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.

Daryn Strauss, Martha Byrne & Frederick King Keller Team up for New Internet Comedy: Weight - A Series Which Looks at the Crazy and Zany Things our Obsession with Weight Makes Us Do

                    

 

 (NYC) - Weight is a new internet comedy series from three heavyweights from multiple platforms: Writers Guild Award-nominated digital writer and producer, Daryn Strauss (Downsized), two time Emmy Award-winning actress and producer Martha Byrne (As The World Turns, Crisis, Gotham The Series) and veteran primetime network television producer and director Frederick King Keller (Crisis, 24, Blue Bloods). #Weighttheseries will begin production this summer. For updates see: https://www.facebook.com/weighttheseries. On Twitter: @Weighttheseries.

Martha Byrne to Play Claire in Weight

The series is penned by Strauss, who was nominated for a Writers Guild Award for her first web series Downsized, a dramedy about middle class New Yorkers trying to adjust to the absurdities of life during the economic crisis. Byrne joins the project as star and producer with King Keller set to direct.

“I like to write shows about everyday issues that make people act nuts,” states Strauss. “Weight is my latest comedy series centered on the age-old adage that weight makes people act totally crazy.”

Weight picks up as Claire, a middle class mom, returns home from a reality weight loss competition 100 pounds lighter but finds she’s gained some extra baggage due to the mixed and sometimes absurd reactions of her dysfunctional family and friends. The smart comedy combines America’s obsession with weight loss and reality television for a look at how weight can bring together and also divide people.

Follow @suzeecurrybts on Twitter for more on Weight

NJ Kids Heat up the Dance Floor on Ellen with their Salsa Moves: Beberly Devers and Kevin Tellez Head to America's Got Talent

Beberly Devers & Kevin Tellez   Photo Courtesy Facebook

Leave it to Ellen to find talent that truly entertains. Her staff searches the Internet and always finds pint-sized people to make us laugh, wonder and even cry. Sophia Grace and Rosie are already stars. And who could forget little Kai who sings his heart out to Bruno Mars' songs.

This time she found World Latin Dance Cup Champions 6-year old Beberly Devers and 8 year-old Kevin Tellez while surfin' around Youtube with close to 2 millions views. Beberly and Kevin both train in Hudson County. Their salsa teacher Johana Vasquez  has been teaching Kevin since he was 5 and Beberly for just one year.

They have only been dancing together for a year.  Both of them have won championships but with other dancers as partners. Ellen asked Kevin what he liked about his partner and he said, "She's smart, and she's easy to lift." Ellen then likened his response - with a smile - as to how most ladies choose their purses.

Take a look at this terrific twosome, they are full of talent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_mlDKnUttg

Good luck to them as they head to America's Got Talent.           Written by Suzanne Ordas Curry

NJ Mom Pens Lessons Learned: The Kindergarten Survival Guide for Parents, Book Signing at Shaw's of Westwood June 5th

A New Jersey mother and teacher has penned a book about what most mothers all wish we knew before we sent our kids off to school. Lessons Learned: The Kindergarten Survival Guide for Parents, is a comprehensive looks at the kindergarten year, from the first tears shed by your child on the first day to the tears shed by you as they finish up their first year as a little grown-up.

Podest wrote “Lessons Learned” to ease many common fears that parents have about enrolling their children in kindergarten. She offers advice from a parent and teacher perspective about topics such as first day of school preparations, making new friends and the parent’s role in their child’s education.

“Lessons Learned” also offers Podest’s views on

Philadelphia Sports & Education Expo May 31-June 1, Special Guests Include Eagle's Kevin Reilly, Angelo Cataldi, Mitch Albom, Jay Johnstone & More

Kevin Reilly will present an award to
Jason Garstkiewicz at the Philadelphia Sports & Education Expo

On May 31, former Philadelphia Eagles captain, amputee and cancer survivor Kevin Reilly, broadcaster on the Philadelphia Eagles Network, will present an MVP EXPY (Excellence in Preserving Youth Sports) award to Haddonfield, NJ HS freshman athlete Jason Garstkiewicz (pictured in football uniform), a fellow cancer survivor and amputee, who plays football, basketball and lacrosse. Jason, who has been supported by Go 4 the Goal-Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Cherry Hill, will additionally present an award to the Foundation, one of several awards being bestowed at the Convention Center in Philadelphia during the Sports & Education Expo weekend May 31-June 1. 

Glee's Lea Michele Booksigning in NJ: Brunette Ambition is a Great Book for Teens

                                                                                                                                   By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Reminiscent of a Justin Beiber concert half a decade ago, almost 500 tweens and teens were lined up anxiously awaiting their turn to meet Glee's Lea Michele at their local bookstore. And this book signing was quite a special one, because this bookstore was a stone's throw away from where she grew up in Tenafly, NJ.

Books and Greetings was the scene of the action. There were 400+ girls, just a few boys, with books in hand as well as some homemade tokens of affection ready to be handed to Lea. Some were "I love Lea" shirts. Some wore "I love Lea" hats. Some held homemade signs that said "I Love Lea". And once in a while you would hear a wave of  teen screams echoing  "I love Lea".

Lea Michele was there to sign copies of her book, Brunette Ambition. First, about the book:

This books covers just about EVERYTHING you want to know about Lea Michele. It is a well-designed, easy-to read font of information about her life, from how she got started, to what roles lead her along what path, to where she is now. It is also a book about her life now, what she does on a Sunday afternoon, what she eats for breakfast, who her besties are and what exercises she does. In the book she gives a lot of advice without preaching, it's more like teaching by example. She has lots of recipes for healthy eating, healthy living and fashion. She talks about her time at Glee and thanks Cory for his help with the book. Though formulaic, this is an excellent book for a young girl. If  Marcia Brady had written this when I was a teenager it would have been my Bible.

Martha Byrne's Emmy-Nominated Gotham The Series Acquired by Launch TV: Now Available on Many Channels

Launch TV Network Acquires Broadcast Rights for Gotham The Series

The Cast of Gotham The Series

NYC—Launch TV Network Company, Inc., currently in a binding agreement for acquisitions with Freedom Energy Holdings, Inc., acquires Broadcast rights for Premier Pilot “Gotham” the series. Gotham was nominated for an Emmy for Web Series.

Gotham The Series is a continuing drama series from Executive Producer Martha Byrne based on characters developed by Byrne and Alexandra Verner Roalsvig. The show premiered on the web in 2009. It is written by Martha Byrne and Lisa Brown.

Book Review: Douglas Preston's The Kraken Project

New Jersey Author  AJ Colucci reviews 
the newest crime thriller by Douglas Preston. 

Watch for AJ's new book, Seeders, available in bookstores everywhere in July.

Think science thriller, and you think Douglas Preston. His masterfully crafted, heart-pounding stories take readers slightly past the cutting-edge of science into terrifying “what if” scenarios that sometimes beg the question; do we really want to go there? The latest novel in his Wyman Ford series, THE KRAKEN PROJECT, delves into the world of Artificial Intelligence and the possible consequences of machines outsmarting humans. Click here to read the rest of the article:
http://www.thebigthrill.org/2014/04/the-kraken-project-by-douglas-preston/

Kevin and Joe Jonas Go On The Road with Off The Record: Coming to Jersey in June

Joe Jonas

Jersey Boys Kevin and Joe Jonas are going on tour, but not exactly a musical tour. They've put together a new show, called  Off The Record  coming to venues across the country.

This tour is something different. Following the interactivity trend in entertainment today, their appearances will be an interactive experience with the audience.

According to ET, the "the live shows will feature questions and answer sessions, never-before-scene footage, audience participation and many other surprises that will give fans a rare up-close and personal look at the two Jonas brothers".

The show is coming to Jersey on June 5, 2014 at 8pm. at the IPlay America's Event Center in Freehold, NJ. For tickets visit: http://www.axs.com/search?q=off+the+record+with+kevin+and+joe+jonas

Posh Fashion Show 2014 Hosted by RHONJ Kathy Wakile and Family, New Housewives Make an Appearance

PoshBoutiqueNJ  held its Annual Fashion Show at the Terrace in Paramus, NJ. Kathy, Rich and Victoria Wakile hosted this event with sister Rosie adding her flair. New RHONJ the Napolitano sisters came to help celebrate the fashion - and the quick recovery of Victoria after her recent surgery. It was a fun night... Jersey style. 

Victoria and Kathy Wakile                             Photo by Suzanne Curry

The Annual Posh Fashion Show, this year held at the new Terrace in Paramus, was a little bit different than your ordinary Fashion Show.

The best part about the night was seeing Victoria Wakile looking so absolutely beautiful and well after her surgery for benign astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor that  had plagued her as a young child and unfortunately returned. You could here it in mom’s voice, Kathy said: "We are all so blessed.... because God brought her back to us." She also thanked the crowd for coming there to celebrate her daughter's quick recover. Listen to what she said here, in a video of the beginning of the Posh Fashion Show:

View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJGd2mvQY-k&feature=youtu.be

Headlining the event was the graceful Mrs. Wakile and her husband Rich, who was looking quite handsome as well. Sister Rosie Pierri was the life of the party, milling about and posing with whomever would ask her. She also just plain ol' got up to dance once while the models were strolling down the runway.  

Tracy DiMarco-Epstein and Jackie Carmelo from Jerseylicious 
were also there. The brand new Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa 

New RHONJ Teresa in red and Nicole in white are bookends for Rosie

Napolitano Aprea and Nicole Napolitano were also there- but I don't think many attendees knew who they were. Brooke Villone (VH1's Baseball Wives) was also on the Red Carpet.

Big Brother's Gina Marie Zimmerman was the emcee

Emceeing the Fashion show was Gina Marie Zimmerman of Big Brother.  I don't think any men that came of their own volition or were dragged as dates knew that they were in for the treat they were in as the lights dimmed and the show started.

This was a relatively new venue. There were a few hundred people. I met some new friends that came up all the way up from the Jersey Shore to meet the housewives, and they drove back down the Parkway with tons of selfies in hand because all the cast of the RHONJ that was there were happy to pose. There were a few vendors. They also offered swordfish was an entrée which was a nice change from the chicken and salmon being offered in this area lately.

"Let's Grip It and Rip It" - CAWL To Arms Sounds in NJ and on ESPN as Collegiate Arm Wrestling Reaches a New Level

"Let's grip it and rip it!"
Watch It All on ESPN 2 July 5, 1-2pm

CAWL to Arms kicked off its inaugural season     Photos by Suzanne Curry

If  you've never been to a professional arm wrestling match, then you probably have never heard this phrase before.

But indeed, these are the words used to begin each exciting match at the College Arm Wrestling League, a far cry from the bar room matches in back rooms at local watering holes.

Interview: Christian Borle Helps Make Shutterllies a Smash Hit

Christian Borle is a Tony-Award Winning actor piling up TV credits with his work on NBC's Smash and The Sound of Music. Now he's making a name for himself in film as the quirky and sinister Lieutenant Burns in the short film Shutterflies.

Tony-Award Winner Christian Borle in Shutterflies

It says a lot about an actor who would do a film for unknowns, let alone kids.

But Christian Borle helped out a friend of his he met on the set of  NBC's Smash, Jeff Muhlstock, whose 17-year old son was making a movie with another 17-year-old, without hesitation.

“I saw the script and I loved it”, Christian said.  "It was mini Quentin Tarantino-ish.”. But he added, “Jeff, and I have a great relationship. I would have done it anyway."

Shutterflies The Movie - Interview with Spencer Muhlstock and Hayes Walsh: "It All Started With Old Camera"

Go behind the scenes and into the minds behind the film Shutterflies in this interview with Director/Writers Spencer Muhlstock and Hayes Walsh.

The short film “Shutterflies” by Muhlstock-Hayes Productions opened at the Ridgewood Film Festival in 2013 and in 2014 gained the title ‘Best Student Short Film - High School"  at the Garden State Film Festival. It also won Best Short Subject at the Ridgewood Film Festival 2014. It is headed this spring to the Hoboken Film Festival.

This film was written, directed and produced by Ridgewood High School students Hayes Walsh and Spencer Muhlstock. The movie takes place mid-century and centers around the mysterious disappearance of a local man. It was shot in Ridgewood, NJ and in surrounding towns.

Hayes also stars in the film. Tony-award winning actor Christian Borle (NBC’s Smash, Sound of Music), also lent his talent to this award-winning film. The film also stars Rosie Gunther McCooe (Bad Parents, The One), newcomer and grade-schooler Lily Walsh who learned sign language for the part and Andrew Grusetski.

View the latest trailer on the Spatpro Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/SpatPro

I had lots of questions for these boys, beginning with, What inspired you to make this film?

Spencer:  A large portion of the idea honestly came from the main prop in the film; a 1960’s Hasselblad camera. I desperately wanted to use it in a film, for some kind of period piece. Hayes and I

Review of Shutterflies: Snapshot of a Succesful Student Short Film

Hayes Walsh and Spencer Muhlstock Produce a Riveting Thriller, Smash's Christian Borle and Local Fave Rosie McCooe Star
By Suzanne Ordas Curry

It’s always exciting to see young people following their passion, and when they follow through, and do it right, it’s a sight to behold.

I happen to be speaking to an actor friend of mine, Rosie Gunther McCooe, and she mentioned how she was in a new film by two students at her local high school, called Shutterflies. As with many independent films these days, it was funded through Indiegogo.

The movie was premiering at a local theater in NJ, the gem of Ridgewood smack in the middle of Ridgewood’s downtown area. I went with my son, who is doing music for another student film in my town along with the two student film makers doing that film. I figured they would want to see what some fellow juniors in another town could do.

It was a freezing cold night in November with barely a soul on the street but inside the lobby it was a whole different world. The excitement there was contagious.

Hayes Walsh and Spencer Muhlstock were the savvy 17-year olds that wrote, directed and produced the short film. Hayes also starred in it and showed that acting is also one of his talents. He was truly believable as the amateur photographer Declan who found himself in the middle of danger, possibly so convincing because as a filmmaker capturing life through a lens is the way he sees and creates his world. In the movie we see the tale told through his eyes, through the lens of his own being. View the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtKUWgS40Gg

NBC Crisis Recap Episode - Episode Aired 4-27-14

Plot twists abound in the episode  “Homecoming,” which aired on April 27.  Dunn and Finley convince Gibson to use them – they have information about the CIA Station Orange site.  Hmm, will this move the FBI agents’ mission forward, or did they just make a deal with the devil? 

Joan Rivers Kicks off Spring Season at Bergen Pac: Also Coming to NJ are James Blunt, Ed Asner, Martin Short, Bob Newhart and More...

Joan Rivers comes across the bridge May 2nd to Bergen Pac

Emmy-Winner and legendary comedienne Joan Rivers will grace the stage at Bergen Pac in Englewood  May 2nd 2014 at 8PM. Get tickets to see Joan at www.ticketmaster.com or Box Office at 201.227.1030.

JOAN RIVERS is a force of nature and one of the hardest-working celebrities in the world. This lady is an internationally renowned comedienne, Emmy-winning television talk show host, Tony-nominated actress, best-selling author, playwright, screenwriter, motion picture director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, jewelry designer and cosmetic company entrepreneur, red carpet fashion laureate, businesswoman -- and most importantly, a proud mother and grandmother.

41st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominees Announced

Days Of Our Lives nominated for Oustanding Drama Series

The nominees for the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Award were announced this morning. No noticeable surprises, Sesame Street, The Talk, The View, all the morning shows, Ellen, all were nominated. For more information and a partial  listing visit:  http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/daytime-emmy-awards-2014-nominations-full-list/

RHONJ Kathy Wakile & Rosie Pierri To Appear at Posh Fashion Show: Tix Still Available

Posh Boutique is having a Fashion Show on May 1 at The Terrace in Paramus, NJ. This fashion show appears to be the third in a list of Fashion Shows headlined by cast members of the Real Housewives of New Jersey on Bravo held this spring in Northern NJ. This event is headlined by Kathy and Richie Wakile. Her sister Rosie Pierri is also slated to appear.

The Posh website promises a "night of fashion, shopping, dancing and a fabulous spring fashion show by Posh Boutique" It also states that there were be several vendor tables "from all over NJ for a little shopping therapy, raffles and a silent auction." Tickets are $100 and  include a hour cocktail  hour with open bar, a sit down dinner and the show. Music is by DJ Anthony D with MC Andrew Mendez.

To See the Article and Photos of this event click here:
http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2014/05/posh-fashion-show-2014-hosted-by-rhonj.html

NBC Crisis Recap: Here We Come - Airdate 4-20-14

Dunn and Finley Courtesy NBC

There’s a lot going on in the episode  “Here He Comes,” which aired on April 20.  The FBI sets up a plan to lure the kidnappers with a CIA file.  Dunn receives a text,  “I know you’re Amber’s mom,” presumably from Gibson.  Kyle confides to Beth Ann that he is planning to set a fire.  Meg sends a message to Jonas Clarenbach through a beach home message board.  Gibson monitors the parent meeting at Ballard, including Dunn and Finley’s private discussion.  This allows them

NBC's Crisis Recap: Designated Allies - Episode Aired April 13th

The internal struggles of the kidnapped kids are coming into play, and we are learning more about the relationships of all these kids in  #CRISIS.

                                                                                                                            By Diane Hunstein

Photo courtesy NBC

This episode, Designated Allies, (original air date April 13), contains twists and suspense as we have come to expect each week.  Janice Gibson receives a call from her husband, although she is not aware of his identity.  He tells her to get CIA Director Widener to her house and poison him.  The first part is easy – Widener is Beth Ann’s godfather.  The second part – well, it’s hard to get one over on someone in his position.  He doesn’t drink the “poisoned” coffee (Janice is unaware that the poison is fake), and ends up comforting Janice as the two of them get friendly on the sofa.  This fits Gibson’s plan perfectly as it gives him

Hey 201'ers! Are You Really A Bergen County Person?

BC people go to the CITY for the holidays,
to see a show, to shop and to eat.

If you know what day there's no traffic on Route 17, how long it takes to get to most "shore points", and where the Forum Diner was there's a good chance you're from Bergen County. I've added a few more but check out the quiz on Buzzfeed, to see if you're a true 201'er.
http://mahwah.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/quiz-asks-how-bergen-county-are-you?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-3-post&newsRef=true

Now having lived here for decades, here's my my TOP TEN:

BC people shop at outlets, and we
will travel to get to them.

10. You know which RHONJ really live in Bergen County and which don't.
9. You know what the artwork looked like on the old Alexander's.
8. You know the backroads to Paramus Park and GSP.
7. You know where Bada Bing is.
6. You've practiced driving at the Lodi DMV.
5. You remember the photo kiosk outside the Bergen Mall.
4. You had a grill cheese at the Kresge counter in old GSP.
3. You know what Billy Joel song references our county capital.
2. You know that Korvette's was not a car place, but was THE BEST place for records

and the number one thing that guarantees you're from Bergen County...
You think everyone in Jersey has an accent but you! 

RHONJ Melissa Gorga Headlines 201 Magazine's Fashion Show: SpoilMePink is Charity Sponsor

Thanks for stopping for a pose Melissa Gorga!

I had not been to the Meadowlands Racetrack in years, actually I can’t even remember the last time that I went. However, now there seems to be a new reason to get to the Racetrack and that is to hang out at Victory Sports Bar and Grill, the new restaurant owned by Albie and Chris Manzo.

I had the opportunity to get to this new eatery and club because that’s where our local upscale magazine, 201, had it’s Style and Beauty Week Launch Party headlined by RHONJ Melissa Gorga.

Joe Gorga

This event was a great Girls Night Out, though that’s not to say that the few men I saw there did not enjoy it, but it was fantastically feminine. There was a fashion show, vendor tables with jewelry and handbags and other fun stuff, a medium, massages, and people walking around giving hand massages and free skin cream samples. There was also a fun free photo booth.

For the $75 general admission fee (with a 10% discount for three of more), you got unlimited cocktails - beer, wine or cosmos, which were very good but the wait was a bit long at the start of the event. There were also hors douvres being passed around, such as sausage in pastry, bruschetta, egg rolls, and more. They were all quite tasty but it was hard to get them as this was one hungry  bunch of gals and the plates went quickly. Each attendee also received a swag bag at the end of the night. It had lots of goodies in it including cookies, gift certificates, water bottles, a makeup mirror, and of course, a signed copy of Melissa’s new book, Love Italian Style.
Watch Melissa on my Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh2wGn3r3kQ

Hallak Cleaners was an event sponsor

The VIP section cost more; it had tables to sit at, whereas general admission had barstools. The VIP section was billed as the place to be for individual photos with Melissa. And tons of fans got photos, Melissa and hubby Joe hung out in that area all night long. Not surprisingly Chris Manzo also came by for a visit. Even while Melissa was busy doing the fashion show and other things, Joe was happily posing for photos all night long and which the fans loved.

Melissa used that area as her main seating but she frequently left the area to graciously mingle with other guests and to let them pose for photos with her.

Melissa Gorga at the 201 Style and Beauty
Week Launch Party

Melissa walked the catwalk at the Fashion Show, which was emceed by Fashion Expert Heather Zwain of Bergen.com/201. The fashions were were pretty good, clothes one can really wear, and and a lot of the models were real people who weren’t a size 0 or 6 feet tall. There were also some easy-on-the-eye male models. Some of the models were breast cancer survivors. This was wonderful to see..One of the sponsors of the event was SpoilMePink.. They provide days of pampering to breast cancer survivors in the NJ/NY area. This is a young organization started by some fabulous women. For information on how you can help visit their website: www.SpoilMePink.org.

Chris and Albie Manzo's New Victory Sports Bar and Grill at the Meadowlands Racetrack: Eatery by Day, Nightclub After Hours Opens April 12th

The Manzo brothers have opened a new restaurant at the Meadowlands Racetrack in NJ on the heels of their announcement of a new reality show for the Manzo family. Will we see this restaurant in Manzo'd With Children? 

Host Chris Manzo

The old Giants Stadium, now called Metlife Stadium, got a recent multi-million dollar facelift and so did the Meadowlands Racetrack with its new building. Both were due for an update. I remember when the whole “sports complex” as it was known as was built. The whole area was just one big swamp, and it smelled when one drove by. It was the back road for us locals headed into NYC, so it was a well-traveled area.

The entire area has been built up since then, with several hotels and a few restaurants in the surrounding area, but it is still rather open and the reeds and grasses of the marshes still can be seen swaying in the breeze.

In the new building at the racetrack now is a new eatery, the Victory Sports Bar and Grill. Coming from a family of restauranteurs (they own the Brownstone in Paterson), it is no surprise that it is another venture of the Manzo family. After opening up little Town in Hoboken, The Victory Sports Bar and Grill is the second dining establishment for the Manzo brothers, Chris and Albie.

NJ's Kevin Jonas of Jonas Brother Fame Starts Construction Company

Kevin Jonas is now building houses.

Kevin Jonas of the musical Jonas Brothers has entered into the Jersey real estate business. According to Terrie O'Connor Realtors, the firm is now "representing Kevin Jonas of The Jonas Brothers and Married to Jonas and Bill Werner of Integrity Stairs of Wyckoff in their new partnership in the luxury home market.  Jonas and Werner together have created Jonas Werner Fine Custom Homes, LLC, a luxury home construction company for the most discerning clients. This partnership was born out of Kevin's unique and varied real estate experience and Bill's high end building expertise and respect in this industry.  They have just completed their latest project, a truly spectacular 15,000 square foot home in Morris County, NJ. Next stop for this dynamic and winning partnership is Bergen County, where they have begun a project in Franklin Lakes for a celebrity couple."

NBC Crisis Recap: Episode 3 Airdate 4-6-13 "What Was Done To You"

NBC's Crisis continues with the promo we've all seen.. the lady with the bombs on. One of the parents dies in this episode... but is it Marie Wirth? (Martha Byrne)

                                                                                                                    By Diane Hunstein 

The Kidnapped Kids  of Crisis                                          Photo NBC Facebook

Episode 4 begins with the news that Clark Froy did not survive the two gunshot wounds from the previous episode.  Gibson calls Congressman Langston Wirth and his wife, Marie (superbly played by the talented Martha Byrne).   They are home, looking frightened and stunned at the IED vest spread out in front of them.  Gibson tells them that their love for their daughter is stronger than their fear of what is to come.  FBI Director Olsen is addressing all of the Ballard parents.  He explains that the 
kidnappers are
using their kids as leverage and will

Will Ferrell's Funny or Die Spoofs Soap Stars

  Soap fans and romantic comedy fans may get a kick out of this:

http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/eadf841a41/funny-or-die-interview-as-the-world-turns-actress-martha-byrne-sex-with-will-ferrell-monica-lewinsky-and-pawn-shops

NBC Crisis Recap: Episode 2 Aired 3-30-14

This episode was filled with action, and we are learning more about Dermot Mulroney's motives.

                                                                                                             By Diane Hunstein
The third episode of Crisis starts off in FBI headquarters.  Dunn, Finley and Director Olsen determine that they need to question the most powerful parents of the students who were kidnapped.  Dunn and Finley go on their way to meet with the President and First Lady, while Gibson places a call to Chief of Staff Frank Beckwith.  He instructs Beckwith to call General Osborne and arrange a meeting, with the promise that

Emmy Winner Martha Byrne Takes on Two New Roles: NBC Crisis and Spokesperson for CASA for Children

Watch Martha Byrne on Crisis April 6^th, also appearing at Casino Night for Bergen CASA April 8^th. Tickets still available.

Martha Byrne is Spokesperson for Bergen CASA

If you’re a fan of TV, have watched NBC in the past month, or been on YouTube, you’ve probably seen the suspenseful promo for NBC’s newest crime thriller Crisis, starring Dermot Mulroney, Gillian Anderson, Rachel Taylor and Lance Gross.

In those intriguing commercials one may see a very compelling scene of a woman with a row of bombs strapped to her waist, standing in the lobby of the CIA, hysterical, about to push the button on the detonator in her right hand. She emits a terrifying, “Help me”. Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-AGf5RLR0M&feature=youtu.be

Will she activate the detonator?

The woman with the suicide vest is Emmy Winner Martha Byrne. Generations of viewers may recognize Martha for her role as Lily Walsh Snyder on As the World Turns for two decades. Since departing the show this Jersey Girl has continued to keep busy in the field of entertainment, producing her own web drama (Emmy-nominated Gotham, available on Vimeo), played the evil Andrea Floyd on General Hospital, wrote scripts for Bold and the Beautiful, starred in the yet to be released film, Preying for Mercy and built a talent agency in NJ. Performing being Martha’s first passion, she auditions as much as possible.  

C'Mon Get Happy: Pherrell Williams Happy Tune Makes Its Way To Northern NJ

Pherrell Williams certainly does have some magic in that hat of his. His song "Happy" is a global sensation, from Singapore to Budapest and beyond. The most recent count is over 153 million hits for the original song on Youtube, and 800 versions in 94 countries. But now you can make that 801 versions as Pherrell's happiness has spread to Northern NJ. Mahwah High School's Digital Media Class did their own version of Happy and posted it on their class channel, Thunderbird Television. Here it is:

It's time to get up and dance when you watch. This song is a breath of fresh air because of it's clean lyrics, perky, and easy-to-follow and easy-on-the-ear rhythms. Want to get even happier? Find a Happy version from all over the world using this Happy map: http://wearehappyfrom.com/map

Actress Martha Byrne Take on Two New Roles: NBC’s Crisis Role Coincides with New Role as CASA for Children Spokesperson

 Watch Martha Byrne on Crisis April 6^th, also appearing at Casino Night for Bergen CASA April 8^th. Tickets still available.

Martha Byrne is Spokesperson for Bergen CASA

If you’re a fan of TV, have watched NBC in the past month, or been on YouTube, you’ve probably seen the suspenseful promo for NBC’s newest crime thriller Crisis, starring Dermot Mulroney, Gillian Anderson, Rachel Taylor and Lance Gross.

In those intriguing commercials one may see a very compelling scene of a woman with a row of bombs strapped to her waist, standing in the lobby of the CIA, hysterical, about to push the button on the detonator in her right hand. She emits a terrifying, “Help me”. 

NBC Crisis Episode 1 Recap: If You Are Watching This, I am Dead - Airdate 3-23-14

If you missed the official first episode after the series premiere, here's the recap. The premise of the show is starting to unravel, but we still don't know the reasons for anything. Read on:

                                                                                                                       Recap by Diane Hunstein

(Finley) Lance Gross saved a student in the series premiere. Turns out
the boy is quite a know-it-all.

The show opens with Meg Fitch and her attorney at a table filled with piles of cash. Meg is complying with the demands of the hostage takers, with the hope that they return her daughter Amber.  Meg’s attorney advises her to disclose the deal to the FBI, but she does not agree.  Finley and Anton are debriefed by the FBI, and  Agent Dunn seems skeptical of Finley’s account of the abduction.  Gibson calls the Pakistani Ambassador, asking “what will you do

Recap of Series Premiere: NBC’s New Crime Thriller “Crisis” Puts You On the Edge of Your Seat

SuzeeBehindtheScenes will be following some new shows. The first of many recaps to come is NBC’s new show “Crisis”. Some have described it as 24-like, but will it have that staying power? The first episode had twists and turns, and left you dangling. Read on....

                                                                                                                                                                    Recap by: Diane Hunstein

Ready?  Breathe in. 

The show opens with a man in a field, activating a security override on a computer while an FBI agent comes running toward him.

The next scene jumps to earlier in the day, with parents dropping their teenagers off at Ballard High School in Washington D.C.  The students are boarding a bus for a weekend field trip in New York for

Cake Boss Opens New Bakery in Morristown NJ, Grand Opening March 20

Reality Star Baker and Entrepreneur Buddy Valastro is expanding once again. I've been to the Hoboken store, stood on line, and saw the show being taped there. It was a tourist attraction and worth the trip. I have not yet gotten to his Ridgewood location which opened about a year ago and now there's another to try, in Morristown. Here's the details on his new store:

http://longvalley.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/cake-boss-opens-new-bakery-in-morristown-this-week?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-2-post&newsRef=true

Di's Dish: The Lego Movie Builds "Block" Buster Momentum as Word Spreads It's Great Fun For the Whole Family

Di Reviews The Lego Movie. The Lego Movie has passed up 150 million domestically and over 200 million worldwide. The sequel has already been planned with a release date of May 26, 2017.

What do you get when you combine inventiveness, creativity, dry humor, a plot twist and a great message? You get the delightful Lego Movie.

Like many parents, I’ve spent countless hours over the years building and disassembling Lego sets with my kids. So I wondered…..was the movie going to be a venture into a nightmarish instruction booklet with robotic characters and a “let’s make it up as we go along” story line? Or was it going to be an assembly of familiar bricks and minifigures merging together to capture and retain the audiences’ attention? Unexpectedly, it was most definitely the latter.

I’m going to forego the usual retelling of the story. I decided to see it just as a child would – without any advance knowledge of what would be contained inside the one hour and forty minutes. And I’m glad that I did! It added an element of surprise to the viewing experience.

Event: Enjoy a Fashion Show With RHONJ's Melissa Gorga - 201's Style and Beauty Week Kicks off at The Manzo Brother's New Eatery The Victory Sports Bar and Grill

Update: For Post Event Story click here: http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2014/04/rhonj-melissa-gorga-headlines-201.html


If you've never been to the Meadowlands Racetrack because you're not a betting person, here's betting you'll enjoy this event.

I first wondered why a fashion event was being held at a racetrack eatery when the I realized the new Victory Sports Bar and Club is owned by Albie and Chris Manzo. This must be their second eatery in addition to Little Town in Hoboken, NJ.

Behind the Scenes Look: A Visit to Yankees Spring Training 2014- Exclusive Video of CC Hitting Grounders to His Son and Mark Teixeria doing BP at George M. Steinbrenner Stadium

Mark Teixeira warms up for the 2014 season at Steinbrenner Stadium

It was the first day for Pitchers and Catchers to report to Yankees Spring Training in Tampa, Florida. I had gone to dinner with my brother-in-law, Jack Curry of the YES Network, the night before, and he invited us to stop by the next day, prefacing it with,  "Even though there won't be much going on".

I had never been to spring training, but the first thing that impressed me was the size of George M. Steinbrenner Stadium and the grounds. The stadium itself, according to Jack, held ten thousand. It also just got a new scoreboard which was quite impressive-looking. There was a field to the right of the stadium and another on the left, closer to the

Buccaneers football stadium down the road which was clearly noticeable amidst the tall palms. The grounds were well maintained, with flowers and plantings using Zeriscape landscaping which was proudly noted on a sign. There were rows of tall palm trees adorning the stadium. There was a pond with a water feature with lots of ducks on it.

When we entered the grounds it looked like the crowd of about a hundred or so was walking from the stadium on the right, where it looked like some team members were just doing some exercises, to the main stadium. Jack had texted us that he was in the dugout on the main field behind the first base line, so we went in and he came out at sat with us.  Jack said that there will be twice the crowd there when Jeter comes, saying "he's like a magnet".