S: is for striking out for yourself

I know I promised you a column on Marcus Britti and I will next week, but right now I think we all need humor. For most everyone I know 2009 has been like HELL! There have been times that I have been, down right manic and depressed and for those who know me personally, that's just not my personality. I have learned if I can just breath, that fresh intake of air is so rewarding. It is the fear factor that does me in. Fears are like annoying relatives. You can't avoid them forever, and ignoring them won't make them go away. Come Thanksgiving, they'll plop down right next to you and ask to borrow your fork. So you'd better figure out how to confront the little devils before they eat your dessert too. Here's some ideas for how to tell your fears to hit the road. Yell at Them! Hey, getting vocal gets out all that aggression and by the time your done, you'll be ready to hit the pillow, for a well deserved rest. Laugh at Them! I like to tell little jokes to mine. By the time I finish, my sides ache from the release. Talk About Them! They say communication works, and we all bitch about others not communicating properly. The question is "Do you communicate with yourself?" Harness Them! If they are under your control, you don't have to worry about them. Let your dominate self come out to play. Free Them! For you and you alone hold your fate in you own hands and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Times have changed.

When President Obama took his wife out for a date, it was reported that they flew to New York from Washington on a Gulfstream-type plane, rather than one of the larger craft that serve as Air Force One. They dinned at the highly expensive Blue Hill restaurant before attending a performance of the late playwright August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."In a times when people are losing their homes, their jobs and their lives, another President comes to mind.

Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri His wife had inherited the house from her mother and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There were no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician.
And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference."

Politicians have changed for the worse and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Cuba with a Brazilian soul

You can almost feel the sway of palm trees as the tropical heat descends. This is the world where Desi Arnez meets Charo and the sizzling syncopation of the conga's, tells their story. At Favela Cubana, the Brazilian rhythm blends with cuban sensations, for a mouth watering culinary soiree. Marco Britti, drummer for Mark Anthony is the soul, where food, music and culture converge. I started off with a Caipirinha ($7) the national cocktail of Brazil. Smooth and refreshing I went for the more elaborate version with mango and passion fruit ($9). Now I know why Brazilians are always smiling. For Appetizers we tried the special empanadas ($5) filled with corn and turkey in a chimichuri sauce. Had this been the only item on the menu I would of been completely satisfied. Light and melt in your mouth delicious. We also tried the Pao de Queijo ($5.50) and the Ensalada Peseta ($10) a salad with mango, avocado and with perfectly grilled shrimp. For entrees the Ropa Vieja ($14) braised beef with olives, onions and peppers in a savory white wine sauce, pleased. As well as the Camarao a Baiana ($17) shrimp sauted in a coconut milk sauce. Favela Cubana's greatest strength is its sauces. There were times that it seemed almost french. They were so delicate and flavorful, bringing out the most of the ingredients. For dessert we indulged in Volcan de Chocolate ($7) and the Panna Cotta de Maracuja a passion fruit custard ($6). As we ate, bodies began to undulate to the hypnotic music that draw you into the atmosphere. Conga drums line the bar for the patrons to sit on. I learn that on Saturday and Sunday nights after 9, Britti and some of his friends teach conga lessons to the patrons as part of the price of the entree's. On Mondays Barbara Martina serenades customers with Flamenco as they sip on sangria and enjoy a paiea. On Tuesdays for $15 Arroz Co Polo and Presidente beer can be had. On Wednesday's taste the flavorful Caipirinha's, combine it with the shrimp dish and listen to fogo for just $20. Britti started this restaurant for two reasons, 1: to give back to his family and 2: to give back to others who are less fortunate. Marco Britti will be my Fridays column as well. 543 Laguardia Place nestled in the heart of NYU just got a little bit hotter and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for Art that has us think

The right of one person to comfort another in a hospital room is often denied because of an individuals preference in sexual orientation. Straight people have this right while gay and lesbian couples are left out in the sterile hallways to wonder. Geoffrey Naufft’s “next fall” explores this topic in a humorous detailing of one mans experience. Mr. Nauffts, is also the artistic director of Naked Angels and best known as an actor, with this company. The script is witty and had me laughing at all turns. Directed by Sheryl Kaller, it is a fast paced sitcom. Patrick Heusinger, best known for his work on the CW's "Gossip Girls" is a repressed 20 year old who is a fundamental Christian. He has kept his orientation away from his parents and berates himself for his decision, after sex. Adam (Patrick Breen), is a 40 something, hypochondriac, atheist, who is "me" obsessed. We arrive in a hospital, where Luke is in a coma after being hit by a taxi. Luke’s divorced parents, Butch (Cotter Smith)and Arlene(Connie Ray), Brandon(Sean Dugan)and Holly (Maddie Corman), are the people at the center of Luke's life. All are dysfunctional and in a word..imperfect and real. Flashing back, we discover the in and outs of a relationship that has always never really quite connected because of their fundamental differences. Though Luke has been content to just "be", Adam has been obsessed to harp on the fact that he wants Luke to "love him, more than God." It is a fight about this, which has, what seems like Luke committing suicide, yet that is never dealt with. What is dealt with is Adams rights. But I have a question to the playwright. If someone has for whatever reason kept their sexuality hidden, when you are at your most vulnerable does someone, anyone have the right to out you? What if it was their fault that you were lying in a hospital bed? Does that person have the right to say "Hey look at me?" This play has me livid, because as far as I am concerned no one has the right to decide when another person does or does not say anything, especially as they lay dying. I believe anyone should have the right to visit those they have been in a relationship with in a hospital or at a funeral, yet if this play were the example, I would change my mind. As much as this play made me laugh, it made me cry for this reason. The play fails, at it's core. The cast is wonderfully humanistic and has us feeling for them at every turn, minus the character of Adam. No one has the right to decide our faith, who we are or where we stand and that is a F.A.C.T.

At the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street through July 5th

F: Is for feeling Fabulous and now there's a place to go

Feeling the need to drink out doors? Here is a list of five that will get you a view and few specials to entice you.

Brass Monkey Bar Roof Deck: 15th at 55 Little West 12th, near 10th Ave
This deck looks out on an asphalt-covered dog run, a parking lot and the West Side Highway. There's a flat screen on the way for movie nights, but the unobstructed sunset over the river should have you sizzling on those hot or not so hot summer nights. From 5-8pm tonight, 2-for-1 Bud and Coors Light on the waitress-only deck. After the special, choose from 75+ beers.

Highbar: 790 8th Ave, at 48th
On the 16th hit this 15th floor cabana oasis, for 2-for-1 frozen drinks. With tasty delights such as, guava ginger margaritas and coconut mojitos, you won't need a passion fruit pink lemonade to get you in the mood.

Salon De Ning: 700 5th Ave, at 55th St
Did you miss taking the Oriental Express this year? Well not anymore, at this Oriental-themed midtown roof you can taste the adventure as you sip on the Thrillist Martinis, which Ning's serving for $12, instead of the usual $22. That only happens from 5-7pm June 17th.


Hudson Terrace: 621 W 46th St, near 12th Ave
Is a celebrity hang out and you might as well see what all the buzz is about. On June 18th from 5-10pm reserve a no-need-for-bottle-service table and get 20% off everything you drink while you watch the sunset over the USS Intrepid.

Shang Terrace: 190 Allen St, between Houston and Stanton in the Thompson LES Hotel
Happy hour is from 5-8pm on June 19th and that means 2-for-1 sangria pitchers at the recently-opened 2nd floor terrace. By the way if it gets too hot there is always the pool to cool you off.

Happy summer and enjoy these F.A.C.T.S.