GOTHAM GOSSIP |
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Written by: P: 212-332-9991 718-885-6576 A chatty, informative column of New York events featuring places, people and personalities and celebrities. demetriadaniels@gmail.com
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Saturday, November 25, 2006
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE - An interesting theater is at 59 E. 59 Street, become a member and pay only $25 per ticked. I saw the Romanian ensemble of plays - its great to get a different viewpoint on life- am going to see a musical called "The Guttenberg Bible there and plays by WOODY ALLEN - and they have a New Years eve party there - a great buy. The ice skating rinks are open even though it is 60 degrees outside. I took a seminar at the Landmark Education on W 33 st. Three of my friends reccommended it and it is worth the money to deal with the past so you can create possibilities for the future. Friday, October 27, 2006
Parties everywhere - but the exclusive happened at Trump Tower. "The Donald' held a party in the honor of the new "Trump Vodka". Served in a beautiful golden bottle, 2,000 people crowded into all 4 stories of that palatial building tasting and testing the new label. Topping all parties, we were given glittery golden writstbands that admitted you to certain floors of the atrium . Up on the third floor were the chocolate martinis - the best...and then there were the crabcakes,spring rolls, mushrooms and potatoe puffs. Then there was the welcome from "The Donald" and his beuatiful wife Melania. Five girls danced the can can can and some rappers took the stage and made house music which made us feel we were in a disco and some were dancing. I managed to shake hands with Mr. Trump and say hello again. He definitely knows how to entertain his friends and sponsors, which includes Blue Star Jets. Not far away was the TAKASHIMAYA store party at 54 and Fifth featuring Kenzo designs in a lovely fashion show with champagne,canapes and thousands of orchids everywhere ...and the goodie bags. At Fredericks, on E 58 St, there are the regular champagne parties hosted by the breathtaking beautiful Anne St. James. She also hosts Monday networking parties at Kemia, on 9 ave. Thursday, September 28, 2006
On October 6, run to the Jacob Javits Center for an extraordinary event - THE POWER WITHIN. Six major communicators will speak on different topics: President William Clinton will speak on leadership; Lance Armstrong will speak on motivation, Michael Eisner will speak on management, Mark Burett will speak on success strategy, Peter Gruber and Jonathan Tish will finish the seminars - from 8:30-5:30.Look on the internet for the website - and be there. It was great. Jonathan Tish, CEO of Lowes Hotels, and author of "THE POWER OF WE" showed a documentary of how he adapted doing all the jobs in one of his hotels-we saw him almost fliping an omelette and doing the beds. His philosophy - "find the joy in whatever you do". Peter Gruber, CEO of Mandalay Entertainment said "you must declare your intention, with passion- and be humble." Michael Eisner who was with Disney for 20 years and is proud of his labelling for the shampoo at the Disney hotels said "failure is not a death sentence" and he spoke about creativity within and without the box. Lance Armstong gave hope to all. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON dealt with 4 questions: 1, What is the fundamental nature of the 21st century?- globalization, interdependence: 2, How would you like to change this world?- reponsibility, belonging to the community: 3, Climate Change - world problem: 4, Home Improvement - energy, deficit, jobs: This was amazine 5, Internet solutions, joint efforts Bush/Clinton Katrina Funds. Tuesday, September 12, 2006
It has been five years since I started this column. I had decided to write about New York right after 9/ll and because of 9/11, to show the essence and heartbeat of Gotham, where I was born and raised. I have covered all the aspects of what makes New York so vibrant, its arts, literature, its culture, its social functions and nightlife because I am a part of the whole and I vibrate along with the energy and the non-stop creativity that exudes from the island. I feel the pulse and beat with it. Last night I was at the New York Public Library for a program to honor the book of photographs of 9/11, AFTERMATH, by Joel Meyerowitz. Paul Holdengraber, the organizer of the Library's series called "Live from the NYPL", spoke about "making silences speak". Mayor Bloomberg's message was that it was "the worst day in our city". The images and stories in the book took 9 months of shooting and being at "Ground Zero" and covers 8,000 images. Encouraged by the Museum of the City of NY, and published by Phaidon, it is an archive of the twin towers, so needed for our sorrow, our pain, a requiem for the city and its citizens. The following is my original poem about 9/11. A CHESTNUT TREE by Demetria Daniels I WENT TO PICK THE CHESTNUTS FROM THE TREE ON THIS DAY OF MOURNING THEY HAD FALLEN IN THEIR SPINEY SHELL AND I FOUND THREE ON THE WET GROUND IN PROSPECT PARK SOMEHOW THEY MADE ME FEEL BETTER FOR I HAVE FELT SO BAD, SO SAD FOR MY COUNTRY FOR I HAD STOOD ON THE ROOF AND WATCHED TWO TOWERS DISAPPEAR THREE DAYS LATER, I AM WITH TEARS AND I FELT LIKE A FOOL, DUMBED AND NUMB UNABLE TO SPEAK TO THIS FREAK PICTURE IN THE SKY ISLAM HAD CRUSHED NEW YORK TO CRIPPLE DEMOCRACY, IN THEIR HYPOCRISY AND I SAW ALLAH, RIDING A BLACK HORSE, SWINGING A SWORD, AND CARRYING THE KORAN I WATCHED THE BURNING, I WATCHED THE SMOKE THINKING TO MYSELF, IS THIS A JOKE? BUT NO JOKE IT WAS, A VIRTUAL REALITY THE ACRID SMELL FLOATED IN THE AIR TO BROOKLYN AND BEYOND, LIKE A PYRE, I COULD SEE THE FIRE LIGHTING THE BLUE CLOUDLESS SKY AND THEN JUST SMOKE, STILL NO JOKE AND I WONDERED, WAS THAT THE WORD OF OUR GOD, OR SOME MONSTER BY THIS BARBARIC MOB HAS OIL SO WON, SHALL WE TURN TO BUTTER, OR THE OLIVES FROM THE TREES SO AS I PICK UP CHESTNUTS, FALLEN IN THEIR SPINY SHELL AS ALL THE DEMONS, ARE TURNED LOOSE FROM HELL I CRY FOR ALL THOSE LIVES LOST AND ALL THOSE SOULS NO MORE DREAMS, NO MORE GOALS ASHES TO ASHES, DUST TO DUST, WHERE IS OUR DEFENSE SYSTEM, GONE TO RUST? THIS IS A PLAN, OF WELL FIVE YEARS, HURTING US, BRINGING US TO TEARS, AND BEFORE THEY CRASHED, AND BEFORE THEY DIED, THEY SCREAMED ALLAH, IN THEIR PRIDE. BUT OUR PRESIDENT HAS SPOKEN, BLINDED WITH TEARS, THAT WE WILL OVERCOME, WITHIN YEARS. EACH FLAME LIT, A VIGIL DONE, WE'LL WAGE WAR, AND MAKE THEM RUN, AND FROM THOSE ASHES, THE FLAG STILL FLIES, WORLD TRADE WILL GO ON AND THE PHOENIX WILL RISE AND I WILL GO BACK TO THE PARK TO FIND MORE CHESTNUTS, FALLEN FROM THE BARK SEPTEMBER 14, 2001 Friday, August 18, 2006
LIZA MINNELLI rocked Brooklyn last night at Marty Markowitz's Seaside Concert. She was fantastic. She joked with the audience about the 26 pounds she lost and sang such favorites as "Teach Me Tonight", and a song written for her by Charles Azanavour called "Sailor Boys". A song about Sara Lee cakes brought in alot of laughter. She danced, and joked and entertained with warmth and personality.She said the stage was her "home". Looking glamorous in a minidress and jacket of beige beads, she sang a song that her Father, Vincent Minnelli liked.And when the crowd asked her to sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", she responded that "its already been done", - by her famous Mother, Judy Garland. She introduced her band, and then, in a surprise, she invited to the stage the very famous actress, GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA, who said "Liza, you are great". After a costume change into a red beaded pants ensemble, she continued to sing and laugh. She said she was having lots of "fun". At one point, she moped all of her makeup off and took off her false eyelashes, which made the 4,000 people in the crowd laugh. Of course she sang the famous "New York, New York". But when it was all over and the band had left, in a surprise, she came back on stage, and she sang accapella a beautiful song, whithout any accompainment. - that showed her greatness. Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Be sure to catch the Channel Thirteen documentary of MARILYN MONROE on Wed, July 19 at 10pm. It has her actual voice talking about fame and shows the many portraits taken by photographers. The stills and the video, are truly amazing of this famous icon. The film is part of the American Masters series at the channel, and is produced by GAIL LEVIN. Also, at the Staley-Wise photo gallery at 560 Broadway is a current exhibition of MARILYN MONROE-some extraordinary photographs including Bert Stern, beach scenes, nude scenes etc Thursday, June 29, 2006
Run as fast as you can to the New York Botanical Garden to see CHIHULY, a visionarty glass maker and artist who has filled the garden with masterpieces. His works are fantasy sculptures, adapted from natural and organic forms and echoing the fantastic flowers and fauna at the garden. At some point it is hard to tell which is which. For instance, the "Blue Herons", look like blue flamingos from a distance, sitting in the lily pond pool, surrounded by "Wala Walas"-glass onions that float on the pond. The "Palm Dome Tower" , a tower, 30 feet high, is made up of hundreds of thin, curlicued glass jutting out, almost "alive" from its central core and armature, afloat on the pond. CHIHULY has created a new art/plant in a new "garden of Eden" --as though we arrived on another planet and are witnesses to an "alien" species He has taken the traditional formula of sand, soda, lime, and ash, stemming from EGyptian glass, and has created an explosion of shape and color,yellow,blue and some with slivery and gold and copper refractions. CHIHULY combines the "high" art of Venetian glass with influences of Tiffany, Picasso and Andy Warhol. He is international and creates beauty throughout the entire world, a true visionary who exemplifies a respect and partnership of glass and nature, intertwined with whimsical, joyful, and surreal immagination. Bring your children, and your whole family. It is the best art show in New York. Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The Brooklyn Film Festival had a great one week of film showings. One of my favorites, and winner of the feature film category was "The OH In Ohio", director Billy Kent from Brooklyn - Producer Amy Salko Robertson, with a fabulous cameo guest appearance from LIZA MINNELLI. It is a comedy - so run and see it. Another favorite of mine was "FACTORUM"", based on the life of Charles Bukowski. Festival Director, MARCO URSINO, presented an award of excellence to DOUGLAS STEINER, of the Brooklyn Steiner Studios, where so many future movies will be made. Thursday, June 01, 2006
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting held a Harold Clurman Festival of the Arts, which gave a cubistic view of the great man. "Let it Be Art", a one-act play written by and staring Ronald Rand started the festival giving a wonderful portrayal of the writer/director, looking at him from all sides. Poetry, plays, concerts, singing and a symposium bled into a 4-day festival. At the Symposium, EDWARD ALBEE, the famed playwright, received the Harold Clurman Lifetime Achievement Award. And the "spirit" award went to Steven Scheuer. Sitting on the panel, ROY SCHEIDER said that Clurman was a "zen master" and had a "kabalistic" approach; JOHN GUARE said "he was one of us" - he encouraged playwrights to write plays for his theater. MAYOR BLOOMBERG wrote "the Stella Adler Studio is perhaps most widely recognized for its alumni which includes legends such as MARLON BRANDO, ROBERT DENIRO,and Elaine Stritch. The school's mission statement is "to create an enviroment with the purpose of nurturing theatre artists who value humanity, their own and others, as their first and most precious priority while providing art and education to the greater community". ************************************************************************************* CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW LE CIRQUE - BILLY JOEL, WOODY ALLEN, and JOAN RIVERS as well as TONY BENNET all came by to say good luck to Sirio Maccioni,on his third location. At least 1,000 people were there. We all drank champagne and ate hors d'oeuvres together. It was a great party, a very happy one. I had a long chat with Mrs. Maccioni who told me her favorite dish was the pasta primavera. I can't wait to try it - the restaurant is open for business on E 58 St. Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
I have been covering two festivals at the same time and that's not easy. My favorites at the New York International Independent Film and Video are: as for the feature film - "The Ultimate Solution of Grace Quigley". A rare opportunity to see the unreleased "writers Cut" version of KATHERINE HEPBURN, NICK NOLTE, in a dark comedy about euthanasia of the older generation. Thi was selected as "one of Hepburn's very best films" by Roger Ebert. She is absolutely magnificent in it. The Documentary of my choice is : 'JESUS, THE EASTERN TRAVELLER: which brings together the journeys of Jesus Christ from the age of 13 to 32 in the Orient - Kashmir, Tibet. The historian Fida Hassnain accompanies viewers along a documented path through many towns and villages which talk about Jesus in their scrolls, some which are sealed, behind closed gates. Too much valuable data here to disregard the truth and the many books which have been written by historians about the subject. Monday, May 08, 2006
Amazing films at the NEW YORK INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL FILM and VIDEO FESTIVAL held at Village East Cinemas 2 ave and E. 12 St."The Angry Skies, a Cambodian Journey by Casey Earl, received a great deal of praise: PASS CHRISTIAN, BY DON MANN is on site durng the Katrina devastation..The film documents the enviroment and rebuilding . We saw all the poor black people this summer; this is about the rich mansion owners, the white well- to do people, who lost everything too. Another highlight - Getting My Child Back: Fighting Autism by Brian Biegel. WITH HOPE AND OPTIMISM NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE. There is more to come, all week long- I'm looking foward to Thursday, lots of Greeks from Cyprus - catch One in a Million by Director Panayiotis Fotiou. Tuesday, May 02, 2006
THEATER LOVERS---Be sure to catch this weekend the HAROLD CLURMAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS -at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, 31 West 27 Street. It starts on Friday, May 5 with a cocktail reception, a play, a symposium with ZOE CALDWELL, ROY SCHEIDER, ELAINE STRITCH; Saturday includes readings by Nobel Laureate Dedrek Waicott, jazz with DAVID AMRAM, and poetry readings; Sunday at 1 is a classical concert, at 2 is a play called 'Dorothy Parker Gets the Last Word. Then at 3 is a jazz concert, a panel discussion, dinner, cabaret. Concluding on Monday at 7 with a panel discussion with JOHN GUARE and EDWARD ALBEE, who will receive the first HAROLD CLURMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. For ticket information call Alchimia Public Relations at 212-689-4831, and tell them I sent you. ************************************************************************ And be sure to catch at the same time the NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL starting Thursday May 4 ---lunch, champagne, new premiere, films - call Renata at renatafilm@aol.com for info - and yes, tell her I sent you. Monday, May 01, 2006
If you are interested in Egypt, there is a new chapter of the AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT forming in New York. They just had a conference where Dieter Arnold of the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART spoke as well as Richard A.Frazzini and Madeleine E. Cody from the Brooklyn Museum of Art. It appears King Tut was kicked by a horse, and that is how he died or maybe it was a camel---and that's just gossip. For more information contact Billy Morin, President of the new NY Chapter and see what lectures are on the schedule. He can be reached at 914-963-7121 Monday, April 24, 2006
HAPPY EASTER AND PASSOVER AND GREEK EASTER TO EVERYONE. I dyed 7 dozen eggs red. I have been to the United Nations several times in a row recently. I attended a meeting of Sport for Development and Peace where Mr. Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland delivered a report to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the subject of the achievenments of sports worldwide. It is co-hosted by the Group of Friends of Sport for Developments, comprising the UN ambassadors. China will host the Olympics in 2008. Rick Ulfick of "We the People" presented an anniversary conference on the genocide of Rwuanda. "Left, to Tell", a book about the murder is a must to read. The Music Appreciation Club of the United Nations presented a Spring Concert of Sri Chimoy music and songs. It was sponsored by the Ambassador of Gambia. I was also there for the very sad opening of photos for the book "Crying Forever" by Struan Stevenson about the nuclear effects of East Kazakhstan The actress, KIMBERLY JOSEPH did all the photography. HAPPY EASTER AND PASSOVER AND GREEK EASTER TO EVERYONE. I dyed 7 dozen eggs red. I have been to the United Nations several times in a row recently. I attended a meeting of Sport for Development and Peace where Mr. Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland delivered a report to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the subject of the achievenments of sports worldwide. It is co-hosted by the Group of Friends of Sport for Developments, comprising the UN ambassadors. China will host the Olympics in 2008. Rick Ulfick of "We the People" presented an anniversary conference on the genocide of Rwuanda. "Left, to Tell", a book about the murder is a must to read. The Music Appreciation Club of the United Nations presented a Spring Concert of Sri Chimoy music and songs. It was sponsored by the Ambassador of Gambia. I was also there for the very sad opening of photos for the book "Crying Forever" by Struan Stevenson about the nuclear effects of East Kazakhstan The actress, KIMBERLY JOSEPH did all the photography. HAPPY EASTER AND PASSOVER AND GREEK EASTER TO EVERYONE. I dyed 7 dozen eggs red. I have been to the United Nations several times in a row recently. I attended a meeting of Sport for Development and Peace where Mr. Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland delivered a report to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the subject of the achievenments of sports worldwide. It is co-hosted by the Group of Friends of Sport for Developments, comprising the UN ambassadors. China will host the Olympics in 2008. Rick Ulfick of "We the People" presented an anniversary conference on the genocide of Rwuanda. "Left, to Tell", a book about the murder is a must to read. The Music Appreciation Club of the United Nations presented a Spring Concert of Sri Chimoy music and songs. It was sponsored by the Ambassador of Gambia. I was also there for the very sad opening of photos for the book "Crying Forever" by Struan Stevenson about the nuclear effects of East Kazakhstan The actress, KIMBERLY JOSEPH did all the photography. Tuesday, March 14, 2006
MUSIC ABOUNDS BILLBOARD MAGAZINE in conjunction with LOEB & LOEB sponsored "Money and Music Symposium" at the St. Regis Hotel. It was like walking into a conference of technology - DVD, CD, MY SPACE, RINGTONES, I-PODS, INTERNET,DIGITAL. Tamara Conniff, Executive Editor and Associate Publisher of Billboard, along with John Frankenheimer, Co-Chairman of Loeb & Loeb and sponsor of the event held a brilliant conference. Major speakers were Robert F.X. Silverman,Chairman and CEO of CKX, and Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, and a Director of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I learned that music is a commodity - just like pork bellies. ********* And while the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was inducting DEBBY HARRY at the Waldorf,Tony winner, CHITA RIVERA, was singing at the glorious Rainbow Room for the 75th celebration of Guild Hall of East Hampton, which brings art and theater to the East Enc. It was a dual celebration; the Academy of the Arts, Lifetime Achievement Patron of the Arts Award was presented by it's President, Roy Furman, to Stephen A Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of The Blackstone Group and Chairman of the Board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The evening was melodious with love songs from the singer, and joy abounding everywhere in the room. Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
The OSCARS are coming...to New York, again. Co-chairs, Arthur Manson, and screen legend,ARLENE DAHL were on hand to test and taste the culinary creations and the drink designs at the St. Regis hotel where the Oscar party will be held. it's a great hotel from 1904, built by Mr. Astor in the fashion of Versailles. James Guzenski, gave us a tour of the beautiful rooms filled with marble floors and crystal chandeliers amd hotel manager, Oliver Thomas welcomed us . The dinner for the Oscars will be held in the Verailles Room. Mr. Manson, who is chair of the Academy's New York Events Committee said "this gathering is a great way to celebrate the Oscars in classic Hollywood style. Our New York celebration is reminiscent of the origianl Academy Awards banquet at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel". We sampled the drinks in the King Cole Bar. Each drink is designed to represent a nominated movie and were created by Mike Regan. We were given samples of the Bloody Mary (originally created at the St. Regis)which represents the movie "Capote"; beer and a chaser represent the movie Munich; the "jack twist", (jack daniels) is the "Brokeback Mountain drink; "Crash" is represented by "L.A. iced tea with tequila, vodka, gin, and rum; and "Good Night & Good Luck" is a vodka martini. For the recipies, you can contact the hotel or try them at the bar, at 212-753-4500 Wines will be served by Sterling Vineyards. An amazing ice sculpture (from Nice Ice)of Mr. Oscar will be a centerpiece of attention at the dinner party. Upstairs,Executive Pastry Chef Morgan Larsson showed us the glorious chocolate film strip deisgned for each of the movies nominated which will be served with other desserts such as apple crisp, nouget glacee, chocolate dome with raspberry creme in the middle. Mouthwatering, absolutely. Ms. Dahl will be wearing red - to match the color of her hair, with gold.She was on the way to a fitting. It's going to be a great party and I'm already planning to wear red too. I can't wait. **** Speaking of film---The Israel Film Festival is playing till March 9 at the Clearview on 62 and Broadway. Last night they honored Mr DAVID BROWN, producer of every great hit you have ever heard of - JAWS, COCOON, SUGARLAND EXPRESS, CHOCOLAT, to name a few. Richard Brown of film fame gave him an accolade of praise in presenting the honor to him. He was escorted by his beautiful wife HELEN GURLEY BROWN, of COSMOPOLITAN fame who looked fashionable and beautiful in black."Out of Sight" by director Daniel Syrkin opened the festival - be sure to catch it. Thursday, February 16, 2006
The American Scandinavian Foundation, is presenting an exhibition of Edvard Munch prints in conjunction with the retrospective exhibition of paintings at the Museum of Modern Art. Edward P. Gallagher, President of the Foundation introduced H.M. QUEEN SONJA of Norway at the Foundation on E. 38 Street and Park Avenue, for the keynote session of an international symposium on the painter. Her majesty is an avid art collector. Her paintings of landscapes can be found in the book NORGE. She said she was happy to return to the foundation and she feels "very much at home here". She and King Harold have a passion for the visual arts and have been to the foundation before. At the Museum of Modern Art, she attended a private receptiion and viewing of the enormous collection of Munch paintings curated by Kynaston McShine, Chief Curator at Large at the Museum who spoke about the emotions that the painter dealt with. A four-volume series on Munch is being published by Ole Rikard Hoisaether in Oslo and will appear in 2008 My favorite painting is "The Sun" of 1912 - a peak moment in the history of art. Saturday, February 11, 2006
January has been an active month. We, the World, and Mercy Foundation held together a benefit for Afghanistan. A remarkable performance was given by the original cast of that glorious musical from 1968, HAIR. Director TOM O'HORGAN was present to hear the glorious sounds and songs written by GALT MCDERMOT. I found out something I didn't know---DIANE KEATON was in the original performance and on the original album ( which I have and is now autographed by Mr. O'HORGAN). Other events have been a lot of fashion shows Nico and Adrian had one at Crobar. Lots of skinny models with some great shoes and dresses. Also alot going on at the Cornelia Street Cafe. There is a poetry reading every night and then a performance. And the food - real good. Thursday, January 12, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR - I attended NY MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG'S INNAUGURAL PARTY AT CITY HALL. LIZA MINNELLI sang her signature song 'NEW YORK, NEW YORK' with pizazz, fervor, hi energy and exuberance. And New York loves her and responded with lots of applause. She welcomed in the New Year wearing a bright red jacket and did some two- steps on stage. She is just brilliant. The party was at least 1,000 people strong. I rolled in with State Senator Roy Goodman and we tried the soup and sandwiches. I finally made it to the other side of the room and ran into friends. It was a jolly great time - "4 more years". |
