HOWARD STERN REMINDER: My “introduction” and Fred’s bachelor party memories begins Tuesday (Dec. 29), airing roughly between 8 am to 10 am on Sirius' Howard 100. Other interviews about celebs air throughout the week.

Locals share their favorite 2009 memories…

DJ Meatnmore, Asbury Park resident:

“Jumping in the ocean with my boyfriend and dog, on an empty Asbury beach, in mid-November.”

Helen Chantal-Pike, author, “Glory Days of Asbury Park”:

“Sitting at the outside corner table of the Salt Water Cafe, facing Convention Hall and listening to the final sounds of the season coming from Arthur Pryor’s legacy, the Asbury Park Municipal Band. People I know more recently as well as those from long ago came strolling up to my table to chat and catch up. My favorite Asbury Park reunion that August night was with Mrs. Jay’s grand-niece, Nancy Wiener, with whom I had gone to high school. Her young son was playing with the band. Asbury Park has got it all over Times Square.”

Kathy Kelly, owner, Paranormal Museum:

“Watching the Asbury Park Marching Band in the Halloween Parade. It was such a great community moment, a family moment. Parents lined the street to watch their kids and we had local kids in the downtown.”

Paul Booth, reporter, The Coaster:

“Dinner with my family at Belmonte’s this summer. My younger brother, on leave from his second tour in Iraq, was among the crowd that included my mother, father and uncle. I felt a lot of love at that table…and I haven’t laughed that hard since.”

Tom Gilmour, director of commerce, Asbury Park:

“I would have to say the 4th of July fireworks on the beach. This year’s show with the two synchronized locations rivaled any other events on the Jersey Shore. As I witnesses the thousands of people who came out, I realized Asbury Park is really back. I was proud to be an American and part of the community here in Asbury Park. Huge!”

Brett Colby, Asbury Park resident:

“The Asbury Park High School spring production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. On a shoestring budget, the high school students put together an amazing show, produced with help from Algonquin Arts, ArtsCAP, the Black Box of Asbury Park and Interfaith Neighbors. The show was a great example of several non-profits collaborating to achieve tremendous results within our city.”

Mike Sodano and Nancy Sabino, The Showroom:

“We have had some incredible memories during the first seven months as Asbury Park’s only movie theater. What stands out the most is the city’s incredible sense of community. Looking back, our best memories are the ones that have brought people together – whether by cultural, community or societal interests.

Marilyn Schlossbach, Langosta Lounge:

“Our holiday community dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The eagerness to help and incredible generosity of people from all over our community really makes it an incredible Asbury Park memory.”

Frank D’Alessandro, Stephen Crane House:

“The most exciting day this past year in Asbury Park was January 20, when an event in the nation’s capital had such a joyful impact here. The excitement here was truly palpable, as for first time in our country’s history, an African-American was being sworn in as President. Buses from Asbury were filled with people of every age from pre-teen to non-agenerian, bound for Washington, DC. There were also gatherings all over our city to witness the historical event on TV.”

“We do not remember days; we remember moments”: Cesare Pavese, poet. Cheers to more fun and fabulous, healthy and happy, productive and prosperous Asbury Park moments in 2010.

Thank you always for your readership throughout the year.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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One of my favorite Asbury Park memories this year was sliding down the historic 30 foot long, brass fire pole at the firehouse.  So much history around that pole and a very exclusive club of heroes has slid down it – I was honored and exhilarated to have done that in 2009. 

Another amazing Asbury Park moment for me was going to my first Springsteen concert at Convention Hall.  As someone said to me afterwards, I have been “baptized into the religion of Bruce Springsteen.” 

In celebration of the New Year, community members generously shared their favorite times of 2009… 

UNWRAP THE GIFT OF GOSSIP: NEW “YOU SAY WHO” RIGHT NOW

NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHED JANUARY 7

Mayor Ed Johnson:

“My favorite memory would have to be my dad changing my name plate from councilman to mayor during the reorganization and inauguration meeting on July 1.”

Sonja O’Brien, Asbury Park resident:

“In September, during the Town Wide Yard Sale for the animal shelter Rescue Ridge we had tons of shoppers from surrounding towns and it was wonderful to hear them realize how wonderful the houses are and how great the residents are in Asbury Park.  Seeing them excited about our great town was an unexpected byproduct of a worthwhile fundraiser.”

Marj Conn, Ocean Grove writer and performer:

“Every amazing program that Frank D’Alessandro provides at the Stephen Crane House – an important asset to the community – as well as generously letting other people present their programs is a wonderful memory of mine.”

Pasqualina Delucia, Madison Marquette:

“I remember standing on the beach watching everyone around the bonfire…young, old, single, couples, families…that great Asbury mix.  There were children running around all bundled up, laughing and I remember thinking at that moment that we were creating new memories – that this is their Mr. Peanut, this is their Carousel brass ring.  This is one of those moments that they will look back on fondly years from now.  I get choked up even thinking about it.”

State Senator Sean Kean:

“Over the summer, it was exciting to see the beaches in Asbury Park packed with visitors and the boardwalk shops bustling with business.  The increase in tourism revenue surpassed $500,000 this year, up from less than $50,000 six years ago.  Asbury Park has definitely reclaimed its name as the destination of the Jersey Shore.” 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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Our votes and donations to their campaigns are first-class however it is apparent that many New Jersey politicos believe our lives and loves are second-class – they won’t be spreading holiday cheer this year by endorsing the Gay Marriage Bill. 

“I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman,” said Senator Sean Kean in an exclusive interview with The Coaster and TheBPlot earlier this week.  “After giving it serious thought, careful consideration, having met with numerous folks from both sides of the aisle, I don’t plan on supporting the bill.”

Asbury Park resident Amy Quinn suggests New Jersey residents should continue lobbying their representatives.

“Urge your friends in towns throughout New Jersey to put pressure on their senators to support marriage equality,” said Amy.  ”We need everyone to play a role in this struggle – not just gay people. “

Below is where the Bill stands now:

• The gay marriage bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, (Senator Sean Kean is not on this committee so he was not a part of this vote).
• The bill was then posted for a vote in the Senate, but it was shortly after removed from the list by the sponsors.
• The Senate would like the Assembly to vote on the bill first.
• The next steps would be for the Assembly Judiciary Committee to vote on the bill on January 4th and if passed there, then the bill could be voted on by the Assembly and the Senate on January 7th or 11th.
• However, at this time, the bill has not been scheduled for a vote.

Five senators issued a statement Friday (Dec. 18) expressing their suport for “strengthening New Jersey’s civil union law.”

“A civil union is a legal contract, and the terms must be respected,” Senator Andrew Ciesla said. “No one can ignore the law.”

“It should be just as easy for civil union couples to split assets or to go through probate as it is for married couples,” said Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, who urged reform of the civil union laws while hearing testimony on the issue before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I would support any reasonable legislation that ensures this happens in every case.”

“If medical coverage is offered to spouses and other dependents, then it also should be offered to civil union partners,” Senator Sean Kean said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that no partner in a civil union is denied medical care.”

A New Jersey lobbyist, who has been fighting tirelessly for gay marriage for years, sees differently.

“The statement by the five republicans reflected absolutely nothing new,” said Steve Goldstein of Garden State Equality.  ”We look forward to winning marriage equality in the next few weeks.”

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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Three-year old Truman, a pit bull mix, ventured to the Asbury Park Boardwalk Sunday (Dec. 20) to check out the beautiful snow fall on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park. 

“Since the snow was higher than my legs and I had to jump, not walk on the Boardwalk, I am guessing there was about eighteen inches of the white stuff,” said Truman.  “I love the snow but I got coooooold fast even with the fancy-pants new coat my daddies gave me as an early Christmas gift.  Cheers to a white Christmas everybody – I gotta go find my blanket!”

"Madam Marie didn't see this much snow coming..."

The Stone Pony...

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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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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Give a 30-minute rejuvenating vacation this holiday, or take one yourself at Gloss Salon in Asbury Park - celebrating its five-year anniversary in 2010. 

Men’s Manicure:  $15

Escape to your special place this holiday or in 2010.  Manicurist Lauren pampers you and makes your digits look respectable and elegant.  Manicures includes shape and file, trim cuticles, buff to shine and fab hand massage. 

Women’s Manicure or Pedicure:  $15, $30

Many a lady has told me Gloss’ manicure and pedicure services are the best in the City.  Fancy-pants O.P.I. products help your perfectly polished hands sparkle holding your sparkly drink this holiday.  Lauren also does ”pink and white” gels (full set is $80), which she tells me is the new hot nail service.

Women’s Keratin Treatment:  $190

Never heard of Keratin before John Partush, owner, Gloss Salon explained the treatment to me.  “It smooths and revitalizes hair, reduces frizz and makes it shiny.”  TheBPlot readers special holiday sale in January and February – $350 treatment for $190. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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Images from Asbury Park holiday 2009…

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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Four fab gifts for your four-legged friend…

Found My Animal Leash

Forget common nylon leashes.  Who wants to be common?  The absolute best dog leash [photos left], combining style and function, is made from natural-colored sailboat rope and marine-grade cast Italian brass which patinas beautifully over time.  Guaranteed you will love this.  Twenty-five percent of all profits go to the Louis Animal Foundation.  $56 to $68.

FetchDog Fisherman Sweater

These marvelous 100% wool sweaters [photo below right] are hand knit in the Northern Highlands of South America by descendants of the Inca Indians, who are paid a living wage through Fair Trade guidelines.  It’s Truman’s favorite sweater because it covers his entire chest and stomach.  $40.

Barkwheats Dog Biscuits

All the ingredients in these all natural, hand-crafted biscuits are grown by small-scale organic farmers in New England and Belize and certified fair trade.  $8.49

Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

From dining out, to the proper do’s-and-don’ts of traveling with panache, this book, by nationally-recognized pet expert Charlotte Reed (a.k.a. Miss Fido Manners) shows readers the best practices for flawless canine behavior in every situation.  $12.95.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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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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Santa baby, forget sable (it’s gross), slip one of these luxe local gifts under the tree for me…and hurry down the chimney tonight…

THE THREE WISE MEN REALLY WANTED TO BRING THE GIFT OF GOSSIP:  NEW “YOU SAY WHO“

Stunning “Make Me Blush” necklace [photo left] featuring hand cut stones tied around the neck with luscious silk charmeuse designed by beyond talented and fancy-pants jewelry designer – part-time Ocean Grove resident – Gerard Yosca.  He is so modest about his talent his response when I asked to write about him, “Why would you want to write about me?”  Yosca’s jewelry is sold in Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman in NYC and exclusively at Bodega Shoppe, locally.  $200.

Heaven’s 33-inch Cameo Glass Lamp features layer upon layer of colored glass carved so the various greens, blues and oranges of the mountainscape glow like nothing I have ever seen before when lit.  Heaven on Cookman Avenue, $600.

At 22 pounds, the Strida 5.0 Folding Bike [photo right] weighs less than many women’s handbags and has no bike-chain (it has a belt made of Kevlar) so there is no mess no grease when your favorite commuter packs it up to jump on the train.  Shelter Home, $800.

Cookman Avenue is home to one of the most dramatic, environmentally smart chandeliers around.  The Michael McHale-designed 13-bulb square chandelier blends the discarded with the divine, featuring distressed brass pipes and fittings with the splendor of the finest Swarovski crystals.  “Michael is known for using materials you never thought could be the cornerstone of such high end gorgeousness,” said Scott Hamm of Shelter Home.  $6500. 

Handmade “eclectic romantic” “Gretta” fantasy 21-inch tall clock and barometer made by Luna Bella.  “All the clocks from this company are as if Tim Burton did furniture,” said Robert Legere, laughing.  “And the ‘Gretta’ clock is on the tame side.”  Robert Legere Home, $525. 

Stunning English sterling silver sugar caster, circa 1899, by Thomas Bradbury of Sheffield England is nine inches in height and fully hallmarked.  Shore Antiques Center, Allenhurst, $595.

Solid Bronze Recumbent Tiger [photo left], 19 inches in height, 49 inches toe to tail, circa 1960, finely detailed casting, features appealing patina.  Shore Antiques Center, $2800. 

Twelve months of unlimited yoga classes for your favorite Yogini.  Multiple classes daily at Yoga Bliss.  Yoga Bliss in Wanamassa, $1500. 

The wine lover on your fantasy gift list will loose their grapes over a limited edition reserve of Abacus Cabernet Sauvignon [photo right] by ZD Wines.  A carefully blended mix of 10 vintages, this wine is said to have “the vitality of youth, carefully blended with the complexity of age.”  Who wouldn’t want that in a beverage…or a man?  Spirits Unlimited in Wanamassa, $344.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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