I am sad to see that John Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia, died today of cancer at age 75. In the 1980s, I read her book, A Twist of Lennon, again and again. I was always most interested in the Beatles’ early Liverpool and Hamburg days, and Cynthia had that covered. I wish I could find…
In the News
Angelina Jolie’s Decision
Actress Angelina Jolie Pitt wrote an essay that was published on the New York Times op-ed page today about her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ESSAY. This comes two years after an essay in which she described her preventative double mastectomy. Jolie Pitt is not removing…
Recommended Reading From the Weekend Newspapers
Several newspaper articles this weekend struck a chord with me. In the New York Times magazine, David Amsden wrote about New Orleans-born John Cummings, a white 77-year-old “trial lawyer who has helped win more than $5 billion in class-action settlements and a real estate magnate whose holdings have multiplied his wealth many times over.” Cummings…
RIP, Leonard Nimoy
Actor Leonard Nimoy — best known for playing ultra-logical Vulcan Mr. Spock in the Star Trek television show and movies — died today of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at age 83. Nimoy was much more than Spock, of course. He was a Renaissance man who wrote books; directed television shows and movies; spoofed himself on…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry on ScarJo in W Magazine
I’m thrilled to say that gorgeous actress Scarlett Johansson is wearing my barbed wire rings in the March issue of W Magazine. Admittedly, you may need a magnifying glass, a microscope or the Hubble telescope to see the rings on ScarJo in the photo, but they’re there, I swear! I have a credit and everything….
Katy Perry Relaxing After Her Super Bowl Halftime Show
Okay, it’s not exactly Katy Perry. But it is a purry kitty! And, as you can see, FitzRoy the Cat has glittery shoes and a funny blue shark, just like Katy! My photos of the real Katy Perry in concert last year are here. And there are hilarious “Left Shark” memes here.
Charlie Hebdo: “L’amour: Plus fort que la haine”
Here is the New Yorker’s reaction to the mass shooting at the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Click to read the essay by Amy Davidson. And a 2012 quote from Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane “Charb” Charbonnier, who was killed today: “A drawing has never killed anyone.” Click to read Alexandra Petri’s Washington…
The Week in Review: Henry on Instagram
Since Henry the dog left us on Thursday morning, I have shared a lot of his photos on FitzRoy‘s Instagram account (FitzRoy has always been the spokescat for the dogs of the house). Here is a guide, as well as a few additional photos. December 2014 photos and videos. A photo I took with Henry…
RIP, Henry the Dog
Henry the Pekingese was adopted from the ASPCA in June 2006. He left this world this morning, released from his many ailments by his people. You’re only a dog, old fellow; a dog, and you’ve had your day; But never a friend of all my friends has been truer than you alway. — Julian S….
Happy #ShadyXV Day
One of the good things about being a jewelry designer is that I always have the appropriate accessories for any occasion, such as today’s official release of Shady XV, the double album celebrating 15 years of Eminem’s Shady Records label. Let me take a selfie …. That photo was inspired by my gorgeous rapper friend…