Investors watched in awe on October 10 as the stock markets around the world went into a historic meltdown. It was the Dow’s worst week ever in what was called Freaky Friday. And no pun intended to the movie “Freaky Friday” starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. I was just as stunned as anyone else at the unprecedented swing that took place that week. Even with the $700 billion rescue plan, the financial crisis and the weak, fragile economy threaten to linger on for some time. Times are tough, and everyone seems to be tightening their belts. The only positive aspect on this threat of financial ruin is that our children can finally learn the value of money. Or can they? It all depends if their girl's turning 16. My second child and only daughter turned 16 last month, and wanted a sweet sixteen party just like the ones on MTV’s “My Super Sweet Sixteen,” the reality show documenting upper class coming-of-age parties. The controversy, of course, began last year, and finally I gave in. We compromised on a few things, and settled on less than a 100-person, mini-wedding reception at a fancy ballroom that cost me a fortune. And why not? The economy was a tad better last month. Since she still can’t drive, I was spared the party’s highpoint, the unveiling of a brand new car, just like on the MTV show. I think it’s ridiculous when parents present a car to the birthday girl, when she’s unable to drive it until the following year. In true diva style fashion, the grand ballroom was decorated in stars to compliment her Hollywood theme, with special touches such as L.A. street names as table numbers, trophies as part of the awards ceremony to add that special ambiance, along with the traditional sixteen candles ceremony. Each table sported a unique white rose centerpiece, anchored by a high floral arrangement. The Portuguese TV channel SIC televised the church ceremony. Natalia Falkowski choreographed the VIP court for the special dance. The guests were wowed by the special appearance of the 1st place champions in Latin and Standard in the children’s category Kamil Falkowski and Katerina Hermanova. Of course, "Dancing with the Stars" fans would have loved watching them perform, not a pin dropped. It was the golden topping to a grand night. As the five-hour party came to an end, the guests danced to Kelly’s favorite band Bon Jovi, in which the mother of keyboard player David Bryan also joined in. Looking back, it was just so much fun that I’d love to live it over again in a second. My daughter, Kelly Olszuk, was escorted by her brothers Bart and Brien Czuj, who walked in to the sounds of Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” The elaborate pull-out-the-stops birthday bash took place on September 13 in New Jersey. Speaking of GNR, I believe this year we will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. More than a decade in the making, Guns N’ Roses “Chinese Democracy” is set to drop on November 23, according to published reports. The CD will be a Best Buy exclusive. The album track “Shackler’s Revenge” is out now for the video game “Rock Band 2,” and part of “If the World” is playing over the end credits in the new Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe film “Body of Lies.” GNR’s front man is Axl Rose, and “Chinese Democracy” is the most anticipated comeback record of all time. I predict it will be a winner and break all record sales. Teen Queen Miley Cyrus celebrated her Sweet Sixteen on October 5, in a one-in-a-lifetime bash at Disneyland. Lucky fans were invited to celebrate with her if they could afford $250 for the exclusive event. The “Hannah Montana” also shared the spotlight with young people from Youth Service America. Like all soon-to-be-drivers, her wish is a new car. The birthday girl should be careening around in the streets of L.A. after November 23 when she turns 16. Miley’s new boyfriend, Justin Gaston, 20, is an aspiring country musician who met her when he competed on “Nashville Star,” which her dad Billy Ray Cyrus hosts. Rose’s Scoop: Seacrest in. Yes, Ryan Seacrest, the host of “American Idol,” is the on-air personality on New York’s WHTZ-FM (101.1); he debuted a few weeks ago.
