It's a very dark day for Hollywood and for the world with the passing of the giant who was Paul Newman. I had the extreme pleasure of working with him and his beautiful wife Joanne back in the fall of 1990 on his annual fundraiser for the Scott Newman Center. The event was coproduced by George Schlatter and by Jack Haley Jr. for whom I was head of development. Paul and Joanne -- as they insisted on being called -- set up camp in our offices for close to a month. During that time, our kitchen was completely stocked with Newman's Own salsa, popcorn, lemonade, dressing, etc. And though I have many stories of his humor and his kindness, I'll tell you my favorite story here.

We'd done the work, the event was wonderful. We all stood saying our good-byes in the ballroom. Joanne had her shoes in her hand. Paul had on a t-shirt of a tuxedo shirt. They were ducking out the back to avoid the press. We hugged and thanked them both and as I hugged Paul, I blurted out, "I've been with you every day for weeks and this is it. I'm on Paul withdrawal!" We all laughed and went our own ways. 5 days later, I'm in the office when I hear the bell on the front door ring. I look up and Paul Newman is standing in the doorway looking straight at me. "I'm here to give you your last fix," he said and began walking slowly and deliberately toward me. I thought I might pass out. Everyone and everything else faded into the background. I had tunnel vision -- it was just Paul Newman and me in that room. He took my shoulders and kissed both my cheeks...I remember nothing after that. Jack teased me for weeks after, and I loved it because it reminded me that I had a moment with the most beautiful guy there was...inside and out. I treasure the experience.

Hi Gang,

Here's a 20 minute radio interview I did Tuesday which they set to great videos...

http://esotericonline.tripod.com/paracon_2008_speakers.htm#Laurie%20Jacobson-the%20reigning%20expert%20on%20Tinsel%20towns%20ghosts

And Jon did 3 minutes on The Early Show on CBS Wed morning.
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/17/earlyshow/leisure/books/main4455083.shtml


Jon's in MD right now. I'm off to San Diego Friday. We meet in the airport Sunday and actually
spend a week at home before Jon goes to Branson for a month.

THEN we rescue a new doggie...can't wait.
More soon!!
xoxo
Laurie

I have not logged in in so long...just been so damn busy -- lots of travel...NY was fabulous. Met so many nice people in the PA Poconos...a wonderful booksigning at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ...Friday we are off to Pueblo, CO where I am teaching 2 writing workshops to help raise $$ for an animal welfare group. Jon goes from there to NY where he will be on The Early Show Wed., the 17th -- y'all tune in, now.

I'm back...pace is slowing...working on my next book...a 100 year history of the Sunset Strip. It's gonna be awesome.
xo
Laurie

My traveling days are over for at least 6 weeks! Woo Hoo! I'll still be busy, but I can actually catch up around here.

This weekend, I am producing a wonderful one-man show here in Santa Rosa starring my dear friend, Luke Yankee, who had the good fortune to be the son of the brilliant, Oscar-winning actress, Eileen Heckart.

DIVA DISH! is a wonderful multi-media recreation of his crazy life: acting lessons from Paul Newman, dry martini lessons from Ethel Merman -- when he was 10! If you live within 50 miles of here -- you gotta come see it!!

Luke does this show all over the country, on cruise ships, etc. We are lucky to have him in Santa Rosa to direct "The Women" at SRJC's Summer Rep Theater and I immediately grabbed this weekend for his show. Don't miss it!

Saturday, June 7 at 8pm
Sunday, June 8 at 2 pm Newman Auditorium at the Santa Rosa Junior College
all seats $15 for info and reservations, call: 707 538-9893

After Luke's show, I'll catch you up on everything that's been going on!
xo
Laurie

Hi Gang,

It's been some crazy time, traveling with TIMMY'S IN THE WELL.

The LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA was great. I signed HOLLYWOOD HAUNTED with Angel ity Press and Jon signed Timmy'S... at the Borders Booth -- which led to invites to sign at several other Borders stores in LA this summer. Will post dates when we have them.

Our packed talk at the Studio City Library was such fun. They sure treat you right. This, too, led to several other invites to talk and sign. We really enjoy meeting people and look forward to more!

Jon in at a Pet Expo in Saginaw this weekend -- as in "it took me 4 days to hitch hike to..."
Home Sunday and off we go again Tuesday for a special Mother's Day event at the TV academy...except June Lockhart won't be there. See who Jon will call Mother. Watch it live at www.emmy.tv

Wednesday morning, we shoot seperate interviews at the Lasky-DeMille Barn (www.hollywoodheritage.org) with a German crew for a video column...Jon meets with a Japanese crew a few days later at Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org) -- international week!

Wednesday afternoon, Jon is doing a 2-hour radio show with Stu Shostak that is sure to be fabulous. You can listen
live from 4-6pm PST at http://www.shokusradio.com/main.html CALL IN WITH YOUR QUESTIONS TOLL-FREE:
(888) SHOKUS-5! REBROADCASTS DAILY

BTW, met with a producer interested in DISHING HOLLYWOOD as a TV show...from his lips to a network executive's ear...gimme those positive vibrations, my friends!

More soon!
xoxo
Laurie

Laurie Jacobson and Marc Wanamaker sign HOLLYWOOD HAUNTED at the L.A. Times Festival of Books, UCLA
Sat Apr 26 11am – 1pm and Sunday, Apr 27 11am to noon

UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Angel City Press Booth 332 (on the main drag facing Royce Hall)
at the 12th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

The Festival is free to the public, but this being UCLA it'll cost you eight bucks to park your car. You might want to take the bus; see http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/public_transportation.html for information.

Need more information? See http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

Laurie Jacobson and Jon Provost sign Timmy's in the Well at the Studio City Library
Monday, April 28 at 7pm to talk about Timmy's in the Well.
See my appearances page for more info.

If you're in LA, come see me at one of these 3 opportunities!
Best,
Laurie

Ms Jacobson,
Love all your books on old Hollywood history & scandals & the such. Keep em coming! Any plans for more like these in the near future?
Question for you. Do you have any info concerning the rumor of Patricia Van Cleeve Lake being the child of Marion Davies & William Randolph Hearst? Is there any evidence? Why don't the children or grandchildren write a book? Any info is greatly appreciated.
I am a very big lover of old Hollywood & the mysteries & scandals.
Raymond Leary

Hi Raymond,
Thanks for your kind words about my books...really appreciate it.
My latest is my husband's autobiography: Timmy's in the Well, the Jon Provost Story and I'm really pleased with it.

As far as your questions, I do not know about Patricia VC Lake. I know Marion had abortions, but
I was never aware of a rumor that she'd actually had a child. I doubt it.
The children and grandchildren -- like Patty Hearst! -- they had their own problems to deal with. I think they
are more interested in carrying on the family's legacy and contributions, not its scandals.

Stay in touch!
Best,
Laurie

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mrmedia/2008/04/07/Jon-Provost-and-Laurie-Jacobson-Provost-TIMMYS-IN-THE-WELL-Lassie-star-and-co-authors-Mr-Media.mp3

Jon and I had fun this morning with Mr. Media! Check it out -- a one hour interview...

Our recent book signings have been capacity crowds. And maybe some of you have seen the wonderful Bob Thomas piece for AP that's been circulating the press, here in full on the TODAY Show website:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23469658/

I was just invited to speak at a ghost conference in October in Las Vegas, so I'm excited! Too bad Jon will be in Branson then...guess I'll just have to have fun on my own. Can't wait to see my pals Beverly Washburn, Cynthia Pepper and Billy Hinsche (from Dino, Desi and...). More on that and other upcoming news soon.

Be well!
xo
Laurie

Laurie Jacobson on "Dishing Hollywood"
by Bonnie Carroll

Author Laurie Jacobson came to Hollywood to become an actress when there was still an afterglow of old Hollywood alive around town, and she began to research and write. She has written Hollywood Heartbreak and Hollywood Haunted, produced documentaries, television series, and specials, and appears regularly on TV and radio. "Wherever they're discussing a scandal, a ghost, or a dead movie star, I'm there," Jacobson says. She resides in Northern California with her husband, Jon Provost, who played Timmy on TV's Lassie, and they are currently writing his autobiography.



Jacobson gives a fascinating presentation that includes a slide collection of vintage photos, along with her entertaining detail filled lecture on scandals of the rich and famous in Hollywood. She provides some answers to the real how and why of many mysterious Hollywood deaths during the past three decades. If you've ever wondered about the last supper of celebrities who had tragic endings, Jacobson can tell you in her book "Dishing Hollywood," and she also includes recipes for the dishes. Her research on one story included finding an 84 year old waitress from the El Coyote restaurant who shared some happy memories, and knew exactly what dish actress Sharon Tate had for lunch before her tragic death.

Her recipes for scandal begin with breakfast, go to cocktails and appetizers, all the way through to desserts, and include recipes from Clara Bow, Frank Sinatra, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe and Joe's first-date-supper, Bobby Darin's favorite dish and more. For a fun read, and a look at what the stars were eating in the "golden age" of Hollywood you should take this journey with Jacobson's and partake of this detailed journal of historic bites.




© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved

Hey Friends,

Been traveling and busy with some BIG plans to be revealed soon.

Meanwhile, for those close by, Jon and I will be speaking at Copperfield's Books in Napa on March 24th and
in Santa Rosa on March 25th.

I'll be at Clayton Books on April 4th and Jon will be there the 5th. www.claytonbookshop.com

AND

Jon and I will be at the CA Independent Film Festival in Livermore April 16th, opening night, for the premiere
of "On the Edge of Black and White", a fascinating and well done documentary by Sean Laskey
that Jon is part of. It will air on San Francisco's PBS network later this year. http://caindiefilmfest.org/

Check out the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KmYRwAKbQs

In between is Flagstaff and LA...sorry for the lapse in communication!!
Best,
Laurie