I wish people would stop trying to instill controversy into Whitney Houston’s funeral on Saturday. Isn’t there enough controversy over the manner in which she died?

I know many people in Newark wanted some kind of public memorial. It would’ve lifted spirits in the beleaguered city. But it’s not going to happen. Those are the wishes of the family, and they must be respected.

The pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, Joe Carter, also tried to convince the Houston family to hold a public memorial at the Prudential Center, a gleaming new arena in the middle of a city with a reputation for being dangerous. ( Whitney sang in Reverend Carter’s church choir as a child). Critics say the Reverend had selfish motives for pushing a public memorial; that he wanted to put on a grand show to promote his church and his town.

I don’t think so. Rev. Carter told a journalist friend of mine that in the past week, every time he turned on the TV set and they were talking about Whitney, they were speculating about drug and alcohol abuse, and not talking about all the good she had done for the community; the thousands of dollars she gave to worthwhile causes in Newark and Orange. The Reverand hoped that a grand memorial would change the narrative, as it did for Michael Jackson when a huge memorial service was held at Staples Center after his death. I was at that event, and I can tell you that it practically canonized Jackson. There was no talk of drug abuse, propofol or Conrad Murray- just emotional, heartfelt speeches which shed a different light on Michael and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

Having been at Staples that day, I can understand Rev. Carter’s desire for a large public gathering. In my opinion, he was only advocating for what he thought was right. As it turns out, one camera will be allowed into the church on Saturday- tomorrow- and the ceremony will be broadcast live around the world. Whitney’s godmother, Aretha Franklin will perform. So will Stevie Wonder. Kevin Costner, Whitney’s costar in “The Bodyguard,” will speak. But the audience will include only invited guests. In the end, I think it’s the best compromise.

The other controversy, even if it sounds a bit contrived, is the disagreement over New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s decision to have flags in the state fly at half staff on Saturday to honor the memory of Whitney Houston. Some people say it’s too high an honor for someone who died under a cloud of drug and alcohol abuse.

Why is this an issue?

To best illustrate my point, let me tell you about a CNN report that aired on Friday morning. The correspondent went to a V.A. center in Orange, N.J. He couldn’t find ONE veteran who objected to the flags being flown at half staff! One veteran pointed to an elementary school across the street from the V.A. center to which Whitney had donated money. Another veteran said, “All you have to do is look at the way she sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl during the Gulf War, and you’ll know why the flags will be flown at half staff.” Well said. End of controversy, as far as I’m concerned.

Fans of Whitney Houston, including me, will have to be content with watching the memorial on TV, and enjoying the performances and anecdotes being broadcast. I’m out the door early tomorrow - but the Tivo is set to watch it.

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Whitney Houston had that kind of soaring talent that eclipsed all others in her presence. A young girl who grew up singing gospel in her local church choir … she developed into one of the most  famous singers in the world. At the height of her career — it was hard “not” to hear Houston’s trademark sound on the radio, see the brilliant smile on billboards and her tousled curls emulated by young girls everywhere. She was an American icon.

The facts are indisputable. From the mid 80’s to the late 90’s, Houston was one of the world’s best selling artists. There was the enormous success in music, followed by success on film. Houston starred in box office hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale”. She was a crossover hit, bringing elements of the vocals found in the black churches, while at the same time, possessing an ear the for the pop cultural hit. Whitney’s achievements included six Grammies. Her success was staggering. She sold more than 55 million records in the US alone.

But as fierce as her talent was, so were her demons. A downward spiral of alcohol and drugs. A volatile marriage to singer Bobby Brown. The once pristine voice had been reduced to a whisper. So, when news spread quickly on Twitter early yesterday evening that the singing sensation was dead, people were saddened; but not really shocked. An enormous talent was gone.

Just this evening, the coroner’s office said it would be weeks until the final results were revealed as to precisely how Ms. Houston died. Her teenage daughter had been rushed from the hotel where her mother died by ambulance today, some reports said she was overwhelmed by grief. But as we gather round to see and hear the tributes to Whitney Houston today and in the coming days, I only wish the lyrics off her last album had been more prescient. In the song, “I didn’t know my own strength” .. she sang with warmth and understanding the following lyrics:

There were so many times
I wondered how I’d get through the night
I thought I took all that I could take

I didn’t know my own strength
And I crashed down and I tumbled, but I
did not crumble
I got through all the pain
Oh, I didn’t know my own strength

My faith kept me alive
I picked myself back up, I hold my head up
high

I was not built to break
I didn’t know my own strength

I was not built to break, no, no
I got to know my own strength

Rest in peace, Whitney Houston.

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Super Bowl frenzy has reached new heights! The latest rumor is that Madonna will sing her new single, “Give Me All You Luvin” with Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. at halftime this Sunday. What else will she play? There’s so much to choose from, and only 12 minutes to perform.

Meanwhile Gisele has sent out an email to her friends, asking them to pray for hubby Tom Brady. She writes, “I feel Tommy really needs our prayer, our support and love at this time. So I kindly  ask all of you to join me on this positive chain and pray for him, so he can feel confident, healthy and strong. Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this Sunday. Love, G :)”

Finally, bagels made with Giants Blue dye have hit bakeries in the new York area. Yuk ! (see photo)

Let the game begin already…

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I’m sure we’ll all watch this year’s Super Bowl. It will probably get a monster rating. But does anyone in So Cal really care about who wins? Or is it more about the barbecue, no guilt carbs and hanging out with friends?

Am I missing a local connection that might make the game more interesting for us living on this coast?

Right now the only one I can think of is the super handsome and cool Tom Brady, who lives in an imposing mansion on the West Side, and his Super Model wife Giselle. They are spotted occasionally around town.

Even so, I’ll just enjoy the opportunity to watch athletic competition at its best, which is always a privilege. Maybe Victor Cruz will entertain us with a salsa dance in the end zone. If not, I’ll still look forward to watching the commercials— especially the one for Go Daddy with Jillian Michaels and Danica Patrick, which will undoubtedly be one of the most controversial of all of them. Face it: Super Bowl is an unofficial American Holiday!

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It’s the morning all of Hollywood looks forward to. The reading of the Oscar nominations is like the NBA draft - people hold their breath - until the names are read!

This year offers its share of excitement, intrigue and surprises. By now, of course you know the numbers.  ”Hugo” was at the top, with 11 nominations. “The Artist” — which is not your typical film, is silent and a black-and-white film - it drew 10 nominations. Unfortunately, I have not seen either of them. But they remain high on the list of “must-view” films before the telecast on February 26 in the heart of Hollywood.

Some of the feature films I saw and loved this year. “The Help” - which is nominated for “Best Picture” was a delightful surprise. It sounded like an implausible formula film to me. But a friend encouraged me to watch it - I was happy I did. The story focuses on a group of black women working as maids in the South in the 60’s who dare to expose the racist attitudes of the white women for whom they tend house. I especially enjoyed the performance of Viola Davis in a leading role. Powerfully understated as a long suffering domestic with an internal core of grace and strength. Without a speck of make up, Ms.Davis commanded the screen.

“Midnight in Paris” - the latest film directed and written by veteran filmmaker, Woody Allen. It features Owen Wilson as his alter ego. The film transports the film goer through time — back to the romantic golden era of Paris in the 20’s — when some of the greatest American writers in history lived in close quarters. I found the film to be charming! It explores the theme of longing and a sense of gilded history …and if you love literature, the portrayals of some of your favorite authors: Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Stein. And who can get enough of the sequences shot in the most romantic city in the world?

“Moneyball” - If you are a baseball nut and fascinated by the business of the great American past time - this is your kind of film. The book was a best seller, and Brad Pitt gives a strong performance as Billy Beane, the GM of the Oakland A’s. Beane sets about turning the conventional wisdom of HOW to win baseball games on its ear. We watch him try to figure out how to assemble a winning team without a big checkbook. If baseball is a metaphor for life, this film brilliantly captures the highs and lows, as told through the lense of sport. Pitt is superb as a man on a life quest.

Performances to Watch:

Meryl Streep - “The Iron Lady” There is a reason that Streep has more Oscar nominations than any other actor- she is extraordinary. Streep magnificently takes on the role of one of the most powerful Prime Ministers in recent history. This film depicts Margaret Thatcher’s rise from the daughter of a grocer, through the male dominated British political system. Streep puts a human face on the caricature known as “The Iron Lady.” I highly recommend.

Films I am running to see next: “A Better Life” - Demian Bichir as a father working hard to provide for his son…Bichir is said to be great- he’s up for “Best Actor.” Bichir is famous in his native Mexico. The first time a Latino actor has received the nomination since Anthony Quinn.

“The Descendants” - lot of buzz around George Clooney’s performance as a dad struggling to keep his family together during a crisis. Clooney plays a non glamorous role and is called upon to show vulnerability. He is said to be excellent in this role. George is up for “Best Actor” along with his buddy, Brad Pitt.

“My Week with Marilyn” Michelle Williams.  Been a fan of hers since “Brokeback Mountain.” Williams nominated for “Best Actress.” Looking forward to her transformation into the blonde bombshell!

As I write this, looking for opportunities to grab popcorn and enjoy as many great films as I can before Oscar’s Big Night! Expect to see more …

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