By Elisa DiStefano

I cried. I clapped. I even danced in my seat. Just natural reactions.

Yesterday I saw the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It.”  I was touched, inspired, and so sad. If you are an MJ fan, I suggest that you see it.

I am a bit jaded when it comes to TV and movies. I know that 100-plus hours of footage could be edited together to show someone in the light the producer wishes.  But in my heart, I feel that this film captured Michael Jackson’s love and spirit. I think and hope that the film was honest and showed the true Jackson that so many love.  You could see how the crew adored him, and he them. You could see that he was a perfectionist.  And you could see that the comeback concert that should have been would have been an amazing production.  I loved how they planned to bring Jackson’s famous songs and videos to life on stage. In the film,  Michael sure could dance and sing.  He stressed that everything was done with love. And he said “god bless you” to members of his crew so much that director Kenny Ortega made a comment that the rehearsal was like the church of rock.  In what appeared to be the final concert rehearsal, MJ had the crew in a huddle and told them to “bring love back into the world.”  Those are the words that keep echoing in my head.

By Elisa DiStefano

Thank you all so much for voting! We read your comments, emails, tweets and facebook messages…..

Here’s what you choose as the best Halloween haunts! Thanks again for submitting your votes!

#5….

By Elisa DiStefano

We are hunting for Long Island’s best Halloween haunts!
Where do you go to get spooked? What’s the best haunted house, corn maze, etc.? Let us know.

We are going to tally up your votes and go to the top spots. We’ll reveal your picks next week!

Comment here with your comments.

By Elisa DiStefano

So I did it. I know I am behind the game, but  I finally made a Facebook page.  I conquered my Facebook fear! Facebook traffic is up 200% from last year.  Are you on Facebook? What do you use it for? Business? Fun? Charity?

I figured if I am going to embrace this new social media, I might as well make a Twitter account too. That’s very ambitious for a technology challenged person like me!

I began writing this blog when ironically, I started receiving all weird texts on my phone from contacts that I haven’t heard from in a long time. Apparently, someone hacked into my Twitter and sent out strange direct messages to everyone on my list! I quickly tweeted that it was a mistake, but that’s really bad and embarrassing. Whoever opened “my” message had their account hacked and the same thing happened to them. Ugh.

Besides this minor complication, I have been enjoying both Facebook and Twitter. It’s fun to read what viewers think about topics on Facebook.  I feel much more connected to the community.  I get excited when I see familiar faces pop up! It’s also great because my friends who live in the city and around the world can see what I am working on. It’s fun to share my flip cam videos and behind-the-scenes footage. It’s also a great tool for me to promote some amazing charity events. I still have a lot to learn about Facebook, but I think I am off to an okay start.

I think Twitter is quite entertaining. It amazes me how much “Entertainment News” comes from Twitter.  Hey, even Elizabeth Taylor tweets! I can’t believe the personal info and pics that celebrities post and write.  And I have to laugh that Miley Cyrus deleting her account is big news! Now I just have to get the Twitter lingo down. And hopefully the folks at Twitter will get the virus/hacking problem solved!

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.    Many brave, strong women in my life continue to fight breast cancer and fight for a cure. I salute and support them– and of course love them very much.

In addition to donating your time and money to the wonderful organizations here on Long Island, you can also shop for cure. The pink products below all give back. A special thanks to my intern Daniela,  and to Newsday’s Barbara Schuler. She has even more pink items in her article, so please click here and check it out! Please watch my segment today on the morning show. Let me know what else you find in your shopping travels.

This bracelet sparkles! It is hand-made by LI’s up and coming jewelry designer Alicia Arso. It’s Swarovski Crystal with a Pink ribbon and sterling silver heart charm.25% of proceeds donated to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pink Pony collection  by Ralph Lauren at Ralph Lauren stores — 10 per cent of proceeds go to Lauren’s Pink Pony Fund.

This year’s Key to the Cure tee is a flurry of hearts designed by Merrick’s own Michael Kors for Saks Fifth Avenue , with more than 80 per cent of the proceeds going to various breast cancer charities.

Yummie Tummie tank — this tank sucks in your timmy!  This month, 50 percent of proceeds go to BCRF.

Satin corset “pam” dress by Tommy Hilfiger at his new 5th Avenue flagship; 30 per cent of each purchase goes to BCRF.

Inside the big pink umbrella, illustrator and breast cancer survivor Marisa Acocella Marchetto’s take on the solar system at Bloomingdale’s–$6 from each purchase benefits BCRF.

Swarovski’s “Pink Power” bag in Roosevelt Field and Smith Haven malls–10 percent of the proceeds benefits The Libby Ross Foundation’s Yoga Program For Breast Cancer Survivors.

The 2009 Coach breast cancer awareness watch at Coach stores– 20 per cent of all proceeds through Dec. 31 to BCRF.

Lisa Salzer’s limited-edition silk-ribbon bracelet for Loft  at Loft stores — $5 from each purchase goes to BCRF.

Lip set features shades hand-picked by breast cancer crusader Eveyln Lauder at department stores – the Lauder company will donate $500,000 from sales of its entire Pink Ribbon collection to BCRF.

Clinique’s lipgloss key chain has three shades of Long Last Glosswear along with a pink ribbon charm at Sephora stores –$10 from each sale goes to BCRF.

Beauty expert and breast cancer survivor Sonia Kashuk has done an extensive line for Target, including a pink eyelash curler– 15 per cent of purchase price goes to BCRF.

The Pink Pony Collection yoga mat from Ralph Lauren, Yoga mat with bag  at Ralph Lauren stores; 10 per cent of proceeds go to Lauren’s Pink Pony Fund.

Limited-edition Swiffer Sweeper at grocery stores and other mass retailers; Proctor & Gamble expects to donate at least $250,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Give HOPE campaign.

14K Pink gold charm and chain by Montauk’s Helen Fic alora– 20% donation to support breast cancer initiatives.

Fenomenole was created  to help make breast self exams more comfortable to conduct–25 percent of the proceeds form Fenomenole will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Surgeon’s Skin Secret Beeswax Moisturizer Stick in Grapefruit–$1.00 per stick will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October.

IsABelt Breast Cancer Awareness Belt is virtually invisible–Percentage of proceeds goes donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Digni-tee was created by 2 Long Island ladies. This easy access patient wear (a fashionable hospital gown with snaps down the sides) comes  in four colors–10% of the proceeds is donated to fighting breast cancer.

Don’t miss Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” event on October 17th at all Macy’s locations nationwide. Breast Cancer Help is selling special Shopping Passes for this event at $5.00 each. Shoppers can use these coupons to receive incredible savings of up to 25% off their purchases. All proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Help, its Long Island Help and Wellness Center and the continuance of its programs.

Shopping Passes may be purchased at the Breast Cancer Help office, located at 1555 Sunrise Highway, Suite 7 in Bay Shore. For more information, please call (631) 675-9003 or visit www.breastcancerhelpinc.org.

PAMPER YOURSELF PINK!

Ask your salon if they have “Pink” services this month. At Salon Blue in Mineola they are offering a Pink Raspberry Skin Refresher Facial. Get some glow on with this multi-fruit acid exfoliating facial and they’ll donate 10% to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. They’ll donate $5  to the National Breast Cancer Foundation if you get a ‘Pink Indulgence’ Spa Mani or Pedi ( deluxe spa nail treatment, topped off with Strawberry Margarita, Pink Flamenco, Hot! Pink or Berry Daring OPI nail polish).   This is really great– ‘donate & look Great’ – get a great new cut (8 inches minimum) and they’ll donate your hair and the entire cost of the haircut (25% off regular price) to Pantene’s ‘Beautiful Lengths’ program which helps provide wigs for women with cancer!

EAT PINK!

Many restaurants are offering Pink menus, including Rein at the Garden City Hotel, Prime in Huntington, Tellers in Islip, and H2O in Smithtown. I really want to try the “Pink Champagne Cake with Raspberry Mousse and Coconut Sorbet” at Prime! Yum!

Rein at the Garden City Hotel offers a Pink Ribbon Martini.

CHEERS TO FINDING A CURE– FAST!