Friendly Encounters

This is a series dedicated to my friends meeting celebs.

I have featured my friend and Global Traveler Publisher Fran Gallagher many times here. Today, I am featuring Fran's eldest daughter, Kate. What can I say about Kate? Well, for one, she's not Fran! That's a good thing. For another, she has survived growing up with him. That's not only good, it's sort of surprising. Oh I am just kidding (mostly). Fran is a great guy and longtime friend.
I had met Kate several times over the years, but got to know her a bit better when she joined the GT staff last year. I know Kate has done more important things, but her work with the company newsletter is outstanding. Being in charge of any company newsletter is a less-than-thankless task. Kate handles it smoothly and gets it done successfully.
In January at GT's annual awards event, Kate was busy handling (and juggling) many responsibilities, but she always had time to find humor in something. It was a real pleasure working with her.

Fran Gallagher, Kate Gallagher and Terrence Howard in New York, NY-January 2010.

Johngy Wins Globility Award

I have been writing a blog for Global Traveler magazine for over two years. I shamelessly promote the blog and I usually get a handful of comments (always more than my Publisher Fran Gallagher gets...not that I keep track).
I have told my Rick Monday-David Stein story before, but I will recap it briefly for any new readers.
For my July 4th (2008) piece, I decided to write a piece on Monday saving the US flag during a game in 1976. Coincidentally, I was attending a game in Los Angeles (where Monday was now a broadcaster) in June. I managed to get an interview with Monday in the clubhouse (thanks to advice from Laurie).
The piece, An Act of Patriotism, appeared on GT's site as planned. That night, I was shocked to hear David Stein of Sporting News Radio reading my blog over the air nationwide.
Of course, I had to tell (brag to) Fran. After taking his barbs about the usual content of my pieces, I had to rub it in a bit. He was ecstatic at the exposure and thanked me in a company-wide email.
Fast forward to January 21, 2010. I was in NY at the newly opened Andaz for GT's annual awards event. As Fran was starting to present the many awards (to airlines, hotels, etc), I went to the restroom. Unfortunately, I did not exit unscathed as my suit pants zipper broke. Fortunately, my room was in the hotel, so I went upstairs to attempt to fix the zipper. After a few futile moments, I threw on my jeans, figuring nobody would even notice, as I wasn't the main focus (or even a secondary focus).
As I reentered the event, I heard Fran talking about a blog. Then I heard a recording of Stein reading my piece on Monday. Kim Krol summoned me to the stage area, just as Fran announced that I was the winner of this year's Globility award. (The Globility award is given for the quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences.)
Then I tripped as I went to the stage and Terrence Howard (actor and awards-presenter) saved me from tumbling off. I have met a lot of celebs, but this was one of the most memorable!
It was a huge surprise and a great experience. I guess I can now say I am an award-winning blogger! I also have to say I owe you, Laurie!

Terrence Howard and me (and my jeans) in New York, NY-January 2010.

Howard and Campbell Dating

'Crash' star Terrence Howard and supermodel Naomi Campbell have been dating on the down low, and plan to take their romance public this Sunday on Oscar night. The two will attend the Oscar after parties together.

Hopefully the actor made her sign a binding legal agreement against her carrying any small missile type items that she can chuck at his head. Either that or we hope Terrence has really good ducking reflexes.

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