be mentioned, started the adoption process four years ago. Louis Bardo Bullock came home in January. I can see why she did not want to talk about this in the middle of Oscar season. You can tell she has a good group of friends around her as nobody leaked this to the press.

I keep reading comments from people saying, "good to see someone adopt domestically." I doubt those people have any idea how difficult and expensive it is to adopt period and domestic adoptions are more difficult as there are different parental rights issues. Most children adopted from overseas live in orphanages. Very different from the situation in America.

Children are children and need a stable loving home. What difference does it make which country they come from?

I first noticed Sandra in a movie called "Demolition Man" but "Speed" is the movie that put her on the map.

I remember people saying there was no way a bus would be able to go 50 mph in L.A. traffic. Maybe 2 mph. heh.

Have a great weekend.

Day Trip to Bologna: Part I... Drogheria Della Rosa Ristorante

On Monday I went with my friend E. to Bologna. E. has been on serious lock down the last few months finishing up a book. Haven't seen her ages.

I've been in a horrendous mood lately and missed my friend, so I bit the bullet, got out the credit card and took the fast train to Bologna. On the way back to Rome the train was over an hour late but that another story.

This was my first trip to Bologna and I must go back. The city is tiny, population only 376,000. It's also quite beautiful. There are miles of porticos. The University of Bologna is the oldest in the Western world (founded in 1088) and there are students everywhere. Bologna is constantly rated as one of the top "livable" cities and I can see why.

Many people say this region of Italy has some of the best food in the country. I was definitely looking forward to lunch.

E's husband, aka The Professor, had to go to a meeting at the University with a colleague. In the morning we (myself, E. and their baby) went off to lunch while they had their meeting.

I did some Googling before the trip and the restaurant Drogheria della Rosa kept coming up. We decided to check out the menu then make a decision where to eat.

When we arrived, the owner was outside chatting. We decided to stay. We made an excellent choice.

The food was AMAZING. We started with some paper thin mortadella. It literally melted in out mouths.

E said her tagliatelle was "tears worthy". Her baby, who's only 18 months, did the index finger in the cheek movement (i.e. è buona!) after eating some of it.

I had eggplant ravioli. So freaking good and light.

The service was excellent. They kept refilling our glasses with Prosecco. The owner picked up Baby X when she started to get fussy and made her laugh. He also gave her some frittata and later a piece of watermelon for dessert.

We chatted with the owner for a while. He told us that Ambassador Thorne (the U.S. Ambassador to Italy) was there last week. We also saw a little article about the place in American GQ.

I agree with the article. There are several Michelin level places in Bologna but this restaurant on a side street knows their pasta. To me excellent Italian is about the freshness of the ingredients and the flavors. One can eat fancy, haute-cuisine in any decent sized city in the world. Finding an excellent Bolognese? That's a little rarer.

After this incredible meal we asked for the check. The owner told us not to worry about it. WHAT?! We left a big tip. We told him the Professor must eat at the restaurant and the owner said he'd get the money from him. ha.

We told the Professor to make sure he pays when he goes to eat there. He joked and said he wasn't going to go.

In the past I have received a free glass of wine or a dessert compliments of the chef and/or owner but a sit down meal? No. Never.

I mean, E. is very chic and Baby X might be the cutest baby on the planet but I almost fell out of my chair when he refused to give us a bill.

I was downright giddy after lunch. The food was so good and the three glasses of Prosecco helped.

Next, chocolate, Kettle chips and piazzas.

Flashback Friday - Gloria Estefan w/Marc Anthony - "Mi Terra"

I'm the middle of a massive Spring cleaning. It's raining today so my windows will have to wait.

I'm not the biggest fan of Gloria or Marc's English language music. I don't speak Spanish (since studying Italian I've been able to understand more of it) but I LOVE this music. It reminds of my childhood. My dad listened to a lot of Latin music and one of my babysitters was from Puerto Rico.

I need to turn up my music when I clean. I heard this song (the original version) and it brought a smile to my face. Maybe not one to my neighbors though, as me singing in Spanish (remember I don't speak Spanish) is probably not a pleasant sound. Anyway, this song is so upbeat, it's a perfect Flashback for a wet, dreary day.

Years ago I was with someone driving somewhere and she asked me how could I listen to music that wasn't in English. I had no words.

Music is music.

Have a great weekend.

Cool Roma birthday photos from Naked Rome

Rome turned 2763 years old yesterday.

That is hella old.

I thought these photos taken at Circo Massimo were very cool.

Naked Rome is one of my favorite photo blogs.

"My Life in France" by Julie Child with Alex Prud'homme, "FOOD Inc." directed by Robert Kenner and "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

I've been reading and watching a great deal of non-fiction lately.


This memoir is wonderful. You do not need to be a fan of Julia Child's or French cuisine to find it a fascinating read. Julia didn't come into her own until her late 40s. Her conservative father wanted her to marry a banker and live in Pasadena like other well-raised women of that era. She was supposed to get her "MRS." at Smith not go work overseas for the agency that would become the CIA. The love story between her and Paul is very sweet. They arrived in Paris shortly after the end of World War II and I enjoyed reading about that era in history.




I read Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food" and I'm a big fan of his common sense approach to food. I watched FOOD Inc. shortly after finishing Pollan's book. Perhaps not the best idea.





I wish every person in America could see this documentary. I was fuming. It's really an outrage what has happened in the last few years to our food supply. It's not bad enough that these big agribusinesss have ruined food in America they want to bring that mess to the EU. For the first time in 12 years, the EU is thinking of easing restrictions on Genetically Modified foods. Of course many people (especially farmers) are not pleased.

I'm not a vegetarian nor plan to become one. Since my move to Italy my meat consumption has plummeted. I only buy my meat from a butcher who could tell me exactly where my meat comes from. It costs more but I eat less meat, so it all works out. Meat is not supposed to be cheap. In fact, in America it wasn't until recently.

I was talking about this issue with some friends and family. My friends said most people truly don't care about the quality of their food and just want the cheapest product.

I was arguing that there's a disconnect between picking up chicken that is wrapped in plastic at the supermarket and the idea that it used to be a living creature.

If more people knew the chickens they buy never saw the sun and are stuck in a little cage their entire miserable lives they would make different choices. I think most people believe the chickens are running around like they used back in the day on most farms in America. Those days ended with the rise of McDonalds and other fast food companies.

Then again my friends might be right. Americans spend a lot less on food than other Westernized countries. I read Laura Ingram from Fox News went off on the idea of Meatless Mondays. She said it was elitist.

In the documentary they talk about the marketing of food. It's by design food is presented a certain way in America.

It bothers me that good quality food is considered a luxury. Thanks to subsidies, a Big Mac is cheaper than a bag of carrots. And we wonder why we're the fattest Western country on the planet? It's not right that so many school lunches (for many poor kids it's the only meal they eat that day) are so crappy.

Of course nobody is putting a gun to Americans' heads and saying eat meat three times a day or fast food every single day. That said, I still don't think we should let the big conglomerates off the hook. They pay lobbyists a lot of money to get legislation passed that benefits them and nobody else.

This documentary also shows the connection between this kind of legislation and illegal immigration. Seriously.

Okay sorry for the long post but this documentary blew my mind. I couldn't believe what I watching.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

The Restaurant Sora Margherita is Ghetto Fabulous.

A few weeks ago I finally went to lunch at Sora Margherita with two friends.

Annie has her own scooter guide/tour guide business and often sends her clients to Sora Margherita. Our friend Marianna, who used to live in Florence and Milan, was in town from New York City.

The restaurant is located in the Jewish Ghetto. The Jewish community in Rome is one of oldest in Western Europe. In 1555 the Ghetto was formed with three gates that locked the occupants in at night.

The word ghetto comes from Venetian dialect. It has a different connotation now but not all ghettos were poor. The Venetian one was very affluent.

The gates in Rome came down in 1888 but the Ghetto was reinstated during the Nazi occupation.

The history of this area is incredible. I can't imagine over 30,000 people forced to live in such a small space. Once the gates came down the wealthier occupants bought property else where. Of course now it's one of the most expensive areas in Rome.

The 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. The prices are moderate and the food is so good. I will be back.

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

If you go when artichokes are in season, you must try the deep-fried ones.


Cacio & Pepe. Still thinking about this dish. This is a half-portion.


Marianna looking fab.



The entrance.

Flashback Friday - Mad Men crew sings - Bye Bye Birdie

Hilarious.

Brings back memories of singing with our movie crews during brutal night shoots.

How cute is Jon Hamm and the actor who plays creepy Henry Francis looks completely different.

Have a great weekend.

Variety annoucement about my script. We now have a director but...

there was drama. Variety (one of the two Hollywood trades) ran an article yesterday. The print version was not correct but Variety made the changes to the online version which is posted below. You can only read the link if you're registered/a subscriber.

Given this was my first sale, my team is a little salty with how the print version went down. It had the wrong information about the screenwriters. I'm beyond livid. Getting emails from colleagues in Hollywood asking me what happened makes it worse.

I used to work in PR and nobody really reads corrections. I know I'll get over it and there will be future announcements as the cast is hired (fingers crossed that things continue to move forward) but the last 24 hours were not fun. I woke up angry. God, I feel like I'm back in L.A. ha

Salim Akil to direct 'Jumping the Broom'
TV helmer making leap to bigscreen with laffer
By TATIANA SIEGEL
TV helmer Salim Akil is making the leap to the bigscreen and will direct Sony's wedding-themed comedy "Jumping the Broom."

Story depicts the collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha's Vineyard for a wedding. Arlene Gibbs and Elizabeth Hunter penned the screenplay.

Envisioned as a low-budget project, "Jumping the Broom" is currently in development at the studio and is moving toward a tentative June start date in Nova Scotia.

If project comes together, it would likely go out through the Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group label.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tracey Edmonds, Glendon Palmer and Curtis Wallace are producing.

"Jumping the Broom" marks Akil's feature directorial debut. His TV helming credits include "Girlfriends" and "The Game," which BET is aiming to resurrect with Akil as the showrunner.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017725.html

SAID...A place in Rome for lovers of chocolate

A few weeks ago, my friend Matt was in Italy for research and we met up in San Lorenzo. His New York Times cover story on Italy's Home Food program ran last weekend. HERE is the article. Warning...do not read it if you are hungry.

A good friend of mine now lives in San Lorenzo so I have been spending more time there. It's a very funky neighborhood, near the university, with a lot of interesting street art.

San Lorenzo was the area in Rome most damaged by Allied bombing during WWII, which is ironic given the area was very anti-fascist. You can still see some of the damage.

A couple months ago my friend Marco pointed out a chocolate store located in side alley. We passed it after dinner. The store was closed and I made a mental to return.

When Matt suggested we check it out during a cold, wet day I couldn't be happier. I was not prepared for what awaited my eyes and nose.

I'm not even a big chocolate person (I'm more into Jelly Bellys and Swedish Fish when it comes to candy) but this place is INSANE.

The SAID Antica Fabbrica Del Cioccolato has been around since 1923. I kind of wish I didn't know about it. I actually schlepped across the city just to buy some chocolate. I savored every single piece. My favorite bars so far are ones with cinnamon and the ones with little pieces of biscotti.

There is a restaurant in the back. I was too distracted to look at the menu.

SAID DAL 1923
Via Tiburtina, 135
+(39) 06 446 9204

We were there before Easter. They had great baskets, eggs and bunnies.


Jars of chocolate covered goodness.


Matt trying to decide what to buy. He said the hot chocolate was amazing.


I need some chocolate.

Oh snap! Roma takes the lead over Inter in Serie A.

I'm not even going to call my friend G. He's a hard core Inter fan.

Yesterday people were honking horns, cheering and all the bars were packed.

To tell you the truth, I'm in shock.

Roma started out terribly this year. So much so, their coach was fired.

That they are actually in the lead for Serie A is unbelievable. Inter (one of the Milan teams. AC Milan is the other and they are in third place) has had Serie A on lockdown the last couple of years.

I have already been warned that if Roma wins the Scudetto (Serie A Championship), it's going to be bananas. Roma is still the underdog and their lead is only one point.

We'll see what happens with the last few games of the season. It's so exciting...well maybe not for Inter fans. Poor G.

Flashback Friday - Winona Ryder - Girl Interrupted Trailer

Winona has joined the cast of a Vince Vaughn/Kevin James comedy. The town (Hollywood) is saying it's her comeback.

Shoplifting issues aside, I wondered what happened to her career. One casting director said now that Winona is starting to actually look a little older, it will be easier to cast her. Winona is in her late 30s but for the longest time looked like she was still in college. You couldn't cast her in the same dramatic roles as her peers and she wasn't really known for comedy.

I had to think for a while, what was the last memorable movie for her. I remember going to screening of "Girl Interrupted". The minute Angelina Jolie's character showed up, Winona was done. Angelina blew her off screen. As it was an industry screening everyone was talking how Winona was the star of the movie but you completely forgot about her. Not a good sign.

Then the shoplifting thing happened, along with some poor films choices and Winona was off the radar.

I'm curious to see what she will do with this new role and where her career goes from here.

I thought the trailer below was too lighthearted for a pretty intense movie.

Have a great weekend.

Frascati - a quick day trip from Rome

My friend T and I decided to check out Frascati. It's only a half hour train ride from Termini.

Trains leave from Track 15 (double check) which is a funky track hidden between tracks 14 and 16. Do not forget to validate your ticket. Tickets are 1.80 euros each way.

The area is known for its white wine and its porchetta. T said hers (from Leda, the Queen of Porchetta) was so good she would take the train just to buy some more from the vendor and then return to Rome.

During the summer Frascati is a popular destination for Romans escaping the heat and traffic of Rome.

Once you arrive, you walk up a long flight of stairs to reach the main piazza. The views are incredible.

The porchetta vendors are located in Piazza del Mercato. There's also a fruit stand, a bakery (with very yummy pastries), a chocolate shop and other places to eat. Things do close down for lunch...like the pastry shop.

Interesting church.


Overlooking Rome.


My friend taking a photo.


Villa Aldobrandini.

Flashback Friday - Easter Edition - Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens

Along with "Every Morning Is Easter Morning" we used to sing this song at Verona United Methodist Church.

When my family lived in New York City we used to go a local church up the street most of the time but maybe once a month we went to a big church in Harlem. Beulah Wesleyan Methodist church on W 136 Street seemed massive to me. Many of my relatives went there. There was a large Caribbean congregation and the church was in the historic Hamilton Heights area.

As a child I actually liked going to church. I got to spend time with my friends, wear pretty dresses, cute shoes and listen to great music followed by a nice lunch. It was was fun.

My teen years? Not so much.

Anyway, once we moved to the 'burbs the music was different. While my parents are not fans of "clap hands churches", hello, they're Methodist not Baptist, I do remember the choirs in New York singing gospel along with classical music. Our choir in Verona did not do gospel. ha

Easter was a big deal in my house. Relatives would come over a dinner. There were sunrise services and an Easter Egg hunt for the kids. I would get a basket with candy and when I was younger, an Easter outfit. It seemed like Easter really kicked off the Spring season.

As you can imagine, Easter week is a big deal in Italy. There are so many tourists in town.

I love the Italy holiday of "Pasquetta" aka Little Easter. This is celebrated the day after Easter. Everyone takes off for the country, hills, park or beach to enjoy a fantastic lunch outdoors with family and friends. It's a way to celebrate the end of the solemn season of Lent and nature. Some people plan their Pasquetta weeks in advance. They are not playing when it comes to food. Last year I went to a lunch that lasted a good four hours.

I have to work this weekend but I might treat myself to a little chocolate.

This SONG from a live taping on ABC, is just beautiful and moving.

It reminds me of Sundays with my family...food, church, New York Giants.

Buona Pasqua tutti!

Two years ago today I arrived in Rome.

I don't believe it.

A lot has changed since my first day in Rome.

My big goal for this year is to continue to improve my Italian. It's getting better. Being back in class and meeting a friend for language exchange has helped a great deal.

My other goal (and quite difficult) is to not stress out so much about my career.

I'm going through some crazy work stuff back in L.A. It's like nothing is going right. It's very frustrating.

So much is out of my control. Once I send my script off, that's it. I have to wait, wait and wait.

Hopefully, I will hear some good news from Hollywood during the next few months. I must think positive or else I wouldn't be able to get anything done.

These last two years have been amazing. I think about how I was when I first arrived. I was in quite a state.

I was bitter, burnt out, broke, single, pessimistic, tired, heavier and full of negativity.

I'm still single and broke but everything else has changed...drastically. I don't know what the hell happened to me those ten years in L.A. I lost my foundation somehow.

Since the move overseas, I've reconnected with the things that are most important to me.

Five years ago I came to Italy for the first time. I wasn't an Italophile. I wasn't going crazy over coming to Rome. I was just happy to take a little vacation during one of the most stressful moments of my life. The months prior to my trip had sent me into a pretty bad downward spiral. I wasn't sure if I would snap back.

I know it sounds very Eat, Pray, Love but that little trip saved me and completely changed my life.