The cover intrigued me so I picked up the book and read the front flap. Hmmm, this Jancee Dunn was a Rolling Stone reporter in the '80s, interviewing such as Madonna (she should be so lucky today,) Brad Pitt, Dolly Parton (they shared some Velveeta as a snack,) Tony Bennet, Beyonce, Star Jones.
I worked in rock'n roll in the '70s. I've interviewed an awful lot of people so it would interest me to read about what'all happened after I quit rock'n roll despite a very wide gap between us. Her - Rolling Stone. Me - Dino, Desi and Billy, The Seeds. One has prestige, the other has none. I believe we all know which one is me?
What appealed instantly were her tips on conducting a celeb interview. Try for somewhere scenic; nothing is worse than a conference room, hotel room or often-used restaurant. (I'm thinking of you, The Ivy.)
Engage the person in an activity - "Janice Dickinson and I were biking in Central Park when..." That's your lead-in.
To get the goods on a star, forget asking their entourage. They don't want to bite the hand that feeds them. Instead get a local who has been hired to drive the van, run errands, whatever. They don't have to worry about job longevity. When the movie wraps, so does the job. As they are largely ignored, any notes about what they've seen or overheard will be eagerly offered. Someone is paying attention!
They get drunk; you stick with a soft drink.
Do your damndest to get invited into their home. The story writes itself. "Where did you get all of those precious China elephants? Was it on the shoot for 'Mysterious India'?"
"But Enough About Me, a Jersey Girl's Unlikely Adventures Among the Absurdly Famous" by Jancee Dunn Harper/Collins Publishers 276 pages $24.95 ($3 at the library book sale; pristine condition)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
"My Sister Can Write Better Than Yours"
"Southern Fried divorce" by Judy Conner, older sister of Jill Conner Browne, author of the Sweet Potato Queens series. Gotham Books 223 pages $23*
This is the woman's point-of-view about divorce in New Orleans. As we all know whether we've actually been there or not, New Orleans is a very strange place. "That Ex" at the time of the divorce was running a couple of clubs (apparently successfully, too) so one of the terms in the decree was a lifetime free bar tab at any joint he owned.
He showed up post-divorce to give her a home protection service -- a pistol and a puppy, saying that the dog would grow up to be a fine watchdog. She accepted both and wondered about a man who would give his ex-wife gun. Easpecially a wife who said she had a disposition like a wolverine at times. Frequent times.
"That Ex" (as she annoyingly refers to him all through the book; she could have used his name since he wound up dead at the end) was apparently one of those frat boy, hard-drinking idiots that The South manages to turn out so frequently. He loved outwitting authority figures (with some success; he managed to stay out of prison) and practical jokes.
He was filled with outrageous charm and (according to his ex-wife) was extremely handsome. It's an amusing read; I knocked the whole thing off yesterday afternoon (which goes far to explain the state of this house.)
*It cost me 50 cents and is in pristine condition. I cannot stress too much the importance of library book sales to the budget.
This is the woman's point-of-view about divorce in New Orleans. As we all know whether we've actually been there or not, New Orleans is a very strange place. "That Ex" at the time of the divorce was running a couple of clubs (apparently successfully, too) so one of the terms in the decree was a lifetime free bar tab at any joint he owned.
He showed up post-divorce to give her a home protection service -- a pistol and a puppy, saying that the dog would grow up to be a fine watchdog. She accepted both and wondered about a man who would give his ex-wife gun. Easpecially a wife who said she had a disposition like a wolverine at times. Frequent times.
"That Ex" (as she annoyingly refers to him all through the book; she could have used his name since he wound up dead at the end) was apparently one of those frat boy, hard-drinking idiots that The South manages to turn out so frequently. He loved outwitting authority figures (with some success; he managed to stay out of prison) and practical jokes.
He was filled with outrageous charm and (according to his ex-wife) was extremely handsome. It's an amusing read; I knocked the whole thing off yesterday afternoon (which goes far to explain the state of this house.)
*It cost me 50 cents and is in pristine condition. I cannot stress too much the importance of library book sales to the budget.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Auntie's Busy Day
First of all, I had an 8:30 a.m. appt. with the nurse-practitioner. My regular doctor was out-of-town. I am a writer and writers don't DO 8:30 a.m. appointments. But that was the only time she had. Here is what I had to say about that afterwards.
8/5/11
TO: Tony, "Raffish"
From: Nina
Subj. Dog Bite
I saw the Nurse-Perky this morning and confirmed to my satisfaction that she doesn't listen to a word I say.
She said the wound was coming along very nicely after only two days of meds. Then she said, "You're a 71 year old lady (sugary smile) and I don't want to lose you!" perky hair flip. So tactful! I was awed -- at her insincerity.
I'm supposed to see her next Wed. (a thought that ruins my whole weekend, if I let it) but if it's back to normal, I can call in and cancel. You can consider that a done deal. I might not be able to restrain myself next time.
Given the fact she doesn't listen to me, had to call the pharmacist back and change a Rx because he wouldn't fill the one that might have killed me - I have to wonder which doctor in the practice she's boinking.
Letter to the Editor, Daily Breeze 8/4/2011
Smoking Ban in Manhattan Beach
Dear Sir:
As I understand this, Councilpersons Wayne Powell and Amy Howorth both had parents who died of smoking-related diseases.
Thus, they feel it necessary to punish several thousand complete strangers by spearheading a "No Smoking" ban on the Manhattan Beach Strand.
I would suggest therapy for their guilt/grief problems rather than fining anyone with the temerity to light a cigarette in Manhattan Beach.
Sincerely, etc.
Richie and I went to the Palos Verdes Library book sale this morning and scored some good stuff - you'll be hearing about these books later. On the way to the Hermosa Beach Farmer's Market, we stopped for lunch at Fatburger. Hot news! They now make a Small (as opposed to Medium, Large, and Extra Large!) It's slightly bigger than a slider and just the right amount of hamburger. You can eat more onion rings this way!
8/5/11
TO: Tony, "Raffish"
From: Nina
Subj. Dog Bite
I saw the Nurse-Perky this morning and confirmed to my satisfaction that she doesn't listen to a word I say.
She said the wound was coming along very nicely after only two days of meds. Then she said, "You're a 71 year old lady (sugary smile) and I don't want to lose you!" perky hair flip. So tactful! I was awed -- at her insincerity.
I'm supposed to see her next Wed. (a thought that ruins my whole weekend, if I let it) but if it's back to normal, I can call in and cancel. You can consider that a done deal. I might not be able to restrain myself next time.
Given the fact she doesn't listen to me, had to call the pharmacist back and change a Rx because he wouldn't fill the one that might have killed me - I have to wonder which doctor in the practice she's boinking.
Letter to the Editor, Daily Breeze 8/4/2011
Smoking Ban in Manhattan Beach
Dear Sir:
As I understand this, Councilpersons Wayne Powell and Amy Howorth both had parents who died of smoking-related diseases.
Thus, they feel it necessary to punish several thousand complete strangers by spearheading a "No Smoking" ban on the Manhattan Beach Strand.
I would suggest therapy for their guilt/grief problems rather than fining anyone with the temerity to light a cigarette in Manhattan Beach.
Sincerely, etc.
Richie and I went to the Palos Verdes Library book sale this morning and scored some good stuff - you'll be hearing about these books later. On the way to the Hermosa Beach Farmer's Market, we stopped for lunch at Fatburger. Hot news! They now make a Small (as opposed to Medium, Large, and Extra Large!) It's slightly bigger than a slider and just the right amount of hamburger. You can eat more onion rings this way!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Shoemakers Kids Went Barefoot
It's not like that at the Hermosa Animal Hospital! (hah-vet.com) The hospital's newsletter came yesterday and it included a list of the employee's pets.
41 dogs
55 cats
1 horse (! in Hermosa Beach?)
1 turtle
1 rabbit
1 beta fish
2 geckos
1 iguana
2 rats
2 mice
I asked Richie if he'd read it and he said, "Yes -- did you notice what was missing?" "No." "No birds - no budgerigars, no cockatiels, parrots - no birds."
There was a longish article about a pair of cats who were being treated for Bartonella, which is a disease that causes gingivitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers.
This is what blew me away - "It can be resistant to many common antibiotic treatments, but it is still a treatble infection. Dr. Liebl started both pets on Azithromycin." I had just taken MY Azihromycin (for the dog bite.) Good to know that I don't have to worry that much about gingivitis, oral ulcers...
41 dogs
55 cats
1 horse (! in Hermosa Beach?)
1 turtle
1 rabbit
1 beta fish
2 geckos
1 iguana
2 rats
2 mice
I asked Richie if he'd read it and he said, "Yes -- did you notice what was missing?" "No." "No birds - no budgerigars, no cockatiels, parrots - no birds."
There was a longish article about a pair of cats who were being treated for Bartonella, which is a disease that causes gingivitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers.
This is what blew me away - "It can be resistant to many common antibiotic treatments, but it is still a treatble infection. Dr. Liebl started both pets on Azithromycin." I had just taken MY Azihromycin (for the dog bite.) Good to know that I don't have to worry that much about gingivitis, oral ulcers...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Judi Dench Put Me To Sleep
"And Furthermore" by Judi Dench St Martin's Press 268 pages $26.99
This is basically a long list of plays, movies, television shows she has done plus the name of every single person in the cast plus the director with scattered, not-that-hilarious anecdotes. Pro writers call this "laundry list" writing. It is very, very dull (but it does fill up the pages.) She details her acting career that started in 1934 and, God bless her, she's still going strong in 2011. I would cheerfully watch her, but not read her.
But Marlo Thomas Made Me Laugh
"Growing Up, My Story and the Story of Funny" by Marlo Thomas Hyperion 382 pages $26.99
Marlo's memories of her father, Danny Thomas, are warm and affectionate. But what made this book interesting to me is that she interviewed more than 20 current comedians and asked them, "When did you know you were funny?" "Were you the class clown?" "Where do you get your humor?" and other questions.
Just a few you'll find in the book: Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Joan Rivers, Joy Behar, Jerry and Ben Stiller (a double!) I loved Joan Rivers crack at cougars. "Why would I want to wake up in the morning, look over and wonder if that's my date or did I give birth during the night?"
I know who I would pick for $26.99
This is basically a long list of plays, movies, television shows she has done plus the name of every single person in the cast plus the director with scattered, not-that-hilarious anecdotes. Pro writers call this "laundry list" writing. It is very, very dull (but it does fill up the pages.) She details her acting career that started in 1934 and, God bless her, she's still going strong in 2011. I would cheerfully watch her, but not read her.
But Marlo Thomas Made Me Laugh
"Growing Up, My Story and the Story of Funny" by Marlo Thomas Hyperion 382 pages $26.99
Marlo's memories of her father, Danny Thomas, are warm and affectionate. But what made this book interesting to me is that she interviewed more than 20 current comedians and asked them, "When did you know you were funny?" "Were you the class clown?" "Where do you get your humor?" and other questions.
Just a few you'll find in the book: Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Joan Rivers, Joy Behar, Jerry and Ben Stiller (a double!) I loved Joan Rivers crack at cougars. "Why would I want to wake up in the morning, look over and wonder if that's my date or did I give birth during the night?"
I know who I would pick for $26.99
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fashionable? Or Not So?
We had ordered (more about that in a minute) and the table next to us was getting up to leave. One of the party was a man wearing (from the ground up): work boots with white socks peeking out of the tops, khaki shorts, a Hawaiian shirt and ... a big, white cowboy hat. Anna Wintour, Vogue legend would have fainted. I just grinned to myself.
After Vino on the Veranda, we went to Hudson House (previously reviewed) for dinner. I'd been thinking fondly of their brown sugar ribs, but when I saw the menu, I changed my mind. They've removed some old favorites (no worries the hamburger on a pretzel bun is still there as are "my" ribs) to put in new things.
This caught my eye: three cheese biscuits with chili flakes, bacon and honey-butter - $6. I ordered it as a sort of appetizer. We split one and they were interesting. Nice, warm chili sting, offset by the sweetness of the whipped honey-butter. The other two went home with us. They reheat in a convection toaster oven really well.
I ordered a BLTA on grilled na'an - applewood-smoked bacon, red leaf lettuce, avocado and heirloom tomato. The na'an was a mistake - doughy, not sufficiently grilled - in fact it was tepid. Scrape out the good stuff, discard the na'an and pick up your knife and fork. You're about to meet something good.
Hudson House is a favorite because while I liked their old menu, little changes in it are interesting and thought provoking.
After Vino on the Veranda, we went to Hudson House (previously reviewed) for dinner. I'd been thinking fondly of their brown sugar ribs, but when I saw the menu, I changed my mind. They've removed some old favorites (no worries the hamburger on a pretzel bun is still there as are "my" ribs) to put in new things.
This caught my eye: three cheese biscuits with chili flakes, bacon and honey-butter - $6. I ordered it as a sort of appetizer. We split one and they were interesting. Nice, warm chili sting, offset by the sweetness of the whipped honey-butter. The other two went home with us. They reheat in a convection toaster oven really well.
I ordered a BLTA on grilled na'an - applewood-smoked bacon, red leaf lettuce, avocado and heirloom tomato. The na'an was a mistake - doughy, not sufficiently grilled - in fact it was tepid. Scrape out the good stuff, discard the na'an and pick up your knife and fork. You're about to meet something good.
Hudson House is a favorite because while I liked their old menu, little changes in it are interesting and thought provoking.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Be Careful What You Wish For...
Readers with excellent short-term memory storage will recall that yesterday I was whining that nothing was going on and that I hoped for some excitement to report from Vino on the Veranda. Something funny; a witty wisecrack ...
I got bit by a dog. In 71 (full and exciting) years, no dog has ever bitten me. Never. I'm not counting puppy nips; they're too trivial to mention. The bite simply lifted a flap of skin on my right forearm about the size of a dime which I was able to paste back where it belonged after I washed it with soap and water. Band-Aid slapped on to hold my patch job together and that was that.
This is what I think the dog might have been thinking:
"Heh, heh, look at Senior Dog - he's running to greet two strangers, who stole onto this terrace without making a peep until they greeted My Lady. They could be anybody!
"Naturally, I'm on a leash and I can't run at them, dammit! Look at him, wriggling so ingrationatingly. 'Hey, buddy! You're only a shelter dog, just like me! Don't you be stealing the show with all this cute stuff!
"Wait a minute, here she is... just a little closer, Strange Bitch and I'll show you who the guard dog is in this house! (leap, bite) Gotcha! Heh, heh."
That is reasoning that I can not only accept, but agree with as well.
To find out what you can do to help stray dogs, take a look at RoverRescue.com
I got bit by a dog. In 71 (full and exciting) years, no dog has ever bitten me. Never. I'm not counting puppy nips; they're too trivial to mention. The bite simply lifted a flap of skin on my right forearm about the size of a dime which I was able to paste back where it belonged after I washed it with soap and water. Band-Aid slapped on to hold my patch job together and that was that.
This is what I think the dog might have been thinking:
"Heh, heh, look at Senior Dog - he's running to greet two strangers, who stole onto this terrace without making a peep until they greeted My Lady. They could be anybody!
"Naturally, I'm on a leash and I can't run at them, dammit! Look at him, wriggling so ingrationatingly. 'Hey, buddy! You're only a shelter dog, just like me! Don't you be stealing the show with all this cute stuff!
"Wait a minute, here she is... just a little closer, Strange Bitch and I'll show you who the guard dog is in this house! (leap, bite) Gotcha! Heh, heh."
That is reasoning that I can not only accept, but agree with as well.
To find out what you can do to help stray dogs, take a look at RoverRescue.com
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