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War Becomes Personal: RIP Naomi Shaanan, 73, A Lifelong Family Friend Killed By an Iranian Missile Yesterday in Israel

Roger Friedman
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War Becomes Personal: RIP Naomi Shaanan, 73, A Lifelong Family Friend Killed By an Iranian Missile Yesterday in Israel

Eventually, the war comes to your door.

We had a shock in our family today. Naomi Shaanan, a remarkable person whom we’ve known since the late 70s, was killed by an Iranian missile that hit her seven story Beer Sheba apartment house, reducing it to rubble.

Naomi, who was 73, and three others died, hiding in the safe room of their apartment building. We are in shock.

A year ago, when the war was raging between Israel and Hamas, Naomi emailed me: “Hi Roger,” she wrote, “We are still here, frustrated as hell since we can’t get our dictator off our backs, devastated at the situation in Gaza, thankful for Prez. Biden’s care and hoping for improvement.”

On Tuesday morning, when the news broke that Beer Sheba was being bombed, I had a terrible feeling, especially looking at a gutted apartment house on the TV screen. I immediately emailed Naomi to make sure she was alright. When she didn’t answer, I got a terrible feeling that something was very wrong.

Naomi came from Israel to Connecticut in the late 70s as a foreign exchange student and lived with my family for some time while she attended the University of Bridgeport. I was away at college while she was in our house. My parents and younger brothers became enchanted with her, and she became the big sister. Later, as an adult, I really got to know her and came to appreciate her political commitment, bravery, and strength.

Naomi hated Netanyahu, whom she considered a warmonger. She was well known in Beer Sheba for her activism on behalf of the October 7th hostages. We’d like to think this was a random event, but it seems so focused. It doesn’t make sense. For years she was certain she was safe in Beer Sheba. But you’re not safe anywhere in a war. We are in tears. It’s really quite shocking when the distant headlines come lapping up at your own door.

We have other family and other friends in Israel, as do many. You convince yourself that nothing bad will happen to them. Naomi and my mother, who’s almost 91, spoke at least once a month. My mom was always begging her to come to America, but Israel was her home. Naomi’s friend in New York said to me tonight, “The safe room was lined with books. She always said she’d go there when something bad happened, and read, and wait.” We can only hope that’s the way her remarkable life ended. Naomi Shaanan will not be forgotten. Condolences to her brothers, friends, and comrades.

Kennedy Grandson Schlossberg Is On Cameo Giving Advice, Greetings for 100 Bucks, Taking Questions for $19.99

Roger Friedman
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Kennedy Grandson Schlossberg Is On Cameo Giving Advice, Greetings for 100 Bucks, Taking Questions for $19.99

I’m following up from last night.

It seems that JFK grandson Jack Schlossberg may have a way to make money, after all. He’s on Cameo.

Thousands of celebrities are on Cameo dispensing advice, good wishes, and personal observations all for a fee. The average price for these video greetings is around $100 whether you’re a movie star or influencer.

In a slow economy, Cameo is a great way to make pin money.

Well, Jack Schlossberg joined Cameo in May. He’s offering messages for $100. Or you can just ask him a question for $19.99.

He describes his account: “The People’s Princess is for the people. Whether is your GIRLFRIEND’S BIRTHDAY , your mom’s birthday, or any other day, I’m here for you !!”

One of Jack’s customers posted the video he sent her. Here’s the link. Satisfied customer @ruthyalope commented: “The video was longer than I expected and above exceeded my expectations. Jack was funny, witty, and gave insightful remarks. I was thoroughly pleased with my video and would buy again. So cool that he’s doing this! Thanks Jack!”

Here we are in the 21st century.

Jake Tapper Biden Bashing Book “Original Sin” Drops Below 150 on Amazon Best Seller List, Total Sales Well Below 100K

Roger Friedman
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Jake Tapper Biden Bashing Book “Original Sin” Drops Below 150 on Amazon Best Seller List, Total Sales Well Below 100K

That’s a wrap for Jake Tapper’s “Original Sin.”

The Biden bashing book has sold a total of 86,982 copies – well below 100,000 and not enough to stay afloat on the best seller lists, according to NPD Book Scan.

On Amazon, “Original Sin” is down to number 187 and will likely fall off the top 200 by the end of the week.

The book was promoted heavily on CNN with non stop shilling. Every show talked about it endlessly.

Tapper — whose ratings, like all of CNN pre-the Israel Iran War, fell precipitously — continues to go after Biden. He’s largely ignored any mistakes made by Donald Trump.

On Sunday, Tapper did a video podcast with former NBC correspondent Chuck Todd, where they questioned Biden’s family values — sad because Biden lost his wife and daughter in a car accident, his son to cancer, married again only once and is admired as a family man.

Trump, however, has been married three times, judged to be guilty of sexual harassment by a jury and owes his victim $83 million, and slept with a sex worker while his third wife was pregnant — then paid her off and covered it up.

Tapper (and Alex Thompson) will never be able to pay back their advance. The publisher can’t be happy that the book is the most reviled of 2025.

Jack Schlossberg Threatens to Disrupt Set of Ryan Murphy’s Movie About Late Uncle JFK Jr and Wife Carolyn Bessette

Roger Friedman
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Jack Schlossberg Threatens to Disrupt Set of Ryan Murphy’s Movie About Late Uncle JFK Jr and Wife Carolyn Bessette

Caroline Kennedy’s son, Jack Schlossberg, is becoming more and more unhinged on social media.

Charming and wacky at first, Schlossberg has wheeled out several posts a day attacking many people in politics who deserved it but also innocent bystanders including cousins like Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. (He’s also attacked cousin Maria Shriver’s actor son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, for not speaking up about Trump.)

Schlossberg has been really vicious about Kerry’s brother, Robert Kennedy Jr., making solid points about his lack of credentials and anti-vaccine stance. Jack’s enmity toward Kerry makes no sense since she and many of her siblings have also denounced RFK Jr’s politics to the extreme.

In a recent video, Jack says: “Hi everyone. Do you think the NY Post or my cousins should intimidate me into being quiet?”

The reference was to Kerry Kennedy selling a book about her mother and family for a reported $1 million. This sent Schlossberg over the edge.

Lately, Schlossberg has become focused on the TV miniseries Ryan Murphy is making about the late John Kennedy Jr. — Jack’s uncle — and his late wife, Carolyn.

Schlossberg already pounced on Murphy, calling the series “grotesque.” Now he’s posted pictures of the actor playing JFK, Jr, writing: “See you on set, Ryan.”

While the TV miniseries is tabloid fodder and no doubt trashy, this may have gone too far.

But nothing seems to constrain Schlossberg from saying what he thinks. He has nothing to lose. He has no job and lots of money. He posts his videos as he travels around the country unfettered by real world problems like supporting himself. Lately he’s been driving around the American Southwest by himself, sending out video messages from a truck.

When the Jack Schlossberg videos began, they were indeed quirky. But as they became more and more eccentric, fans started referring to him as a definite relative of Jackie Kennedy’s Bouvier cousins of lore, the famous Beale sisters of “Grey Gardens.”

Quite the contrary. Schlossberg is incredibly bright and articulate. He graduated from Yale, then picked up post graduate degrees from Harvard in Law and Business. He’s passed the New York state bar.

A couple of times in the last year, Schlossberg suddenly disappeared from social media. The consensus was that his mother, Caroline, a former US ambassador, and his dad, who pioneered public video displays before anyone, had intervened.

But each time, Schlossberg eventually bounced back. The last time, he claimed he was starting a live YouTube channel any minute, He also refrained, for a short time, from political diatribes. But hiatus ended, and now Schlossberg has been endorsing social, antisemitic New York City mayor candidate Zohar Mamdani.

That endorsement has launched a new round of videos barbs. One follower chastised him, noting that Jack’s father is Jewish. Schlossberg hit back right away, saying in effect, that didn’t matter. (Schlossberg himself has often claimed the Irish side of his family.)

The videos and posts are getting more and more disturbing, culminating in these last two about Murphy’s movie. (There’s also a kind of Travis Bickle element recently, with Schlossberg shearing off his curly locks down to a severe buzz cut and appearing unshaven.) There’s clearly something going on but the fact that Jack is 32 and an adult would prevent his parents from stopping him unless he agreed. After a lot of laughs, however, it does feel like Schlossberg is in trouble.

Corporate Cousins Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise Have “Surprise” Meeting in London at “F1” Premiere

Roger Friedman
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Corporate Cousins Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise Have “Surprise” Meeting in London at “F1” Premiere

No, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus.

Earlier today in London, there was a “surprise” meeting of superstars.

Tom Cruise, who had nothing else to do, went to the premiere of “F1” to get some pictures taken with Brad Pitt.

The two stars haven’t really been seen together since they both appeared in “Interview with the Vampire” back in 1922.

Look how happy they are!

The pair share producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who made this movie and many of Cruise’s. They also have in common director Joseph Kosinski. Also, Warner Bros — where Tom has a new, big deal — is releasing “F1” with Apple.

Other than all that, it was a totally random moment.

There are no coincidences. I think L. Ron Hubbard said that.

This was more orchestrated than the Royal Philharmonic.

RIP Mick Ralphs of Bad Company Dies at 81 Months Before Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Roger Friedman
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RIP Mick Ralphs of Bad Company Dies at 81 Months Before Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Mick Ralphs has died at age 81. A founding member of both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, Ralphs was an important contributor to the classic rock world. Condolences to his family and friends.

Bad Company is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this fall after having been made to wait many unnecessary years by Jann Wenner.

Here’s the announcement on the Bad Company website:

Mick Ralphs, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81.

He is survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his beloved bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. He also leaves behind millions of devoted fans and friends across the world.

“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour. Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.” Love Paul

“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply,” Simon Kirke.

Paul Rodgers of Free first met Mick Ralphs in 1971. After an inspired jam session and a mutual sharing of songs, Ralphs made the bold decision to leave Mott The Hoople and form a new band with Rodgers, and Bad Company was born. Adding former King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke, the band was complete. With the help of Led Zeppelin’s legendary manager Peter Grant, Bad Company became the first band signed to Zeppelin’s Swan Song label.

The group’s success was meteoric. Their 1974 self-titled debut went five-times platinum, producing classic hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” alongside electrifying rock anthems such as “Ready for Love,” “Rock Steady,” and the title track “Bad Company.”

In a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring influence, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year in 2025.

Ralphs gave his final performance with Bad Company on October 29, 2016, at London’s O2 Arena. Just days later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and remained bedridden until his passing.

Mick Ralphs leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Trump Rants, Calls Anderson Cooper ‘Allison Cooper’ in Homophobic Slur, Rails Once Against NBC Comcast

Roger Friedman
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Trump Rants, Calls Anderson Cooper ‘Allison Cooper’ in Homophobic Slur, Rails Once Against NBC Comcast

This has become quite tiresome.

In a new rant this afternoon, overgrown child Donald Trump went on the attack against the media, especially NBC Comcast.

He labeled CNN’s Anderson Cooper as “Allison” because he’s gay. He made up some other stupid schoolyard names for ABC’s Jonathan Karl. Each of them are the best of the best, which frightens Trump. He knows they see right through him.

And this is the man with the nuclear codes, dropping bombs willy nilly, trying to bring us to the edge of World War III. Did you vote for him? How proud you must be.

Exclusive: Rock Star Stevie van Zandt Knocked Out of a Few European Springsteen Shows with Appendicitis Surgery

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Rock Star Stevie van Zandt Knocked Out of a Few European Springsteen Shows with Appendicitis Surgery

Yes, even rock stars are human.

Little Steven van Zandt is taking a few days off from Bruce Springsteen’s European tour.

The reason? Appendicitis. He’s gotten his Appendix removed in Spain. Very glamorous!

(They’re in Spain. I thought it was too much gazpacho!)

“I thought it was food poisoning,” Stevie emailed me. “I’ll miss a few shows and hopefully be back for Milan. Thank everybody for all their good wishes.”

Little Steven is perhaps the most important “side man” in rock history so we need him to make a safe and speedy recovery!

The downtime will give Stevie a chance to listen to “Tracks II,” the boxed set coming out on Friday from Bruce, et al. There seven albums, 83 tracks, a big book, and a lot of outstanding music. Fans are going to go nuts when they embrace this material.

At least Stevie will be back in good shape for his Disciples of Soul, everyone’s guilty pleasure!

PS After I published this, Stevie wrote on X:
“Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis. Got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastian. Operation was a complete success and I’m hoping to get back on stage for at least one of the shows in Milan. Thank you all for all the good vibes. See you soon.”

“Days of our Lives,” “Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital” Conduct Baseball Like Three Soap Opera Actor Trade

Roger Friedman
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“Days of our Lives,” “Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital” Conduct Baseball Like Three Soap Opera Actor Trade

It must be near trade deadline for the soap operas.

In a baseball like movie, three of the five soaps have done a triple trade with their actors.

In a dizzying move, Connor Floyd — who played Chance– is moving from “The Young and the Restless” to “Days of Our Lives” to play a character named Chad previously performed by Billy Flynn.

Flynn has just moved to “Young and the Restless” to play a character — named Cane — that used to be portrayed by Daniel Goddard, who just moved to “General Hospital.”

Hilarious. At least Flynn and Floyd resemble each other, so viewers on “Days of our Lives” may not notice the difference. It’s sort of like when the Darrens were switched on “Bewitched.”

But Flynn is about a dozen years younger than Goddard, looks nothing like him and is somewhat shorter. Maybe they’ll say he was thrown in a dryer!

Why all the back and forth? Will any of this improve hitting or fielding? Probably not. But these are all young guys and they probably get bored saying the same thing over and over every day.

Only one position remains open after all the scuffling. Who will play Floyd’s character on “Young and the Restless”? A player to be named later? Probably someone from another soap. Or maybe they’ll just stop talking about him on the show. That happens all the time. People go upstairs and don’t come down!

Barbra Streisand Declines to Say Whether or Not She ‘Loved’ “Wicked”: “I showed it to my grandchildren”

Roger Friedman
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Barbra Streisand Declines to Say Whether or Not She ‘Loved’ “Wicked”: “I showed it to my grandchildren”

Barbra Streisand did not care for “Wicked.”

She doesn’t say so explicitly, but in an interview with Variety’s Marc Malkin she carefully sidesteps the question.

Malkin asks: “Did you see “Wicked” with Ariana?

Streisand: “I showed it to my grandchildren…They loved “Wicked.”

“Did you?” Malkin presses.

Barbra avoids the question entirely: “I was just watching their reaction and they were totally fine with the witches. I was surprised. A four- and a six-year-old, you know?”

On Friday, Streisand releases her second “Duets” album called “The Secret of Life.” The great producers Peter Asher and Walter Afanasieff were behind the board. The list of performers is insane, from Sting, Paul McCartney, and Hozier to Laufey, and Mariah Carey with Ariana Grande.

The tracks with McCartney, Hozier, and Laufey have already been released to acclaim. Each of them shot to the top of iTunes overnight. On McCartney’s “My Valentine,” Streisand’s vocal is particularly mesmerizing. (Paul’s not bad, either.)

I’m not surprised if Streisand didn’t care for “Wicked.” There’s a lot of shriek singing, probably too much for her. Both Ariana and Cynthia Erivo sound better on their own recordings. Hey, that’s life.

PS Asher is performing Tuesday night at City Winery in New York. He’s on tour doing his Peter & Gordon/Beatles retrospective, one of the best live shows you can hope to see. It’s totally fun, and the music is the real thing. Even Barbra would approve!

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