"LUCK IS what happens when preparation meets opportunity," said the Roman philosopher Seneca.
- DESPITE the infamous blackout out at the Super Bowl, people are still talking about Beyonce's performance. Some even blame her electric sexuality as the causeof the outage! (Conspiracy theorists insist it was really Madonna's doing, but something went wrong. The power was supposed to go out during Beyonce's performance!)
But seriously, just as Madonna's epic Super Bowl performance last year was the kickoff to her insanely successful world tour, so it is with Beyonce. Her tour begins in April, and is expected to bring in $100 million more than her last round of concerts.
I am predicting Beyonce will be 2013's woman of the year. Other than beauty and talent, this is a really, really nice girl, a super human being. She works so hard. She always wants to do the right thing. People who interview her come away charmed by her sincerity and her aspirations.
She yearns for sophisticated culture, like being photographed in world museums looking at Impressionists paintings. They are so pretty, she says demurely. Watch Beyonce go from better to better. Her complainers from PETA not withstanding. I'd say if she buttoned down and got a tutored education while ruling the world she will become a world beater lasting star. Even in films. (Her movie stardom was supposed to happen with Dreamgirls but good as she was, Jennifer Hudson had the famously meaty role as Effie, which won her an Oscar. Not that Hudson's movie career is exactly red-hot.)
this is
All Jennifer needs is an education to add to her talent, sex appeal and her good willing heart. I know some you will say: "Oh, sure. She has a gazillion bucks, a loving husband and a beautiful baby. She really needs 'education.'" I don't think she "needs" it. She's not dumb, by any means. My feeling is that she wants it. Wants to be more than the powerhouse she already is.
- WELL, IT IS A JOY THAT THE very picky Director's Guild selected Ben Affleck as best for his film Argo, which, if you haven't seen it, has more tension, comedy, tragedy and suspense than anything else on film this year. Most directors, who are the only ones who get to vote, want to win this award more than the Oscar for best director. The Academy Awards on Feb. 24th will be up the creek without a paddle if Argo should win best picture and they slighted even nominating Mr. Affleck. He is very deserving.
- ONE OF my alert correspondents, TC Bill wants to give me Rob Kardashian socks for my birthday. On the whole I'd rather have a socks check for Literacy Partners, but, nevermind. Kardashian socks would definitely match getting a birthday cake shaped like an armadillo, as I did the other day at Michaels restaurant. (I am suggesting that Michaels media cafe should put the entire Liz Smith lunch on their running menu. People would love it! I did. And so did my select guests some of whom had never eaten collard greens, pickled okra, cornbread, or armadillo.)
But TC did have one good idea. Why, he asks, doesn't someone bring back the show What's My Line? created by the late Mark Goodson? This is a free tip to someone I admire, Jeff Zucker at CNN. Audiences these days love celebrities; they love masked celebrities as questioners, they love guessing. And the prize could be big either for the guest or for their charities. I just happened to have dinner the other eve with Mr. Goodson's last great wife, Suzanne. She nursed him through his final illness. He left this world with an oath.
But even if I didn't approve of him I spoke at his memorial and so maybe Suzanne can guide TC and me in bringing back What's My Line? (This would be such an easy and inexpensive show to produce. and top celebrities might say yes if people were guessing who they were and not asking all those nasty questions like when did you go into rehab, how much is your habit, and have you ever had sex with a priest or a nun?)
I LOVE it when readers ask me intricate questions or send intricate ideas beyond my ken. Here is Mitchell McGuire: "Now that SAG (Screen Actors Guild) has merged with AFTRA (American Federation of TV & Radio Artists) what about a fund-raising gala for the latter? They have a foundation similar to SAG's. They have gala fundraisers. First of which was produced by the late 'Living Landmark' Martin Segal and myself. There is a chance the two funds will merge on galas but that won't happen soon. Just want to keep you in the loop." OK, I -- Liz -- belong to both unions. I believe in unions. I voted for this merger. But I don't know the answer. Anybody?
Whoopi Goldberg, who is always doing something for somebody in need, is asking us to Save the Date for the Public Prep Network Third Annual "Namesake Luncheon" honoring Whoopi and Barclays. It happens April 30 at the Metropolitan Club 1 East 60th street. Call 212 -380-8973.