Feel Good Interview Series: Gilles Marini of Devious Maids, Days of Our Lives & More - 9 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Actor and model Gilles Marini is known for his acting work in such television shows as Brothers & Sisters, Switched at Birth and Devious Maids. He was also known for competing in the dancing reality competition "Dancing with the Stars," and he appeared in the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives." He also appeared in "Sex and the City " as Samantha's neighbor.

He had recurring roles on “Two Broke Girls,” “Teen Wolf,” “Castle,” “Modern Family,” “Dare Devil,” “Devious Maids” and “Hot in Cleveland. Most recently, he starred in the Hallmark mystery film "Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch."

Read on to find out nine interesting and fun things about him.

His Favorite Movies 

His favorite films include City of God, First Blood with Sylvester Stallone, Double Impact, and The Fifth Element.

Feel Good Interview Series: Jonathan Jackson of General Hospital: 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Jonathan Jackson is known for playing the role of Lucky Spencer in the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” the son of supercouple Luke and Laura, which earned him five Daytime Emmy Awards. 

Jackson is also known for his roles in the motion pictures “The Deep End of the Ocean,” “Tuck Everlasting,” “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” and “Riding the Bullet,” as well as for starring in the hit TV series “Nashville. 

Jackson is also a gifted musician in his own right... and he recently starred in the faith-based movie "Unsung Hero." He went on to reveal some of his favorite things.

Feel Good Interview Series: Kevin Alejandro of 'Fire Country,' 'True Blood' and 'Arrow' - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Actor Kevin Alejandro stars in the CBS drama series “Fire Country,” which had its season finale in May. He is also known for his acting work in such series as “True Blood,” “Arrow” on The CW, “Lucifer,” “Southland,” and “Parenthood.”

Alejandro went on to share nine interesting and fun things about himself.

Favorite movies

In the movies department, Alejandro shared that he is "old-school." "I love the 'Rocky' movies and the stories that they tell. They are about how hard you can get hit and get back up again," he said.

PANG SPA Presented by Chalk Repertory Theater Now Running

It's the final weekend for Pang Spa presented by the Chalk Repertory Theater at Atwater Village Theater in LA. Stars Ben Carrol, Christopher Callen, Hahn Cho, Dian Kobayashi, Edward Hong and Jasmine Kimiko. 

Synopsis: Daniel Pang returns home to LA's Koreatown stepping into an unexpected life. Twenty years after the LA Riots, the family business is gone, his brother is gone, and his parents are disappearing with dementia. As Daniel juggles his parents' care and idiosyncratic neighbors a flinty young army vet arrives on a mission forcing him to confront his past. PANG SPA is a Los Angeles, K-town dramedy celebrating family, memory and identity through a journey of healing. For tickets: https://www.chalkrep.com/

Feel-Good Interview Series: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees - Ten Things to Know about Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Jeff Timmons is the founding member of the Grammy-nominated boy band 98 Degrees. He shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Throughout his career, he has been nominated for a Grammy Award (for "Thank God I Found You" with Mariah Carey and Joe), Billboard Music Award, Kids' Choice Awards, and multiple Teen Choice Awards (winning one) as a member of 98 Degrees. Timmons has also done several acting jobs, which include Dead 7 and Baking Up Love.

Concert Review: Peace, Love and Understanding, the Stiff Little Fingers Way – Ireland’s answer to The Clash

By Rob Curry

As many of us have learned, it takes a lot of work to stay passionate about something. Whether it is your religious or political beliefs, your profession, or your hobby. I have to imagine the same thing applies to bands. So it is remarkable that Jake Burns and Stiff Little Fingers have been singing passionately about justice and overcoming intolerance for over 45 years. After seeing them at NYC’s Webster Hall for the seventh time over forty years, I have to say they are still bringing that same passion to their music and issues today as they did back in the early days of the band.

Stiff Little Fingers (SLF) burst on the scene in 1979 with “Alternative Ulster” which appeared on the classic Rough Trade compilation “Wanna Buy a Bridge”. Hailing from Northern Ireland they experienced firsthand the “troubles” that both Catholics and Protestants had to deal with on a day-to-day basis. They didn’t make much of it, but SLF was made up of both Catholics and Protestants members. So, while many of their songs like “Alternative Ulster” are political they also remarkably are able to not take sides but push for solutions that can satisfy both groups.

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor and Author Steve Guttenberg - 11 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor who is known for his acting work in Diner, Police Academy, Short Circuit, Three Men and a Baby, and such TV shows as Ballers and Veronica Mars. He has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his movies have grossed billions of dollars at the global box office.

Guttenberg just released his new book "Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero." He went on to share 11 interesting things about himself.

Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are The Graduate, The Great Escape, Water for Elephants, as well as the first Rocky and Star Wars movies.

Feel Good Interview Series: Candace Cameron Bure: ‘The Queen of Christmas and More Shares 10 Things About Herself

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Candace Cameron Bure is affectionately known as "The Queen of Christmas," and rightfully so. She is known worldwide for her role as DJ Tanner in "Full House" and "Fuller House."

She is also the Chief Creative Officer of Great American Family, where she serves as an executive producer and female lead on many of its movies. Her newest film "Unsung Hero" was released on April 26^th via Lionsgate.

Bure is also an ambitious businesswoman who boasts a wide range of entrepreneurial endeavors such as: Candy Rock Entertainment, lucrative partnerships with brands like QVC, Dr. Lancer as well many more. In 2021, she launched her size-inclusive clothing line, Candace Cameron Bure, in partnership with QVC.

Remembering Johnny Wactor: His Last Interview by Markos Papadatos - 8 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Editor's Note: We send our condolences to all of those who knew and loved Johnny Wactor, including our writer Markos Papadatos. Thank you Markos for this interview, which at times is hard to read because he not only was enjoying his life but had so much more to give.

The late Johnny Wactor passed away tragically on May 25, 2024. In this chat with me, he recalled some of his favorite things.

Johnny's Illustrious Career

He played the role of Brando Corbin on the ABC daytime drama "General Hospital." Wactor was known for being a genuine, warm, loving, and kind person. His death shocked not only the daytime community but the global entertainment community, and tributes came pouring in from all over the world.

Herflix- The Platform for Women to Livestream the Red Carpet Live from Cannes Film Festival May 15

Herflix, the platform for, by and about women is livestreaming the Red Carpet at Cannes, May 15, 2024 at 7:30 Paris time. You can watch all the action on Herflix.com. To find out the details, click the RSVP button below or go to HerflixCannes. Herflix streams the biggest and best movies about women with no subscription needed. To watch visit Herflix.com. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Rory Gibson of "The Young and The Restless'" and "Rebel Moon" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Rory Gibson joined the cast of the multi-Emmy award-winning show "The Young and The Restless" back in October of 2021 as Noah Newman, the son of the iconic characters Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case).

New York's Axial Theater Presents "Safehouse Series" Collection of New Play Readings, Also Seeking Submissions

 Axial Theater of New York presents its Safehouse Series of full-length play readings of new plays as part of Axial's commitment to new playwrights. Axial Theater is a professional ensemble based not-for-profit theater company currently in its 24th season. There is a suggested donation of $10 for students (or free) and $20 for others for each reading. Please keep in mind that donations are always needed to support the work of the theater and nurturing new artists, You can donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/3ba61f45-e80a-498d-8655-eaa7341d19a8

Feel-Good Interview of the Amazing 94 Year Old Academy Award Nominee June Squibb - 9 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

June Squibb is a veteran of the American film, TV and theatre industry. She scored a "Best Supporting Actress" nomination for her acting work in "Nebraska" back in 2013. She has also appeared in "About Schmidt," "Alice," "In & Out," "I'll See You in My Dreams," and she did voiceover work for "Toy Story 4" and "Inside Out 2."

Squibb has also has recurring roles in such TV series as "Ghost Whisperer," "The Young and The Restless," "Shameless" and "Good Girls," among others.

With her Oscar-nominated performance in "Nebraska," Squibb is the fourth oldest nominee in the history of the Academy Awards (at 84 years old). The late Gloria Stuart and Judi Dench hold the record for being the oldest nominees ever at 87 years old. The entertainment icon went on to share nine fun and exciting things about herself.

NY/NJ Event: WABCTV's Nina Peneda, Prana Marketing's Angela Thomas, Podcaster Jamie Hess and More Speak at Women For Women Today Event in NJ

Feel empowered, inspired and get to connect with other women at the Women For Women Today event at the Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, NJ - a short drive from Manhattan. Hear a bevy of successful women speak about what drives them and give tips on how you can achieve success in your life - whatever your definition of it may be. Proceeds benefit the Women's Rights Center of Englewood. The event is presented by Tracy Verrico. See below for more information and schedule. For tickets and more go to WomenforWomemToday.com.

NY/NJ Area Event: Whoopi Goldberg (7-28), Joan Baez, Darius Rucker, Adam Nimoy, Tyler Florence and More to Sign Books at Bookends in NJ

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Whoopee! Whoopi Goldberg and a bevy of authors are headed to Bookends in Ridgewood NJ, a short train ride from Manhattan. Bookends offers a great environment to see and meet the authors. Whoopi Goldberg will be there on July 28th to sign copies of her new book "Bits and Pieces". Other authors and personalities coming include Hannah Brown,  Gary Meyers with Harry Carson and Leonard Marshall, Darius Rucker, Tyler Florence, Adam Nimoy and Joan Baez. Check the website for updates as new authors are added throughout the year: http://www.book-ends.com/

NY/NJ Area Event: Non-Profit TEEEM Holds Inaugural Taste of TEEEM Event May 22 in Paramus, Free Ticketed Event Open to Public Features Food, Exhibits.

Ridgewood NJ - The non-profit TEEEM will hold its inaugural event entitled "A Taste of TEEEM" on May 22, 2024 at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, NJ from 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST. This night of food and exhibits will celebrate TEEEM's student changemakers who are empowering communities around the world and showcase the impact TEEEM makes.  

A Taste of TEEEM is a free event open to the public but tickets must be reserved. There will be food, drink, awards and activities. For a ticket visit: www.teeem.org. For questions regarding A Taste of TEEEM contact: Taylor DeMaio at taylor@teeem.org.

Feel-Good Interview: Broadway's Ryan Vasquez of "The Notebook", "Hamilton" , "Waitress", and More - 8 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Ryan Vasquez stars as "Middle Noah" in the new musical "The Notebook" on Broadway opposite Joy Woods as the "Middle Allie." He has starred in Broadway productions of "Hamilton," "The Wrong Man," "Waitress," "Wicked," as well as "Water for Elephants" in Georgia, and "The Outsiders" production in California.
For his performance in "The Wrong Man," Vasquez earned a Drama Desk nomination for "Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musica" back in 2020. In addition, he writes and produces his own music. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives, Chesapeake Shores, Hallmark Movies, John Tucker Must Die and so much more... 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Metcalfe is known for playing John Rowland in the series Desperate Housewives, as well as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions, and the titular character in John Tucker Must Die. 

He also starred as Christopher Ewing in the TNT reboot of Dallas, which is based on the 1978 series of the same name. From 2016 until 2021, he starred as Trace Riley in the popular Hallmark series Chesapeake Shores. Metcalfe shared nine fun, interesting and exciting things about himself.

His Favorite Movie

He listed Pulp Fiction as his all-time favorite movie.   

Origin Theater 1st Irish Festival Runs March 23 - April 28th in NYC Featuring a Bevy of Irish Productions

Origin 1^st Irish 2024, running from Mar 23 to April 28, presents 15 new plays in a mix of productions from Ireland and New York! 

1/ Festival mainstay, Dublin’s Fishamble: The New Play Company returns to 59E59 Theaters with their 10^th Festival production, “King,” written by and starring Pat Kinevane, about Luther, an Elvis impersonator living alone in Cork, who, on a big night out, reflects on his past and dares to dream of the future… maybe even a romance. Runs in Theater B Mar 26 to Apr 14.

Feel Good Interview Series: Joe Morton of "Scandal" and the New Film "Trinity's Triumph" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Acclaimed actor Joe Morton is a veteran of film, TV, and theatre. His credits include The Brother from Another Planet, City of Hope, and Lone Star.

Nearly a decade ago, Morton earned the Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series” for his portrayal of Rowan Pope, the father of Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington).

Most recently, Morton plays the role of Monsignor Heck in the new Amazon Prime film "Trinity's Triumph," which is available as of February 22nd. This movie chronicles the paths of three young seminarians that are guided by their wise and beloved mentor, Monsignor Heck.

Feel Good Interview Series: Robert Buckley of Hallmark, One Tree Hill & More - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Robert Buckley is an actor who is known for his work in "Lipstick Jungle," "One Tree Hill," as well as in the Hallmark series "Chesapeake Shores." He also co-wrote and starred in both of "The Christmas House" holiday films on Hallmark opposite Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder. 

His new Hallmark rom-rom "Blind Date Book Club" airs on Saturday, April 6, where he stars opposite Erin Krakow. He went on to share some exciting things about him.

Favorite Comfort Food 

“I don’t do cheat meals. If you like something, I eat it,” he said. “If I had to say a good unhealthy, fun meal, it would be a large pizza and eat it to myself. I’m never bad with a basket of chicken fingers and ranch. Give me all the tater tots, all the corn dogs, and a good ole fashioned burger. Also, get fried pickles in the mix.”

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Ignacyo Matynia - 9 Things to Know About Him

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Ignacyo Matynia is an actor who is known for his performance in the Lifetime original movie "My Nightmare Landlord," where he played the title role. He also starred in the independent films "One and the Same" and "Break Every Chain," as well as the Hallmark holiday movie "Christmas Camp."

A native of Poland, who grew up in the United States, Matynia appeared opposite Mariska Hargitay on "Law & Order: SVU." His past work has been displayed on Netflix, HBO, ABC, AMC, Lifetime, Starz, Amazon, and Hallmark, among other networks.

Most recently, he starred in "Man in the Guest House" on Lifetime, as the male lead opposite Emmy winner Kristen Alderson ("General Hospital"), which premiered In February 2024.

Music Review: Stars (I mean Punks) on 45 Stars on 45 - The Original Version on Youtube - A Novel and Groundbreaking Medley of Punk Classics

 

By Rob Curry

When “Stars on 45” was released in January 1981 you couldn’t escape this addictive ear worm. Although I know many Beatles fans who were not happy with the mixing of the Archies with the greatest rock and roll band of all time. Thinking back, this song was way ahead of its time with sampling different tracks and mashing up different artists. Listening to it today it is hard to recall how novel that approach was in 1981.
 
At around the same time (or who knows, maybe it was before “Stars on 45”?) there was a similar medley of punk songs released. “The Punk of 1976” was released by the Friendly Hopefuls . If you are a fan of that era of music,  “The Punk of 76” may appeal to you more than “Stars on 45” and is just as addictive. No “Sugar, Sugar” this time, but the intro gives you a little UK punk rock history intro to get started.

Feel Good Interview Series: Jonathan Bennett - 8 Things to Know About This Film, TV and Broadway Actor

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Jonathan Bennett is an actor and TV host. He is best known for playing Aaron Samuels in the comedy "Mean Girls," which has become a classic. He is also known for his acting work in Hallmark movies and for hosting the Food network series "Halloween Wars."

Bennett also starred as Sir Robin in “Spamalot” on Broadway through April 2024.

His Favorite Movies

His favorite movie is "The Glass Onion." “I loved it. That was my new favorite movie that I saw in a long time,” he said.

Favorite series to Binge-watch

He listed “The Stranger” as his favorite series to binge.

NJ High Schooler Trevor Ostfeld Co-Authors Children's Book: Finding Messi: The Miracle Cat from Kyiv - Proceeds to Help Ukraine People

 

NY/NJ Event: Caytha Jentis' New Comedy Comes to NJ's Parsippany Arts Center after Successful NYC Run Starting April 12, 2024

After a successful run Off Broadway in Fall 2023,  S*x Work/S*x Play, a new stage play from Caytha Jentis, opens at the Parsippany Arts Center April 12th - 14 2024. The play is a cross generational social commentary comedy about the conundrum of love, dating and human connection in our digital driven world where everything and everybody is a swipe away. Caytha Jentis an award-winning filmmaker, director and writer, whose movies have appeared on most streaming networks.

The show is produced and directed by Lauren Moran, a Boonton mom, and stars two mothers Deshja Driggs, a West Orange mom and Diane Harrington, a Nutley mom.  The New York production was directed by Rosie Gunther, also a Ridgewood mom. The New Jersey Production is produced by LoMotion Live, a theatre dedicated to creating conversation through theatre and the arts.

NYC Event: THE GREENROOM42 PRESENTS A CABARET CELEBRATION FOR THE AUDIOBOOK PUBLICATION OF “CINDERELLAS OF WEST 53RD STREET: STORIES FROM THE LEGENDARY REHEARSAL CLUB” on May 7, 2024

In celebration of the 2023 release of Bear Manor Media’s title, Cinderellas of West 53rd Street: Stories from the Legendary Rehearsal Club, and this year’s release with Blythe Danner and each writer reading their own story for the audiobook, published by Blackstone and available on Audible.com, The Greenroom42 presents “Circle of Cinderella Friends,” in cabaret, May 7, 2024, 7:00pm. To purchase tickets visit: https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/

About the Book: Who are the Cinderellas? Carol Burnett, Blythe Danner and others are recognizable, well-known Rehearsal Club Alums. In the book, each Cinderella shares their same adventurous, determined and generous spirits. By the time the last page turns, similar to those anonymous, back-up dancers who tipped their top hats during “Singular Sensation” (the finale to A Chorus Line), you will know these women. Maybe recognize yourself? What we all do for love.

New Jersey Father and Daughter Co-Write Book Entitled "Dawnah The Zombie Whisperer" - A Great Read for Young Readers Seeking a Fun Adventure

Meet Twelve-year-old Dawnah - the zombie whisperer! It's a collaboration between a dad and his daughter. What's it about? When Dawnah, a socially awkward twelve-old-girl and her widowed father go on a camping trip, they find themselves thrust into the zombie apocalypse. As Dawnah and her dad travel along the Appalachian Trail, in order to reunite with her sibling, Dawnah discovers that she can control the living dead with her voice and that she may be the last hope for humanity.

Suzee: Tell me about the inspiration for the book.

Dana: It arose out of watching zombie movies with my daughter, Georgia, a genre we both love. We wanted to explore the zombie apocalypse genre in a unique way. Writing together was also a way to help Georgia process some social challenges she was facing at school at that time. 

NY/NJ Event: Bergen CASA Holds Casino Night to Benefit Kids in Foster Care April 17, 2024: Honorees are Kundert Volvo and Lorin Konner Sherman Memorial Fund

Bergen County CASA is excited to announce its 2024 very popular Casino Night for April 17, 2024. This organization recruits, screens and trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected foster children. It will be held at Season's, 644 Pascack Road in Washington Township on April 17, from 6:30pm - 10:30pm. For more information, email info@bergencasa.org or visit www.bergencasa.org.

This year's fundraiser will honor two organizations that have provided invaluable support for Bergen CASA: Kundert Volvo of Hasbrouck Heights and the Lorin Konner Sherman Memorial Fund. 

NYC/NJ Area Event: The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Runs Four Nights in April - NJ Premiere of The Zombie Wedding, Harlan Coben Q & A, Shorts, Networking Party & More

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (RGIFF) celebrates its 13th year with an enthralling program of independent films and special events spanning three nights and two locations in Bergen County, New Jersey. The event takes place in Bergen County on April 16, 18, and 25, 2024. For tickets and info visit https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/

Tribute Concert for Sinead O'Connor and Shane MacGowan At Carnegie Hall - A Night of Powerful Performances to Bring out the Irish in All of Us - And a Special Song by Roisin Murphy - Video

By Rob Curry
 
Carnegie Hall hosted a tribute to the music and lives of Shane MacGowan and Sinead O’Connor on March 20, 2024. These types of tributes can sometimes be staid affairs, but not this one. When you have two of the best Irish songwriters of the last 40 years it quickly turned into a celebration more like an Irish wake at the local pub. The only thing missing was a perfect pour of a Guinness.

Michael Dorf, of City Winery vintage, put together a stellar group of artists to celebrate Shane and Sinead. They were Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes, Steve Earle, Cat Power, Amanda Palmer, Glenn Hansard, Billy Bragg, Imelda May, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Josh Ritter; the list goes on and on. 

The set list alternated between Shane and Sinead songs which highlighted the dark and introspective side of Sinead’s songs versus Shane’s raucous celebrations of the good and bad that life can bring.