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Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear revealed to People magazine yesterday that she’s seeking treatment for psychological issues at an Arizona facility. Her flack said of the actress, who is dating Jack Wagner: “Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression. She requested an in-depth evaluation of her medication and entered into a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.” In March, Locklear’s doctor called 911, saying the “Melrose Place” starlet was suicidal. Her daughter, Ava, 11, is presumably staying with her father Richie Sambora during her treatment.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Cognac Chats with John Luke and John Romano at Asiana Restaurant – Video by Mauro Botero
Good Friend Cabaret Singer and Radio Host John Luke stopped by to congratulate Asiana Owner Frank Parker and chatted with me about the latest endeavors in his career.
About JOHN-LUKE
“John Luke – he’s not luke-warm, he’s HOT!” — Joe Franklin WORtv & radio, The Business of Show Business, 2006 Bloomburg Radio
As a singer and actor, over the years, John-Luke has appeared on television, on the musical theatre stage and in live cabaret performances in large and small venues across the USA. In live recordings you will hear the audience appreciation of “the considerable talents of John-Luke, whose lovely caressing baritone envelops American popular standards with lilt and panache.” (Our Town, 4/6/2000).
John-Luke has received warm reception and positive reviews in publications throughout the country. However his favorite review occurred in 1994 in a New York State publication based in New York City. At a banquet where the audience was people being honored for devoting years to bringing comfort to children and adults with special needs, John-Luke told a touching story of one man’s long but victorious struggle to adopt a child… A child he too could comfort and then have – like those in the audience – someone who needed him. Then John-Luke sang “For Once in My Life, I have someone who needs me” and brought his audience to tears and to their feet with an uproarious applause. The moment was his. The review in City Lights described that moment and proclaimed…”John-Luke’s voice delighted us with riveting Broadway drama and soft sweet tones like candy for the ears and the soul.” City Lights, Autumn 1994
And so John-Luke invites you to sit back, listen to his CD, and have some candy.
I also had the chance to interview Entrepreneur John Romano.
In 1975 John Romano was working with his father building custom homes in Faifield County, Connecticut. A client, so pleased with their new home, requested a swimming pool to be built as well. Having never built a pool, the Romanos suggested that a swimming pool company be commissioned to construct the project under the caring supervision of father and son.
Shortly after construction began, the Romanos became frustrated with the quality and expediency of the work.. They decided to release the company from their contract and look elsewhere for a company to complete the project.
Rather than seeking out another company John persuaded his father to build the project themselves. With some hesitation his father agreed and John began a love affair with the swimming pool industry that continues to this day.
After the successful completion of his first pool, John left the family construction business to start his own swimming pool company, focusing on the renovation of existing pools. This was a period of great creativity and innovation for John, challenging him to analyze the standards in swimming pool construction, then implementing changes resulting in a swimming pool of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
Thus in 1977, All American Custom Pools and Spas was born and we’ve been growing our company ever since. Our latest addition is an interactive Indoor Swimming Pool Environment where you can experience the feeling of having your own back yard oasis!
Through all these twenty-six years of growth and change it’s interesting to note that John Romano’s attention to detail and passion for every project he creates has never wavered. In fact, it would not be unusual for you to see John waving to you from his backhoe as he carves out the site for your new swimming pool!
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Elegant Asiana Restaurant officially opened its doors at the grand launch party on June 21 to celebrities, Manhattan socialtes, gashionistas and the glitteri of New York City to the very finest in elegant Asian Thai cuisine. Upscale elegant Thai restaurants aren’t easy to find in Manhattan. In the midst of Manhattan a selection of small plates that appeal to a sake-thirsty clientele
Asiana Executive Chef Direk Srongloop
Asiana Restaurant & Bar features a delectable blend of traditional Thai and Malaysian dishes with a French flair. In a comfortable setting where East truly meets West, Asiana Executive Chef, Direk Srongloop, creates each dish as a flavorful work of art.
Owner Frank Parker poses with New York City Fashionistas at Grand Opening Launch Party
Cognac poses for a photo-op with Actress Michelle Marlowe and Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis at Restaurant Opening photo by Mauro Botero
Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis and Cognac pose for a photo-op – Photo by Mauro Botero
Cognac chats with Singer Jennifer Logue – Video by Mauro Botero
Some of New York’s best attended like Recording Artist Jennifer Logue. At the tender age of eight, Jennifer took interest in playing her first instrument, the flute. Shortly thereafter, with encouragement from her mother and father Jennifer began vocal training. As a young lady, she has always been recognized as the “Little Girl With the Big Voice”. Tackling lead roles in the plays, “Annie” and “The Sound Of Music”, young Jennifer began to realize her talents and began her run at taking advantage of them. During her freshman year in High School, Ms. Logue began honing her skills as a songwriter and started studying piano and guitar. Ready to take her music to the next step, she took on various jobs and began to fund her demo. By her sophomore year, Jennifer’s singing-songwriting capability had truly taken off due to the success of her first EP. She was invited to perform at the Italian Heritage Day at Penn’s Landing in May 2001, a big feat for Logue, who was barely 15. At the end of August 2001, she was named one of Delaware County’s Most Beautiful People. Says Jennifer, ” When they told me I was featured, I was floored. That’s when I really started believing in myself as a performer.” But that didn’t curtail her from trying to complete the ultimate goal, which of course was her high school diploma. Ms. Logue continued to perform at various venues and establishments, but only for charitable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and the Simon Youth Foundation. After completing her secondary education, she made the move to NYC to attend Fordham University, where she graduated in May with a double- major in English and Spanish Literature. Among her influences are Mariah Carey. Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, No Doubt, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones.
Cognac chats with Filmmaker Katka Koneckna – Video by Mauro Botero
Filmmaker and Director Katka Koneckna also stopped by and chatted with me about her independent films.
Born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, Katka moved to New York in 1999. She performed in theater since age seven. Her fascination for arts led to School of Fine Arts, where she mastered everything from classical charcoal drawing to oil painting and metal sculpture. Later, she went on to study engineering to understand technical background and principles for her creations, followed by studies in Architecture and parallel Film studies at the Czech Academy of Performing Arts. In Prague she opened her own design studio and worked as a film architect on several film and performance productions. After she moved to New York, she continued practicing architecture and in 2000 launched her own furniture collection AppiaLine. She also studied dramatic writing at New York University and it was here – with all her experience to bear – that she began writing, producing, and directing her own films. This very serious and articulate filmmaker discussed the mission behind Appia Films. Their mission is to embrace and engage such problems, analyze them and show them in their rawness; tell the stories of ordinary people in the midst of their physical and emotional struggle to survive and thrive in an ever-more-demanding World but their biggest challenge is create a world where people can communicate through conversing with their fellow neighbor instead of relying soley on the high tech world we live in today.
Cognac chats with R&B Singer 2nz – Video by Mauro Botero
Another charming talented artist that attended Asiana’s Grand Opening was R&B singer 2nz.
Music has always been in a part of 2nz’s life. Born into a family of more than 2 generations of musicians, 2nz continues his family tradition. Born in Los Angeles on November 23, 1986, 2nz was raised by his mother Jana Tyler who moved him and his younger brother to Teaneck, NJ at the age of 3. Arriving to New Jersey with only 87 cents in her pocket, Jana taught her sons the true definition of hard work. At a young age 2nz discovered his ability to sing. Often he would be heard singing in the backseat of his mothers car, for family and friends, and would be seen singing for his elementary school choir.
As young as 10 years old, 2nz entered local talent shows. He rapped Mase and sung and danced to Ray-J for his first performances. At the age of 11, 2nz moved to Hackensack, NJ and with his ability to touch the hearts of people on and off the stage, 2nz began writing songs. Performing at high school talents shows, 2nz developed his stage presence. Finally at the age of 16 2nz’s talents were recognized as he was asked to write songs for and to sing background vocals for up and coming artists.
2nz recently graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with minors in Business Economics and Philosophy. With plans to attend law school, 2nz also has aspirations to enter the acting and modeling industries. 2nz is also a philantropist and is working on a high profile fundraising event.
His influences are Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder and P. Diddy. To find out more information about R&B Singer 2nz please visit http://www.myspace.com/2nz.
For press inquiries about Asiana Restaurant please contact Mike Martinez 212-712-7362.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Elizabeth Perkins
Apparently the marijuana they smoke on “Weeds” isn’t real marijuana. Elizabeth Perkins tells fancast.com the Showtime Sensation uses stunt weed, “a combination of herbs that don’t get you stoned . . . If we smoked real weed, we wouldn’t get anything done over here.” And she is prolegalization: “I think it is crazy Until my next celebrity gossip, Pink Champagne Kisses Cognac Wellerlane
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Heather Mills
Heather Mills who recently acquired a huge sum totaling $50 million from her marriage to Paul McCartney will now be appearing on “Celebrity Apprentice”? Producers have asked Heather to become a contestant on the NBC show’s next season, says an insider. “Donald [Trump] really likes her, so he was into the idea,” revealed a source. “But I don’t think she wants to do the show full time, so she may just appear as a surprise guest on an episode to run one of the tasks. She’s figuring it all out.” It would be convenient for Mills, who just bought a $5 million apartment in the Village.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Jennifer Lopez
Divalicious Jennifer Lopez was shopping last week at the Catherine Malandrino boutique on Manhasset’s Miracle Mile you know darlings the fabulous outdoor mall in Long Island on the North Shore very close to her fabulous home where she lives with husband Marc Anthony. “She demanded the store be shut down for her to shop alone, but they said, ‘Absolutely not,’ ” revealed a source. “Then one of her eight-person entourage, including two bodyguards with their guns showing, was yelling at the clerk that Jennifer gets a 50 percent discount. Jennifer also tried on about a million outfits, then just threw it all in a pile in the dressing room and didn’t buy one thing.”
Until my next celebrity gossip,
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Tinsley Mortimer
Socialite Tinsley Mortimer attracts photographers and paparrazi but can she hold down a realty TV show. Apparently MTV found out that photos of a fashionista Socialite celebrity does not create a hit realty TV show. A source reveals “A Tinsley reality show was shot by MTV. But they couldn’t use any of it. It’s collecting dust. She looked good but she just got dressed and went to parties every day and didn’t have anything interesting to say. It was incredibly boring. The project is dead.”
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Molly Sims
Molly Sim’s affectionate adorable pet Chloe was suddenly stricken ill and had to be brought to East End Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Riverhead. The tiny Yorkshire terrier was admitted into the Vet hospital and was released to model/actress Sims the next morning who was dressed in a sexy denim miniskirt and tank top the vets will always remember.
Cognac Chats with Fred Bredfry the Event’s Coordinator – Video by Mauro Botero
On Saturday, June 15 East Enders and Hamptonities attended the First Annual First Waltz.
The First Waltz is a benefit concert for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Leukemia Cup Regatta. The concert consisted of four very entertaining bands bands performing ranging from country to rock, folk and blues. The bands were The Circuit Breakers, a rock and blues band, The Red River Ramblers who perform country music, and two original acts Sandhya and Damaged Goods.
I had a chance to chat with the Event’s Coordinator Singer Songwriter Fred Bredfry. Fred Bredfry spent the better part of the 1990’s performing with the original acoustic duo “Damaged Goods.” Together with singer guitarist Tom Darkside he recorded two albums, “Beyond Repair” and “Roads.” Damaged Goods performed over 500 gigs through out the New York area and played colleges, coffee houses and bars. .It was during this time that Fred developed his unique guitar style and began writing many of the songs that he currently records and performs.
Fred’s songs are strongly lyrical with styles and melodies that draw from many aspects of American music. Sometimes folky, sometimes country, and some times blues and rock and roll, they create musical snapshots of life in 21st century America. Often using a third person voice and strong visual images his songs tell the stories of men and women wrestling with relationships, children trying to understand their place in the world, and people just trying to get by.
Fred had explained to me that he started the First Waltz to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, His mother had passed away from the illness as a result he became a supporter of the organization.
Cognac chats with Tara Spohrer about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Video by Mauro Botero
I also had a chance to talk to Tara Spohrer who helped coordinate the event with Fred. Tara explained the mission behind the organization.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is committed to finding cures for leukemia and related diseases and improving the lives of those affected by these diseases. This is a challenge and ambitious task to undertake that is why the organization reaches out for the support of all.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invests $61 million annually in support of more than 200 researchers, provides financial assistance to patients, sponsors scientific conferences around the country, produces educational materials and videos, and runs over 50 support groups nationwide. The organization receives no federal funding, so they depend entirely for continued support of these needed programs.
to find more info about The First Walt and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society please visit http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
This past weekend I had the chance to interview Roberto Rizzo a brilliant producer and director who has just completed his latest film “Couples.” Roberto and his charming wife recently promoted their hilarious new film at the Cannes Film Festival in France
Cognac chats with Film Director/Producer Roberto Rizzo and his charming wife Ingeborg Caroline Johnson at Asiana Restaurant – video by Mauro Botero
Writer-Actor- Director–Producer Roberto Rizzo founded Vesuviano Pictures, as a vehicle to produce and promote a unique brand of film and television projects. This initiative is the latest phase in the evolution of his creative life.
Roberto Rizzo, a US citizen of Italian heritage, lives in New York City where he cultivates his creative energies.
An original, enjoyable and hilarious film that wants you to meet the characters again and again. Take a brief glimpse into the lives of four New York couples – share their problems and see the complexities of their relationships.
Written and directed by a talented, modern, established New York Artist, who has observed New York life for 20 years. Roberto Rizzo has created a new film that encapsulates New York life. He has captured some of New York’s characters, their strengths and the loveable weaknesses in relationships we all have. Roberto’s poignant and earthy observations of New York life are not predictable. He adds an unplanned pregnancy to test the relationships of his characters and their reactions together – How does it work out? Let’s not spoil the ending!
Roberto Rizzo is an imaginative established artist and writer. He has created a short comedy. It is an outstanding observation of social issues reflecting his undoubted talent for film, writing and direction. It shows a unique perception of life in New York that is truly remarkable. Roberto enjoys a challenge and feels that creating films are a natural extension of his artistic talents.
This film draws you to a colourful couple from Brooklyn – Mimi and Tony. It gives you a brief glance into the lives of partners Deborah and Susan. It introduces you to an inter-racial couple Karen and Aaron. When you meet the Italian lothario Vittorio and his wife Nicole you feel there is no more, but never think this film will end. Roberto Rizzo will never disappoint you.
Roberto Rizzo is a writer, director and artist not to miss.
The film “Couples” is about love and life. When two people love each other, there are no social barriers, no gender issues and no racial or religious differences.
Cognac chats with Actor Silberman at Asiana Restaurant – Video by Mauro Botero
I also had the chance to chat with my good fried Actor Gary Silberman who is starring in “Couples.” Gary and I go back a long way and we have shared our experiences in showsbusiness throughout the years. He recently worked in the film “The Taking of Pelham 123″ starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington and shared a chess game with Actor Woody Harrelson on the set of “The Messinger.”
To find out more info about “Couples” and Film Director and Producer Roberto Rizzo please visit http://www.vesuvianopictures.com/”>http://www.vesuvianopictures.com.
For press inquiries about Asiana Restaurant please contact Mike Martinez 212-712-7362.Until my next celebrity profile darlings,
