S: Is for Savoring Each Moment

On January 12, 2007 a man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour. Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

We need to take the time to appreciate life and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Transparency

Day 1 of a presidency and President Obama used his first day to send messages that echoed themes from his campaign: intent on keeping his promises to run a clean and open government; and, next, that he understands the pain Americans are feeling as a result of the economic crisis. “Let me say it as simply as I can. Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency,” Mr. Obama declared, as he announced new rules that will limit his ability to assert executive privilege, at a meeting in which he told his senior staff that he is freezing their salaries. “Information will not be withheld just because I say so,” he said. “It will be withheld because a separate authority believes my request is well grounded in the Constitution.” As a member of the press his memorandums and executive orders, directing Washington's bureaucracy to be more open to requests for information from the press and the public sent waves of relief. “The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with a clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails.” In keeping with is words the President did not exempt himself. Any information that the President does not want to release will be referred to the attorney-general and to the White House counsel, who will rule on whether the President is entitled to withhold the information. Ex-President Bush routinely invoked executive privilege and other instruments to frustrate congressional investigations and other queries into everything from techniques used in interrogating terrorism suspects to the administration's decision to fire a raft of U.S. attorneys. In the Bush administration he didn't need judicial authority to establish wiretaps without search warrants and many Americans were "Legally" taped because of a whim.

There are things that are troubling. First, Timothy Geithner, who insists that he made an honest mistake in failing to pay more than $34,000 in overdue taxes until it became clear that he was being nominated. This is the man who will be overseeing the IRS. His behavior is beyond disconcerting. As the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Geithner could have kept a much closer eye on many of these financial institutions that have and still continue to crash. All I want to know is how he's going to do a better job as Treasury secretary? Second, will someone please explain to me why we are bailing out those who did not do there jobs? The $700 billion TARP program, will be implemented by Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy Geithner.

As most of the country celebrated I have my doubts that there are red flags that are F.A.C.T.S.

C: Is for a clean shave

One of the things men and women have in common is shaving. We both do it. Ask any women what she considers the most intimate expression of love and she will say kissing and there is nothing better than a freshly shaven guy. The perfect shave is what all men strive for every morning when they bring their razor up to their chin. An effortless shave that’s baby smooth. Shaving has become a lost art. It use to be one of those glorious male traditions passed down from father to son, but somewhere, shaving became about cheap, disposable razors. it’s no wonder that the hottest trend right know is the “old fashioned” method of wet shaving.

The perfect shave has three ingredients: a good razor, a good brush, and glycerin based shaving cream. A good badger shaving brush is the single most important ingredient in getting the perfect shave. Enter eShave to the rescue. Launched in 1996 Danielle Malka created a revival of the wet-shaving industry. A sculptor and a artist, she reinvented the way people think about shaving with art inspired shaving accessories and products that speak to a new, younger, fashionable audience. Over the past 12 years, eShave has become an international brand with worldwide recognition.

I was first introduced to eShave by Frederique the manager of eShave located at 933b 1st Ave between 54th and 55th. Frederique is passionate about shaving. The brushes run from $55-$140 but as Frederique explains, "When you are young and buy a car you buy a Chevrolet. You get some money and you up-grade to a BMW. You make your mark in the world and you buy, the ultimate car, a Rolls. Men understand cars," Frederique gaily explains. It is the shaving creams and scents which sold me. Almond smells like marzipan, but there is also lavender, white tea, citrus, rose and cucumber. I tried a drop, the size of a penny, which lathered enough for all my needs. When finished I felt my body and it was the smoothest and silkiest shave ever. Its also economical At $20 for the large size this is bound to last over 5 months.

This award-winning, luxury line of shaving products is popular among celebrities including: Pamela Anderson, Courtney Cox, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kate Moss, Nikki Taylor, Bruce Willis, David Arquette, Justin Timberlake, Kyan Douglas, Larry King, Roberto Cavalli, Sean Combs, Sean Maguire, Tony Bennett, and more!

In times of a recession it is the little things that make life luxurious and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for Art that has you howling at the moon

There are times when you get to witness artists in the making. Sometimes it is the director, or the actor but in this case it is the music, book and lyrics that spellbound. As soon as the opening number "Living in the Modern Age" is played, then sung you are enrapt in glorious harmonies, intelligent lyrics and a new take on jazz. Glimpses of the Moon is a delight. It takes you back to another age but shows you the similarities and the relevance of now. That is what is so wonderful about this show, it combines the old with the new. Starting with the landmark hotel, the Algonquin. Known for its elegance and its old world charm, the Algonquin is world famous for its cabaret venue, the Oak Room. Add in the wit and insight of Edith Wharton (Age of Innocence) who was a lady ahead of her time. Imagine the surprise of a new guest artist every two weeks, who gets to sing the haunting song “Right Here, Right Now” and a cast that is tour de force and you have a wonderful romantic evening. You have Glimpses of the Moon.

The story is your typical 1920's saga with booze, adultery and money to spend. Susy, the talented understudy, Russell Arden Koplin ( now I know how Shirley MacLaine became a star) wants her freedom so she decides Nick (a poor novelist) the crooning Stephen Plunkett should marry. They can live off their wedding gifts, the charity of friends and stay in the upper classes. All is not perfect, Coral the delightfully nerdy Laura Jordan has her claws out for Nick, while “Streffy” the comedic Gleen Peters has his stiff heart set on Susy. Susy's mentor the hysterical Jane Blass as Ellie and her husband Nelson the charming Daren Kelly add into the conflict. The dialogue sparkles and bubbles with references to money, society, greed and divorce. Marc Bruni direction is amazing considering the construct of the small room. He manages to get all the nuances in without sacrificing any of the action. Choreography by Denis Jones is clever. The elaborate costumes by Lisa Zinni are worth the price of admission alone.

Guest stars to appear next are Robert Cuccioli of Jekyll and Hyde fame. Also look for Nastasia DIez, Tom Wopat, Leslie Uggams and Rosena Hill. I expect to see legendary Karen Akers, as the song is a perfect match for her and she attended the same show I did. My guest star was the queen of caberet, the remarkable Andrea Marcovicci.

Glimpses of the Moon plays every Monday at 8. Music charge is $65 with a $30 minimum food charge. www.GlimpsesOfTheMoon.com

As I stated earlier it is John Mercurio melodic score and Tajlei Levis book and lyrics that are the highlight. Effervescence and fresh, I look forward to what else these two do next and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Food that keeps you fit

I have a lot of vegan friends who are always on the look out for the top restaurants that cater to them. Here are nine that should send you into vegan delight.

1: LULA'S SWEET APOTHECARY: 516 East 6th Street: Average entree cost: $1-$5
They make their own ice cream and also carry Chicago Soy Dairy soft-serve. Lots of old timey soda shop things like egg creams, floats and malts, as well as Red Mango and Gone Pie baked goods and fair trade coffee and hot chocolate.

2: CANDLE 79: 154 East 79th Street: Average entree cost: $15-$20
If you are looking to impress your vegan date, this is the place.

3: SNICE: 45 8th Avenue: Average entree cost: $5-$10
This is a NYC vegan favorite. Decently priced and delicious sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere where you can comfortably hang out with a group or sit alone, hovering over your laptop and a cupcake. Desserts are mostly vegan, and don't miss putting together an ice cream sandwich with your choice of cookie.

4: WILD GINGER:380 Broome Street: Average entree cost: $10-$15
Wild Ginger delivers.

5: BLOSSOM: 187 Ninth Ave: Average entree cost: $20+
Juice bar/ cafe by day; candle lit restaurant by night.

6: CURLY'S VEGETARIAN LUNCH: 328 East 14th Street: Average entree cost: $5-$10
Vegetarian variations of American diner food, for the most part. The menu claims any item can be made vegan for an additional 25¢.

7: RED BAMBOO: 140 West 4th Street: Average entree cost: $5-$10
This restaurant offeres a fusion of American soul food and Chinese food with some other world dishes thrown in. There is also homemade ice cream which you can eat alone or in a Boston or milkshake.

8:ANGELICA KITCHEN: 300 East 12th Street: Average entree cost: $10-$15
A NYC mainstay. If you love old school vegan food or if you were in gradeschool or a coma in the 90s, Anglica's might be the place for you. Next door to the main restaurant, there is a seperate entrance for take-out or counter service (with very limited seating). Warning to caffeine fiends - the strongest thing here is Orange Pekoe tea; they do not serve coffee.

9: BABYCAKES: 248 Broome Street: Average entree cost: $1-$5
Soy, nut, and sugar-free confections made without refined flour. $1 buys you a shot of icing!

Eating healthy is easy if you know where to look and that is a F.A.C.T.