2022 Oscars Recap

Let me start off by saying that the Oscars are my Superbowl! The fashion, the jewels, the plastic surgery, the politics, and THE DRAMA.... In my previous blog, I predicted the winners of 6 categories. And I am amazed to announce that I guessed all of them correctly! And now, for the recap. Let's start with the fashion. BEST DRESSED Penelope Cruz-My choice for best dressed! I loved the taffeta Chanel black gown, the fit, the open back and the metallic tweed neckline. Her hair and earrings completed the look. She was magnificent! Zoe Kravitz-Donning an iconic Audrey Hepurn look, her pale pink Saint Laurent Dress and the pink and white 36 carat oval diamond necklace from Kwiat were perfection. Zendaya-This is my girl! Pure beauty and elegance. Her Valentino shirt and sparkling skirt were exquisite. She paired her outfit with stacks of Bulgari viper bracelets and necklace. I loved the total look. Rachel Zegler-Great haircut and a fabulous sheer Dior black dress. Her vintage Tiffany choker completed the outfit. She looked amazing. WORST DRESSED Jada Pinkett Smith-I know it's couture by John Paul Gautier, but I hated it. Sue me. She looked like a peacock with her tiny head and never ending green feather-like train. Didn't like the earrings either. Tracy Ellis Ross-Usually, she is one of the best dressed at these award shows. But, not last night.The Carolina Herrera red dress with its plunging sweetheart necklace revealed too much sagging boob. No one was interested in seeing that...EVER. Kristen Stewart-The custom Chanel Satin shorts and blazer didn't do it for me. But I must admit I did like the Chanel necklace that took the place of a tie. Serena and Venus Williams-I really didn't care for either of their dresses. Serena in pink and black Gucci with a low wide neckline did not look her best, and the black platform shoes were clunkers. Venus wore a white Elie Saab gown and experienced a nip slip during the evening! Way too much boobage. Billie Eilish- Traditionally, she holds the award for worst dressed. Never gets it right. This Gucci number was horrid! She looked as if she was wearing one enormous black ruffled curtain-an elephant could have lived under that dress. I also thought the song she won the Oscar for, was terrible. She is no Shirley Bassey! FACES-GOOD AND BAD Rosie Perez-She looks more beautiful now than she did thirty years ago. Whoever did her facelift and makeup knocked it out of the ballpark. She looks the best ever! Reba Mcentire-There's not a wrinkle on her face. Lots of plastic surgery and botox. Not sure I dig the look though. Too artificial. Nicole Kidman-Beautiful skin. Porcelain white. However, there is way too much botox injected in that face. But I loved her red lip, her red nails, and the color of the gown. (I didn't like the gown though). THE DRAMA Finally, the interesting part of the evening. I have to say that after Will slapped Chris I couldn't wait to read the synopsis. Waking up this morning was like waking up on Christmas Morning! First, I think I know a lot about pop culture and I am very aware of Jada Pinkett Smith's extramarital affairs, of her drug and alcohol addiction, and their open marriage. However, I did not know she suffered with alopetia. Nor do I think Chris Rock did! Next point-You are sitting in the front row and you have been in show business for years. You clearly know that comics are paid to joke about the stars in the audience. So, Suck it up. You even laughed at the joke, Will! But suddenly seconds later it was offensive to you and your wife? FYI-Calling someone GI Jane is a complement in my book. Who wouldn't want to look like Demi Moore? Her body and face (with no hair) looked beyond amazing in that movie. And, if you were that unhappy with the joke, you could have used words (and not cursed) to let Chris Rock know of your dissatisfaction: either during the segment or at the end of the evening. It wasn't just the slap that was inapproapriate. Equally offensive was Will cursing at Chris Rock. In no way is assault and violence an appropriate response- EVER. If this had been Amy Schumer telling the joke, would Will Smith have walked on stage and slapped her? I sincerely doubt it. If this had been a random guest in the audience, attempting to walk onto the stage and hit Chris Rock, they would have been removed and apprehended instantly. Why does he get preferential treatment? Supposedly, the producers of the show were in a quandry as to how to proceed. ANYONE else would have been physicallt removed from the venue. But, they allowed Will Smith to go up on stage and accept his Oscar. And when he got up there to accept his award, he gave the performance of his lifetime. It was an insane speech and verging on bipolar....A VESSEL OF LOVE? A protector to people he cares about? He was unhinged. In fact, He claimed he was defending his wife. Well guess what? He never even mentioned her or thanked her in his speech! First and foremost, as soon as he walked onto the stage, he should have apologized to Chris Rock, the academy, and his fellow actors. He NEVER apologized to Chris Rock. Did you see Venus and Serena? They were horrified by his behavior. Or how about Lupita Nyongo? or Nicole Kidman? Everyone was aghast. But they sat quietly and did not call him out for his rude behavior. Appalling.... I bet you didn't know that Chris Rock was bullied as a kid. Will Smith is the epitome of a bully. That must have been a daunting moment for Chris Rock. He will need years of therapy! Will Smith wrote in his book was that his biggest failure was not defending his mother against his physically abusive father. Why then does he find it now acceptable to foster physical abuse on anyone? Why do you suppose he used an open hand and not a fist? Was it premeditated? In that brief moment, Will Smith succeeded in continuing the false stereotype that Black Men cannot control their anger. Shame on him. Zack Bornstein on Apple News Printed last night: BREAKING: Will Smith Being Sent to Live with Aunt and Uncle in Bel-Air! Kudos to Chris Rock who handled the situation with dignity and grace (which is more than I can say for the silent audience). I truly feel sorry for the people who won awards following this incident. Will Smith ruined the night for them-a night they waited a lifetime for. Poor Quest Love and Jane Campion. As far as the trio of comediennes who hosted. I thought Amy Schumer crushed it. Wanda and Regina-not so much. Let's talk about the doo wop gospel musical number during the memoriam of people we lost this year. Was this a bit odd or is it just me? Wasn't it supposed to be a somber moment? Or what about Jamie Lee Curtis coming out on the stage holding a dog in memory of Betty White? It was cray cray. Enough of my venting. Here's what I'm reading next, watching next, or have watched recently. Books on my Nightstand: ORDINARY GRACE by William Kent Kruger THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY by Amor Towles CROSSROADS by Franzen THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennet THE SENTENCE by Louise Erdrich What I've Watched: Bridgerton-finished the new season. ho hum boring... Life and Beth-if you like Amy Schumer, then you'll like this. The Girl Before-psychological thriller. I liked this! Bad Vegan-very good. About the restaurant Pure Food and Wine in NYC. What I'll watch next: Candy-Hulu The Flight Attendant-season 2 HBO MAX 4/21 Drive my Car-HBO MAX We Crashed-Apple Tv+ The Dropout-Hulu The Adam Project-Netflix The Offer-Paramount Plus 4/28 The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent-new Nicolas Cage Movie in theaters 4/22 (100% on Rotten Tomatoes)

One b's Oscar picks 2022

BEST PICTURE Belfast, Coda, Don't Look up, Dune, King Richard, Licorice Pizza, Nightmare Alley, The Power of The Dog, Tick,Tick...Boom!,and West Side Story are the nominees. I have seen most of these. I have not seen Dune, and I shut off Nightmare Alley, because it was very dark. I watched a portion of the new West Side Story but I loved the original, so I wasn't into the new one. Anyhow, I believe the WINNER will be CODA. However, I think the Oscar should go to The Power of The Dog. Don't miss Belfast and King Richard. Both are very good. BEST DIRECTOR The nominees: Paul Thomas Anderson-Licorice Pizza Kenneth Branagh-Belfast Jane Campion-The Power of The Dog Hamaguchi-Drive My Car Denis Villeneuve-Dune My pick here is JANE CAMPION for The Power of The Dog. BEST ACTOR Benedict Cumberbatch-The Power of The Dog Peter Dinklage-Cyrano Andrew Garfield-Tick,Tick...Boom! Will Smith-King Richard Denzel Washington-The Tragedy of Macbeth. WILL SMITH will win the Oscar for Best Actor. But I have to say, Cumberbatch and Garfield were amazing to watch. BEST ACTRESS Nominees: Jessica Chastain-The Eyes of Tammy Faye Olivia Colman-The Lost Daughter Kristen Stewart-Spencer Nicole Kidman-Being the Ricardos Penelope Cruz-Parallel Mothers I didn't see Parallel Mothers. Kidman was horrible in Being the Ricardos. Stewart was worse in Spencer. Coleman was amazing in The Lost Daughter(she is always amazing), but it was a dark, weird flick. That leaves JESSICA CHASTAIN for The Eyes of Tammy Faye. She did a terrific job. In my humble opinion, it is very disappointing that Lady Gaga wasn't nominated for House of Gucci. For me, she is the clear winner and deserves the Oscar for Best Actress. Gaga is the real deal-she was fabulous! BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Nominees: Kirsten Dunst-The Power of The Dog Ariana DeBose-West Side Story Jessica Buckley-The Lost Daughter Aunjanue Ellis-King Richard Judi Dench-Belfast I think it's a toss up between Ellis in King Richard and Judi Dench in Belfast. Ellis should win but guess what? The Oscar will go to ARIANA DEBOSE for West Side Story! BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Nominees: Ciaran Hinds-Belfast Troy Kotsur-Coda Kodi Smit-McPhee-The Power of The Dog Jesse Plemons-The Power of The Dog J.K. Simmons-Being The Ricardos Who do I think should win? Actually, Jared Leto is the most deserving for House of Gucci. Leto, was snubbed in this category. He was beyond magnificent. That being said, Kodi Smit-McPhee in The Power of The Dog or Ciaran Hinds in Belfast are next on my list. Neither will get the Oscar. It will go to TROY KOTSUR for Coda. And he too, was extraordinary. Okay everyone, Order your pizza or Chinese food for dinner this Sunday! You must be home in time for the Red Carpet! You can either tune into ABC or E at 6:30. The jewels and fashion on The Red Carpet are the best part of the evening. I'll get back to you on my favorites after the Oscars air. I'm looking forward to Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hill hosting-they should be hysterical. Before I sign off, I want to give a major shout out to mis tres amigas who connect with me in the morning and often through out the day. Your texts have brought happiness and a smile to my face each morning (even when you perform better than me in Wordle). I kmow you have my back, as I do, yours. "The way I loved them felt like it was from long ago." (Jenny Slate) And as the beloved Madeleine Albright (may she rest in peace) said: "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." Thank you ladies-you bring sunshine into my life! Peace Out-One B

Pay It Forward

The other day I decided to have some "shopping therapy". That is a time when I actually don't need a thing, but every so often, due to various issues or stresses, I take the day and go to the mall. I turn off my phone, I go into a zillion stores, and shop till I drop. Usually, I come away with nothing or just an item or two. But,at the end of the shopping expedition, I have cleared my head and I am ready to face the world again. It's easy to spend small amounts of money these days since all the clothes look they came from third world countries! And if I see one more "jogger pant" or tie dye sweatsuit, I might actually vomit. But enough commentary on fashion and back to my story. As I was entering the mall I noticed a young(er) (than me) woman who parked in a handicapped space. She had several packages and a cane. As she started walking towards the entrance, I noticed it was not easy for her to balance the cane and negotiate her packages with her unsteady gait. I ran over to her and asked if I could help her get to her destination. She was so incredulous (and probably a bit suspect that a stranger would approach her to help. But, she was also very grateful and accepted my offer. When I found out her destination was pretty far from where she had parked, I was so happy that I could help out. Walking slowly and deliberately, we chatted. Now all she had to manage was her cane. As I carried her items, we exchanged names and other details about each other. I found out that she is a resident of Newark and had been in law enforcement there. I thanked her for her service and she told me that her injury was a traumatic injury related to her job as a policewoman. She had been blessed and lucky to have kept her leg and said she was doing the best she could. When I got her settled at the store, she said "Miss Debie, I want to thank you for all your help" and we said our warm goodbyes. As I walked away, my heart was bursting and my mind was swirling. This was, in fact, a day of much needed therapy for me. First and Foremost, it reminded me how blessed my own life is. Secondly, it illustrated how the smallest act can make the biggest difference to someone. You don't have to be rich or powerful to make a difference in people's lives. There are many ways to be helpful besides being charitable with money. What acts can we all do as an ordinary person to pay it forward? 1)Spend some time with the elderly-visit someone in assisted living, the hospital or a neighbor down the street. Often when I visit with my mom at her assisted living facility, I stop and chat with some of the residents. Many of the people do not have family close by and rarely have visitors. They love to tell you their stories. Talking with them makes them feel that someone cares; that they matter; and it always puts a smile on their faces. 2)Give your seat up (on the subway, train, or bus) to someone who needs it more than you do. 3)At the grocery store, "loan" people money if they don't have enough for all the items they have on the counter. 4)At the local coffee shop or drive-thru burger spot, Pay for the people in front or behind you "just because". 5)Many times through out the year, I write notes to the Assisted Living Facility my Mom resides in, a club I belong to, a salon, a Doctor's office, etc. These notes are written to the owners, doctors, or powers that be in praise of their various members of the staff (by name). More than once this recognition has resulted in a promotion or pay increase for an individual. And believe me, that can be life changing and motivating. 6)Take your leftovers from a restaurant and offer to hand them off with a couple of dollars to a homeless person on the street. 7)Welcome a new neighbor with dinner or some baked goods. 8)Drive an elderly neighbor to the Doctor or store. 9)Visit and play with animals at a pet shelter. 10)Donate clothes and toys to a homeless shelter. 11)Hold the door of an elevator or open the door for the person walking in front of you or behind you. Opportunities exist everywhere and everyday-You just have to look for them and most of all, you must be willing to help a total stranger. Not only will this brighten someone else's mood, but it puts you in a great mood as well. The thrill of paying it forward it that you do something really good for someone who did not at all expect this act of kindness. Winston Churchill said, " We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." PEACE OUT-ONE B HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

FEBRUARY DIVERSIONS

Looking for ways to fill your time on these cold winter days and nights? Here we go... PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO WHILE EXERCISING OR DRIVING SMARTLESS-Hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett banter with a special guest each episode. The guests are funny, but the hosts are hilarious. Start with the Stephen Colbert interview and then listen to Conan O'Brien's. LITERALLY-Rob Lowe also does interviews with famous people. Lowe is bright, engaging, and a great interviewer. Who Knew? He interjects great stories about his life while doing interviews. Listen to Tiffany Haddish first. Then, go on and listen to David Crosby's interview. MOVIES THE TENDER BAR-This is my movie pick of the year. Loved every minute! Surprisingly, Ben Affleck gives an outstanding performance. George Clooney directed this coming of age movie and did a fabulous job. Don't miss it! Available on Amazon Prime. THE POWER OF THE DOG-Directed by Jane Campion. This is a slow moving dark story with great character development. Have patience, and stay awake, because it's actually quite good. Starring Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, and Benedict Cumberbatch who all give stellar performances. Available on Netflix. HOUSE OF GUCCI-Ridley Scott directed this movie and I loved every minute! The movie has gotten very mixed reviews. Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver give fabulous performances. Gaga deserves an academy award for her amazing portrayal of Patrizia Gucci! Totally entertaining flick with great fashion and scenery. Available on Amazon Prime. MUNICH THE EDGE OF WAR- Europe is on the brink of war and the plot is about the 1938 Peace Agreement between Germany and England. The story is relayed from the viewpoint of the Prime Minister of England and two former Oxford graduates. A combination thriller and historical drama, it's not completely accurate. That being said, I liked it. Jeremy Irons as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, gives a strong performance. Available on Netflix. LICORICE PIZZA-Paul Thomas Anderson directed this 1970's movie set in the San Fernando Valley. The movie got decent reviews, which I can't understand. I couldn't wait to see it, and yet, I was totally disappointed. It's disjointed and goes nowhere. For me, the only redeeming part of the movie was the awesome soundtrack featuring David Bowie, Donovan, Sonny and Cher, McCartney, Nina Simone, and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. And, Cooper Hoffman (Phillip Seymour Hoffman's son) does an excellent job as the star of the film. Only in theaters. DON'T LOOK UP-A dark satire about climate change and an impending comet that will destroy the earth. Despite its all star cast, the reviews were not great. Climate change seems to be quite controversial these days! I thought it was terrific and highly entertaining. Do not shut the film off till it is COMPLETELY done with the credits. The film has two additional scenes which are very funny and they occur about 15 minutes after you think the movie has ended. Totally recommend. Available on Netflix. THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH-Joel Coen directs this rendition starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.Great reviews and an Oscar contender. I haven't watched it yet, but supposedly Coen has provided us with one of the best versions of this story. The characters are multi-layered; the black and white cinematography perfection; and his interpretation of the story is gettting raves. Can't wait to see it. On Apple+. SUNDOWN-Away on a family vacation, a call comes in telling the family a tragedy has occured and they must return home. Tim Roth stars in this film that delves into selfishness and nihilism. I'm curious. In theaters only. WHAT TO BINGE ON TELEVISION If you haven't watched YELLOWSTONE, start! You will not be disappointed! Costner and his supporting cast are terrific. Paramont +. If you are a fan of YELLOWSTONE, then you should tune in to 1883 which is a prequel to Yellowstone. Real life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star. Haven't watched it yet. Also on Paramont +. Getting good reviews. OZARK-Season 4 is out and I loved it! Julia Garner is the new "it" girl these days. She is phenomenal! Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are terrific and I strongly recommend this series. This is the only series my husband has ever watched with me... that's saying a lot! On Netflix. INVENTING ANNA-Shonda Rhimes created this series which is being released on February 11th. The plot is about Anna Delvey, an heiress, who stole money from the elite society of New York. Julia Garner from Ozark stars as Anna. On Netflix. THE WOMAN ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW-Kristin Bell stars in this funny comic thriller. Bell is mourning a loss and drinks too much. Bad things happen-did she really see something or did she imagine it in a drunken stupor? Watch and see! I liked it-entertaining. On Netflix. THE GILDED AGE-Christine Baransky and Cynthia Nixon star in this 1880's period piece. Old money versus the noveau riche, poverty, unemployment, sexuality, and corruption are themes they explore. So far it is excellent. HBO Max. AND JUST LIKE THAT-the Sex and the City cast return but now they are in their 50's! So much fun to watch. SJP looks great and her wardrobe is beyond.... Poor Big...Poor Steve...HBO Max. AS WE SEE IT-An interesting series on the lives of young adults on the spectrum. The issues they have navigating their feelings, their jobs, and their friends are very realistic and compelling. Excellent. On Amazon Prime. HOW I MET YOUR FATHER-Hillary Duff stars in this sitcom about a group of friends. Kim Cattrall didn't return to AND JUST LIKE THAT but she shows up here! Cute,silly,mindless,and easy to watch. On Hulu. SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS-Created by Mindy Kaling, this sitcom follows four 18 year old roommates at a college in Vermont. Kids will love it. And, if college was one of the best times of your life, then I am sure you will love it too! Such fun....HBO Max. THE OFFER-Coming in April. Al Ruddy's series on the making of The Godfather. Armie Hammer dropped out due to his sex scandal and Miles Teller takes his place. Has an all star cast and looks intriguing. Paramount+. HACKS-One of the best shows of 2021! Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder have such great chemistry as a Las Vegas comedian and her 25 year old comedy writer. Each episode surpassed the previous one. Season 2 coming soon. HBO Max. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL-Season 4 will drop February 18th. Everyone loves this series. I wasn't as enamored with season 3. The series was repetitive and couldn't top it's first 2 seasons. We'll see. Amazon Prime. SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE-Bridgett Everett and Jeff Hiller star in this quirky comedy drama. You will either love this or hate it-no in between. I happen to think the Everett and Hiller are exceptional. Heartwarming and sad all at the same time. HBO Max If you don't feel like binging, there's always the Winter Olympics starting tonight! And then the Superbowl o February 13th! Now you will need some nourishment for the Superbowl...Pizza or Sloppie Joes? Pizza recommendations: Sloppie Joes Tony D's-Caldwell Town Hall-Home of the Original! South Orange Angeloni's-Caldwell Nana's Deli-Livingston Star Tavern-Orange Tony Boys-Livingston Arturo's-Maplewood Livingston Bagel-Livingston Razza-Jersey City Aquila-Little Falls Nonna's-Florham Park Mamma Dags-West Orange Santillo's-Elizabeth Desserts Nola's-Garwood Blue Steel-Bloomfield Palazzone 1960-Italian Pastries. Wayne DP's-Garfield Crowley Cupcakes-(Snickerdoodle)Madison Pizza Vita-Summit Montclair Bread Company-(maple bacon donut)Montclair The Committed Pig(red velvet fried oreo)Summit Sugarlip Donuts(Mr.Cook E. Crunch)Madison Sorrentos-(everything!)East Hanover Saltedbakeshop.com-(yummy cookies)West Orange Donut Plant-(best donuts ever)New York Happy Valentine's Day! PEACE OUT-ONE B

LIES AND LAUGHTER

Originally, I planned to write this blog on the power of laughter. I WILL get to that, but my attempts at thinking positive thoughts have been interrupted by a nagging issue that eats away at me. Something has changed in our society. My question to all of you: Why has lying become acceptable in our country? What happened to our sense of morality? Why do we not value honesty anymore? Why have alternative facts(lies) become the norm? From the earliest age, we are taught to tell the truth. My parents told me that no matter how bad I thought the truth was, they would never punish me if I was honest. But today, fearing the consequences of lying no longer seems to have any impact. I am not just referring to politics. To me, this is solely about our expectations of society's behavior. Telling the truth is not an unreasonable expectation, nor is it unattainable. So why do people lie? There are many reasons: Preservation of self image or reputation, avoiding embarrasment, protecting ourselves from punishment or harm, and finally, for either financial/educational/or professional gain. Possibly, the only time lying might be acceptable would be to spare a friend or family member's feelings. Even then, it is questionable at best. "An honest enemy is always better than a friend who lies." I guess what is most disconcerting is that we, as a country, seem to be less concerned with knowing or believing the actual facts, and we are increasingly nonchalant about lies. George F. Keenan, counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Stalin's Moscow warned us of the power held by lies. He said, "in the case of many people it is possible to make them feel and believe practically anything. No matter how untrue something might be for people who believe it, it becomes true." In order to understand his statement, one has to look no further than the scientific facts about covid vaccines and climate change, the actual photos of the January 6 Capitol Insurrection, or the final statistics of who won our recent presidential election. No matter how difficult the truth is for you to hear or accept, reality is always preferable to falsities and delusion. Friedrich Nietzsche said, "I am not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on, I can't believe you. I hope there will be a shift in our country's values. This is not an atmosphere in which to raise our children and grandchildren. Something MUST change....soon. (And, as a total unrelated comment: shame on you, Justice Gorsuch-google it!) Now, more than ever, our country's current challenges, burdens, and difficulties have exacerbated our desire to live joyfully. We need to seek every opportunity to laugh. The wonderful thing about laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system which divides people. Mark Twain said, "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." Humans have one really effective weapon against stress and anxiety-and it is the ability to laugh, it is our spiritual warfare. We know that laughing enhances our intake of oxygen; and it stimulates our lungs, muscles, and heart. It increases endorphins released in our brains and also improves the immune system. It will keep us healthy and young. So, surround yourself with friends and family who provide comic relief. Watch a funny movie or listen to Kimmel's opening monologue. Play with your children and grandchildren or your pet-they always make us smile. Dr. Seuss was right when he said, "from there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!" "Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: ALL OF THEM MAKE ME LAUGH." PEACE OUT-ONE B

MUSIC IS THE WINE THAT FILLS THE CUP OF SILENCE

The other day I was driving and while stopped at a red light, I witnessed a young woman singing (windows closed)at the top of her lungs. As the radio blasted, her face exuded sheer delight. She seemed to be in ecstasy. Her happiness was contagious, and it immediately put a smile on my face. I began to reminisce and remembered that as early as five years old, I have loved to listen to music and I have loved to dance. I still do! Everyone who knows me, also knows, that as soon as the band starts playing, I am the first on the dance floor. Therefore, my table is usually situated as close to the band as possible! At a concert, I am up from my seat and dancing along with the music much to the chagrin of the surrounding audience! My love of rock and pop music began with American Bandstand and Dick Clark. I would tune in each day with my (much!)older sister. As the music started, I would grab the den curtains and utilize them to stand in as my dance partner. I have to admit it was quite a visual! "Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music." George Carlin From the earliest age, as soon as I got into the car, I played the roll of DJ in search of the best song- and, to this day, I still erratically flip the stations from the Beatles, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Todd Rungren, Buffalo Springfield, Sinatra, Allman Brothers, Cindy Lauper in a matter of seconds. I am frantic to find what is the best song playing RIGHT NOW! "On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty miles more if you have the right music very loud on the radio." Hunter Thompson Another passion is watching television musicals and attending original and revival Broadway shows. When I was too young to attend Broadway, my favorite television movies starred Fred Astaire. Astaire's sinewy body showed off his incredible fashion sense. His style and grace, in combination with his immense dancing and singing talent could mesmerize me for hours. He is one of the greatest dancers of all time, and two of my favorite films are Top Hat and Daddy Long Legs. If an Astaire movie comes on, I must watch from beginning to end. All t.v. musicals entice me - The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Music Man, Gypsy, Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins, Fame, Dirty Dancing..... I could go on forever. Nothing gives me greater joy than singing along with each and every song from these musicals. " Music is the universal language of mankind." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow We can all agree that music has the power to lift us up, refresh you, energize you, feed the soul, and cure what ails you. It seems we are most content when we can pursue the things that make us feel fully alive. Music is that 'thing' for me. So, when I became old enough, my parents would regularly take me to Broadway Shows. At $25 a ticket, it was reasonable to take your family often. An ideal outing for me was getting gussied up, attend a great musical, and then end our day with dinner at Van Rapoport's Spindletop on West 47th. A double sirloin for two was a mere $16!! My love of musicals expanded once I started this ritual of going to Broadway. My epiphany was that I could look around the theater and see how the power of music would somehow unite all types of people from all over the world. We could differ on everything, but when Jennifer Holiday brings the house down with "And I am telling you", we all have the chills from that outstanding performance in common. A special song has the ability to elicit the fond memory of your first kiss, the first day of middle school, walking down the aisle, your wedding dance with your father, or the birth of a child. Because Broadway has been dark due to Covid, I spend time in my car listening the the radio or at home listening to old albums. I love Pop and Rock and Roll. That scratchy sound of the needle on the record player is oddly calming to me. Joni Mitchell, Prince, Sinatra, Buffalo Springfield, Bruno Mars, the Beatles, the Turtles, Traffic-they all fill me with delight. Music brings me peace, and has washes away the stress of the day even if just for a few minutes. I wonder how music can sometimes make me ache, and yet at the same time make me feel so good (think Adele). "Music makes the world to round Music makes you feel the groove Music makes you feel glad Music makes you higher than skies above Music turns your darkest night into blinding light" The Hamiltons Debie's Top Broadway Performance picks: Jennifer Holiday in Dreamgirls 1983 Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple 2016 Sammy Davis Jr in Golden Boy 1964 Ann Reinking in A Chorus Line 1977 Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen 2016 Mary Martin in The Sound of Music 1961 Raul Julia and Sheena Easton in Man of La Mancha 1992 HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR! DANCE LIKE NOONE'S WATCHING! PEACE OUT-ONE B

"GET THE STRIFE OUT OF YOUR LIFE"

Okay-I admit it. I am a huge fan of Joel Osteen! Yes, I am a Jew. But, I am not a religious Jew. Nor do I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. How did my fondness for this preacher come about? I am a news junky. I never leave the house on Sunday mornings whether it's Winter or Summer. I must watch all the political morning shows and finally at 11:30, when they all end, Joel Osteen magically appears on my television! This attractive pastor (not so young, but looks very youthful) always starts his sermons with a joke and more often than not, they are very funny jokes. He is also a great story teller. So now, he gets me hooked with the amusing joke or story, and I go on to listen to his sermons. All sermons have themes, and sometimes Osteen's themes are just mediocre. But generally, somewhere within the sermon, he offers advice that speaks to me, and helps me navigate towards positive thoughts for the day. I'll get to all that in a minute-First, I need to address my close relatives and friends who are totally appalled that I could like this man! They point out that he didn't open his church to those in need during winter floods and hurricanes. They insist he is a grifter that takes money from those who don't have money to spare. They rant that he is a Capitalist over a Christian. That he is not a spiritual leader but rather a cross between greed and religion, etc. etc. This may all be true, but it doesn't impact my new habit of listening to him each day for a few minutes on Sirius in the car! I can ignore the above criticisms and ultimately, I find him to be more helpful and hopeful than any hour long session with a shrink. I feel uplifted, happy, and more optimistic after a few minutes of listening. So what is his mass appeal? And, specifically, why does he appeal to me? For me, he is merely a motivational speaker with a religious bent. He is not overtly religious and is more ecumenical. I easily ignore the religion aspect. He delivers messages of hope during our bad times: such as the covid pandemic, death, sickness, money issues, and relationship issues with spouses or relatives, and betrayals by friends. In essence, he has figured out a way to market religion to a wider audience. He doesn't call people sinners or judge you for wrongdoing. He doesn't instill guilt or fear. Rather, he talks more about morals and integrity. He doesn't scold or insist you repent for mistakes. He is the ultimate optimist. He wants us to rid the negativity in our lives. Prosperity for him is peace, feeling blessed, and being able to pay the bills! He teaches me to let go of the strife and the stress and move toward a productive outcome. He teaches me to compromise with those that matter to me; to make allowances for the sake of keeping peace; and not to keep a record of every mistake. He preaches that strength and weaknesses complement and complete each other. And, yet He also suggests we let go of the people who bring negativity into our lives, which is often hard to do. We should have acceptance without expectations which is also not an easy concept for me. And finally, he ends his sermons with a "SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT"! I love that!! All this may seem like hooey to you and I understand why. He may seem disingenuous and I certainly understand that perspective too. But, for me, those few minutes in the car each day, when I'm stressed out about a work issue, a friend problem, a family health situation, or whatever else-Joel Osteen has the ability to calm me down. He makes me take a breath, and gives me a little chuckle at the same time. He's like an edible with a shot of vodka...mellow and pleasurable simultaneously. PEACE OUT-ONE B `