We're still reeling from a loooong night at the Apollo with Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and friends. The after-party was chaired by Gotham magazine publisher Jason Binn, a rising star among young Democratic fund-raisers. It was held at the Studio Museum in Harlem on 125th Street, just down the street from the Apollo. Harlem looks better than ever right now — it's a real comeback success story.
But more than a couple of people have said to me, "The whole Michael Jackson part of the evening was creepy." Yes, it was. And the idea of all those actors — paid extras — dressed up in garb from around the world like a bad postcard. Can it be that Jackson really thinks of each nationality in stereotypes? Sombreros, painted faces, forelocks, etc.?
Still, Michael brought with him a complete set of impressive special effects: two machines that threw flames from the stage skyward, plus a big video projection. He also had ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction member Dave Navarro (of all people) on electric guitar, which made a huge difference on "Black or White." Slash would have been proud. Fox news
This Sunday at noon, C-SPAN II's "Book TV" will air a sound-only version of Bill Clinton's remarks at a party last week in honor of Rep. Peter King's new novel, "Deliver Us From Evil." That's because cameraman Richard Hall was prevented from videotaping Clinton at the Dubliner bar.
Hall told us he started rolling when Clinton showed up unexpectedly. After a few seconds, a King aide told Hall that Clinton's people wanted him to stop. Hall continued taping for another 15 seconds, until a strapping young man calling himself Doug him to stop. "The president[Uhhh, isn't that ex-president?] is a private citizen and,b> doesn't want cameras on him all the time[LOL! Oh please!]," Doug barked. Hall assumed he was a Secret Service agent and complied.
After his remarks, Clinton made a beeline for Hall. "Glad you're here!" the former president gushed. "I wish you had allowed me to tape your speech," Hall replied. A distressed Clinton asked, "What do you mean?" As Hall explained the situation, he heard Doug mutter, "Thanks a lot!" Then an apparently angry Clinton gave Doug hell. Nevertheless, Hall said, when he resumed videotaping, Doug came up and shut him down again.
It turns out that Doug Band is Clinton's personal aide, not a Secret Service agent, and had no authority to stop C-SPAN's camera. We hear he's now remorseful, but Clinton press secretary Julia Payne declined to produce him. "It's well known all over the world," she said, "that Doug has left many a cameraman in his wake." Wash ComPost