S: Is for Subway Screw-ups and unsatisfactory service!

For a city as cosmopolitan as New York, it's sad that the transportation system is unparalleled, however it is quickly if not already failing. Could it be because they want to raise the fare, so their showing how truly incompetent they can be? The transit system is already known for raised fares under false pretenses. Could this be another tactic? All of this has happened while the quality of service has declined. When we were told that the system needed work on one thing it's leaders spent the money on others. Receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state aid — maybe billions: there have been scandals in the MTA over how it adds up the numbers — and still runs in the red almost every year, yet still has “gaps” and “structural imbalances.” Government enterprises takes what puts its citizens in danger and certifies it as acceptable. Isn't that what happened with the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge? The lack of accountability in this country is staggering. Tonight I had to be in the village to see a play. I took the C subway at West 4th for what I thought was a quick ride home. I was so wrong! First two men started to fight with guns showing in their pockets. The fight went on for a good 20 minutes. There were approximately 12 workers down in the subway, not one used their radio and called police, lifted a finger to stop the impending disaster or made one effort to stop it. Thankfully one of the men left down the stairs to the relief of every rider. If someone had been shot would the MTA have been responsible or would they hire a lawyer to cover their lack of protection? It turns out that the C wasn't running so I was told to take the A, but at 59th street we find out the A now runs express and transfer to the 1. Approximately 70 people all transfer to the dismay of finding out that the 1 is not in commission. When the subway worker in the booth is questioned we were told the 1,2,3 lines and the A,C,E lines are managed by different entities and the only thing he can recommend is to take a bus or go express and hope when you transfer downtown you can get to your destination. With the uncertainty of the later I head to the bus. It took fearing that I would be shot, two subways, one bus and 2 hours to get home. It should of taken 20 minutes. I live near 3 major tourist attractions, The boat basin, The Natural History Museum and Central Park. I have tried to complain when my subway card has been eaten by a bus or subway terminal the official will tell you he sympathizes with you, but rarely do they make amends. I'm sure tonight's problems would have them ducking their accountable for the problems of public services. Will it take a disaster on a National scale to make those in authority listen to the failure of this system? We have already been forced into a monopoly with the rising costs of cabs and the exuberant cost of keeping a car in the city, shouldn't the system which has been forced upon us be responsible for getting us to our destinations safely? BTW isn't taking public transportation ecologically sound and a good way to contribute towards the fight against global warming? I know I for one am irate as I watch the whole system sliding down the toilet and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Sue's in my life.

I have known Susana Bastarrica for approximately 6 years. She is the president of The Society for Enlightenment and Transformation (SEAT) which is part of the United Nations Staff Recreational Council (UNSRC). She also created and produces The Vigil for International Peace in Central Park. Her inspiration was to create an event to celebrate, transform and inspire the people of all nations to share a Peaceful Planet. On August 16 from 1-3 pm at the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium located in the United Nations the Conference on Bio-energetic Wellness will share their knowledge. This is a unique opportunity to experience the energy and be inspired by six top experts discussing their latest findings and practices in the metaphysical arts. Topics covered will be Feng-Shui, crystals, bioenergetic healing and astrology. Pre-registration is required to be included on the security clearance list to enter the building. This is easy to do. Simply email your name as it appears on your photo ID to Monty Taylor at: manysolarreturns@hotmail.com. Deadline for registration is August 14. The price to join in $10.

Years ago I was asked to be in a production called "Homosexual Acts". It was an evening of one acts by terrifically gay writers on the trials and tribulations of being yourself and the games we play. They were well written, well directed and well cast. Sue Gilad and I were not in the original set up mainly because we both had been out of town, however the original girls had to do this chaste kiss on stage and couldn't handle it and were fired. Sue and I came in 3 days before the show was to open. We have stayed friends and have always had each others backs since that fateful contact. We have both been razed for this production as the show got rave reviews and made every gay newspaper in the country. We were instantly recognized in this world whenever we went out. Sue is now married with two gorgeous kids, does voice over work, lives for Market America, owns her own real estate business and is the writer of The Real Estate Millionaire",


and the recently released "Copyediting and Proofreading for Dummies". She is a financial coach, providing support and empowerment on your way to becoming financially free and founder of PaidToProofread.com – Make a six-figure income reading books you love. She just released the second printing release of her latest creation – Copyediting and Proofreading for Dummies. This book was inspired by clients and evolved into a book that would realistically provide an opportunity for everyone who loves to read and wants to make a bit (or a lot!) or money doing it—from anywhere. In Copyediting and Proofreading for Dummies you can find stories of successful freelancers around the world and how they did it—step by step. You’ll also find the training to become a top-notch copyeditor and proofreader yourself.
After you purchase Copyediting and Proofreading for Dummies and email her the receipt, she will email you back wonderful free, fun offers and bonuses worth over $400 as a thank-you. http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=3760953044025&isbn=0470121718 for a discount. Sue is someone who cares about others, manages an amazing life and is one hell of a kisser! Sometimes it is worth it to switch sides for you never know who you will meet and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Brazilian Captivation

Tonight I was invited to the penthouse suite at the Hotel on Rivington. The occasion was to celebrate the launch of Brazilian designer Neila Granzoti Rudden new line. What began as a gesture of love, creating jewelry for her mother and sister as gifts, quickly became Neila’s passion. 1st came a jewelry line, then swimwear and finally lingerie. Tonight I'm going to go backwards throught this absolutely beautiful and feminine line. This designer takes women on a creative journey that is personal and luxurious. Her line celebrates the chance for women to flaunt their bodies in a flattering way and express themselves. Blending sensuality with elegance, Neila’s collections offer women pieces they can wear everyday. Imagine this teddy, panties and stockings underneath a business suit. Now that's power!!
Want to stand out on a sandy Hamptons beach, a wind swept ocean cruise or just plain ole tar? This definitely will have you shinning in style and flair. Now who says camouflage can't get you noticed? I can bet you can get the maneuvers you seek in this stunning eye turner. The best part of the fabric is Lycra which means a perfect fit. The jewelry line is made from handcrafted pieces from local Brazilian artisans. They contain semi precious stones, sterling silver and vermeil or 14 carat gold. Each piece in the collection is named after an exotic plant, animal or a place in Brazil. For example, a necklace made of pau-brazil wood is named “Victoria Regia” after a beautiful lily pad-like aquatic plant that exists only in Brazil. These creations contain a bit of the magic and allure of the place far across the sea.
Neila herself is exactly as you would expect a Brazilian to be, exquisite and completely captivating. Her dress tonight made a splash with men and women but it was her personality that won me over as well as her designs. I should have expected no less from her PR management, the incomparable Laura Rubin and the dashing and equally talented Desta. They have never steered me wrong and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for artist off the beaten track

There are a lot of not so famous artists that make up the gallery scene and it's what makes them come alive. Nicholas Sperakis is a part of these hidden treasures lurking in the Chelsea gallery scene. Learning his craft at The Arts Students League and Pratt, this is an artist who has developed his own voice. Darkly illustrative with a tribal African influence he approaches imagery by treating the surfaces developing a relationship to history. He creates in beeswax vermiculite, oil and acrylic, creating an extremely heavy palette. Taking advantage of the grain of the wood there is no wonder that his wood cuts are world famous, dealing with religious and conventional themes and contemporary social issues. A Guggenheim Fellowship in 1971, forty two one man exhibits, fifty four permanent museum collections, including MoMA and The Philadelphia Museum makes this artist someone to take notice of. One of my favorite galleries is Max Protetch located at 511 West 22nd Street. Until August 10th their show Unfathom has earned Top Pick from several art critics. Curated by the artist Aaron Williams and Stuart Krimko, the gallery's Director of Exhibitions. This group show tackles spiritual themes from unconventional perspectives. The artists that stand out are Cameron, Saul Chernick, Bryon Kim, and Mira Dancy. Mira whose above work is reminiscent of Richard Prince which is not surprising considering she is also a writer. "There is always something I hear screaming to come along when I'm painting. Like this, I started to think about how paintings can shove themselves up to their painters and how they embody both an offering and a mystery at once." Saul Chernick pictorialize the metaphysical. Like a wonderful children's book, slightly dark, highly imaginative, Chernick is reminiscent of a less complicated Esher. Leading the viewer to otherworldly beings, alternate realities, and supernatural phenomena. Our fears, and desires are brought to light for they remain forever constant. Creating Protosapia, an Eden-like environment he portrays a laboratory and breeding ground for an alternate or “would-be” human species he gives birth to a place where ideas about creation, sexual politics, and iconography coalesce. This is an artist that is awake and allows you through his art to guide you to that state. It is my hopes that this column will inspire you to awake as well and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for False Pharmaceutical Drugs

I turned on "DateLine" because JK Rowling was supposed to be interviewed, what I got instead has promoted me to write this column. The American public as well as the world needs to be informed. What is going on has me just a little concerned about ever taking another drug and that includes aspirin. Drugs that have been prescribed from your doctor and that you fulfill at a pharmacy have less than a 50/50 chance of being correct. There's a 50% chance of them containing the substance used for dry walls, lead based paint and worse. Experts conclude that the collapse of the governments health system has created a vacuum in which a parallel market for drugs has thrived and the profit margin is ohh so lucrative. Health professionals say the massive circulation of illegal medication reflects serious shortcomings in the control of the manufacture and importation of drugs. Considering that there is a network of channels before the drug gets to the proper places it is no wonder that this is happening. Considering how many people are dependent on trusting hospitals, local drug chains and local run drug stores, why isn't it mandatory that the pharmaceutical companies cut out the middle, in between and non existent people? Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this terrorism by stupidity? The manufacturing of these lethal killers are developing countries like India , China , Mexico , and Belize that they know of. We are however not allowed to import prescription drugs from Canada!! Americans are also to blame Alvin Woody, a Mooresville, North Carolina pharmacist, and four additional defendants from Vermont, Wisconsin, New York, and California have been indicted on drug distribution and money laundering charges in connection with unlawful prescription drug operation. The illicit distribution of pharmaceuticals makes everyone a target. These men who were just the most recent of criminals fulfilled over 65,000 drug orders which caused in excess of three million dosages to be distributed to thousands of customers nationwide. Though the state government has launched a drive against the fake drug racket, the irony is that fake drug industry is growing. Officials are turning blind eyes to the racket as the fake drug dealers have already fixed their cut. The amount that one can make in the course of a year is approximately 48 Billion dollars. According to data collected by the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), emergency room visits increased 153 per cent from (from 42,857 to 108,320). More than 11,000 parcels containing illegal shipments of controlled drugs are imported daily through New York City's John F. Kennedy airport. The most vulnerable citizens are at risk. Right now it is calculated that at least 3,000 people die weekly from HIV and Aids-related illness across the world because their drugs are the higgest in cost and therefore the most lucritive to make money from. If you are thinking that it can't happen to you, think again. Drugs for Cancer, arthritis, asthma, viagra and even over-the counter drugs for headaches are also counterfieted. The experts even have a hard time deciphering the difference. These forgers are also thinking ahead as the bird flu medication has already been duplicated. These are people who have no concern for human life. Gone are the days of innocents. Be prepared and that is a F.A.C.T.

S: Is for Planetary Shifts

Do you feel sluggish? Are those around you emotionally distressed and off kilter? Are your relationships reinventing themselves? Does it feel like you are in the eye of a hurricane and there is something headed towards you and you are helplessly tired, overworked and emotionally drained? Don't worry, it is planetary. I know that sounds like some trite explanation but the truth is if you talk to your friends everyone feels this way. I personally am beyond tired. So I went to the net and also contacted friends to find the best psychic predictions for August and dates to watch: 6: Changes implemented are now producing results. The destruction that occurred in 2001 is now manifesting the new and progressive changes that are necessary to pave way for a better future. Business makes a positive turn. Productivity is on the rise. The Real Estate market begins to rise, demand will increase
12: New Moon, intense controlling power. This new Moon is opposed Neptune indicating hidden agendas that will reveal the root of control and manipulation globally.
14: Confrontation from those who do not accept the truth. Make sure you back up your arguments with facts
15: Mental clarity and concentration
18-21: Serious thought and concentration can be the discipline necessary to get the job done. Leaders will be troubled with possible threats and disagreements surmounting into civil wars.
25: Love and happiness seem glorious now, but later you make a rude awakening. Be realistic!
28: Be careful traveling, plans will not go smoothly. Unpredictable time. Air travel can be very dangerous. Many threats are directed to world leaders.
31: Loss of leaders or leadership, possible assassinations, loss of the ego, this can be a very spiritualizing energy August 2007: *9th / #19th / +26th These dates are when important global occurrences can occur.

Devastating earthquakes in the US/Asia in August 2007.

2007 will see a great division between people listening to their inner voice and those that don't.

The Dow Jones will go over 13,000 but this is being driven by only 30 companies that are merging and buying each other out. This is not a good thing for the economy, and it will precede a global collapse. August is a month that will seem to try your patience. You may be noticing those that are living their life by greed and selfishness. Just realize that those people are falling prey to their internal fear and inadequacies.

But also look to where you might be using others to get your own needs met.

August forces us to take a look how unresolved anger and fear is destructive to us all.

It is not easy to have true faith and to believe that all things are happening for our evolution, growth, and conscious awakening. August reminds us that it is time to find meaningful, constructive ways to use our talents. In pursuing the dream we can only succeed with the advice and cooperation of others. As the dream evolves, it is important to have a good, grounded, sense of self, personal identity and purpose that eventually leads to helping others.

Tremendous clarity is required for this stage of the game. The world stands on a knifes edge and small things can make a tremendous change when the balance is that delicately positioned.

Just think that if you stay awake, you are going to be the witness to shifts that have never happened before and you can be part of them should you choose. The world is so connected that we all have to work together. There is no other choice. Whether we agree or like each other is irrelevant. We are required to work together and learn to accept each other, with all our gifts and challenges. It is time to let go of the egoistic thoughts that, “I am better than you.” Or, “My way is right and you are wrong?” There is no place for this perception in the new emerging reality. We are being forced to open and see each other as having valid perceptions and perspectives. This is wonderful. The sooner you can open to this possibility the sooner movement can happen and the sooner the world will find a place of peace.

With this I wish you love, light and peace and that's a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for things to do

Summertime is a wonderful thing in NY as there is so much to do for free that is fun. My favorite one is Shakespeare in the Park. Starting AUGUST 7 - SEPTEMBER 9 at 8:00PM you can catch Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Spelling Bee) and Martha Plimpton (The Coast of Utopia) reenact Midsummer's Night Dream. For those of you who don't know the plot: Four lovers flee to forest, unaware that their romantic squabble and parental difficulties will soon be overshadowed by magic. The King and Queen of the Fairies, Titania and Oberon, are also fighting and Oberon cast a spell that has Titania falling in love with an ass. The course of true love has never run smooth. Talk about a perfect place to see this piece. You can pick up free Shakespeare tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3pm at The Public Theater Box Office, 425 layfette. Get there early as they are sought after.

Are movies under the stars your thing? A bottle of vino, fresh bread, cheese, a blanket and of someone to cuddle with as a classic film plays. Hmmm! Talk about a romantic date that will leave your wallet in tact. In Bryant Park Monday nights here's what you can catch: August 6 – Bus Stop Marilyn Monroe plays a cynical singer who falls for a naive cowboy. August 13 – Casablanca, Sigh. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. August 21 – Psycho Hitchcock's classic thriller about a man with mother issues and a woman who takes a fateful shower. All films begin at dusk (usually between 8 pm and 9 pm), but the lawn opens at 5 pm for blankets and picnicking. Get there early and stake out a spot if you want a good view of the screen.

What about opera? The 2nd Annual Little Italy Soprano Vocal Competition is scheduled for August 11 and 12th. Talented vocalists from the metropolitan area at the intersection of Mulberry and Hester Streets will convene so that music can fill the air. Soprano Cristina Fontanelli will host the Soprano Vocal Competition. David Maiullo, an acclaimed vocal coach and conductor will provide the piano accompaniment for all the contestants. Approximately one-dozen talented sopranos are expected to take part in the competition on Saturday, August 11, at 3:00 PM on the Sorrento Cheese Performance Stage. A panel of judges, will select the top two who will return the next day at 4:00 to perform a free concert. This is your chance to see what the future holds in store for you at the Met.

Well here's a list to start you on the way. I will add more next week. Before I go street fairs are a staple of New York living. Here are the ones coming up: Sunday, August 5 Columbus Avenue from 66th to 72nd Streets and July 18-August 10 Harlem Week
West 135th Street between 5th and St. Nicholas Avenue. Summer adds to the flavor of big city living and that is a F.A.C.T.