Author: Francine Brokaw

‘We Are Not Alone’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Throughout history people have been fascinated by the idea of extra terrestrials. A couple generations ago people thought that the idea of aliens was pure fiction. The next generation realized that this could definitely be a possibility. And the new generation is being brought up with the fact that yes, there are and have been aliens on Earth. We Are Not Alone is a new documentary about sightings, interactions, and ideas dealing with visitors from other worlds.

Serena DC brings this interesting documentary to DVD and Digital for viewers to understand about alien crafts and existences. She includes conversations with leading ufologists who discuss their experiences and explanations about certain events that have occurred on Earth. After all, Earth is just a teeny, tiny speck in the universe, so why would it be reasonable to believe that this planet is the only one with conscience life?

Military officials have recently admitted to seeing alien crafts, and although “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “ET,” and other films have peaked our interest in alien existence, it hasn’t been until the past decade when high-level officials have confessed to the fact that yes, this planet has been visited, and is being visited, by other beings.

Is Sasquatch an alien? Some think so. And what about the event in Roswell? Was that made up or covered up? 

There is one theory that the atomic testing in the 1940s opened a window to other worlds and that beings from other planets are trying to stop humans from the horrific and catastrophic consequences of atomic warfare.

So, why we are not exactly sure about why they are here, at least their reasons have not been exposed to the public, there is clear evidence that we are not alone. 

“ET phone home” might not be as far-fetched as we originally thought. Contact with other worlds is happening. 

The documentary will be available on digital and DVD beginning October 3, 2023. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Boston is the place for iconic TV fictional places for libations of all kinds

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It has been well known for decades that the iconic “Cheers” bar from the popular TV show is located in Boston. Just don’t tell any Bostonians you want to visit that place. Trust me.

Now, Central Perk from “Friends” has been updated and opened in Boston. Located in the Black Bay neighborhood, this modernized version of the hit coffeehouse is open for people who just want to drink their java and relax like Monica, Joey, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe, and Ross. 

This new Central Perk Coffee Company is just a little different than the one everyone knows from TV. According to the press release, ““Central Perk was far more than just a coffee shop; it stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy and adoration that fans hold for FRIENDS,” said Peter van Roden, SVP, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment. “Central Perk Coffeehouse perfectly balances the modern and nostalgic, providing a contemporary atmosphere, complemented by food and beverage offerings that celebrates the iconic series. We are beyond thrilled t0 welcome fans from around the world to Boston, where they can savor a delicious cup of coffee and create new and lasting memories with their friends.”

“We are incredibly excited that the world class city of Boston will be the home of our new Central Perk Coffeehouse,” said Joe Gurdock, CenPer Holdings. “Newbury Street and the city’s Back Bay neighborhood are treasured gems, known and admired around the globe. We are so fortunate to have found the ideal first location for this concept. We can’t wait to open our doors and join the amazing collection of retailers in the community and neighborhood. We look forward to welcoming locals and fans alike to come in daily to create their own stories in this new updated space with a great cup of coffee and fantastic food!”

For more information or to purchase merchandise, visit their website.

So now, as of October 2023, visitors to bean town, aka Boston, Massachusetts, can hang out in two iconic places where everyone knows your name. Well, not at first, but if you’re there long enough they will. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘CPC_Rendering’ image is courtesy of Glen & Co.

All other photos are courtesy of Central Perk Coffee Co.

Bring home ‘School of Rock’ special limited edition

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Twenty years ago a little comedy that was meant for both kids and adults took audiences by surprise. School of Rock was a hit and now Paramount Home Entertainment is commemorating this adorable film with a limited edition Blu-ray SteelBook that includes a Digital code as well as plenty of fun bonus features.

The story is about an out-of-work rock musician, Dewey Finn (Jack Black) who pretends to be his friend Ned Schneebly, a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school. It’s outrageously funny. Not knowing about anything except rock and roll, Finn turns his students from attentive scholastic kids into a rock band. Of course, all of this is a secret to their parents and even the school’s administer. The kids really get involved in their  “school project” with costumes, music, a band logo, and everything that a proper band needs. 

The fun begins the first time Finn enters the classroom and doesn’t end until the final credits roll. This is truly a cute movie for the entire family. 

Bonus features include commentaries by Jack Black, director Richard Linklater, and the kids. Being a show about rock and roll, it was important to include a Led Zeppelin song and to get their approval, Black taped a plea to them. After all, what is a film about rock music without Led Zeppelin?

Another adorable featurette is “Lessons Learned on School of Rock.” This is basically an fun look behind the scenes of the creation of the movie with the cast and Linklater. The kids tell their stories about how they were cast and they also talk about working with Black. Black describes his wackiness during the filming and said it was the most fun he has ever had making a film. He took his job seriously even though his character did not. He also took time to bond with the kids, which was an important element in making this the hit that it became.

Black acknowledged he had to brush up on the electric guitar for his reel life as he played acoustic guitar in real life. He also said this was a hard movie to make but was great fun. Rehearsing all the funny scenes over and over was daunting because when it came time to film everyone hoped the scenes would come across as fresh and funny as they did all the times they were rehearsed. And they did. There was no need to worry on that front. 

There is also a feature about the premiere of the film at the Toronto Film Festival, which, for the kids, was the first film festival they had ever attended. It’s evident they had the time of their lives being on the red carpet and in a press conference. 

A music video and a few other additions complete the bonus features. 

Going behind the scenes of the film and the film festival adds a lot of enjoyment to the already enjoyable movie. This limited edition Blu-ray is a must-have for fans of the film and of Jack Black.

When it premiered in theaters on October 3, 2003, it hit the top of the charts and remained the number one film in the U.S.A. for ten weeks. 

On a side note: having reviewed the film when it first came out (sheesh – has it been 20 years already?) and having interviewed Black and the kids, I can say they were all great about speaking with the press and thoroughly enjoyed making the movie. The respect they had for Black and each other was clear. Their off-screen relationships helped make their on-screen relationships work great for the camera. 

School of Rock is rated PG-13 for some rude humor and drug references.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’ comes to Acorn TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new mystery series on Acorn TV, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, is filled with fun characters and interesting crime solving techniques. The story focuses on Mrs. Sidhu (Meera Syal), a caterer who enjoys solving crimes as much as she does creating delicious food.

As she juggles her catering business with her penchant for crime solving, she joins forces with DCI Burton (Craig Parkinson). Together they turn out to be quite a pair and his official partner DS Mint (Naana Agyei-Ampadu) is baffled by how well Burton and Sidhu work together to fight crime.

The first season of this new mystery series consists of four 90-minute episodes. It premieres on Acorn TV September 18, 2023.

‘Speed is Expensive’ available for home viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


“I feel the need, the need for speed.” Those words were famously uttered in the 1986 movie Top Gun. Let’s face it. Speed has been an important element in human history. Think of the Olympics. So, when one young man, Philip Vincent, often referred to as an eccentric engineer, decided to build the world’s fastest motorcycle, he put everything he had into that project. Lo and behold, he did it.  Speed is Expensive tells the story of Vincent, his life, dedication, and his motorcycles.

In 1955 he finally achieved his goal of breaking the world speed record. At 185 mph, his Vincent topped the charts. Now, if you haven’t heard of the Vincent motorcycles, don’t feel left out. They are not as prevalent as BMWs or Harley Davidsons. But in the day they were the cycles to have.

His story is remarkable and shows the dedication and perseverance embodied by Vincent and his team. Today motorcycle aficionados like Jay Leno, Ryan Reynolds, and even Brad Pitt enjoy their Vincent bikes.

Motorcycles are often featured in American films: Easy Rider, The World’s Fastest Indian, Wild Hogs, The Wild One, Ghost Rider, and more highlight the riders’ affection with their bikes. On any Sunday in many cities and towns around the country, bikers take off on their carefree excursions to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Today’s bikers are not gang-type portrayed in the 1950s films. Rather they are doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who simply enjoy the freedom of riding.

While these weekend riders enjoy their bikes, non of them enjoy the sheer speed encountered by those who race at places like the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is there where many land speed records have been broken, including by the Vincent.

Now, think of how much money people put into their beloved bikes then compare that number to the $1.2 million paid by an Australian collector who bought a Vincent Black Lightning, making it the most expensive motorcycle ever sold.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be entertained with this documentary. And for those who never heard of a Vincent motorcycle, it is an education.

Speed is Expensive, narrated by Ewen McGregor, will be released on DVD and Digital September 26, 2023. Rev up your engine for a look at this historic enterprise and dedicated engineer.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘A Million Miles Away’ is inspiring and worth watching

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new film, A Million Miles Away, is quite simply inspiring. Dedication, perspiration, hard work, and sheer will are what Jose Hernandez’s life encompassed ever since he was a small boy. This story is based on his life, with Michael Peña portraying the boy who, through a lot of ups and downs, finally realized his life’s ambition – to be an astronaut.

Jose’s family were migrant farm workers who moved from town to town working in the fields. This upsetting situation took a toll on the children who always had to start in a new school whenever the family changed locations for work. But when one teacher saw the intelligence and potential in Jose, she confronted his parents and although they had to give up a lot, they decided the futures of their children were more important than earning enough money to purchase the house of their dreams.

Jose grew up, went to college, became an engineer, got married, and had a lot of children. But even though he was happy with his family and working in his job, which afforded him benefits, an office, and plenty of admiration from his peers (after they got over the fact that he was from a migrant family), his ambition to be an astronaut never left his mind. That was his goal. But time after time his applications to NASA were declined.

Being the loving and devoted wife she was, Adela (Rosa Salazar) encouraged him to work hard to gain the experience that attracted NASA candidates. So, what did he do? He took her advice, learned to fly, scuba dive, learned to speak Russian, and took on additional challenges that would hopefully add to his application. But even though he did this, he was still declined.

Then on his twelfth try, instead of mailing in his application, upon Adela’s suggestion Jose hand delivered it to the powers that be at the Johnson Space Center in Texas. This afforded him the opportunity to show the program head Sturckow (Garret Dillahunt) how dedicated he was about getting into the space program.

Initiative was what it took for Jose to finally get accepted.

Upon his acceptance to NASA, his family relocated to Texas while Jose undertook the rigorous training. His absence from family life, although he tried to be present as much as possible, was in a way reminiscent of his own childhood when his family was always working in the fields. But what his parents instilled in him as a youngster was still part of his life as an adult. That was that family is important and doing what you can for the future of your children counted as much as anything.

And while he was in training, Jose managed to help Adela realize her dream of opening her own restaurant. One hand scratches the other. And, a cute side note, is that during his training as an astronaut, Jose helped out in the restaurant waiting tables and washing dishes. Their marriage was/is a true partnership.

Being a true story, those who follow the space program know that Jose did make it on the space shuttle. Family dedication, working hard, helping each other, and persistence are the themes running through this inspiring tale. It shows the difficult life of migrant workers but the main point is it’s not where you start it’s where you finish. So, from working in the fields in the mud and dirt, Jose ended up in space looking down on the land where he and his family had toiled for years.

A Million Miles Away premieres September 15, 2023 on Prime Video. It is well worth watching. And remember – hard work, intelligence, dedication, and perseverance can do amazing things.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘The Morning Show’ returns to portray one doomsday scenario of a legacy media giant in the digital age

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Inspired by Brian Stetler’s 2013 nonfiction book Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV about the cutthroat politics of morning television, Apple TV+ The Morning Show examines on- and off-camera drama and specific culture behind a network broadcast morning news program.

Its 2019 debut season was concerned mostly with the infighting between ‘America’s Sweetheart’ Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) and Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon), a spitfire crusader field reporter from Texas who happened to be at the right place at the right time. After unmasking Alex’s former co-anchor, Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell), as a serial sexual predator, the show explored the repercussions for his victims as well as for those at UBA who ignored, enabled, or colluded in his despicable behavior. It ended with Alex and Bradley making explosive on-air revelations about UBA’s sexually toxic work environment. 

Set in the first three months of 2020, the second season (2021) dealt with the aftermath of Mitch’s dismissal, the changes wrought by #MeToo movement on UBA, and a wrongful-death suit filed against the network by a victim’s family. In the midst of a once-in-a-century Covid-19 pandemic, the reckoning was coming for many of the characters, but the show zeroed in on Alex’s epic freakouts triggered by obsessional fears of being canceled for her complicity with the disgraced co-anchor. When she was quarantined, she had all the time in the world to reflect on how fame, power, and privilege had corrupted her.

The highly-anticipated third season mirrors an unprecedented and profound sea change developing in the TV industry in the digital age. It asks the pressing question: Should a billionaire with an outsized aversion to the press be handed keys to a legacy media company at a time when truth matters more than ever? Who’s going to be a savior of UBA? Or a champion of the free press?

On the verge of financial ruin as a result of investing big bucks on its streaming service, UBA CEO Cory Ellison (Billy Crudup) seeks out Hyperion CEO Paul Marks (John Hamm), a narcissistic billionaire with a God complex à la Elon Musk, to negotiate the sale of the network. Titanic’s Captain Cory is the kind of captain who would be the first to abandon ship leaving his crew and passengers behind, but he is confident that he can outsmart the corporate bully. Paul is a deep-pocketed disruptor/predator with abundant resources who wants to change or entirely displace UBA with innovative technologies and make the old way of doing business obsolete. Those who attempt to expose or challenge his autocratic management style will be silenced, period. Cut from the same cloth, the two egomaniacs engage in back-stabbing power plays.

Since her on-camera talent future is bleak (might be replaced by AI), Alex believes she can shake things up if only the network pays her dues. Her ambition and drive to lead UBA to a better future puts her on a collision course with Machiavellian CEO Cory. On top of that, romantic entanglements among star-crossed quartet breed conflicts, resentments, and complications and invite passive-aggressive retaliation. Is Alex capable of speaking truth to power?

Things are going well for Bradley; she is now anchoring the evening news, wins a journalism award for her January 6 iPhone reporting, and moves into a huge apartment. However, her deep-rooted rescuer/fixer habit of overprotecting her ‘family’ frequently brings about calamities from within and without with ripple effects felt in the love triangle among Bradley, Your Day America (YDA) anchor-reporter Laura Peterson (Julianna Margulies), and Cory who loves ‘in his own way.’

No TV show has ever been this unflinchingly and brutally honest about the current predicament the legacy media faces. Although I enjoyed a hostile takeover and boardroom drama à la Succession, it is a little too close to home for this digital immigrant who turned her TV addiction/passion to profession two decades ago — the Second Golden Age of Television. 

The writing has been on the wall for the old system for quite some time, but the final nail in the coffin for me was a TV industry veteran’s prediction that in the near future there will be Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and one other  platform (possibly NBCUniversal, Warners, and Paramount combined) about a month ago. The digital natives might roll their eyes and utter “Yeah whatever,” but this existential crisis is all too real for a dying breed who grew up watching linear television — Broadcasting and Cable TV — where content is delivered according to a predetermined schedule to all viewers at the same time.

Trust me I’m not one of those Chicken Littles telling you the sky is falling. I know for sure the end is nigh! I wish the show carries a disclaimer about the disturbing acquisition scenario informing “WARNING: This is not a drill.” Unfortunately, the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic is going down fast and there’s nothing I can do about it, but to grieve the greatest loss of my life.

The 10-episode third season of The Morning Show returns on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through November 8, 2023.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.

Disneyland celebrates Halloween 2023

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Time flies. It seems like just last month we were talking about Halloween festivities and food at Disneyland but guess what? It’s that time again. It’s time to celebrate the ghosts and goblins throughout the park.

The entire park is decorated with pumpkins, orange, black, and all things Halloween. Check out Mickey and Minnie’s costumes this year.

Also, the Haunted Mansion is decked out once again for the holiday. And the Gingerbread House is magnificent.

The merchandise this year is incredible. With sippers, popcorn buckets, shirts, and more, there are plenty of items to select and once you bring them home they will add some fun to your own Halloween decorations. We all know decorating for the season is fun, and with these new items, your house or Halloween party will be spruced up and spiced up with the Disney characters.

Food is something the chefs at Disneyland excel at and this year is no exception. There are plenty of savory as well as sweet offerings. And everything is designed to look as good as it tastes.

 

Check out the amazing caramel apples. Take a bite…if you dare. Remember what happened to Snow White when she bit into the poison apple. But even though these apples might look dangerous, they are perfectly edible and also delicious.

As Arielle Harris explains, the chefs at the park took extra care when decorating their goodies.
A special hearse popcorn bucket represent the theme from The Haunted Mansion, And look at the adorable sipper featuring Minnie dressed up as a witch ready to cast a spell (albeit a happy one) on everyone who sees her.

In the video below, Arielle takes us through the food and merchandise at Disneyland for Halloween 2023. Boo!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Disney California Adventure celebrates Halloween time 2023

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


For many people Halloween is more fun and exciting than Christmas. The holiday has grown in popularity over the last decades, and the folks at the Disneyland Resort have been keeping up with that trend. Every year the festivities – and food – get better and better. This year there are so many fun things to do, see, experience, and taste during the season.

Keep your eyes open for some little surprises throughout the park. Dante (from Coco) is there, and over in Cars Land all of Radiator Springs is decked out for the holiday. Check out little Mater’s costume for the season. 

Upon entering the park guests immediately see the headless horseman, plus there entirety of Disney California Adventure has tricks and treats for guests.

So, if you are a halloween lover, or just enjoy all the fun and festivities, and again I will mention the food, it’s that time of year once again to head over to Disney California Adventure. And when you’re there, please say hello to little Miguel for me. He’s absolutely adorable. 

 

 

 

In the video below Disneyland Resort Cast Member Arielle Harris describes the food and merchandise  (and there are plenty of new and cute items) available this Halloween 2023 season at Disney California Adventure. This is no time to count calories. There are too many tasty treats in which to indulge.

Then Esteban Valerio explains about the fun and excitement generated by the hit movie Coco. There is a tree of life where guests can write messages to their loved ones or friends. And in keeping with the Coco theme, there are mariachi bands and a musical tribute to the story complete with little Miguel.

Finally, experience the sights and sounds celebrating Coco.

Happy Halloween everyone.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Three Days of the Condor’ with updated bonus from Kino Lorber

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Based on the book Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (published in 1974), the film Three Days of the Condor (1975) stars Robert Redford as Joe Turner, Faye Dunaway as Kathy, Cliff Robertson as Higgins, Max von Sydow as Joubert, John Houseman and Addison Powell. This top notch cast adds to the intense story that has thrilled viewers for decades. 

The story revolves around one man, Joe Turner, who has a seemingly benign job reading books published in various countries, analyzing the contents for national secrets, and reporting back to his bosses at the CIA. Sounds like a great job for those of us who love to read. But reading can be dangerous, as Turner discovers.

One day he returns from lunch to find everyone in the office has been murdered. This leads him to phone “The Major” who instructs CIA agents what to do in case of trouble. The Major instructs Turner, whose code name is Condor, to keep a low profile, leave the area, and report back in a few hours. Then he will receive instructions about “bringing him in” so he is not a target of whomever killed everyone in the office. It was a fluke that he was away when the murders occurred.

The day, to say the least, is filled with stress and anxiety. What had they uncovered through reading the books? What secrets were lurking in their reports to the main office? 

Turner is not confident the CIA has his best interests at heart when he is almost killed when trying to come in from the cold via another agent. He takes off and through happenstance finds a woman (Kathy) who is an easy prey. He kidnaps her and after awhile they bond and begin working together to find out what in the world happened, is happening, and what did he uncover that is so dangerous?

While they are putting the pieces of the puzzle together, Turner and Higgins, a high-ranking CIA official, begin to discover a secret within the agency. Who can they trust? 

Enter Joubert, a paid assassin. But is this man going to kill Turner now that he has finally located him? 

The show is non-stop thrills as the reason for the murders unfolds. Remember, this was filmed in the mid 1970s so think back to what was happening at that time. And it also has repercussions for today’s world as well.

From Kino Lorber the new Blu-ray disc as well as the new 4K + Blu-ray set include an all new audio commentary by film historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson.

Other bonus features look at the director Sydney Pollack  who admits he does not like the anxiety of making movies so he spreads out his projects to give himself a rest between films. Another featurette is with both Pollack and Redford who discuss their collaboration on the film and how they changed the characters as well as the main plot of the original story. They took the bare bones of the book and reconstructed the layers to fit their ideas of what the story should be.  

Three Days of the Condor is rated R.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.