Red Carpet

Well, I can't necessarily say I'm sorry I spent two hours watching the pre-show on the red carpet before the Screen Actors Guild awards, because the stars' outfits did not disappoint,
but watching the show was a little trying at times.

I never thought I'd hear myself saying, "Bring back Joan Rivers." Actually, I like Joan Rivers doing the red carpet interviews. Yes, she's a little over the top at times or a lot, but I found her patter at least entertaining. The stars may have gotten a little perturbed at her questions, but it couldn't have been worse than this year's interviews. I thought Juliana did a pretty good job, being called in at the last minute for an ailing Ryan Seacrest. She was up on all the star credits, etc, but did both women (I don't know the other woman's name) find it necessary to hug all the ladies as though they were their best friends...one even getting her body makeup on someone's white top!

At first I thought Javier Bardem was rude when he answered, "I don't want to talk about that," but a second later when I recalled the question (which I can't recall now), I realized his response was most appropriate.

Granted, it must be quite challenging having all the movie and tv info on the tip of your tongue as each nominee approaches the microphones. I'm sure they have something at their disposal (an ear teleprompter?), to assist them. Maybe the stars have been on those magazine programs and feel more comfortable with the hosts...I don't know.

I believe seeing Debra Messing in that gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress was worth the time spent watching it! The stars looked beautiful...(Sandra Oh's gown was a stand-out too!) The guys weren't bad either. The step to show off the great shoes was a nice addition.

As far as the awards go, it was a good show...I just had such a difficult time watching that movie..."No Country for Old Men" that I'm thinking with all the awards it's winning, it may encourage others to make more movies like that. But, then, maybe there aren't too many other wusses like me around.

Parlez vous francaise?

We went to see Forever Plaid this past weekend. It was a nice production...we enjoyed it, but I'm afraid seeing Jersey Boys kinda spoiled us. This was a dinner theatre production.

While we were chatting waiting for the show to start, we got on the subject of travel. Our friend said he and his wife (who was traveling on business) were considering going to Paris for their 25th wedding anniversary. I asked if they had been there before. He said, "Yes," and proceeded to give some tips that I thought would be useful if you were planning your first trip there.

He said there are only three fundamental things you should know in order to not fall into the "French people are so rude" trap. When you greet someone, whether it's in a retail store or on the street, you say, "Bonjour." Not "Hello." Not, "Hi." You say, "Bonjour." Then you can speak English all you want, but it's a polite acknowledgment that will go far.

Secondly, a common mistake is to call waiters "Garcon," which means "Boy." It's considered an insult. "Monsieur" is the proper address. They might even throw in an extra croissant.

Thirdly, don't expect waiters to hover over you or hurry you along after you've finished your
last bite like they might do here. You need to signal for them to come over to your table if you want a coffee refill or other service. The table is yours until you decide it's time to leave. (Isn't that refreshing?)

We haven't made it there yet, but several people I've talked with lately who have visited Paris loved it and are anxious to return. Maybe they talked to Tom before they went too.

The Secret to a Successful Marriage

"I found someone who could put up with me," Delta Burke said recently when asked the secret to her successful marriage to Gerald McRaney. Estelle Reiner put it another way, "Find someone who can stand you," which is a funnier line, which you might expect from the wife of Carl Reiner, mother of Rob, and who delivered that classic line in When Harry Met Sally, "I'll have what she's having." Yes, I believe it's as simple as that. You're lucky if you find it the first time around. If not, keep looking (if you are so inclined), and you'll find that special someone.

Speaking of When Harry Met Sally, I finally bought the soundtrack to the movie by Harry Connick, Jr. which has been on my list ever since I heard it at a friend's house a few years ago.
Harry was only 21 when the director, Rob Reiner, was introduced to his talent by a friend and decided he had to have him do the music for the film. Very inventive jazz pianist renditions of the standards. Nice.

A Good Read

If my friend, Laura, had not given it to me for Christmas, I might not have gotten around to reading this #1 New York Times bestseller, "eat pray love," by Elizabeth Gilbert, a 30- something journalist. (I'm so far behind on all my magazines.)

I was roaming around Costco yesterday, and I happened to see a lady looking at the book, and I said, "I'm almost finished with it...it's a good read." She said, "Well, I saw her on Oprah, and I didn't think she was my type of person." I said, "Well, she is different, but interesting." (I mean how many American women do you know who would fly to Indonesia, find a remote island there, and walk around the whole island day and night by herself?) She asked, "But did you learn anything?" "Most definitely...she takes you on her spiritual journey."

Well, I don't know whether or not the lady bought it, but I would recommend it. I found it highly entertaining. Liz, as she refers to herself, is intelligent, humorous and a great story teller. I was wondering whether or not men would like it, and then I read a quote from GQ that said "not just for the ladies, fellows!"

Cheers!

Happy New Year! I've never been one for non-alcoholic drinks...I mean, if it's a cocktail party, give me a glass of pinot grigio, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, etc. However, if you're serving guests, it's good to have one in your repertoire. I just discovered one that is served at

Blue on Blue in Beverly Hills, called "Mojito." It's pretty good.

2 tsp. mint (which grows wildly in our yard...accidentally, of course; otherwise intentionally we couldn't rely on it), splash of simple syrup (I used Karo...not knowing what "simple" means), Lime wedges, 2 oz. pomegranate juice and 4 oz. soda. You "muddle" the mint with a splash of simple syrup and three lime wedges in a glass. Fill glass with ice. Pour in pomegranate juice and soda. Garnish with lime wedge and a sprig

of mint. It's also pretty! Try it, you'll like it.

P. S. I just found out...Simple Syrup Recipe: Equal parts boiling water and sugar. Allow to cool before using. (I think Karo worked well!)

P.P.S. It must be good...my friend, Diana, to whom we served it, just emailed and asked for the recipe.

Holiday Spectacular

One of the most enjoyable shows I've seen in a long time was The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. What a fabulous show! Although there were only 18 high-kicking Rockettes as compared to the 36 that you would see in New York, it couldn't have been a more polished or enjoyable performance.

Every number was outstanding, but "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which was in the original 1933 show and remains today, was definitely a favorite, as was the Raggedy Ann number which ended in the ragdolls doing the splits. All 11 scenes were spectacular, ending with "The Living Nativity," which was in the original show as well.

Since Radio City took the "Christmas Spectacular" on the road in 1994, 62 million people have seen it. Usually, there are two scenes that are swapped out every two years; however, since the show is celebrating its 75th year, the producers really went all out, changing half the show.
I absolutely loved the Santa Claus ad infinitum number, "I'm There," that addressed the age-old conundrum: How can Santa Claus be every place at once? It was so much fun to watch...a real crowd pleaser!

The Rockettes were a marvel of synchronicity...rehearsed to perfection! The costumes were beautiful. Today's Rockettes must be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2" tall...and two local Orange County women were among the group who made it through the tough auditioning process.
Karie Anne Seasock is a member of the Radio City ensemble who grew up in Garden Grove.
Amy Lenhardt, a graduate of Orange County High School of the Arts, joined the touring group three years ago, after competing with 500 dancers in Los Angeles.

Even though I loved taking those tap dancing and ballet classes when I was a child that resulted in recitals with pretty costumes, I know I would never have the discipline it takes to be a precision dancer like that. I so admire their talent and dedication. As Amy said when asked how reality matched up with her dream of being a Rockette, "I couldn't ask for more. The girls are wonderful. I've made lifelong friendships. I hope I can do it for 15 more years." I'd love to see it again next year!

As if seeing this matinee wasn't pleasure enough, we followed up with dinner at
Ruth's Chris Steak House...divine food. I got adventurous and tried the Venison with Blackberry Sauce. I know, you vegans are cringing right now...but I must say, it was most enjoyable.

A delightful way to celebrate our anniversary, which just happens to fall during the Christmas holiday.

And now I am contemplating whether or not to make any new year's resolutions on this eve.
Whatever you decide to do, have a happy and safe one.

Do you have a hero?

Four years ago, my cousins, Terry & Mary, adopted Joey (4) and Katie (2), the only parents these two children had ever known. This came after 14 years of fostering children who returned to their biological families or were adopted by others. They were never given the chance to adopt these children but felt the heart pangs of seeing them leave after being in their home sometimes for years.

By the way...Terry and Mary successfully reared two biological children of their own before entering into this selfless act of caring for others. I always thought them to be ideal parents, encouraging their children to venture out and pursue their passions without fear. Now, Joey and Katie are filling their lives with joy once again...and they even have a new grandchild to love as well.

Speaking of heroes, and I was, I heard recently that Sal Guerneri with whom I went to grade school and high school passed away recently. I don't know the details, but I recalled how Sal once rescued me as I was being bullied crossing the street to go to school when I was a child.
That qualifies for heroism in my book any day of the week. May his soul rest in peace.