Pat H. Broeske ~ Phbauth@aol.com ~ (714) 543-6690

News Flash
December 1, 2015

Some holiday cheer!


Getting bookish with Bond, Bergman … and Bill! 

I get to give Santa some pointers about this season’s best entertainment-themed reading in my review roundup in the December issue of BookPage. Along with a stunning pictorial study of Ingrid Bergman, there are lavish coffee table spreads on Bond film production design and the history of musicals, an insightful delve into famous comedians, and a cheeky look at cult clown Bill Murray.

I put the squeeze on Dita Von Teese

In the December issue of Orange Coast, I interview the burlesque superstar about her O.C. past, including her days (actually, nights) at the (former) Lake Forest strip club called Captain Cream’s, her pivotal work in Playboy, and her love of lingerie. Dita also shares tips from her new beauty book. Among ‘em, exfoliate!

October 1, 2015

Today’s celeb romances can’t hold a candle to this one!

Hollywood sure sounds like it was a lot more fun – and definitely more scandalous – in the Golden Age! If you don’t believe me, take a read of John Brady’s upcoming “Frank & Ava: In Love and War” (Thomas Dunne Books), about the stormy hookup of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. I give it a rave in the just-out print edition of BookPage, which you’ll find in the nonfiction review section at bookpage.com/print-edition

August 24, 2015

Women mystery authors are on the case!

Founded in 1986, Sisters in Crime is an international organization promoting the professional development and advancement of women writing crime fiction. Today, SinC is made up of more than 3,000 members in 48 chapters worldwide — authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers, librarians, and others who love mysteries. As a Board Member of the Orange County Chapter, I’m currently touting our October 3 event: “Ladies of Intrigue,” a day-long program featuring over a dozen local and international mystery writers who will discuss how they come up with all their murderous plots, villainous killers and brilliant sleuths. Intrigued? Go to ocsistersincrime.org.

 

August 2, 2015

The man behind the happiest place on earth

As “The Happiest Place on Earth” celebrates its 60th anniversary, I take a look at the man who started it all. “Walt Before Disney,” scheduled for the September issue of Orange Coast, examines the influences that shaped the visionary genius. They include a love of trains (his obsession with choo-choos was integral to the formation of Disneyland), his adopted hometown of Marceline, MO, and the story behind the creation of a certain feisty little mouse.

July 4, 2015

A great start to the summer!

Cops & cameras: I get to weigh in on the complicated scenario

As an alumna of the O.C. Sheriff’s Dept. Citizens’ Academy, I recently attended a presentation about body cameras, which patrol officers will soon be rolling out in O.C. Lt. Jason Park and Capt. Sheryl Dubsky delivered an informative program that led to a lively Q & A. I know that the idea of cops wearing cameras is a hot-button issue to some. But based on recent goings-on, I believe they could provide an extra layer of protection – for everyone. Yes, I know. Time will tell.

Heeere’s Johnny – this time at the City of Fullerton Museum

Enjoyed the opening of the exhibit “Here’s Johnny: The Making of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” which features props, show clips and other items tracing Johnny’s three decades as late night’s premiere talk show host. I wrote about Johnny’s amazing legacy (which is overseen by his Fullerton nephew Jeff Sotzing) in the May issue of Orange Coast. As for the museum exhibit, it’s ongoing thru August 16.