(Long Island, NY) Saturday June 30th I was given a warm welcome by all the supporters of East End Hospice for their annual reception and summer gala at spectacular scenic Pott’s Sandacres Estate in East Quogue.

The event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies News Anchorman John Roland of Westhampton Beach, who just retired from 35 years as an anchorman on Channel 5-Fox TV. “I think this is a great organization, and I am a dedicated supporter for the East End Hospice.”

Before retiring John was with Channel 5-Fox TV since 1969. At that time the station was known as Metromedia-WNEW. He began his broadcasting career in the 1960’s and his first assignment was a researcher for NBC News in Los Angeles in 1966, during the “space race,” pitting America against Russia. Mr. Roland is also a double Emmy Award winner both in 1978 and 1983 and has received countless citations and awards throughout his broadcasting career because of his compassion for others.

This year was especially important honoring local residents and hospice supporters Mr. & Mrs. John Brennan and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walsh with the Dorothy P. Savage Award named in honor of the founder of East End Hopice for their continued efforts and dedication.. The elaborate event kicked off the hot summer night with an elaborate cocktails, buffet dining and dancing under the stars followed by gambling and live and silent auctions. Soiree was catered by Starr Boggs of Westhampton Beach.

Hugh Savage discovered he had cancer in 1983. Dorothy his devoted wife wanted to care for her husband in the best most compassionate way at home. It was an overwhelming UN-daunting task to accomplish – full time care – 24/7 as mentioned in our society today. Dorothy felt her circumstances were common among other families and decided her community need a hospice program.

Dorothy researched and obtained as much information on the hospice movement she could get her hands on. She notified responsible citizens of the community to make a difference. It was decided that hospice was much needed in the surrounding areas.

With much determination the name “East End Hope for Hospice” was chosen. “Hope has become reality and East End Hospice is a tribute to a remarkable woman, a compelling idea and a responsive community.

East End Hospice brings hope to the dying and their families and friends. By affirming life, hospice helps people conclude life with comfort and dignity, offering pain alleviation and symptom control in a familiar and caring environment.

The East End Hospice philosophy affirms in the strongest and most positive way the fundamental values of life and living. They invite all to share their strength, care compassion and dedication to dying individuals in their last hours of life.

Mr. and Mrs. Eggert were proud residents of Quogue and were founding or supporting members of several local organizations including Quogue Beach Club and the Church of the Atonement. They were compelled in collaborating their active and energetic lifestyle with a gracious sense of hospitality. The property has been owned by their family company, Sandacres Associates, Inc. since 1930.

The Eggerts had two children, the late Herbert F. Eggert, Jr. and Mrs. Mary W. Potts Hotchkiss known to all that love her as “Mimi”. A devoted and compassionate participant in Hospice, Mimi and her first husband Walter B. Potts were supporters early on its developments. Their continuing efforts are followed through their children and grandchildren who continue to own the Sandacres Associates Inc. The Potts family has generously contributed to host the Hospice gala benefit at their beautiful spacious estate for many years.

To learn more about East End Hospice please visit http://www.eeh.org

(Long Island, NY) Hungarian Princess Fashion Designer Kati Stern/Venexiana rules the runways with her creative innovative concepts, attention to detail and intense desire to design the most elegant fashions. I spoke to Kati in her New York City 10th Avenue Showroom about her unique style and her passion for fashion. Before our interview I was immediately greeted by Sandy Blye her publicist and Reco Winn her assistant who immediately announces “She knows how to make women look beautiful and feel good about themselves.” Her showroom is a treasure chest of fabulous textures, yards and yards of fabrics, and the most magnificent gowns.

Not only is Ms. Stern an international Fashion designer that designs for everyone and anyone that adores wearing her amazing designs, she is also a world famous architect. When she is not designing fashions or creating masterpieces in architecture Ms. Stern and her family live abroad in a historic haunted palazzo in Venice Italy. In the beginning of her illustrious career she designed costumes for Carnevale in Venice which is why she is in love with the city’s mysterious hypnotic magical aura. “At first we were not welcome by the spirits that occupied the abandoned palace, it took some time but now it is a very warm home,” Kati reveals candidly as she showcases her designs.

Her assistant describes her home “As nothing you have ever seen, quite spectacular.” When designing her collections in Manhattan she occupies a un petit appartement provisoire and lives on the upper east side while working on her collections. Ms. Stern chose the affluent neighborhood because of her love for art, culture and history. Living across from the museum Kati enjoys attending the latest art exhibitions. “I adore Europe but love the energy of New York City,” she reveals.

Looking casual but chic wearing a jean jacket, short skirt and boots she strongly emphasized how European woman sense of fashion is very different than American women. “Parisian woman will wear a pair of jeans and they will accessorize their look differently then American woman tying a scarf around the neck in just a certain way to make their look different and unique. They are chic and have attitude. American woman’s lives are too hectic and their interests are different,” expresses Kati. Fashion intellects and experts agree and describe her designs as strongly European influenced and have a couture appeal.

Her dramatic designs also present the romantic elegance of old-world Hollywood glamour which is achieved by using sensuous fabrics like silk, chiffon, leather and fur – amazing furs, lots of fabulous fur! One I just had to drape around my tan shoulders, a feather light green fox stole/jacket with Swarovski crystals buttoned cuffs. Her furs are feather light with funky bold dramatic designs Just gorgeous darlings! Her glamorous collections boast ultra feminine silhouettes, floral prints, polka dots and minis mixed with soft suedes. There were elements of the rebellious jazz baby flapper of the 1920s and the Jean Harlow silver screen goddess of the 1930’s. The floral prints were soft, colorful wispy and move like liquid. The flowing polka dotted dresses were stunning. When asked, “What is the inspiration for the new collection?” “Monte Carlo, Movie Star Marlene Dietrich,” expresses Kati.

Who wears Kati Stern/Venexiana?

Soap Opera Star Gina Tognoni who recently was voted one of the best dressed women at the June 15th Daytime Emmy Awards. “Gina came in with her stylist and wanted to wear one of my designs for the Emmy Awards Ceremony, she decided on the color copper which is unusual but suits her skin tone perfectly,” revealed Kati.

For more information please visit http://www.venexiana.us

I adore Kati Stern/Venexiana because she makes you feel like a glamorous movie star on the red carpet!

(Long Island, NY) I recently had the pleasure of interviewing beautiful Princess Yasmin Aga Khan daughter of glamorous movie star Rita Hayworth at The Concours d’Elegance. The car show and auction took place on the fields of the Hayground school, situated on Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton.

The Princess and I had a chance to chat in front of her 1995 9ll Carrera before the awards ceremony. She spoke about her passion for cars and about the special bond she had with her famous movie star mom growing up.

Cognac: Darling, this is a wonderful day and we are doing the interview right in front of your fabulous Porsche.

Princess: This is a 1995 911 Carrera Porsche and Its my baby, I adore it. It has 30 million miles on it and I am hanging on to it tight. It’s all shiny and polished.

Cognac: Does it purr?

Princess: Yes, it purrs, actually it growls, a really deep throat growl.

Cognac: Wow! it growls, tell us about your passion for cars.

Princess: I always had a passion for cars. I think I got that from my father Prince Aga Khan and my mother Rita Hayworth because they both loved cars. As a little girl my father would drive me around in his cars and my mom loved to drive so I think that is why I developed a passion for cars.

Cognac: What was your father’s favorite car?

Princess: I don’t know because he died when I was a little girl but I do know that he bought my mother the Cadillac Gia which was designed by the Italian house of Gia and they only designed two for The Paris Show 1953. He bought one of the cars for my mother and I know she adored that car. He gave it to her as a gift.

Cognac: Was that your mother’s favorite car?

Princess: I think that was my mother’s favorite car definitely.

Cognac: Your mother was photographed in so many beautiful cars.

Princess: She was. She adored cars and adored that special Cadillac. They called it the Rita Hayworth Cadillac Gia

Cognac: The Rita Hayworth Cadillac Gia, How glamorous!

Princess: Yes it is glamorous at the moment it is in the Peterson Museum in California and it will be here at the Concours d’Elegance next year.

Cognac: How long have you been involved in the Concours d’Elegance?

Princess: I just became involved this year but I have been involved in Alzheimer’s since 1981.

Cognac: I know, I am very good friends of Editor and Chief Joyce Brooks from Black Tie International Magazine. I am also a writer for the magazine and Joyce featured your mother on the cover of the magazine as well as doing an interview with you.

Princess: Beautiful, beautiful magazine, beautiful article, beautiful cover, such a glamorous magazine.

Cognac: Joyce is such a fan of you and your beautiful mother, and so am I.

Princess: My mom was a wonderful dear, sweet, sweet loving mother, she was very shy, she loved to giggle, she loved to golf, play tennis swim but she also adored expressing herself through camera. She was always punctual on the set and very professional. She took her career very seriously and she loved dancing with Fred Astaire. She loved music dancing and singing. At home she would play the canastas. She was of course half Spanish and half Irish.

Cognac: She also danced with movie star Gene Kelly in the movie “Cover Girl” isn’t that true?

Princess: Absolutely yes that is true. When she first got Alzheimer’s Disease I did not know what it was and the doctor didn’t know. It took a long time for her to be diagnosed. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1981 when the Alzheimer’s Association came to me. My mother had early onset Alzheimer’s. She was only 51 when she was diagnosed with the illness. I was able to be by her side as her caregiver. What happens is your brain stops transmitting messages. There is a slow breakdown of your body functions. Your memory tells your brain to put your spoon to your mouth, its a very slow and difficult process and then there is confusion, disorientation even anger because you are frightened,

Cognac: I am sure there were times she didn’t even know who you were.

Princess: Absolutely. I remember I was at a hotel in New York City and arranging for her to be moved to an apartment next to mine and we were both looking in the mirror and she said “Who are you?”

Cognac: That must have broke your heart.

Princess: That was the most difficult time truly!

The Princess revealed in 1981 The Alzheimer Association came to her for support to bring awareness to people about this dreaded illness. The Alzheimer’s Association has raised millions of dollars to advance research worldwide and to develop better treatment, diagnosis and finally cure Alzheimer. An estimated 26 million people are stricken with the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association provides support and guidance to unfortunate families and loving caregivers to patients through chapters across the nation. Hopefully with continuing efforts and continuing spirit of caring and determination one day we will live in a world without Alzheimer. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan will always be known as philanthropist for raising public awareness in Alzheimer’s disease.

She is the only surviving child of Rita Hayworth, the American glamorous movie star, and her third husband, Prince Ali Khan, a vice president of the United Nations General Assembly representing Pakistan, for which he served as U.N. ambassador.

Stunning statuesque glamorous movie star Rita Hayworth not only possessed outer beauty she also possessed strength of character as well. Rita was born Margarita Carmen Cansino in Brooklyn 1918. Her mother was a beautiful Irish Ziegfeld showgirl and her father was a handsome Spanish dancer. Rita later joined her father’s famous dance act and Hollywood discovered her. She was put under contract by Fox Studios. She was cast in such movie classics as “Dante’s Inferno,” and “Under the Pampas Moon,” but she is best known for her seductive role as “Gilda” which made her world famous as the sexy redhead who captured fans worldwide.

Prince Aly Khan proposed marriage to Rita in 1949 and produced Princess Yasmin. The Princess shared “My mother had a totally different persona, she was very athletic.loved to swim, play golf and tennis.” Rita had many challenges in her life unfortunately she did not survive her battle with Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the efforts of Princess Yasmin and the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth’s legacy lives on.

For more information please visit www.alz.org.

(Long Island, NY) Manhattanites and Hamptonites attended my birthday bash and cocktail soiree to celebrate the launch of Cognac’s Corner Magazine at www.cognacscorner.tv. This is the latest in my enthusiastic endeavors reporting straight from the red carpet on hot celebrity gossip, entertainment news and the hippest trends in fashion.

This event was hosted by Christine Hill and Douglas Oakland owners of this charming seaside Oaklands Restaurant (www.oaklandsrestaurant.com) in Hampton Bays on June 8, 2007. The restaurant is situated at the very end of Dune Road on the western side of the Shinnecock Canal, and has a splendid position of having water on three sides of its structure. The restaurant also utilizes a full marina with 46 boat slips.

Oakland’s was promptly purchased in 1990 by Joyce Oakland. Her beautiful daughter Christine Hill and gracious son Doug Oakland are now in control of running this elegant establishment. Christine’s creative artistic husband John Hill who is the chef de cuisine learned early on that delicious food is high priority coming from an Irish and Italian family. During our extensive interview he stressed that the tuna is the signature dish of the restaurant but he also recommends the swordfish and the lobsters are always received well by patrons who delight in eating a sumptuous meal. Everything is made from scratch, the best ingredients and only fresh seafood for his customers. Mr. Hill has 15 wonderful years of experience, working in New England restaurants and truly enjoys perfecting his craft of creating delicious cuisine.

“We’re definitely a seafood restaurant, but in case people do not eat fish, we have plenty of other choices,” revealed Christine Hill during our interview in front of the massive brick fireplace in the cozy bar lounge. Upon entering this fabulous dining establishment you are impressed with panoramic views of the shinnecock inlet and its wonderful decor: a giant model fish hangs in the center of the dining room, surrounded by the jaws of other large fish and colorful regatta flags. Aside from these unique details, the interior of the restaurant is decorated in muted, paneled blond wood and simple white tablecloths allow the calming motion of water views to be prevalent.

My guests drank champagne and feasted on Mini Crab Cakes, Sliders, Clams Casino, Beef Rouladin, Salmon Bites, Braised Short Rib Crustinis, Crispy Duck Breast with a Southwestern Corn Sauce, Tempura Fried Shrimp with a Spicy Pineapple Sauce and Tuna Tartare, delicious!!

Truly a marvelous restaurant to enjoy a hot Hampton evening out on the town in Hampton Bays.

I also had a chance to interview explosive handsome Las Vegas Entertainer Rick Virga. Rick Virga has opened for such important acts as Earl Lewis, the Channels, The Deprees and Randy, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge and the Rainbows. He has been performing as an Elvis tribute artist for numerous years and has astounded audiences with smooth renditions of The King’s Classics. Rick revealed that he was inspired by watching Elvis Presley movies as a kid and would love to mimic his style. He actually became an entertainer on a dare to get up and start performing in front of a crowd of people at a night club. He decided to submit an audition CD to an agency in Las Vegas, Rick was immediately signed to perform at the Frontier Hotel on the Vegas strip. He headlined the Rock-n-Roll Idols Show in 2002 along with other tribute artists. Rick performed at the Elvis-A-Rama Museum in “The King in Concert” and the “All Shook Up” stage shows.

Mr Virga has been featured on the E! Channel’s Elvis Special and has also been featured on the Travel and Golf Channels. Rick has decided to come back to his roots here in New York and reunite with his former bandmates All The Kings Men and to bring his Vegas quality show to the East coast. Rick’s web site www.RickVirga.com has been a great source for Elvis enthusiasts the world over. If you are a big fan of Elvis Presley then you must make it a point to see the incredible Rick Virga. Enjoy the next best thing to a live Elvis show!

Important celebrities and personalities that attended my birthday bash and cocktail soiree were Celebrity Event Photographer Shane Gritzinger, Count Vlad from Vladicouture, Publicist Ron Caparella, Photographer Lorenzo Brieba, Fashion Designer Patricia Parenti, Financier Owain Morgan, Actor Joe Manuella and Paris lookalike Paris Felinni.

(Long Island, NY) Hot Hamptons Happenings began this weekend as glamorous Manhattanites journey on their exodus to the hot Hamptons in search of fun in the sun, shopping in expensive upscale boutiques, fabulous parties and celebrities. Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of fabulous social events in the Hamptons until Labor Day. CEO and publisher Jason Binn of glossy Hamptons Magazine had its 7th annual kickoff Barbecue at his palatial home in South Hampton. The magazine boast their impressive demographics of upscale readers are young urban professionals age 33, have a home worth $2.6 million, spend a small fortune on apparel approximately $25,000 annually, drive Bentleys, Aston Martins, Ferraris, Hummers, Jaguars and Maseratis.

This years Hot Hamptons Barbecue was hosted by gorgeous supermodel Christie Brinkley who is also the latest cover girl of this month’s issue.

Christie states in the magazine that her three kids are the most important part of her life – Alexa Ray Joel, 21, Jack, 11 and Sailor 8. “One of the most wonderful things about being a parent is that you’re born with your interest and your visions, then you have people in your life that you love so much, and they bring you their own view of the world,” she revealed. Christie also states in the magazine that spirituality and practicing yoga have helped her coped through the journey of life. “I find that I hear my yoga instructor’s voice very often,” said Brinkley.who recent underwent back surgery as a result of a skiing accident,

For therapy and to relieve stress Ms Brinkley is painting, creating art, and taking photos.

One of the most beautiful faces to be photographed on the cover of a magazine, Christie Brinkley was born Christie Lee Hudson on February 4, 1954 in the upscale beachy town of movie stars and celebrities, Malibu California. Beautiful Brinkley personified the Malibu blonde California girl.

Her father was a television writer, who worked on shows such as The Virginian and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. At the young age of 18, Christie moved to Paris and enrolled in an art School. She began working as an illustrator after graduating and then fame struck. Christie was discovered by an American photographer on the fashionable streets of Paris. She was hesitant about leaving her creative job as an illustrator to become a high fashion model for the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency. After much consideration she decided on the career change.

Every high fashion models dreams of signing a cosmetic deal, such is the case with Christie when she signed a sweet deal with the cosmetic line Cover Girl in 1976. She also appeared on the cover of the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated. The editors were so happy with the result of sales due to her photo layout spread that they convinced her to do a repeat performance for two more consecutive years.

Ms. Brinkley beautiful image has appeared on over 500 magazine covers around the globe including Vogue, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone and Time establishing her as a bona fide star. Christie’s face on the cover of Life Magazine made it the top selling issue of all time. She has also been a spokesmodel for Chanel perfume and Prell Shampoo.

In 1985 she married Recording Artist Billy Joel which produced a daughter Alexa Ray. Christie appeared in a number of the singer’s music videos and was the inspiration for his major hit “Uptown Girl.” Unlike many high paying beautiful super models, Christie never aspired to become a movie star. Her focus has always been her family. She did however have a cameo appearance in blockbuster hit film “National Lampoon’s Vacation” in 1983 as Chevy Chase’s fantasy. As a result of appearing in the film she did some TV work as well. She divorced Billy Joel in 1994 and has been married three times and conceived two more children with last husband architect Peter Cook. She also supports many causes such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and nuclear disarmament.

Ms. Brinkley is one of the most beautiful famous faces that habitats the hot Hamptons.

Other celebrity Hamptonites that attended this years annual Barbecue Bash were celebrity event photographer Shane Gritzinger, Carson Kressley, News 12 Gina Glickman, Jason, Haley Binn, Penny Binn, Lauren Abbruzo, Porschia & Russell Simmons, Rocco G, Sara Sherby Jaime Murray, Dan Abrams and James and Kedakai Lipton.

Another fabulous Hamptons Happening this weekend was The Grand Opening of The WhiteHouse Nightclub With A Special Performance By Fergie from the Blackeyed Peas in Hamptons Bays. The Duchess is currently on her Verizon VIP Tour which is running across the country until July.

The 32 year old songtress admits that “this tour is fulfilling my lifelong dream right now. And I’m finally proving to myself that I can handle the stage, with this, I’m taking the lead, so it’s finding out what I can do.” The Duchess became an international star when she began singing with Black Eyed Peas four years ago with successful grammy winning hits like “Where is the Love,” and “My Humps.” Fergie recently released her own album last fall selling a whopping 1 million copies. Her favorites are “Glamorous” and her latest hit “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

Fergie Born Stacy Ferguson, reveals ” The tour is special because I’m doing a lot of personal songs, and it’s letting people in, letting people in to the softer side.”

Other celebrities that enjoyed her performance at the White House Launch were G Rod, Gigi Girls, Richard Kubick and Gina Glickman from News 12.

(Long Island, NY) A smorgasbord of A-list celebrities adorned the red carpet at the Jazz Lincoln Center 6th Annual Spring Gala. This years themed Spring Swing was gloriously held on Monday, May 14, 2007. The spectacular evening included a benefit concert in Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. The concert was followed by a wonderful gala dinner dance.

The exceptionally star studded glamorous Spring Gala highlighted some of the greatest talents in music today, performing in collaboration with the Wynton Marsalis Septet, included Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Buffett and Derek Trucks. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers all performed at the post concert dinner dance. Recording Artist Lenny Kravitz was also there to show his support and deliver some good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll to the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2007 Spring Gala this past Monday. One of the greatest entertainers of our time, Wynton Marsalis proved once again his outstanding talent as a top rated jazz performer.

Wynton Marsalis life story is a familiar one in the world of entertainment and the music industry. Marsalis was born and raised in the romantic jazz city of New Orleans as the son of a widely respected composer, musician and educator Ellis Maesalis. As a youth Wynton received training in marching bands, funk bands, jazz bands and orchestras with European repertoires. He received his first trumpet at age six but didn’t take playing an instrument seriously until he was given his first classical studies at twelve years old. He played in the New Orleans Civic Orchestra throughout high school, was accepted into the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood at seventeen, and attended Julliard one year later.

At the 1986 ceremonies, Wynton became the youngest musician in Grammy history to win the “Best Soloist” Jazz award over three consecutive years, as Black Codes (From the Underground), his fourth Columbia LP, captured both “Soloist” and “Group” categories.

Numerous other awards and achievements have followed him over the next decade (and numerous Grammy nominations), as Wynton became the figurehead of the “Young Lions” movement that continues to dominate the Traditional Jazz charts today. Among the musicians whose names are associated with the doors opened by Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo, and Ellis Marsalis can be broadly counted Joshua Bell, Terence Blanchard, James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Coleman, Kevin Eubanks, Roy Hargrove, the Harper Brothers, Donald Harrison, Antonio Hart, Kent Jordan, Marlon Jordan, Greg Osby, Nicholas Payton, Marcus Roberts, Michael White, and others.

Throughout his musical career Marsalis has had to investigate his New Orleans roots, the music of Duke Ellington, of Coleman Hawkins, of Count Basie and Lester Young, of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, of Thelonious Monk, of Miles Davis, of Ornette Coleman, of John Coltrane and many, many others… in order to be a master of many different jazz languages.

The proceeds of the evening will benefit Jazz at Lincoln Center, the not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz through performance and education of the highest standard – producing nearly 1,000 education and performance events each year.

Led by Gala Chairman Ashley R. Schiff, this year’s lead corporate co-chairs are John W. Konkel of Cadillac, Derek Q. Johnson of Time Warner Inc. and Tony Ponturo of Anheuser-Busch.

Past spring gala concerts have featured performances by the Wynton Marsalis Septet in collaboration with: Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Robert Downey Jr., Bob Dylan, Savion Glover, Al Jarreau, Tom Jones, Wynonna Judd, B.B. King, John Legend, Lyle Lovett, Branford Marsalis, John Mayer, Audra McDonald, Natalie Merchant, James Moody, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Vanessa Williams and Stevie Wonder. Past hosts have included Cedric The Entertainer, Don Cheadle, Laurence Fishburne and Whoopi Goldberg.

This years celebrity arrivals included Glen Close, Jimmy Buffett, Gayle King, Chevy Chase, Barbara Cook, Spike Lee and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

(Long Island, NY) When celebrities, fashion designers and fashionistas gather together, conversation invariably turns to French Champagne, dining, good wine cooking and restaurants. Dressed in a gown designed by fashion designer Count Vlad of Vladicouture I began my evening with my two companions my stylist, Count Vlad and publicist Ron Caparella. Our first stop was the elegant La Baraka Restaurant.

Abundance of food is a maximum of significance at La Baraka Restaurant in Little Neck, Long Island. French Provincial food that demands vigilant prepping and the lightest delicate touch. My elegant evening began at La Baraka Restaurant when my guest and I arrived at the dinner hour of 6:00 P.M. We were greeted warmly at the door by the proprietors Jean Luc and Madame Lucette. The petite cozy dining room is full of stucco and dark wood, copper pots, painted plates, an old yoke to continue the provincial theme.

At the restaurant their are oodles and oodles of charm, romance and French ambiance. Bring a ravenous appetite you will most definitely need it. You will relive your moments in Paris as you fall in love all over again.

During my interview with Madame Lucette she explained her passion for French food and why she and her husband decided to open this charming French Provincial Bistro. “There really was no French restaurant of its kind and the people in the neighborhood truly embraced us,” she so eloquently expressed. I inquired, “what are your wishes for the restaurant in the 21st Century.” “I would like to see more young people enjoying dinner at La Baraka,” expressed Lucette.

Executive Chef Jean Luc added in our intimate interview that the restaurant is also famous for its Couscous, the grainy semolina that’s a staple exotic dish in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Our meal began with a triangle of meat-filled pastry, cumin-spiced chickpeas, escargots that were plump and very good, dressed to ensure you’ll turn your bread into a sponge. We also enjoyed the tres rich goose liver mousse pate du jour.

The quiche Lorraine, which instantly transports you to another decade was especially good. The spinach quiche does also the same, just perfect to wet your appetite. For dinner my guest and I enjoyed sampling a fine l’orange roast duck with sauces of peach and raspberry, the filet mignon au poivre tasting very tender and the lush sauce has just the right amount of tang and lastly for dessert Jean Luc and Madame Lucette finished our dining experience with profiteroles, pastry puffs here filled with ice cream and capped with chocolate sauce; a wobbly creme caramel; the poached pear with ice cream and chocolate sauce; fruit tarts, cheesecake and President DeGaulle would have approved of the respectable chocolate cake.

Not only was the dining experience magnifique, my celebrity guest, stunning Loreal Spokesmodel Janine Green and her Stylist Rick Ramsey complimented a fabulous evening in New York City. Ms. Green has had a long and successful career in modeling which has taken her to the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan and New York. She has been a Loreal model for 10 fabulous years. Ms. Green has also has had many acting accomplishments under her belt.

I most enjoyed her performance in Director Charles Randolph-Wright’s film “Preaching To The Choir” a righteous tale of sibling rivalry and divine intervention. Ms Green portrays as an attractive churchgoer Kia — a no-nonsense woman of God who holds Harlem’s rich history near and dear to her heart. The film tells the story of a pair of estranged twins driven apart by the death of their parents find reconciliation and redemption after following radically different paths in life.

My entourage and I decided to top our fabulous evening off by wishing Happy Birthday to our favorite resident fashion dandy Fashionista Patrick McDonald at Kino 41. Suzanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny hosted the Birthday bash with a performance by worldwide famous burlesque sensation Dirty Martini.

To learn more about La Baraka please visit www.labarakarest.com and for more information about Spokesmodel Ms. Janine Green, please visit www.janinegreen.com.

(Long Island, NY) A potpourri of celebrities, artists, poets, independent filmmakers writers and significant emerging talent all gathered to attend the 10th Annual Timmy awards hosted by the Original “Cowboy” from the Village People Mr. Randy Jones and Howard Thompson from CW 11 News at Ten. Since the shows inception in 1995, CW11’s “Help Me Howard” segment has helped hundreds of television viewers who have benefited from Howard’s assistance. Each week Howard is contacted by disgruntled viewers who feel they have suffered some kind of injustice. Howard has exposed countless con artists and resolved major conflicts between individuals. More important Mr. Thompson has recently acquired a prestigious Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for best Business/Consumer program.

Important highlights of the Awards Ceremony included Famous Celebrity Photographer Stephanie Parker who won for Most Valuable Supporter. Socialite Stephanie Parker has earned her award for her contributions to Talent In Motion Magazine and by the significant images she has collected in her enormous database of celebrities, political figures, fashion and art.

Best Singer Award was presented to the incomparable Grace Garland whose smooth sensuous satin voice caresses us darlings with a provocative sexy soulful kiss. Listening to Ms. Garland’s sultry voice is an intimate experience allowing all of us to reflect on moments of feeling empowered and just plain good about ourselves. Her music should be shared by friends enjoying a night out on the town having cocktails and martinis. Ms. Garland is best known for her stunning solo performances but she has also shared the spotlight with Grammy Award Winning Songwriter Julie Gold, Jazz Flutist Bobbi Humphrey and the late Phyllis Hyman. When she is not performing her sexy ballads Grace’s voice can be heard on countless TV and radio spots, most notably with actor James Earl Jones and the legendary blues guitarist B. B. King.

Although Grace has accomplished much in her recording artist career she is most dedicated to being a volunteer entertainer for Lifebeat Hearts & Voices, where she performs for patients living with AIDS. The ability to make someone smile and forget their problems, if even for a minute, is what Grace says it is all about.

Famous fashion designer Alfredo Versaci And Ballet Dancer Lenora Volpe presented the award to Best Designer Hillary Flowers. Ms. Flowers signature collection is famous for its unique one of a kind creative designs with the emphasis on individualism. Her divine fashions can be found in New York City, Los Angeles and South Hampton’s trendy boutiques.

The prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Soprano Star Vincent Vella for his outstanding accomplishments acting in such films as “Analyze That” and Martin Scorcese’s “Casino” with Robert DiNiro and Joe Pesci.

Mr. Vella a successful businessman and entrepreneur founded Star Truckers, a company providing transportation to movie stars and celebrities including Madonna, Mariah Carey, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. Star Truckers contracted a deal with NBC, ABC, HBO, and MTV providing vehicles for makeup, print work, feature films and TV shows. Because of his exposure to show business Mr. Vella learned the ins and outs of the entertainmnt industry and was hired as an extra.

Best known for his tough guy image and gangster persona, Mr. Vella was born and raised in Little Italy. His big break came when a casting call came to his attention regarding a film called CASINO. Not knowing much about it, he pursued casting directors trying to get in for an audition. He was unsuccessful until he approached Martin Scorsese’s office directly. Not only was he given and interview but landed a principle role as Artie Piscano. A call from Martin Scorsese’s office also resulted in a print job with GEORGE Magazine owned by John F. Kennedy Jr. presenting him an opportunity to share a spread with Robert DiNiro promoting the movie CASINO. Since this incredible opportunity Mr. Vella has gone on to be featured in many films to date including the Hit TV Series “Sopranos” created by David Chase.

Dressed in a black silk creation embellished in tiny rosettes designed by Count Vlad of Vladicouture my most memorable favorite moment of this incredible evening was when I was honored to present the Superstar Award to Recording Artist from “The Village People” Sexy Cowboy Randy Jones. This man never ceases to amaze me. His career has been up and down and he has truly ridden the roller coaster of showbiz. Not only has he accomplished stardom in music he also has film credits in Three Long Years, Beyond the Facade, A Tale about Bootlegging and Lawn of the Dead. On the stage he has worked with Cathy Rigby in “Meet Me in St. Louis” “Carousel” with Ed Ames and “Funny Girl” with Carol Lawrence. At the moment he is working on his latest project his new CD “Ticket to the World”. He truly deserves the Superstar Award.

The list of winner for the 10Th Annual Timmy Awards include COVER MODEL: SILVI, COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: GUY POWERS, DESIGNER: HILLARY FLOWERS, ACTOR: LANA ANTONOVA,COMEDIAN: KARITH FOSTER,WRITERS: JOHN RYDER AND NICK MWALUKO,POET: MANO DELLO,SINGER: GRACE GARLAND, BAND: SHIMMERPLANET,ARTIST: NICOLAS BERGERY,LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: VINNY VELLA, GOOD SAMARITAN: HOWARD THOMPSON,SUPERSTAR: RANDY JONES. MOST MYRIAD & MASTERFUL: MIKE EVANSMOST VALUABLE SUPPORTER: STEPHANIE PARKER.

Congratulations to all the winners for this year’s Timmy Awards and I congratulate Editor in Chief Brooks for her outstanding efforts in creating Talent In Motion Magazine endeavors towards promoting emerging talent.

The event was sponsored by Pit Bull Energy Drink, The Body Perfect, Moore Unique Skin Care, Me Too Shoes, Tan in the Shade, Virgin Mobile, Supreme Caterers and DIVA Limousines.

Performances by Shimmerplanet, The Metropolitan Repertory Ballet, Erin Jividen, Danny Nova, The Kin, and a Fashion Show by Gianni Lauren.

(Long Island, NY) The controversial comic and TV host for “The View” will be leaving the show in June. Apparently Ms. O’Donnell could not agree on a mutual contract with ABC. Apparently ABC wanted her to stay for three additional years and she was only willing to stay for an additional year. Rosie declined, but she did mention that she has agreed to appear occasionally next season for a one-hour ABC special on Autism. Ms. O’Donnell is quoted as saying “It just didn’t work,” she said, “and that’s show biz. But it’s not sad because I loved it here and I love you guys and I’m not going away.”

Rosie O’Donnell helped the daytime talk show out by raising ratings which was much needed after Star Jones Reynolds. Unfortunately, it seems she has just caused too much controversy including a nasty spat with The Donald that put show creator Barbara Walters in the middle. Barbara is also quoted as saying “We have had, to say the least, an interesting year.” Barbara Walters dismisses the fact of having anything to do with ABC’s decision and Rosie expressing “This is not my doing or my choice.” but she has had to damage control after Rosie’s comments, or more specifically, Monday’s Event at The Annual New York Women in Communication Awards Luncheon where Rosie bashed Rupert Murdoch and used fowl language. Barbara also expressed to the media “I would like to point out that Rosie’s view is not always mine,” Walters said. “I would like to say for the record that I am very fond of Rupert Murdoch.”

The Donald has expressed his comments to Fox News and states that ABC fired O’Donnel for remarks made at the Women in Communications luncheon “Barbara’s the happiest person in the world that Rosie’s been fired,” Trump said.

Cindi Berger, spokeswoman for both O’Donnell and Walters, denied Trump’s claim, wondering how he would know what had happened in contract negotiations between ABC and O’Donnell. Spokeswoman for Walter and O’Donnel state “She wasn’t going to commit to anything for three years and they would not commit to her for one more.”

Rosie has also had many disputes with her co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck for her conservative views which have gotten enormous publicity. Rosie recently even criticized “American Idol” by saying “Isn’t that what America thinks of entertainment? To make fun of someone’s physical appearance. And when they leave the room, laugh hysterically at them. Three millionaires, one probably intoxicated.” She even got into a tiff with Kelly Ripa from “Live with Regis and Kelly” for making a homo-phobic remark when she commented “radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America” and has been critical of President Bush.

In what could be the most criticism of all, Rosie O’Donnell has consistently been pressing on with her calls for continued investigations of the events surrounding September 11th 2001.

According to videos posted on YouTube (top right), while on the show Rosie O’Donnell made comments that renewed controversy over the collapse of World Trade Center 7. While saying she didn’t know what to believe about the U.S. government’s involvement in the attacks of Sept. 11, she said, “I do believe that it’s the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe that it defies physics that World Trade Center tower 7—building 7, which collapsed in on itself—it is impossible for a building to fall the way it fell without explosives being involved. World Trade Center 7. World Trade Center 1 and 2 got hit by planes — 7, miraculously, the first time in history, steel was melted by fire. It is physically impossible.”

She continued: “To say that we don’t know that it imploded, that it was an implosion and a demolition, is beyond ignorant. Look at the films, get a physics expert here [on the show] from Yale, from Harvard, pick the school—[the collapse] defies reason.”, directly contradicting the official line that the structure fell as a result of fire and debris damage.

Some speculate that this stunt along with her continued efforts into “digging” for more information on 9/11 and her conspiracy theories both on the show and on her blog have something to do with her departing the show. Her remarks only add fuel to the fire of other very public and criticized opinions of what happened to WTC Building 7 made by presidential candidate John Kerry and Hollywood sitcom star Charlie Sheen among others.

The View is a multi- Emmy Award nominated daytime television talk show on ABC created by Barbara Walters, Bill Geddie, and Jessica Guff. The show features a panel of women as co-hosts, including Rosie O’Donnell, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Barbara Walters. The show premiered on August 11, 1997.

Rosie was great for the View and her controversy added to the show’s ratings. It has been recorded that in September 2006 a total of 3.1 million viewers watched for the month. In February sweeps were up to 15 percent over lasts years demographics.

(Long Island, NY) A glamorous bunch of celebrities attended the launch of Sundance Green to celebrate the new block of green programming that will begin airing on the Sundance Channel April 17, 2007.

Unfortunately Robert Redford wasn’t there to show his support but did engage his daughter, Amy Redford to attend. (he was en route to D.C. where today he will complete the filming of his political thriller Lions for Lambs, starring himself, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise). There were other fabulous celebrities that did make their presence known such as actress Isabella Rosellini, model and actress Shalom Harlow, Queer Eye fashionista Carson Kressley, and pop darling Rufus Wainwright. “God bless Robert Redford and the filmmakers!” expressed Super Model Shalom Harlow after the screening of A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash at the launch of the Sundance Channel’s new programming “The Green” on this past Thursday night.

Ms. Harlow has just finished making a mini-documentary for her blog of Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann recycling plastic water bottles, and she is also endeavoring to manufacturer an organic clothing line, which she expects to debut in nine months to do her part for the environment. At the moment Ms. Harlow is wearing recycled vintage.

The celebrities guest feasted on organic canapés and consumed organic wines and green-tea martinis.

The venue was stocked with environment friendly ottomans and sofas reupholstered in white organic fabric strategically placed on a tan seagrass carpet, wooden spools also functioned as tables and driftwood pieces took the place for bases for glass tabletops. . “Antique-store shopping and thrift-store shopping is my way of being green.” Rodgers said. Gravy boats, silver pitchers, smaller decorative stands that were used as accessories were all purchased from thrift boutiques. THE GREEN includes a 13-part series “Big Ideas for a Small Planet”. The series which will enable viewers with environmental friendly solutions and innovations, as well as a programming featuring individuals greening their businesses and their lives. Entertainment for the night’s gala was provided by Lifehouse, Grammy winner Macy Gray, performing short sets. Although celebrities partied the night away gazing the green, the event was really about producing an eco-friendly launch.

The Sundance Channel has also launched The GREEN minisite. Designed to embellish the television programming. The site promises to focus on our planet’s ecology and concepts of green living that balance our needs as humans with responsible use and care of the planet. Designed for entertainment and education both television and minisite programming will emphasize information, practical advice and community building, and it looks like it’s going to be great. For more information please visit: http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen

The two new hosts of the Sundance Green programming Simran Sethi and Majora Carter roamed through the celebrity crowd of guest fetching a decidedly varied different kind of favorable voice of green.

The new block of green programming is all set to start airing on the Sundance Channel this coming Tuesday.