Books, Television, Movies, Current News Stories/February 2014

     There haven't been any great movies lately, but that doesn't stop me from viewing as many as I can.
     JACK RYAN SHADOW RECRUIT-global thriller set in present day.starring Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, and Kevin Cosner. Cosner was the only redeeming feature of this movie for me. I suppose it might be a decent home movie. Thumbs down.
     MONUMENTS MEN-based on a true story .Platoon rescues art from Nazi thieves. Compelling plot. Too long and edited poorly. Lots of people liked it; I wasn't one of them. See it and Decide. Thumbs sideways.
     GLORIA-about a free spirited, likeable older woman, a divorcee. She is looking for love. The trailers seemed so promising. The movie was boring and fell flat. Very dis-
appointing. Thumbs down.
      AT MIDDLETON-an on demand movie starring Andy Garcia and Vera Famiga. Two parents accompany their respective teens to a college tour. They have a brief connection after they ditch their kids for the day. I love Garcia and found the story endearing and clever. Good at home movie to watch. Thumbs up.
      MATCH POINT-just rewatched this old Woody Allen movie. It was really terrific.
One of his best. Opening scene with the tennis ball is the key to the entire movie. Flash to the end when the wedding ring bounces off the railing-sometimes you just get lucky! Thumbs up.
     As for recent books, I have read a few.
ME BEFORE YOU-by JoJo Moyes. I knew I would dislike this book and I did. If you were a fan of The Lovely Bones (I was not), then you will probably like this too.
Calculated dribble.
THE WIDOWS GUIDE TO SEX AND DATING-by Caroline Radziwill. Her debut of a fiction novel. A RHONY, she shouldn't be taken seriously, but a former journalist for ABC news, she is surprisingly witty, humorous, and writes good dialogue.
STILL LIFE WITH BREADCRUMBS-by Anna Quindlen. This was awful. It was
predictable and boring. Quindlen should stick to NY TIMES Op Ed pieces. She is far better at that than writing fiction. Hated it.
THE GOLDFINCH-by Donna Tartt. Not for the faint of heart. 771 pages. That being said, it was beautifully written with perfect sentences, a compelling plot, and complex
characters. Loved it A lot.
THIS IS THE STORY OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE-by Ann Patchett. Interesting essays discussing her life, her writing, her loves and friendships. Really a great read.
       On to my favorite pastime-Television.
As for all the talk shows:
THE TONIGHT SHOW-Jimmy Fallon excels in music bits with guests and playing games. Don't love his monologue or interviews. In fact, I find his increased 10 minute monologue too long and not too funny. He is too nice-not edgy enough for my taste. Maybe it takes time to grow into this role.
THE LATE SHOW-Seth Meyers. I find him funny and engaging. Liked his first show and think he will be great.
MSNBC at 1pm-Ronan Farrow debuts his new show this week and I caught it today in
the gym. He is a boy genius (college at 11 years old and law school at 16), and Rhodes
Scholar. He has an appealing presence and is pitching the show to a college demographic. Jury is out, but I think it is not going to fly.
As for the series:
BANSHEE-on Cinemax. in season 2. Ex con becomes sheriff of an Amish town. Lots of violence and tons of sex and nudity, so beware. Awesome (Thanks Scott!)
HOUSE OF LIES-on Showtime. Don Cheedle stars as head of an Ad Agency. Like this a lot.
SHAMELESS-on Showtime. Great characters, good plot development, wonderful actors. Very enjoyable.
GIRLS-Lea Dunham creates beautiful, witty dialogue. This season has been excellent-
especially Shoshanna. Who can forget her line to Ray: "Sometimes I love you like the way I feel sorry for a monkey"? Really worth watching.
DOWNTON ABBEY-OMG. Loved the ending scene in the finale Sunday night. The most touching scene I have ever watched on tv was Mrs. Hughes and Carson walking hand in hand into the ocean. Mrs. Hughes tells Carson: "you can always hold my hand if you need to feel steady". Don't we all feel that way about the person we love? I was moved beyond tears. A real joy to watch....
     And finally, stories in the News:
FRUIT FLY MAY BE KEY TO CURING SOME CANCERS. A fruit fly geneticist has been able to create a fruit fly that has an exact genetic copy of a patient's tumor. They then test FDA approved drugs in thousands of combinations until they find a cocktail that works. This is being done at the Center for Personalized Cancer Therapeutics at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC.
POLIO LIKE ILLNESS SHOWING UP IN CALIFORNIA. Over 20 cases of a virus has shown up in California. All cases had been vaccinated against polio and treatment doesn't help. There is a sudden onset of weakness over the course of hours affecting one or more limbs. The virus is believed to come from Enterovirus 71. Washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with sick, coldy people is the only prevention.
GOVENOR JAN BREWER OF ARIZONA ASKED TO VETO ANTIGAY LEGISLATURE.  Arizona lawmakers want to pass a so called religious freedom bill which allows business owners to refuse service to anyone that does not agree with their religious beliefs. This is totally unconstitutional. I am feeling sick about visiting Arizona next week if this bill is not vetoed. We are going backwards in this country. This has got to end. Very scary stuff.

Nanny Nonni's mostly yays and a few nays

GOLDEN GLOBES
   YAYS         
Best Dressed: 1)Olivia Wilde - who looks that great ever(?), let alone pregnant?
                       2)Cate Blanchett-that backless black dress, her skin, makeup, hair-she is
                          always flawless.
                       3)Tina Fey and Amy Poehler-both looked fabulous in their opening
                           dresses. Both looked toned, coiffed, and better than ever.
                        4)Lupito Nyong'o-she rocked that red Ralph Lauren. What a
                           stunning woman.
                        5)Zoe Saldana-in a Prabal Garung dress. You either loved or hated
                           this dress. I thought it was really great for her. Very cool.
   NAYS
Worst Dressed
                        1) Jennifer Lawrence-I thought this gown looked horrible on her. It was
                         not fitted properly. It looked baggy, wide, and generally awful! Except
                         for those emerald earrings-be still my heart....
                        2)Amy Adams-didn't like the dress and didn't like the hair. For someone
                        who is not overly endowed in the chest department(which I like), she
                        should stop showing so much cleavage. It's unattractive.
                      
Others I thought looked really pretty: Sandra Bullock,  Laura Dern, Sosie Bacon.
                       
MOVIES
 YAYS-The Philadelphia Story- Yes, that is the 1940 romantic comedy with James
              Stewart (he won the Oscar), Cary Grant-has there EVER been a more
              magnificent looking man, and Katharine Hepburn(check out her 20" waist in
              those exquisite dresses. Watch it again-you won't be disappointed.
 NAYS
               1)August Osage County- I hated it. The fact is,I didn't even think they were
               so dysfunctional. What does that say about me and my relatives?
               2)Her-I also disliked this a lot. Very disturbing. Not being a fan of Kindles,
                   Ipads, cellphones,  and apps, etc; this was SCARY. The fact that you see
                  people all over the streets of NYC not making eye contact and speaking on
                  their cells, texting, and checking their emails is very upsetting to me. What
                  happened to scintillating conversations with actual humans?
PRODUCTS
  YAYS- 1)Covergirl Outlast stay brilliant glosstini nailpolish- This polish literally
                  stays on for a week. No touch up needed-even the dark colors stay on the
                  tips of your nails, where it usually wears away faster.
               2)Lancer retexurizing treatment-$75.00. Available at Nordstrom. A
                   moisturizer using glycolic acid to promote cell turnover. Love it!
               3)Natura Bisse The Cure-I have mentioned this manufacturer before. The
                  products are sensational. This one uses hyalauronic acid which helps
                  improve moisture and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Feels silky and
                  great under a foundation. It isn't cheap. $180 buckaroos and available on
                  their website.
                4) Jonathan Adler Totes-I love me a good tote. They should be lightweight,
                    pretty, have several pockets, and ideally a zipper. These can be found at:
                    Target (diaper bags), Bloomies, Jonathan Adler, Shopbop. From
                   $46.99-$228. A fabulous gift for a young mom.
                 5) Longchamp LM Cuir Medium Leather Tote-My favorite at the moment.
                     In Saddle brown trimed with bronze. $675 at Saks or Bloomies. So
                     pretty, I think!
                6)Florabotanical Eau de Parfum by Balenciaga-$70-$130. Available at
                   most department stores. This scent is in a gorgeous bottle; has great
                   longevity,  which is rare, and has a not too sweet, fresh green,
                   modern take on florals. The longer it is on, the prettier it smells.
                 7) Macy's Hotel Collection bath towels and bath sheets-100% micro-
                     cotton loops. For my guests-these are absolutely the best. Warm,
                     fluffy, absorbent, fast drying and very durable. Mine have lasted for
                     years, Trust me-they are better than Ralph Lauren or the ones provided
                     by the finest hotel you've stayed at. $29-$75 at Macy's. And they
                     ALWAYS have a 20% off coupon offered.
                     
                    
             
              

                      
                                                                         

Quick Summary of Movies I've Recently Viewed

     December was pretty much filled seeing movies.

American Hustle-a star studded cast based on the story of Abscam and Senator Harrison Williams. Christian Bale was beyond amazing. Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Louis CK were a superb supporting cast. The movie was worth seeing, but I thought it was just fair. Fell short of all the publicity it received.    Thumbs up

Dallas Buyer's Club- Liked this movie, but didn't love as much as the rest of the world.
Jared Leto's performance trumped Matthew McConaughey's (in my opinion). I felt this was just a vehicle for everyone to comment on McConaughey's body transformation. Another Tom Hanks "Philadelphia" reprise. But Hanks and Philadelphi was sooooo much better.  Thumbs sideways

Enough Said-I forgot to mention this flick last month. Enjoyed this romantic comedy. Julia Louis Dreyfus and James Ganndolfini had great on screen chemistry. Also applaud the supporting cast: Catherine Keener and Toni Collette. Fun to watch. Sweet.  Thumbs up

Inside Llewyn Davis-Coen Brothers movie. About 1961 Village Folk Scene where the main character (Oscar Issac) struggles to make a name for himself. Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and Justin Timberlake were great. Not the best Coen Brothers movie, but I enjoyed it! Favorite Coen Brothers Films: Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski.  Thumbs up

Out Of The Furnace-A movie about two brothers hoping to make better lives for themselves. One of the brothers gets drawn into a vicious crime ring and things go from bad to worse. The movie could've been good, but totally fell short. The acting, however, was beyond incredible. Christian Bale was mesmerizing. Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Sam Shepard, and Zoe Saldana were fabulous supporting actors. I have to say Christian Bale is one of the greatest actors out there - no question. This movie is worth it, just to watch him. Thumbs down

Philomena-Story of a woman looking for a long lost son that she gave up for adoption.
Judi Dench is delightful. A simple plot and well acted. A bit of a snooze... Thumbs down

Saving Mr. Banks-Story of Walt Disney making Mary Poppins into a movie. Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks do a fine job. Supporting actors Paul Giamatti and Collin Farrell. A well done story. You either love it or you don't. The people we were with loved it. I felt it was too long winded and could have been edited better. Thumbs sideways

The Wolf of Wall Street-Ok, I admit it. I loved it. 572 "F"bombs and all. The sex, the drugs, the story-all great fun. A superb small cameo by Matthew McConaughey. Leo DiCaprio is fabulous, along with Jonah Hill as his sidekick. The quelude scene-beyond hysterical! And Margot Robbie, is gorgeous to look at. Who is she anyway? Many of my contemporaries didn't like this flick, and thought it glorified Jordan Belfort's (Leo DiCaprio) lifestyle. I thought just the opposite. Martin Scorsese is a brilliant filmmaker, and I thought he portrayed the wallstreet lifestyle as repulsive and excessive. Go see it.  Thumbs up

Old Movies I have recently watched and recommend:
   Shattered-Gretta Scacci and Tom Berenger. The best opening scene ever. A Car
   crash opens the movie. And a car crash ends the movie....a great plot. Watch it in
   surround sound.

  
   Girl Most Likely-Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening, and Matt Dillon. Not a great script,
   but it is a good watch at home movie. Kristen Wiig is a great comedic actress. Fun to
   watch for $4.99. Struggling playwright and her crazy family. Set in NYC and NJ.

   Only You-Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Bonnie Hunt, Billy Zane, and Fisher
   Stevens.  Lame romantic comedy that I really enjoyed. Much of the movie takes
   in Positano at the Hotel Le Sirenuse. That just happens to be my favorite place on the
   planet (yes-better than San Pietro!). Thus, the movie is worthwhile to just to look at 
   the scenery. And as always, Robert Downey is terrific.

  
  

Final thoughts 2013/ Welcome 2014!

 DD

   Recently, I had an experience that hurt me to the core. People I have been friendly with for over 30 years did something, which in my opinion, felt calculating and spiteful. I was totally blindsided by their actions, and couldn't figure out what precipitated their behavior. It really doesn't matter what the details were. What does matter, is what I learned from this experience and how to implement these lessons in my life.                      

           First and Foremost, crucial in any relationship, whether it's your parents, spouse
        or a friend-is HONESTY . Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't beat
        around the bush. Don't evade the issue. Anyone who knows me, knows that I live
        this mantra (maybe to a fault!). But you ALWAYS know where you stand with
        me-I never keep you guessing. As difficult as it may be to be truthful, just do it. In
        the long run, it will be the best policy. If you don't lie, you don't have to create
        more non truths to cover up the original lie.
            Next, Communicate. TALK to the person. Stop with the texts, the
        emails, and the voicemails. Long before all this technology, we talked to one
        another. We hashed things out. We had back and forth conversations, exchanged
        ideas, learned from each other, actually listened to one another and "really heard"
        what the other person had to say. It is so difficult to decipher what the emotion is
        in a text or an email, or how sincere you are in a voicemail.
            Do all of this in a TIMELY MANNER. Don't let a misunderstanding drag on.
        Stay on point. Don't ever allow confusion to arise. When time passes frustration
        ensues, doubt creeps in, questions amass.  In other words, don't delay what you
        must say today.  Wounds begin to fester and they are hard to heal.
           But, then, Forgive, Move on, Let it all go. We all have faults. No one is perfect.
        We have to overlook. Erase the moment.
           Finally, value each and every relationship in your life like it is the ONLY one.
      Everyone of the people in my life are there because I want them there. I try and
      treat everyone with respect, love, kindness, and attention. I try to be a good
      listener. I try to put their feelings above my own. I try to be honest even when it
      may not be what they want to hear. Cherish and hold dear all of the people that
      matter. Because if there is any lesson I have learned, it is that life is fragile. You
      never know what tomorrow brings. Don't take the ones you love for granted-
      EVER.
           Wishing all of you that I Cherish-A Happy and Healthy New Year.

 

         


   

End of the year yeas and neas

Lots to talk about. Let's start with recent movies.

All is Lost-Robert Redford is the only actor and speaks two times. Virtually, no dialogue. The acting is phenomenal. Redford is hot-still gorgeous but weathered, like a Ralph Lauren model.  Loved this movie. Beware-not a flick for those who will fall asleep easily...

Nebraska-Bruce Dern is terrific. Another old timer hits it out of the park. Supporting cast is great, too. Dern's wife steals the movie.

12 Years a Slave- Beyond amazing. So powerful. VERY VERY difficult to watch. But, worth every minute.  Top pick of the year.

Last Vegas-a "good" bad movie. Fun to watch, especially for 70 year olds and older. Lesson to be learned: let your parents keep their independence as long as they want it.

Gravity-Hated this movie. Stupid, bad acting, no point to the plot....apparently, the rest of the world disagrees. So go see it for yourselves.

Next, lets move on to television.

Getting On-Sunday nights HBO. At first, I didn't like this show about the staff on an elderly wing of a hospital. I must say, it is now starting to grow on me. Not sure if I would recommend getting vested though.

Jamie-Sunday nights HBO. Dislike this show about a teenage girl (played by a guy). Not funny-at least not to me.

Masters of Sex-Sunday nights Showtime.  A good view of what society was like back in the 60's and 70's. Worth a nod.

Homeland-Sunday nights Showtime. Everyone thinks this is the best show on television. I will have to take their word for it, since I don't watch.

Mob City-on TNT. Ed Burns and lots of recognizable actors. Looks promising.

Treme-Sunday Nights HBO. I watch it, I like it a lot, but I don't know what it is about. Drama in New Orleans with the season premiere set on the eve of Obama's win for  President. Interesting.

The Sound Of Music-The music was great. Carrie Underwood did a good job with the tunes. The acting, however, really was quite deficient.

Best Interview I read recently...

Read the interview in the New York Times Style Section this past Sunday(12/8). Jon Waters is beyond hysterical-REALLY FUNNY, I swear.


Concerts Worth Mentioning......

Steve Wynwood and Rod Stewart at the Pru Center in Newark-Wynwood knocked it out of the park. Lots of songs from his Traffic Album-totally awesome.  Rod Stewart put on a great concert. It is a real production-lights, gorgeous girls, costume changes-I felt like I was at a Bar Mitzvah party.

Pink-also at the Pru Center in Newark. An amazing talent. Beautiful voice, Rockin' body, and tremendous entertainer. Worth every second.

Books still waiting to be read on my nightstand......

The Killer Detail by Amanet and Quin
The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner

Recent Restaurants I ate at......

Carbone-upscale Italian. Hottest ticket in NY now. Lots of money needed. food just ok. A real scene.

Galli-Italian. First time I liked it a lot. Second time didn't like as much. Good soundtracks.

Arturos-Italian. Fell into before a concert. cute neighborhood joint. Staff sings. pizzeria with decent pizza. fun and unpretentious.

Rubirosa-Italian. good pizza, good food. fair prices. happening cute village spot. not an easy res to get. another unpretentious fun spot.

Il Cantinori-Italian. Always a solid meal. Great service. Can't go wrong with the food.  Village favorite.

Ngam-Thai. nothing special. inexpensive decent thai.  Zucchini pad thai is good for those who don't eat pasta.

The National-in The Benjamin Hotel. Great for lunch and Sunday brunch. good location. perfect if you are shopping midtown

New Stories of interest.......

University of Pennsylvania finds cure for leukemia.
http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/53784650/#53784650

New cockroach species found on the Highline. Survives the coldest of weather.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/new-york-high-line


Gay Waitress fired for fabricating a story.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Gay-Server-Tip-Lifestyle-Receipt-Discrepancy-233040811.html


Finally, what puts a smile on my face?

First and Foremost, my grandson, Max, who will be moving to NJ very soon!
Next, Spending quality time with my children, my husband, my nieces and nephews, sister and brother in law during Thanksgiving Vacation.
Finally, Joe Torre being voted into the Hall of Fame!

Caretaker for the young and the old

This summer I had the great fortune having my parents visit from Florida for almost a month. One of these weeks My husband and I rented a home in Rhode Island and hosted my parents (mom is almost 87 and Dad is almost 90), my daughters, their husbands, and my 14 month old grandson.
   What I came to realize during the summer, was that I was constantly worrying about my parents and my grandson- although they were on the opposite end of the age spectrum. They both had similar needs and wants, and generated like concerns for me.
    First and foremost, there are several flights of steps in my home and in the vacation home. I was constantly making sure the baby wouldn't go near the steps and fall down.  Each time my parents would go up the steps or come down, I wanted to assist them for fear they would hurt themselves as well. I installed night lights everywhere and provided flashlights and gates so these areas would be well lit and secure for everyone. But that brings me to the "independence" issue.  Of course, the 14 month baby thinks he can go anywhere and do anything. He has absolutely no fear. And guess what, so do my parents! They want their independence and fight me every inch of the way. I get it-they are youthful, healthy, and want to live their lives by themselves for as long as they can. Yet, truth be told, their balance is a little different, and they are not as steady on their feet as they once were. As for my grandson, he is not as steady on his feet as he will soon become...
   The next issue I encountered was where we could eat where we would be served quickly and how noisy it would be. The very young and old do not exhibit a lot of patience or the ability to sit and dine for an extended period of time. I found myself having a lot of anxiety at mealtimes that were in restaurants. I wanted menus right away, the drink order taken at the same time as the food order, and the check as soon as we were finished.  If it was too loud, my Dad could not hear anyone. Yet, that would hide my grandson's funny screeches which was good. Also, my grandson needed food shortly after we sat down and so did my parents! If service was too slow, the meal did not go well. As a result, preparing meals at home were much more relaxing and far easier.
   Finally, we had to plan our activities around the baby's nap schedule AND how long my parents could be out before they got worn out. There was a limited amount of time before everyone needed to rest. Trying to coordinate all these issues made me realize that I was caring for my aging parents exactly in the same manner as my little grandson. As our parents age, we, their children, tend to their needs as if they were our children. Funny- they raised us, took great care of us, and allowed us to become independent adults. Now, all these years later, we have the privilege and responsibility of  taking care of our parents and grandchildren. The struggle for us is making sure they are all safe and healthy while allowing them to maintain some independence. Not only is this frustrating for me but I understand it is incredibly frustrating for them as well. We all just need to do the best we can and feel blessed they are here to teach us these life lessons.

A Few of My Favorite Things

As many of you know,  jewelry and skin care (products) are a few of my very favorite things to collect.
  Currently, I have been using a bunch of items that I swear by and want to share with you.

My major passion and indulgence is microdermabrasion every 8-12 weeks. I  prefer the older machines as opposed to the newer versions . The latter, in my opinion, are too gentle and do not achieve results. Microderm is an exfoliating treatment which removes dead skin and generates collagen renewal. I love it best when I turn red and peel. That's when I know it's really doing the job. No botox, fillers, or surgery is necessary. Keep in mind that a proficient aesthetician is key. Remember to do neck and chest as well as your face.
  In between these sessions, I use Natura Bisse's glycolic peel in a bottle. You apply this several times a week to maintain healthy skin. It is fabulous, but be prepared to pay for it's effectiveness. $250 dollars! available on line or Neiman's.

Vaseline intensive care has created a new product called spray and go. It comes in 3 types. I like the plain one and use it every morning right after stepping out of the shower. It moisturizes the skin and absorbs fast so you can get dressed seconds after you spray it on your entire body. Just rub in and go like the commercial says. It is the first time I don't feel like moisturizing your body is a chore.

Next are the facial treatments:  First I start with La Roche-Posay Derm AOX  Vitamin C Serum. Then I use Roc's 2 step Day activating serum and then the Day rejuvenating crème which has an spf of 20.  . They also make an eye treatment that I apply called the Roc Complete lift contouring eye roller. I received these items as a gift and think they are great.  There is only one eye concealer for me: Sonia Kashluk's eye concealer palette available at Target-it is quite simply the best out there with 3 different colors of cream and one base powder.

When I finally get around to applying my primer or base, I start with Chanel's Le Blanc/color 10 Rosee . This is a light revealing brightening makeup base with a broad spectrum spf of 30.  And the foundation I finally apply is Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua, which is an ultralight skin perfecting sunscreen makeup. This also has an spf of 15. Sunscreen in summer, winter, spring and fall is extremely necessary-even on a dark cloudy day.

  Later in the day or early evening, when I need to refresh my makeup, I rarely reapply foundation. Rather I use Colorscience illuminating serum in champagne kiss. This gives a great dewy look and achieves a well rested appearance

 For eyes, I am loving Anastasia Eye Shadow Palette#1 or Laura Mercier's combo of 10 shadows, 2 blushes, 1 shimmer and 3 powder liners complete with 3 brushes. It's the bomb. In the mascara category, I like Loreal's Telescopic explosion in carbon black. And the liners I adore are by Buxom or eyeko'.

   At night, reach for any retin a product and mix with your favorite moisturizer. Presently, I am using PCA intensive age refining treatment which is 0.5 % pure retinol night cream.   I also like Strivectin-SD for face and around eyes or Prevage as intermittent options in between the retin a.

  The true key to nice skin is genetic, along with lots of care and no sun exposure ever...And finally, change your regime and products often. I use different products all the time. I feel your skin looks better when you don't use the same regime day in and day out. And do not forget to moisturize your hands, and neck, and chest. Start in your 20's-it makes a difference and you will look younger if your hands and neck don't reveal your true age.