S: Is for Getting Off Scot Free!

It seems Eliot Spitzer is getting off scot free. That is unless you count a ruined career, ruined marriage, kids who he has painfully hurt as nothing. My guess is a book deal is in the works. Mr. Spitzer was involved in a high profile prostitution ring, a move that ultimately led to his political demise. The FBI stated "It isn't common to punish the people buying the hookers, only the prostitutes themselves". However if you dig this is not true.


Spitzer released the following statement: "I appreciate the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and I acknowledge and accept responsibility for the conduct it disclosed. I resigned my position as Governor because I recognized that conduct was unworthy of an elected official. I once again apologize for my actions." The statement release by the FBI stated "We have concluded that the public interest would not be further advanced by filing criminal charges in this matter." Tell that to the men in jail for doing less. The lawyer for an escort service employee has blasted a federal prosecutor's decision not to criminally charge former New York governor Eliot Spitzer for his role in the call girl scandal. Attorney Michael Farkas represents Tanya Hollander, a former booking agent for the escort service, 1 of 4 people who've pleaded guilty to running the call girl ring. Farkas calls it "a sad injustice" that Hollander faces jail time and others do not. The decision not to prosecute might have to do with valuable evidence that Spitzer may have offered to the prosecutor.
“What if there is a ring of people, what if there’s a major prostitution ring that involves the mafia, big money, organized criminals who go beyond prostitution,” George explained, adding that Spitzer could be “ useful because he got information from the hookers.”

Spitzer was taken down in a prostitution scandal by his bank at an opportune time for Wall Street. ... now that the feds have approved a $700 billion bailout for Wall Street, Spitzer's "crimes" aren't such a big deal... In fact, they're not even crimes. Not everybody gets the hands-off treatment. Some people get charged. The people who get charged in for soliciting prostitutes tend to poor, black or brown. So the lesson is, if you're rich you get to do what you want? One reporter gathered a list of johns whose only crime was picking up a prostitute in Chicago and not only were they jailed but fined and Spitzer gets off. Where is justice? It seems there are only rules when it suits the powers that be and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Transportation!

The big news today is that three of the major car companies are about to go under. In july the MTA is planning on raising the fare to $2.50. Gas is rising and falling and is unstable. Todays column is on alternative transportation and the cool ways to get around.

I just got a bike and within one week the tires were shot and I heard horror stories that were an attempt to frighten me to beware. However I am on the fearless side and to me it was more of a challenge. I researched and found Rock The Bike. This on-line store has nifty ways to stay safe and look out of this world. Fashionista bike here I come! First up...city tires that glow at night.
Fun cruiser-width tires help you turn your two-wheeled thing into a bike that is easy to see. If you enjoy the feeling of rolling up on a stylish cruiser to cafes and events here's the item that provides safety and glamor. They provide unmatched curbside appeal for your wheels. It's impossible for people not to notice. Sweetskinz tires also include integrated reflective patterns in the tread. It's easy to see which part is reflective whenever you take flash photos of your bike with Sweetskinz installed. The part that looks silver / grey in the daytime, becomes active at night when light shines on it. Certainly for use on a city bike or cruiser, Sweetskinz pumped up to 60-70 psi will roll well, with very few flats. (Flat tires are much more likely when you ride with 20-40 psi.)


Night blindness? Not with this product, Down Low Glow provides the 'cool safety' experience customers rave about. With the Down Low Glow bike you can worry less about getting hit, and focus more on the joys of the night riding. Don't waste it wondering whether cars will see you. With six beautiful colors to choose it features a lightweight rechargeable battery, easy no-tools mounting kit, shockproof light tubes, and picture-book owner's manual. The whole system weighs in just over a pound. It won't slow you down, but it will enhance your safety. The Down Low Glow comes with GSR ("Gimme Some Room") Technology. The whole point of GSR technology is to make you and your bike seem wider on the road than you actually are. GSR technology helps make it clear to drivers what part of the road is yours, and what part of the road is theirs. So when cars pass you, they are likely to give you more breathing room. Did you know that nearly 70% of all nighttime bicycle-car collisions are due to side visibility? Most LED-based safety lights aim forwards or backwards. Installation is easy and fits bikes of all types and sizes. It takes about 5-10 minutes to put the Down Low Glow on your bike for the first time. When you get good, you’ll get it down under a minute or two. For the single tube version of the Down Low Glow, installation times are about 50% lower. Either way. you'll be out rolling on a cloud of colored neon light the same night you receive your order.

For Hybrid lovers Audi recently revealed their slick A1 Sportback Hybrid at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Based on the A1 project Quattro concept released last year in Tokyo, the 5-door plug-in hybrid can run for 60 miles on a single charge, after which it gets an exceptional 72.4 mpg. The Sportback is powered by 1.4 TFSI petrol engine in addition to a 27hp electric motor that adds 150 Nm of torque, giving the vehicle a zippy 0-60 speed of 7.9 seconds. The vehicle is also able to calculate its fuel efficiency ahead of time, by determining changes in altitude and calculating how much extra power will be required as you drive.

There are many alternative forms of travel, you just need to check them out and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Change!

As I watch Obama's acceptance speech I am filled with emotion. The statement he made to those who did not vote for him is the reason I started writing this column. I am paraphrasing but it went " I hear your voice and I will be your president too." As I write, the popular vote for Obama is: 62,443,218 McCain: 55,386,310 with four states left to vote. Our country is divided. The difference between the two candidates is around 7 million votes. That doesn't sound like much but when compared to over 100 million it speaks volumes. The division is 6%. I give McCain credit for his speech conceding defeat to Barack Obama in the US presidential election. It was gracious as he congratulated the new president-elect and declaring that the "people of America have spoken". McCain recognized the special significance of the historic election for African Americans. "Senator Obama has achieved a great thing, for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it". He repeatedly pledged he would do all he could for America at such a difficult time, despite his loss, and went on to refer to Obama as "the man who was my former opponent who will now be my president". Like McCain we need to be tolerant of those whose choice was rejected. We need as a people to listen to Obama's speech and put forth a new leaf. Barack Obama is going to be confronted with seismic challenges. What he faces sobers even the bravest of men. Two wars, terrorist threats and a economy in shreds. Leon E. Panetta, the former White House chief of staff advised, “You better damn well do the tough stuff up front, because if you think you can delay the tough decisions and tiptoe past the graveyard, you’re in for a lot of trouble. Make the decisions that involve pain and sacrifice up front.” Obama plans in putting his plans into effect prior to the transfer of authority on Jan. 20. He will name three co-leaders of his transition team on Wednesday, including John D. Podesta, the former Clinton chief of staff; Valerie Jarrett, a longtime Obama adviser; and Pete Rouse, Mr. Obama’s Senate chief of staff. A news conference planned by the end of the week will announce top White House appointees by the end of the week and anticipate the nomination of secretaries of state and treasury by Thanksgiving. This is a president who is ready. The end of the Bush era is finally coming to an end but Obama will have to deal with Bush's legacy for years to come. Obama has stated this year the country needs to be healed, but awe as people must realize this too and that is a F.A.C.T

A: Is for Art that Shows Us Our Intolerance!

On the morning of February 25, 2000, a young gay Mormon named Henry Stuart Matis drove to the Mormon Ward House in Los Altos, California, placed a gun to his head, and ended his life. Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry is based on the actual events of his life.
The dilemma that faces gay men and women of faith is portrayed here with depth and tragedy. Henry makes the ultimate sacrifice, by choosing death over an alternative life style and his parents condone his actions. It is hard to tell you about this play because there are things you have to experience for yourself and experience you will.

The cast is first rate as well as the staging and lighting. The writing has problem areas, such as in the beginning when the characters break the forth wall and leave the audience confused. But it is the plays subject matter that reaches into the heart of all who experience this tragedy and will resinate in hidden area's within. There is now way not to be effected by this story.

After seeing this play I learned that 40% of gay and lesbian Mormons commit suicide. That is an alarming rate. On of the reason this play is important is because of the upcoming vote for proposition 8 which eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry. A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. With that kind of judgement how many other people will be made to feel that nothing will ever be ok and follow the path of Henry Matis. What is marriage but commitment, being there no matter the circumstances, being admitted into a hospital when things go wrong and shouldn't we all be given that right? The Mormon church is one of the biggest supporters of proposition 8 and before that 22 and has donated millions. 5 million for 22 and over 40% or 8 million for proposition 8. When you put the statistics together that is 1% donated for every suicide to ruin more peoples lives. Linda S. Nelson’s directing choices make the play easy to watch even though the subject matter is gut wrenching. She is also th founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director of Shotgun Productions, Inc.

It is interesting to note that Ms. Nelson was born and raised in Utah. Matt Huffman's is Henry. He brings layers upon which we see the demise of a human being. Bill Fairbairn (Triumph of Love) portrayal of Henry's father is believable as a week man whose love for his son has him bargaining God for his life and he evokes sympathy for the him. Gail Winar (Fringe-First Award-winning What I Heard About Iraq at the Edinburgh Fringe) is the mother so wrapped up in religion she has buried her own emotions and feelings. She evokes a hatred in anyone who has eyes to see. Warren Katz ( Theatre Award Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in The Price) as Bishop Rhodes, who is the first person to ever listen and truly hear Henry's pain. His portrayal is wonderfully giving, but it is Jai Catalano as Todd Henry's first and only lover who steals our hearts and the show. Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry plays until November 22nd at TBG Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 3rd floor (btw. 8th & 9th Aves.) All Seats - $18 For Tickets call SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or log on to www.smarttix.com Author Roman Feeser work should be encouraged for this work will have you talking, researching and reaching inside you for any intolerance that cause so much pain. I leave you with a line from the play that came from an article in Newsweek “The people who dressed [Matis] for burial were struck by the sight of his knees, deeply callused from praying for an answer that never came.”

Intolerance happens even when we profess to love and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Food Abounding!

News in the food world is: as the NYC Marathon ends one of the most well revered and talented chefs working in the city these days Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park also finishes his first Marathon. He ran it in 28:23.

Also the hottest new place to open is The Charles which opened Halloween night. The Waverly Inn’s John DeLucie is the consulting chef. It’s a great old space, 60-some-odd seats. Rafael de Cárdenas added his touches of plush red curtains, black speckled wall mirrors, and marquee bulbs. Keith Goldston is the wine consultant, he owns the wine bar Clo located in the Time Warner Center. Chef John McAllister, who worked at the Heartbeat is DeLucie collaborator for this healthy-esque take on Mediterranean. Dishes ranged from braised beef short rib w/ swiss chard & golden raisins, to seared duck breast with roasted grapes & escarole, to diver scallops & prawns w/ fingerling potatoes & saffron The owners, a designer and a promoter, are aiming for exclusivity, so getting in may be a bitch. The Charles, 234 W. 4th St (at W. 10th St), open now, reservations only by email at reservations@restaurantcharles.com

Bloomingdale Road also just opened on the Upper West Side, Bloomingdale Road is a cathedral of comfort food and an homage to old New York. Walls are graced with art and photos of a bygone day while the menu leans towards Southern Style cooking. Smoked deviled eggs, Manhattan clam chowder, and grass-fed-beef sliders are creative but it is the substantial lamb “Julep” (ultra-tender slices) alongside semi-sweet bourbon-braised ribs that have my mouth watering. Scallops in cornmeal crust on a bed of pumpkin maple syrup with pomegranate purée, say this is the place for me. Desert peanut butter and jelly tart with marshmallow ice cream for the kid in all of us. To go and endulge go to 2398 Broadway, at 88th St.; 212-874-7400

Stocks may be falling but restaurants are still flourishing and that is a F.A.C.T.