Erica Pierson's Blog

The Holidays Are Here!

admin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:18:17 +0000

Well, It’s official…we have launched the holidays here at 96.1. Now it is time to go shopping. I am not one for the big crowds at the malls so I am thinking of giving the gift of music…all my nieces and nephews are so into their iPods so they are making my life so easy. I just have to buy them iTunes. And for the big kids in my life, there are gift certificates. Another easy way to shop is at the half price store at love961.com. Who wouldn’t want a night out at a great Long Island restaurant? The best part…no returns!! Now that’s a gift for me. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Life on Mars

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:47:30 +0000

I caught a new show on the tube called Life On Mars. The premise: a cop in the present…meaning 2008 gets a bump on the head and goes into a coma…the catch…in his head he is transported back in time to 1973. No cell phones…no computers…DNA what is that?? Police women not treated as equals and police brutality is the norm. And just in case you weren’t sure that it’s 1973…The twin towers are still there…high impact. The cast is over the top….Harvey Keitel…Michael Imperioli…Gretchen Mol and hottie newcomer Jason O’mara as the star of the show. Add an amazing soundtrack and the show is unstoppable. It made me think about just how far we have come in 35 years…it is scary. It made me want for simpler times just without the sexual harassment. While you can never go back you certainly can take a trip back in time and appreciate what was great about then and what is great about now. Aren’t we the lucky ones to have grown up in a generation where we got to experience both?

Kathy Griffin: My Hero!

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:12:34 +0000

Kathy Griffin, the stand up comic and reality tv star, just got bonus points from me. I recently saw her episode of “My Life On The D-List” where she visited troops that were injured in the war at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in D.C. She also paid a visit to Anderson Cooper on CNN this week where she discussed her time with soldiers who are struggling to rebuild their lives and recover from their tragedies. It was so moving to see them laugh when she cracked her off color jokes. She even got Anderson to crack up live on his show…no small feat. On her show last season she visited the soldiers in Iraq while putting herself in harms way…literally boms were going off. She brought smiles to the faces of those putting themselves in harms way everyday. I think she is one of the funniest women in comedy and she is truly inspirational in her acts of kindness. More celebrities should follow her lead. The D-List is on my A-List. Keep me laughing Kathy!

The Police at The Police

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:25:48 +0000

The Police concert at Jones Beach was ironically full of the real thing in the parking lot before the show. After a concert performed by the band OAR recently that resulted in the arrests of dozens of teens and young adults for underage drinking and fights security has been beefed up. Nassau County’s finest were in full force handing out fines left and right for adults drinking “adult” beverages and for parking in un designated parking spots. I understand the need for public safety but the crowd at an OAR show and that at a Police concert are just a little bit different, don’t you think? I think taxpayer dollars could go to better use and the rest of us could be saved the insult of having to shell out even more money these days while trying to just enjoy a night out. Luckily I moved my car before they “got” me.

Once out of the parking lot and in my seat I was treated to one of the best shows of the summer. The Police put on a show that would rival most of the younger acts of the day. Sting is in top form…his voice so powerful…it soared into the stars. He still has tremendous sex appeal…with his grooving moves and super tight body. While he easily stands on his own it is no wonder this band is in such high demand 30 years after they started. The talent and chemistry are unique and undeniable. I was too young to see The Police in concert back in the day and I am thrilled that I had the experience on their reunion tour while I had the chance. I can now happily check them off my list.

Public TV Rocks!

admin — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:57 +0000

For all of us who didn’t get to see Billy Joel’s “Last Play at Shea” WLIW Channel 21 had a modest consolation prize. On Wednesday July 23rd the public station premiered Billy’s first ever live performance in the UK from 1978 on the BBC. It was in support of “The Stranger”, Billy’s critically acclaimed album that just turned 30. During the show and just on the brink of superstardom Billy showcased not only his talent but also his sense of humor which would become a trademark of his future live performances. Before launching into “New York state of Mind”…Billy lit up a cigarette, donned a pair of shades and said “Let’s skank this place up.” He had the Brits rolling. Never one to shy away from sarcasm he introduced “Only the Good Die Young” by saying “This is a song that has something to offend everyone.” A true highlight was the appearance of producer Phil Ramone who collaborated with Billy on many of his albums. He revealed that Billy would randomly write down notes that would sometimes work themselves into his music as many as 15 years later. WLIW was offering a package that included the “special” book of Billy’s notes plus a copy of the BBC broadcast and “The Stranger the 30th Anniversary” edition on CD for a $150 pledge…certainly worth it for a fan. I am just glad I got to watch it for free and hopefully Channel 21 will re air the concert…my DVR will be waiting.

Aaah… those Jones Beach Summer Nights

admin — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:14:00 +0000

I went to see John Mellencamp at Jones Beach last week. I have to say it was such a great show from beginning to end. He kicked off the show with “Pink Houses” and worked in some new songs notably “A Ride Back Home” which gave me chills it was so moving. The Midwest’s Springsteen performed an acoustic version of “Small Town” and changed the arrangements on a few of his classics which made for an interesting show. He brought the crowd to it’s feet with rocking versions of “Jack And Diane”, “R.O.C.K In The USA” and “The Authority Song”. Amazing for a guy who had a heart attack…not to mention it was at Jones Beach in 1994…something he talked about during the show. Mellencamp is still one of the great performers after 23 albums. The planets were lined up that night. The stars were out, the ocean breeze was in the air, the music was hot and Long Islanders were enjoying a perfect summer night as one only could at a concert at Jones Beach.

Montauk Sunsets

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:39:46 +0000

While I am essentially the anti tourist being a part time resident of Montauk I do indulge in the madness when it comes to finding the perfect sunset. I will actually endure the crowds of tourists on a holiday weekend…just to get a glimpse of a Montauk sunset is worth it.

Best paces to view a sunset:

1. Duryea’s…bring a bottle of wine (or two…the wait is long) and sit on the rocks until your name is called…then enjoy a lobster in the rough that you pick up at the counter and sit yourself down and start cracking.

2. The Montauket…almost as old as Montauk itself…big crowd outside…deejay playing music…frozen drinks served…family friendly…everyone claps when the sun disappears into the sea…a must!

3. Harvest on Fort Pond…Bring a big appetite and a few hungry people. First enjoy the magical garden where the sunflowers are as big as the portions…what do they feed them…super food? The outdoor garden is a breathtaking spot to catch a Montauk sunset.

4. My place…oh wait a minute…no tourists allowed!

Happy 4th!!

No Tea & Crumpets For Martha!

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:58:32 +0000

There will be no tea and crumpets for Martha Stewart. The UK has denied her a business visa because she is a convicted felon…are you kidding me?? This reminds me of an incident last year. My family ventured from Long Island north to Canada for a family reunion. At the border one of my relatives was denied entry because he had a misdemeanor on his record stemming from a bar fight 15 years ago. In Canada it is considered a felony and he was told to never come back. It left many in my family not wanting to ever go back. I think we are better off spending our tourist dollars right here at home and saving airfare and gas money when other countries don’t even appreciate us. I am not for bending the rules but when Mike Tyson, a convicted violent felon was allowed to tour the UK last month and Martha Stewart is turned away it makes me wonder who is making the rules. What kind of a threat is Martha Stewart really…is she going to beat someone with a spatula and a cake pan? Look out for those hedge clippers Brits!!

Tim Russert

admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:14:56 +0000

I felt like I lost someone I knew when I heard that we lost TV journalist Tim Russert on Friday. I was totally shocked and saddened. Watching “Meet the Press” on Sunday mornings was a rite of passage for myself and my Dad. Sundays were “our” day together starting with a cup of coffee, the Sunday papers and “Meet The Press.” They were followed by a good political conversation and usually a healthy debate. I will miss those mornings as they will never be the same. With one of the most exciting and historical elections before us we will all miss out on some of the best political news coverage anywhere on the tube. Tim Russert you were a great journalist and an even better man.
God Bless You.

Addicted to E!

admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:59:43 +0000

Denise Richards and those wacky Lohans:

I couln’t help myself…I just had to tune for the new reality show “Denise Richards, It’s Complicated” and I am hooked. The show is actually really good. While Denise is completely self absorbed she is fun to watch especially when she interacts with her very modest father like when she discusses posing for Playboy. As an animal lover I love watching her entourage of pets including several pigs which we have the pleasure of watching do the nasty. I do not think she exploits her children in the least bit…Charlie Sheen is way off base.

On the other hand Living Lohan is beyond exploitive. Dina Lohan (mother of Lindsay) is exposing her younger daughter Alli to a life in front of cameras that she clearly is so uncomfortable being in front of. Insecure and shy she is not her older sister. She may wind up in trouble like Lindsay though at this rate. Dina is making bad decisions for her kids and her poor judgement as a parent will no doubt lead to more misery for them. Shame on her.

…stay tuned.