I <3 Franz Ferdinand.

How cute/funny/clever is their new video for 'Can't Stop Feeling'?

Things I Am Currently Loving:

1. I'm on vacation! A REAL vacation. Not a weekend off. Not a business venture. A real, no-work-or-side-projects-involved-at-all vacation. It started yesterday, and I'm already writing this from my "getaway flat" ( AKA- my friend Sean's gorgeous apartment ) in Chelsea, enjoying the view of the river and the distant Boston skyline- without the noise or the traffic, although I'll be heading in that direction when I'm done writing this for an evening out in the city.

Thursday night I believe I'll be starting a short internship at my dear friend Rick's club, The Comedy Studio in Cambridge, but since I'll be surrounded by people I love, doing something that interests me- I don't count that as hard labor. It's work wrapped in fun packaging- which I don't mind at all.

2. Billie Tweets: A Twitter Tribute to Michael Jackson and Eternal Moonwalk: Two of the most creative, funniest, and addicting Michael Jackson tribute sites that have been fowarded to me over the past couple of weeks.




3. Speaking of Michael Jackson tributes, check out this 'Beat It' flash mob that took place in Sweden a few days ago. Absolutely amazing. I've been contemplating organizing something similar in either Boston or NYC as a tribute to the King Of Pop- but it's still up in the air. It would be so much fun to do, though!


4. Estee Lauder's Vita-Mineral Loose Powder Makeup w/SPF 15: I hate wearing makeup in the summer. Hate it. Not only does makeup, especially foundation, feel so much heavier in the Summer months- but nine times out of ten I leave the house looking amazing, only to find that fifteen minutes later, the heat and humidity have caused my face to look like a Picasso painting. I'm runny, streaky, and only attractive from a distance.

Unfortunately, I can't really pull off the au naturel look, so I was both relieved and ecstatic when Estee Lauder launched their Vita-Mineral powder makeup. It's a lightweight, long-lasting, natural-finish makeup that is chock-full of minerals, vitamins A, E, & C, sun protection, pomegranate extracts, and antioxidants that are actually GOOD for your skin. Where foundations often made me breakout and clouded my complexion, Vita-Mineral powder actually freshens up my face and keeps my skin clear of blemishes.

The best part? It doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything at all when I put it on. Perfect for the hottest months of the year.

5. These pistol-heeled peep-toe shoes by Chanel. Unveiled at the Cruise 2009 Collection back in May, I'm STILL in love with these things. They're so badass, and would definitely add a kick to the typical, plain old 'little black dress'.

And now that we've closed on a fashion-related note, I do believe that's my cue for me to go and get dolled up to paint the town!

♥ ♥ ♥

"But they told me a man should be faithful, and walk when not able, and fight 'til end- but I'm only human."

I am so pleased and proud at how sincerely touching, and how classy ( as much as it could be, given the circumstances leading up to it; people trying to sell tickets on eBay, speculation of the guestlist, rumors of circus animals being involved, etc. ) Michael Jackson's memorial service was.

Kudos to everyone in attendance for being so respectful and well-spoken.

A few parts that moved me to tears:


Reverend Al Sharpton's speech. I loved when he addressed Michael's three children with "There was nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it."


Brook Shields.


Jermaine Jackson singing 'Smile'.


MoTown Records founder Berry Gordy shares stories of Michael's youth and dubs him "The Greatest Entertainer That Ever Lived".


Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee eulogizes Michael Jackson and says that he is "innocent until proven otherwise". She also introduced Resolution 600, dedicated to the King of Pop.


The Jackson Family, friends, and performers from Michael's would-have-been 'Is This It' tour performing 'Heal The World'.

And lastly, and probably the most heartbreaking:


Paris, Michael's daughter, speaks. I had managed to pull myself together until this point. She had me BAWLING.

The memorial, I hope- gave a lot of people some closure. I know that I feel at peace. Am I still sad? Of course. I miss Michael. A lot. More than I even thought was possible. I wish more than anything that he was still here.

But I know, and feel in my heart, that he is looking down- free of physical pain and the mental anguish that tortured him for years- and he is seeing how much he was, is, and will always be loved. I know he is smiling and laughing and at peace. Finally.

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."

The subject line of this entry is a quote taken from Michael Jackson's 'Heal The Kids' speech that he gave at Oxford University in 2001. It is truly one of the most beautiful, touching things I've ever heard. I linked to the speech just now for those who would like to read it, but it is also on YouTube and very easy to locate for your listening pleasure.

I have not updated since Michael's death a little over a week ago, and what a week it's been. Some of you may be reading this due in part to CNN and MSNBC actually quoting some of the content of my last entry on-air ( which was very flattering, by the way! ), and if that is what lead you here- hello, and welcome.


The shock and disbelief has worn off and the harsh reality of what has happened has finally and fully hit me.

I am devastated by Michael Jackson's death.

I am absolutely heartbroken.

I have shed tears. Many of them. Too many to count, over the course of this past week. It may sound dramatic to some. Even silly or crazy to others, but to me- to someone who was consistently surrounded by Michael's musical presence as a child and while growing up. To someone who was truly inspired to become just as flawless a performer as him, and yes- who thought he was unbelievably cute ( childhood crushes are adorable )...

... and as someone who could only watch helplessly and do her best to defend a man against critics she met along the way as his life was turned upside down ( moreso than it already had been by his father as a child ) by lying, greedy individuals, and even moreso by the scathing, unmerciless, and often fabricated, sensationalized media throughout the years- it feels as though I have lost someone near and dear to me.

And I don't care who judges me for it. I won't apologize or lower my head in shame or embarassment for how I feel; for how my heart feels. He was someone of great importance to me and many others in my generation- and he's gone now. With his passing, a good portion of my childhood goes with him.


However, in this time of grief and reminiscing- it is truly awe-inspiring and touching to see so many people, most sharing similar, if not the exact same feelings as me, join together. Not just to mourn the death of someone gone too soon, but to celebrate a life. A life of a man who not only changed the face of music and pop-culture, but who made a difference with his selfless charity work and his tireless efforts to shine light on issues that were otherwise being overlooked.

Michael's endless love, compassion, and wonder for the human race as a whole, and his ability to forgive and forget- regardless of how he was treated throughout his life- shows his true character. He was simply too good for this world.

With memorials taking place all over, from Michael's childhood home in Gary, Indiana, to the Apollo Theatre, where the Jackson 5 first got their big break, all the way to Neverland Ranch and to Michael's star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame- fans from every corner of the Earth have gathered to pay tribute to a legend whose heart was just as incredible as his talent.

And with his music selling astronimically high numbers and yet again taking over the radio, and his music videos being played in heavy rotation on different networks throughout the world- Michael Jackson has officially reclaimed his rightful place as the undisputed King Of Pop. It is bittersweet, and yet heartwrenching- that it took his death to finally get him there.

Even the internet, where shock value runs rampant and anonymity brings out the worst in, well, everyone- has been abuzz with Michael appreciation. Sites like YouTube and MySpace are FILLED with clips from all over the globe showing fans paying their respects to the King Of Pop with impromptu sing-alongs to his music and dances to his videos. Filmed from bedrooms and living rooms, all the way to the NYC and London subway systems and Philippine prisons.


Even celebrity-centered sites like Oh No They Didn't! have found ways to celebrate Michael's life and accomplishments- turning every post related to him into a "party post" where members' favourite pictures, .gifs, videos. and memories are posted and shared.

Speaking of ONTD- Shamone, you guys! SHAMONE! ♥ ♥ ♥

Men and women. Young and old. Black and white. And everything in between- all coming together to celebrate their shared love for one individual who affected their lives in different, but always important ways.

It's with that unity, that the void left by Michael's absence can be filled by something he would have wanted everyone to experience- pure love and joy.

Will there be haters and doubters during the grieving? Absolutely. There always will be. Some people simply aren't strong enough to look past an image or to stop digesting everything they're being fed by gossip and the media. Some people are stubborn and easily overwhelmed when faced with considering both sides of a story, and some people are just ignorant and afraid to open their hearts and minds. It's sad, and it can be frustrating, even maddening- but it's not their fault, really.

All we can do is forgive them, keep our hearts open to them, and move on....

... Or point them in the direction of hip-hop artist Phonti's BRILLIANTLY written blog about Michael, "My Hero Ain't Molest Them Bitch Ass Kids". ( I swear to God, it's worth the read. It's so good. )

I wish I could close this entry with something truly epic and world-changing, but there are not enough words to do Michael Jackson justice. Especially not after everything he has done for us throughout his life.

All I can say is I am happy to have admired, respected, and loved this man as much as I did and still do. I am proud to be able to say I have always believed in him, even when others turned their backs on him. I am honored to say that his kindness, gentleness, his spirit and good intentions have, and will continue to inspire me to be the best person I can be and to do as much good as I can in the world. To not take anything for granted. To appreciate and live every day to it's fullest- and to moonwalk whenever I get the chance to carry on his legacy. Naturally.

I will leave you with a quote from Michael himself, also taken from his speech at Oxford University. I think it can and should be applied to our lives everyday. It's wonderful:

"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe."


God bless you, Michael- wherever you are. I hope you're happy, at peace, and seeing just how much the world loved, and will continue to love you. You'll be missed, but never forgotten.



♥ ♥ ♥

I'm stunned.

It sounds dramatic, but I really am at a loss for words about this. I'm heartbroken.

Yesterday, hours before Michael Jackson's death, I had posted about Farrah Fawcett and how, while I wasn't familiar with a lot of her work as much as my older brothers and parents were- I was saddened by her passing as she had seemed like a very admirable, kindhearted woman.

Growing up in the 80s and early 90s, and more specifically- growing up as an aspiring performer- I idolized Michael Jackson: his intricate dance moves and unique style, and I was captivated by his music and the videos that would play on heavy rotation back when MTV wasn't a neverending reality show.

By the time I was old enough to comprehend the epic mini-movie that was 'Thriller', I had a HUGE crush on Michael- even when he had the zombie makeup on and was busting through creepy abandoned houses' doors with a horde of undead behind him to get to his screaming, frantic date.

That being said, I need to comment on what has proven to be one of the most shocking events of 2009.


Think whatever you will about Michael Jackson's past controversies, his questionable personal choices and decisions, and his sometimes eccentric behaviour- but you CANNOT deny the man was one of the most influential, talented, and brilliant performers of all time. He made an impact on almost every genre of music and inspired so many of today, and tomorrow's future artists throughout his career.


And despite years and years of rumors, speculations, accusations, media scrutiny and ridicule- I truly believe Michael Jackson was a good guy with a big heart who wanted to make a difference in the world- and no amount of tabloid filth or malicious gossip has ever, or could ever, change my opinion, or my heart, on that.

I am deeply saddened by the world's loss of such a legend.

I hope he finally finds peace, the childhood he was deprived of, and the Neverland he always wanted.

You'll be greatly missed, Michael.

R.I.P.

I'm not a product of the 70s, and therefore I'm hardly qualified to comment on Farrah Fawcett's work as an actress since a lot of it was taking place before my time.

What I do know is that she was gorgeous and seemed like a really, really likable, sweet person- and that her passing is tragic and heartbreaking. The only good side to this entire situation, if one is to be found- is that at least she isn't in pain anymore.

Rest In Peace, Farrah.

I can't sleep.

That image has nothing to do with the particular content of this entry. I just thought it was really funny.

Insomnia has struck again, and I'm hoping that by typing out the thoughts that are racing through my head at an alarming rate will somehow exhaust me and help me drift off into dreamless slumber.

I've been having a reoccuring dream for the past few nights, It's not a nightmare, per se- but it saddens me. I wake up and my heart feels heavy.

It involves an old friend of mine. One I haven't spoken to in a very long time through no fault or choice of my own. He has simply vanished from my life, whether it be due to his career or different companionship taking over. He, to put it bluntly, left me behind, despite our last parting being on normal, affectionate terms- and I have not seen or heard from him since despite my attempts to contact him to send my best wishes and to make sure he's doing alright. It makes me sad to think of how disposable I, and our friendship, even though long distance, was to him.

I digress. In this dream I keep having, he and I are sitting together on some cheap couch in a small room, and we're looking at eachother and I'm trying to apologize for whatever it is I did that made him pretend I didn't exist over the last eight months. He goes to say something, but his words are inaudible. I'm trying to read his lips, but they're moving too fast.

At this point, I usually wake up, but last night when I was having the dream for a fourth time- I reached that stage between knowing you're dreaming and waking up completely. I knew it was a matter of seconds before my eyes opened, so I managed to take control of what was happening. I kissed him on the cheek, said "I'm sorry for everything. Take care, be safe, and know I'll always think of you fondly, despite what's happened between us."

I woke up, my heart still feeling heavy- but not as bad as it had been.

Should he ever read this, and it's very much possible: I'm sorry for everything. Take care, be safe, and know I'll always think of you fondly, despite what's happened between us. You know who you are. If I ever run into you again while I'm in California, I hope you won't ignore me- and I hope you'll accept a handshake, if not a friendly hug.

Anyway...


I found a baby bird who had fallen out of his nest in a tree by my place the other day. I scooped him up in the cup, took his picture, and then climbed up the tree to put him back in his home with his brothers and sisters. He seemed to be in perfect health and I named him Pablo. Pablo The Adventurer.


For Father's Day, I took my dad to Twin River Casino in Rhode Island since neither one of us had ever been ( and now we know why.. It's where dreams go to die. SO trashy. ) and all my dad wanted to do was check it out and gamble a little:


That would be my dad betting whatever's left of my trust fund in virtual Poker.


And that would be me moments after I found out that an elderly woman who had taken my seat at a slot machine literally MINUTES after I had gotten up won $2,000. I'm dead serious.

That's my "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME" look: head in hands, wondering if God is having a good laugh at my expense.

Oh well.

Oddly enough, it was announced earlier today that Twin River is filing for bankruptcy.

Which makes me wonder: did that $2K, which was almost mine, break the bank? I'd like to think so.

"Saw you in distraction: a sleeping, slow despair. Rehearsing interaction, he wasn't even there."

I spent the other afternoon strolling around Boston Harbor ( I love that dirty water! ), soaking up the sun and surprisingly strong breezes and making faces at the fish at the New England Aquarium. I haven't been in a few years, so it was nice to go back and see the penguins, seals, stingrays, and HOLY SHIT GIGANTIC AND TERRIFYING ANACONDAS again.


Despite the fact that Summer officially begins tomorrow, it's already started for me. There are certain ways I can tell the season is approaching, apart from the rising temperatures, return of thunderstorms, and my clothing becoming dangerously close to non-existant altogether.

One of those signs is The Beatles becoming more frequent on my playlists. I'm a big Beatles fan, thanks in part to my dad raising me on them- but it feels weird to listen to something like 'I Get By ( With A Little Help From My Friends )' or 'All You Need Is Love' in the dead of winter. Every summer since I was a toddler has been filled with Lucys in the skies, yellow submarines, twisting and shouting ala Ferris Bueller, and revolutions. When I start singing 'She Loves You' in the streets- you know winter is long gone.

Also, 'Across The Universe' is a really spectacular movie. The imagery is mindblowing. You should go watch it if you haven't seen it yet. Beatles fans will love it.


Another tell tale sign it's Summer? I crank Guns N' Roses almost as much as I rock out to The Beatles. Same thing with GnR not really being able to get me going in the colder New England months, I reserve 'Appetite For Destruction' all the way up to 'Use Your Illusions II' for the hotter weather ( I refuse to acknowledge 'The Spaghetti Incident' and 'Chinese Democracy'. Terrible. )

Being the only curly haired member of my family, and being a child of the 80s- the joke quickly became that Slash was my real father. When I was just old enough to stand on my own, my brothers strapped a tophat on me, handed me my pink Muppet Babies guitar- and had my father use our VHS camcorder ( remember those? ) to tape me watching the video for 'Sweet Child O' Mine' on MTV and trying to play along to this song while my mother and my brothers, off-screen, tried to get me to sing.

Thus, 'Slashley' was born- and although I couldn't and still can't perfect the Axl Rose crab dance- my first word was 'shit' and I used to throw my bottle at people. Born a badass, I tell 'ya. If only my mother had bought me a leather, studded one-sie. I would have ruled the playground.

One of the biggest signs it's Summer: the sudden urge to travel, anywhere. I love to travel, period- but in winter it's offputting to try and plan a warm weekend getaway when there's four feet of snow outside your window, you know? And anyone from the New England area who has traveled in the winter knows- when you come back, why does it always feel twenty degrees colder than when you left? I especially loved coming back from places like San Diego and Las Vegas only to find that it rained the entire time I was gone or an ice storm froze the entire city.

But I digress. With the plethora of tasty-looking music festivals ( Lollapalooza and Reading/Leeds over in the UK being just two of my top picks ) within the next couple of months, the possibilities of where I'll be heading to are endless.

The urge to frolic in the ocean ( Check. ), planning a cookout with a huge group of my friends ( Check. ), actually running outside with all the little kids in the neighborhood to get ice cream from an ice cream truck ( Choco Tacos! CHECK PLEASE! ), watching the movie 'Grease' in it's entirety ( Check. Twice. ), and scoping out potential "summah lovahs" ( Sort of... Checking... ) are amongst the other non-music related symptoms of impending Summertime.

Unfortunately, regardless of the season- work is still very much a priority. That being said, I gotta' get back to it!

'Til next time!
xoxo

It's 3 a.m.

That is all.

"You're a fine girl ( such a fine girl! )"

In the midst of being an absolute work-aholic with my full-time job, my plateful of side projects, and a strict, unmerciful fitness program- I've forgotten how truly lovely it is to just have a weekend to myself with no specifically set plans, meetings, appointments, or distractions.

This past weekend, my first freed-up one in months, I headed back to Boston and took to the now hot, humid streets with no real destination in mind. Inbetween soaking up the sun, splurging on cuisine and clothes ( some things will never change ), and swinging by a couple of local comedy shows- I caught up with old friends, met new ones, and just relaxed, enjoying the nice weather and the always good company.

Sunday night, however- I was feeling restless and eager to party, and at my good friend Tom E's suggestion, swung by The Hong Kong in Harvard Square to do a little late night karaoke. Tom himself started the evening off with Poison's 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn' ( and he had a surprisingly good voice ), but unlike Bret Michaels, Tom didn't get clotheslined on his way off the performing area:


Hilarious.

After working up the courage to butcher Franz Ferdinand's 'No You Girls' while more friends and comics poured into the bar ( and after downing a couple of beers to get rid of stagefright ), it was pure, hilarious pandemonium. 'Billie Jean', 'Love Shack', 'I Want It That Way', a stunning rendition of 'Thunder Road', among many, many others were covered by some of Boston's finest.

And let me tell you: you have not LIVED until you've heard a bar full of tipsy men singing the backround vocals to Looking Glass' 'Brandy' ( "Do Do Dit Do Do!" ), or yelling along the "OH OH OH"s and "SO GOOD, SO GOOD"s to Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'.

If anyone's ever interested in joining in on the shenanigans, karaoke night is every Sunday starting at 9 p.m. sharp on the second floor of The Hong Kong.