Jan 20, 2015

Cindy Adams on Francesca Hilton: Rest in Peace Francesca



Hilton planned to see mother Zsa Zsa the day before her death

Awful week. Reporting loss, one after another whom I loved — Gov. Mario CuomoBess Myerson, now Zsa Zsa Gabor’s daughter. Francesca Hilton, 67, passed on Tuesday. Monday, as I arrived from Indonesia, she phoned me twice and told my housekeeper: “Tell Cindy I’m seeing my mother.”
The story, a Shakespearean tragedy. Zsa Zsa, whose superglamorous blond hair was a cloud, and sisters Magda and Eva, were Hungary’s glorious Gabors. I wrote jeweler mama Jolie’s biography. All are gone. I lived with them because my husband Joey starred in Vegas six weeks at a time over years with Zsa Zsa.
Zsa Zsa, 97, and counting, lost a leg, cannot speak, cannot eat, long bedridden and hidden so we can never get through, inquire after her or send love to her in her once lush Bel Air mansion formerly owned by Howard Hughes.
Zsa’s only child (father was hotel magnate Conrad Hilton) called me steadily. Often, multiple times in a day. Zsa Zsa’s last of many husbands Frédéric von Anhalt was, she screamed, “A self-proclaimed German prince . . . seeking mother’s fortune . . . he won’t let me see her.” This I’ve reported steadily. Francesca got lawyers, judge’s rulings, etc., was allowed, under supervision, to see her mom once a week for one hour.
Zsa’s now comatose. Francesca’s gone. Von Anhalt, who has let photographers into “his” home and once phoned me about a publisher to do his life-story — is all that’s left.




copied from page six and here is a link to the page:

Jan 19, 2015

Rest In Peace Francesca Hilton--I Love You

From the archives

Francesca Hilton had to laugh

She is the unknown Hilton. The un-Paris, if you will. For Francesca Hilton, there are no red carpet poses performed before shouting paparazzi, no boutique line of Francesca fragrances, no nervous Chihuahua tucked in her arms.
That the 61-year-old didn't wind up as irretrievably scarred emotionally and psychologically as so many children of celebrities in Hollywood is considered a minor miracle by her friends, who ask, what must it have been like to be the only child of the late hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hungarian-born '50s glamour queen with the signature line, "Oh, dahlink"?
These days you can find Francesca at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard. It's Friday night and a small crowd claps as the hefty comedienne, adjusting her eyes to the glare of the spotlight, launches into a self-deprecating joke.
"Good evening, " she begins. "I am the original Hilton heiress. I'm older, wiser, smarter -- and I'm damn wider."
As laughter ripples through the room, she riffs on her famous family lineage. "My mom is Zsa Zsa Gabor. Couple of you are going to know who that is. My father was Conrad Hilton. Some of you have our towels. Keep 'em! Keep anything you steal! Keep 'em!" Her next relative needs no introduction: "My niece is Paris Hilton. She called me the other day and said, 'Francesca, can you pick me up? I'm just too drunk to drive.' I said, 'Girl, I'd pick you up, but I'm too drunk to drive myself.' "
In a few minutes, she wraps up her stand-up act with another reference to Zsa Zsa. "My mother and I, we're the best of friends now that we're the same age."
Made for a memoir
"Without THE humor, she would have been Britney Spears," says actress Jayne Meadows, the widow of Steve Allen, who has known Francesca and Zsa Zsa, now 91, for decades.
Director Henry Jaglom, a friend of 30 years, who, at Jack Nicholson's suggestion, cast Francesca in a small role in his 1971 film "A Safe Place," adds: "She is, in her own way, a fighter to have survived with her own identity. She tried to have her own normal life and become her own normal person. To me, that's a bit of an accomplishment when you come from that background."
Former Los Angeles Times film critic Kevin Thomas has known her for 25 years. "The big key here is a lack of love on both parents' part," he says. "That is the key to everything, in my view. . . . It's a dark comedy, and Francesca is the first one to recognize this. I can't begin to chart the calamities, but I have to say, even though Francesca has experienced the depths of despair like many people do, she has an amazing capacity to see the absurdity of it all . . . and see the humor in that absurdity. And that is why she is still around to tell the story."
Hilton says she once had a summer job taking reservations at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. "They'd always ask your name so they could scream at you if it didn't work out," she recalls. "When I gave them my name they said, 'Surrrre.' I'd go, 'Listen, do you want to make a reservation?' "
She won't reveal all the details of her relationship with her late father, noting she is saving those for a planned memoir to be titled "Hotels, Diamonds & Me." "He was a businessman," she says dryly. "He was wonderful, but he was married to his business. . . . We'd spend Christmas together. We'd occasionally have lunches at L'Escoffier [the ritzy restaurant that for years graced the penthouse level of the Beverly Hilton] with my mom. He loved my mom. He couldn't pronounce Zsa Zsa, so he called her Georgia from time to time. That's the truth."
Her father, who died in 1979, left the bulk of his estate to set up the foundation that today bears his name. Francesca got $100,000. She contested the will but lost.
"There was a disinheritance clause," she says. "If you sue and you lose, you lose. One-hundred thousand [dollars] out of $200 million, that's why I sued." Still, she says, she is not bitter, noting, "You can't live in the past. That was his decision."
Hilton hasn't seen her mother in two years, although the two talk daily by phone. Gabor, confined to a wheelchair, rarely gets out of her Bel-Air mansion, and Hilton isn't allowed to visit unless either her stepfather, Frederic von Anhalt, or his attorney is present.
Gabor and Von Anhalt sued Hilton in 2005, claiming she had forged her mother's signature to take out a $2-million loan by using Gabor's $14-million home as collateral. Hilton, in turn, accused Von Anhalt of manipulating her mother to get into his wife's will. A Los Angeles judge dismissed the lawsuit after Gabor failed to show up for court hearings. Von Anhalt has vowed to refile the suit.
Among the famous
Constance Francesca Hilton is having lunch at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel when she spots aging record producer Phil Spector, out in public after a jury deadlocked over whether he had murdered actress Lana Clarkson.
"I'm Francesca," she calls to Spector, who looks vacant-eyed and shaky as he turns toward her. She tells him that she once went up to his old Beverly Hills house. "Remember, you had the big dogs?"
"Yes," Spector replies, unearthing the memory.
They chat amiably about mutual acquaintances. "I met him through Kris Kristofferson," Hilton says when Spector leaves. "He took me up to his house one time. I had a crush on Kris Kristofferson."
Not long after, Hilton spots actress Joan Collins, the former "Dynasty" star, who exudes an aura of celebrity mixed with mystery in a leopard-skin top, a swank hat and oversized sunglasses.
"Joan, you look fabulous," Hilton tells her.
"Thank you, Francesca," Collins purrs. "Nice to see you. How's your mom?"
"She's good. I'll give her your love."
Collins departs, and Hilton remarks: "My mother fixed her up with Trujillo" -- that's Rafael Trujillo, the Dominican dictator -- "a long time ago."
In her autobiography, "One Lifetime Is Not Enough," Zsa Zsa wrote that she once clashed with Collins when the actress "accused Francesca of flirting with her husband, Ron Kass. Which was ridiculous because Francesca was much too young and even now doesn't really know how to flirt." Today, Francesca scoffs at the very idea she would have flirted with Collins' husband.
There are other eyebrow-raising entries in the book. Like actress Hedy Lamarr telling Francesca the facts of life when the girl was only 3 years old. Or Zsa Zsa's claim that Frank Sinatra banged on her locked bedroom door one night, yelling and refusing to leave. "Frank wouldn't take no for an answer and leave me alone," Gabor wrote, "and made so much noise that I was terrified that he would wake up Francesca."
But the most shocking revelation was Zsa Zsa's allegation that her daughter was the result of her mother's rape by Conrad Hilton.
When asked how her mother's claim made her feel, Francesca deflects the question with humor. "How would I know? I wasn't even there." Then she deadpans: "I know they had sex because here I am." She adds: "I asked my mom about this and she doesn't seem to remember."
Zsa Zsa had many rich and famous lovers. At one time, she was married to actor George Sanders, but he divorced her and married her sister, Magda. Sanders later committed suicide, claiming he was bored with life.
"My mother's boyfriends took me everywhere," Francesca recalls. "They tried to buy me things so I would tell my mother to marry them."
Once inseparable
In earlier years, Hilton and her mother were inseparable. They loved to ride Tennessee walking horses, competing professionally and winning blue ribbons.
It seemed like a fairy-tale existence. Life magazine published a photo of Francesca's 11th birthday party, where children were dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos. Life's story said the "18 guests, dressed like well-bred miniatures of their movie-colony elders, showed up on a rainy evening at Miss Gabor's Bel Air home. They partook of ginger ale and grenadine cocktails, a dinner of fried chicken and mashed potatoes and danced till 10 o'clock. When the evening threatened to segregate into sexes, Francesca, a chip off the old block, murmured to the girls, 'Let's go in and meet the boys.' "
"My view is that Francesca was like a trophy child, an accessory," says film critic Thomas. "You've got the fancy house, you've got the fancy TV, you've got the decor and the fancy car. So you've got to have the fancy child to complete the picture."
"My mother would drag me around -- not drag me, but take me to different locations: Paris, Rome, you name it," Hilton recalls. "I was never really a kid because I'm the only child. Parents do the best they can, you know?"
At one time, there was no one in Hollywood more glamorous than the Gabor sisters. Hilton's publicist and longtime friend, Edward Lozzi, recalls how the Gabors -- Magda, Zsa Zsa and Eva -- would hold court every Friday at the old Bistro Gardens in Beverly Hills. "They were all coiffed up, all looking beautiful," he says.
It was their mother, Jolie Gabor, who coached her daughters to "go after big men and rich men and manipulate them," Thomas recalls. "She had a really grasping view on how you should handle men. I think of all of them, Zsa Zsa took it to heart the most."
But Zsa Zsa "went through many husbands, and that was probably difficult for Francesca," says Ronald Richards, her attorney.
Hilton never reached the heights of celebrity that her mother did, but over the years she has honed her skills as an actress and comedian in films, on TV and in the theater. Early film roles included parts in "Cleopatra Jones" and "Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills"; her TV credits include the old detective series "Cannon."
Outside of show business, she worked in public relations and is skilled at photography. She has also focused on charitable work, helping out the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "I think she spent a large part of her life trying to find her path," says the foundation's head, her nephew Steve Hilton.
In the fall, Francesca plans to travel to Africa to film a documentary to raise funds to assist World Vision in its ongoing efforts to drill water wells in rural villages.
Her name on a building
Hilton stands outside the Comedy Store and points out for a reporter her name, high on the front wall, alongside the names of comics who have performed there over the years.
"She turned her relationship with the Gabors into a comedy act," publicist Lozzi says. "How great is that? And . . . her mother hasn't threatened to kill her or write her out of the will over it. Her mother, I think, thinks it's pretty cool."
But attorney Richards sees the costs. "I've watched her comedy act," he says. "I think it's geared too much toward her mother's shadow. You can see she doesn't want to talk about her mother. She wants her own identity."
Hilton's analysis? "I'm just crazy," she says with a laugh over lunch. "I do stand-up comedy. I just think I don't take anything very seriously."
Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

Jan 18, 2015

I Just Love Listening to Joan Hamburg On The Radio......





Joan Hamburg Returns to New York Radio Airwaves


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By Richard Horgan
Fans of Joan Hamburg were very unhappy with WOR 710 AM when the station unceremoniously dumped her earlier this year, without the chance to do a farewell show. But after a summer recharging, the veteran radio personality has returned.
JoanHamburgPic
Starting this Saturday at 1 p.m., the 79-year-old “First Lady of New York Radio” will host a two-hour weekly show on WABC 770 AM. From this week’s glorious announcement:
Hamburg will continue discussing the most important social, economic and political issues that impact listeners’ lives each week. Hamburg will also interview major celebrities and powerful political figures on the program.
Hamburg will also produce weekly features and exclusive programs available in digital formats. In addition, The Joan Hamburg Show programs pre-empted by sports play-by-play will be presented on the 77 WABC stream and within other 77 WABC digital products.
“How excited I am to join legendary WABC radio and work with Kim Bryant, Craig Schwalb and the rest of the Cumulus family,” said Hamburg. “And what a treat to join their roster of the best talk talent in the country. New York get ready – the conversation is about to begin.”
At Michael’s this summer, here’s how Hamburg described the WOR parting when she crossed paths with our “Lunch” columnist Diane Clehane:
“I didn’t see it coming,” Hamburg said. “I never in a million years thought this would happen. I’m still trying to process.”
She recalled the events of that day for me like this: “I was getting ready to go on the air when saw someone from human resources and I thought, ‘Someone is sick and they’re going to ask me to go on for them.'” Instead, she was shown the door that day without any warning. While she admits that the station has the right to let anyone go, she calls the decision to deprive listeners of a proper farewell as “despicable” saying “I love my audience and they deserved better.”
This consummate pro respected by all who know her remains optimistic. “I’m the ultimate Pollyanna,” she said with a smile. “For all of us, there is life out there. Every ending is a new beginning.”
Hamburg was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 2012. Welcome back, Joan!


and here is a link to the page:

http://www.adweek.com/fishbowlny/joan-hamburg-wabc/227892?red=ny


from the ronnie re........



Always listening to talk radio and I have been listening to Geraldo on WABC for over a year now....Recently moving to wichita and looking for good talk radio, Geraldo is really a well done show and hard to beat as he knows the news, the international news, all the big talkers go on his show and most importantly of all......he is not afraid of an opinion different than his.  Then I discovered Curtis and Kuby....hilarious and equally informative.  Now I love Joan Hamburg, as well.  Planning on visiting New York to see Letterman, Joan has all of the tips on the shows and where to eat.  I always listen to Joan now live or on the podcast because I love her friendly voice and she has great information and recipes....she is very interesting, as well.  As far as I can see or hear,  WABC is one of the best talk radio and information stations on the radio today.  I also listen to Larry Mendte on Sunday evenings and he often fills in for Geraldo.  He is an excellent reporter, too.  Now, I do not always agree with Larry but he always researches his facts for the show very well....love to write about him on my blog.    Thank you for your time and best of luck to Joan......the station is lucky to have her.



Please share your thoughts on the radio......agree or disagree.....everyone is welcome.........

Jan 10, 2015

Joan Hamburg: The Best New Radio Show--WABC 77 New York

Leave it to WABC 77 New York Radio for the very best listening during the day.....


Always listening to Geraldo and Noam every morning for the latest news, the big political talkers and the best radio information--seriously, Geraldo does the best radio talk news show out there.

Geraldo has the gift of listening to both sides, saying his opinion and making a good show--WABC is lucky to have him.

Challenging anyone to find a better radio show that gives all sides of the latest political view and conduct an interesting show.  The listener is the winner because they have the information.  the defining factor.....Geraldo is not afraid of new information, even if he disagrees--highly unusual in talk radio today.

Follow with the hilarious and again both sides--intelligent radio for the intelligent radio listener...Curtis and Kuby.

But the very best and latest Saturday addition that no one should miss is Joan Hamburg.

This lady has her finger on the pulse of the latest New York information......

Her recipes and restaurant info is to die for........I'm still waiting to make her dressing--crackers and onions and chicken drippings--I'm down for that, Joan.

Please listen to her best interviews show for recipes from the New York Times featuring smothered chicken.

Is there a better value in cooking than a whole chicken....so delicious and so fun to prepare and eat with your family.......

Family people........much to many of my associates dismay......children or dogs and cats......they all like chicken.

Joan interviews Gail Sheey, Harvery Firestein, a very informative stint with a physician describing the death of Joan Rivers...the who what when where why and how......

Love Joan--if you are trying to visit New York to see Letterman--she can tell you where to have a bite to eat and fills one in on the details of the expense account.

I love Joan.......it seems like I am listening to an old friend.....she is perfect for Saturday.....she is also a brilliant radio host.

Wish her the best......

here is a link to the radio station......click on Joan Hamburg and go to the podcast....guaranteed good listening....tell me what you think.




here is a link to Joan's page and I am suggesting the Jan 3rd recap......

http://www.wabcradio.com/page.php?page_id=7733


Please do not forget Larry Mendte on Sunday evenings...also he often fills in for Geraldo......love listening to Larry because he always does his homework and has his facts....agree of disagree he stands behind his idea......just another talented radio host on WABC


from the ronnie republic radio round-up....thank you for reading...please share  your thoughts about the radio.....


What's up with George Noory--what day did Coast to Coast AM become a proponent for the ultra conservative right wing agenda.....I'm telling At Bell......





Ronnie and the cats....looks like they are sleeping but they are really listening to Joan

Here's Chloe--Chloe always listens to Joan every Sat--Chlo also listens to Howard Stern because he like Maine Coons