Stories To Inspire: The Today Show's Hoda Kotb Shining Light on Pediatric Cancer - New Video with Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles To Raise Funds

Talk Show Host, NY Times Best-
Selling Author bringing joy
and awareness to children with cancer
Photo Courtesy Facebook

"They were singing along!" Hoda Kotb said, They were all looking for themselves in the video as they sat on the couch, but then they were "singing along."

This is what Hoda Kotb told Access Hollywood today about the debut of her video earlier that morning on the fourth hour of the Today Show with Kathy Lee Gifford.

The Today show studio was filled with the beautiful children from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that were the stars of the video. This video is Hoda's contribution to the TODAY's Shine A Light Series, a campaign to support worthy causes. Hoda herself battled cancer 7 years ago.

Review: The Friends Central Perk Pop-up Cafe - Should You Go With YOUR Friends?

The Central Perk Cafe is open until 10/17/14     Photos Suzanne Ordas Curry

Review by Suzanne Ordas Curry


In one word, Yes.

But not on a weekend.

I waited two and a half hours, albeit just how long the line control people told me the wait would be from a corner two blocks away, Was it worth the wait?

One of the line control guys and gals (all were decked out in "How You Brewin?" ) shirts told me that during the week the lines so far were maybe under a half hour. But today, he said, "New York City, Saturday, Free Attraction? This is what you get!"

I saw people - that were obviously not Friends superfans - leave the line. Even after repeated questioning from my family, I would not leave.

The Friends Couch minus the Friends                                                                             Photo by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I smile at the thought of the Holiday Armadillo, or Monica's dreadlocks. I frown at the "We were on a break" breakup. I feel wispy over Monica's proposal or Ross' mis-speak of "Rachel" at his English wedding. The hundreds of people who waited, these were my peeps.

Book Review: Miss Nicole's Cupcakes Sure to Please: Free Download on Itunes

Cookbook author and celebrity journalist Nicole Russin is offering her cupcake book, Miss Nicole's Cupcakes as a free download on Itunes for your Ipod, Ipad or Mac.

For any cupcake aficionado, or anyone that enjoys a good cupcake, this book is sure to please with its diversity of recipes and enticing and creative photographs. There are cupcakes for any occasion and the photos are sure to inspire any baker. The recipes are easy to follow. Though any female baker would appreciate this book, children and adults alike will enjoy these recipes.

To download it click here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/miss-nicoles-cupcakes/id903612571

Event: Tickets Still Available for Wanda Sykes at NJPac

Wanda Sykes is ready to make NJ laugh.

Wanda Sykes is coming to NJ. If you want more of her than what you have seen on the Ellen Show, on The New Adventures of Old Christine, or any talk show, head on down to Newark for a night of laughs. This comedienne has been named one of the 25 Funniest Women in America by Entertainment Weekly and tonight she gets to prove it. For info visit: www.NJPac.org. One night only: September 19, 2014

NJ Resident and Former Jet Damien Woody Featured on NBC's Biggest Loser

Damien Woody from the Jets to the Biggest Loser Competition

UPDATE:
Congrats on your new weight: 296!

Mendham's Damien Woody tweeted his last tweet on June 23rd: Gotta take a twitter hiatus but know that I'm coming back better than ever!!! Y'all hold down the fort for me

This 36-year old father of 7, and two-time Super Bowl Champion is no stranger to competition, but it's usually on the playing field. After playing college ball at Boston College, this offensive lineman played for the New England Patriots, the Detroit Lions and and the New York Jets. He's also a commentator for ESPN.

This time around, he's competing on the popular NBC weigh loss show, The Biggest Challenge. He started at 388 pounds.

You Tube Personality Alli Simpson to Appear at Garden State Plaza September 13th

Alli Simpson, who has amassed millions of views for her songs on YouTube, will appear at Delia's at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus on Saturday, September 14th from 12-2pm. You can get a selfie with her, freebies, and more, according to the press release. Alli is a 16 year-old model with over 1 million twitter followers. Fans may know her song, "Why I'm Single".

For more information, call 201.843.0287.

LOCATION

DELIA'S - LOWER LEVEL

Event: Jersey's Christina Milian Makes Two Appearances in NJ for Her Wine Brand, VIVA DIVA Wines

From Jersey City to Hollywood on The Voice and Dancing With the Stars, singer, actress and TV Host Christina Milian, born in Jersey City as Christina Flores is coming back to Jersey to promote her wine brand, Viva Diva Wines, which she has recently taken on full ownership of. Come see her on September 12, 2014 from 3 - 5 pm at the Joe Canals in Lawrenceville, Nj and then again on September 13th from 2-4pm at the Magaziner Canals in Mays Landing, NJ.

For more information on Christina visit www.ChristinaMilian.com or visit www.VivaWines.com.

Coming Soon to SuzeeBehindTheScenes: Interview with Christina Millian

RHONJ Kathy Wakile Launches Indulge Recipe Book at NJ Bookstore: Fans Learn How to Keep Life Real Sweet

Kathy Wakile launched Indulge at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ

Indulge, by Kathy Wakile with Miriam Harris is a recipe book of over 75 personal treats of hers, published by St. Martin's Press.
          Story/photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I've been to a lot of book signings, for clients, friends and family members. At the launch signing, always on Tuesdays, the author's family and friends typically fill the room with support. No one knows who in the crowd is family and friends or just book fans, but at this one, all of Kathy Wakile's fans knew who they were. And they sure did fill it.
______________________________________________________________________
Meet Kathy: This month, Kathy will be all over NJ, heading west to Illinois and Kansas, south to Maryland and back to NJ. Here is a list of her appearances:
http://www.kathywakiledesserts.com/#!appearances/cv9
______________________________________________________________________
About the signing:

Daughter Victoria Wakile
with Grandma Maria Pierri

This was a RHONJ fan bonanza. Kathy was there, and spoke to everyone. Her proud mom Maria was there. Rich her husband was there. Her daughter Victoria was there looking beautiful in a pink dress with bright pinkish lipstick. Her handsome teenage son Rich was there looking like he's grown a bit since last season. Her sister Rosie Pierri was there, looking very tan and slim, wearing all black. Rosie walked up and down the line of fans - about 50 or so - and greeted each and every fan. They were thrilled. She posed for pictures with anyone that asked.

                        RHONJ Jaqueline Laurita stopped by to support her friend KathyWakile.                                                                                                                                                       Photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Jersey City Fashion Week is Back and Bigger than Ever: Featuring Project Runway's Helen Castillo

Jersey City Fashion Week is Back this September 24th- 28th with FASHION IN THE PARK.

Come see fashions by local and name designers, dine on food at local restaurants, meet Jersey's Designer Helen Castillo from Season 12 of Project Runway and other notables, listen to the music of Jeff Fox from WBLS, and donate to a good cause at the same time. 

Stories to Inspire: What is CASA? See How You Can Help a Child in Foster Care

Find out how you can change a foster child's life. SheKnows.com writer Sherri Kuhn sheds light on the organization bringing light and love to the life of a child.

Ever want to help a child in foster care, but don't know how? CASA, which stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocate, is a national organization which provides a one-on-one volunteer, an advocate, for each child in foster care. That advocate acts as the voice of the child to help insure that the child receives the best care and placement while in the hands of the foster system. Most states have a chapter as do most counties. There are many ways to help out. You can train to become an advocate, help out in fundraising, become a member of their board, give a little bit of your time where and when needed, or help out financially with a monetary donation or goods and services as needed by each chapter. Most chapters do not have the resources to help each

and every child, so help is always needed. As President of the Board of  Directors for Bergen County CASA for Children in NJ, this organization is special to me and I have seen firsthand the tremendous difference this organization and its people make in the lives of a child without a stable family. Read more here:

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1040143/who-is-looking-out-for-foster-kids                                                        - Suzanne Curry

Careers in Entertainment: Interview with NYC Playwright Michael Block

 Michael Block

Jersey's Michael Block is one of the NYC area's up and coming playwrights. As part of  this site's new "Careers in Entertainment" page we interview Michael to find out the answer to "So You Want to be a Playwright?"

Read on about his latest stage production Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails, how he got started, and how he'll keep trying to get on Big Brother.

Suzee: First, tell me about your latest project.

The Cast of Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails                                                             All photos by Molly O'Keefe

Michael Block: My play Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails is a hilariously outrageous and offensive comedy about a fictional

"VIP Soap Opera Party" and Advanced Screening of Martha Byrne's New Series, Weight To Be Held in NYC October 2014: Tix Now Available - Come Meet Martha Byrne, Michael Park, Colleen Zenk, Terri Conn, Anne Sayre and more

Martha Byrne hosts a VIP
Soap Party for her new series,
Weight  Tix are $50 & up.

NYC - Are you a soap opera fan? Tickets are now available for a VIP Soap Party and Advanced Screening of Weight to be held on October 8, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Galway Pub, 7 East 36th Street (between 5th and Madison) in New York City. Weight is a new comedy series created and executive produced by Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss and starring two-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne. 

As of press date, the list of celebrities attending the VIP Soap Party includes Martha Byrne (As The World Turns, NBC's Crisis, Gotham the Series). Colleen Zenk (As The World Turns, Tainted Dreams, Woman on the Ledge Movie), Anne Sayre (Another World, As the World Turns, Gotham the Series), Michael Park (As The World Turns, House of Cards, Gotham the Series, Broadway), Terri Conn (As The World Turns, One Life to Live, Breaker High), Elizabeth Hubbard ( As The World Turns), Lisa Brown (As The World Turns, Guiding Light, Gotham The Series), Lauren B. Martin (As The World Turns), Elizabeth Keifer (Guiding Light, Venice the Series), Larkin Malloy (All My Children, Guiding Light), cast members from web soap Tainted Dreams, and Danielle Paige (Guiding Light writer, author of New York Times Bestseller Dorothy Must Die.) Check the website for updates on other special guests. Just added: Grant Aleksander (Guiding Light, All My Children)
Michael O'Leary (Guiding Light)

View the Teaser for Weight The Series here:      http://vimeo.com/106968672

Looking for the Jersey Devil? Head to Jersey City, not the Pine Barrens: Joseph Pepitone's New Comedy Explores the Lighter Side of Raising Hell

Manalapan movie maker Joseph Pepitone's latest indie flick takes an interesting look at the devil and plops him in the heart of Jersey. Despite it's name, don't expect this movie to have anything to do with the legendary creature of Jersey lore, instead expect a seriously funny movie about the original legendary devil of days of yore.

Produced by Jersey folks, featuring many Jersey folks, and filmed in Jersey, this comedy centers around the devil facing term limits for his job. And of course there's competition for it. 'Nough said. Take a look at the trailer here:

Paper Mill Playhouse Seeks Singers for Broadway Show Choir; Open Auditions August 24-27th

Attention all aspiring singers, here's your chance to become a part of local theater.  For more information on the auditions and theater visit: http://www.papermill.org/

NYGiants/NBCNewYork/Quest Diagnostics Health and Fitness Expo Delivers on Promises: Great Family Event

Mark your calenders for next year because the NYGiants/NBCNewYork/Quest Health and Fitness Expo is an event to be added to your summer lineup alongside going down the shore or to the beach.

This was the second year of the event and it was promoted heavily on NBC TV. The event promised something for everyone and it delivered.

There were over 150 exhibits and activities. These included physical games for kids and adults, cooking demonstrations, health screenings, zumba, yoga, auditions for THE VOICE, meeting players, meeting NBC New York personalities and more. They were all over the stadium, on the field, in the corridors, outside but inside the gate, in the parking lot, and in rooms in the stadium. There was a main stage outside. When I got to the stadium Pam from The Biggest Loser Season 14 was on the stage giving a very motivational talk.

What the Heck is Hot As Hell? Webseries Festival Kicks off in Palm Springs August 8

TV ain't what it used to be. It's not the only place for great visual storytelling, and the web is finding itself home to new, quality, ground-breaking content. Webseries are on the rise with some episodes reaching tens of thousands of views - and tens of thousands of fans, not limited by a cable service or broadcast signal but all over the world

So it's not surprising there's a fan base now yearning for more of their favorite characters. Many of the actors and actresses are familiar faces. Many soap stars have found a home in webseries, many actors moonlight from their traditional roles in current projects and new actors perfect their skills. In addition, known names from movies and TV often "come to play" as Steve Silverman, co-festival director and creator of Pretty the Series adds, because they "just have so much fun."

Why Carly Blaney from SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Really CAN Dance: Advice from a Dance Mom and Dance Dad

Carly Blaney from #SYTYCD        Photo courtesy Facebook

Jersey Girl Carly Blaney of Wyckoff sure can dance, and she's been sizzling up the stage on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance.

But just how did this girl go from from a tutu and toe shoes to one of America's hottest new dancers?  We talked to Carly's parents, Liz and Kevin, of course! Read on about how she did it, her perseverance and drive and how young dancers with a dream can make it happen for them too.

To vote click here: http://www.fox.com/dance/

Suzee: When did Carly express a desire to dance, and what did you do about it?

 Mom and Dad: Carly expressed an interest to dance prior to her second birthday  Her older sister Amanda (by 4 years) was taking dance classes and it seemed to pique Carly's curiosity. I think Carly liked the dress-up part of dance first. She would ALWAYS wear a tutu. Whether going out to the stores or picking her sister up from school she would be seen wearing it and she seemed to love the attention she received from wearing it. As soon as she was old enough, I believe age 2 1/2, we enrolled her in dance classes.

RHONJ Season 6 Kicks off with Local Party in NJ: Dina Manzo, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Teresa Giudice and Newcomer Amber Marchese Attend Viewing Party/Fundraiser for Project Ladybug and Deborah Hospital Foundation

What a better way to kick off Season 6 of the RHONJ than to view the debut episode with them?                                            by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Dina Manzo

Several of thee RHONJ from this new season, Dina Manzo, Teresa Giudice, Amber Marchese and Melissa Gorga, attended a a  Viewing Party at Pure Parsipiany in Parsippany, NJ. The party was a chance to meet the ladies as well as some of  the men of the RHONJ. The party was billed as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to to benefit two wonderful charities, Dina Manzo's Project Ladybug (which helps children with cancer and other diseases) and the Deborah Heart and Lunch Foundation, a rather weld-know charity among Jerseyans.

It was a hot night, and party-goers had to wait just a little while outside to get in. But it was way cool in the lounge, because that's where the HOUSEWIVES were. There was ample seating, a vibrant atmosphere and lots of TV's. As predicted there was not one FIFA game or wrap-up on anyone of them (even though it was the day of he championship). BRAVO was on all of them.  Andy would have been proud. Now that's my kind of sports lounge..

There were hor douvres being passed; lots of sushi, something in a cone-shaped pastry and edaname. There was a cupcake tower which surprisingly did not all get eaten until the very end. Each guest received a ticket for a glass of Teresa Giudice's Fabbelini, mine was peachy and sparkling and quite refreshing.

Melissa Gorga

There were two areas. One was a general area by the bar and then there was an area semi- roped off that had tables in it. Curtains demarcated the area. This must have been for VIP's but I do not recall a separate VIP fee. For most of the night the RHONJ were stationed in that area, however they all came out to mingle. Except Theresa. Dina Manzo, is a striped color  block and white dress came out many times to mingle and pose with the fans. Melissa, dressed in a summer white dress, did as well. Amber was in and out and very accessible to her new fans also.

There were times when guests could enter the roped-off area, and all the housewvies there were willing to take picutres. Joe Gorga was happy to pose, in fact, I do think he charmed all the ladies as he posed with them. It was pretty hot at the party, but especially by Joe because all the ladies were hovering. At one point Joe shouted, "No one told me this was a SAUNA PARTY!".

Melissa always takes a good photo. I got the chance to ask her if we would hear her singing on the show this year. She said, "You won't see it on the show this year, but I've been working on them outside."

Fans Jen & Barb came from the Poconos

But where was Teresa?  MIA was Mrs. Giudice. I had talked to some of the guests and they said they they got a photo of her earlier, but I was there quite early and I didn't see her at all, just her husband.  Ironically, I got an email in my inbox two days later inviting me to another event of hers a a local restaurant named Cielo's. The invite said,  "In case you didn't get a photo with her on Sunday." This was unusual because at every event I have been at with her she is ALWAYS available, kind and ready to pose for photos for fans so there must have been a good reason.

Amber Marchese

The new girl Amber was very friendly and happy to meet the fans. She looked great with her hair pulled back tight in a ponytail and little black dress, a different look than she had on the show that night. I asked her, I talked to her briefly and about her bout with breast cancer, and she said how she "wanted to get the word out about it and is happy to talk about it." This is not a happy subject to tackle on a show meant to be entertaining, but I was glad to see so far that it will be a topic.

As for other story lines this year, I've read that some of the ladies will not be friends after this season! What? Really? You must mean another show?

Tune in to BRAVO for more entertainment on the RHONJ Season 6.
To read about and view photos and videos from Dina's last Project Ladybug fundraiser click here;
http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2013/11/rhonj-stars-aligned-for-dina-manzos_25.html

Hard Choices: Hillary Clinton Comes to North Jersey To Sign New Book: Over 800 Line Up at Bookends in Ridgewood

Hillary Clinton, Author of Hard Choices        Photos Suzanne Ordas Curry

It didn't seem to matter that it was hot out and the wait was several hours, over 800 people decided it was a good choice to show up in downtown Ridgewood July 17 to meet Hillary Rodham Clinton and have them sign a copy of her new book, 
Hard Choices.

Secret Service, bomb-sniffing dogs, and lots of police were there in the afternoon to prepare the way for the former First Lady and Secretary of State. The book signing was scheduled for 6-8pm. Purchasers were assured that she would sign everyone's book and she did. The process was quite orderly.

She arrived through the back entrance about 5:45pm, started signing after 6pm and around 8:30 pm she was still inside finishing up the maybe 100 or so people that were still waiting.

CASA for Children of Bergen County To Participate in NBC New York/NY Giants/Quest Health and Fitness Expo at Metlife Stadium: Spokesperson Actress Martha Byrne of NBC's Crisis to Appear

The NBC NY/NYGiants/Quest Health and Fitness
Expo Runs July 19-20th. See link at end of article
for more info.

NJ - CASA for Children of Bergen County will be participating in the NY Giants/NBC New York Health and Fitness Expo at Metlife Stadium this weekend. CASA's celebrity spokesperson, Emmy-winning actress Martha Byrne will be appearing at the event on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. The event is free.

INTERVIEW: Author A. J. Colucci Delves Into the Eerie World of Plants With New Novel Seeders- Book Signing at Paramus Barnes and Noble July 17th

One may find it hard to believe that behind the walls of a modest, Cape Cod-styled house perched on a tree-lined country road in suburbia lives a novelist who could put us on the edge of our seats with just a few words. With tales of armies of mutant ants attacking the greatest city in the world, devouring human flesh in just minutes to a new novel  about killer plants altering the minds of people stranded on an island where madness quickly turns to vicious murder  one would think that AJ Colucci lives in some dark, ivy-covered house high upon a hill that no trick-or treater would dare to visit.

But author AJ Colucci doesn't. She's a suburban soccer mom, traipsing her kids about town, active in school organizations, hosting backyard BBQ's, but with a creative mind so much on overdrive that she has three books written and two more in the works.

Event: Critically-Acclaimed Thriller Novelist AJ Colucci Launches New Book Seeders with Book Signing/Giveaways at Barnes and Noble in Paramus, NJ July 15th

Seeders, the new novel by AJ Colucci

NY/NJ – On a remote Canadian island, George Brookes, a brilliant but reclusive plant biologist, may have achieved the most monumental breakthrough in science: communication between plants and humans. After his mysterious death, five heirs arrive for the reading of his will, but within days, the island begins to have strange and violent effects on the group and they realize George may have unleashed a sinister force far more deadly than any human.

View: NJ Resident Rosie O'Donnell Takes a Seat on THE VIEW Next Season

NJ Resident, comedienne and actress Rosie O'Donnell will rejoin THE VIEW next season. Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd have left two vacant seats, and now we know who will fill one of them.

Rosie O'Donnell had her own show for six seasons from 1996-2002. I am a big fan of daytime TV and I loved this show. It was humorous, educational and controversial. Amidst the clutter of dating shows and who the baby daddy is her show was filled with thoughtful commentary. I think this is a much needed push for the show since both Jenny and Sherri left and Elizabeth Hasselback, Joy Behar land Barbara Walters are gone..

Rosie has not left TV since she left her show. While raising her family she has still been active with her own show and has made many appearances on many TV shows, including such hit shows as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Drop Dead Diva, Nip/Tuck and Will and Grace.

And who could forget her in A League of Their Own or Sleepless in Seattle. Welcome Back.

To view the official tweet click here:

http://www.deadline.com/2014/07/rosie-odonnell-the-view-abc-return/

Real Housewives of NJ Return for Season 6 July 13th: RHONJ Viewing Party at Pure Parsippany Doubles as Fundraiser for Dina Manzo's Project Ladybug and Deborah Hospital

Teresa Giudice and Dina Manzo at Project Ladybug Fundraiser

Article written by and photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

THEY'RE BAAACCKKK!  Well, not all of them. RHONJ Caroline Manzo is off to do her own show, RHONJ Jacqueline Laurita is not returning and the Wakile Family and lively sister Rosie will have less air time. But we have Dina Manzo returning and some new ladies, Amber Marchese and a set of identical twins, Nicole Napolitano and Teresa Aprea, adding to the mix this year.

Last year lacked that table-flippin drama we've all been accustomed too.. here's hoping the new chicks have some strong opinions and arms!

The ladies started their publicity tour already, appearing on fourth hour of The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda. Dina, Amber and the twins sat on the couch and discussed the new season.

Dina Manzo at Goddess Night Out

What I like to hear is when people use their presence to forward a cause. Dina Manzo has Project Ladybug, a wonderful organization which fund programs for sick children and their families for several East Cost hospitals including St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Paterson, NJ. I had heard that Amber was a breast cancer survivor, and she talked about it with the ladies on the Today Show, telling them that it would be part of the storyline. Amber talked how she wanted to bring awareness to the disease, which she said "could potentially save another life". You go girl!!

The twin sisters talked about how they were excited to be on TV and to do the show. Nicole said she thought  "it would be so much fun to do something with Teresa." They talked about who was going to get into the thick of things in the show, which prompted Teresa to say "I don't really tackle the issues, they find me!"

So, now there are two Teresas on the show. If you live in NJ, at least northern NJ, there are an awful lot of Teresa's, so it's not uncommon to have two Teresa's in a room or for that matter several Lisa's, Anthony's Michael's and Frank's.

New RHONJ are bookends to fan fave Rosie

Carly Blaney- So You Think You Can Dance, Huh?: Jersey Girl Hits the Top Twenty on Popular Fox Show and Voting Opens Soon

Dancer Carly Blaney            Photo courtesy Facebook

Carly Blaney of Wyckoff NJ really can dance! This Jersey girl is strutting her stuff on Fox's immensely popular dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance. Carly made it to to the Top Twenty, no surprise for this dance champion, and will be entering the live competition starting tonight on Fox 5 here in the New York area. 

Carly, age 20, grew up in Wyckoff, NJ. She trained at Studio L in Waldwick.  She is currently a student at Arizona State University where she is a member of the Sun Devil Cheering Squad.

Voting is online. Here is the link: http://vote.fox.com/dance
Editor Update: Though Carly did not win, we thank her for representing Jersey well!

Bill and Willie Geist's Book Good Talk, Dad Explores Father-Son Relationships with Humor and Wit: It's The Geist Story on Growing Up in Jersey

Bill Geist and Willie Geist at Books and Greetings in Northvale, NJ

                         By Suzanne Ordas Curry

“Ask him!” Bill Geist said to me as we chatted about the new book Good Talk, Dad, that he and his son had written.  The place was Books and Greetings in Northvale, NJ, a bookstore just few miles from their hometown of Ridgewood, NJ.  We were talking about his chapter on his time in Vietnam and I mentioned to him how my dad was in WWII but barely spoke of it.

"Ask him!", he said.  I told him how I had a friend who was writing a book on WWII and I did manage to get some answers out of him, but then he got tired of answering.

Bill Geist then asked if my dad had been to the memorial down in DC. I told him how he wasn’t exactly mobile, being close to 90 years of age.

"Tell him they’ll put him in a wheelcahair,and fly him over,” he added.

I go to a lot of books signings. To me it’s not just about the book but the experience of meeting the authors. Willie and Bill Geist are just, in one word, genuine people.

The Today Show's Willie Geist                      Photo by Suzanne Ordas Curry

To start off the night Willie gave a short presentation on the book. He had the crowd of about 75 on a weekday night, sighing and laughing. After the presentation the people lined up in the busy and book-filled bookstore to have their books signed. The two of them took time with everyone that bought a book. I cannot say that of every author I have met.

When I got to the front of the line, I mentioned to Willie that I was in PR and that when I sent him emails he would always respond. (That doesn’t always happen with PR people!). So I thanked him. He remembered the emails and specifically an invite, one that had to do with an event in his hometown of Ridgewood. He explained how he wasn't able to make it the night of the event, but said, “I always like to help out people in Jersey, especially Ridgwood.”

NY Giant Jessie Armstead: Launching a New Car with A Little Help From his Friends

Former NY Giants Jessie Armstead and Antonio Pierce are showing that you can have a successful career after pro-football. These now Jersey guys, along with automotive veteran Mike Saporito, have been the owners of  Englewood Cliffs Cadillac for a little over a year now.

Their  friends came out to join them to introduce the new 2015 Cadillac Escalade. Held at the dealership, the event featured food, music and food. Guests enjoyed sushi from Akai and music by DJ Vatche (who also happens to be the General Sales Manager.) All guests were also able to watch cigars being hand-rolled by a Q Cigars master roller.

NY Giants Jon Beason, Steve Brown and Antrel Rolle made an appearance in support of these former Giants. They were all happy to mingle with the many football and car fans that attended, both young and old.

Antonio Pierce and Jessie Armstead help out Marlo Thomas
at the 2014 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Legends for Charity
Event Honoring Michael Strahan in NYC

The dealership has been known to give away free tickets to Giants games. Jesse and Antonio are also both active in helping charities including  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Shaun O'Hare Golf Outing, the Boys and Girl Scouts of America, the Children's Miracle Network, Jimmy's Fund, the YWCA and the YMCA among many others.

Daryn Strauss' New Webseries WEIGHT Gets New Cast Member - Maitely Weismann Joins Martha Byrne: Indiegogo Campaign Offers Soap Star-Studded Party

Maitely Weismann joins Weight

Weight, the new internet comedy from Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss (Downsized) and two-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne (As the World Turns, NBC's Crisis) has announced that Maitely Weismann (Showtime's Masters of Sex, Nickelodeon's Sam & Cat) will be joining the cast. Martha Byrne is set to star in the series playing Claire, a mom who loses 100 pounds on a reality show and then has to contend with the absurd and complicated reactions of her friends and family as she attempts to balance the day to day pressures of staying thin and appearing on a reality show. Weismann, straight off of a starring role in the award-winning indie comedy feature Chasing Taste, will be playing a producer of the reality show Claire appears on. 

Strauss is also slated to appear in the series, having previously starred in her last series Downsized, a critic's favorite during its two season run, recognized by the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, IndieWire, Boston Globe, and Fast Company as one of the best scripted web series, in addition to being nominated for series writing at the 2012 Writers Guild Awards. Byrne's previous foray into internet series, Gotham, earned her an Emmy nomination. Both Strauss and Byrne are Jersey girls.

Martha Byrne and Daryn Strauss

In the spirit of its soap opera ties, Weight's crowd funding campaign via Indiegogo offers many soap-related perks. If you're a daytime TV fan or a Martha Byrne fan, you can chat with Martha on the phone, go to lunch with her and go out for a martini with a reasonable donation. For $100 you get two VIP tickets to an invite-only Soap Party in New York City, with a single ticket running only $50. Martha has already announced that daytime stars Elizabeth Hubbard, Colleen Zenk, Terri Conn, and Anne Sayre (all from As The World Turns) are slated to attend, and many more are expected to be announced soon. The campaign ends on June 30, 2014. For more info visit:https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/weight-a-comedy

NJ Car Dealer Attempts to Break Guiness World Record: Liberty Suburu Goes for Largest Parade of Suburu Cars and Donates Profits to Cancer Foundation

Record-breaking attempt takes place at Metlife Stadium, June 15th at 8:30am.

There's a record to be set for just about everything these days. And when there is, the Guiness people want to know about it.

On Sunday, June 15th, Liberty Suburu of Emerson will sponsor an event at Metlife

Teaneck's Charles Payne Now Host of Making Money With Charles Payne on Fox Business Network

This new show is aimed at helping people make money, using today's headlines and Charles' guidance.

Teaneck NJ's Charles Payne is now the host of Charles Payne is the host of Making Money with Charles Payne (weekdays 6-7 PM/ET) on the Fox Business Network (FBN) in October 2007 as a contributor.

His New Reality: Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino Gets New Series on TV Guide Network

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino of Jersey Shore fame has got his own series, set to air July 15, and he's got his family involved this time.

 

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
gets his own show,
The Sorrentinos
Photo: Facebook

"This next chapter of my life is about sobriety and family, and I'm stoked to take people on this journey with us." 
                         - Mike Sorrentino on his new show

From TVGuide Network: THE SORRENTINOS is a new reality series following Mike Sorrentino, a reality TV star whose rise to global fame as “The Situation” was meteoric, as was his inevitable come down and road to recovery. Cameras will document and show what life is like now and introduce a whole new set of quirky but loveable characters—Mike’s family, the Sorrentinos. Production on the eight 30-minute episode order of the original docu-comedy series is in New Jersey.  

The Voice's Christina Grimmie is a NJ Gem: From Marlton to Hollywood To Stay

                                                                                                             By Susannah Patience

It is beyond words and with tremendous sadness that we report that this wonderful, talented young lady who was just starting her life was fatally shot after a concert. This was a senseless act. Forever Grimmie. 

NJ's Own Christina Grimmie landed in the Top Three of NBC's Sixth Season of The Voice. But as we've seen with other singing competitions, it's not just the winner that ends up shining.

Christina Grimmie's album With Love drops Summer 2014
(Photo: Facebook)

"I respect you so, so much.... and thank you for believing in me because no one else did." - Christina to her coach, Adam Levine, on the final show.

The Voice, one of America’s most popular TV shows, has just finished its sixth season. Josh Kaufman, a teen from Indianapolis, Indiana was crowned this season’s winner.  While Kaufman showcased incredible talent, the real star was contestant Christina Victoria Grimmie, who ended up placing third. An audience favorite from the very beginning, Grimmie captivated viewers and the judges with her version of Miley Cyrus’ hit “Wrecking Ball” in her first audition. With a big smile and shinning stage confidence, it was impossible not to fall in love with her.