HOWARD STERN SHOW’S “POWER OF ONE”: THEBPLOT EXCLUSIVE

I love to reflect on the past year, friends and my life during the holidays.  One of the great influencers for me, after my mom, is the person who years ago gifted me with the opportunity to achieve some of my goals – through her “power of one.”

GOSSIP – INCLUDING TWO EXCLUSIVES – THAT’S LIKE A SWEET FIRST KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE: “YOU SAY WHO” RIGHT NOW

Cathy Tobin – coincidentally also a resident of Asbury Park – hired me to work on the Howard Stern Show and gave me the break I needed to elbow my way into the entertainment industry when I was a dime-a-dozen sophomore in college, had no contacts and little experience.  I will always be thankful to her. 

Cathy trusted in me and encouraged others at the show to take chance after chance on me.

I came home from the show exhausted and exhilarated from the people I met (newsmakers Joey and Mary Jo Buttafucco and celebs including Alec Baldwin and Pamela Anderson) and the projects I had (interviewing guests, screening callers, doing research for Howard’s book, “Miss. America”) and eventually, being on-air frequently. 

No matter how insane it was at the studios – and it was insane – Cathy went out of her way to make sure I had interesting, high-profile tasks and always took the time to work with me.  She was a calming and influential force for a saucer-eyed, hungry, newbie employee.   

She also made a point of introducing me to many big wigs, who, in turn, introduced me to other bigger, big wigs – some who have helped me many times through the years.

This was in contrast to other studios I heard about where the stars and executives put their staff through little pieces of industry hell, relegating low-level staff to: finding a baker to make couture-inspired gingerbread men for a 5 year old’s birthday party, writing and editing a star’s personal ad, managing a producer’s eBay account where he sold the swag he received from publicists or running around New York to find the “most fragrant” white roses (seriously). 

I believe I might not be in Asbury Park today, if it were not for my “power of one” Cathy Tobin.  Having that radio and television show on my resume jump-started many dialogues for future endeavors for me.  She is a rock star in my eyes. 

I hope Cathy inspires you to use your “power of one” in 2010.  

Shameless plug:  I will be back on Sirius XM satellite radio’s Howard Stern Show for the “Best of the 90’s” series over the holidays.  The two week series – which features the most memorable clips from the 90’s peppered with behind-the-scenes interviews – premieres Monday (Dec. 21).

My “introduction” and Fred’s bachelor party memories begins Tuesday (Dec. 29), airing roughly between 8 am to 10 am. 

“The Bachelor Party segment is probably our favorite part of the whole show,” said Jeremy Lipkin, special series producer.  “It came out great.  Everyone’s stories cut together perfectly and with the stripper-type music playing in the background it is a lot of fun.”

A few more short interviews about Gilbert Gottfried, John Kennedy, Jr., Roger Daltrey, Billy West, Sandra Bernhardt, John Stamos, William Shatner, Robin Quivers and Fred Norris air during the following few days.

UPDATE:  “The Bachelor Party segment of ‘History’ came out great!” said Gary Dell’Abate, executive producer.  ”What a classic story.  I wanted to let you know that we’re playing a little 5 minute sneak peek of it this Friday (Dec. 18) on the ‘History of Howard Act 3 Kickoff Show’ in case anyone is curious and can’t wait until the 29^th to hear it.  It’s this Friday at 1 pm on Howard101.”

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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TOOT TOOT…THE SOUND OF THEBPLOT’S OWN HOLIDAY HORN: “TODAY” SCOOP

Millions watched Monday as Kathie Lee Gifford talked on “Today” for the first time about her husband’s public dalliances in 1997 while discussing the Tiger Woods scandal but it was TheBPlot’s “You Say Who” readers who knew last week (Thursday, Dec. 3) that  producers were begging her to stop ignoring her past.

Thursday’s “You Say Who” detailed: “Frustrated producers gripe that (Kathie Lee and her co-host Hoda) are talking about the biggest pop culture news story, on the biggest news show, in a way that the experience is ’so foreign to them both.  It’s the 500 pound gorilla in the room that nobody wants to pay attention to.’” 

By Sunday (Dec. 4), TheBPlot had the attention of fancy-pants NBC execs on both coasts – and the fab Kathie Lee - as the great Daily News column “Rush and Molloy” and New York’s #1 online gossip column Gawker.com picked up Asbury Park’s most read features site’s exclusive story and ran with it.  See clips below.

Three minutes into Monday’s show, Kathie Lee began her two minute Tiger Woods dialogue with, “Having experience in this area…” 

“We all love Kathie Lee – she’s a pro,” said my snitch.   ”It just didn’t make sense for her to not address the hottest topic in a more intimate way.  With the Daily News picking up TheBPlot’s story got some people she listens to  involved to restart the dialogue with her.”

“‘Today’ producers asked Kathie Lee Gifford if she’d talk about the Tiger Woods story by talking about her own memories of philandering husband Frank.  ‘Absolutely not!’  bellowed Gifford, according to TheBPlot.com…” – New York Daily News

The One Thing Kathie Lee Won’t Do For Ratings

“…The Tiger Woods‘ affair story is the hot issue of the day, but, according to The B Plot, which is written by a former TV guy in New Jersey, Kathie Lee is adamant that she won’t talk about the scandal from a ‘personal point of view.’ When producers ask she apparently said, quite loudly, ‘Absolutely not will I rehash any of that horrible history in my life.’ So let’s get this straight, disclosures of nudity…” – Gawker.com’s Brian Moylan

Read the Daily News’ “Rush and Molloy” and Gawker.com every day for the latest on anything worth dishing about and keep reading TheBPlot for exclusives that keep the big guys checking in with Asbury Park for more!

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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INSIDE THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS’ SWAG TENT: CELEB HOLIDAY “SHOPPING”

WIN THE 2010 ASBURY PARK FIREFIGHTER CALENDAR: TWITTER OR EMAIL THEBPLOT WITH THE WORD 'CALENDAR' NOW!!!

A local reader was invited to the American Music Awards’ Celebrity Gift Tent last Saturday (Nov. 21) to promote his new, fab product and wanted to give TheBPlot readers the first scoop. 

If you have not heard, the deal with swag tents basically is that companies offer free product and the celebs whore themselves out for free sneakers, sunglasses, jewelry, etc. by letting their photo be taken with the product.  In the end, if it is somewhat of a relevant celebrity, the companies get free publicity by sending the photos to magazines such as People, US Weekly and InStyle and saying “Look, so-and-so uses our product - will you write an article?”  A lot of the time it works out for everyone. 

Our local inventor / snitch went big-time with the small-time celebs and dishes about swag-hungry, holiday gift-getting celebs, in his own words: 

“Well, being part of the AMA swag tent sure was an experience.  There were about 43 vendors.  I learned afterwards that the top celebs don’t come to the event, but the B C and D-list people do – with their friends.  Plenty of kids under 15 years old do too. 

“One hundred ten ‘names’ attended and I’ve got photos of almost every one of them who took our stuff.  I met many ‘has been’ stars and ‘want to be’ stars, several stars from soap operas, Carnie Wilson, two rappers, a few from TV shows (‘LA Ink’, ‘V’ and a few others), kids from the Disney Channel with their swag hungry parents, the Olympic Water Polo Team, a loooong since retired Hall of Famer from the LA Dodgers. 

“A few film directors came for product, including a major science fiction series director who is about 90 years old and couldn’t hear or see to even know what he was looking at.  Finally, a very famous TV chef - who the fattest guy in the room ran over and hugged for what seemed like forever – was there and loved our product.  

“Max and Tony from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Sheila E [photo left] were great and hung out with us for a while.

“Only one celeb objected to photos and still took product – Morena Baccarin from the ABC televisions series ‘V’ [third from right in photo, right].  She’s obviously new to the scene and when this show is over she will be done and not realize how lucky she was. 

“Every other celeb was more than willing to take photos.  We made sure they had fun, and enjoyed the picture-taking – and it shows in the photos.   

“The truth and truly sad fact is that many of the celebs came to get free stuff to give to their friends and family for the holidays.  They’d discuss with their family members openly ‘Okay, I’ll give this to Auntie May, and give that to my best friend Charlotte, and this to ….’  

“The free stuff they were getting from other vendors included really expensive shoes, purses, candy, computer software, earrings, dolls, make-up, perfume and tons more.  

“I’ve been invited to the Oscars in March.  More on that after the holidays.  The word is that more celebs, bigger celebs will attend that gift event.  And I guess they won’t be stocking up on Christmas gifts!!!  Maybe.”

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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LOCAL HALLOWEEN COSTUMES: BLOODY FUN

Asbury Park people are turning it out for Halloween – tons of inspired ideas and time spent making costumes perfect.  TheBPlot reveals a few of the top, fun or over-the-top pop culture-inspired costumes planned for Saturday…

FOLLOW THEBPLOT ON TWITTER AND YOU’RE ENTERED TO WIN $100 DOG GIFT BASKET

• Vampires (tons of  ‘em in various iterations “True Blood” and “Twilight” especially)
• Harvey Milk (guy)
• Trainwreck Lindsay Lohan (drag)
• “Mad Men” inspired costume (gal)
• Rachael “thats bananas” Zoe (gal)
• Chaz – formerly Chastity - Bono (gal)
• Little Edie of “Grey Gardens” (guy)
• Bernie Madoff with new prison boyfriend (guys)
• Balloon Boy (guy)
• Octomom (drag)
• Kanye West with Taylor Swift (guy/gal couple)
• Michael Jackson (guy and gal versions)
• Jon and Kate (guy/gal couple) 
• Whitney and Oprah (drag team)

…a costume interpretation of the healthcare plan and…the getup I most can’t wait to see at The Berkeley… the drag version of Lady Gaga!

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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SPRINGSTEEN IS “HONORARY LESBIAN”: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS AND STORY

The New York Post’s “Page Six” and The Daily News’ “Rush and Molloy” gossip columns wanted this story and its photos first, however your local TheBPlot and The Coaster are the only ones to have the scoop:

Bruce Springsteen joined August’s Crush “party for women” at the Beach Bar, in Asbury Park, mingling with the more than 500 women primarily unnoticed.

“He walked up to the ticket table and we told him he was welcome, of course, however he had to be an honorary lesbian for the evening,” said Jill Potter, producer of Crush, smiling.  “Bruce then threw out his arm for a wristband and went right in.”

Bruce mingled with the crowd for an hour, speaking with Jill about the previous owner of her Sunset Avenue home – Bruce’s former tour chef. 

“Bruce was so great – a total fun gentleman,” said Jill.  “A few days later one of his employees called me to thank me on behalf of Bruce and gave me two tickets to his Friday concert at Giants Stadium.”

The next Crush party is planned for early 2010.  AwwMama.com will have more information. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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“GREY GARDENS” HISTORIAN TALKS LITTLE EDIE

The HBO film “Grey Gardens” won six Emmy awards thanks, in part to one of the contributing researchers noted for the film, “Grey Gardens” historian and author Walter Newkirk – friends with Little Edie for more than three decades.  She trusted few and allowed fewer into her life as she did Walter. 

Newkirk with Little Edie, 1976

In anticipation of Walter’s revealing lecture next Sunday (Oct. 18) at The Showroom – his only appearance in our area - along with a exclusive screening of the HBO film, I spoke with him about his thirty year friendship with the stars of the cult-classic documentary, named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Top 50 Cult Films of All-Time.”

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE…

THE SPRINGSTEEN BACKSTORY TO THIS PHOTO...THURSDAY IN "YOU SAY WHO"

TheBPlot:  Everyone has a story about how they became interested in Grey Gardens.  What is your story?

Walter:  The first time I heard about “Grey Gardens”, I was a senior at Rutgers University and noticed a full page ad for the documentary in The New York Times.  The photo in the ad was alluring and mysterious – who was this woman in the ratty fur coat standing in front of that haunted house?

  

GLAM GRANOLA GIRL AT MAYOR’S BALL… AN ESCORT’S AD…BURNING OCEAN GROVE MEMORIES… ‘BURNING MAN’ CLUB IN ASBURY…LOUDMOUTH FINALLY DE-CLINED…AND MORE IN “YOU SAY WHO” THIS WEEK

After seeing the film with Pat Loud (“An American Family”) at the Paris Theatre in New York, I knew I had to interview Edie for the Rutgers newspaper.  Surprisingly, I dialed Information, got the phone number, called and Edie answered.

TBP:  After the meeting you and she became friends until her death – three decades later.  What did you talk about? 

Walter:  I remember her asking me over the telephone in the 70’s…”who is this Fair- rah?”  Apparently Edie had seen some publicity about Farrah Fawcett and or Charlie’s Angels so I had to educate her a bit about the late Ms. Fawcett.  Edie loved politics.  She also loved to watch the news and sports on television.  Cher was a favorite entertainer. 

Little Edie and Newkirk, 1981

TBP:  Did she talk about Jackie O?

Walter:  She once wrote me, “I love when you write ’Edie, have you heard from Jackie?’  Walter you have always had such a terrific sense of humor…”  Apparently she heard from Jackie but not often.  She spoke more about Jackie’s sister, Lee Radzidwill.  More on that at The Showroom.

TBP:  Today, would she be emailing you or writing on your “wall” on Faceplace…err…Facebook?

Walter:  Absolutely not.  Years ago, she wrote me, “Beware of the machine world.”

TBP:  The magnificent family wedding jewelry is used to make a point in the HBO film.  Every fan wants to know what happened to that necklace. 

Walter:  I believe Bouvier Beale Jr. – with whom you spoke earlier this year – has that jewelry.

TBP:  What were Edie’s true feelings about the 1976 documentary, which the HBO film being screened at The Showroom is in-part based on, and the guys who produced it – the Maysles brothers?

Walter:  Her feelings changed over the years for both the film and the Maysles.  Sometimes she loved it all, sometimes she was defensive about the film.  She said she did it because she and her mother needed the money for food.

Later, there were issues regarding royalties from the film and DVD.  She got on a soapbox about royalties in several letters.

More dish with Walter next Thursday (Oct. 15).

Ask Walter your questions at The Showroom’s screening and lecture, Sunday (Oct. 18), 4 p.m., benefitting the Monmouth County Arts Coalition.

More info about Walter’s books - including his yet-to-be released “Letters of Little Edie Beale of Grey Gardens” - and CD at GreyGardensBook.com and AuthorHouse.com.  Read TheBPlot’s exclusive “book first look” by clicking here.

Read TheBPlot’s exclusive three part interview with Bouvier Beale, nephew of Little Edie – search “Bouvier”.

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“BE TRUE” PHOTO EXHIBIT HONORS SPRINGSTEEN’S BIRTHDAY

Thirty-nine primarily never-before-seen photographs of Bruce Springsteen at locations around New Jersey are the focus of “Be True”, the rock and roll photography exhibit extended until next Sunday (10/4), that celebrates the music icon.

(PHOTO COURTESY DANNY CLINCH)

Curated by Tim Donnelly, the intoxicatingly beautiful, seemingly alive images, deep and engaging – most in black and white – were taken by Bruce’s photographer of the past 10 years and friend, Danny Clinch. 

“We got a call from a London-based gallery asking us to put together an exhibit of Springsteen images,” said Tim, who is also a music journalist, speaking with TheBPlot and The Coaster.  “We looked at each other and said ‘London? ‘This needs to be done in Asbury Park for Bruce’s birthday’.”

Danny, a photo-journalist who has also worked with Pearl Jam and many others, shot the cover for Bruce’s “The Rising,” and “Working on a Dream” and directed Bruce’s “Devils and Dust” music video. 

“The Garden State locations that serve as the inspiration for ‘Be True’ range from Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey horse country, Fort Monmouth, the soon to be demolished Giants Stadium and such iconic Asbury Park locations such as the Stone Pony, Paramount Theater, Convention Hall and the revitalized boardwalk,” said Tim.  “We asked Bruce how he felt if we did this and his response was ‘Go for it’.”

Bruce’s fans are happy to celebrate his birthday with this exhibit in Asbury Park.

“As a fan who sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him on his thirtieth at Madison Square Garden during the ‘No Nukes’ concert, I love the exhibit for its geography and simplicity,” said Janet Manni, Wanamassa resident and broker at Century 21 Coastal Realtors.  “The exhibit sums him up perfectly as a local, down-to-Earth guy and a worldwide legend.”

Just like Bruce, the exhibit is for the people.

“We wanted to be absolutely inclusive – never charging a penny – even when we feature New Jersey performers, as we will this weekend,” said Tim.

“Be True” at the Third Avenue Pavillion on the Boardwalk until next Sunday (10/4).  Friday (9/28) at 8.30 pm, The Roebucks perform.  Saturday (9/29) at 5 pm, Steve Reily, Ocean Grove resident via Dublin, Ireland.  Admission is free. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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“MILLION DOLLAR BILL ASBURY PARK” VIDEO HOTTIES TALK: EXCLUSIVE

Rarely is there feel-goodness, pure joy and wonderful frivolity set to song the way six guys from New York City – one with a home in Asbury Park – did here Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

New Yorkers Adam MacLean, Chris Bush, Chris Lucia, Jeffrey Kummer, Brian Matthew Maloney and John Barbato (Asbury Park homeowner) produced a fun, dancey, sexy, bubblegum-pop and energetically choreographed three-minute summer homage music video with Whitney Houston’s new song “Million Dollar Bill” and are now an unqualified internet sensation – taking Asbury Park with them on their internet whirlwind.      

FORGET MORRO CASTLE, ASBURY’S OWN TITANIC…A KEYLESS PROPRIETOR…OCEAN GROVE SHOP’S HYSTERICAL PHOTO-SHOPPED PHOTO…MONIKER RHYMES WITH ‘RICH’…NASTY ‘NURSE JACKIE’ HABIT…LESBIAN LOVE THROW-DOWN…DIAMONDS ARE A DOGS BEST FRIEND & MORE IN “YOU SAY WHO” RIGHT NOW.

“We saw it was going to be a wet and lazy day so we wanted to create a fun memento in the spirit of the last weekend of the summer in the city that we all think is amazing,” said Adam MacLean. 

Their video, “Million Dollar Bill Asbury Park” was inspired by another gaggle of gays in the Fire Island Pines who produced a summer homage video (“Party in the F.I.P.”) a few weeks ago using Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” which now boasts more than one-million views and counting.

The energy of friendship (most have been friends since high school) and playfulness combined with a hot song and the visual background of Asbury Park’s Fifth Avenue, John’s lakefront porch, the Paradise pool, the boardwalk and the Casino leap through your computer screen while the video plays on. 

It’s the force of Asbury Park at its most festive.

“Each of us took turns choreographing, directing and holding the camera,” said Adam, who, with Brian, is part of a New York City dance company called “From the Desk of Sarah Seely”.  “We were a bunch of producing divas bossing each other around and it came together organically.  We especially love the kite flying in the background when we are on the Boardwalk and the ‘Casino Walk’ we did.”

The guys – each one with a smoking bod – saunter in skimpy box-cut bathing suits and multi-color Wayfarer sunglasses through most of the video.  In a nod to Whitney’s film “The Bodyguard” Adam also wears a white scarf around his head.

“Whitney’s new song was our choice because she is having a comeback (the CD debuted at Number 1 on Monday) and so is Asbury Park,” said Adam, who edited the video for seven hours prior to its debut last Tuesday.  “The boardwalk is the most iconic place in town to us – so we combined two icons: Whitney Houston and Asbury Park and can not believe the response.”

The video – posted last Tuesday - had sixty thousand views on YouTube (as of 6 pm yesterday) and growing. 

Views and comments are from all over the U.S. and internationally, including Spain and England – creating fab grass-roots publicity for Asbury Park.

“The emails from strangers are hysterical,” said Adam.  “Some people want to date us.  Some comment on my freakishly tall height.  Some praise the City and beach – I think the other guys are just too short.  A producer from Wendy Williams Show said they were reviewing it.  A lot say that Jeff is the best dancer and of course, there are some haters out there too.”

Forget the haters and enjoy life.  Oh, and…err…sorry everybody– all the guys are spoken for. 

Watch the music video over and over – it will make you smile.  For great stills from the video click here.

Whitney’s just-released (2 pm yesterday) beautiful “Million Dollar Bill” video below.  It’s beyond wonderful to see her back so strong and looking like a billion dollars.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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KATHY GRIFFIN’S “BOOK CLUB SELECTION”

As of Tuesday, with the launch of her first book “Official Book Club Selection” (Ballantine), comic Kathy Griffin can now add the title of “author” to her long list of credits.  The book will absolutely be a best seller – its funny, revealing and dishy.  It took two beach days to read the book because its so damn funny.  Plus, Kathy gives the reader tons of never before seen photos from her personal collection. 

Kathy also strives to educate the reader, explaining, “Only in this book will you learn how the dinner table is the best training ground for a stand-up career…and how speaking your mind can bite you in the ass and buy you a house.”

Even the Table of Contents (below) is revealing…she is taking people down. 

I met Kathy yeeearrs ago during my time at Howard Stern and again after her show in Morristown, NJ.  (Afterwards, I emailed her agent in California for an autographed photo and never heard back…bitch.) 

Her Morristown show was at the moment when Kathy Lee Gifford and Frank finally spoke with Barbara Walters about Frank’s affair.  Kathy played five minutes of the interview on a huge screen, adding the colorful commentary she’s famous for as Barbara tossed the softball questions.  Hysterical. 

 

She’ll be returning to ”Howard Stern Show” on Sirius, September 9 and “The View” this September 18 (after being banned from the show twice by Barbara Walters personally) – sitting her well-lipoed ass in Elizabeth Hasselback’s chair, while Elizabeth further crowds the Earth’s population with another child. 

  

Foreword: Dear Oprah

Chapter 1: The Littlest Gossip Girl

Chapter 2: Growing Up Griffin

Chapter 3: They Barked, They Laughed

Chapter 4: Kenny

Chapter 5: LA Is My Lady

Chapter 6: To Live and Bomb in LA

Chapter 7: Hot Cup O’ Talk

Chapter 8: I’m a Star! (Okay, A Guest Star)

Chapter 9: Brooke Shields, Don’t Read This

Chapter 10: Talk Shows: Let the Banning Begin

Chapter 11: From Worcester MA to Dick: Stories from the Road

Chapter 12: Nip Fuc###

Chapter 13: Reinventing Myself: I’m Just Like Madonna!

Chapter 14: Reality Check

Chapter 15: My Marriage Begins

Chapter 16: My Marriage Ends

Chapter 17: Fanning Flames in Hollywood, And Yes I Mean Dakota

Chapter 18: A Win, A Loss

Chapter 19: The Wizard of Woz

Chapter 20: Paris Hilton Changed My Life

More at Kathy’s site – KathyGriffin.net. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: JOSS AND GAVIN IN ASBURY PARK

JOSS AND GAVIN FROLIC IN ASBURY'S SURF BEFORE THE BAREFOOT WINE-SPONSORED CONCERT

GAVIN IS EVEN HOTTER IN PERSON

GAVIN ROCKS CONVENTION HALL

JOSS IS SOOOO SWEET AND SMART

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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BAREFOOT THROUGH THE BEACHFRONT WITH JOSS STONE

Last Saturday, despite Hurricane Danny’s wet efforts, the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Concert – a “thank you” concert for the Surfrider volunteers who spent the soggy day cleaning our beautiful beachfront – blew everyone away with performances by Grammy nominees Joss Stone and Gavin DeGraw (“I Don’t Want to Be”). 

Before taking the stage at Convention Hall (my absolute favorite place to see a concert), singer and activist, the beautiful and soulful Joss, took a moment to answer some of my pressing questions.

MEETING IN THE STEAMROOM…WATERMARK’S GREY GARDENS CONNECTION…A NEW GREY GARDENS PRODUCTION…TEX LOGAN, GLORIA GAYNOR, FELIPE ROSE AND…A FLOGGING BUSINESSMAN…ALL IN ‘YOU SAY WHO’ THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

TBP:  It’s so fab to have you in Asbury Park honoring the wonderful volunteers who tidied up our beach on this muggy, rainy day.  Do you have any great beach memories to share?

Joss:  Going to Putsborough (beach in the UK on the coast of North Devon) when I was young with my siblings and good friend Bonnie.  I loved going to the beach then and still do.  

TBP:  How have you seen the loss of Michael Jackson effect the music industry? 

Joss:  It’s affected the music industry as much as when we lost James Brown.  It is very sad but his music still lives on. 

TBP:  What was your fave Michael Jackson Song?

Joss:  All of Michael’s songs are great.

TBP:  I wrote recently that a friend was at Whitney Houston’s listening party for her new CD (see “Whitney’s Back Baby”), where Whitney announced to the audience that if she was not singing again she would “be selling fruit from a stand somewhere in the Caribbean” with her daughter.  Seriously.  If you were not a musician and singer, what would you be doing?

Joss:  I’d be a carpenter, midwife, potter or baker.

TBP:  Interesting.  You are a vegetarian – its one of the things I admire most about you.  Every vegetarian I have met has stunning skin, shiny hair and sparkling eyes, as do you.  Any advice for people considering the vegetarian lifestyle?

Joss:  I would say just stop eating meat…it’s really not that hard.  It’s just food. 

TBP:  You don’t seem like the rock-star Jaegermeister-swilling type of gal.  I envision you delicately holding a glass of sparkling wine.  What type of wine is in your cellar?

Joss:  It depends on what kind of moment it is.  I lean more towards Barefoot Wine’s white wine but then sometimes I like red.  Sometimes, with my friends, we mix the two together and have a rose. 

TBP:  What’s the funniest item in your contract rider?

Joss:  My foot spa – so I can clean my feet after I get off stage.  (Joss is known to perform barefoot…very beachy).

TBP:  My friend Emily Manni just loves you in Showtime’s “The Tudors”, playing the role of Anne of Cleves.  Any scoop?  Jonathan Rhys Meyers is so painfully hot.

Joss:  I’ll be back in “The Tudors” soon.   

TBP:  Busy lady…you have a CD on deck to release, too.

Joss:  Yes, maybe in October is the word I hear, but this could change.

TBP:  You have a huge following in the GLBTI community.  Would you like to say anything to your gays in Asbury Park?

Joss:  Thanks for your support.  Be you – regardless of anyone else.  Just be you. 

TBP:  So well put.  Actually, I think you should put that to song.  Thanks Joss.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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SPRINGSTEEN’S “BORN TO RUN” HOME FOR SALE

As written by David Willis in the Asbury Park Press (9/1/09):

The small house at 7 1/2 West End Court in Long Branch where one-time renter Bruce Springsteen wrote “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road” and other songs on the “Born to Run” album is up for sale for $299,000.

The house came on the market this past weekend, said Susan McLaughlin, an agent with Keller Williams Realty.

The one-level home, built in the traditional southern shotgun-style, is 928 square feet, has high ceilings, two bedrooms, living room, galley kitchen and one bathroom. “It has a sweet front porch, a dear little front porch behind a hedge,” McLaughlin said. There’s also a small private backyard with a patio.

“It has a newer bathroom and it is in essentially the same condition that it was when Bruce lived there in 1974, 1975,” McLaughlin said.

According to “Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore” by Jean Mikle, a reporter at the Asbury Park Press, and Stan Goldstein, an editor at the Star Ledger, Springsteen wrote “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Backstreets” and many other songs on the iconic album at 7 1/2 West End Court.

“During the “Tunnel of Love’ tour (in 1988), Bruce would talk about how he was sitting on the edge of his bed and wrote “Born to Run’ while living here,” the two wrote.

McLaughlin’s phone has been ringing off the hook since it became known that a home with a Springsteen connection was up for sale. “The locals have always known about it,” she said of the home’s lore.

The home’s provenance is important in marketing the house, she said. “As locals and old friends of Bruce, we don’t want to capitalize on that,” McLaughlin said. “We have to make sure it doesn’t turn into a free for all.”

She has received interest from potential buyers and is requiring buyer prequalification before showing it.

“I am going to be very busy over the next couple of days showing it,” McLaughlin said.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

JOSS STONE HEADLINES “THANK YOU” CONCERT AT STONE PONY

   

Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project
8/29/2009

BEACH RESCUE PROJECT – ASBURY PARK

Each year, over 25,000 beaches in the United States are closed or posted as unhealthy . To remedy this, Barefoot Wine and Surfrider Foundation encourage local residents to volunteer at cleanup and restoration events across the country to help make these beaches “barefoot-friendly.”

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project is back for its third straight year, and this time it’s bigger than ever! In celebration of Surfrider Foundation’s 25th Anniversary, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation are rescuing, renewing and restoring 25 beaches this summer.

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project will rap up in Asbury Park, NJ with a multi site beach clean up and after party on August 29th sponsored by Barefoot Wine and Surfrider Foundation. Musical guests will include Mason Jennings and others to be announced.

Volunteer/Register:

http://republic.barefootwine.com/events/view/740/

Asbury ParkBeach Clean Up, Reception, & Concert details:

Cleanup: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Meeting points:
South end of Boardwalk near the end of Asbury Avenue
Middle of the Boardwalk near end of 5th Avenue
North End of the Boardwalk near the end of 8th Avenue and Deal Lake Drive

VIP reception for all cleanup attendees: 5-6 p.m.
The Stone Pony
913 Ocean Ave
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Directions PDF | Google Maps

Concert (at The Stone Pony): 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
With special musical guests Joss Stone, Gavin DeGraw, Cold War Kids & Mason Jennings! More Info: http://www.beachrescueconcert.com

Note: To attend this event, you must RSVP. VIP is reserved for those who attend the cleanup only. Entry is on a first come, first serve basis. You must stay the complete time for the cleanup to be granted admission to the VIP.

      

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE

EXCLUSIVE: THE DIVA CAN WRITE…RUPAUL INKS BOOK DEAL

She’s not just beauty…she can write, too.  A friend at HarperCollins sent me the note below about the fabulous RuPaul – she’ll be taking a break from enjoying her favorite meal – a TicTac and writing a book…

RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen of all-time and television host of Logo’s RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, is writing the book WORKIN’ IT! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style!

“If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit a fabulous sense of style from your parents, you can certainly cultivate one using the tried, tested and found true tools in my book, ” said RuPaul.

The book, published by It Books, is part style guide, part confidence manifesto and just like Ru, entirely fabulous. WORKIN’ IT! will provide helpful and provocative tips on fashion, beauty, style and confidence for girls and boys, straight and gay – and everyone in between.  With photos by Mathu Andersen from the new season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE and a fresh look at style and inner beauty, the book will be as colorful, fun, and intriguing as RuPaul, with insights into makeup, clothing choices and the illusion of drag.

Fans of RuPaul will get piece of Ru’s philosophy on style and attitude – and how it’s more than the clothes that make the man, or woman.

Look for this in stores in early 2010, just in time for the second season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE on Logo and more gossip in ‘You Say Who’ from a local who works for Logo. 

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE…FIRST WITH FUN EXCLUSIVES

ZZZZZZZZ…NY POST EDITORS ASLEEP AT THE KEYBOARD

The snoring sound you are hearing is not coming from a vacationer sleeping on our glorious beach…its from the editors at the New York Post asleep at the keyboard again.  For the second time this month TheBPlot has beaten the big guys to a story. 

Saturday’s edition of New York’s best tabloid newspaper touted on Page 3, “Dylan’s a Complete Unknown” and detailed rock legend Bob Dylan was stopped by a Long Branch policewoman who believed   he was a vagrant and loitering at the Ocean Place Resort. 

YOU already knew the deal, and more detail,  if you read TheBPlot’s “You Say Who” page on August 8 – a week before The Post picked up the story, using this site as one of its fact-checking sources.  

As always, thanks always to the great sources who help TheBPlot bring you fun, local dish first. 

Got a tip?  Email me at Richard@TheBPlot.com.  I can’t do it without you. 

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE…BEATING THE BIG GUYS (SOMETIMES) TO FUN STORIES YOU WANT TO READ

FIRST LOOK: NEW MARILYN BOOK TO PUBLISH 8/25

J. Randy Taraborrelli, noted New York Times best-selling celeb author (writing pretty much about every gay icon imagineable) is poised to release his latest dishy, well-researched and sourced work, ”The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” (Grand Central Publishing), just in time for your late summer beach reading. 

Every top producer I know considers J. Randy the go-to guy for exclusive and accurate dish, most recently regarding Michael Jackson, whom he began writing about in 1991.   Using his unparalleled access to the Jackson Family and its team, he has broken numerous news exclusives about what is going on with Jackson’s out-of-control estate, children, mother Katherine, Debbie Rowe, contract negotiations, Michael’s body, his brain and more. 

J. Randy’s applied that same research and source development skill to “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”, available nationwide August 25. 

When you think there is nothing more that could be said about Marilyn, J. Randy [photo right] gets the never-before-revealed, fresh info – and photos, tons of never-before-seen photos – that every Marilyn fan needs through unparalleled access to newly released FBI, Secret Service and medical files and interviews with security personnel, family, friends and more. 

Before Entertainment Tonight and The View, before People and Us Magazines, before the sit-down with CBS’s Harry Smith, sources told TheBPlot exclusively – despite protests from the book’s publicist – what everyone will be talking about later this month: 

1.  When Norma Jean Baker became famous as Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, she said her mother, Gladys Baker, was either dead or not a part of her life, depending on the publicity campaign of the moment…neither was true. 

2.  Marilyn’s mentally ill mother was very much present in her world and created a complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes as the star went from actress to icon – revealed for the first time.

3.  The shocking scope of Marilyn’s mental deterioration and her desperate attempts to help herself.

5.  The identity of Marilyn’s real father and the half-brother she never knew – revealed for the first time.

6.   The potent story of Marilyn’s closely guarded friendship with Pat Kennedy Lawford.

“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” - explosive, revelatory and moving, it is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive legends of the twentieth century.

J. Randy Taraborrelli’s library of title:

• Diana : A Celebration of the Life and Career of Diana Ross (1985)
• Cher – A Biography (1986; updated in 1992)
• Motown: Hot Wax, City Cool and Solid Gold (1986; updated in 1988)
• Laughing Till It Hurts – The Complete Life and Career of Carol Burnett (1988)
• Call Her Miss Ross (1989; updated in 2007)
• Michael Jackson – The Magic and the Madness (1991; updated in 2003 and 2004. In 2009 the book was updated with the name of Michael Jackson – The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story)^[1]
• Sinatra – Behind the Legend (1997; updated in 1998)
• Jackie, Ethel and Joan: Women of Camelot (2000)
• Madonna – An Intimate Biography (2001; updated in 2002)
• Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairytale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier (2003)
• Elizabeth (2006)

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S #1 LIFESTYLE SITE…CELEB NEWS AND THE LOCAL FEATURES YOU WANT

FIRST LOOK: NEW “LITTLE EDIE” BOOK SLATED FOR PUBLICATION FALL 09

"GREY GARDENS" LITTLE EDIE

TheBPlot has exclusive news about a new book, “Letters of Little Edie Beale:  Grey Gardens and Beyond” (Authorhouse) slated for publication Fall 2009, that reveals never-before-published personal letters from Little Edie, her commentary on the world and her family and more by noted “Grey Gardens” historian, Walter Newkirk.   

The first scoop and look about the book below.  An exclusive preview is coming soon, including an interview with Walter here at TheBPlot and in The Coaster next month. 

“Letters of Little Edie Beale: Grey Gardens and Beyond”, collected and edited by Walter Newkirk, is a sequel to ”memoraBEALEia:  A Private Scrapbook About Little Edie Beale of Grey Gardens“.  The tome will be available to the public the Fall of 2009 (pub date TBA) on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and in bookstores nationwide.

“Letters of Little Edie Beale: Grey Gardens and Beyond”, will contain almost 100 transcripts of the most engaging and entertaining cards and letters written to the author by ”Little” Edie Beale from 1977-1987 and from 2000 up until a few months before Edie’s death in 2002. 

LITTLE EDIE’S UNIQUE REMEDY FOR AN EAR INFECTION…NEXT WEEK

In her facinating letters, Edie discusses her life post-Grey Gardens, politics, 9/11, her cousins Jackie and Lee, politics…and much, much more.

FIRST LOOK, NEW LITTLE EDIE BOOK

The book will also feature several pages of art  related to Edie and Grey Gardens by thirteen artists including Bruce Lennon, along with East Hampton residents Giovanni Gelardi, Lois Wright, Andrew Wargo, and Don Duga.

April 22, 1976, as a college journalist, author Walter Newkirk traveled to Grey Gardens, the Beale estate on Long Island, to interview Edie Beale about the movie documentary “Grey Gardens,” for his college newspaper, The Rutgers Daily Targum.  Thus began a decades-long friendship between Walter and Little Edie.   

During the amazing taped interview, Edie talked about her life, the department of health raid, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Lee Radziwill, Peter Beard, her brothers Phelan and Bouvier, Spanish music, and assorted other topics.  Mother Edith Beale is heard in the background.

That 72 minute, taped interview is available as a CD, “Little Edie Live! A Visit to Grey Gardens.”  It’s distributed on-demand by CreateSpace and can be found on Amazon.com ($14.99).  Its a must-have for any Grey Gardens lover.

The author dedicates his new book to Edie Beale, whose spirit and life on stage and film touches many people nationally and internationally.  Letters From Little Edie Beale is also dedicated to Rutgers University and the Rutgers Daily Targum for their marvelous and steadfast support of Newkirk’s books.  The Targum was, in fact, the genesis of his first book, and the catalyst for his friendship with Edie Beale.

FIRST LOOK #2, LITTLE EDIE BOOK

Walter Newkirk was inspired to compile the collection of letters from Little Edie  in this book by Barry Qualls, Vice President and Professor of English at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  He first became acquainted with Professor Qualls as a freshman at Rutgers in 1972 as a student in his class.

For TheBPlot’s recent exclusive four-part interview with Bouvier Beale – Little Edie’s nephew, click:

Part 1 – Memorial Day with Little Edie

Part 2 – Little Edie After Grey Gardens

Part 3 – Pride with Little Edie

Part 4 – Grey Gardens Web Exclusive

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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“PAGE SIX” THREE DAYS LATE

Sunday, Page Six tried to break the news that Whitney Houston [left] will not be performing live on Good Morning America (Whitney Houston Hates the Morning) in September to promote her new album – rather taping the show the day prior.  YOU already knew that – and more detail - if you read last Thursday’s edition of TheBPlot, three days earlier than the New York Post’s world famous must-read. 

I bow to the King of Gossip, Mr. Richard Johnson [right], editor of Page Six, my friend since I was with “The Howard Stern Show” however score one for the Asbury Park team and keep reading TheBPlot for more huge national celebrity and local name news and gossip. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S #1 LIFESTYLE WEBSITE

WHITNEY’S BACK, BABY!

As Whitney Houston continues her strategically choreographed “listening tour” – stops have included Beverly Hills and London - to begin the drum beat for the release of her new album “I Look to You” on September 1, I  spoke with two friends of Asbury Park and attendees of last Tuesday’s party in New York’s Time-Warner building.  Over cocktails on Watermark’s new and gorgeous 2500 sq. foot cedar deck, our friends gave me the exciting first-hand scoop: 

“So we are in this amazing space overlooking Central Park.  The tone of the event was very formal – everyone sat and listened to the nine tracks and Clive Davis talk a bit in between each track.  Normally, at album listening parties the guest are all milling around and talking.  Not this one. 

“Clive talked about the four year journey to produce this album in front of an amazing group of guests, including:  Martha Stewart, Diane Sawyer, Alicia Keys (who wrote one of the tracks), Gayle King, Vivica Fox and tons of the most powerful music and radio industry executives. 

“The album will be a huge hit.  Whitney is totally, completely back.  It’s great to see.  There is one pop track that everyone will love and dance to – ‘Million Dollar Bill’ (by Alicia).  The track will be another ‘It’s Not Right, But it’s Okay’ remixed a million times.  There are a few ballads were you hear her voice has matured and is still smooth and powerful.  It will give you goosebumps.

“After about nine tracks were played completely, Whitney came out looking absolutely amazing – glowing, to a loooong standing ovation.  It was obvious everyone was rooting for her.  She smiled her gorgeous smile.  She seemed nervous but really, really happy.  Her mom Cissy and her daughter Bobbi were in the room too. 

“Whitney took the microphone from Clive, then shared that she was torn as to whether to make this album.  She said she seriously considered going south to some tropical island with her daughter and living there selling fruit from a roadside stand and be happy for the rest of her life.  She said her mom told her that God gave her the gift of her voice and she needed to share it with everyone again.”

“THOSE TWO DIVAS FOUGHT LIKE DRAG QUEENS FOR AN UMBRELLA ON A RAINY ASBURY DAY…”

Amen. 

My friends, I told you Whitney was back and looking great in my January 8 column, after bumping into her in Neiman-Marcus at the Short Hills Mall.  It’s thrilling to know that she is reaaaaaally back and in the game again.  I can’t love her enough. 

I understand Whitney will be sitting down with Diane Sawyer in a few weeks - when, I am sure ABC will become the Whitney Houston Network for a week.  It will be curious to see if Whitney performs on GMA and if its live or taped.  Last time, she taped her “live” performance in front of Lincoln Center on Sunday afternoon for a Monday airing because “her voice is better later in the day.”  But, that’s also when she was allegedly higher than the Condors. 

You’ll remember when Diane and Whitney spoke previously, Whitney, with that disgusting human being Bobby Brown by her side, said to Diane, “crack is cheap…only poor people smoke crack.”  Ug.

And…Oprah Winfrey may own the world but don’t expect to see Whitney on the Oprah Show.  Unless the diva barrier has been broken recently - if it was, I would have expected Oprah to be at the listening party BTW - I heard those two fought like drag queens for an umbrella on a rainy Asbury day during their last interview, more than a decade ago, when I was working at Maury Povich and we had our moles in Chicago. 

It’s all history now - Whitney is back, baby!

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF THE HOMEPAGE.

ROAD TRIP 8 WRAP-UP

PHOTO COURTESY CAROLYN CURTAIN

First-time visitors from Atlanta, Los Angeles and internationally, Israel and Brazil were among the more than estimated 7,500 guests Asbury Park welcomed last weekend during Asbury Park Marketing Fund’s, Road Trip 8.

“What a few of us endeavored to do eight years ago when we planted this event’s ‘seeds’ was to simply share and celebrate Asbury Park with our friends and family in the gay community – collectively reach out to others in a grass roots way,” said Brad Hurtado, one of the weekend’s producers.  “Today, Road Trip has become a destination weekend from all over the country and beyond.  People come, fall in love with the city and make it their own.”

Road Trip 8 began Thursday evening – thanks to Jill Potter – with a performance by comic Suzanne Westenhoefer at the Stone Pony (attended by 300 people) and ended with an over-the-top circus themed beachfront fashion show, waves crashing dramatically in the background, “Cirque du Asbury” by Aaron Coleman.

“Road Trip makes a great day at the beach more interesting,” said Edward O’Donnell, Philadelphia resident.  “Good music and spending time with friends and my extended gay family here is something I look forward to every summer.”

WHICH style icon – who’s been used more than water…AT which Beach Bar bar were “Queer Eye’s” Carson Cressley and…WHICH multiple NAMMY Award winner…SPEAKING of closeted guys…WHICH fortysomething local creative type…(All the dish in “You Say Who”)

In between seaside lounging breaks during the lightly breezy 85 degree days, local house parties, cocktails, shopping and dining around town, guests also enjoyed Friday evening’s Kick-Off Party; SandBlast – Saturday’s main event dance party on the beach and Sunday’s Gay History Trolley Tour.   

BEACH BEAUTIFUL AT RT 8

SandBlast welcomed 1300 guests – more than double last year’s attendees, including “Queer Eye’s” Carson Cressley and James Dale (whose landmark lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America made headlines almost a decade ago). 

“We loved the fireworks on Saturday choreographed to dance music,” said first-time visitor Carmine Clemente, who, with his partner Chuck White stayed the weekend in Ocean Grove’s Manchester Inn.  “Langosta Lounge was great.  Watermark was really good.  We ate at Market in the Middle twice.  Every minute of the weekend was a fun spectacle.”

Area resident Billy Mecca agreed, watching the great circus themed fashion show. 

“Cirque du Asbury was a blast – one of the best and memorable events on the boardwalk so far this summer,” said Billy, of  BeachBlog.me.  “Everyone in the crowd loved every minute of it.  The show was an all-age crowd pleaser.”

PHOTO COURTESY BEACHBLOG.ME

Guests also noted the positive change the area is experiencing. 

“It’s obvious the city is moving forward,” said Mike Barber visiting with his partner from Philadelphia.  “This was the best year yet.  We love all the new shops and restaurants on the boardwalk and around town.”

HOTTIES DANCED 'TILL DARK

I heard Mike’s sentiment expressed a number of times and Jill Potter summed it up best about our city. 

“Asbury is contagious, once you’re here, you ‘get’ it and you need more of it,” said Jill.  “Sometimes its something that you really cant define, and then, there are times you can.  Generally, its a feeling of acceptance, it’s a feeling of being part of something, a growth.  I think, for the residents, Road Trip is a very proud moment and one which they feel they own.”

Beyond showing off the City, Road Trip has proven to be a valuable weekend for area businesses.

85 DEGREE, VIBRANT BLUE SKY DAY

“The weekend welcomes many to Asbury Park who, in turn, spend significant dollars to support our shops, hotels, clubs and restaurants,” said Tom Gilmore, director of commerce.  “Road Trip is one of the city’s premier events and is the type of event that defines our great city as a place for everyone to come have fun.”

For the first time, the Asbury Park Marketing Fund licensed Road Trip to local event producers in order to focus on its mission of promoting the City.

TONS MORE RT8: 

• Exclusive “You Say Who” Road Trip 8 gossip.  ALL the fun scoop.  
• Road Trip 8:  calendar of events. 
• Search “Road Trip” for headliner interviews only found here.

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST VISITED LIFESTYLE SITE

ROAD TRIP’S FUNNY LADY

Suzanne Westenhoefer – the very first openly gay comic, in the early 1990’s – rules the stage of the Stone Pony next Thursday (July 16) kicking off the best weekend of the summer, Road Trip 8.

Yes, Thursday.  Thanks to Jill Potter’s AwwMama Productions and a new regime in place for the Asbury Park Marketing Fund (the producer of Road Trip) – headed by Wanamassa resident Joe Zarro – Road Trip weekend has expanded for the first time to begin Thursday night.

“We were able to expand the weekend this year because of Jill’s efforts,” said Joe Zarro, co-chair, APMF.  “And are so grateful the Marketing Fund can get back to our roots of promoting Asbury Park.”

 

Suzanne is a fearless, quick-witted party pleaser for everyone.  I had so much fun speaking with her in anticipation of her show.

TBP:  Your barrier-breaking career also includes being the first openly gay comic on The David Letterman Show.  Asbury Park just named its first openly gay mayor.  Any advice from one trailblazer to another?

Suzanne:  Do what you feel is right.  Be strong and don’t let your personal fetishes interfere with your job.  Private lives should remain private.

TBP:  Are lesbians or gay guys easier to make fun of?

Suzanne:  Straight people.

TBP:  Will you be doing Michael Jackson jokes? 

Suzanne:  Can you bury that much plastic without a permit? 

Seriously, I think Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, is painfully funny.  At the BET Awards, two days after Michael died, Joe stood on stage and told the audience his family was doing okay and in his next breath said, “I want to take a minute to introduce you to my record label.”  Watch it on YouTube and your jaw will drop like a PEZ dispenser.

Funny is not always funny and Michael Jackson jokes are just not my thing. 

I do think that Michael was one of the most brilliant talents and he was just going to get weirder.  Now, we can remember all the amazing dancing and music and forget the baby dangling and nose crumbling. 

TBP:  Do you and your wife, Jennifer, have celebrity “deal breakers” in your relationship?

Suzanne:  Jennifer has a laminated list of at least five celebrities she has to be allowed to sleep with.  She needs to get a board that says something like “today it’s Jennifer Aniston.” 

My list has been the same for years.  I like power lezzies or straight women who are powerful and wear suits – Glenn Close, Martina Navratilova, Martha Stewart, Candice Bergen.  Hillary Clinton is totally hot to me, too. 

TBP:  So what could Hillary expect on a date?

Suzanne:  I say things like “You don’t realize it yet but we need to be together.”  I know in the first 18 seconds.  There is no taking it slow with me.  I am always married – no dating.  Once I pick you, you are mine until you tell me “no” and then I weep and wail. 

I can’t wait to do this Road Trip show.  There is nothing better than a loud Jersey crowd.  Tell all the girls and boys I can’t wait to see them.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST VIEWED FEATURES WEBSITE

WEB EXCLUSIVE: MORE SUZANNE…

TBP:  If you could have one gay man stereotype what would it be?

Suzanne:  Gay men always look better.  How is it that you can take a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and always look unbelievably great and I just look like a dyke with make-up and jeans and a t-shirt on trying to be put together? 

TBP:  What will I learn if you show me your Tweets on Twitter?

Suzanne:  My real personality.  My activism and my shallowness.  One minute I am like, “Fight for change.”  The next I am all “I want a burger.”  It’s me – “Fight for people” then “OMG I need a damn Peppermint Patty.” 

I want to rant about expensive dark chocolate.  It’s shit.  It smells horrible and no one will eat it.  I am a Hershey’s gal.  Eighty-five percent Cocoa?  F**k that.  I want a peanut butter cup.  Bring back milk chocolate.

TBP:  Bruce or Bon Jovi? 

Suzanne:  Neither.  I was not cool growing up.  I was a Top 40 girl…Barry Manilow and Elton John.

TBP:  How devastated are you about the “John and Kate Plus 8” marriage crumble?

Suzanne:  Naturally, I am as f**king shocked as everyone else is.  How two people can have eight babies and not be a happy Mormon is a goddamn shock to me. 

My girlfriend and I, Jennifer, watched a marathon of the show a few weeks ago.  When the camera pans to John as Kate talks about telling John she is having sextuplets, his expression is f**king priceless.  That’s the moment it all went wrong and he should have walked out then.

TBP:  Who is better matched Rosie O’Donnell and Kelly or Ellen DeGeneres and Portia?

Suzanne:  Rosie and Kelly.  They are well matched and comfortable – there’s no two people trying to be the stars, which is very difficult.

TBP:  Living in New Jersey for 10 years do the “Housewives of New Jersey” bring you fond memories?

Suzanne:  I bartended at the Houlihan’s in Secaucus.  I knew a lot of gay Italians and there is not one on that show.  How can you do a show like that in New Jersey and have nobody that’s gay?  Caroline is my favorite on the show, though. 

TBP:  If you could have only one – wealth, clout, unbelievable beauty or live to be 125 years old, which would you choose? 

Suzanne:  Clout.  Power.  No doubt. 

Tickets at AwwMama.com.

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MY MICHAEL JACKSON MOMENT

Covering the circus that was the Liza Minnelli – David Gest wedding in 2002 for Howard Stern, I watched a number of celebrities pass through the side “VIP Entrance” of the stunning Marble Collegiate Church. 

Ashford and Simpson drove up in a Rolls Royce and realized there was not as much press at the side entrance, myself and about forty other reporters were at, as there was in the front and got back in their car and drove around the block to the front. 

Carol Channing – the most fabulously, wonderfully real celebrity at that wedding - arrived in a taxi (the only attendee I saw to do so), ran across the street in the highest high heels to shake fans’ hands and then spoke so patiently with every reporter.  She looked amazing and was so spunky and fun.  I never loved her more.

Then, there was a pause two minutes before we were told the wedding was scheduled to begin.

The police scurried to close the entire street to cars and passers by, just stumbling their way from one St. Patrick’s Day festivity to the next, that March 16. 

All that was heard was just a quiet hum for a minute or so. 

“What’s going on?” Many murmured.

Something was happening.  Guards started scrambling.  Two police officers looked at the press cluster and said with the fiercest look in their eyes “do not leave this area.” 

To the paparazzi and camera men that translated to “stand at attention with your elbows strategically placed.”

Did Liza come to her senses?  Did she toss the 3.5 carat Tiffany diamond she flashed at us earlier in the day?  Was this joke of a wedding – this spectacle – coming to a halt faster than Rosie O’Donnell’s Chevy Suburban in front of the “Entertainment Tonight” tent set up outside?

Finally, a big, honking, black, shiny Cadillac limousine drove up to our entrance.  It stood there for a minute or four without a door opening. 

The stringy tired-looking non-Liza fan New York Post reporter standing next to me was getting increasingly annoyed it was taking so long – she wanted to meet her boyfriend at a bar uptown.

We waited.  Was someone coming in or was someone running out?

Finally, a security guard got the nod to open the passenger side back door. 

Immediately, the fans across the street had a better view than the press people did.  They began cheering as Liz Taylor exited the stretch. 

She flashed her celebrity smile and waved standing about four feet away from the car – which was odd.  Why was she not walking the press line? 

What was also odd was that she had on silk slippers.  We just thought they were “lady of a certain age” comfortable. 

The door to the limo didn’t close.

After Liz had her moment a huge, deafening, throbbing screech overtook the cavernous New York street we were standing on, rattling our bones. 

There he was.  Mr. Michael Jackson, live – in person stepping out of the limousine.  Fans of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds pretty much lost their minds.

No matter what anyone thought about his personal life, this man epitomized the phrase “living icon.”

It was apparent he was not in his right mind.  My notes at the time say “his soul had a fog about it.  dynamic.  huge presence and energy” 

He did a huge royal wave to his beyond blown away fans across the street and grabbed Liz’s hand.  Despite whatever he was feeling he knew he was making a moment of a lifetime for the fans.

He stood their patiently, shifting every few seconds so everyone got a good photo.  There was no doubt he had done this before.  

What struck me was his hair.  It was so shiny and looked so soft.  I wanted to touch it.  It was as dark, shiny and flowy as a yard of silk.  He wore a white collared shirt, black jacket accessorized with a blinding diamond broach and black tuxedo pants. 

His hair primarily covered his pale, almost gaunt face.  He rarely lifted his head up completely.  He towered above Liz in height. 

Oh, and then Diana Ross got out of the limo with whom I later learned was her son, Evan.  Her huge, huge, huge unmanageable hair with a personality of its own flying all over. 

What was most surprising there was that she let Michael upstage her by getting out of the limo last. 

The three icons stood for photos, however didn’t answer one question. 

Finally they shuffled, literally, the twelve feet to the door of the church and my Michael Moment – the media money shot of the day – became “HiStory”.

Richard@TheBPlot.com.

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST VIEWED FEATURES WEBSITE

PILLOW PERFECT

Whenever Michael Jackson’s sister, LaToya, would make an appearance on Howard Stern’s show, her husband at the time Jack Gordon, insisted her green room be “soft and comfortable for the morning” and filled with fragrant flowers and comfortable pillows.

Arriving at 6 am in full makeup when the interview was just for radio, she was a very sweet, almost fragile woman who I found to be totally caught up with a horrible man – now deceased – who thrived on creating conflict with LaToya and her family to isolate her and cash in on her family name.

LaToya would have loved the new and original line of Pattern on Pattern pillows from Shelter Home on Cookman Avenue.

“The first step in silk-screen printing of fabric yardage is to ‘open up’ the screen, making the first impression on a blank piece of fabric,” said Gene Mignola, co-owner of Shelter Home. “Eventually the fabric outlives its usefulness but in the process becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art: Pattern on Pattern.”

Gene selects dynamic patterns on wonderful fabrics – made of cotton and linen – washes them and creates some of the most beautiful and original home accessories available.

“We have re-imagined these unique textile pieces as pillows which are sewn with love right here in New Jersey,” said Gene, who began creating the pillows a few months ago.

Gene – in addition to serving as co-owner of Shelter Home, has been a textile artisan for more than 35 years for theatre television and film. His clients include Walt Disney Theatrical, Calvin Klein and Donna Karen and work which can be seen in the Tony award-winning productions “The Lion King,” “Little Mermaid,” “Billy Elliot” and “Wicked”.

“I like the playfulness in the design of these pillows,” said Scott Hamm, co-owner and Gene’s partner. “With a few pillows you can change the mood in a room very inexpensively.”

The pillows, exclusive to Shelter Home, are completely “green” – made of 100% recycled products (the stuffing is recycled soda bottles) – feature a minimum of four different “patterns on patterns” and come in three sizes in a variety of luscious color themes such as blue and grey and rust and natural and dark red and deep green.

“Everything in Shelter Home, including the pillows just has an amazing style and energy,” stated Lois White of Ocean Grove. “It’s wonderful that many items are recycled and fair trade. The store gives flare with a heart and soul – substance and style.”

Beyond pillows the store feature original home accessories – from lamps to plates to glassware to rugs to handbags. Each item is unique and has a great modern style. This is one of a handful of stores that I would pretty much purchase the entire inventory, if I could.

“It’s awesome in here,” said a very young and adorable Brielle White, also of Ocean Grove.

Next Friday (June 19), in conjunction with ArtsCAP’s June Collide-a-Scope program, Gene will be giving a live demonstration of his work on digital printers at Shelter Home, beginning at 7 pm.

Briefly: As we become beach bound this summer, consider that America’s demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually – enough fuel for 100,000 cars for one year. Using a PUR water filtration system (named Consumer’s Choice Household Product of the Year) with a reusable thermos such as SIGG can replace 2,000 plastic bottles and save you more than $600 annually. PUR just introduced a flavor option pitcher so you dont even need to squeeze your own lemons. Purwater.com has more info.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

PRIDE WITH LITTLE EDIE

The final in the Coaster’s exclusive three-part interview (Click here: Part 1, Part 2) with Bouvier Beale – grandson of Big Edie and Nephew of Little Edie of “Grey Gardens” – reveals how gay icon Little Edie remained inspired, prideful and dignified through various obstacles.

TBP: What should we all learn from your Aunt, Little Edie, and the little things she appreciated and enjoyed in life?

Bouvier: Edie loved the ocean…and swimming – a reason she would have loved Asbury Park, had she visited. She was full of passion and loved to dream. She was also crazy about writing. In her journal, she wrote her name and title as “celebrated poet, author and artist.”

She constantly wrote letters to friends and Presidents like Bill Clinton…she even wrote to Prince Charles. She approved of them both. Her letters were always amusing – one never knew what topic to expect.

TBP: Cellphones, iPods, environmental pollution – what would she think of the world today?

Bouvier: Edie would not use a cell phone. She rarely answered her phone and changed her phone number often since too many people were trying to contact her – she was very private. Whenever we spoke on the telephone, however, she was charming and always had something current and interesting to talk about.

She read “The New York Times” daily and kept up with what was going on in the world. She would be horrified at ocean pollution and global warming. Edie was always concerned about environmental issues.

TBP: Did she find happiness during the later years of her life?

Bouvier: She seemed to be a happy person. She may not have had all her dreams come true but she handled her life as best as she could. Sometimes I felt that Edie was living “out of this world” because she never held any real job – her first job was at Reno Sweeney singing. She lived a very privileged life and was not really prepared to live in today’s fast paced world.

TBP: Finally, Little Edie radiated a wonderful kindness and had a beautiful sense of elegance and strength – quite appropriate for this weekend here in Asbury Park.

Bouvier: Edie was an artist. She loved New York City because of all the artists and creative types living there. She would have loved Asbury Park and its diverse community. Edie had a very open mind and she always encouraged people to believe in themselves – as she did with her dancing and singing. Sometimes not everyone is going to like what one creates however Edie inspired many to do what they loved doing most, regardless of what others thought.

Both Edies were strong and their integrity and dignity was very important. They were survivors.

Perhaps that is the inspiration for today – as we face challenges, be strong and be who you are, for that is what counts in the end. Edie inspires us to be who we are and to be proud of it – all the time.

(Courtesy Beale Estate)

GreyGardensCollections.com has a beautiful, revealing book and other items inspired by Little Edie.

Happy Gay Pride Month everyone – rainbows and Skittles for all.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

GREY GARDENS WEB EXCLUSIVE

Revealing parts of the interview that did not make it into the newspaper…

TBP: Your relative, John Davis, says he witnessed Little Edie climbing a tree and then burning her hair off, after a failed romance. What is the real story about Little Edie’s hair?

Bouvier: We never heard the story about Edie’s hair burning. We understood her to have Alopecia.

TBP: How much did Jackie Kennedy Onassis really pay to save her family from eviction from Grey Gardens. I have heard a spectrum of amounts. And did she pay Little Edie’s living expenses until she died, as rumored?

Bouvier: Jackie paid $25,000 to restore the home “to code.” We never heard that she helped Little Edie with her bills. There is no evidence of that.

TBP: What do you think your Grandmother and Little Edie would make of the ultra-iconic fame status they have achieved?

Bouvier: I think they would have loved the Broadway musical and HBO Film. Fame was not a priority but they would have appreciated the tributes.

TBP: What is the most common question you are asked about “Grey Gardens” and Little Edie?

Bouvier: There are so many questions. Mostly, we are asked “What Little Edie was like?” and “Why did this all happen?” The fans often think that no one cared for Edie and her mother but that is far from the truth. Everyone in the family tried to help them but at one point they decided that they would not leave Grey Gardens under any circumstances.

This is one of the reasons my wife, Eva, published the book “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens: A Life in Pictures” to dispel the rumors.

TBP: What’s next?

Bouvier: We have no specifics yet however the next phase will include a book of Little Edie’s diaries and journals. More to come at GreyGardensCollections.com. Little Edie was an avid scrapbook keeper. During her lifetime she filled dozens of bound books with poetry, photos, party invitations, drawings and private musings the next book will offer a peek into that part of Edie’s life.

There are still 100 copies left of the limited edition coffee table book of private photos available online.

TBP: Tell us about the Grey Gardens Collection?

Bouvier: The website has started small but with amazing items – all inspired by the lifestyle at Grey Gardens during the glory days. The logo for the collection is actually Edie’s handwriting. The jewelry featured is cast from the originals Big Edie and Little Edie wore at Grey Gardens.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

LITTLE EDIE AFTER “GREY GARDENS”

So Major Summer 2009 kick-off continues with Part Two (click here for Part One) of my exclusive interview with Bouvier Beale Jr., first grandson of iconic Grey Gardens’ Big Edie and nephew of Little Edie – two women who loved the beach and sea as much as any dedicated Asbury Park-er. 

This week exclusive only found here, Bouvier discusses the “real” Little Edie and her life post-documentary release in 1976 and her mom’s death the following year.

TBP:  There has been so much fiction written and said about your family.  What’s true that we do not know about Little Edie? 

Bouvier:  Mostly, people don’t realize how talented and smart she was.  Her poetry, writings and drawings are amazing and her photographs of herself and the family are so important in showing everyone what she was like in her younger days while things were still divine at Grey Gardens.  Little Edie is a fashion icon and that was because of her style and creativity when it came to picking that “costume of the day.” 

My wife’s limited edition book “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens, A Life in Pictures” (GreyGardensCollections.com) features many of Edie’s self-portraits and private family photos.  There are less than 100 copies of the book available now.

TBP:  What is misunderstood about Little Edie?

Bouvier:  Many feel that Edie was forced to go and take care of her mother and sacrificed her own life.  This is not truly the story, as she had no means of supporting herself.  Big Edie was always very generous with Little Edie and paid all her bills while she lived in New York City.  When the money was gone, Big Edie insisted that Little Edie come home out of necessity.  Little Edie had no choice.    

TBP:  I hear the love you and your wife, Eva, have for Little Edie.  In 1980, she came to your wedding in Montauk.

Bouvier:  She was always at family weddings and funerals.  I was recently watching movies of my wedding and loved seeing Edie having a great time and dancing with my father.  She was always, always the life of the party.    

She gave us two wedding gifts.  The first was incredibly special – she sang a special song for us at the wedding, “Toujours L’Amour” (I’ll Fly With You).  She also gave us a piece of family silver with a “B” engraved on it.  We still enjoy the memory of the song and the gift of silver. 

(Courtesy Beale Estate)

TBP:  What was the latter part of Little Edie’s life like? 

Bouvier:  Few know all the places she lived after Grey Gardens – New York, Montreal and Florida and for a short period of time in California.  Edie’s mother told her not to go to California because of the earthquakes, but she came in the late 1990’s and loved it.  She did not experience an earth quake however she always wanted to go back to Florida.  I took her back to Florida in 1997 to find an apartment.  She continued to be amazing.  Aunt Edie knew exactly where she wanted to be – right near the beach.  I visited her in Bal Harbor frequently and took her out to “luncheon” as she called it.  She was always thrilled. 

TBP:  By the way, how did Grey Gardens get its name?  I have heard so many different stories.

Bouvier:  The home was always a seaside garden and its name came from the subdued colors in the originally lush, muted-tone garden.  Part of the garden – to the home’s left – was surrounded by a small brick wall to ensure seawater never got to it.

Next week, Little Edie’s connection to President Bill Clinton.

(Courtesy Beale Estate)

For more exclusive insight about two of our favorite ladies visit GreyGardensOnline.com.  The site features tons of revealing interviews with other Grey Gardens “players” such as the grocery delivery teen seen in the documentary, Robert Beyer and David Lewis, who briefly served as Little Edie’s accompanist at Reno Sweeney.  These are interviews not found anywhere else.  The site also features amazingly detailed facts about Grey Gardens and brilliant quotes from Little Edie, such as:

“Jackie was twelve years younger than I, and although I was never jealous of her, I never liked her.  You know what Jackie wanted?  She wanted the house.  Yes darling, that’s the truth, and she did everything she could to get it.  Then Jackie sent her sister Lee, who I’ve always been absolutely terrified of- I think she’s a big criminal.  Lee and her boyfriend came around and started to tear the house down with axes.  Don’t go near any of these people for God’s sake, they’re all insane!”

and

“Of course the house isn’t perfectly normal.  The house has to be done over.  You know how hard it is to get plumbers in the autumn.”

This column is dedicated to the memory of Scott Schechter.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

MEMORIAL DAY WITH LITTLE EDIE

The premier of summer is a great opportunity to talk about my favorite documentary, “Grey Gardens” – first released in 1976 exposing the lives of aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” respectively who lived in squalor and isolation for decades in the oceanside, formerly golden, 28-room mansion “Grey Gardens” in East Hampton.

It’s an iconic must see for your gay card and is beyond fascinating to any and everyone else.

An overlooked character in the documentary – which served as the basis for the 2006 Broadway musical and last month’s fantastic HBO Film – is the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean and beach play a strong and meaningful part in both ladies’ lives.

As we celebrate the sea, beach, summer and friends this Memorial Day Weekend, first grandson of Big Edie and cherished nephew of Little Edie, Mr. Bouvier Beale Jr., spoke with me in an exclusive and revealing interview. The Coaster and TheBPlot.com are the only outlets in the country in which you can read Bouvier’s comments about his family, right now.

COURTESY OF BEALE ESTATE

TBP: Congrats on the HBO Film.

Bouvier: Thank you. Talking with Jessica (Lange) and Drew (Barrymore) about my family’s life was wonderful.

TBP: Do you think the documentary and film captured the essence of your relatives well?

Bouvier: The documentary, of course, captures the personality of my grandmother but I feel it is one-sided and edited to create a certain image. HBO’s film is wonderful and captures my grandmother perfectly – presenting some of the story from the important years prior to the documentary. I hope now fans are seeing a different perspective of the “Edie’s”.

My wife just published a limited edition book “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens, A Life in Pictures” that also provides a genuine look inside Grey Gardens and features never before seen photos.

TBP: The coffee table book is just fantastic and I loved the HBO film. One of the questions the film created was regarding Big Edie’s friend and pianist George “Gould” Strong. Set the record straight, was he gay?

Bouvier: People assume he was gay. He was definitely Big Edie’s soul mate. Music and the desire for companionship drew them together. She felt her husband was always absent…working.

At one point, Little Edie’s diary actually expresses a bit of competition between her and Gould, for her mother’s attention. Later, when Gould was sick, Little Edie writes that she sent Gould a note and he replied back thanking her.

TBP: The film ends in 1977 with Little Edie performing in the New York City nightclub Reno Sweeney. What was the backstory there?

Bouvier: I have seen the contract that she had for that club. After modeling as a teen and young adult, it was one of her very first jobs (at 60 years of age) and she decided not to continue it quickly. My father and Jackie (Kennedy Onassis) did not really approve of those performances so everyone was pleased Edie’s show was short-lived. (End)

The amazing picture book is sold at GreyGardensCollections.com, along with a number of other beautiful products inspired by Little Edie and Grey Gardens, including reproductions of their famous jewelry, cast from the originals.

GREYGARDENSCOLLECTIONS.COM

Next week, Bouvier discusses Little Edie’s life after Grey Gardens and how the home got its moniker. In two weeks, secrets revealed about Little Edie and Bill Clinton and what she thought about Asbury Park.

COURTESY OF BEALE ESTATE

Richard@TheBPlot.com

BRUCE, HOWARD AND THE DONALD

Two weeks later, I still get goose bumps when I think about Bruce Springsteen saying to the audience “every time we get ready to go on tour, we come to Convention Hall to find out who we are now, as a band. We don’t really know who we are together until we play in this place.”

For two and a half hours Bruce and his team “found themselves” and gave it their everything at Tuesday’s show. (Additional exclusive video and images below).

I walked in to Convention Hall that night not a Bruce fanatic. Out of the twenty or so songs he sang, I probably recognized four of them. It turns out Bruce is one of those performers that you don’t need to know his entire oeuvre to appreciate him, actually I mean love him.

I seriously do have a love for him now. I walked out of Convention Hall a believer that night. I pray at the altar of Bruce Springsteen.

Throughout the show, he did not stop moving – and the audience, including myself, could not stop dancing. Normally stoic straight guys rocked their heads and mouthed the worlds to songs including “Badlands” and “Hard Times”.

It was an amazing Asbury Park moment – seeing the unofficial mayor of Asbury Park perform his brilliant new show in that architecturally brilliant and grandly intimate space…in our own backyard.

It’s a moment I have been looking forward to for years and am so thankful to finally have had the opportunity, thanks to Asbury Park resident Carolyn Curtain.

I told my friends at the Howard Stern Show all about the concert when I saw them last Thursday to tape part of a new special series about the “Best of the ‘90s.”

I joked with Executive Producer, Gary Dell’Abate that the old studios and offices at KROCK were like dumpster diving compared to what the show has now at satellite radio. I just wish the stock price reflected how fancy-pants the studios are. Ug.

A new producer from Sirius XM interviewed me for almost two hours about everything involved in my years at the show – from meeting tons of celebs (including Alec Baldwin, Pamela Anderson) to infamous guests (Mary Jo and Joey Butafucco) to memorable moments (Fred’s bachelor party and Howard’s birthdays) to life behind the scenes (arguments, book launches).

I revealed a few insane experiences I have never talked about since my time working for the show. Even Howard will be surprised when he listens to the special. Ah memories.

It was pretty darn special to see one of Howard and Bruce’s friends – Donald Trump – feature two fab Asbury Parkers on his show last week.

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Dan DiBenedetto, and Designer, Anthony Perotta celebrated their birthdays as guests on “Celebrity Apprentice’s” hotel management task.

“A friend of a friend works for the production company and invited us to be part of the show,” said Dan.

Six-foot eight-inch Dennis Rodman loved Dan and Anthony so much that he ditched his team for hours to join them for dinner at the fancy-pants Tao restaurant.

“He ordered everything from the bar and menu and then went back to the hotel right before the bill came,” said Dan, laughing.

Hottie Anthony, what’s it like to be called “honey” by Dennis Rodman while he is holding your hand?

MORE PHOTOS FROM HOWARD’S STUDIO:

BENJI, A SHOW WRITER - GREAT BLUE EYES

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Richard@TheBPlot.com

THE KELLIE AND NELLIE SHOW

Ocean Grove, the most dog-friendly town in the area – Asbury Park City Council can you hear me – has welcomed its newest four-legged resident and you can watch the official “big reveal” go down on television Saturday (March 14), at 8 pm.

From thousands of applicants, Animal Planet’s “Underdog to Wonderdog,” on basic cable, played canine matchmaker for longtime Ocean Grove resident Kelli Chaffers helping her adopt Nellie – a beautiful, mature collie-mix.

“It’s been an incredible experience taping the show for the past few weeks,” said Kelli also parent to a son Kelsey and two cats, Miss Diva and Handsome. “I told the producers I wanted a dog that lounges, not runs and Nellie is the exact speed I want.”

I spoke with the show’s hottie-host Ryan Smith about the production.

TBP: Why did you choose Kelli for your show?

Ryan: A couple of reasons. First of all, Kelli has a vivacious and exciting personality. We love working with people and families that have a zest for life, and that’s Kelli in a nutshell. In addition, Kelli’s son is leaving home for the first time. While a beautiful dog cannot replace Kelsey, it can help ease Kelli’s family life adjustment.

Part of our job is to take relatively unadoptable dogs and match them with owners that can help them; the dog in this episode is shy, reserved and shut down as a result of its past, and it needs an amazing person like Kelli to make it’s life wonderful.

TBP: Kelli was made for TV. Part of your show is also doing a makeover on the dog and small home improvements. What did your team do to Kelli’s home?

Ryan: I can tell you this: our canine carpenter David’s objective is to build something that brings a somewhat shy dog out of her shell and put her in an environment where she can learn to become just as gregarious as Kelli.

TBP: Anything about the show that was challenging or different?

Hey, I have to save something for when you watch the show. I can reveal that the personality issues with this dog were unlike any issues that we have encountered before.

This is a great episode for people considering adopting a shelter dog without great knowledge of that dog’s past. Viewers will learn a lot about how to uncover a dog’s history in order to make it the best possible companion for its owner.

Our dog for this episode is one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever been around, and she goes on an amazing journey throughout the show. I really can’t wait for you to see it.

TBP: What did you think about our Historic Ocean Grove?

Ryan: Our team was blown away when we visited Ocean Grove – in awe of the striking architecture. We all fell in love with the serene beach community and its residents. We couldn’t have picked a more perfect place to shoot our show.

TBP: Your show takes a super-important issue – rescuing and nurturing mature dogs – and makes it engaging, fun and inspiring. Thanks Ryan.

Briefly: Save the date for “Gaylarious” a comedy show presented by Jill Potter and Aaron Coleman’s production companies, Saturday, April 4 at the WonderBar.

“Hosted by Christie Girlington, the show is a team of four cutting-edge gay and lesbian next-generation queer comics,” said Jill.

Tickets at AwwMama.com.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

NEW JERSEY’S QUEEN

Ashley Fairfield, Miss New Jersey

The Superbowl is coming up soon. No, not the Superbowl with the beefy guys (well, that one is coming up too), I’m talking about what some consider to be the “gay” Superbowl, the Miss America Pageant 2009 – Saturday, Jan. 24 (on TLC).

I spoke with Miss New Jersey, Ashley Fairfield, 22, of Egg Harbor last week about her quest to become the first Miss America from New Jersey in 25 years.

TBP: What do you do when you are not busy being Miss New Jersey?

Ashley: I am a full-time senior at Richard Stockton College, so when I am not doing five days of appearances, I am usually studying…or sleeping.

TBP: What was it like helping Ellen DeGeneres try to fulfill her long-standing goal of getting George Clooney on her show?

Ashley: Ellen is amazing. She dances through the commercials with the audience. As we were leaving, she read my sash, smiled and said, “Jerseeeeyyyy.” She is so much fun.

TBP: Ellen is the best. What is something we would have never known about Ashley Fairfield, Miss New Jersey?

Ashley: I love football and am a raging Eagles fan. I also love to golf but I am no female version of Tiger Woods. I’m not the “girly girl” stereotype associated with beauty queens.

TBP: Jazz dance is your talent and Habitat for Humanity is your platform issue. Coastal Habitat for Humanity has helped many families here, just finishing a beautiful home in Wall.

Ashley: There is nothing like seeing a child’s face when they walk into their own house, their own bedroom for the first time. I would love to come to Asbury Park and help build a house.

TBP: Everyone’s heard about Vaseline on the teeth, what are some other beauty queen beauty tips from a non-girly girl?

Ashley: One day dirty hair always styles thirty times better. Also, a lot of the girls use “butt glue” – a spray adhesive so bathing suits don’t move out of place during the competition.

TBP: What’s it like being a beauty queen in New Jersey?

Ashley: The past five years competing in pageants has been amazing. Being Miss New Jersey is a dream come true and I am enjoying every second of this experience. I am so thankful. From your state queen, I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and joyous New Year.

Briefly: Whitney Houston is back, looking amazing and shopping like a champ. Last Monday I walked into the Mall at Short Hills right behind Whitney. As she held the door for me, I told her she “looked fabulous” and she leaned over towards me and whispered “thank you” back.

Wearing Dolce & Gabbana jeans that her stunning body pulled off perfectly, a bolero Chinchilla coat, amazing black boots, a four-thousand dollar Dior handbag and no make-up or hair extensions (her hair was under a beret-type hat), she entered Neiman-Marcus with a imperial personal presence only matched, for me, by Howard Stern or Aerosmith’s Stephen Tyler.

It was like Brad Pitt secretly walking into a gay bar – reflexively every in-the-know security guard and employee greeted Whitney with weakly controlled excitement. No one recognized her. It was her eyes, her stunning eyes that really gave her secret shopping trip away to me.

As a fan of Whitney’s since “How will I Know” and a passionate lover of her Christmas abum (one of the best ever) it was a great Christmas gift to see her doing well and looking happy and healthy.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

HOLIDAY DISH SWITCH-OUTS

NOTE:  THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED VIA EMAIL.  ONE OF RACHAEL’S PUBLICISTS DID NOT LIKE THE WAY THE PIECE TURNED OUT BECAUSE OF MY EDITING.  BELOW THE COLUMN FIND THE ORIGINAL ANSWERS TO MY BULLETED QUESTIONS.  ALSO, FIND THE EMAIL OUTLINING THE PUBLICIST’S ISSUES WITH THE PIECE.  WE ARE ALL ABOUT TRANSPARENCY HERE - YOU DECIDE…AND COMMENT.

Keep the glam this holiday but loose the slam from the credit card companies in January.  Tracey Seaman, director of Every Day with Rachael Ray’s test kitchen, shared exclusive tips, for her Asbury Park friends, to keeping the sizzle in holiday meal prep this year.

TBP:  What’s going on in Rachael’s kitchen during this leaner holiday entertaining season?  How do you switch out more costly ingredients for cheaper ones in?

Tracey:  Hosts in Asbury Park who are accustomed to enjoying extravagances probably already know what they are willing to live without.  Trying to find a cheap substitute for recipes doesn’t work all the time.  For me, attempting to find a replacement for foie gras, is like hiring an escort instead of going on a date with my boyfriend – why bother?  I will settle with having it rarely.

TBP:  So when you want to “wow” your man’s parents with a great meal, what do you do?

Tracey:  You can always have a great party without going crazy.  Be on the look-out for sales on beloved lavish items.  

Let what you find at a good price dictate your menu instead of being bent on impressing with a bunch of must-haves.

TBP:  What if someone is hooked on a tradition of having specific fancy foods like lobster or duck for the holidays?

Tracey:  Invite fewer guests or tread carefully and serve those items in smaller amounts.  

If you have a hankering for lobster, instead of serving whole lobsters as a main course, make a gorgeous lobster hors d’oeuvre – which could be quite exciting.

TBP:  I love that idea.  Rachael must be so proud.  What do you think she is gifting you with this holiday?  A Pitt Bull?  She and I share the love of the Pitt Bull.  Back to you – where do you and other pros, shop when you are not in Rachael’s colorific kitchen?

Tracey:  I am a big fan of the warehouse stores.  Aside from being a great place to buy mango juice and peeled and de-veined shrimp at about half the price, Costco has a reputation for treating their employees well.  

TBP:  Is there a secret to finding great items at a warehouse store? 

Tracey:  I often buy whole fillet mignons there, although I admit, they used to be less expensive.  I have enjoyed many a boneless rib roast too, but buyer, beware – look for a slab of meat with ample marbling.

TBP:  One of my most favorite recipes from you, err, Rachael is for Beef Wellington – we make it every year for Christmas.  What about cocktail suggestions? 

Tracey:  Prosecco instead of champagne is popular these days – it’s festive and can be reasonably priced.  Dress up a modest bottle of bubbly with a splash of nectar or rich, fruity syrup.

Most importantly, when entertaining, take care to pay attention to the little things.  Serve excellent bread and wonderful coffee.

TBP:  Fab, Tracey.  If you do get that dog from Rachael this holiday, check out Asbury Bark in town. 

Briefly:  “If you don’t believe in same-sex marriage then don’t marry someone of the same sex.”  So says one of the best comics around – named one of Entertainment Weekly’s Funniest People in America – Emmy winner and newly “out” Wanda Sykes. 

I know a lot of you love her as much as I do, so FYI, she will be at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, March 20.  Tickets are on sale now for the person on your holiday gift list with a great sense of humor.       

POST-PUBLICATION EMAIL FROM PUBLICIST #1:

Good Evening Richard-

I just saw The B Plot article featuring your interview with Tracey Seaman, and it looks fabulous!  Thanks so much for your interest Richard and I look forward to working with you again in the near future.  

Best- A

ORIGINAL REPLY TO MY QUESTIONS – UNEDITED – FROM PUBLICIST #1:

 To: Richard Virgilio

From: Tracey Seaman

Re Switching out for the Holidays

People who are accustomed to enjoying extravagances probably already know what they are willing to live without. Trying to find a cheap substitute for things doesn’t work all the time. For me, attempting to find a replacement for foie gras, is like hiring an escort instead of going on a date with my boyfriend—why bother?  I will settle with having it rarely.

One can have a great party without going crazy. First, look for sales on those beloved lavish items. Let what you find at a good price dictate your menu to some degree instead of being bent on impressing with a bunch of must-haves.

If you want to serve special ingredients you can’t get a break on, invite fewer guests or tread carefully and serve those items in smaller amounts. For example, if you have a hankering for lobster, instead of serving whole lobsters as a main course, you could make a gorgeous lobster hors d’oeuvre, which could be quite exciting and impressive.

Macadamia nuts are great for snacking on, but they are awful for cooking and baking because they are easily over powered by anything else you might pair with them. You could substitute cashews for snacking; they have a similar creamy texture, but for baking, pecans and especially hazelnuts are preferable for the holiday.

Although nuts are not always a bargain, you can get two-pound bags of them reasonably at your local wholesale superstore. I am a big fan of my Costco. Aside from being a great place to buy baby spinach, mango juice, haricots verts, and peeled and deveined shrimp at about half the price, Costco has a reputation for treating their employees well. I often buy whole fillet mignons there, although I admit, they used to be less expensive. Their choice grade steaks have hearty flavor and toothsome texture. I have enjoyed many a boneless rib roast from Costco—but buyer, beware to look for a slab of meat with ample marbling.

For value and flavor, I often choose boneless sirloin. It costs so much less than fillet, porterhouse and rib-eye steaks and needs only a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. I should mention that personally I would not buy meat merely because it’s a bargain.

In the wine department, buy something you like by the case at a discount. Take the sales person’s suggestion for a great vintage at a good value. Prosecco is popular these days, is festive and can be reasonable, and a modest bottle of bubbly can be dressed up with a splash of nectar or rich, fruity syrup.

Most importantly when entertaining, take care to pay attention to the little things—don’t forget to serve excellent bread and wonderful coffee. 

(PUBLICIST NAME)

Coburn Communication

EMAIL FROM PUBLICIST #2, POST-PUBLICATION.  WE TOLD HER WE WOULD PUBLISH ANY FURTHER EMAIL TO US, TO LET THE READER DECIDE.  ITS NOT EITHER PUBLICIST’S FAULT.  THERE IS SOME BOSS MAKING ALL THIS HAPPEN AND THESE TWO WOMEN WERE THE MESSENGERS.  ACTUALLY, BOTH GREAT AND SMART LADIES IN A BUSINESS BUILT ON TORTURE:

Hi Richard,

I really appreciate your time tonight. Thanks.

I spoke with you earlier in regards to your Q & A with Tracey Seaman of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. Thank you. As I mentioned on the phone, could you kindly revise the following in your Hot Plates article:

Please remove the question “So when you want to ‘wow’ your man’s parents with a great meal, what do you do?” This is not a question that was asked in the email interview and puts Tracey’s words out of context.

Please also remove Tracey’s answer, “Be on the look-out for sales on beloved lavish items.” I appreciate you trying to enhance the quotation – but its not in context.

Lastly, please bracket [Hosts in Asbury Park] in Tracey’s first answer. This is standard journalist practice.

Tracey’s comments were paired with questions that were not asked of her. She may have answered differently – that said, without giving her this option – we appreciate you working with us on the revisions. We really enjoyed working with you on this article and hope we can work together again.

Thanks again, Richard.

E

MARTHA’S FAVE FRANK

My heart beat a little faster for Martha Stewart recently when she announced, on her daytime talk show, that the WindMill hot dog was one of the “best in the country.”  

Standing majestically in the costliest studio for daytime talk ever – an assortment of superior hot dogs meticulously arranged on her thick, perfectly veined, Carrera marble countertop – Martha named the WindMill one of her “fourteen favorite hot dogs” in the entire country. 

“I can’t pick just one,” said Martha, with an elegant, giddy smile.  “Out of all the hot dogs we tasted, these fourteen each are very special and very delicious.”

A relaxed and jovial Martha dedicated the entire one-hour show, peppered with surprisingly (for Martha) naughty double-entendre, to the hot dog.

“The hot dog is this country’s most famous food,” said Martha.

While Martha effusively described her love for the WindMill hot dog, topped with Gulden’s mustard and proprietary WindMill sauerkraut – a photo of the restaurant’s landmark wind mill-shaped Long Branch location flashing on the television screen – Steve Levine, chief operating officer and self-proclaimed “hot dog guy,” sat in the front row of the studio audience. 

“It was very exciting to be part of the live broadcast of Martha’s show,” said Steve, son of WindMill’s co-founders.  “I know that my parents, co-founders of the restaurant, were proud to see our hot dog on stage with Martha and her friends.”

The extensive search for the best-in-show dogs began weeks ago. 

“We were invited in August by one of Martha’s producers to participate in the contest,” said Steve.

Some vendors dropped off hot dogs for Martha to sample, however Steve’s passion for quality impressed Martha.  He was one of the chefs invited to prepare his hot dogs in Martha’s fully-stacked studio kitchen, for the broadcast. 

“I told the producer that if I couldn’t be in charge of cooking the hot dogs, we couldn’t participate,” said Steve.  “I set up a WindMill workstation in Martha’s kitchen.”

Martha’s new discovery is not news to many locals.  Since 1964, the WindMill has been serving up the same classic, slow-cooked-on-a-griddle-until-they-crack dogs with fresh-daily rolls. 

“I love these hot dogs,” said Maureen Hintelmann of Red Bank, who visits WindMill with her grandchildren every week.  “And everyone is so pleasant.”

Today, there are 10 WindMill locations – including one on Main Street in Ocean Grove – that serve more than 12,000 hot dogs each week.

As the economy continues to crumble, I bet simple, classic, affordable comforts like the WindMill will become even more popular. 

Briefly:  The October issue of Martha’s magazine has a number of gorgeous craft ideas for Halloween.  Simple one: arrange Vaseline glass together and shine a black light on it.  She explains “there is a harmless amount of uranium in the glass – which gives it its green tint, and makes it fluoresce under black light.”

And, Gay Bowling is back – Saturday, Oct. 18.  Barron of Bowling, Michael Delia is your host for another striking season at Asbury Lanes.  Blackberry the full schedule now: Nov. 22, Dec. 20, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Mar. 28, April 18, May 23, June 20.  Gay card not required.   

Richard@TheBPlot.com

FUNNY FOR YOU

We all need a great laugh and some levity right now.  Let’s laugh together this weekend at comedienne Maureen Langan’s performance at Cry Baby Gallery during the 7^th Annual Women’s Arts Festival. 

Named one of the “Ten Standout Stand-ups Worth Watching” by Backstage Magazine, Maureen is taking a break from opening for Joy Behar, stealing the show with her sharp news satire from MSNBC’s hottie Dan Abrams and touring – a regular at Caroline’s in New York City – to help us forget the country’s troubles and get happy. 

The B Plot:  Where did you come from and where have you been hiding?  

Maureen:  I haven’t been hiding.  It’s just that to get national exposure these days – especially if you’re a gal from Jersey - it seems you have to have sex with a governor from New York.

TBP:  Who is the most famous person in your cell phone? 

Maureen:  Joy Behar.

TBP:  Love Joy.  I hear Elizabeth Hasselbeck is not long for that seat next to her.  Back to you – what’s the most important number in your cell phone?

Maureen:  My local wine shop. 

TBP:  What’s the funniest word? 

Maureen:  I like some bad words that I can’t say here, but I say on-stage.  “Godspeed” cracks me up, because I have no idea what it really means.

TBP:  You were a host for years on Bloomberg Radio – positively the most entertaining part of that network.  What did you learn about all those money people?

Maureen:  You can’t buy soul.

TBP:  Thoughts on the economy?

Maureen:  As a comic, I’ve been living as if the stock market crashed for years.

TBP:  Your satire of current events is brilliant.  The Daily Show’s John Stewart has got to want you.  Politics aside, who will make a more entertaining next four years, Obama or McCain?   

Maureen:  McCain and Palin would be funnier.  I can make jokes about the darkest things – I’m just hoping I won’t have to.  

TBP:  Amen.  Every time Sarah opens her mouth, it’s a joke.  Want to make a shout out to your fans in Asbury Park?

Maureen:  I love my Jersey people and places.  So many people who live outside New Jersey have no idea how great it is.  Too bad for them – I’ll keep you all to myself.  I met my husband at the Jersey shore.  To me, it’s an extra special Jersey place.

Oh, and I want to give a big shout out to my friends Nancy and Bill Graf, owners of the Bradley Beach Inn.  They are amazing people.

TBP:  John Stewart can you hear me?  Godspeed Maureen.

Full schedule for Maureen and the Women’s Arts Festival at BlackBoxAP.org.

Briefly:  Producer and actor, Marj Conn has a talent for choosing the historically interesting, intensely researching the subjects and bringing them to dynamic life on stage.

For two weekends, beginning Friday, Oct. 10, Marj’s Provincetown Fringe Festival presents “Women Behaving Badly and Madly” at the Stephen Crane House (very special venue if you have never been) – featuring monologues about Lizzie Borden and Aileen Wuornos or Eleanora Duse.  You will be entertained and learn something – a great duet for both sides of your brain.  Call: 732.807.4052. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

GOLDEN GIRL

One night only…one night only…comedienne Judy Gold – tonight.

This Judy event is produced by Bob Egan Entertainment.  Bob is the kind, dynamic and ultra-talented pianist – and Asbury Park resident – you love to sing with at Moonstruck every month or so.  He is expanding his entertainment empire to our city.

Bob hooked me up with Judy to talk about the summer and get a little more insight into what makes Judy, golden. 

TBP:  What are you reading this summer?

Judy:  My audiences.

The B Plot:  And we love every second of it.  When a lesbian mother BBQ’s does she prefer gas or charcoal?

Judy:  Gas – less work and not as dirty.

TBP:  What’s new in your iPod?

Judy:  My Bose “in the ear” headset.

TBP:  As the host of HBO’s “At the Multiplex with Judy Gold,” what is your all-time favorite summer film?

Judy:  Jaws.

TBP:  America’s Got Talent or American Idol?

Judy:  Anderson Cooper 360

TBP:  I love me my Anderson and I hear he loves our City.  For a lot of us here, our pets are our children.  Do you have any pets?

Judy:  A psychotic cat Nathan.

TBP:  More and more gays with beautiful children are popping up on our beaches and in town.  Any tips for keeping ankle-biters happy and occupied at the beach?

Judy:  Benadryl and a nanny.

TBP:  Asbury Park is famous for its summertime backyard evening cocktail parties.  What should we have on hand when you stop by?

Judy:  Frozen Pina Coladas.

TBP:  I’ll stock up on the rum and coconuts.  We love you huge here in Asbury Park.  Want to make a shout out? 

Judy:  My family settled in Perth Amboy in the late 1800’s and spent lots of time in Asbury Park through the mid – 1900’s.  I have a soft spot for Asbury that’s even softer now that it’s gay, gay, gay.
TBP:  McCain or Obama?  

Judy:  You can’t be serious.

TBP:  Just checking.  So, what about some gossip on fellow fabulous comediennes Kathy Griffin or Sarah Silverman?

Judy:  Isn’t this interview about me?

Yes, and we can’t wait to see you work your magic tonight before the beach fireworks.  Thank you always, Ms. Judy Gold.  Come back soon. 

Judy Gold at the Supper Club, Boardwalk at Fifth Avenue, tonight, 8.30 pm.  Reservations suggested:  732.774.1400.

Briefly:  Cheers to one of the most fabulous, fun and funny people in town – David Napp – for opening his fierce furniture and home accessory store, Motif, in the Grande Arcade.  Formerly on Cookman Avenue, Motif has mega style at recession-friendly prices.  Stop in and talk with him about design, celebutards or racecars – he is a star-tatooed talent speeding around our City.  

Richard@TheBPlot.com.

STAR IN BARBARA’S UNIVERSE

For the past two weeks the media has been consumed with gay icon Barbara Walters’ new autobiography, Audition – especially the revelation that she had an affair with a married man 30 years ago.  Me?  I could not care any less about who she slept with.  That’s between the two of them.

 

What makes me crazy is that Barbara, in her book, skewers her former colleague on The View, Star Jones, for not telling the world her weight loss was due to stomach stapling, not Pilates and portion control, as Star originally said.   

 

“Elegant” Barbara does not, however, dedicate an inch of text to discussing her too-many-to-count-with-your-hands-and-feet plastic surgeries.

 

“I estimate she has had about $150,000 worth of excellent surgery over the years,” stated Dr. Fred Ezon, cosmetic surgeon based in Oakhurst.

 

So, it seems, in Miss Walters’ universe, it’s horrific to not reveal a stomach stapling but it’s totally fine to ignore the equally blatantly obvious morphing of one’s own face and body.  Not fair play. 

 

The 30 year-old Barbara is just as beautiful as the Barbara we see today, but its like looking at two different people.  She chooses – chooses – to make Star’s life more difficult by bringing up the tired subject of stomach stapling.  Star’s surgery should have had no place in Barbara’s autobiography.

 

President Lincoln’s face on the new five dollar bill has more emotion than a Barbara Walters’ close-up. 

 

At 77, Barbara looks more alert than a 14 year-old girl watching future American Idol David Archuleta belt out a ballad.

 

It was painful to watch Barbara speak with Oprah about the death of her sister.  Not because of the subject matter, because Barbara’s tear ducts were seemingly removed in an early 90’s Blepharoplasty.  I say this with love.

 

Children should leave the room when Barbara tries to make her “crying face” – it’s that scary.

 

New York City- based cosmetic surgeons have called her surgeries “aggressive.”  Her eyes “hallowed.”  Her eyebrows “crooked.”  Her face and neck lifted “multiple” times and “age-defying.” 

 

Nobody, including Barbara, should throw stones in a house they also live in.   

 

Briefly:  Huge kudos to Father Bob and Clark Shannon and Center a la Carte’s five-time co-chairs, Sam Nativo, co-owner, Mix Lounge & Food Bar and Amy Grandinetti – they outdid themselves again this, the 15^th year of the Gala. 

 

Special thanks to the restaurants that support our community and this event: Asbury Park Roastery, Bistro Ole, Carmine’s, CASK 591, Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County, D&L Barbeque, Ducky Life Tea, Freddy, Harrison, Isabella’s, Jesse’s Café, Kessler’s Catering, Laila’s, Lusty Lobster, Market in the Middle, Mattison Park, Moonstruck, Mumford’s Culinary Center, MUNCH, Plan B, Silk Catering, Starbucks, Synaxis at the Shore, Taka, Tasty Pantry by Elaine, Baker Boys, Perfect Perk, Windmill.  (ELLEN THE ABOVE LIST WAS CONFIRMED AND FORWARDED TO ME FROM CLARK AT THE CENTER)

 

Also, see you at Gay bowling this Saturday, 7 pm, Asbury Lanes.  Hosted by the Barron of Bowling, Michael Delia.   

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

CELEB SHORT STORIES

As we settle in for what I like and hope to believe is the home stretch of winter (visions of Fifth Avenue beach in my head), it’s a great time for a little dose of fun reality and gossip.  I’m talking some of my favorite reality television as we hunker down from the cold. 

Idol

This is brilliant – once American Idol contestants get to Hollywood, waterproof makeup is banned from the dressing rooms.  Contestants are searched to make sure they don’t have it and the make up crew has the fear of God put in them not to use anything waterproof.  The producers want trails of tears and raccoon eyes – the more dramatic the better – when these emotionally unstable kids start crying or sweating as their hopes and dreams are crushed in front of the world.   

Tyra

This call for guests is tailored for Asbury Park:  A producer at Tyra Banks wants people who “dress their pet strictly in name brand, designer clothes and see absolutely nothing wrong with it because your dog deserves the best.”  If you think anything but Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Wag Wear is unacceptable for your four-legged baby and your friends think you are loco, log onto TyraShow.com

Elvira

Are you the next Elvira?  Our big hair and boobed gay icon is celebrating 25 years of being our favorite Mistress of the Dark, and is ready to pass the crown to you on her upcoming reality show.  If you think you are sexy spooky enough, or know someone who is, email her at Elvira@Natural9Ent.com.  Halloween is so great in our City.  I know we have some Elvira candidates – boys and girls. Go for it.    

WE TV

Are you planning a civil union between now and April?  My friends at WE TV want to talk with you about their series of wedding related reality shows in development for the summer.  Beyond Bridezilla, new shows include Pre-Wedding Surgery featuring “people planning cosmetic surgery before their wedding,” Wedding Planners about “experienced wedding planners with upcoming events” and Vegas Weddings focusing on couples planning on getting married / civil unionized in Las Vegas.  Even if you don’t fit into these shows, if you want your union captured forever on cable TV, and you have a bit of crazy in you – and I know you do – reach out to them:  LMNOTV.com/weddings

Carson

Major hugs to huge friend of Asbury Park, Carson Cressley, the only breakout star from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.  His new reality series, Look Good Naked, Fridays at 9 pm on Lifetime, snagged the best series premier ratings the network has ever seen.  Ladies, Carson will teach you “where you fit in” with your body type.  The show is cute and he is dynamic, funny, fun, interested and caring as the host, proving that Carson is a valuable entertainment commodity on his own – not needing an ensemble cast to be successful.  I know execs at the big networks are watching.  He went from getting paid around $5,000 an episode when Queer Eye first launched on Bravo years ago to this – go Carson!

For the record…

Two weeks ago entertainment news outlets breathlessly reported that Ellen DeGeneres trumped Oprah Winfrey – for the first time ever – as favorite daytime talk show host, however that was old news to you because you read my December 20 column (available now at TheCoaster.net and TheBPlot.com), where I reported the results of the survey one month ahead of the “big guys.”  BTW, Ellen turned 50 years old last week.  She looks amazing.

James from the great retro store Flying Saucers on Cookman Avenue asked me to remind you about the Shoppes at the Arcade’s First Anniversary Party from 6 pm to 10 pm on Saturday.   I hear all 13 unique stores, in the former Woolworth Building, will be toasting their customers and welcoming in a new store – Crust and Crumb pizzeria and bakery.  Stop by for great Valentine’s Day gifts, special photos from the original Palace Amusement’s photo booth, entertainment and snacks.