Thursday, August 27, 2009

THE LAST LION


I’m proud to say that I am from the Kennedy era.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is forever etched in my memory. It is one of those incidents that happen during one’s lifetime, like 9/11 or the moon landing, that you know EXACTLY where you were and how you felt. I was glued to the TV from my living room in Grove City, Ohio, watching the funeral procession march down Pennsylvania Avenue. And there was John-John dressed in his ‘little man’ suit saluting his slain father.



I can recall when ALL magazines on the newsstands, including movie mags like Photoplay and Modern Screen before People magazine, if you can believe that! – were splashed with Jacqueline Kennedy’s elegant face.



I remember when Robert Kennedy was shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles; I remember when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started the Special Olympics; I remember when John Kennedy Jr.’s plane crashed to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The Kennedy Dynasty has shadowed my entire life.



As a journalist, the closet I’ve come to interviewing a Kennedy clan has been Bobby Shriver, Eunice’s son; Maria’s brother. Bobby started the RED campaign with Bono.

I currently have an interview request in for Caroline Kennedy.



I admired Ted Kennedy’s positive attitude and his zest for life. In his last testament he stated he wanted a “Celebration of Life.” When I depart this earth, I request the same. I want nobody crying at my death. I lived a full, vivacious life – celebrate for me -- because I’m finally outta here and have peace!


It remains to be determined if anyone from the Kennedy camp will emerge and take over the torch. I hope so . . .



Sunday, August 23, 2009

FUGARD FOREFRONT


The A&U August issue is currently on the newsstands with my cover story on Athol Fugard. And don't miss the July issue with my story on Twilight's, Justin Chon.



Sunday, August 16, 2009

CHIP OFF THE OL' BLOCK



I was recently in the beguiling Santa Ynez hills, yes very near Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, and popped into Solvang's PSCPA [The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts] Theaterfest’s lively production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

I was so captivated with MICHAEL SKY MOON's [love that name!] portrayal of Chip Tolentino, that I invited him to be interviewed. The charming performer will surprise you with his revealing answers. It's upcoming in A&U magazine.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

HERO


I paid a home-visit to a Hero today.  That is, Ando from NBCs series, Heros, JAMES KYSON LEE.  Not only has he made a PSA for the Banyan Tree Project, but he's also involved with other charities as well. "Anytime I'm needed for an AIDS benefit, I go," he says.  I guess the AIDS community certainly has a hero in James.  Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team [APAIT] recently bestowed upon him their "Unsung Hero" award.



Shots from his modeling days....






Watch for the interview in an upcoming issue of A&U magazine. 
James talks about what motivates him to help others and how HIV/AIDS has affected him.
He also reveals what makes his heart skip a couple of beats and what his favorite physical asset is below the waist.  Also learn what his all-time favorite TV show is and where he goes to recharge his batteries.