HEADLINES, RANTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

HEADLINES GOP fails to pass a bill to give more funding to Israel and Ukraine. Repubicans insist on linking the border battle to this bill. Biden is willing work with this request. However, Everyone has gone home for the holidays, and left these countries in chaos. Last night Trump parroted Adolf Hitler saying that "immigrants are poisoning the blood of this country." Our grandparents were immigrants who made this country a better place to live. He continually incites hate with his vitriol. Yes, We do need a balanced immigration policy, but it should not be tied to a bill providing funding to Ukraine and Israel. An impeachment inquiry has been initiated on President Biden. Lyndsay Grahm admitted this morning there is no smoking gun that shows Biden financially benefited from his son, Hunter's, business dealings. Let Hunter have a public (and not private) hearing. Trump should also have public (and not) private hearings. Honestly, Hunter is no saint, and he freely admits all his wrongdoings, while battling a major addiction. But, this literally has nothing to do with his father. And, for the record, let's have some empathy for someone who is battling an addiction-we all know or have known people that have or have had these issues. Say goodbye to Rudy-He was ordered to pay $148 million dollars to the mom and daughter election workers who were defamed by him. What is worrisome, is Giuliani's lack of money. Stephen Colbert recently quipped, " He can't even afford full length pants." These two women deserve every penny of that $148 million. Hoefully, they will get the money, but I'm not exactly sure how. Rudy should be in prison. Good Riddance! The Ivy League Gets a BIG FAT F. They failed miserably. The presidents of U.of Penn, M.I.T., and Harvard should be gone (Penn's McGill is-sort of). When questioned if genocide against Jews counted as harassment, NONE of them answered with a resounding YES. Their next day apologies were way too little and far too late. Shame on all of you. Ken Jennings selected as the sole host of Jeopardy. Mayim Bialik (Punky Brewster) is out. U.S. pushes Israel to scale back the war in Gaza. Casualties of both Israelis and Palestinians continue to mount. Lack of food, medicine, fuel, and water are periously low. The U.S. wants a cease fire and the release of all hostages, as well as a two state solution. Netanyahu must go! DeSantis says that Trump will declare the Iowa caucuses stolen if he loses. I don't agree with anything that DeSantis says, but I DO agree with this statement. He's 100% correct. Texas Supreme Court rules against woman who sought court-approved abortion. Next, the Supreme Court announced it would decide on the availability of a commonly used abortion pill. It should be a women's constitutional right to make choices about her body. No ifs, ands, or buts. End of conversation. We are going backwards and it is horrifying. Despite a clear majority of people complaining about high food prices and the increased cost of living, the economy has been thriving. Gas prices are down. The market closed to an almost all time high last week. 199,000 jobs were created in November. 14 million jobs have been created since Biden took office. Intetest rates fell from 5.1% to 4.6%. Americans have also ramped up their budgets for holiday gifts this year. The malls are booming and Amazon touts a record sales season! Paul Ryan calls Trump an "authoritarian narcissist". He goes on to say, "Whatever makes him feel good at any given moment, Trump will say and will do". Again, WAY TOO LATE, Mr. Ryan! We need more of his silent colleagues to speak up. Unlikely! FOOD Uncommon goods personalized shortbread cookies-they are delicious and you can write any message or name on them. 24 cookies for $39.00 and there's free shipping. Dan+Day's Burgers and Shakes-598 Valley Road. Upper Montclair. The owners of unstuffed grassfed burgers have a new venture In addition to burgers, there will be sandwiches, salads, fries, and veggie options. Jayce Baudry bakery-17 Church Street. Montclair. Formerly from Restaurant Daniel in NYC, his pastries are outstanding. Do not miss his Paris Montclair-a puffed choux dough filled with homemade hazelnut praline, crushed toasted hazlenuts and a creamy hazelnut mousse. Divine. Playa Taqueria-206 Bellevue Ave. Upper Montclair. Authentic corn tortillas, tacos, bowls, and burritos. TELEVISION Fellow Travelers-SHO. I'm really enjoying this series. Based on a fictional novel, the story is about two gay political staffers in love that must be discreet about their romance. Takes place from the 1950's through the 1980"s.. The series stars Matt Bomer (beyond handsome!) and Allison Williams. Excellent! Julia-HBO MAX. Fabulous Cast and brilliantly acted and written. Two seasons based on the life of chef, Julia Child. 5 stars. Love every second. The Crown-Netflix. The sixth season released some episodes on Nov. 16 and the final episodes were just released on Dec. 14. We all love this series-can't get enough. Archie-Britbox. A four part series about Cary Grant. I'm not sure how to watch it, but it appears that a free trial of Britbox is offered on Prime. Looks wonderful. He was so suave and debonnaire. MOVIE Maestro-In theaters now, but also coming to Netflix on Dec. 20th. Starring and directed by Bradley Cooper, who plays Leonard Bernstein. Carey Mulligan stars as Bernstein's wife. Lots of great actors-Matt Bomer, Sarah Silverman, Jeremy Strong. Supposedly, the BEST movie of the year. The Color Purple-The new version staring Fantasia and Tariji P. Henson is being released on Christmas Day. This will be a blockbuster once again. I loved the original, and I'm sure this will be equally amazing. The Holdovers-This has been playing for quite a while in the theaters. Should be streaming soon. Stars Paul Giamatti. Dominic Sessa a newcomer gives an outstanding performance. The plot is about a curmudgeon of a professor, at a prep school, who must remain on campus for Christmas break with students who didn't go home. A story of lonliness and isolation ends up being uplifting. I cried from the beginning to the end. The actress who plays the Cafeteria chef steals the movie. She deserves an academy award. Da'Vine Joy Randolph-you heard it hear first. PODCASTS All There Is-Anderson Cooper's podcast on grief and its complexities. Not for the faint of heart, but how do we live on after a loss? He helps us figure it out. Smartless-I mention this everytime! It's a fun listen hosted by Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett. Their interviews are fabulous and the banter amongst the three hosts is hysterical. A very fun listen with diverse guests. Great while exercising. BOOKS ON MY NIGHTTABLE The Fraud-Zadie Smith Wellness-Nathan Hill My Name is Barbra-Barbra Streisand MUST HAVE PRODUCTS Dazzle Nail Polish-quick drying. long lasting (2 Weeks). No UV lights or gels. Buy the starting set on Amazon for $38. There's a prep coat, a base coat, the polish color, the top coat, and a revive coat. It's the best I've ever used. Expensive but worth it. Chantecaille Liquid Lumiere. I use "Sheen". This is an anti aging face illuminator that highlights and brightens. Available at Sephora, Ulta, Blue Mercury, and Amazon. $46.00. IGK Good Behavior-Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray. Use in between keratin treatments to keep your hair smooth, shiny, and not frizzy. Spray on wet hair and blow dry. It works! Available at Ulta and Amazon. $34.00. Trish McEnvoy Instant Eye Lift-shade 1 is the fair-medium. An undereye cream that takes away dark circles and brightens. It's very good-not cakey or heavy. Avaiable on Amazon. $46.00. WISHING EVERYONE A YEAR OF PEACE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS, FRIENDSHIP, AND LOVE. HAPPY NEW YEAR! PEACE OUT-ONE B

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

This is the time of year when we enjoy amazing meals, wonderful quality time with family, and reflect on what we are grateful for. We can and should choose to be thankful all the time, and not just on Thanksgiving. Dont let the attitude of gratitude disappear. Choose to be grateful each day. Yet, as we tune into the news each day, it is far too easy to only see the negativity around us. The world is full of violence, pain, hardship, war, and turmoil. While people are dying in Israel, Ukraine, and Gaza; giving thanks seems disingenuous. Actually, though, as I watch these horrific stories unfold, it makes me realize how fortunate and lucky I am. We need to focus on what keeps us grounded. Our culture suggests buying and acquiring more will bring happiness. But, the true key to our contentment is in our relationships. This is what brings us infinite joy. Start with contemplating who you appreciate and why. Everyone likes being appreciated! Tell your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your parents, your friends, your relatives, and co-workers how much you value them. Tell them often! Your appreciation lifts spirits for you and them, AND at the same time makes them feel validated. Marcel Proust said, "let us be grateful to the people who make us happy, They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Each day when you wake up as you open your eyes and place your feet on the ground-enjoy that moment! You're here, you're strong, you're resilent! Check out the sunrise and how beautiful it is. "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to love. Then make that day count." (Steve Maraboli) If we recognize the small and big blessings in our lives, it will allow us to be show humility and compassion. It will alter your spirit and transform your negative energy into something positive. "Gratitude is the closest thing to beauty manifested in emotion." (Mindy Kaling) Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season! PEACE OUT-ONE B p.s.-other things I am truly grateful for: Literature-which adds wisdom Music-which lifts my spirit Diners-NJ has the BEST diners! Sunrise/Sunset/the NYC skyline-which makes me appreciate beauty Netflix-which eases my insatiable appetite for television and, finally-peanut m&m's and twizzlers

BAKING IS LOVE MADE VISIBLE

My Grandma Fanny used to make the most delicious cookies! I vividly remember they were in the shapes of moons, stars, clovers, and hearts. I always looked forward to our holiday meals, and the times my parents would go away on vacation. Grandma Fanny and Grandpa Max would come to stay with my sister and me. We actually sat down to three home cooked meals each day, and it was such a treat! Sadly, my mother didn't inherit my grandma's talent for cooking and baking. Weekly, my mom would go to the grocery store and come home with an excess of toilet paper! While we were well stocked with that, there was not a lot of food. She could make a "mean" salad though. Generally, our meals were basic and boring. As a result, my sister and I learned to cook and we both love to cook. One can never have enough food, and we enjoy having company for the holidays. My true passions are creating soups and baking desserts. It was the logical progression that once I got married and had my own children, I became the host for many holiday celebrations. Family gatherings are my happy place. I love to convene around the table, feed everyone, and observe the different generations interacting and conversing about the topics that are relevant to each of them. Baking for others also helps me remember the joyous times from my childhood when my Grandma cooked for me. Eleven years ago, my first grandchild was born. When he turned one, I baked him a Birthday Cake. Since then, it has become a tradition for Nonni (that's what my grandchildren call me) to create a cake for each of my five grandchildren's birthdays. Since May, I have baked five Birthday cakes! (I am now done until next May! phew). Each child always has a different request as to the theme: i.e. Minnesota Vikings, Witches, the cake shape in a number or as a donut, Van Gogh's Starry night, a Rainbow, etc. Next they tell me the cake flavor(s). Then, the shape and colors of the actual cake. And finally, the type of icing and the exterior accessorizing with edible decorations. We start discussing these demands months before so that I am sure to obtain the necessary ingredients! My goal, of course, is to honor all the requests AND make a delicious cake for them. But, primarily, I just delight at the sight of these children when they first spot the cake design. There is no greater pleasure for me than to watch their faces light up with wide smiles. And, then, if I'm lucky, I am rewarded again with their joy once they take that first bite. No ask is too much for me. I will bake exactly what they want, no matter how many steps it takes. I want them to know how important they are to me, and how much I love them. Baking is an authentic way for me to show my love to and for others. In my opinion, my birthday cakes are meant for my SPECIAL people on their most SPECIAL days. Now that I have finished decorating my grandchildren's houses for Halloween, and that craziness is over, I immediately start the baking for our Thanksgiving feasts which take place on both Thursday and Friday! Its been a tradition for me to make between twelve to fourteen desserts each year. Each member of my family has a favorite, and I intend to honor them as long as I am able. One enjoys the Gramercy Tavern Brownies, another loves Emeril's chocolate bread pudding with fresh shlag, another must have my famous 3 day rice pudding, and yet another enjoys Kahlua Cake or the molasses cookies! At the same time of providing stess relief for me (because it requires focus on measuring ingredients and paying attention to technique), it eases physical and emotional hunger for everyone. These desserts are my own way to enjoy quality family time. It is a method for me to create and give my individuality to those I love. It is the fashion in which I bring the family together and hopefully, it's a reminder of the sweetness of sharing time together. If and when I can no longer do all this, I have ensured that my daughters will be able to take over. When each of them had their bridal showers, I presented them with a binder of all my recipes. My hope is that when I am no longer here they can make my recipes and pass them on to their children and grandchildren. I know they will get just as much pleasure from this as I have! "The people who give you their food give you their heart." Cesar Chavez "Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." Harriet van Horne PEACE OUT-ONE B

ACCEPTABLE TOPICS AND TIME LIMITS (AT A MEAL, ON THE PHONE, WHILE SOCIALIZING)

Everyone has the honor of being young, but not all of us have the honor of growing old. As we age, not surprisingly, we obsess more about our health, longevity, our children, and our grandchildren. I began to think about what are the acceptable subjects we can discuss with our family, friends, clients, and acquaintances. 1)TALKING ABOUT OUR MEDICAL AILMENTS: I have a dear friend who suggests we can only speak of one body part for only 5 minutes, and then you must be done! It's a great rule. (Thanks, Scottie) 2)SHOWING PHOTOS OF YOUR GRANDCHILDREN: I always groaned when people pulled out numerous pictures of their grandchildren. However, now that I am "NONNI" to five magnificent grandchildren, I have become one of those obnoxious grandparents who love to flash photos in your face! A good rule of thumb is to only show one photo of each grandchild. BUT, only if someone makes the request. 3)BRAGGING OR TALKING ABOUT GRANDCHILDREN: Again, this is only acceptable if asked about them. THEN, you should limit it to 5 minutes! There is an exception however-if you have a new grandchild, you can show all the photos you want, and discuss the newborn for as long as you like-no limits exist! 4)VENTING ABOUT YOUR AGING(55-80)BUT GENERALLY HEALTHY PARENT(S): My feeling is that this is never acceptable to talk about with your friends. I think you can vent privately to your siblings or spouse. Try to remember that while they may be aggravating to you at the moment, your parents act out of love, always. And, you are extremely blessed that they are still around to occasionally annoy you! I wish mine were still here. 5)COMPLAINING ABOUT AILING OLDER PARENTS(80-100+); At a meal with contemporaries, there should be a 5 minute limit! On the phone, you can discuss for as long as you want. With your spouse, I think you should limit this topic to 5-10 minutes a day, and NEVER while being intimate! Many of us care for our parents on a daily basis. It's trying and mentally exhausting-I get it. But complaining gets old real quick. 6)VENTING ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY UPSET YOU BY WORDS, ACTIONS, OR INACTIONS: In my opinion, it is NEVER acceptable with friends. I'm okay with you complaining to your spouse, siblings, or sister/brother in laws! Maybe, it's occasionally permissable with your closest friends. 7)BRAGGING ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN: Never really acceptable at a dinner with friends unless they specifically inquire. With good friends, you do have a genuine interest in their children, and you sincerely want to hear about their lives. 8)WAXING POETIC ABOUT AN UPCOMING HAPPY EVENT OR OCCASION: This is always fine to discuss whenever and wherever for as long as you want with anyone who will listen! 9)DISCUSSING YOUR ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR SADNESS: ALWAYS, ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE TO YOUR FRIENDS,SPOUSE, CHILDREN, RELATIVES, OR A PROFESSIONAL. NEVER HOLD BACK-EVER. 10)UPCOMING DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS: Generally, not acceptable at a meal with contemporaries. It doesn't make for great dinner conversation. Rather, it's totally cool with your besties either in person, on the phone, or while texting each other. 11)POLITICS: If you are with those who have similar political ideas, it is totally okay. If you are with those who have opposing views, don't broach current events-it will not go well. 12)LOOKING AT YOUR CELL PHONE OR TAKING CALLS: This is totally UNACCEPTABLE at a meal or an event. The exceptions are if you have a sick child or parent. Or if a babysitter needs to reach you. Looking at your cell phone or texting while you are socializing with others is rude and unnnecessary, unless it's for an emergency. 13)COMPLEMENTING SOMEONE: It is always acceptable to give someone a complement about clothes, shoes, accessories, physical appearance, job performance, their intellect, their kindness or generosity, their spouse, or their children. SO, IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT TO TALK ABOUT AFTER I'VE LIMITED YOUR TOPICS? BUT, OF COURSE! THERE'S ALWAYS: THE WEATHER YOUR UPCOMING TRAVEL OR RECENT TRIP SHOWS, CONCERTS, MOVIES, TELEVISION, LITERATURE, MUSIC ART, EXHIBITS, MUSEUMS HOBBIES CARDS, BRIDGE, MAHJONG RECIPES, FOOD, RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS NEWS(EXCLUDING POLITICS AND RELIGION) THE STOCK MARKET TEAM SPORTS, PLAYERS, SCORES YOUR GOLF GAME, SKIING, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES "Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears." John Lennon "If you're blessed enough to grow older,there's so much wisdom to be gained from people who are celebrating the process with vibrancy and vigor and grace." Oprah WISHING FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CELEBRATE: A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. MAY YOU BE INSCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE. PEACE OUT-ONE B

A POST APOCALYPTIC DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY

My friends have suggested that we are currently living in a post apocalytic dystopian society. That seems like a depressing and drastic opinion, but lets examine it further. In a post apocalyptic time, life is threatened on a global scale. Natural or man-made circumstances have threatened society and we are forced to navigate the new physical and social landscape after a disaster. Our focus becomes attempting to survive together. Disease and natural disasters immediately come to mind. Covid has killed 6,907,932 people spanning 229 countries. As fall approaches, we are seeing this virus reappear and are being warned to take heed. We are advised to get new vaccines and wear masks in crowded venues AGAIN. As if that isn't enough of an issue, Florida has recently reported new cases of malaria and Leprosy appearing. These are diseases that were essentially eradicated in our country, but are slowly invading. Those of you who deny that climate change is real, just look around. Globally, June was the hottest month on record and August, too, threatens to be one of the hottest on record. The extreme heat has caused warmer ocean water which means more moisture in the atmosphere. This, in turn, has produced flooding rains all over the U.S., rip tides, melting glaciers in Alaska, landslides in Norway, flash floods in Maine, trees falling and electrical outages. This extreme heat has also caused the wildfires in many areas of our country, Canada, Mediterranean Europe, northern Africa, Greece, and southern Italy. Currently, fires are burning in Maui and much of this beautiful island is destroyed. These environmental disasters are caused by the combination of natural variations within the climate system and human-caused climate change which emit warming greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. These dangerous weather patterns, the pandemic sicknesses which cause extreme loss of life, and natural disasters are challenging our survival. Oh, and have we even touched on the topics of insects and sea life? Where did Spotted Lanternflies come from? Native to parts of Asia, they arrived a decade ago and are a detriment to our plants and can create widespread harm to our economy. Specifically, the wine industry is in fear! These insects love grapevines. We are encouraged to kill them so they don't destroy our plants and trees and our beloved wine. Shall we move on to discuss Shark Bites? This summer has been especially scary. Supposedly, the cause of shark attacks is, again, due to climate change. The higher ocean temperatures are pushing sharks from the warmer, less populated Southern Hemisphere towards the cooler and more crowded Northern Hemisphere. The sharks are swimming closer to the shoreline looking for food, and this causes an increased possibility of humans coming into direct contact with the hungry sharks. What else is affecting sea life? In Southern California, the horrid smell wafting from dead sea lions and dolphins is unbearable. Red tide or toxic algae is believed to be partially caused by human polution. In addition, climate change can increase the growth of these toxins in fresh and salt water. In a post apocalyptic society, we see the possible causes of the collapse of our earth's civilization. It can be due to war, environmental disasters, pandemics, or plaques. It appears as if we are, in fact, living this nightmare. A dystopia suggests a society where there is possibly a political or social struggle. In books, it's often an imaginary place where everything is as bad as it can be. It might be a place where women no longer have rights. Or, where technology causes the loss of individualism. It's overuse causes the world to be "less human and less humane." Consider the reversal of Roe V. Wade, or the use of AI for creative outlets like television, music, and literature. A dystopian society may appear to be intact and functioning, but the future is disturbing, dark, and may be on the brink of collapsing. So where do we go from here? How do we turn things around for a bright future and thriving society? Hopefully, these dire situations that I have mentioned will incite awareness. Hopefully, this will catalyze broader knowledge that will in turn stimulate all of us to make significant changes in our lifestyles. We all need to accept that climate change is real, and we must modify our behavior to save the planet. This is not a partisan issue. Everyone is affected. PEACE OUT-ONE B

SUMMER SUGGESTIONS

Many of you who know me, know that I love "products" and love trying new things. I rarely stick to a regime for hair or skin care or nails. That said, I do have a few long standing products that remain a constant in my routine. SKINCARE Skinceuticals CE Freulic-This is the one product I use both day and night. An expensive antioxidant addiction, but I must have it. Available on line or at Blue Mercury. $182.00 Oil of Olay Complete lotion moisturizer with sunscreen spf 15-I use the bottle for normal skin because I love the original scent. After all these years, it's still a favorite of mine. CVS $9.99. Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum-Retinol is a must for aging skin and avoiding wrinkles. $185.00 at Bloomies. LIPS Evolve Together Hydrating Lip Balm Anguilla-repairs dry lips and feels great-not gooey. $26.00 on their website. Fieldtrip Overnight Hydrating Lip Mask-hydrates and repairs lips. $13.00 Available on Amazon or at Nordstrom. City Beauty City Lips Clear-plumps and smooths wrinkles (but not really!). $35.00 on Amazon. Not a fan. Perricone Cold Plasma Plus Lip Therapy-targets vertical lip lines and lipstick feathering. $29.00 on the Perricone website. SUNSCREEN Coppertone Everytone 50-if you don't feel like spending bucks for Supergoop (which is great), then try this. It blends clear, it's free of chemicals, and there is no white residue. $9.29 at CVS. Coppertone SPF#50 Glow Shimmer-This is hard to find. It adds a subtle shimmer, which is very nice. $24.00 on Amazon. It comes in a spray or lotion. Make sure not to get the one with a gradual tanner! Classic Whip Sunscreen SPF#30-silky and fun to apply on your body. Don't use on your face though-it stings. $22.00 at Ulta. BODY, FEET, BUGS VOESH Sugar Scrub and Bubble Wash Lavender for Scalp and Body-Use this in the shower first. Then use the body cream after. $24.00 On their website or on Amazon. Wonderful exfoliant! Voesh Velvet Luxe Vegan Body & Hand Cream Lavender-super luxurious body cream! Can't get enough of it. Available on Amazon $7.00. Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel-removes unsightly dead skin. Apply. Wait an hour. Wash Off. Your feet start to peel 3-7 days after the initial application. So Cool! $25.00 at Ulta. No Bite Me Bug Repellent and After Bite Relief-all natural herbal formulas that repel ticks, mosquitos and black flies. $9.00-$35.00 available at Sallye Ander. Great for kids. Zevo unscented Insect Killer and Repellent-8 hour non sticky and odorless repellent. $18.00 on Amazon. EYES AND HAIR Physicians Formula Matte Monoi Butter Eyeshadow Palette-Always in search for a matte eyeshadow for aging eyelids. No glitter; great for sensitive and allergic eyes. Very hard to find in stores. $11.98 on Amazon. Love this brand and also love their InstaReady Full coverage Concealer SPF 30. BEST eye concealer ever! Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3-This is not a conditioner. It repairs damaged, over-colored and over-heated hair. Apply a generous amount from roots to the ends on dry, unwashed hair. Leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes. The longer, the better. Then Rinse, shampoo, and condition. It really improves your hair quality. Use regularly. $30 on Amazon. SHAPERS ASSETS BY SPANX-I have worn these smoothing tanks and camis for years. Available on the Target website for $26.00. WOMEN OCEAN-Another great shaper with removable breast pads and adjustable straps. All colors, styles, and sizes. Great boob support! $39.50 on their site. Perfect under dresses or sheer blouses. PERFUMES I like a scent that smells clean and fresh, like soap. My favorite go to scents are: AMAZING GRACE-the original scent. By Philosophy. $60.00 for 2 ounces. Available at Ulta and on Amazon. CLEAN SKIN-By Demeter. No artificial colors or preservatives. $7-$22.00 Available on Amazon PHILOSYKOS-By Diptyque. Eau de Toilette. $125.00 on their website. IRIS EAU DE PARFUM-by Prada. My favorite scent! Clean not sweet. All department stores carry it. $111.00. FAVORITE SUMMER TEE UNIGLO SLUB JERSEY CROPPED TEE-product ID# 455760. Comes in black, white, brown, grey, and lilac. Size up. Now on sale for $9.90 (almost sold out on line). FAVORITE NON-DESIGNER POCKETBOOKS Not in the market to spend thousands on your purse? LAGGO makes great bags. Many colors and styles. Lightweight. Zippers and compartments galore. Check out the Bella or Jess styles. Cream, Sand, and Ivory are on point hues for summer months. And for the fall, I'm loving the British Tan, the Brandy, and the Taupe. Ranging from $200-$455. Reasonably priced and pretty. THE SAK makes hand crocheted purses for the beach.I especially love the "120 Hobo." You can custom the colors and personalize with your initials if you desire. Perfect summer purse for travel and beach. Their bucket hats are adorable, too. $169.00. SUMMER CLOTHING Check out these two websites for FANTASTIC cardigans, dresses, sandals, foldable hats, and accessories. JENNI KAYNE TUCKERNUCK Nicer than anything you can find in the mall! I love these two brands for essentials. FAVORITE SHOW ON BROADWAY I am commanding you-DO NOT WALK, RUN TO SEE SEAN HAYES IN GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR. THIS IS A PHENOMENAL SHOW WITH ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES I HAVE EVER SEEN. The show ends August 27th. PLEASE GO. AND TRY TO GET A SEAT IN THE 3RD-10TH ROW CENTER! I promise that you will not be disappointed. FAVORITE NEW GAME CONNECTIONS-check out this New York Times game. It's like taking the S.A.T.'s every morning! It is much different than Wordle, Waffle, Spelling Bee, Quordle, or Blossom. lots of fun and not so easy. To all the guys who have read this-I'm sorry I bored you! Enjoy the rest of July-stay cool PEACE OUT-ONE B

WORDS MATTER

Lately, I've been contemplating the value of words and why and where they matter most. Do actions really speak louder than words? Maybe; Probably; but words are equally important. All words have meaning, and because they have meaning, they have power. And because words have power, they have consequences. Words aide us in sharing our ideas, telling stories, reliving memories, and in expressing opinions and emotions. In literature, words become essential for creating a memorable plot or an unforgettable character. For me, an author who comes immediately to mind for his proficiency in his descriptive prose was Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Beach Music, The Losing Season, etc.) In Politics, crime and racism increase with the use of inflammatory speech. Divisive language can make a crisis worse and even incite violence. In the context of teaching History, books are now being banned because they don't align with some people's opinions on race, religious values, the actual events of history, their sexual orientation, or gender identity. Shouldn't all available information be taught to help individuals develop reasoning skills and see different sides of a story? Should we, instead, have an inaccurate and cleansed view of these issues? No matter how difficult it may be to discuss an uncomfortable situation, we can't deny or ignore factual information to curious students. We must provide all the facts-we cannot censor information because we don't necessarily agree with it or understand it. In relationships, words are important in the way we deal with other people. Especially people who may hold an adversarial opinion. Words illustrate an acute understanding of the workings of human relationships. They provide what a person's motivation is and why we do what we do. Our words can clarify the feelings and thoughts of those whom we love, or with our friends, and with work associates. In a marriage, words can often cause a misunderstanding. Or should I say, the tone of what you express may sound like a criticism rather than concern. Check yourself before you speak and don't be careless with your words. Communication is key. Sometimes, with the best intentions, when we think we are expressing compassion or empathy, someone might react negatively to our words. Why does this happen? Perhaps they heard you correctly, but for various reasons, they comprehended them in a manner that was completely inconsistent with your intent. Possibly, their bias or current emotions clouded their ability to interpret; or maybe their anger/stress clouded their perspective. You cannot control other peoples perceptions of your spoken words or their reactions, but you should be aware that language is powerful. I guess you can try to clarify what you meant and explain that you were speaking with kindness. Either this will solve the issue, or the relationship will be forever damaged. You won't know until you try. It is important to recognize that positive words can encourage, heal, inspire, and make peace. Negative words can hurt, destroy, cause hate and war. We should all be more cognizant of the repercussions of our words and how we convey them. "WORDS CAN LIGHT FIRES IN THE MINDS OF MEN. WORDS CAN WRING TEARS FROM THE HARDEST HEARTS." (Patrick Rothfuss) "WORDS ARE,IN MY NOT-SO-HUMBLE OPINION, OUR MOST EXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE OF MAGIC, CAPABLE OF BOTH INFLICTING INJURY , AND REMEDYING IT." (J.K. ROWLING) HAPPY FOURTH-BE SAFE! PEACE OUT-ONE B

READ, WATCH, LISTEN, EAT-WHAT DO YOU FEEL LIKE TONIGHT?

BOOKS ON MY NIGHTSTAND HELLO BEAUTIFUL by Ann Napolitano MAD HONEY by Jennifer Finney Boylan THE COVENANT OF WATER by Abraham Verghese ROMANTIC COMEDY BY Curtis Sittenfeld SOMEONE ELSE'SHOES by Jo Jo Moyes WHO KNEW-Steven Katz TELEVISION IN SUMMER IS THE WORST SO ... MAMMALS-Prime. James Corden and Sally Hawkins star. Michelin Chef's discovers secret about his pregnant wife. SEX/LIFE-Netflix. A suburban wife and mother fantasizes about the life she could've had with a past boyfriend. Soft porn! THE IDOL-HBO. After a nervous breakdown, an aspiring pop star gets involved with a self help guru who is bad news. Lily-Rose Depp is GORGEOUS. AND JUST LIKE THAT-Max.Season 2 begins this Thursday. Kim Cattrall is back as Samantha for a few episodes. GLAMOROUS-Netflix on June 22. Damon Waysans Jr.'s new series about a gender non-conforming high school graduate who lands an internship with a cosmetic company. THE BEAR-Hulu. Second season begins June 22. I think this is one of the BEST SHOWS EVER. About a Chef working through personal issues. WATCH!! HEARTSTOPPER-Netflix Aug.22. Season one streaming now about a high school coming of age gay romance. SOMEWHERE BOY-HULU. A boy is isolated from the world by his father for 17 years and then finally gets to venture out on his own. THE CROWDED ROOM-Apple TV+. Amandy Seyfried and Tom Holland star. It's supposed to be amazing but the plot is not revealed in the write ups. LISTEN HELLO MOLLY-A memoir by Molly Shannon, whose life was shattered at age four when her mom, baby sister, and cousin were killed in a car that was driven by her dad, who survived. HONEY BABY MINE-By Laura Dern and her mom, Diane Ladd. A collection of personal conversations between daughter, Laura Dern, and her mom, Dianne Ladd. SMARTLESS-Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview all types of interesting people each week. THE ABSOLUTE BEST APP EVER. SOUND BATHS ON THE CALM APP-can't sleep? listen to the a sound bath to lull you to sleep. ON THE RADIO-Listen to Taylor Swift's Karma; The Jonas Brothers Summer Baby; and Dua Lipa's Dance the Night. EAT OSTERIA DEL CORSO-1 S.Orange Ave. South Orange. House made pasta, pizza, and entrees. Cocktails, Wine, Two Patios and a Bocce Court! PASTA RAMEN-6 S. Fullerton Ave Montclair. Chef Robbie Felice makes "wafu-Italian." Shrimp Scampi Ramen, meatball parm bao buns, cacio e pepe gyoza. Sounds amazing. Reservations very hard to snag. BYOB. THE BAR AT THE HIGHLAWN PAVILLION West Orange.-Nightly live music, iconic views of the city from the patio, great cocktails and a light bite menu. FUN! 11 South-11 S. Fullerton Montclair. Formerly Palazzo, Joseph of Teglia Pizza down the street opened this Sicilian restaurant getting great reviews. BYOB. JIANG-NAN-379 Bloomfield Ave. Michelin-recommended restaurant serving authentic Chinese. If you like Peking Duck, look no further. Reservations are a must! BYOB. BOCCONE SOUTH-471 W. MT. Pleasant Ave. Livingston. Silvio, the owner, is a great host and serves delicious food. Some outdoor dining overlooking scenic route 10! BYOB. MOE'S-535 Central Ave. New Providence. Mediterranean cuisine. Outdoor dining and a Bar. People love it-haven't tried it yet. The MADDOX AND MASUKO-193 Glen Ridge Ave. Montclair. In the former Crosby space, there is now Steak, Sushi, and contemporary American Cuisine all in one spot. New and Happening. MEZZA-277 Eisenhower Parkway Livingston. Good Mediterranean. BYOB. TWISTED-18 E. MT. Pleasant Ave. Livingston. New ice cream spot with outdoor seating. An amazing menu of parfaits, cones, and specialty injected inventions. Always room for ice cream! And of course, my usual stand bys: Julios-West Orange. Primavera-West Orange. Davina-Caldwell. Kim's Sushi-West Orange. Mamma Dags-West Orange. La Rocca Osteria-Montclair. Nero's-Livingston. La Foccacia-Summit. Fiorino-Summit. Star Tavern-Orange. Angelonis-Caldwell. Belmont Tavern-Belleville. Miele's-Verona. Zi Zia Trattoria-Bloomfield. Best Chicken Salad-Oscar's, Millburn. Best Diet tuna and Best egg Salad-Bagels-4-U in Short Hills. Best Apple Pie-Ritz Diner, Livingston. Best Bread-Liv Bakery, Millburn. Best Grocery-Uncle Giuseppes, Morris Plains. Buy their fresh pulled mozzarella. Best Subs-Tony Boys, Livingston. Best sandwiches-Millburn Deli, Millburn. Best Flagels-Bagels-4-U in Short Hills. Best Burger-Serenade (Bar Menu) in Chatham. Best Hot Dog-Rutt's Hut. Clifton. Best Cole Slaw-Nana's Livingston. Best Diner-Tops East Newark. Best Bakeries-Sorrentos in East Hanover. Natales in Summit. ENJOY THE REST OF JUNE! PEACE OUT-ONE B

HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES; EYES & EARS & MOUTH & NOSE....

I am a 17-year old trapped in a 68-year old body. I have come to the awful conclusion that my body is betraying me on a daily basis. A new ailment appears each day. I think I may need a full time administrative assistant to deal with the symptoms, the scheduling of doctor appointments, to fight with the insurance company on all the erroneous billing, and to confirm which doctors and procedures and facilities are in network. I spend hours disputing incorrect billing, and attempting to log on to my many patient portals (each having a different password) and being scolded if I call the office to leave a non urgent message rather than, battle with the portal. Let's begin with my head-Well, I still have hair although, it's not as thick as it once was, and the shower drain shows clumps of hair at the end of each shampooing. This I can deal with-no monixidil for me! However, my blood pressure which was stellar before menopause is now alternately very high and very low. I am now on my third try of meds trying to figure out the correct dosage for me. My heart rate barely exists between 51-60, which doesn't seem to bother the doctors. So, if you see me staggering around or fainting, I promise to get it under control. Just hydrate me! On to my shoulders-My left one is pretty good but over the years my right one has been funky. Cortisone has helped and physical therapy helps as well. Years ago, the Dr. said it might be a tear and recently the same Dr. has labeled it arthritis. All I know is that I have regained my range of motion, and I don't presently have pain. Yet, when I reach forward it sounds a bit like paper shredding! Which brings me to my Ears-maybe if my hearing wasn't so good, I could ignore this scary sound! Moving on to my knees (or maybe not moving on too fast)-I don't know where to begin. My right knee locks about 20 times a day. If I try to go from a sitting to standing position, I take a few minutes to maneuver my knee, hear a pop, cringe, and wallah-I am now standing. If I attempt to turn in bed, I have to perform this delicate maneuver to again unlock the knee. I have no pain walking or going up steps, but descending the staircase is more challenging. After years of cortisone and gel shots, I am clearly in need of a knee replacement which will be in the immediate future. Toes-don't even get me started. They are the worst looking things you ever saw. Crooked, overlapping, knarled-it's a freak show. From years of donning beautiful heels, I am now suffering the consequences. I use toe separators, wrap them with lambs wool, insert metatarsal pads and pray. My shoes of choice are sneakers and I wear them 90% of the time. Nice shoes are worn sitting in a restaurant only. Forget fashion on my feet-think Clarks, Easy Spirit, Beezies, and Sketchers. That's my jam. On to my eyes-So far no cataracts and no glasses except for reading. I have suffered from chalazions for many years though. Unlike the majority of people who suffer from time to time with this issue, and solve the problem with hot compresses-this does not work for me. Ultimately, I undego surgical excisions each time and leave the opthamologist's office bleeding out of my eyes. It's quite attractive! I am told the chalazions are caused by stress. Who me? Stressed? Absolutely, I'm stressing about all the ailments!! Mouth-Hmmm...my teeth are crooked, I grind them constantly, and they are not white enough. I have tried whitening which really didn't alter the color significantly. I should wear an apparatus to prevent the grinding but but then I wouldn't get my meager three hours of sleep, so I don't wear it. I should get invisalign but again, I am just not into it. And finally, my nose! So far, so good. I can still smell even after surviving Covid. Hurray! When my Dad and I would chat each day, he would tell me that when he wakes up, lots of things ache but you just have to keep moving. I am in total agreement. I start my day around 5 a.m. and resemble Mr. Magoo as I leave the bed. I am a bit bent over. But, as I begin to walk and bound down the stairs, I begin to stand straiter, walk taller, and I am ready to start the day forgetting all about the aches and pains for just a little while. "What I have learned about aging, despite the creakiness of one's bones and cragginess of one's once silken skin, is this: DO IT. By all means, DO IT." Maya Angelou "Age is not important unless you're a cheese." Helen Hayes "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." Sofia Loren HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! PEACE OUT-ONE B

WRONG DOORBELLS; WRONG DRIVEWAYS; WRONG CAR DOORS.....

FACT: In Kansas City, a 16 year-old Black boy rang a doorbell to pick up his siblings. A racist 84-year-old White man shot and killed him. FACT: In upstate New York, a 20-year-old woman looking for a friend's house was fatally shot after the car she was riding in mistakenly went to the wrong address. Two shots were fired and Kaylin Gillis was killed. FACT: In Texas, after a practice, two cheerleaders were shot after one of them mistakenly tried to enter a car she thought was hers. FACT: In North Carolina, a six-year-old, Kinsley White, was shot by a neighbor who was upset that a basketball rolled into his yard. The gunman shot the father as well. FACT: In Cleveland, Texas, five people (including a 9-year-old boy) were killed after neighbors asked him to stop firing his rifle because their baby was sleeping. They have not located the killer. MORE FACTS: This country has had 184 mass shootings (definition of mass is more than 4) in the first four months of this year. As of 2022, there were 393 million guns in private hands and at that time we were a nation of 333 million people. Firearms kill over 50 people a day in this country. The Nashville school shooting marks the 19th school shooting this year. As if all these facts are not harrowing enough, look to Governor DeSantis, (who in addition to being sued by Disney and who has banned books in his state) recently signed House Bill 543 which strengthens Floridians Second Amendment rights by allowing residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The state of South Carolina is considering passing a similar Bill. Currently, twenty six states allow permitless carry. Let me ask you-how many times have you approached a car at the mall or supermarket that you believed was yours until you tried the handle and it didn't unlock? I have done that numerous times. OR, have you ever turned around in a person's driveway to adjust your direction? I also do that often (I regularly get lost even with navigation-just ask my grandsons!). It is not uncommon for someone to visit the wrong residence, or ring the wrong doorbell, or even try to unlock a car you thought was yours. Imagine if someone was just waiting to shoot you for your innocent mistake. Paranoia, Suspicion, or Racial Bias is NOT a justifiable defense of the so called "stand your ground law". These days noone can go to a mall, enter a movie theater, enter their school or a college lecture, OR attend a parade, a show, a concert, or a club without locating the nearest exit and, is this really worth the stress of it all? Recently, I attended the Grand Ole Opry with two friends. Security asked to search only one of our 3 purses. I thought this was so crazy- here we were at an enormous 4,000 seat venue and basically anyone could've brought in a weapon. No questions asked. Oddly enough, I think airports are now one of the safer spots! Why is it that this do nothing Congress is not prioritizing lives over guns? The priority should be setting stricter requirements on gun ownership. For example: passing a more detailed background check, undergoing mandatory safety training and testing on how to use a gun, secure storage laws in every state, purchase permits, a longer waiting period, banning semiautomatic assault weapons, banning military style rifles and large capacity magazines, and raising the age from 18 to 21 for purchasing a gun. As Australia did, we should also institute a buy back program. In Australia, they took 650,000 assault weapons out of public circulation. Sadly, this is the Generation of Mass Shootings. Children regularly have active shooter drills. They are taught where to hide and how to remain silent. With more than half (63%) of Americans demanding stricter gun laws, what is our government waiting for? It is such a sad commentary on our society that we refuse to change. We are still grieving victims of one shooting as the next one occurs. "IF ARMING MORE PEOPLE MEANT WE WOULD BE SAFER, WE WOULD BE THE SAFEST COUNTRY ON EARTH. MY Shit List This Month What I'm Watching These Days Vladimir Putin Whitehouse Plumbers HBO Clarence and Ginny Thomas Succession HBO Donald Trump Beef Netflix Benjamin Netanyahu Unprisoned Hulu Marjorie Taylor Greene The Last Thing He Told Me Apple Tv Ron DeSantis Tiny Beautiful Things Hulu ALL GUNS!!! Until we meet again-PEACE OUT ONE B

FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS

My dad would be turning 98 this Sunday. He was smart, kind, funny and very social. His two daughters were his everything. My sister and I adored him, and so did everyone who knew him. I still meet people regularly who tell me what a fabulous dentist he was, and what a great guy he was. When I am at my best, I am my father's daughter. I inherited his curiosity, his enjoyment for meeting people, his love of partying, music and dancing; and his fondness for movies, candy, jewelry, and everything New York City. Unfortunately, I didn't inherit his golf swing! I always had my dad wrapped around my finger. I knew if my mom said no, I could later approach my dad and ultimately he would give in to my request. (A little girl giggles when she is denied ice cream, because she knows daddy will get her some later!) They say "the greatest thing a Father can do for a daughter is to love their Mother" (Elaine S. Dalton). And boy, did my dad love my mom. Theirs was a true love affair for over 70 years. As a first hand witness to their passion, my Dad became the standard against what I looked for in a man and how I judged them. He shaped what I looked for in a relationships in the future, whether platonic or romantic. Fast forward to 1977 when I married the man that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and who I was confident would be the most excellent role model to my future children. In 1980 and 1983, I gave birth to my beautiful DAUGHTERS. To moms; daughters are the most precious of treasures and the objects of our never ending love. They are also the cause of many nights of sleeplessness! Bea Arthur said, "It's not easy being a mother. If it were, fathers would do it!" We are the rule enforcers, the task masters, the planners, the worriers, the healers, the organizers(nothing is really lost until your mom can't find it), and we are their FOREVER FRIEND. I was the "bank where they deposited all their hurts and worries"(Talmage) and I realized that I had fears I never knew existed. I often ponder if my grown daughters really appreciate me and I hope that now that they, too are Moms, they have a true understanding that life and motherhood is complex and doesn't come with a manual-we are all doing the best we can. And, most of all, I hope I taught them that their minds are the most beautiful part of them. A Father shares a very different and special bond with his daughter(s). Any man can be a father but it takes someone very special to be a dad. In the case of my girls, their dad can do no wrong. He walks on water. They continue to humor him and laugh at his silly jokes! And, to a father who is growing older, nothing is dearer than a daughter or her smile. Part of a father's job isn't just to teach his daughter how to be a lady, but to teach her how a lady should be treated. Daughters also learn morals, trust, self worth, self esteem, and empathy from their dads. A loving, gentle father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life. My husband continues to be a life mentor, a hero, and a protector to my girls. "He has always provided me a safe place to land and a hard place from which to launch"(Chelsea Clinton about her Dad). His care and protection will continue to be a pillar of strength throughout their lives. What's most interesting is that both my girls chose wonderful husbands who are also exemplary caring, involved and loving fathers, just like their own dad.Parenthood is complicated. Moms and Dads need to be united in their values. You want to connect with and protect your child, but at the same time teach them independence, resilence, morals, manners, and kindness. You want them to grow and prosper and reach great heights in their personal and professional lives. Yet, no matter how old our daughters get, they'll always be our babies who we still want to coddle. It's a delicate balance like walking on a tight rope. "GROWN DON'T MEAN NOTHING TO A MOTHER(FATHER). A CHILD IS A CHILD. THEY JUST GET BIGGER, OLDER, BUT GROWN? WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN? IN MY HEART IT DON'T MEAN A THING." TONI MORRISON HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY-WE MISS YOU. PEACE OUT-ONE B

OSCARS 2023

Finally, an Oscar show worthy of the anticipation! Let's start with Jimmy Kimmel's opening Top Gun parody sequence and follow up monologue. He crushed it! Although he was supposed to leave out allof the Will Smith "slap" jokes, he ignored the directors commands and just went for it throughout the evening. He was terrific. Pitch Perfect! The winners speeches were interesting and heartfelt; especially Ke Huy Quan's, Jamie Lee Curtis's, Michelle Yeoh's, Ruth Carter's and John Travolta's. Maybe they should've spaced the supporting actor and actress awards with a song in between to add more interest following the first 15 minutes. Now for the fashion-my favorite part of this night is always the red carpet. So much to discuss! BEST DRESSED WOMEN 1)Monica Barbaro-She looked stunning in her Elie Saab light blue and dark maroon gown. The Top Gun actess showed a tasteful but generous amount of her braless chest. Her hair, makeup and Harry Winston jewels - just exquisite. 2)Mindy Kalan-In her haute couture Vera Wang gown with boning, she was a vision. Her body looked great, and the gown fit perfectly. Notice she switched her outfit to the same exact gown in black when she presented. The white gown was much prettier against her skin. 3)Carra Delevingne-I really have no idea who this woman is or why she was there, but she looked very pretty. For me, Ellie Saab was the winning designer last night. This red gown was gorgeous. And, that Cartier choker necklace was the perfect accessory. She worked it as only a fashion model can. 4)Kerry Condon-The Banshee actress deserved the best supporting actress award (in my opinion). She wowed us in her well fitted yellow versace gown and her loose wavy hair and red lip. I loved how she pulled this look off. One of my favorites. 5)Ana de Armas-The "Blonde" actress looked sensational in this Louis Vuitton gown. The scoop neckline and rhinestone embellishments saluted the Marilyn Monroe style. The scalloped petals at the hem of the dress were beautiful. I loved her simple long flowing hair-a big trend of the evening. HONORABLE MENTIONS - BEST DRESSED WOMEN Dana Gurira-Donning a sleek sculpted black dress and a towering hair style, she rocked it. Nicole Kidman-Wearing Armani Prive (as she very often does), she looked beyond beautiful. Although the gown wasn't my cup of tea, she can do no wrong. Always looks great. Loved the easy effortless hair andthat she wasn't overly botoxed last night! Emily Blunt-elegant simple dress and hair. WORST DRESSED WOMEN Hong Chau-She wore a custom pink sleeveless Prada dress. The mandarin collar and black train didn't do it for me. But she was awesome in The Whale! Michelle Williams-Just didn't love the Chanel Couture dress and her Mia Farrow haircut; or her severe red lip. She looked matronly to me...And I wasn't a fan of her acting in The Fableman's. Elizabeth Banks-I hated this Vivienne Westwood gown. It fitted her horribly. It was overpowering and unflattering. Her stylist should be fired for causing her to trip in this too long, excessive fabric costume. Terrible. Halle Berry-Usually, I love her looks. Last night, I didn't love the Tamara Ralph gown with rose gold glittering trim and a high slit. Also, didn't dig the hair style. Jessica Chastain-A lot of people liked her look. But I wasn't one of them. The silver Gucci dress with black train was a bit much. Nor did I like the Gucci emerald wreath necklace. She looked like a cartoon character. Sandra Oh-Orange batwing dress and messy hair-UH OH!! HONORABLE MENTIONS-WORST DRESSED WOMEN Elisabeth Olsen-Black Givency wet look. Can't pinpoint why, but just eh for me. Jennifer Connelly-Everyone loved this Louis Vuitton gown. Hmmm, The structured rhinestone panel. Hair slicked and no earring. No pop! BEST DRESSED MEN Austin Butler-Looked fabulous in his YSL Tuxedo with exagerated shoulder and heeled shoes. Channeling the Elvis look. Miles Teller-He looked hot. A traditional tuxedo and his beautiful wife...perfection- both of them. Harrison Ford-Aging agrees with Ford. He looks fabulous and if you haven't watched him in Shrinking, RUN DON'T WALK. HIS BEST ACTING EVER. Paul Mescal- He was wearing a cool Gucci flare pant, a white jacket and shirt with a red rose in his lapel. Very Stylish. Nailed it. Haven't seen Aftersun but he is supposed to be phenomenal in it. WORST DRESSED MEN Dwayne Johnson-I love this guy! But I reallllly disliked the Dolce and Gabana pastel pink satin jacket. BEST BODIES Janelle Monae-Wasn't thrilled with the custom Vera Wang dress. But that body just doesn't quit.... Angela Bassett-A sore loser caught on camera. BUT, she's 64 and STILL has a magnificent body. COSMETIC OBSERVATIONS Eva Longaria-Looks like she had a brand new face lift. She looked perfect and years younger. Flawless. Andie MacDowell-Loved her pulled back grey hair and her ivory skin. Apparently, L'oreal moisturizer works. She's lovely. Jennifer Connelly-She needs something. To me, she looks old and tired eventhough she has no wrinkles. Sigorney Weaver-Also looking tired, and in need of some filler. BEST JEWELRY (MY FAVORITE CATEGORY) Sofia Carson-On the red carpet, she wore a Chopard Emerald and Diamond necklace that was beyond spectacular. 122.49 carats of emeralds and 92.57 carats of diamonds. For some reason she changed for her performance of Applause and noone got to see those gems after she walked the Red Carpet. Michelle Yeoh-A Fabulous pear shaped diamond ring on her right hand. I did not like her diamond earrings and matching headpiece. One of them needed to go. Lady Gaga-Tiffany platinum and diamond necklace. We're talking MAJOR. Michael B. Jordan- Two super cool bird on a rock brooches on his lapel. One was a 32 carat pink manganite surrounded by diamonds and pink sapphire. The other was a 58 carat green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds and pink sapphire. I need these for my blazers. Good Looking guy. Emily Blunt-Great hanging pink chandelier Chopard earrings. Florence Pugh-Pink tourmaline and diamond earrings and platinum and diamond necklace. Not my vibe but pretty-too punk and trendy. From Tiffany. Hailey Bailey-Fabulous eternity diamond necklace by De Beers. And a large oval drop attached to the center. Just like a princess. Cara Delevingne-Bulgari triple strand diamond choker. OMG. Diamond Bracelet and Emerald ring were also amazing. Didn't need "matching earrings" to the neckalace. A simpler stud earring would've been nice. Cate Blanchett-A style icon. Chic drop diamond earrings by Louis Vuitton. Zoe Saldana-She wore an elegant Cartier necklace, which I loved. I didn't care for the earrings, and her dress needed to be fitted better on the chest. It detracted from the necklace. Deepika Padukone-One of my favorite pieces of the night. It was a Cartier eternity diamond necklace with a beautiful pear shaped yellow diamond drop. Be still my heart! It was a fun night, with a sensational host, wonderful speeches, gorgeous gowns and eye popping jewelry. Until next year... PEACE OUT-ONE B

FEBRUARY FOIBLES

Usually at this time of year we are hunkering inside avoiding the cold and snow. Luckily, we are approaching a record breaking no-snow winter. But, in preparation for the cold, I have been creating lists of restaurants, television series, movies, books and products that interest me, hoping to keep me entertained until Spring comes. It's a long list!

 RESTAURANTS I WANT TO TRY 

Five Acres-located on the rink level of Rockefeller center, it's a great venue to watch the skaters. It's getting rave reviews for its diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

 Juniper-237 West 35th St. Great gin bar near Madison Square Garden where you can eat  burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads and cocktails before or after an event. 

Joy Love Club-232 8th Ave. Looks adorable! Dim Sum tapas, small plates, wings for lunch or dinner.

 Pastrami King-1125 Lexington Ave. I am craving this sandwich! Supposedly, this location has the best. overstuffed pastrami sandwiches, and great knishes and fries-what could be bad?

 Semma-60 Greenwich Ave. Southern Indian cuisine. Many vegan options. Getting wonderful reviews.

 Corner Bar-60 Canal Street. Inside Nine Orchard Hotel. Pricey with a Snooty vibe serving shellfish, steak, pomme frittes, and creme brulee in a bistro setting. Best to go for a late lunch and a cocktail. Reservations necessary. 

S&P Sandwich Lunch-174 5th Ave.  Tuna Melts, Burgers, Matzoh Ball Soup, Reubens, and Latkes.

Yummy!

Hav & Mar-245 11th Ave. Marcus Samuelsson's new restaurant in Chelsea. Not sure there's anything on the menu that my husband will eat, but it looks interesting.

Yellow Rose-102 3rd Ave. Tex Mex Tacos, Queso, Sides. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner. Limited menu.

Ci Siamo-440 W. 33rd. I have eaten here and it's fabulous. Their cast iron focaccia, the pastas, the caramelized onion tarte, and the desserts are outstanding. Staff is super accommodating. A very pleasurable experience from beginning to end. 

MOVIES

Maybe I Do - Theater.  An all star cast (Richard Gere, Bill Macy, Dianne Keaton, Susan Sarandon). Theme is about love and marriage. Cute - and a nice way to spend a few hours.

You People-Netflix. Eddie Murphy and Jonas Hill star in this movie also about love and cultural differences. Hysterical. Worth a few hours. 

Blonde-Netflix. Ana de Armas is quite good as Marilyn Monroe. Other Stars include Adrien Brody and

and Bobby Cannavale. I liked this, and Ana de Armas has been rightfully nominated. Rotten Tomatoes didn't love it though. 

Lou-Netflix. Allison Janney stars in this action thriller. Liked it - especially as an at home distraction.

Tar-starring Cate Blanchett. Available on  Peacock and Apple TV.  I haven't seen this yet. Story is about  renowned musician Lydia Tar and her career. Will definitely view this before the Oscar's. She is nominated for this role.

Women Talking-In theaters now. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The women of a religious colony discover the men in the colony have drugged and raped women for years, Frances McDormand, one of the great actresses of our time, stars in this ensemble cast. Going to the movies this week to view.

Living-Theater. Bill Nighy has been nominated for his role in this film. He receives a medical diagnosis that prompts him to look for some fun and happiness. Definitely going to see this. 

Swimmers-Netflix. This movie about two sisters who flee Damascus and swim to reach Greece to compete in the Rio Olympics. Great reviews. Subtitles, so it has to be early in the evening for me!

The Inspection-available to rent on Apple or Prime. Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union star in this film about a gay man who joins the  Marines to prove himself to his family and the system. Inspiring story that I want to see. 

The Son-Theater, Hugh Jackman stars in this with Laura Dern. Father/son relationship issues. Bad reviews, but Hugh Jackman is the draw for me.

Shotgun Wedding-Amazon Prime. Stars Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Coolidge, Cheech Marin, and Lenny Kravitz. A total waste of time; mindless, stupid and silly. However, Lopez is exquisite, and Duhamel and Kravitz are very easy on the eyes.

Close-Theater. Two 13 year old boys and their friendship. Looks very good and  it was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival.

80 For Brady-Theater. Can't wait to see it! Love Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. It will be ridiculous, but I don't care! 

Magic Mike's Last Dance-Theater. Another mindless film but I might have to go so I can watch Channing Tatum!

TELEVISION SERIES

Treason-Netflix. Spy Drama. Supposedly, lots of twists right from the beginning. Looks like it's worth a try. 

Shrinking-Apple TV. Jason Segal stars as a grieving therapist. His co worker is Harrison Ford, who is making his comedy debut. Watched the first two episodes and loved it! 

Suspect-Amazon Prime. A detective is called to the morgue to identify a body which turns out to be someone he knows. Not great reviews-slow and boring is the audience consensus.

Pokerface-Peacock. A Columbo vibe starring Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, and Adrien Brody. People are loving this, but unfortunately, I don't have Peacock. 

Princess Power-Netflix. This is for the little kids. Developed by Savannah Guthrie and based on  her book Princesses wear pants which celebrates female friendship. Looks awesome.

BOOKS ON MY NIGHTSTAND (IF I EVER STOP WATCHING TV!)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow-Gabrielle Zevin

Horse-Geraldine Brooks

Trust-Hernan Diaz

Fellowship Point-Alice Elliot Dark

Survivor's Guilt-Robyn Gigl

FOOD GIFTS 

Orchardfruit.com-Try the fruit centerpiece($105) or the half moon($95). The best fruit platters ever.

Simply Delicious and magnificent.

Nuts.com-I love the custom built snack boxes! A great hostess gift!

Sendacake.com-the cake explosion boxes (with butterflies or confetti) are such fun! Send it for a Birthday surprise. $50.00 and up.

Edoughble-edible cookie dough. Great for the kids. You can build a box starting at $39.00

esprovisions.com-Wonderful for a super bowl host gift. Gourmet pretzels and different toppings. $39.00 and up. 

Olympiaprovisons,com-"Will you be my meatheart? A heart shaped box filled with various salamis! For the meat eaters in your life.

Fourchette-fromage.com  I stumbled into this amazing store in Clinton, N.J. over the holidays. It is stocked with cheeses, oils, mustards, vinegars, magnificent bowls and serving items, etc. The table clothes and placemats are exquisite as well. I love this store, and  the owners will also create charcuterie platters for you. There is a website and they are on instagram. Check them out!

Gold Street Bakery-Challahs in all flavors; Cinnamon Raisin, Chocolate Chip, S'mores, PB&J, Salted Onion, Chocolate Mint, and Confetti. $15-$20. Available for delivery in N.Y.C. You can find them @GoldStreetNYC on Instagram, or for more questions: email jshaaz@hotmail.com  

PRODUCTS TO BUY THAT ARE ON MY SHORT LIST

Hoka Sneakers-I like the Bondi 8 style for my ailing feet.

Oofos recovery sandals-for walking around the house because I can no longer walk barefoot!

Sheertex Stockings-I am told these are the best if you need to purchase stockings  which are no longer very available in department stores. I did try to order these and they didn't come in the time frame that was promised. 

Anguilla evolve together lip balm-simply the best lip balm I have ever used. $23.00. I use it 3 times a day!

YSL Engravable Lipstick-Beautiful lipsticks in pretty cases that you can engrave with a messsage or a monagram. A perfect gift if you know what color is appropriate for the receiver. Starting at $38.00.

HP Deskjet Wireless Color all in one printer-it will print from your phone or tablet! $85.00.

America and Beyond Totes-if you don't feel like splurging on a Louboutin greekaba or frangibus starlite Canvas tote (my favorites) then check out these beaded large totes for travel. They are so cool and inexpensive! Starting at $99.00. Great for the beach, too.

Clarks Shoes for Zara-check out the hot pink wallabes $229.00 or the leather ankle boot in orange or beige for $219. Stylish and comfortable -yay!

Whew-finally finished with all the lists! Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day! 

PEACE OUT -ONE B

#NEVER KEVIN(S)

As I witness the debacle of Kevin McCarthy losing the bid for Speaker of the House for the sixth time over the past two days, I can't help but recall the movie, Tin Cup. Another Kevin (Costner) stars in this film as Roy McAvoy, a fledgling golfer who ends up miraculously qualifying for the U.S. Open. Ron Shelton directed this movie over twenty six years ago, and I think it's one of the best golf movies of our time (how many are there?). Roy approaches the 72nd hole of the tournament and contemplates if he should lay up or go for it. Roy's stubborness lands him in the water 11 times, and he has one last ball left before he will be disqualified. Every one of us remembers what happens. On his twelfth and final shot, the ball goes into the hole! The crowd goes wild! Resounding Cheers. Roy says, "I hit it again because that shot was a defining moment, and when a defining moment comes along, you define the moment...or the moment defines you. Maybe everyone has a little Roy in them? We don't always choose to play it safe. As Costner's character was shanking every shot, Kevin McCarthy seems to be doing exactly the same thing. His inflexibility, over confidence, entitlement, and sheer negligence is contributing to his self destruction. McCarthy has taken the ultimate risk and has reaped no reward. He is intensely disliked and he refuses to walk away. If McCarthy had done his due diligence and met with every Republican PRIOR to this vote, he possibly could've obtained the necessary 218 votes. He would've known what to negotiate and how to go about it. He had months to prepare for this moment but he dropped the ball. He has gambled and lost. Roy McAvoy was more afraid of walking away than losing. McCarthy seems to be more afraid of losing and WON'T walk away. If it comes down to the need for immortality-don't worry! We will always remember this moment in history-just as we will always remember what happenened on the 72nd hole of Tin Cup. Costner sinks the shot and McCarthy sunk himself. While neither Kevin achieved their original goal, we cheered for Costner at the end of Tin Cup. He showed gumption, a sense of humor, and most importantly, he accepted his loss. McCarthy, however, fails to hear the people and continues to ignore the results. Cheech, Roy McAvoy's caddy, says to Roy: "Man, you'd bury yourself alive just to prove you could handle the shovel." I leave you with this thought from the movie: "Golf and Sex are the only things you don't have to be good at to enjoy." Until we meet again-PEACE OUT, ONE B.