Category: Entertainment-Celebrity

Divabetic is saddened to report the loss of another musical icon. We have learned that the singer, producer and amazing song writer Kashif has passed away at the age of 56. Unfortunately the details regarding his death are unknown as it seems to be natural causes. According to reports Kashif had been deceased since Sunday, September 25th and was discovered by a neighbor on Monday.

We featured Kashif’s song, “Love Come Down” on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King.

Kashif Saleem, previously Michael Jones (born December 26, 1959), was an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, record producer, artist, composer, author, director and educator from New York City. Kashif first taught himself to play a $3 song flute at age seven and later the piano in the basement of his church. At age 15, Kashif joined B. T. Express and performed on stages around the world.

Kashif has had a long history in the music industry whereas having been an integral part of several artists’ lives penning some of the industry’s biggest hits like Evelyn “Champagne” King’s “Love Come Down” and Howard Johnson’s “So Fine”. This amazing producer is also known for producing “Where You Are” and “You Give Good Love” for the iconic and late great Whitney Houston. He also worked with Me’lisa Morgan and penned an R&B favorite and chart-topping hit “Love Changes”.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Evelyn’Champagne’ King

EXCLUSIVE: Mr. Divabetic interviews singer, Me’lisa Morgan

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Actor and Author Peter Arpesella returns for our 3rd Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast entitled ‘Suspect Boulevard” on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Peter plays the character ‘Nigel Lowenwirth’ who is the manipulative personal secretary to Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze.

Peter accomplished something quite unique with his wonderful novel, “GOOD LIKE THIS, A NOVEL.” He has managed to not only write a compelling book with believable characters, he has also educated the reader about Type 1 Diabetes in an fascinating way. “GOOD LIKE THIS, A Novel,” is about an ambitious investment banker and his successful artist wife live the spectacular American life, until the wall of their secrets comes crumbling down. During a passionate escapade he discovers her secret drug addiction and when he receives the career offer of a lifetime he has to face his demons about his raging health condition, before he loses his life and the trust of their beloved daughter. The New York City Marathon becomes the unexpected backdrop for the riveting finale and this family’s new bright life about to begin.

See why people are raving about this book! 
“Has the pace of a thriller” ”Extremely entertaining” “Unfolds like a film” “Compelling” “Sexy, smart” “What a ride!”
This fast paced story about love, passion and self-discovery is based on an award-winning screenplay by the author (winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the New York International Film Festival).

Never before in fiction a protagonist with type 1 diabetes goes from victim to hero, not in spite of it, but because of it. Even though the story dives into the dichotomy and similarities of two people one with an addiction and one with a disease, GOOD LIKE THIS is first and above all a story about people, their flaws, their power and their transformation. GOOD LIKE THIS has been called “A mesmerizing story with universal appeal.” Because in life it’s not what we have that counts, but what we do with it.

Peter will be seen in the upcoming film “Live By Night,” written/starring/directed by Ben Affleck, slated to hit the theaters late in 2016.

Winner of the Best Actor award at the Route66 Film Festival, and winner of the Distinctive Achievement Award at the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival for his role in the multi-award winning “Into The Silent Sea.”

He was featured in the award wining show “Mad Men,” (season 6 “Collaborators) where he worked with Jon Hamm, Linda Cardellini and Brian Markinson, directed by Jon Hamm.

Peter plays the lead role of Father Luca in “The Listening Box,” winner of the DGA Diversity Jury Prize Award 2015.

He plays Markus in “KARA – An Unofficial Star Wars Film.”

He joined the cast of “Think Like A Man” (Screen Gems), based on Steve Harvey’s best selling book, “Act Like A Woman Think Like A Man.” He worked under the skillful direction of Tim Story (Barbershop, Fantastic Four) with Jerry Ferrara (Entourage) and Gabrielle Union (FlashForward, Bad Boys II).

Prolific Voice Over and Dubbing actor, Peter’s credits include the video game “Assassins Creed 2: Brotherhood”, “Assassins Creed Final Episode” where he also coached lead actor Roger Craig Smith for his Italian accent, Dreamworks Animation “Madagascar 3 and Roberto Benigni’s Oscar winning “Life Is Beautiful.”

He co-stars in the acclaimed and award winning web series “Karma’s A B*tch” selected as Best of Web on Virgin America.

BUY NOW: Good Like This by Peter Arpesella

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stars in our 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, “Sunset Boulevard”. This year’s caper involves dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes! Guests include Peter Arpesella, Catherine Schuller, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner RD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks TUNE IN

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Poet Lorraine Brooks returns in the role of ‘The Narrator’ in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Lorraine’s part as ‘The Narrator’ is pivotal in our mystery podcast because she guides the listeners through the madcap adventures and helps to reinforce key messages in diabetes self-care.

Although Lorraine’s been a Diabetes late Nite cast member for over three years, time has not diminished my appreciation or gratitude for her work. She helps personalize our monthly podcast themes with insightful, thoughtful and funny commentary about her diabetes life.

Lorraine Brooks’ Riding the Wave” book of poetry is an undeniable reason for women to celebrate. Lorraine Brooks takes an earthy, often wildly comic and unembarrassed look at life’s frailties; from natural disasters to lusty encounters. Her words denote a simple bravery of style. BUY NOW

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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This year marks the 35th Anniversary of Luther Vandross’s debut album, “Never Too Much.” Please join us for a special celebration, “Luther Vandross Tribute Brunch” at Toshi’s Living Room at 1141 at 26th Street,New York, NY on Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10 – 5 PM.

Enjoy Luther Trivia, Prize Giveaways courtesy of SONY Music, Drink Specials and more! Plus, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP presents an 1980’s Fashion Show.

Why Divabetic is celebrating this epic release?

In late 1980 Luther Vandross began shopping his songs around several record company executives including then-senior vice president of CBS Records Larkin Arnold and record executive Jerome Gasper who jumped at the opportunity to sign him to the subsidiary label, Epic Records, after hearing one song from a two-song demo tape Vandross saved his money to record. That song was “Never Too Much.” The gamble was over and all bets were off—a legend was on the cusp of being born. Luther Vandross, the solo extraordinaire, had finally arrived. He was thirty years old.

Luther’s 1981 debut album Never Too Much, captures his musical vision, weaving lush tapestries of soul, funk, post-disco, and jazz influences to create a subtle modern soul edge that would go on to become not only Vandross’ signature sound, but the defining sound of adult contemporary soul.

We are asking for a $5.00 donation at the door to go towards our ongoing efforts in diabetes education and empowerment programming.

Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. ‘Divabetic’, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ and the letter ‘V’ for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Ms. Patti LaBelle.

Divabetic® encourages every woman affected by diabetes to take on a diva’s bold sassy personae and posture to help improve the quality of her life. We believe, if we empower the DIVA within you to manage your diabetes properly, you will strive to live life at your best. You may even feel glamorous!

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Superstar sisters, Joan and Jackie Collins inspire this year’s Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast entitled “Suspect Boulevard” which debuts on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Although neither Joan or Jackie is or was living with diabetes their sensational lives and complicated relationship sparked enough interest in me to want to write about it.

Early on in my research I learned that Joan was responsible for introducing Jackie to Hollywood. While living in the hills above Sunset Boulevard, Jackie collected the knowledge and experience to write her most commercially successful novel, Hollywood Wives (1983), which hit The New York Times best-seller list at number one. Marketed as a “scandalous exposé”, the novel sold over 15 million copies and placed Collins in a powerful position, making her a celebrity of near equal status to her sister Joan, whose own career had taken an upwards direction with her role in the television drama Dynasty.

It’s interesting to note that Jackie, in turn, is credited for reigniting Joan’s acting career in the late ’70’s.

“I was happy to pay her back because she looked after me when I came to Hollywood,” said Jackie Collins.

Joan starred in two softcore pornographic films based on best-selling novels by her younger sister Jackie Collins: The Stud (1978) and its sequel The Bitch (1979). Her work in these films reportedly moved her name to the top of Aaron Spelling’s list when he was casting the role of Alexis Carrington Colby, the vengeful ex-wife of John Forsythe‘s character, in the 1980s television soap opera Dynasty.

Recently Joan Collins has opened up to the Daily Mail about her complicated relationship with her sister Jackie following her death from breast cancer . Although Jackie battled breast cancer for six years, her older sister only learned of her sister’s illness three weeks before she died.

The actress said their relationship at one point had been ‘estranged’ – but quickly changed her choice of words and said they had simply not been as close. She put their distance down to her relationship with a man who Jackie had ‘loathed’!!!

I don’t know about you but I feel there’s more than enough romance, glamour and jealously in the Collins bloodlines with an added dash of diabetes self-care advice to fill an delicious hour of podcasting!

TUNE IN: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST starring Mr. Divabetic. Also featuring USA Today Best-Selling author, Tonya Kappes, Catherine Schuller, Asha Brown, Peter Arpesella, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Mama Rose Marie and Lorraine Brooks.

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