S: Is for Stories from the Heart!

In writing yesterday's column and the previous ones like it, I realized I forgot something.....hope and encouragement. My friends and I are constantly sending these lifelines to each other, helping to show the light that sometimes seems missing. It is with great love, that I give this column to you, for those days when you find it hard to go on. If you the reader have something to pass on please email me and we will share your inspirations. From now on the S column will be three stories from the heart.

The first one comes from the animal kingdom. When a four legged animal is born with only two legs, they walk. They protect those who love them and those who need there help. Cookie is a guard dog who helps children cross the street. When researching, I found several dogs who everyday give despite their disability. Check out You Tube to see what I mean.

The second one This is a WONDERFUL example of overcoming an adversity. There is no way not to feel humbled and awed over this exhibition to never stop what you are passionate about. The women, in her 30's, was a dancer who had trained in ballet since she was a child. loosing her entire left arm in an accident ahe fell into a state of depression
until she was asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that, she realized that she could not forget her love of dancing. She returned her old routines, but, having lost her arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even make a simple turns or spins without falling. Then she heard of a man in his 20s who had lost his leg in an accident. Like her his depression and anger was an emotional roller coaster. Determined to find him (he was from a different Province) she persuade him to dance with her. He had never danced, and to "dance with one leg... are you joking with me? "No way!" Not giving up, she pursued him until reluctantly he agreed. She started to teach him dancing 101. After several setbacks they hired a choreographer. Entering a National dance competition they won with this most magnificent and touching performance. It is living proof that the human spirit can conquer any physical limitations!

Mischa Zimmermann’s life broke apart [nine] years ago when he was thirteen. He was diagnosed with a tumor that had penetrated his brain stem. His mother, Heni had been diagnosed with cancer six months earlier. “My own mother was a Holocaust survivor,” Heni recounts, and “so I grew up with stories of the camps the hopelessness and the terror. Mischa became ill to the point of teetering between life and death. While recuperating a five-year-old boy down the hall asked Mischa if he could borrow Toy Story. That event turned his life around. “I couldn’t believe how much something as small as a videotape meant to this kid. He hadn’t smiled in a week, and here he was grinning and laughing out loud. I also realized how good it made me feel to do something for another kid. It made me feel more alive and less involved in my own problems. That’s when I first had the idea for Kids Helping Kids. " While Mischa continued to fight for his health, he teamed up with his mother to launch Kids Helping Kids, a volunteer organization run by teens to benefit teens who are facing medical crises. The name of the group says it all-kids helping kids in whatever way they can: raising money to buy motorized wheelchairs, donating time to keep a lonely kid company in the hospital, pooling resources to grant a sick child a special wish. He recruited forty of his classmates at Montclair High School, in NJ. Up until the end he inspired with a courageous and willful act of compassion that multiplies the good in the world. Thought Mischa has passed on his legacy lives. Log onto to http://www.kidshelping.org/aboutus.html as his mom still carries on what her and her son began.

We all think that life has to be perfect before we can give, but the truth is life becomes perfect when we give and that is a F.A.C.T. that gives hope!

T: Is for Tyranny staring us in the Face!

As the 4th of July approaches, we rented the HBO "John Adams"series . Though I found the series well acted, I also found it highly manipulative and full of propaganda. I have been fighting for our rights to free choice and here is Abigail giving her children a controversial small pox shot which gives a 1 in 5 chance of her children dying and she thinks those odds are good. Considering that people were a day away, those odds are not what I would of taken. This program did however, remind me of what The Declaration of Independence was all about and I wondered what happened to a people so full of hope and conviction? A people willing to lay down their lives for their rights and the rights of others, without thought to self but to an ideal...Freedom! It seems to me we are back to where we started with a government denying us our rights and even worse oppressing us. Why are we not complaining? Public Officials misbehaviors are both numerous and serious, and obscures the real problems. The fundamental principle of the constitution are not being upheld. According to The Declaration of Independence the government should lack any power to infringe, abridge, or deny our rights, yet there is an absences of power.

The specific foundation of America’s legal system is the Declaration of Independence. It asserts that all men are created equal, yet to secure those rights, we have to go to those who are taking them away. “No Tax or Duty shall be laid", yet what is happening with our gas, electricity and food?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.........” What about when Americans in New York peacefully march against war, or for having a Republican convention in our city. I for one watched as innocent people were jailed, hurt and treated like animals for peacefully stating their rights! I also watched as the freedom of the press has been stifled until it has become a monopoly.

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” I am in no way up for owning a gun, but I am against a government telling me I can't and those statements are being echoed in our court system. The Second Amendment most strikingly illustrates how a true constitutional right is absolutely immune from governmental restriction, so how can they infringe on that right without destroying its own foundation.

These analysis apply to every one of our “unalienable Rights.” What about the Fourth Amendment? And yet this regime signed into effect illegal wiretapping just because they think you are a terrorist. Wouldn't this be called terrorism?

In short, “the government” cannot deprive any American of his rights, and yet daily they are being taken away and we do nothing. Where are those brave men who we are descendent from?

We need checks and balances in the law. Those who break it, be it public officials or not should not be allowed to have their crimes excused as acts of “government,” and must be held accountable. For a government that can never be punished becomes what Britain was to those first Americans. We as "the People” have come to a point “in the course of human events” to stop whining and take a stand and triumph over tyranny.

This 4th of July, the price of gas will top $5 a gallon, go to AmericanSolutions.com and signed our "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition. Send a Message to Washington This Independence Day. Take a stand. While we give foreign powers our energy dollars, we sit atop proven domestic sources of energy, both conventional and unconventional.

Both Obama and McCain claim the mantle of change but why is neither addressing the North American Union? Our rights have been sold and most Americans, Canadians and Mexicans do not even know about this. Why! We stand to lose everything that most have been paying into since they could. Freedom if we do not awake will become a mythology, a fairy tale. Housing, employment, health care, education, and many other areas, mock the radical promises of the Declaration of Independence and it is becoming only for the most elite. To fight for life, liberty, justice, or equality, is being framed as being un-American and anti-patriotic.

The Declaration of Independence unequivocally states that when a government is unjust, it is the duty of men to alter or abolish it. The American government calls itself a republic, but it is unimpeachable. The American Paradox is a country that promises justice for all and yet it really ends up being for the corporations and a limited few. "If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong." This was stated by Martin Luther King when fighting for his and those of his color for equality. Recently researchers stopped random people on the street with untitled copies of the Declaration of Independence and asked for their opinion of it, person after person told them that the Declaration was treasonous and must have been written by people who hated America. A patriot is someone who affirms the status quo and its inequities, and demands change so that citizens can receive the promises guaranteed them by America's core documents and it is now considered un-American.

Today, as we face the dual challenge of global warming, peak oil prices, energy and food shortages and an unstable economic structure, we need to open our eyes.

Look at copy of the Declaration of Independence so you can see what was promised you and then maybe you will feel as I do. At one point in time freedom mattered and that still should be a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Clutches that Carry!

My friend Lui Antinous was being honored at Bendel's for "Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design." Yes there is an award show for purses. Lui's clutches and purses are an art that reflect the amazing person who creates them. The "Independent Handbag Designer Award", is the only handbag competition of its kind in the world and gives young designers a chance to present their handbags at a high profile New York event and compete for one of six Award of excellence, thus giving international recognition. Lui Antinous who hails from San Diego, California now lives in New York. He began designing clothing and leather goods at the age of fifteen. At 22 he started his own company “Antinous Couture” with high end, well crafted purses ranging from $350 - $1200 and now at 26 modern designs have caught the attention of those who can further his career. In Lui's own words, "The one thing that stands out about my bags is the structured silhouette, which embodies power and beauty, femininity and masculinity, the classic and the modern. Creating a wonderful sense of ambiguity, which most people are afraid yet fascinated by. The audience I target is a strong one, a confident and grounded one who knows what to wear and how to wear it." His dreams but are to not be afraid or intimidated to pursue my passions. The thing I love about Lui is he knows who he is and is not afraid to express it which makes him not only a remarkable person but one hell of a designer. www.antinouscouture.com/

There were two other designers whose bags impressed me. The first is up for best student design and her name is Dana Van Daele. Her "Turquoise" Envelope Clutch hand made in brown washed cowhide is called "Grey Sunshine" and sells for $450. Representing the Fashion Institute of Technology, her philosophy is not to follow trends and to let the material be the inspirtation for her designs. At 27 this is a designer to watch. For best bag in the "Green" category Tracy Penwell and her company "Dressed Up Cat Fashion Re-fashioned" is the one to watch. "Summertime" is a one-of-a-kind wearable art straw & white leather clutch embellished with 3 watched with white leather bands. All components vintage or recycled. $295. Her goal is to make a lower impact on the earth and to make a humorous fashion statement. Currently located in Scottsdale, Arizona, as the demand for her bags grow, she plans to employ local women's shelter residents for assembly. To see and learn more about Tracy log onto www.dressedupcat.com

Last but not least are the celebs trying to save on advertising by carrying their own designs or being paid to model. The following are my top three who I would carry. Jessica Simpson's Delfina Leather Hobo is priced at $98 and thank-God her name is not plastered all over it. Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B bags are wel designed with a large variety of styles and shapes which of course affect the price. A L.A.M.B Siena Tote runs $825. My favorite by far is Fergie's, Kipling "Swell Duffel" at $128 and makes a great plane carry on.

Purses, clutches and bags are all extensions of our personality and it is great to know there is a wide varity in prices and designs and that is a F.A.C.T. that you can carry with you!

A: Is for Art de Barrio!

With the Celebration of "In the Heights" winning Tony awards this column is in celebration of a spanish coming of age. I have known about "In the Heights" for at least 7 years. My friend Doreen Montalvo has been involved with it since it's conception and it was with delight to see her at this years Tony Awards for this talented singer and actress is finally making her Broadway debut. "In the Heights" is a glorious fresh expression of uncalculated exuberance and life. It is passionate and joyous.

Heralded by The New York Times as “an institution in its ascendancy”, El Museo del Barrio was founded in 1969 by artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz and has evolved into New York’s leading Latino cultural institution.El Museo retains its strong community roots as a place of cultural pride and self-discovery. It continues to offer a forum for the unique creative languages of the varied communities of the caribbean and Latin American. Though closed for renovations until September 2009, they are still open for concerts, theatre and community outreach. On Thursday, June 19, Women on the Verge perform beginning at 7:00 pm. Lucía Pulido is a Colombian singer with one of the richest voices on the international music scene. Mining the musical traditions with a distinct, experimental sound.
Lucia is now developing an experimental project based on Latin American traditional songs with Argentinean guitarist Fernando Tarrés; and a new project titled “América Contemporánea – um Outro Centro” with Brazilian pianist Benjamim Taubkin. Holding on to the rawness of the original melodies she giving them a sophisticated new context, which should make this event a treat. This concert is free and is held in 599-seat Heckscher Theater located at 104th and 5th Ave.

On Saturday, June 21, from 12:00 – 4:00 pm Miracles On 104th Street Festival will be held. Celebrating its 5th year, New Yorkers are invited to explore the intersection of culture along Fifth Avenue and 104th Street. Presented annually by The Museum of the City of New York & El Museo del Barrio, you will enjoy an afternoon with lively music and art. El Museo will feature a hands-on activities for children and families throughout the day on the rooftop, as well as live Latin & World music by Cuban artist Alina Brouwer & The Black Friars (1-3 pm). So save that date.

New York is a melting pot and art is what makes that a wonderful F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Fashionista Help!

With the recession hitting hard, the word SALE is a must. A lot of the top stores have added a free service which elevates the guess about how you look by adding a personal shopper. Here are some idea's to keep you hanging with the fashionistas.

Sherice will shop with you until you drop at The New York Look on 69th & Broadway, personally helping you to select the right pieces to refresh your summer wardrobe. With her expertise she will assist with picking items for your summer vacation, or just simply supply sound advice for those who are deaf to fashion. The New York Look has a wide variety of Contemporary and Bridge Designers much like what you would find at Barney’s, Sak’s, or even Bendel’s, for much less. That much needed shift mini by Black Halo or Tufi Duek for the downtown chick or that Ombre Maxi Dress in Sunset by R Jean for the village hipster all lives within these four walls. Need that perfect 2-piece linen white powersuit by TeenFlo for work? How about an Alice + Olivia shift dress in Kelly green or basic black for a night out on the town? And all of this with 40% off. Ladies, it’s time to take a break from work to play dress up and add to our FABULOUSNESS! It’s our DUTY… Call Sherice to reserve your one-on-one appt. 516-425-5548

Michele Negri is a new, high-end Italian brand that recently launched its boutique featuring women’s and men’s collection. Right now save 30% percent for a limited time. These clothes are beautiful and well made so Do Not Miss It! You can also schedule a private consultation at 1015 Madison Avenue, between 78 and 79 street.












I have never been a big fan of Justin Timberlake. He's a good dancer and and ok performer and now God forbid he is trying to be a designer with his fashion line William Rast. He combines with Trace Ayala, Timberlake’s business partner for their clothing line which is jean and tee shirt orientated. Ready to gag? Trace and Justin are taking WR to the Big Apple for this upcoming season of Fashion Week. Expect jeans in bright with colors such as pink, green, yellow and red. Also some really light weight fabrics for fall.

A great piece added each season will not only boost a tired wardrobe, but give you that extra added kick you need and that is a
fashionable F.A.C.T.