G.H. Harding

SEXY REXY GONE — Famed movie journalist Red Reed passed Tuesday. Say what you will about him, but in his six-decade career in Hollywood, Reed took NO prisoners. I didn’t know him, but sat next to him at numerous movie-screenings. He always sort of kept to himself, but each and every review was priceless.

He became so famous that he was eventually cast in the movie Myra Breckenridge as a character transitioning from male to female; which ironically was portrayed by none other than Raquel Welch. Each and every obit is glorious to read, but Roger Friedman (SHOWBIZ 411) may have the best of all. Check it out here:  Remembering the Great Rex Reed, Acerbic Film and Theater Critic, Performer, Raconteur, Who’s Left Us Too Soon at Age 87 – Showbiz411

The New York Times (by Clyde Haberman) too had a brilliant one: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/movies/rex-reed-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.h1A.iuIh.1axrs8NLE__Z&smid=url-share

And his home for the last years, The Observer, had a great one too from his editor: https://observer.com/2026/05/rex-reed-obituary-a-personal-remembrance-of-the-legendary-film-critic/

Yes, one of a kind. We’ll never see someone like sexy Rexy again. You can count on it.

Saville Row

SHORT TAKES — 3 Saville Row becomes a Beatle-museum? After The Beatles, Apple Records, and an Abercrombie & Kids, the famed location will shortly become a museum in London. Crazy … Our spy in Madrid Topo reports that all everyone is talking about over there is the hanta virus; crippling travel and immigration from there. I think we should take that as a serious warning. On the news today, I heard the possible outbreak compared to that of covid-19 … From Hollywood Talk on celeb-author Mark Bego: https://www.truehollywoodtalk.com/bestselling-author-mark-bego-is-back-thanks-to-michael-jackson/

Go Go’s

A memoir from Jane Wiedlin of the Go Go’s is forthcoming in November. Knew her for a bit in the 80’s and she was always fun. Read more here: https://bestclassicbands.com/jane-wiedlin-go-gos-tmi-memoir-4-27-26/

Jack Douglas

Producer Jack Douglas (Alice Cooper; Aerosmith; Patti Smith; Cheap Trick; John & Yoko) passed this week as well from lymphoma. A fierce producer who goes all the way  back to Lennon’sImagine album, he’ll be missed for sure. I’ll always remember him saying in some interview that Lennon, while recording Double Fantasy, said some things which predicted his early end. Douglas never said what they were and led all to believe he destroyed the tapes. Here’s Variety’s wrap-up: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/jack-douglas-dead-producer-john-lennon-aerosmith-1236746555/?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e231_tv2_tp1_a1dennhb675d2r&fbclid=IwY2xjawRxPSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeOapHbjdkuZKtUYxCYuZzIfKWKi2CV5NDXbvnSgm1pQUQCkAJivI84qsIjZQ_aem_Lc1pkqa_5lfbS6tg6JkvNw …

Micky Dolenz was interviewed by Lauren Taylor of LEO Weekly for his show next week at Abbey Road On The River in Jefferson, Indiana … One of our faves here, Apple TV’s Invasion is waiting for a greenlight for Season 4. Season 3 picked up loads of new viewers and for as time was the #1 show on Apple TV Global. Stay tuned … (Via Deadline) Come 2027, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show will have a new home at Netflix. The streamer has inked a deal to broadcast the iconic event, presented by Purina Pro Plan, for its 151st show. The Westminster Go Show is moving from its most recent home at Fox Sports, which has aired the main show events since 2017. Prior to that, it aired on USA Network for more than three decades, from 1984-2016. From the late 1960s into the 1980s, CBS Sports covered the event as a regular segment of the CBS Sports Spectacular anthology series … Happy Bday Jane Blunkell!

 NAMES IN THE NEWS — William Schill; Melinda Newman; Joe Lynch; Mary Jo; Liz Smith; Rush & Molly; Neal Travis; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Jerry Seinfeld; Roy Trakin; David Adelson; Ali Hawthorne; Angela Tarantino; Cindy Adams; Lee Jeske; Roman Kozak; Melinda Newman; Vinny Rich; Anthony Pomes; WGBB; Dan Zelinski; Paul Nelson; Jann Wenner; Markos Papadatos; and BELLA!

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Remember when broadcasters like Larry King conducted those hour long thought provoking interviews with consequential guests.  That kind of television is gone but the Culture and Cocktails for Palm Beach hosted an event that gave it’s audience a wonderful comparable live experience as four-time Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host Bill Boggs interviewed one of the original Saturday Night Live comedy writers, Alan Zweibel who has won five Emmy Awards for his work in television. As noted by the the  Culture and Cocktails audience members it was one of the most informative and humorous evenings ever presented by the organization.  Of course there were cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with the fascinating conversation (uninterrupted by commercials) by these two significant representatives of the Golden Age of Television.

David Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County hosted the launch of the series which was held in Blue Heron Ballroom of The Ben, which overlooks the waterfront in West Palm Beach.

Bill Boggs and Alan Zweibel were Friars and fellow Friar Jeff Lebowitz suggested the event.

The next event in the Culture & Cocktails Series is February 24…Dishing with Andrew Kato of Maltz Jupiter Theatre with Florida stage stars Elizabeth Simon, Angie Radosh, and Karen Stephens

About Alan Zweibel:

An original Saturday Night Live writer, Alan  Zweibel has won five Emmy Awards for his work in television, which also includes It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (which he co-created and produced), The Late Show with David Letterman and Curb Your Enthusiasm. A frequent guest on all the late-night talk shows, his theatrical contributions include his collaboration with Billy Crystal on the Tony Award winning play 700 Sundays, Martin Short’s Broadway hit Fame Becomes Me, and six off-Broadway plays including Bunny Bunny – Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy, which he adapted from his best-selling book. Zweibel has written 11 books including his cultural memoir titled Laugh Lines – My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier; the 2006 Thurber Prize winning novel The Other Shulman; the popular children’s book Our Tree Named Steve, a parody of the Haggadah — For This We Left Egypt? which he wrote with Dave Barry and Adam Mansbach, and Lunatics co-written with Dave Barry. In addition, he has appeared in episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Law & Order and can be seen in the documentary The Last Laugh about humor and the Holocaust; Judd Apatow’s Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (HBO), Gilbert about the life of Gilbert Gottfried, and the Emmy nominated CNN documentary he executive produced titled Love, Gilda. 

About Bill Boggs:

 Bill Boggs, a four-time Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host and producer, a professional speaker, and author of four acclaimed books. His shows ran on NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and Showtime, and hundreds of his interviews can be found at BillBoggsTV on YouTube.  

BILL BOGGS & ALAN ZWEIBEL

ALAN ZWEIBEL

BILL BOGGS

BILL BOGGS & ALAN ZWEIBEL

BILL BOGGS, ALAN ZWEIBEL, DAVE LAWRENCE, PRESIDENT CEO CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR PALM BEACH

BILL BOGGS & ALAN ZWEIBEL

BILL BOGGS

DAVE LAWRENCE

ROBIN ZWEIBEL & ALAN ZWEIBEL

BOB MERILL, LESLIE LAREDO, EDA SOROKOFF, ROB RUSSELL,ALAN ZWEIBEL, STEPHEN SOROKOFF JEFF LEIBOWITZ, SHARON PHAIR FORTENBAUGH

BOOK SIGNING

LESLIE LAREDO

BILL BOGGS

When I visited the historic Castle of Oliveto, Castello di Olivetto, I experienced an amazing time in the kitchen. Pope’s loved to stay and sleep in this pretty castle and enjoyed century old recipes, unique wonderful delicious al dente Ravioli.

My family having close ties to several Pope’s I thought it would be amazing to cook the traditional recipes, as a Royal in the kitchen, Chef Prince Mario-Max, and the outcome was yummy!

H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe in the Castle Palace Castello

The humble ravioli, a seemingly simple parcel of pasta encasing a delicious filling, holds within its delicate folds a rich history and a world of flavour. Its story is a journey through time, traversing continents and cultures, shaped by ingenuity and a love for good food.

The origins of ravioli remain shrouded in a delicious mist of culinary history. Some food historians trace its ancestry to famed explorer Marco Polo in the 13th century. Others point to medieval cookbooks with recipes for “torte”, meat pies with edible crusts that bear a striking resemblance to large ravioli.

One of the earliest written mentions of ravioli appears in the personal letters of Francesco Datini, a 14th-century merchant from Prato, Italy. He describes a dish remarkably similar to modern ravioli, filled with cheese and herbs. By the mid-14th century, the “Libro per cuoco” (Book for Cooks) offered a recipe for ravioli filled with blanched green herbs, beaten egg, and fresh cheese, simmered in broth and seasoned with spices.

Ravioli quickly gained popularity throughout Italy, adapting to regional ingredients and traditions. In Emilia-Romagna, pumpkin ravioli became a festive favourite, while in Rome, they were filled with ricotta and spinach. Coastal regions embraced seafood fillings, while inland areas favoured meats and cheeses.

The beauty of ravioli lies in its versatility. The pasta dough, typically made with flour and eggs, can be crafted into various shapes and sizes, from delicate squares to plump crescents. The fillings are equally diverse, ranging from classic combinations like ricotta and spinach to more adventurous creations like lobster and saffron or wild mushroom and truffle.

The taste of ravioli is a symphony of textures and flavours. The tender pasta yields to a burst of savoury filling, enhanced by a complementary sauce. A simple tomato sauce allows the filling to shine, while a rich butter and sage sauce adds a touch of decadence. Broth, cream, and pesto also offer delicious possibilities, each enhancing the ravioli in its unique way.

Beyond Italy, ravioli has travelled the world, adapting to local palates and ingredients. In Argentina, “sorrentinos” are large ravioli typically filled with meat and cheese. In the Middle East, “shishbarak” features small meat-filled ravioli cooked in yogurt broth. Each variation tells a story of cultural exchange and culinary creativity.

Today, ravioli continues to be a beloved dish, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike. Whether handcrafted with love by a nonna or expertly prepared by a chef, each bite of ravioli is a testament to its enduring appeal. It is a dish that speaks of tradition, innovation, and the simple pleasure of good food shared with loved ones.

Here are the Castle’s secret recipe’s i learned to cook while on a VIP US-delegation named the extravaganza to Italy.

The 2024 Emmy Awards was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a galaxy of stars. Yet, even amidst such a dazzling display of talent, Sofia Vergara managed to shine with an unparalleled brilliance as usual. The Colombian-American actress, renowned for her infectious laughter, captivating beauty, and magnetic personality, proved once again why she is not just a beloved figure in Hollywood but a global icon.

I have met wonderful Sofia years ago and she is the manifestation of talent beyond words, kind and humble. So many say the world’s most shining star!

Vergara’s journey to the pinnacle of success is a testament to her unwavering determination and relentless spirit. Hailing from humble beginnings in Colombia, she embarked on a path that led her from modeling to acting, ultimately captivating audiences worldwide with her comedic genius and undeniable charm. Her breakout role on the critically acclaimed sitcom “Modern Family” catapulted her to international fame, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend humor with heartfelt emotion.

On the Emmy’s red carpet, Vergara was the epitome of elegance and grace. Her radiant smile and infectious energy lit up the scene, drawing the attention of both the paparazzi and the admiring glances of her peers. But beyond her undeniable beauty, it was Vergara’s genuine warmth and kindness that truly set her apart. She exuded an aura of approachability, engaging in conversations with fans, fellow actors, and industry professionals with genuine enthusiasm. Her laughter, a melody of pure joy, echoed through the halls of the Microsoft Theater, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed her path.

Stories abound of Vergara’s generosity and supportive nature. Her “Modern Family” co-stars have often spoken of her infectious positivity and her willingness to go above and beyond to help others. Her presence on set was a source of constant laughter and encouragement, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. Her philanthropic endeavors further illustrate her compassionate spirit. She is a fervent advocate for various causes, including cancer research and support for children with special needs. Her commitment to giving back to her community and using her platform for positive change is a testament to her character and her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.  

Vergara’s exceptional talent, coupled with her magnetic personality, has not only earned her critical acclaim but also made her a role model for aspiring actors and entertainers across the globe. She embodies the American dream, demonstrating that with hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. Her journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals who dare to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering zeal.

As the Emmys honored the best and brightest in television, Sofia Vergara stood out as a beacon of talent, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Her presence on the red carpet and her infectious joy throughout the evening were a testament to her remarkable achievements and her enduring legacy. She is not just a star; she is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that lie within each of us. Bravo to Latina Superpower!

* His Highness Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a European Working Royal and German Prince. He is an Award winning Actor, TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse Author and Public Speaker. ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of H.H. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a