S: Is for Something for Dad!

Fathers Day is this weekend. If you are looking for that perfect gift or that surprise that is sure to please, here are some suggestions:

The Renegade Craft Fair, in Williamsburg will have more than 200 vendors setting up booths in McCarren Park Pool, peddling their handmade wares. It began in Chicago in 2003, and it has swelled, attracting hundreds of far-flung vendors and thousands of shoppers who come for the marketplace. 20,000 stopped by last year to buy silk-screened T-shirts, enamel jewelry, patchwork handbags, funky baby clothes, dog pillows and small artworks. if you like shopping for handmade goods, or if you're just looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, then you'll want to stop by Brooklyn's fourth annual Renegade Craft Fair. This amazing (and huge) event brings together some of the country's most talented designers and crafters and is a handcrafted-goods shopping extravaganza. Prices run the gamet, and with vendors selling everything ranging from stationery, vintage necklaces, and handmade salt & pepper shakers to sweets from the Treats Truck, my guess is you should make out like a bandit. On Saturday and Sunday from 11-7 you can shop till you drop.

5 Days of Food, Films about Food, a beach and a DJ, make for a perfect culinary treat for that father into cuisine. This multi-sensory experience allows filmgoers to watch food films then sample the food portrayed in those films. Opening night brings Ben Daniel's This Is My Cheesesteak to the big screen with a cheesesteak party to match. Closing night of the festival features Craig Noble's sustainable food doc Tableland matched with a Vegan feast made from local ingredients. On Tuesday (Pizza Night) 3 short films will be screened in the tiny parking lot right next to the famous Grimaldi's Restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. Admission to all screenings is FREE. Food and drink will be available for purchase. There is Water Taxi service to the beach which is $5 each way. To join the festivities go to Water Taxi Beach at sundown.

At Central Park several events are taking place. On Saturday how about canoeing? Admission is on a first come-first served. All equipment will be provided. Ages eight and up will have you and your child feeling like the settlers.

On Sunday at 11 am take your father fishing! Equipment will be provided. The
location: Dana Discovery Center, Central Park (110th Street & Lennox Avenue). Then from 2:00-4:00 PM the 2008 session of this popular concert series that features the best in local emerging and established Latin, Jazz, World, and Gospel artists presents LOS SONEROS DE ORIENTE. Known for their cuban samba this will have you dancing in the aisles.

SummerStage is an outdoor venue, located at Rumsey Playfield, on East 72nd Street off Fifth Avenue. Friday starts a series of free programs on a first come first serve basis. You can catch on Friday from 7-10 pm Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay.
Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Vampire Weekend and Kid Sister and on Father's Day Victor Manuelle and Special Guests.

So for all my readers this should give you a heads up and these are only some of the F.A.C.T.S.

T: Is for Travel!

As the summer heightens so does our wanderlust. After all isn't now the time for vacations? With the climbing economy and the soaring gas prices most Americans are putting a halt on those pangs of travel. Tonight's column will show you not only how to have the trip of a lifetime but have it cost less than a road trip to a national treasure.

First up is Cheap Caribbean's exclusive "Free Your Mind" savings program. I was sent a flyer to them a couple of days ago and when researching them I found them not only to be credible but accurate. How does Barbados sound? For seven Tropical Nights with air fare included, the price is $299 and you can travel from September - December. How about $599 for five nights but everything is included, except motorized water sports. At this site are deals for Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and even Cancun. With the price of gas this almost sounds unreal.

Next up is a company called travel zoo and guess what? Cheap Caribbean's $299 Barbados deal is number 1. This site gives you the top Twenty cheapest vacations daily. Today some of the highlights are: $59 flight from Tampa to NYC, $799 Italian dream getaway and a New York City to London flight for $487 which includes taxes. If you have a destination in mind, Travelzoo’s SuperSearch will scour a variety of travel sites to find the lowest airfare possible. Now that's convenient.

For a more local approach, did you know you could surf in New York City? You can and some are just a subway ride away. First up Coney Island, in addition to a beach, a famous boardwalk with rides and games, the Cyclone, the sideshow, museum, flea markets, the beautiful new KeySpan Park Stadium, the fantastic New York Aquarium and special events like June 21st Mermaid Parade and the summer Siren Festival.
Is aviation something that thrills you? Gateway's National Recreation Area is for you. There is seasonal ferry service (to be expanded) from Manhattan to Gateway’s Sandy Hook Unit in New Jersey.

Know as the "Bronx Riviera" Orchard Beach is the borough’s most popular summertime meeting place. There’s a boardwalk for people-watching, a band shell where weekend concerts are held.

Rockaway Beach is the most popular and America’s longest municipal beach, with almost ten miles for sun worshippers and sandcastle builders.

Sometimes we need to get away for our peace of mind. Now there are choices that make it affordable and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for staying Cool!

I watched tonight as the sky filled with a greenish lightening and the air cooled a blissful 15 degrees. Elissa and I hung out the window looking out onto 79th Street, taking the glorious sight in. As the air cleansed our souls I knew I had tonight's column. This was the best display of nature in full glory and it was free. With looming prices and the heat soaring, here are some inexpensive ways to stay cool.

One way to stay cool and calm is with an ice-cold facial spray. Citrus, mint and rosewater feel especially refreshing, and lavender works best on oily or acne-prone skin (it's a natural antibacterial). Try Caudalie grape- and peppermint-scented Beauty Elixir ($56; sephora.com) or Shu Uemura Depsea Water ($22; 888-540-8181), which comes in nine scents including mint, rose and chamomile. Or apply Estee Lauder's new Fresh Air Continuous Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($34; esteelauder.com). This light tinted moisturizer uses time-release technology (called AquaSphere encapsulated water technology) to help skin feel refreshed all day. Or you can make your own concoction for pennies by going to your local health food store. Go through essential oils and breath in. Concentrate on the one that makes you feel the coolest and that is the one for you. Trying mixing scents. Add to a spray bottle, with distilled water and chill. Spray and feel the difference.

What about cooling off on the Hudson? There are several options. "The New York City Waterfalls" run from June 26th through October 13th. The Circle Line Downtown will provide the OFFICIAL Water Tours for the "New York City Waterfalls", with an audio introduction by the internationally renown artist who created them, Olafur Eliasson. Choose from four different ways to marvel at this monumental work of public art, with insights from the artist. The 90 to 120-foot Waterfalls will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be illuminated after sunset. Visitors will be able to see an up close views of the waterfalls, Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Pier 35 in Manhattan, and Piers 4&5 in Brooklyn on the tours. The price for this is $10. For $21 enjoy a boat ride with bite! A heart-pounding, 30-minute speedboat ride that leaves you in a shower of waves. And it's more than just the thrill of wind and water in your hair. It's a full-fledged show featuring a tour, music and plenty of laughs. And if you are struggling there is the Staten Island Ferry. This free ride is comforting, provides sites and a cool way to enjoy that sweltering day. The best part is you can ride and ride and nobody will kick you off.

My last recommendation is the Russian & Turkish Baths, an East Village institution since 1892. They claim the hottest rooms and the coldest pool of water. I have yet to have tried this but my friends who have swear by it. What intrigues me is the aromatherapy room, the swedish shower and the Turkish sauna. All of these can be had for $30 for the day. There is also a reasonable restaurant with traditional foods. For $8 you can enjoy the top dishes, which is unheard of. I definitely need to try the Platza Oak Leaf known as "Jewish acupuncture." Specialist scrub you (actually beat you) with a broom made of fresh oak leaves, sopping with olive oil soap. The oak leaves contain a natural astringent, which will open your pours, remove toxins, and actually take off layers of dead skin. For $48 how do you beat this?

It looks like the summer is going to be long and hot but it is a easy to stay cool without breaking the bank. All it takes is creativity and that is a tingling F.A.C.T.

A: Is for Actors who excite a Performance!

Art comes in many forms and this week it is in theatre productions to see. Here are three that will excite you and are must sees:

From the 1930's to the 1950's the world was known as the Golden Age of Radio. Headliners like Fanny Brice, George Allen and Orsen Wells ruled the airwaves as the sounds of big band were common place. Hamm & Clov Stage Company (named for two characters in Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame”) bring back that area with their production of THE NAKED CITY RADIO SHOW, June 19th through June 29th. Written by an international team of playwrights, Jimmy Kerr, Paula Shanley Marchese and Holly Villaire, and directed by Holly Villaire, it will feature a special appearance by singer-songwriter Laura Veltz of the Veltz Family Band and live pre-show music by “Salt of the Earth.” Inspired by the 1948 film NAKED CITY (“there are 8 million stories in the naked city…”) this is the first episode of a fictitious radio show broadcast performed before a live audience. It will follow the story of a young singer-songwriter from West Virginia in search of a story to sing. Based on real life characters and situations, only the names have been changed to to protect the innocent. I had a chance to read with this cast and there is something for everyone. You can catch THE NAKED CITY RADIO SHOW at TEATRO IATI June 19-29 Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm Tickets at the door are $20, $15 (Seniors/Students) for reservations contact: www.theatermania.com /or (212) 352-3101 Hamm & Clov Stage Company develops productions from around the world. Their original production of “Anam” (Gaelic for “soul”), created as a tribute to the lives lost on 9/11, is now a CD in the collection of the New York Public Library. "Ardnaglass on the Air." was featured on both the BBC and Telemundo, and in April of 2006 the play was given its European premiere in Ireland at the Derry Playhouse. In 2007 the company developed and produced a new play about cultural identity that was first produced in Yonkers then went on to be given a special performance on Broadway at Circle in the Square. This is a company on the rise and one to watch.











There is nothing like Shakespeare in the Park. This production of Hamlet stars Tony Award nominee for The Pillowman, Michael Stuhlbarg in the title role with Lauren Ambrose, Claire Fisher on HBO’s Six Feet Under is Ophellia. Sam Waterson is Polonius which is great because Hamlet has not been staged at The Delacorte Theater since 1975 when Waterston played the title role. It is Andre Braugher, Claudius that is getting rave word of mouth which is no surprise since he is Julliard trained and won and OBIE for Henry V. Oskar Eustis directs and considering he directed two of my favorite plays Angels in America and The Kentucky Cycle, this should be a rare treat. Performances of Shakespeare in the Park are be Tuesday through Sunday at 8PM. Tickets are FREE and are available on the day of the performance (two per person) at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park beginning at 1PM and at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place), from 1PM-3PM. The closest entrances to the Delacorte are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 70th Street and Fifth Avenue.
My last pick will win the Tony next week for best play, director and actress. If you come from a dysfunctional family, this play will be hard to take. “August: Osage County,” Taps into the meltdown of a family in crises. This crafty production comes out of
The Steppenwolf Theater Company with a cast that is impeccable and unknown to New York audiences. Directed by Anna D. Shapiro whose understanding of the nuances of a family that never stood a chance, thanks to a monstrous self centered mom who has left all three offspring exhibiting clear indications of past, present or future emotional damage. Deanna Dunagan (Violet) embodies this character to a tee and the Tony is hers. Though Amy Morton (Barbara), the oldest and strongest of the daughters gives Dunagan a run for her money. Violet the aggressor finds and exploits all the sore spots and secret hurts of everyone around her. Picking at the scabs of everyone, taking delight at each fresh victim. Alcoholism, drug addiction, adultery, sexual misbehavior: The list of pathologies afflicting one or another of the Weston family is seemingly endless, and wearily familiar. This play has already won the Pulitzer as well as the Drama Desk for play, best actress and director. I found the ending hard to take, for like "The Hours" dysfunction seems to always win and that I find hard to take.

There are some that say theatre is dying but these three production show it is alive and well though a but heavy. However Hair is the second production in the park and that is a psychedelic F.A.C.T.

F: Is for forced Vaccinations!

I ended up in the emergency room this weekend due to the fall at Duane Reade. What I conveniently left out of my original article is that the first thing I remember was a sound like a cow falling. All I could think was, wow what the hell fell. Then I realized whoa, it's me and how heavy am I. It never dawned on me it was my head that hit because it was the only part of me that didn't hurt at the time. I realized my dyslexia was worse. Thank-God for spell check. I also realized I had problems grasping for words, like a glitch in a record file that you know is there but ....where? However this weekend I started getting dizzy, passing out and the final straw was when the someone turn the volume up to the decimal level. Turns out brains can bruise....who knew. I was prescribed a pain medication, which brings us to today's column. There is a bill coming up that makes vaccinations mandatory. It is NY Assembly Bill 10942. This is a battle we all need to fight. New York State has surrendered its rights under the US Constitution and given yours away at the same time. Every vaccination recommended by the 15 member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC will be mandatory. Soon it will be the power of the police state with a needle.

By age 18 the total is 67 vaccine doses for boys and 70 for girls (including the absurd and dangerous HPV vaccines). No science shows this is either safe or effective. Quite a lot of science shows that it is neither. New vaccines are being added at a furious clip: there is no profit in vaccines unless they are widely administered. How much more widely can they be administered? Celebrities, parents, doctors and others marched to "Green Vaccines" in Washington to "get unnecessary toxins out of vaccines". Does that mean that there are, in fact, "necessary" toxins in vaccines? Without mercury, formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide, monosodium glutamate, aspartame, cancer-causing viruses, human fetal tissues and stealth viruses. Yes that is what the vaccines are made of. A Harvard Doctor stated "If an individual has had 5 consecutive flu shots his/her chances of getting Alzheimer's Disease are 10 times higher than if he/she had one, 2 or no shots." Dr. Fudenberg said it is due to the mercury and aluminum that is in every flu shot. The gradual mercury and aluminum buildup in the brain causes cognitive dysfunction. Flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury. One microgram is considered toxic."
(http://www.royalrife.com/flu_shots.html). By the age 4 children have had 5 consecutive flu shots. Will the 50% Alzheimer's incidence in people over 80 increase to 100%? What about for people age 70 who will have had 71 consecutive flu shots?
And what about the 1 to 3 micrograms of mercury that the CDC now admits remains in all vaccines as an undisclosed "trace" contaminant? See the AgeofAutism.com web site for the email exchange with CDC on this.

There is also revaccination. If you doubt this, ask the parents of the 1100 kids revaccinated at gun point in Prince George's County MD last November when the school district admitted that they had lost the kid's records and re-immunized them anyway! And ask the parents of the other 1200 kids vaccinated that day while police with attack dogs watched - despite the fact that MD is an exemption state. If you refuse vaccines in NY you will very likely lose your child and go to jail. Since there is no reason at all to believe that this lucrative, and insane, mandatory vaccination requirement will stop at age 18, I believe that we can expect laws mandating adult vaccination as well. There is no place for unconstitutional and deadly mandatory requirements in health.This is a battle we must win in a war we must not lose.

Here are a few features of the proposed bill:

Our elected New York representatives would no longer determine the mandatory schedule of vaccines to attend school; decisions made by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices would automatically become mandatory.

All children, infants and toddlers included, in New York would be required to get all vaccines recommended by the ACIP according to the ACIP schedule

All children in New York up to age 18 would be required to get annual flu shots.

All girls in New York would be required to get a human papilloma virus shot.

All junior high school children and college students would be required to get meningococcal shots.

Doctors would be required to issue certificates for every shot given and parents would be required to maintain the records and provide them to school and other authorities.

The rules committee claims that the new laws would have no fiscal impact on the state despite the necessity of the state to spend tens of millions on purchasing new vaccines, a vast increase in mandatory record keeping and enforcement for schools, and a huge increase that could be expected in the number of cases of neurological damage, Guillian Barré syndrome and other vaccine-caused injuries.

President Bush has proposed military quarantines of whole sections of the population for the Avian flu. Once a "pandemic" is declared, martial law follows (triggered at the drop of that deadly word by the head of Health and Human Services or the White House), refusal to accept "Pandemic vaccination" will lead to your "relocation/quarantine" by either US forces or the Canadian army (following the February 14, 2008 treaty announced by US Army North Com and the Canadian Military). She how everything I have been saying fits together? The 2006 Defense Authorization Act expanded the 1807 Insurrection Act to allow the President to declare Martial Law and send in the Military not only for insurrections, but also any "natural disaster, epidemic, or other serious public health emergency, terrorist attack or incident, or other condition," with both "incident" or "condition" not defined nor limited. Halliburton has built a constellation of concentration camps across the U.S. - are these camps for infected patients, or civil libertarians and nonviolent dissidents?

Don't believe me. Goggle this, research and then let your voices be heard now or it will be too late and that would be a tragic F.A.C.T.