SECRET CALIFORNIA FIGHT OVER BARBARA BOXER'S SENATE SEAT---CONDOLEEZA RICE?????

CONDOLEEZA RICE

KAMALA HARRIS

SENATOR BARBARA BOXER IS LEAVING THE SENATE (THANK GOD). I have always felt she was a grandstander and a shouter. ( I have been a recipient of it, so it's just not an opinion of mine from nowhere). Most of the people in California don't know who Kamala Harris is, but she's our attorney general. From the moment I saw her I could see that same Boxer blood running through her veins. She has announced her candidacy for the senate. So far she is unopposed. Villaraigosa was strongly considering it, AND he had a higher recognition factor than Kamala, but the big Dem bosses of the state told him they wouldn't back him. They see Kamala as the next star on the horizon.

There is no Republican at the moment of import who has expressed any interest in the seat. THE REPUBLICANS ARE BEGGING FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE CONDI TO RUN. I wish she would. I could easily see her going from senate to the presidency..

But she has has no. And no. And no. LET'S KEEP OUR EYES PEELED ON THIS ONE.

BURBERRY FASHION SHOW SALUTES "A SENSE OF HOME" CHARITY

IRENA MEDAVOY, JENNIFER STALLONE, NICOLE AVANT, AND CYNTHIA SIKES YORKIN

HOSTED A BURBERRY LUNCH, FASHION SHOW AND BUYING SPREE


Melissa Goddard and Georgie Smith recently founded A Sense of Home, a charity that finds children who have aged out of the system and sets them up in an apartment furnished with and supplied by donations of money and donations of furniture, clothes, and just about anything useful. But more than material things, the bring themselves and volunteers to support them emotionally like a family. It's a beautiful charity, and some of the volunteers are they very children they originally met from the system.

Beautiful Irena in head-to-toe Burberry. The shear, black coat goes with everything. The white shirt, says Irena, "is the best shirt I've ever worn."

 

So many "cool" ladies showed up to see the fashion show, shop, and celebrate the charity. Holly Robinson-Peete, Sharon Lawrence, Cheryl Saban, and Cheryl Tiegs enjoyed the idea of eating hors d'oeuvres and small plate savories while shopping and drinking champagne.

Georgie Smith, Melissa Goddard and Irena

Dagny Dubelko, Natasha Berechko, Cheryl Woodcock and Joyce Rey

Julia, Melissa, and Dagny

Loved the beige coat

Burberry bags

Francesca Resnick (Faye's beautiful daughter) and me

Danielle Del and Alexandra Dwek

Fox Anchor Christine Devine, the very first donor, Georgie Smith and Irena

Hostess Cynthia Sikes Yorkin and Morgan Fairchild

Irena and Jennifer Stallone

Evie Bricusse and Jolene Schlatter

Watching the fashion show

Joyce Arad

ON TAP FOR TODAY--THE BURBERRY FASHION SHOW IN BEVERLY HILLS

HOSTED BY IRENA MEDAVOY, AMBASSADOR NICOLE AVANT, JENNIFER STALLONE AND CYNTHIA SIKES YORKIN.

COMPLETE REPORT TOMORROW.

THE ADVENTURES OF "THELMA AND LOUISE" AKA LESLEY ANN WARREN AND ME

I WASN'T GOING TO TELL THIS STORY BUT.....................

At an Oscar gathering. I'm in my favorite outfit (pajamas) and Lesley is wearing a diamond tiara and sequins.

NOT at an Oscar gathering

It started on Friday night of Oscar weekend. The skies were clear; the air was crisp. Lesley Ann and I were headed for the ten millionth time to hear our friend, Jane Monheit, in concert at the Valley
Performing Arts Center. Her show started at 8 p.m.


6:30 p.m.  Lesley said, "Do you need to put it in your navigation?"
"Oh, no," said I confidently. "I know exactly where it is."
"Are you sure," asked Lesley.
"Positive," I answered.

It was quite dark out, but I knew for sure the Center was on the right side of the 101 north somewhere after Calabasas. We drove in the darkness as I looked for the big building. It never appeared.

7:35 p.m. "This isn't looking good," said Lesley. "It's just not that far. I was there recently to see Patty Lupone. It was only 20 minutes from my house."

"I am getting a little concerned. Maybe we should just pull off the freeway and figure it out ," I replied, a little bit of terror rising in my heart.

We got off the freeway as soon as we could and I turned right. Here's where we dead-ended.

WE WERE AT LEISURE VILLAGE FOR SENIORS IN CAMARILLO!!!!! Jane was going to go on in 20 minutes. After a laughing fit, we both realized we'd better find a bathroom.

We prayed for this, but none was to be found. We were in something called the Santa Rosa Hills.

THIS WAS ALL MY FAULT. I was the one who insisted I knew where I was going.

I finally put the address in the navigation system and then promptly got on the freeway going the wrong way!

It was 33 miles to Jane Monheit and she was going on in two minutes!

Just as I got on the freeway the right way, the alarm went off in my car to say that I was about to run out of gas. Not wanting to wet the seats, Lesley and I tried to reign in our laughter. What a disaster.

At 8:20 we pulled into an Arco station near the Valley Performing Arts Center on fumes. They didn't take credit cards! Fortunately, I had a debit card. We decided to "hold it" even longer because we were so close to the show right now that we wanted to use the nicer powder room at the Center. And, of course our Jane seats were down front where we surely would be noticed for coming in so late.

At 8:40 we were on the road, happy that we were only four blocks away. Our turn was just one block away. I said, "Well, it couldn't get any worse." But before we could get there this happened--

YEP. ROBBERY IN PROGRESS.

At 8:45 we lost it. Could we even make it by intermission? I turned right with a vengeance, went around another block and got to the front of the Center, only to find the parking lots unavailable. The attendants had gone home. I realized the Center was part of a school and I saw a "kind of" driveway.
I turned on it and realized I was now driving on a pedestrian-only walkway through the school.

"Oh My God. Now we're going to get arrested," said Lesley.
"No we're not."
"Do you realize what you're doing? Watch out. You could hit someone."
"Ah ha. A driveway through a building," said I.
"It's too narrow; you'll never make it!"
"Oh, yes I will! I'm going to get through it and I just know it will lead us to the Center. I'm going to drive right up to the front door, stop the car and we'll just get out. I don't care."

I did just that.         

The GORGEOUS Valley Performing Arts Center

9:00 p.m. We get into the Center and ask for the ladies room. Jane's intermission was going to begin in two minutes!

Well, we saw the second half of Jane's great, sold-out show and then visited with her and her husband, Ricky, afterwards. There were too many people in the dressing room to tell her what really happened. Now she knows.

So, Jane, through rain, sleet, snow or insanity, we will always find a way to get there.

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P.S. Just a few Oscar party pictures. We are very vocal, and we are armed with things to throw at the TV set if someone comes on we don't like.

Lynne Grigg, Lesley Ann, Christine Romeo, Jill Phelps, and you-know-who.

Lesley, Chris and Jill

ACADEMY RESPONDS TO JOAN RIVERS---AND MY RESPONSE TO THEM

HERE'S THE ACADEMY RESPONSE:

“Joan Rivers is among the many worthy artists and filmmakers we were unfortunately unable to feature in the In Memoriam segment of this year’s Oscar show. She is, however, included in our In Memoriam gallery on Oscar.com.”

SO LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT. SHE'S OK FOR THE INTERNET, BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CUT FOR THE REAL SHOW????

HERE'S MY RESPONSE TO THEM (trying to be as dignified as I can):

Go  _ _ _ _  yourselves!!!!


You're welcome, dear Joan.

JOAN RIVERS OSCAR CONTROVERSY

BELOVED JOAN WAS LEFT OFF THE OSCAR IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE. WE ALL KNOW THAT NOW.

The criteria the Academy uses is to honor those whose main career has been in the movie business as an actor, director, editor, whatever. I understand that. BUT IN THIS CASE, THEY SHOULD HAVE EXPANDED THAT CRITERIA. (and Joan did make two movies).

Joan put the red carpet on the map, thereby adding millions and millions of viewers to the Oscar industry, which translates into billions of dollars worldwide. She single-handedly created an industry for designers, stylists, jewelers, accessories, make-up artists, hair dressers and networks. The networks make millions in commercial time. All of this is thanks to Joan.

She was the Queen of the Oscar Industry on the 21st century.

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS--GO AWAY. YOU SHOULD NEVER HOST THE OSCARS AGAIN

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, YOU ARE NO ELLEN. CRAIG AND NEIL, GO BEG ELLEN TO RETURN FOR NEXT YEAR. But, Neil Maron and Craig Zadan--I really liked the rest of your show.

Neil, your opening number was just fine, and it was aided by the most elegant and beautiful Oscar set ever, and you had two or three good jokes. BUT DON'T INSULT OPRAH. No one had a clue what you were talking about. And then you say she's rich? How gauche. What bad taste.

YOU COME OUT IN YOUR UNDERWEAR? I get the "Birdman" thing, but that is NOT appropriate for the Oscars. Can you imagine Bob Hope, Johnny Carson or Billy Crystal doing something that vile, something that cheapens our most important awards show? And, Neil, the gay guys at the party were so bored.

YOU GO INTO THE AUDIENCE AND THINK YOU CAN BE FUNNY LIKE ELLEN? You talk to seat fillers? OMG



NOTE TO MICHAEL KEATON:

Do you not have the manners or the etiquette to understand that you NEVER chew gum on camera and particularly at the black-tie Oscars????? I'm glad Eddie Redmayne won.


NINETY-NINE PERCENT OF THE WOMEN LOOKED BEAUTIFUL. I'm not interested in singling out some of the mistakes.

BUT I CANNOT RESIST COMMENTING ON SCARLET JOHANSSEN'S SHAVED HEAD.
ICE ICE BABY............





Without a doubt, Lady Gaga was the hit of the evening. I always knew she was an amazing, legitimate singer who just acted rock and roll crazy to make a name for herself. Her album with Tony Bennett is masterful, and having her do "The Sound of Music Tribute," ending in Julie Andrews coming out was momentous. Bravo to Craig and Neil!

In fact, if you take NPH out of the equation, I really think Craig and Neil produced a terrific show. What made it so special were the musical performances. You had great songs, great artists, and great performers ....even the "play-ons" saluted prior Oscar winning songs or nominated ones. I loved the production design and set decoration it looked royal and elegant.

And, while I don't think the Oscar stage is a place for politics to be in acceptance speeches, it worked this year. Equal pay for women, equal treatment for minorities, honoring Dr. King, and creating awareness for ALS and Alzheimers and suicide of gay or transgendered kids---all good things and handled in good taste with honest emotions.

By the way, I'm sick of critics saying the show is dull or it dragged. They don't understand that the Oscars every year have to give awards in categories that may not interest everyone. It's no one's fault. That's always when the show "drags." Who cares? It will never change, and it's part of the process. Stop your complaining.

Congratulations to all the winners, and particularly to Julianne Moore. You deserved it. It was your time. You waited long enough.

IT'S TIME FOR THE OSCARS WITHOUT BILLY CRYSTAL OR ELLEN OR ANY FABULOUS, BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES.

WELL, THEY HAVE SOME PRETTY GOOD SONGS AND SINGING PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR, SO THAT SHOULD BE FUN.

Last year I was there; this year all my friends (who are not there) and I are wearing pajamas and we'll be together in front of a giant screen. We have a game. We each come with several pairs of rolled up socks. When someone comes on we don't like--winner or presenter, we throw the socks at the screen. Some actors/actresses through the years have been covered in"snowballs."  We love it.

There are also now so many awards shows preceding the Oscars that stars frequently seem to be on a continuous treadmill, only taking the time to change clothes. It takes a lot of the excitement out of it. And, as of right now, most of us know many of the winners. FOR SURE:

Julianne Moore  

J.K. Simmons      

Patricia Arquette     

The only interesting races are now for Best Picture and Best Actor. A lot has always depended on when the Oscar ballots were sent out. A month ago BOYHOOD and Eddie Redmayne had it in the bag. Three weeks ago it was BIRDMAN and Michael Keaton. In the past ten days, all anyone can talk about is AMERICAN SNIPER and Bradley Cooper. You know what? I don't know now who will win. All those movies and actors were terrific. But what is amazing to me, after covering Hollywood and the Oscars for decades, for the first time in my life, I don't care.

'NOT THAT JEWISH" AT THE BRAID THEATRE IN SANTA MONICA

I KNOW IT SAYS "BRAID.." IT'S A PLAY ON THE "BROAD." I kept hearing about this amazing little show called "Not Too Jewish" playing in a performance space in Santa Monica. Everybody is loving it, so I decided to see for myself. I loved it, too!

Monica Piper

Monica Piper, a stand-up coming and long-time comedy series staffer, performs her one-woman, one-act play about her life. You can't stop laughing, but it is poignant, too. It's a wonderful way to spend an evening. Congratulations to director Eve Brandstein, too

The Braid began doing performance art in people's homes, and it now has this beautiful space in Santa Monica. This current production is a presentation of Jewish Women's Theatre, an organization i never knew existed until I went to this play. Treat yourself, and go!



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VALENTINE'S MADNESS: From Trader Vic's to the Gardenia

Joely Fisher and her husband Chris Duddy, plus Connie Stevens, Lainie Kazan and I descended upon Trader Vic's for PuPu Platters and rum drinks out by the pool. Good times were had and then I went to the Gardenia to see Andrea Marcovicci's Valentine's Show where she sang so many of my favorite songs ab9ut love--"Quited, Unrequited, and Disastrous." Every song in Andrea's hands turn into an involving playlet.

Joely with her gift for her mother

Trader Vic's famous Pupu Platter

Connie and Lainie loved the gift

Andrea Marcovicci

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MY OWN PERSONAL LOBSTER ROLL SURVEY:

I love them and I'm not in Maine. Problem. So, Helen Reddy introduced my to Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica and I fell in love with their roll. Good News----they just opened another Blue Plate Oysterette on Third St. in West Hollywood.

Then, much to my surprise, Joan's on Third starting offering a Lobster Roll Special.

NEW MARIPOSA RESTAURANT AT NEIMAN-MARCUS BH---THE GOOD AND THE BAD

Seriously? Really?

LET ME SAY RIGHT OUT THAT I LOVED THE FOOD AND SERVICE AND I'LL RETURN AGAIN AND AGAIN. I love the maitre d's Robert and James. I love the server Mark Santiago. I always run into people there I know and it turns into a party.

Here's the other shoe: The new decor of the Mariposa has destroyed everything it used to be. It is now a crazy 60s bar/space station on acid. All warmth and elegance are gone. There are no more table clothes and the tables look like they are formica or some synthetic. No fresh flowers. No warm ambiance.

The colors of yellow and gray in psychotic fabric designs plus space age uncomfortable chairs AND a bar with a flatscreen wall that changes colors makes you think you are at a Jefferson Airplane concert.

 This is a Kale, Spinach, Farro, Raisin, Hemp Seed, and Golden Raisin medley. It was PHENOMENAL!!!

Cauliflower "Steak" with sauteed vegetables. LOVED IT

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LOOK AT THIS FLASHING LSD WALL WHILE YOU EAT?

SORRY TO SAY, BUT THIS BOOTH AT THE LEFT IS PURE IKEA

Mark Santiago---a gracious gentleman

Check out the color scheme and chairs in the bar!!!! You can't sit in them.

And the best part of Mariposa---running into friends. Valerie Harper and I were there and ran into Carole Wells Doheny and Collette Schweitzer. Great fun!