OSCAR SCREENING MADNESS

Rosamund Pike

Daniel Day-Lewis

Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lawrence

Jessica Chastain

It's going to be fun for the next several years to see the duel between Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain. They both are fantastic in everything they do. Jennifer is hot and sexy, but can carry off strong heroines as well. She has a kind of inner Brigitte Bardot. Jessica's face keeps saying "Ava Gardner" to me. I don't feel the heat, but the bones and features are remarkable. Both women are the kinds of actresses who get buried in their roles. A Katharine Hepburn never got buried. It was always Star Hepburn. That's what makes a lasting movie star. However, there may be a slight change in the star rule for 2013. Maybe you can be lost in a role and still keep your aura. We shall see. I can't wait to watch the journey.

Silver Linings Playbook--It's NOT the second coming. Get a grip. Excellent acting.

Jack Reacher--This doesn't belong on this list or any Oscar list, but I had to speak about it. Tom Cruise is totally wooden and his "hero" aura is fading fast. He's out of his league here. Rosamund Pike acts like a dead tree. What kind of direction was this?

Zero Dark Thirty--Bravo to everyone. I have loved Kathryn Bigelow since "Blue Steel." Go back and watch it again.

Argo--Ben Affleck is a brilliant director. He should have been nominated for "The Town." He'll have a huge career as a director til the end of time.

Life of Pi--So well done. Magnificent book that was translated to the screen as best it could be. In this case, reading it is better than seeing it, because one's imagination is far more infinite. P.S. Hated violence to animals and had to keep walking out.

Lincoln--Again, a superb movie. Great heart. I had fun picking out cameos of actors who kept popping up.

The Master---Loved "Magnolia;" hated "The Master." Totally unwatchable, pretentious drivel

Hitchcock--A terrific movie with great style

Les Miserables---Going to see it today. I HATED the musical on Broadway and walked out. We'll see. Everyone says it's wonderful.

DO THIS FOR HUMANITY AND DIANNE

I HAVE A GUN. I LIKE MY GUN. I AM LICENSED. I GO TO A SHOOTING RANGE TO PRACTICE. I WANT TO KEEP MY GUN. IF AN INTRUDER ENTERS MY HOUSE I'LL SHOOT FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER.

BUT THE PETITION BELOW IS ABOUT ASSAULT WEAPONS AND BULLET CLIPS. PLEASE SIGN IT AND HELP MAKE THE WORLD A SAFER PLACE.

------SUE

Dear Susan,

There are no explanations for a tragedy like the one that occurred in Connecticut. And there is nothing we can do to bring back the 26 souls lost that day.

But when you add Newtown to an ever-growing list of tragedies that includes Columbine, Virginia Tech, Ft. Hood, Aurora, Tucson, the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and a shopping mall in Portland, we've reached a point in our national discourse where we can all agree: Enough is enough.

We must do more to protect our children from these senseless acts of violence. Over the coming months, we will have discussions about how to tackle this complicated problem. For my part, I will introduce a ban on assault weapons this coming January. The bill will be introduced in the House, as well.

I want to show how much public support is behind a ban on assault weapons. And for that, I need your help. Click here to sign on your support for a ban on assault weapons right now.

This isn't about taking away anyone's constitutional right to bear arms. This is about removing weapons of war from our businesses, movie theaters and schools.

My bill will be a stronger version of the assault weapons ban that was in effect from 1994-2004. Specifically, my bill will ban the sale, importation, transfer or possession of new assault weapons, and requires background checks and licensing of assault weapons that are currently in circulation. The new bill also bans high-capacity clips, magazines, and strips that can hold more than 10 bullets at a time.

This is a problem that can’t be ignored any longer. Now is the time to act.

Show your support for an assault weapons ban. Click here to sign on today.

Of course, no single piece of legislation will guarantee that there is never another tragedy. But this legislation is just common sense, and an important first step toward preventing an atrocity like Newtown in the future.

And we can get it done.

We can take these deadly weapons off our streets before another community has to suffer.

Support the assault weapons ban today.

Thank you for joining me in this important effort. And I hope you'll continue to keep the families of Newtown in your thoughts and prayers.

WHAT I LEARNED IN 2012

His rumored nick-name is "Penis-head"

That I like Los Angeles more than I thought

That I still want to spend more time away from Los Angeles---like in NY and France

That I still don't care about Lindsey Lohan

That the number of real movie stars continues to shrink

That Jenny Craig saves my life in between eating what I want

That L.A. traffic is beyond intolerable and beyond hope

That Republicans don't know how to run presidential campaigns anymore

That even omnipotent Oprah suffered the consequences of not being on network TV

That the public has finally seen through Matt Lauer's smile and seen him for the shark he is

That Robin Roberts is my new hero

That one regular cast member of "The View" is driving me nuts and the other cast members feel the same way

That half-hour sitcoms are completely unwatchable now

That true love can come at any age

That I have the best friends in the world

(TO BE CONTINUED.........MAYBE)

JANE MONHEIT AT CATALINA BAR AND GRILL

JANE MONHEIT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGERS IN THE WORLD.

Yes, it's that simple. To me, it's all about the vocal instrument. Jane's is totally pure and she uses it like winding velvet around diamonds. She will be at the Catalina Bar and Grill through Dec. 31st--where I'll be almost every night. Jane is the consummate jazz singer, and no one can touch her except for maybe early June Christy in style. If you have never heard her, go treat yourself. She is jaw-droppingly talented.

END OF YEAR WANDERINGS..........

A BBQ sandwich from Downtown Market in Medford Oregon.

A "WANDER" IS GOING SOMEWHERE BUT NOT KNOWING WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO END UP, WHAT YOU'LL FIND AND WHAT YOU'LL DO. I GOT THE IDEA FROM THE MOVIE "VERTIGO," WHERE JIMMY STEWART ASKS KIM NOVAK WHAT SHE'S DOING FOR THE REST OF THE DAY AND SHE ANSWERS, "WANDERING." IT WORKS FOR ME!
THESE WANDERINGS ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER. I WANDERED FROM AUGUST THROUGH DECEMBER. IT WAS SO GREAT, THAT I DECIDED TO CONTINUE WANDERING FOREVER.

After Oregon let's head to Petaluma, California, and the best diner food in California at Hallie's diner. And don't forget, if you are driving south from there, past San Francisco, discover the hidden forest drive at Woodside, Ca. Put on a classical music CD, open all windows and your roof, and just cruise through the magic.

BY NOW YOU'VE GUESSED THAT MY WANDERINGS ARE REALLY ABOUT FOOD. YUP.
HERE'S TO MORE IN 2013

So beautiful. I'd love to "live" there.

Dessert at Bouchon in Yountville

Onion Soup at Bouchon. Messy, but who cares?

Sunset from a back road

Hallie's in Petaluma

Hallie's Eggs Benedict

AND THEN HEAD DOWN TO YOUNTVILLE, VIA THE BACK ROADS. I EVEN FOUND A HIDDEN CONVENT THERE.

Mustard Seed Cafe in Jacksonville, Oregon

I go way off my Jenny Craig program at Mustard Seed.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville

Magnolia Inn, Jacksonville

STOP GUNS NOW!!!!

Senator Dianne Feinstein, has announced that on the first day of the new congress she is re-introducing her ban against assault weapons bill. The bill also bans clips and strips of multiple bullets. Her original bill was passed in 1994, but it expired in 2004. She has been trying to get a newer version ready to go and it is now ready. People have the right to buy guns, and that should never be taken away. But they don't have the right to buy military level assault weapons and kill people at will. If they want to do that, let them enlist.

DANIELLE DEL'S ELEGANT HOLIDAY EVENING

OK. These are the greatest shoes ever made. Who wore them? (Hint:AD)

Lisa Franchot and Vanessa Sandin

Alexandra Dwek, Hostess Danielle Del and Wendy Burch

One for the ages

Linda Thompson (front) L-R rear Karen Rosenthal, Carrie Wiatt, Danielle, Tracy Danza

Tracy

Linda and Wendy

Alexandra and Danielle

How blessed a season this is to have such wonderful celebrations of friendship. This time it was Danielle Del's turn in her beautiful westside canyon home. If we seem to travel as a pack, we do--and it really engenders feelings of happiness and support. Lasting friendships among women are sometimes the only thing that can sustain us through the ups and downs of life. They mean a lot to me, and I'm glad we celebrate them during the holidays, and frankly throughout the whole year.

CONGRATULATIONS TREVOR DALEY

Senator Dianne Feinstein has promoted my friend Trevor Daley to Chief of Staff for the State of California. Trevor had previously been her chief for Southern California. He has been with the senator for 14 years and is an incredible person. He is bright, wise, funny, and does a magnificent job for her. Trevor also has his "Trevor's Club"--my name for it, not his--where he invites groups of his friends to meet each other for brunch or dinner once a month. It is all the new generation of leaders in their fields and it's really fun.

ALEXANDRA DWEK CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON SHINES BRIGHTER THAN EVER

There is no question that Alexandra Dwek, president of The Colleagues, is an extraordinary hostess--among all her other talents. Each year she turns her home into a Christmas fantasy that looks like it belongs at the Ritz in Paris. All her special friends look forward to this event every year because it is filled with joy, elegance, and the camaraderie of friendship.

Katrina and Alexandra

Lynn Booth

This year was even more unique because after a group of us was admiring the beautiful decorations of tree branches and pine cones in the fireplace of the poolhouse, where the luncheon took place this year, Alexandra told us that she did those decorations herself. And what did she do? She got in her car with a couple of big bags and drive to Lexington and Rexford. She parked the car where she saw all the branches and cones had fallen off of our beautiful Beverly Hills trees. Then....yes, you're right. We all just loved that! Great spirit!

Betsy Bloomingdale (above) Donna, Mallika, Linda, Danielle, Irena, Dede

Ames and Linda

Yours truly with Mallika Sherawat

Wendy and Irena with the Warhol of Alexandra in the background

Ok. Just look at Irena

Mallika, Irena, Larissa and Laurie

Hostess Alexandra

The infamous fireplace decor

Complemented by champagne, wines, or whatever else you wished, the first course was a fluffy cheese souffle with a watercress salad. I could have stopped right with that. Then along came a perfectly cooked halibut with vegetables, followed by the traditional Buche de Noel. What a magnificent party!!! Everybody stayed FOR DAYS.............