Time flies. No time since Oscars to blog. The time fast approaching when I will tape my new exercise DVDs for boomers and seniors. I have been rehearsing, working on choreography, choosing music, what to wear. You blogger friends have been extremely helpful in dissuading me from doing retro–the leg warmers, etc from past times…35 years ago!!! Hard to believe. I was the first and now they do these exercise programs with their eyes closed. We did it on spit and prayer. Fortunately it worked–still the highest grossing home video of all time–17 million copies. Timing is everything! I actually made 23 videos in all up till 1994 when life with Ted made it too hard to find the time but I’ve stayed fit and my new hip and knee are behaving very well. The demographic I’m targeting has been left out and we’re becoming the most significant market. More of us over 60 than ever before and we’re fitter and wanting to stay that way or get there. My mantra: it’s never too late to get active and fit and feel good about yourself and feel you’re in control of your body if nothing else and you can get rid of depression. So many pluses and our numbers are growing and we need to be paid attention to. 

Then there’s my book, (“The Third Act: Entering Prime Time“) that I have to finish by end of April and the opera of “Grapes of Wrath” which I am narrating one night only at Carnegie Hall with symphony orchestra and singers that will include–hooray– Christine Ebersole!!! Fortunately my daughter and grandkids are coming out for spring break. I’ll take them to magic castle–I am a freak for great magic and I have seen slight of hand and illusionists there that make me gasp. And of course Disneyland. And then helping my daughter find a wedding dress…ah yes, love is in the air. I am so happy. Busy but happy. Hope the same for you.



See you next time

After the Vanity Fair dinner, we moved into the area where the party was to start once the people who had been at the Oscars (including the winners) began to arrive. There were a few friends who were fun to talk with—George Hamilton, George Schaefer who produced “Laugh-In” back in the day, Roger Freidman. Then the place really filled up and I got to see Kathryn Bigelow. Two Oscars in tow like a weight lifter. She seemed to be in a total daze and couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. No wonder. I was able to greet Meryl Streep who looked fabulous and was her charming and laughing self. You may not know it but Meryl’s first film was in “Julia” with me and Vanessa Redgrave. I saw she was en extraordinary talent even then. Rosario Dawson and her really nice, french,  DJ boyfriend, Mathieu Schreyer. Spent time with John Singleton who is very smart about movies and full of integrity. He directed “Boyz in the Hood” and produced many others including the brave “Hussel and Flow.” Marisa Tomei had fun with us. Talked with Jamie Foxx and Tyler Perry who harks from Atlanta like I do. Got to hug Jennifer Lopez who, I have to say, looked smashing and had the best dress (though she wore a different one, black, at the party). Met Natalie Portman in the bathroom and that was a treat as I admire her work very much. Was able to congratulate and hug Sandra Bullock. My son Troy and Simone were there and I always have more fun at a party when they are there. Sat next to my brother Peter for awhile. Sorry I didn’t get to see Jeff Bridges or Jim Cameron. Nor did I take many pictures. I didn’t feel right. A few at the pre party dinner where we ate and watched the Oscars. I did a lot of tweeting then. Even more than Jackie Collins.

Joan Collins with Kirk Douglas and his wife Ann at the dinner, watching the Oscars

Jackie and Joan Collins

Richard and me at the Vanity Fair dinner

Hand of the director who won best documentary, "The Cove," grasping his Oscar at the Vanity Fair party

I’m tired today.
See you next time

The week before the Academy Awards is chock-a-block full of parties. And I have been to a few. Last night it was at the Chateau Marmont—again. Not my kind of party—too crowded, too smoky, too many people I didn’t know. But a few I did: My son Troy and my daughter-in-law Simone (no pix of them, though), Laura Bickford, Peggy Siegal, Bob Shaye, John Rubin. Here are a few photos.

Film producer, Laura Bickford and Peggy Siegal. Oh yes, I dyed my hair brown yesterday, Whaddaya think, huh?

With Loree Rodkin, We're showing off our rings which, coincidently, we both like to wear on our middle fingers. She designed her own and they are amazing.

Peggy Siegal, me, Richard and photographer, Patrick McMullan

See you next time.

L’Oréal is the cosmetic/skin care company that I am a brand ambassador for —along with many others. Over the four or five years that I have worked with L’Oréal, I have been impressed with their company leaders and their work ethics. I have received several very negative comments from blog readers on the subject of animal testing. I have decided to post the reply I received from L’Oréal in response to my queries concerning these comments:

L’Oréal fully supports the aim to eliminate animal testing. We are aware of consumer thinking on this issue, and our actions to find alternative methods, demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development and respect for the planet.

 L’Oréal has not used laboratory animals for the testing of its finished cosmetic products for 20 years. (This includes all products developed for the different brands within the L’Oréal group). For many years, the Group has made significant efforts to review its product safety testing methods to ensure that it continues to innovate while respecting its commitment to finding alternative solutions to animal testing.

International regulations require that raw materials are tested for safety purposes before being used.

Thanks to 100 years of knowledge in the field of cosmetic ingredients, 30 years of research into alternative testing methods, and to a huge investment in its ability to develop human skin and cornea models, (Episkin and SkinEthic),  L’Oréal is today in a position to meet the 11 March 2009 ban introduced by the 7th amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive.  This ban prohibits testing on animals and the marketing of products for which local or single exposure tests on animals for which local or single exposure tests on animals have been used after March 11, 2009. For other more complex tests, the deadline has been extended to 2013.

L’Oréal is a leader in the field of research into alternative methods : it is actively contributing to develop replacement alternatives and is involved in cutting edge research both in Europe, the US, China and Japan. As an example Episkin, which was developed by L’Oréal, is now validated as a replacement alternative to animal testing for skin irritation.

To address the issue of the full replacement of animal testing for the remaining tests covered by the 2013 deadline, such as systemic toxicity tests,  L’Oréal is working closely with members of the cosmetics industry, as well as across different industry sectors and with the European Commission, as well as in the context of a European partnership (EPAA). The European Commission intends to take stock of progress made in research in this area in 2011.”

The other night Richard and I went to Cerritos to hear a concert by Kenny Vance and the Planotones. Both from Brooklyn, Richard and Kenny have been friends since Richard graduated from University of Michigan and Kenny launched his long career as a doo wop artist with many popular hits. They were both in the iconic music movie, American Hot Wax. Before the Planotones, Kenny’s band was Jay and the Americans and their hits included “Only in America,” “Come a Little bit Closer” and “Cara Mia.” Kenny’s voice remains pure and strong and quite amazing in its range. Over time he has lost none of his charisma or vocal uniqueness. And he’s rangy and funny as he quips and plays between songs. The audience loved him and the band. We will see him again when I narrate the one-night-only performance of the Opera “Grapes of Wrath” at Carnegie Hall March 22nd. I am doing this as a way to honor my father and his Tom Joad. Kenny will attend with us.

Richard, me and Kenny

With Kenny and the Planotones

With Kenny, his granddaughter and son

Samantha Mathis, who played my daughter in last year’s Broadway play, “33 Variations”, and her friend, producer Sandy Stern, came to dinner with Richard and me at the Chateau Marmont. Rosanna Arquette, her date, Todd Morgan, stopped by before we all went on to a party honoring Oscar nominated director (Hurt Locker), Kathryn Bigelow. Some of the crew of “Precious” stopped our table by as well: director Lee Daniels and Lenny Kravitz.

Producer Sandy Stern, Samantha Mathis, Rosanna Arquette, Lenny Kravitz, Richard, Lee Daniels director of "Precious", and Todd Morgan

with Kathryn Bigelow. That's my friend, Forest WhItaker, behind us

me with Rosanna and "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke