RT #6: Seattle & the Gorge

Ahhhh Reunion Trip #6. Has a nice ring to it. We jumped another hurdle this year (as RT’s always do) and experienced the first-ever urban RT. Seattle, WA: the Emerald City. We also joined forces with the hippie community and saw Phish at the Gorge. I think the jury’s still out on urban RT’s, but the vote was pretty much unanimous on Phish and the Gorge: incredible. The rotating cast of characters continued to rotate this trip, but we did secure a bash brother duo that we’ve been trying to secure now for six years: the powerhouse combo of Green & Chuck. Like legendary tag teams before them (Jordan & Pippen, Bebop & Rocksteady, Bort & Red), they delivered and delivered and delivered, all trip long. The fact that ultimate combos like this are just now joining forces makes me realize that the RT brand is stronger than ever.

Whether it was debating Jewish noses with Jesus Freak Jen, ordaining new nicknames like Snowflake, Catfield -> Meowfield and Gay Mexican Highdiver, hurling glowsticks at Phish, playing 1 or 2 in the party bus or listening to Chuck bash all the “weirdos” in Seattle, it would be hard to argue that this trip didn’t deliver on all levels.

Kudos to Big Red & Shannon for the first-ever married couple MVP award. Spending time at their pad definitely filled in the gaps to make this trip great.

Just think: in the year 2012 we will have another Reunion Trip. And that is a beautiful thing.

Bye Bye E!, Hello NBCUniversal

After a 3+ year run at E!, my time with the Kardashians, Chelsea, Joel and the rest of the gang has come to an end. What can I say about working at E! Entertainment Television? Pretty bizarre. I think I will always look back on this time in my life and think, Marc, you worked for E! for 3 years in your mid 20s, that's odd. I met some great people though and learned about TV, the entertainment industry, Hollywood gossip and working with people that are very different than myself.

And now it's on to NBCUniversal to sell film & TV to New Media companies internationally. The journey continues...

XMas card to parents last year:

Early Days

"Look," (pause, shift to face her) "I appreciate that you're making me work for this" (said gently) "but I don't look at it like me working for something." (half smile) "It's really about two people that like each other, that are attracted to each other and both want to make the other person feel good. It should be totally natural; two people wanting the same thing. I don't want to feel like I'm rushing you into anything you don't want to do. I'm just attracted to you and I like you, so this is what feels natural to me. Do you know what I mean?" (said delicately, full smile, then sit quietly and wait, puppy dog eyes).

Sequoia National Park