December 30, 2009

Long Island 2009- Our Favorite Things of ‘09

As 2009 comes to a close. We would like to thank all our readers for their support. Not only did you help in our success, but locally, we are now the place to be for Celebrity Interviews and artists of all kinds across the island and beyond.

So, without further adieu, here are some of our favorite moments and interviews since our launch this past June until now!

Our Favorite Interviews

We interviewed many local Long Islanders over the past six months, but Joe Murena, top Finalist on American Idol season four was probably the warmest, nicest and most sincere interview yet.  He was just so honest and funny that you’d forget you were conducting an interview and think you were hanging out with your best friend.

Susie Essman gave off the same vibe.  There was a lot of information in that interview with Susie I didn’t use but I could have talked to her for another hour!  Susie’s new book, What Would Susie Say? was fantastic, a must read.  As for Joe, his new album will be coming out in 2010 and from what I’ve heard on his website, he’s got a winner. Support your local artists!

Speaking of music, we had opportunity to review many CD’s this year but Dave Diamond’s Revenge of the Slowpoke was golden.  Eastern Sky is still my favorite track and just one example of Dave bringing so much soul and passion to this terrific album.  While we’re on the topic I have to add kudos to Amy Lynn and the Gunshow, they give soul a new meaning in their four-song EP. Look out too for the young band Through My Passion to continue to rock Long Island.

Our Favorite Story Tellers

A few conversations really captured us; one was Mick’s Interview with pop artist Stanko who tells an amazing story of meeting John Lennon, very captivating.

WBAB’s Joe Rock talks about meeting Fingers and how a new career was born.  Joe is very inspiring and that guy works his ass off!

Jason Mayo is a natural born storyteller. His blog OutnumberedOnline.com is outrageous, funny and heart-felt.  He told an emotional story called Hockey Heals that everyone who has a heart should read.

I would have to say Hell’s Kitchen Season 2 Winner Chef Heather West, really captured passion and humor in her interview about her rise to the top.  She was our most viewed page for SpotonLI in 2009!  Visit her at Monterey Restaurant in Long Beach!

The Funnies

If you haven’t yet met Bonehead please do; www.BoneheadBlog.com is a humor blog by my husband.  It’s garnered many followers and fans.  To say I have a favorite would be difficult since all of them are so funny, but you might want to read his newest post called Top Chrissy Quotes of 2009.  Yes I am Shameless!

Favorite Quotes

Joe Murena: I was like I’m gonna be late! I gotta get there! I went down the wrong road, a one way road, and a cop jumped in front of me and starts screaming “where the fuck are you going?” I say I’m sorry I have an audition with Star Search. And she said “right this way!”

Chef Heather West: There’s one meeting where you meet the cast there and they have a bunch of pictures on the wall; and they’re like … this person is so and so, this person doesn’t like to be called this and her fears are this. I’m looking around the room looking at the crew going “what the fuck did you say about me? You guys are bastards!”

Madonna kicks Buddy then cuts him from her tour. They meet up a few years later at a concert. Buddy Casimano:  It was like a row of Pop Music Icons and me.  It was LOUD.  Charles introduced Deborah to Madonna and it was their first time meeting, and then he says and this is her dancer Buddy.  Madonna says “I remember Buddy” and she says “I apologize for my behavior” Deborah asks what that was about?  I told her I’ll tell you later.

Mick’s Favorites!

Mick DuRussel is an interview God. He lands more interviews than Oprah.  Ok maybe not Oprah but Maury for sure!  Here are a few of his favorites for 2009:

Mike Stanko’s happiness and enthusiasm about life is what I remember best about our interview.  Not only does his artwork make you smile, he does too!! Fantastic artist and a more fantastic person!
Candice Night was extremely friendly and very easy to talk too.  A super talent, a natural beauty, a very caring person who became famous and is still a local Long Island girl!!
Melissa Joan Hart was also fun to talk to. Very family orientated and still very “Long Island”! You can take the girl off of Long Island but you can’t take Long Island out of the girl!! It was great rooting for her on Dancing with the Stars and it was super to see her go far in the competition!
I have to include Bobby Caldwell. It was a great pleasure to speak to Bobby from his home in New Jersey.  A superstar in the jazz world, a regular guy on the phone and in person.  Bravo to him and his wife Mary too!!

Favorite Events

SpotonLI.com made its debut at many events this year including The Great South Bay Music Festival, The Beatles Art Show, The Rock Art Show, and Blue Point Brewing Company’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Two events really shined for us.  If you didn’t experience Long Island Restaurant Week then you don’t know what you were missing.  For only $25 diners were able to experience a three course meal at participating restaurants around Long Island.  What a deal!  We thank WordHampton for including SpotonLI.com as a Media Sponsor and for creating such an amazing event!  The other event was of course The Hamptons International Film Festival. What an experience and our first red carpet event.  We met Alec Baldwin, Emmy Ronson, interviewed Academy Award nominated film director Leslie Iwerks and actress and director Cheryl Hines. We were given cool gift bags and photographed all sorts of celebs including Sharon Stone.  So much fun!

Favorite Foodie Fun

Teanna DiMicco of SporkorFoon we thank you for tirelessly cooking your butt off. Your contributions are very much appreciated and your website is incredible. We also thank you for your Banana Crisp Recipe which was Spoton deliciousness!

Monterey Restaurant in Long Beach and Porto Vivo in Huntington…heavenly.

To all of the Chef’s on this site…I say thank you for your time and Cheers!

Notable Mentions and Thank You’s

For Your Contributions – Mick DuRussel, Teanna DiMicco, Jason Mayo, Glenn of Man Over Board, The Cooking Lady, Bonehead, and Amanda Gerani…thank you.

For Your Support – The Villafane Family, The Clarke Family,The Gorman Family, The Gerani Family, The Cavazza Family, The Milack Family, Melissa Budetti Holland, Whalen, The Apisson Family, The Levinn’s,  Joe Rock, WordHampton, Frank PR, The Lobbity Family,  Our Facebook Family of Friends, MyBlogLog, A whole bunch of cool bloggers and all of you that re-post and spread the word, to our fans, our friends…thank you.

For Your Faith – To my dear husband…thank you for your love, your heart but mostly your editing skills.  I love you.

If you’re a friend, a fan, or a family member please sign up to our newsletter and tell your friends too! Follow this link where you put in your address so I can send you a funky little Mouse Pad. It’s not much but it’s my way of saying thank you. Don’t forget to join us on Facebook and keep spreading the word…it means so much.

See you next year!

Christine Gerani

Editor

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