Ringing In The New Decade

Last night, galpal Rachel and I headed down to NYC’s Financial District for Lost Girls bloggers/co-authors Amanda and Jen’s fabulous New Year’s Eve bash.

Party Time: Amanda and I celebrating New Year’s

True hostesses-with-the-mostess, Amanda and Jen served up a first-class menu of fun, food and cocktails to the friendly crowd of about 30 people. I now have a new appreciation for vanilla vodka mixed with cranberry, not to mention Amanda’s sinful four-layer dip (cream cheese, refried beans, salsa, and shredded cheddar -- delish).

Rach and I chatted with M-Theory lead singer Courtney about her upcoming gigs and the promise of adventure that this particular new year seems to hold.

The fun really kicked into high gear when my friend Prince and his longtime buddies Eric and Chris showed up.

Good Times: Rachel, Eric, Prince, me and Chris

We shared plenty of laughs, good conversation and hugs all around at midnight.

Later, thanks to medley of Michael Jackson tunes, the ladies and I busted out a few 80’s moves -- including, of course, the “Thriller” routine. Some things you just never forget.

A good friend of mine says how you ring in the new year (and with whom) dictates how the following 365 days are going to unfold. If that’s true, then I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store!

Drinks With A Celeb Mag Veteran

Wednesday night, I met up for drinks with Alex, deputy news editor for one of the top celebrity magazines, at Midtown bar and lounge Bogart’s.

Alex and I connected via phone a few weeks ago, after I submitted an email tip about the upcoming “Sex And The City” sequel. We discovered we had a few things in common -- a love of Australia and cynical take on celebrity journalism among them -- so it only seemed fitting to meet in person.

Bogart’s: This Midtown bar and restaurant on NYC's Park Avenue serves up a mixed crowd of suits and grizzled-looking types

Alex has seen it all in his 20+ years covering Hollywood’s bold-faced names. He admitted to work-induced Michael Jackson fatigue, but didn’t get a break from it since Bogart’s was playing a medley of MJ’s greatest hits while we imbibed.

We eventually moved on from the topics of the gloved one and TLC’s Jon and Kate divorce drama to Alex’s history as a musician and my ignorance when it comes to Led Zeppelin. We also talked briefly about the possibility of working together on some travel promotions with my clients. Synergy is a beautiful thing.

Happy Fourth, All!

Remembering Michael Jackson

It’s often said that death comes in threes. This week, the entertainment world lost three beloved figures -- Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

RIP King of Pop: Michael Jackson circa 1984

Like everyone else, I was shocked to hear the news today of Michael’s passing from cardiac arrest at the age of 50. As seminal images from his life flashed across the TV, I couldn’t help thinking about my own memories of him.

I was just eight years old when Michael reached the apex of his stardom with the release of “Thriller.” I remember covering my bedroom wall with posters of him, and excitedly buying a sequined glove and the “Beat It” zippered jacket.

All About Michael: Wearing a Jacksons t-shirt and sequined glove in front of my Michael-themed wall, summer 1984

I also recall tuning in with my cousins for Michael’s iconic performance of “Billie Jean” on the Motown 25 Anniversary special. We also memorized his “Thriller” routine, dancing every single step of it together while watching the video again and again.

I had the good fortune to be at the September 2001 tribute concert celebrating Michael at Madison Square Garden. He only took the stage briefly, with his brothers in tow, but I’ll never forget it. As a performer, no one could top him.

It’s fair to say that, in recent years, Michael was known more for his personal dramas than his music. Whatever his idiosyncrasies may have been, though, he left an indelible mark on those of us who grew up listening to him.

In his biography of another legendary musician--Frank Sinatra--Pete Hamill wrote the following:

“In their work, all great artists help transcend the solitude of individuals…they supply a partial response to the urging of writer E.M. Forster: ‘Only Connect.’ ”

Like Old Blue Eyes, that’s exactly what Michael did. Rest in peace, King of Pop.