T: Is for terroism in NY

I have been working the US Open in Rockefeller Center and I have seen for the past few days police in full terrorist fighting gear. Gas masks, machine guns, protection equipment that makes them look scary as hell. The first time I saw them I was afraid something was happening . Then I found out , no, this is now regular procedure in NY. There are no trash cans because God forbid there is what? More trash littered? You notice that The machine guns that they carry when your heart finally stops racing look like they came from "Toys are Us". However that doesn't stop the fear that they cause. They come in packs of five and are reminiscent of "The Terminator". I then come to find Congress appropriated $4 million to help the New York Police Department pay for the protective equipment, including gas masks. Senator Hillary Clinton has secured more funding to allow the police to buy thousands of gas masks. $900 million more. And still she wants more: "We need more help from the federal government for the additional burdens that are being imposed on the N.Y.P.D., the burdens that require the constant vigilance that this city is known for,""But we're not getting the help we need, and it is a grave concern throughout the city and at every level of government." The recent two-week terrorism alert was costly, with the department spending more than $1 million in just four days on overtime and other costs. According to Clinton "'We do everything we can through our defense budget to take care of our men and women in the military. This war is a two-front war. It's now here at home. And therefore we should be spending the dollars from the federal government to make sure that we're safe here at home, and they should go to police and fire and first responders." I personally think she should see the movie "Iraq for Sale: War Profiteers'. Could this be another version of the movie closer to home?

There are other issues closer to home such as the National Debt, Global Warming and the inadequacy of our President. Wouldn't the money be better spent dealing with these issues rather than turning NY into a Military State. We are quickly losing our freedoms. Wake-up and learn the F.A.C.T.S.

C: Is cure for the common cold

It's almost here, the cold and flu season. Here are some remedies to keep you healthy and moving forward. In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter through the ear canal. According to Dr. Simmons, contrary to what you may think or have been taught about how you catch a cold or the flu, there is only one way that you can catch either, and that's via the ear canal - not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most have believed. Once the cold and flu virus have entered the inner-ear, they begin their breeding process, and from there have access to every avenue throughout our body to infect. In 1938 German researchers had great success using hydrogen peroxide in the ear to treat colds and flu. With the invention of antibiotics people forgot all about treating colds and flu with hydrogen peroxide. It is important to begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear – with one caution, It should not be done if you have a perforated eardrum! Add a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide (h2o2) into each ear. The h2o2 starts working within seconds to kill the cold or flu virus. You will probably feel nothing. There may be some bubbling or mild stinging. If you begin at the first sign of catching a cold usually only one procedure is needed. You may need to repeat the process two or more times at one or two hour intervals. You can also gargle with hydrogen peroxide dilution of two parts water and 1 part hydrogen peroxide for healthy teeth or a sore throat and a teeth whitener. Hydrogen peroxide should not be swallowed. For this reason, you should never allow a child to gargle with hydrogen peroxide. A nasal spray bottle will make this an easier procedure.

For years I have steamed with eucalyptus and lavender oil. Just place a pot of water on the stove and boil. Add as much eucalyptus as you can stand and a couple of drops of lavender. Turn off heat and place a towel and breath. Not only is it relaxing, it will make your skin soft and clean and it will keep colds at bay.


If all else fails Airborne. Yes it really does work and makes you feel good. Hurray for the teacher who invented it and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for art forging a way

The New Museum of Contemporary Art opens at 235 Bowery on December 1st. This premier contemporary art museum is among the most important internationally, as is the only museum in New York City exclusively devoted to presenting contemporary art from around the world. From dynamic solo exhibitions to landmark group shows it defines key moments in the development of contemporary art, reflects the global nature of art today, and spans a vast array of cultural activations and media. Presenting the work of under-recognized artists, has led the way for Ana Mendieta, William Kentridge, David Wojnarowicz, Paul McCarthy and Andrea Zittel before they received widespread public recognition. Guided by a conviction that contemporary art is a vital social force that extends beyond the art world and into the broader culture, this museum purposes to engage diverse audiences. It is not the first time the museum has filled this role. When it opened in 1983, the area was dangerous. The museum helped to attract galleries and retail. Perhaps it is the key fixture to doing this again. Inside the shimmery new building will be a theater, three full-floor exhibit spaces, and a glass gallery dedicated to founder Marcia Tucker. The first show, “Unmonumental,” is an on-trend look at assemblage, that homely approach to artmaking. It perfectly fits this stretch of the Bowery where it looks like the end but it is a F.A.C.T a new beginning.

F: Is for Foot Fall Fashion

They say that clothes make the man but it is accessories that make a well dressed New York fashionable women. She knows that you can up date the blandest of wardrobes with the perfect shoes, the signature belt or that eye catching piece of one of a kind jewelry. I just completely based this years look around two items: a pair of over the knee black suede lace up boots and a belt that will take the wardrobe of last year's 60's funk to a new renaissance this year. The search for these precious add on's can be exhausting and time consuming. PR guru Laura Rubin has again introduced me to the perfect hideaway "Plaza Too". With two convenient locations: one at 2231 BROADWAY @ 79th STREET and their newest addition located at 571 HUDSON STREET in the heart of the West Village. Featuring designer footwear, handbags, jewelry and more in a unique store. This family owned and operated business wanted to make the brand’s re-launch, modern, bright and a friendly place to shop. Plaza Too is about providing the best possible customer service and making the experience a pleasurable one. To list the designers they carry would be too many but you can log onto www.plazatoo.com to see for yourself the incredible array. Searching for that perfect item can be exhausting and it is a F.A.C.T that you may just find that item at this inclusive boutique.

S: Is for the So long and Farewell!

Months ago this column stated the treachery and the road back to McCarthyism lead by Gonzales and Rove. On August 27th (Praise be to God), Alberto Gonzales resigned. As of September 17th he will exist no more, to do any more harm to his country. In fact when asked, he stated that he was not directly involved in the firings (which he was), and that the firings were related to performance issues. Six of the eight fired had positive performance appraisals. I guess there's a difference between job performance, and what Bush would consider loyal activities by his own staff. After lying about his involvement, he was unclear regarding the reasoning behind the firing. We all know that the truth is puppets have puppets. While Bush has every right to fire anyone who does not agree with him, Gonzales has no right to lie to Congress. Clearly he did. The problem is Alberto is too stupid or negligent to cite to appropriate laws and make a statement based on principle. Instead he lied. With Gonzales gone, will Karl Rove step up to the plate and do the right thing? Doubtful, because then there won't be anyone loyal to Bush to staunchly defend his agenda. The question left is will he defend himself in the court of public opinion, based on violations of the law, or will it be his own violations of stupidity? All I know is one gone and I can rest a lot easier.

Meantime: Sen. Larry Craig denied trying to engage in lewd behavior in an airport bathroom and suggested he was entrapped. My question is what was he doing and did it involve any others. Hey boys will be boys and stupidity reins and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Total Bliss

I was on my way to Nikki Beach for "Girls Night Out" presented by "New York Girl Style" and my friend Caroline. I thought to stop into the Bliss store located at the W Hotel. Someone suggested that this event was a great topic for an article and so I went to check it out. Low and behold they were holding an event for their newest product. I was delightfully asked to join in. I was offered champagne, chocolate truffles and a mini neck facial to test their new product. Now I hate my neck, and anyone who knows me knows if I won the lottery I'd be in a plastic surgeon's office, toot sweet. I couldn't try the chocolate or the champagne since I started a diet two days earlier so I opted for the mini facial and a bottle of bliss water. My technician was Lenora who's skin put me at total ease. It was beautiful and flawless. Her demeanor completely put me at ease. She cleansed my neck with a lemon sage cleanser and then applied the new product thinny thin chin. A hint of orange and a slight tingly feeling asailed me. While it sat on my skin Lenora massaged my hands. Pure blissfully relaxation. An electronic device was then used and though I could feel the current ( I am highly sensitive), I could also feel the tightening begin. The product was then removed and I could feel all the dead cells peal away. They then used a cream and my skin felt instantly firmer, hydrated and the appearance of neck lines had improved. Clinical studies showed a reduction in sagginess of the neck and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles in the neck area. For a mere $48 I am sold on this revolutionary product. The release isn't even until September 1st.

I was also given a sample of "Love handler", which I can't wait to try. I am told it can whittle my wiggly waist, tone tummy pudge and keep back fat at bay? It wages war for 8-hours. Made with cooling mint oil and naturally-derived amino acid ingredients your sure to feel blissed and your best.

This week I seem to be discovering things before they hit the press and the public. Sometimes you get to xplorefacts before they are F.A.C.T.S and that is what makes writing and sharing with you Bliss.

C: Is for out of this world clubs

My friend Maria has been trying to drag me to the hottest new club around "The Box". "The Box" is the newest destination on the Lower East Side for fine dining and theater. Located at 189 Chrystie Street, a 1935 two-story brick building between Stanton and Rivington Streets, with a stage door on Freeman Alley. One hundred years ago, this area was legendary for its vaudeville palaces, theaters and dime museums; THE BOX is bringing back the excitement and energy of those concert saloons and burlesque halls back to the neighborhood. A pedigreed crew is behind this surrealistic showplace. Owners include Simon Hammerstein, the 28-year-old grandson of Oscar; Randy Weiner, the “Donkey Show’’ writer; and Serge Becker, the night life impresario. The actors Jude Law and Rachel Weisz sit on the board of the opera house-cum-concert saloon. The entertainment is eccentric: Thai fighters one night and opera singers in Mexican wrestling masks the next. In an intimate setting a restaurant and theater, with two bars and a stage. A flexible design and top-notch sound system allow them to present all types of live entertainment: bands, shows, parties, private functions, and special events. It is hailed as "Completely Fabulous!" The show playing there now is PANDORA and is hosted by Cirque Du Soleil star MC Raven O. The show features 20 international variety acts, lavish production numbers in the spirit of Ziegfeld and Busby Berkley starring the Hammerstein Beauties, and live music from The Box orchestra, The Str8ts. The show runs every Friday and Saturday. Specialty acts change regularly and currently include: The James Gang, 3 singer-dancers who blend hip-hop lyrics with a Harlem renaissance style and look. Lombard Twins, internationally renowned tap stars, from Argentina. Dani Lou, 6 foot, stunning, supermodel burlesque superstar who pulls a string of pearls from a completely shaven ----- (fill in the blank), Chris McDaniel, lasso and 1996 World Texas skip champion, in the Will Rogers tradition. Acantha, world’s most gorgeous chanteuse from New Orleans. Erik Sanko, an original member of John Lurie's Lounge Lizards, and his troupe of marionetteers doing original puppet shows created for The Box. Reggie Watts, one man orchestra. Flambeaux, Guinness world record holder for longest fire eating, master of fire arts. Amanda Topaz, aerialist from down under. Ravi, scorpion mystic contortionist from Bombay. Vassily, beatboxing flautist from St Petersburg. There's a complete list of fine wines and champagnes to complement the night. This is one celebrity filled venue and from what I understand unless you have cash and lots of it or are hot as hell getting in is extremely difficult. I can't tell you as I have yet to have been, but I am invited there to a Fashion Week after party next week with Maria so I will write a follow-up article. Expect debauchery and that is a F.A.C.T.