Vanity Fair Magazine Print Edition Is Real Thin (Media News)

Vanity Fair is this blogger's favorite print magazine to buy at San Francisco International Airport when traveling. "VF," for all of it's faults, does a great job of presenting a certain way of the good life. While it could be more diverse in it's presentation of what that means, Vanity Fair is always an enjoyable read. The problem today is it's shrinking. Check out my video:



Yep. Vanity Fair's January 2011 print mag edition is a full 50 percent smaller in thickness than past issues. VF fans are used to seeing a thick, heavy, magazine, as was the case as recently as the December 2010 mag.

The one with Cher on the cover, wearing fishnets.

Or the April 2010 issue where Michael Douglas announced the new Wall Street movie, and the David Letterman sex scandal was detailed in all of its glory.

Those issues, two of countless many VF's I own, are all damn thick, heavy magazines.

Then, there's Johnny Depp, or the VF issue with Depp on the cover. There's only two words for it: shockingly small.

Curious, a little cyber walking revealed that Conde Nast, the company that owns Vanity Fair and other publications, embarked on an initiative to have its properties think in a more "business like" way. After losing $1 billion in ad revenue in 2009, it's no surprise to lean Conde Nast has some problems, but then, as it's CEO Chuck Townsend pointed out, so does its competition.

Its print competition.

Much was made of Chuck Townsend announcing how well Conde Nast was doing compared with Hearst Corporation and TIME media properties, but that's print. Magazine ad revenue as a whole barely recovered from the recession, and newspapers are just plain taking on water. Print's seen better days and before the Internet World.

The question is what's the future for Vanity Fair?

I can't see VF lasting as a monthly. Quarterly, yes. Monthly, no. Moreover, it's future is in television and multimedia. And it's got to up its audience grab from Oscar-related content.  Why in heck it doesn't emphasize video and video-blogging is beyond me, but the old heads there better wisen up before it's too late. The VF brand can survive, but it's got to grow out of its print-oriented mentality.

iPhone: At New York's Penn Station, Be Careful When Using It

If you're an iPhone or smartphone owner and find yourself in New York City's Penn Station, as this blogger does frequently when visiting Manhattan, be careful if you need to use it out in the open.  Someone may try to grab it.

I ran across this tweet by Don Van Natta, Jr:

DVNJr Don Van Natta Jr.
Just had a guy try to rip my iPhone out of my hands outside Penn Station. He failed. Try to take my iPhone and you're going to get hurt.

That happened not on Christmas day, today, but on December 21st, but it's still wrong.

Apple needs to build-in voice recognition software that periodically checks in with the user. That way, if someone does steal an iPhone, and it "recognizes" that the user is someone else, the phone will just shut down.

That aside, the person who tried to take his iPhone learned a hard lesson: don't mess with an iPhone owner.

NORAD Santa Tracker - Christmas Eve Santa Tracking

This year, 2010, once again this blogger is following (kinda) the Santa Tracker, but while tree trimming, wine drinking, and talking, and listening to Nat and Frank (Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra).

 But here's my NORAD Santa Tracker Video, because I just had to!



This business of going to the NORAD website to track Santa Claus' trip around the World is rather cool, but I'm in the middle of watching It's A Wonderful Life, so I decided to embed the tracker right here in my blog:



As of 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST, Santa Claus is , well, he's moving really fast! (If the embed doesn't work in your browser, click on the NORAD link.)

Merry Christmas!

Santa Baby 99ers Christmas Unemployment Song

Presenting the Santa Baby 99ers Christmas Unemployment Song, or The Santa Baby 99ers Song, on Christmas Eve.

Donalee King (in photo from Zennie62.com), who goes by Paladinette, at Zennie62.com, created this variation of the classic Christmas Song Santa Baby.

King, a blogger who also has her own blog called Jobless Unite,  is one of the so-called "99ers," those who's unemployment benefits have ran out after the 99-week limit, and seek an extension of benefits, or better yet, a job.

In seeking both, the San Diego resident has become a tireless advocate for the jobless. Her work on this song landed her notice by the LA Times.

The video is below, followed by the lyrics, which are graphic but worth reading and singing...if you dare!

(In fact, if you're in Oakland, California, print out the lyrics, take them down to The Alley at 3325 Grand Avenue, present them to Rod Dibble at the piano, and ask he would accompany you in song. Santa Baby is a song he knows how to play.)




Lyrics to video song Santa Baby - 99ers Style 2010

Congress Baby, the 99ers need a tier 5......to survive

I know you’re HEARTLESS P@#*s But....so what?

My children need some dinner tonight!

The car got repo’d and the rent is awfully late...but wait

You only care for the rich that’s a B*@#H

there’s millions of us dying out here

We can’t afford a Christmas tree

While you’re all buying Cartier at Tiffany

You bailed out banks Greece and Haiti too

I think it’s time the 99ers heard from you

Obama baby, just help the 99ers please

and... don’t tease

Been a really tough year

Out here

I Hope Your change is comin’ tonight

Obama honey, you sold 99ers flat out

no doubt

and now it’s snowing out,

My stomach’s growling

I need some food and shelter tonight

Sherrod honey, Schumer and that Stabenow too

Were through we all trusted you

but senate baby your lies have left us hurtn’ out here

We’re not rich - guess we don’t count

The dirty little secret you won’t talk about

There’ll be no jobs again next Year

It’s time you kicked your senate’s butts into high gear

Congress baby just pretend to care for us poor

once more - come on it’s just a check - so what the heck?

there’s millions of us dying out here!

That’s right I’d rather work than fight

Hurry Congress there’s 99ers dying TONIGHT

Merry Christmas!

Festivus 2010: No Mediaite Festivus? What Gives?

Festivus, that annual celebration for the rest of us, is upon us, once again. But in 2010 Festivus just don't feel like, well, Festivus.

The idea was first introduced in Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld's long-running television comedy, as an alternative to what some perceive as the commericialization of Christmas.

But this time, Festivus doesn't feel like Festivus, and maybe that's because the idea was started by a long-cancelled TV show, rather than a religious event?

At any rate, I know Festivus isn't as huge this year, because Mediaite's not mentioning it at all. Last year, the online media watchdog publication had a Mediaite Festivus of the top 50 media influencers in 2009, and that I talked about in my vlog here:



This year, zip.  Nada.

And while Festivus is a Google Trend, some of the blogs and articles don't seem to be focused on it in the title heading.  Festivus is more the day that, say, an NFL football game is being played.

I think AOL's David Knowles got it right when he observed that Festivus lived on, although Seinfeld reruns were "dated."  I think Festivus is headed in the same direction.  But there's still Christmas, and always will be.

Now, for this blogger, Christmas is about giving, not necessarily buying. It's also a celebration of the time of Christ's birth.

That's forgotten.

An aside.

For some reason there are people who just want to be mean. They want to be mean 24 and 7, and so they hate Christmas. Can't stand it. Those people are sad sacks. There's nothing wrong with being nice to people and giving to them in honor of the birth of Christ, and because it's just a plain nice thing to do.

As I said to someone who explained the common rationale for not celebrating Christmas, in other words, it's commericialized, "Christmas is something you do with society. Why does it have to be about you?"

Don't be selfish. Get into the sprit. Give of yourself.

Happy Festivus and Merry Christmas!

Michael Vick, Desean Jacskon Punt Return - Eagles Stun Giants 38-31

In what some are calling the second Miracle At The Meadowlands, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick engineered a dramatic come-from-behind win over the New York Giants 38 to 31.

The Eagles shocked the NY Giants and The World by scoring 21 points in six minutes, and 28 points in seven minutes, going from down 10 to 31, to win the game.

The shocking turn of events started with Vick's 65-yard pass to Brent Celek, and ended with Cal Football Star and now Eagles Wide Receiver Desean Jacskon's amazing 65-yard punt return, which Jackson prolonged to run out the clock.

NY Giants Not Ready For Onside Kick

With about seven minutes remaining, the Eagles tried an onside kick after scoring to make it 31-17. The Giants didn't have their "hands team" ready; the Eagles recovered the kick. Later Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin said (on NFL Network) that he didn't think "they were going to try an onside kick with seven minutes left."

Seriously, Coach Coughlin said that.

Eagles On Top Of The World

The win makes the Eagles if not the front runner, then perhaps number two behind the New England Patriots as Super Bowl favorites. For the New York Giants, Coughlin said they had to "run the table" and win their next two games. It's going to take a great coaching job on his part to overcome this shocking win.

Elaine's, Elaine Kaufman celebrated by Alec Baldwin, Gov. Patterson

The celebrated New York bar and eatery Elaine's was celebrated by celebrities, politicians, New Yorkers and Twitterers after the passing of its founder, Elaine Kaufman, last week. Ms. Kaufman died of complications due to emphysema, and lived to 81 years of age. (Photo courtesy of New York Daily News.)

What's so sad for this blogger is to have gone to New York and visited 21 club (six times including this year), Tribeca Grill, Windows on The World (before the passing of the Twin Towers of The World Trade Center), Trump Bar, Club Macanudo, the model-as-waitress cafe called Coffee Shop, and many other places. But there are three places I've never set foot in and feel as if I still don't know New York for that reason. One of the three places is Elaine's.

This, famous eateries and places around the country, is one way this blogger "keep's score." Everyone has their way, but for me life's filled with many interesting people, events, and experiences, and it's important to stock up on them before you check out. Sadly, I missed meeting Elaine Kaufman before her trip to Heaven.

Now, had I walked into Elaine's last night, I'd have shared space with " Jack Donaghy" for the second time this year.

On Saturday, Actor and Star of NBC's 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin (AKA Phil Tagami), shared the space with New York Governor David Patterson according to Will B who goes by brigantiw on Twitter:

@brigantiw Will B
Alec Baldwin at #Elaines tonight in honor of Elaine Kaufman.
3 Dec via HTC Peep Favorite Retweet Reply

From the looks of the tweets, Elaine's was packed on Saturday night.  Even New York Governor David Patterson stopped by and was spotted "just chilling" by New York Poltical Correspondent Miles Miller who sent this tweet:

imareporter Myles Miller
#GovernorPaterson is chilling with #colallen and #bodietel at #Elaines tonight. #govny
3 Dec Favorite Retweet Reply

As to who h #colallen and #bodietel are, the hashtags lead to nothing, so as of this writing, it's not known.

Home To Celebs, Writers, and Athletes

Elaine's is one of those places that is shaped strictly by the person who started it, and who's name is on the window. From what I've read and watched, Ms. Kaufman is every bit the "living New York Landmark" she was designated to be.

That place, her place, has been immortalized in every way possible. Woody Allen, one of Elaine's most famous regulars, filmed this scene from his classic movie celebration of New York, Manhattan, in Elaine's:



Vanity Fair's John Heilpern wrote a classic piece on her in 2009, in which he ponders why she had not "slugged any of her patrons lately."

The last major celeb (there are scores of minor ones) to have been involved in a physical or verbal joust with Elaine was, most famously, Norman Mailer. But not every celebrity has had such a relationship with Elaine Kaufman.

For example, Rachel Welsh on Twitter:

Raquel_Welch Raquel Welch
So sad about Elaine Kaufman. #Elaines is a NY institution. Such good memories.
4 Dec Favorite Retweet Reply

The End of An Era?

I fear that in this hyper politically-correct, male emasculated culture some seem bent on creating in America, we may not see another Elaine's.  I certainly hope I'm wrong. There's nothing wrong with a place where people can be the characters they really are.

Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP Loses Round in $100 M PrediWave Fraud Case

In the latest chapter of this complicated six-year-old tech industry story this blogger covered on March 22, 2010, the law firm Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP (an 800-employee business litigation firm with offices in New York and Palo Alto, as well as seven other cities worldwide) lost another round in its attempt to "shut up" former PrediWave outside Director Jimmy Li. Li was attempting to investigate PrediWave company documents and conducting an investigation that would reveal the misconduct of Former Tech CEO Jianping “Tony” Qu, once the head of PrediWave Corporation.

Jianping “Tony” Qu was reported to have "taken off" with $100 million in bonuses, leased 30 cars and purchased a whopping 19 homes. Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett was alleged to have been involved in a cover-up of Mr. Qu's actions. Why? That's not known. Here's the timeline of original events, as repeated from this blogger's last post, but adjusted to make the story clearer:

1) Attorneys for Simpson Thacher became aware by December 1, 2004 that Mr. Qu was directing the sale of tens of millions of dollars of memory chips to PrediWave through a shell corporation whose profits were pocketed by Mr. Qu.

2) Simpson Thacher uncovered evidence showing that delivery records and price quotes from a non-existent Chinese company were falsified, while the memory chips themselves were purchased from a tech firm operating only a few miles from PrediWave’s Fremont headquarters.

3) Mr. Qu was paid a $25 million bonus in January 2005 while Simpson Thacher sat on the evidence it had gathered regarding his activities.

4) Attorneys for Simpson Thacher filed a lawsuit in May 2004 preventing two PrediWave directors, one of them PrediWave outside Director Jimmy Li, from reviewing company documents and conducting an investigation that would reveal Mr. Qu’s misconduct.

5) In 2005, Simpson Thacher chose to hire a private investigations firm, not for the purpose of exposing Mr. Qu’s actions, but to determine the probability of the fraud going public. Simpson Thacher never disclosed the results of that investigation to PrediWave’s board of directors, which included PrediWave outside Director Jimmy Li.

6) While serving as PrediWave’s counsel for only little over a year, Simpson Thacher billed over $16 million in legal fees. At the same time, Mr. Qu was receiving approximately $25 million in annual bonuses from a company that had recorded no sales and no profits.

Thus, there are two "bad guys" here: Mr. Qu and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP. The "good guy" is Jimmy Li, and thank to Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian, of the Sixth District of the California Court of Appeal, the good guy's winning.

This is what the press release reports:

Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian, writing on behalf of the Sixth District of the California Court of Appeal, affirmed the denial of Simpson Thacher’s motion in the malicious prosecution lawsuit brought by former PrediWave outside Director Jimmy Li. This is the latest in a string of adverse rulings against the law firm, which is facing charges of massive fraud leveled by its former client PrediWave. Li’s malicious prosecution lawsuit has been deemed a “related case” to the PrediWave fraud case by the Santa Clara Superior Court, where both cases are proceeding.

What's not explained is why  Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, once a client of the now bankrupt PrediWave, would "sit on" the evidence against Mr. Qu, unless they were in on the "take" themselves.    In working to thwart investigation of the actions of Mr. Qu, Simpson, Thacher have worked to destroy the career and the reputation of Jimmy Li, and have failed, only throwing dirt on its own reputation in the process.

Stay tuned.

Happy Rosh Hashanah : President Obama's Wish, Stephen Hawking's Error

President Obama is joined by this blogger in wishing you a Happy Rosh Hashanah. Here's Obama's video from yesterday:

Prof. Stephen Hawking

Come to think of it, since Stephen Hawking elected to introduce his book The Grand Design and declare that God did not create the Universe, it's fair to say that for him, Rosh Hashanah's not good, eh?

You'd think Hawking would show some respect for Jews by not releasing his book just a day before Rosh Hashanah, right? Talk about flunking his performance review. Geesh.

This blogger still can't understand why Stephen Hawking would write a book trying to debunk the existence of God, but not The Devil. Makes you wonder if his book itself's the Work of The Devil.

From this vantage point, Stephen Hawking looks just like the religious zealots he and his fans rightly criticize. Two sides of the same coin.

I prefer the edge. It rolls, if you know what I mean.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

ESPN's Adam Schefter Says Tom Brady Contract Rumor Is Wrong

Adam Schefter

ESPN's Adam Schefter, who correctly tweeted that ESPN's Tim Cowlishaw was wrong about the timing of the signing of Darelle Rivas, scores again today.

On Twitter, Schefter reported that The Boston Herald's claim that Tom Brady was very close to signing to a three-year contract extension with the New England Patriots reportedly for $58 million, was wrong.

Adam Schefter tweeted:

Aware of Brady-contract talk. But two knowledgeable people say reports of deal being in place are "inaccurate" and "wrong". We'll see.    about 7 hours ago via web     Retweeted by 30 people

In an update at SBNation.com, Adam was reported to have said that a Tom Brady contract would be done in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned.

Mike Bloomberg democracy fiasco NYC by Suzannah B. Troy

Reporting from New York City, artist Suzannah B. Troy, blogger, YouTuber all my art are making head way bringing attention to the fact king Mike Bloomberg has prevented the people of New York from voting on terms limits and found creative ways to over-ride our voting to extend term limits.  This year with his appointees to the Charter Commission that voted to extend city council members for a third term when we the people when given the opportunity have voted twice to term limits as in 2 term only.

My new YouTube were I get as closed to naked as legally allowed for women on YouTube....yes that is right folks, men can go topless but women cannot on YouTube so we still are not equal.  Men should be forbidden from going topless but Democracy being compromised and tossed away by a mayor that uses the "D" word when he talks about the mosque by the WTC site but denies voters here in NYC the democratic process.  Go figure?  Well, many do and they say real estate and financial deals are king Mike Bloomberg's motivator and not democracy which he flouts.  I will post my YouTubes again but I wanted to show you my tubes on the Charter Commission are getting attention here in NYC.

Check out the top right hand corner of Soho Journal for my new YouTube an almost naked art protest against king Mike Bloomberg flushing democracy down the toilet in 2010 which makes 2 years in a row! 

WNYC, reporter Azi Paybarah, who has become iconic with the Bloombergian words "You are a disgrace" when asking the mayor about term limits picked up my interview with Henry Stern.

plus Soho Journals coverage of the Charter Commission's wrongful acts against the voters -- the people of New York in my words.....  Folks 2 years in a row king Mike has screwed the people of New York out of voting on term limits and over-rided us!!!!!!  Criminal!!!!!

Michael Douglas Cancer, Paris Hilton Arrest: Celeb Contrasts

On Tuesday night, legendary Actor Michael Douglas was a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman.

It was already publicly known that he had throat cancer, but the news that it was at state IV was a shock to Letterman and the public.

This news and the outpouring of love and support for a celebrity who's contributions to the public good have been well noted, contrasts dramatically with last Friday's arrest of Socialite Paris Hilton.

Michael Douglas Will Beat Cancer

Douglas told Letterman that doctors found a "walnut-sized tumor" at the base of his tongue. According to WebMD.com, that means he likely has oropharyngeal cancer. Douglas said it was caused by smoking and drinking.

Just how much Douglas smoke and drank, and what kind of alcohol he was drinking on a regular basis is not known as of this writing. But Douglas vows he will beat the cancer. The son of he legendary Actor Kirk Douglas said he has an 80 percent chance of survival.

Hope That Paris Hilton Survives Her Drug Bust

That Paris Hilton's in trouble with the law again - having been arrested for felony possession of cocaine in Las Vegas last Saturday morning - is sad news. Hilton has been arrested now three times this year alone, but in different countries: France, South Africa, and the United States.

This is a sad current affair considering her 23-day stay in jail in 2007, and the really embarrassing visit to David Letterman which followed that year. On top of the cocaine bust, now Las Vegas police are reporting they found a "joint" in the car Paris Hilton was in.

The trouble is, while the car's being reported as "Paris Hilton's car," there's no evidence to indicate that's the case. It's more likely that the car belongs to her boyfriend Cy Waits. Thus, to even try to pin what the Daily Mail reports as a "wet" and "unable to be tested."

Moreover, the person police described as "the driver" - Cy Waits - said he just finished smoking. So, pinning that on Paris Hilton is at best piling on.

Hilton herself has responded to that rumor, and others like being banned from the "two Wynn resorts on the Las Vegas Strip" on Twitter. Paris tweeted:

These rumors going around are so ridiculous, untrue and cruel. I'm not going to even pay attention to them, because I know the truth.

Here's hoping the best for Paris Hilton: that she beats the charge and is able to get on with her life.   Hopefully Hilton uses Michael Douglas as a role model for the reformation of her image.

Armed Protestor Captured, Hostages Released Discovery Channel Building by Suzannah B. Troy

Fox News Channel reports an armed man has hostages in the Discovery building in Silver Spring, M.D., a suburb of Washington, D.C.  The man is a regular protester of the Discovery Channel and the Montgomery County Police are negotiating with him.  His name is James Lee was said to have entered the building with a small gun, took a small group of hostage and has some kind of bomb looking structure front and back.

He was arrested before for protesting the Discovery Channel which he plans as being part of the problem.

As I am writing this channel 7 news reported they have captured the protester.  He went down and the explosive device went off.  James Lee was said to have had a wide range of emotions during the hours of negotiations.

We do not have any information on if the suspect is alive but in theory he is alive because he is in custody.   He may not be removed to be taken to the hospital yet because the building is not yet considered secure.

The 3 hostages are safe!   There were also children in the building at a day care center and they were all safely evacuated.  Repeat every one is safe except for the armed protester who is in police custody.

The shooting happened at 4:48.  He was shot by the police.  There may be more devices in the building -- they may be back packs with bombs.

Yankees On Top NYC shaky? by Suzannah B. Troy

Right now the Yankees are where they want to be on top according to Brian Costello of The New York Post.

Below a quote from Costello's piece.

“I thought we battled through a tough month with some injuries and an extremely tough schedule physically,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I thought our guys played extremely hard and found a way to have a winning month. In our division, that’s extremely important.”

George Stienbrenner must be smiling down from Heaven although captian Derek Jeter is not at the top of their game. Costello reports this, "Derek Jeter, who went 0-for-3, also continues to struggle. He is now hitless in his past 12 at-bats and is in a 2-for-30 skid."

As you know if you are following my blog, and I know this is sacrilege, I am not a fan of Derek Jeter. He is a nice person and I have read in the gossip columns quite the ladies man but he can't compare to my favorite captain Thurmon Munson, may he rest in peace.

I won't be going to any Yankee games since Bloomberg and gang made Babe Ruth my other favorite Yankee, they made Babe Ruth's ghost homeless and at the tax payers expense when most can't afford a seat or popcorn, a hot dog and beer.

Consider me a Phil Mushnick except he is better behaved and I am prettier. Also if you have not read Juan Gonzalez's piece on a private developer picked by king Mike Bloomberg to run the "new" $340 million dollar Yankee Stadium parking lot who happens to be behind in rent owed to NYC for two years as in owes NYC $8.7 million dollars than click here and read. Hey Juan can we have any update on this story and I want to know do we the people collect interest on the money owed? Hey folks if you and I do not pay that kind of money or far less we go to jail.

A best friend who is a minority wrote me if he shoplifted from Sephora would he get one day of community service? He was referring to Caroline Giuliani, the ex-mayor's daughter and by the way it is pretty amazing that Rudy is worth $60 million dollars post leaving office and that Caroline is starting to hold herself like Paris Hilton. Paris if you want to carry cocaine around, oops I mean chewing gum around than party in NYC because here if you are rich you can get away with anything. Note: In Leonard Levitt's book, NYPD Confidential he gives lurid details of mayor Rudy Guiliani's lurid affair with a young woman that worked for him and also how he kept rewarding her with promotions and raises the biggest when he dumped her for yet another adulterous affair. Remember after 9-11 when we needed the mayor here because the NYPD and FDNY were having major friction downtown and he could not be bothered because he attending a Yankee game? I felt sorry for Caroline's cry for help shoplifting until she became appeared in the press like a Paris Hilton wannabe.

Paris give A-Fraud, oops, A-Rod a call. He is single and he likes blondes a lot. I saw A-Rod referred to as A-Fraud on The New York Daily News website and that summed it up for me. A-Rod makes me long for hiring unknown players for smaller salaries that don't take anything for granted including their wive and kids but hey I know he has his fans. Will an "S" have to go after his stats as well?

I love NYC and I want any NY sports team to win. I am happy for the Yankees but I can't help but think NYC is own shaky ground. There are some very rich people that think they are above the law and their egos are bigger than the Empire State building. Note to the Yankees: Stay humble or you will tumble from Suzannah B. Troy an old school fan.

Roger Clemens A Wake-Up Call? by Suzannah B. Troy

Roger Clemens in his most natural pure state is a great athlete who needed no extra boosts although he convinced himself he did. His mental strength on the pitching mound can be seen in the court house as described in a well written piece by Mike Vaccaro in The New York Post. I point this out because in The New York Daily News there is a piece with the words "voluminous evidence".  Actually the title is, "Ex-Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens  pleads not guilty to perjury but Feds have 'voluminous evidence' and sums up the entire story.

Roger Clemens needs to make a very long list of all the good deeds he has done and I am sure there are many and throw himself at the mercy the powers that be.  Clemens needs a wake-up, a reality check but all the tools that helped me to be a great pitcher like steely calm on the mound and mental toughness are helping him to dig a hole so deep he won't be able to wiggle out of.  I wrote in my Naomi Campbell post on the Blood Diamonds, super models don't go to jail.  Roger Clemens does not have have the Naomi Campbell luck and at the rate she is going she is going to run out of luck.

When celebrity believe their own celebrity and that they are above the law at some point they are in for a harsh awakening and Roger Clemens has clearly not hit that point yet.

Babe Ruth, Thurmon Munson are among my favorite Yankees and I can't imagine either of them doing anything foolish to have a competitive edge.  In fact Babe Ruth seemed to do just the opposite.  His Yankee coaches had to ask him to stop eating in the dug-out as I recall reading a biography.  Babe Ruth hardly ate the breakfast of champions, trained like an obsessed athlete trying to break records at the Olympics.

I do think that baseball statistics will have to be reported differently with an "S" after any athlete that has been proven to have used steroids any other letters to indicate any other enhancing edge that was not kosher.   Looking around at a lot of professional athletes and Hollywood actors it appears to me that they are using illegal substances to make their bodies look and perform beyond Mother Nature's gifts and for me it is creepy.

I have even greater admirations for athletes male and female who achieved their goals naturally and honestly and did not crack to the pressure of wanting to win so badly they would cheat.

Getting back to Clemens....he hold hard and fast to his "not guilty" plea to perjury and this is the worse pitch of his life.

Tiger Woods won't say he loves his ex? by Suzannah B. Troy

Tiger Woods will not answer questions if the question is "Do you love your ex-wife?" which he was asked quite a bit by Andrea Peyser of The New York Post until she was escorted  out of The Barclay Tournament.  Lucky for her, she was not stoned but sports bloggers came very close to doing so.

In theory it is none of our business but when Tiger Woods made himself over in to a multi-billion dollar brand and he used photos of his wife and children to express a wholesome family man image than he opens the door to these questions.  Acting like a bachelor  porn king and not a devoted family man, giving mistresses millions of dollars pay-outs and a very large undisclosed amount to his now ex-wife does leave some people, not me wondering.

As an adult child of divorced parents here is unsolicited advice to Tiger Woods or whom ever his handlers are.  Tiger, when reporters or anyone ask you, "Do you love Elin Nordegren?"  The answer is a no-brainer.

The answer is "Yes!"   She is the mother of our children."  That simple.  Why would I say that.  Not for your world wide audience of fans Tigers but for your kids.

As they grow up their peers may taunt them like throwing DVDs of porn parodies at them or taunt them saying your father did not love your mother.

Tiger tainted his reputation, his career and hurt his family  That was all Tiger's doing with the help of his enablers -- alleged friends.  My gut feeling is he has still not taken full responsibility and his silence when asked about if he loves Elin is just another clue.  Any fan that comes to his defense is not helping him.  He put himself in the global media's head lights and that helped fuel his fortune and now he has to take responsibility or not.  He could buy Hugh Hefner out and take-over his crown and scepter.  It is his call and his choices but Woods can't escape the glare of the media spotlight; I believe it is his cocaine.  He could walk away and live a quiet life and he doesn't.  If he wants to play golf and be a brand he has to stand up and take responsibility and smarten up.

Tiger, it is a simple answer to a simple question and you answer it for your two children.  Yes, I love my ex-wife.

By the way Tiger if you want to pay me for my words of wisdom you would have to pay a lot more than you paid women to be silent.  Good luck and err on the side of love for children's sake.

A note of praise for Elin Nordegren.  In my blog piece posted here asking if the "old Tiger was back sexually?" I had written I hope she does something good to help others.  I read some where she is going to do something wonderful with some of that money and it may be centers to help people that have gone through the trauma of emotional issues from family breaks up, etc.  I wish I had a link for you but the center and I hope there will be more than one will be in Florida.  Bravo Elin.

If Tiger wants to move the healing process forward share the love and gratitude for the mother of his two children to the world who has looked in from their very birth on.

Lady Gaga Rainbows Love NYC's her drug by Suzannah B. Troy

"Little monsters heart I keep, and as I lay me down to sleep, I dream of rainbow roads to love, for now New York city's my drug" Tweet or should I say poetry from Lady Gaga. I took a peak at her schedule which is impressive and left me tired....I do not know how she does it! She will be playing at Madison Square Garden Feb. 21 and 22nd.

I don't own an album of Lady Gaga's. Do young people even use the word album anymore but the Vanity Fair article where she also graces the cover really intrigued me! I have written some pieces on her that seem popular like "Lady Gaga was that you?" and her is the first one I wrote about her vachina reference.

Lady Gaga has sky rocketed to fame and that is understating her meteoric success and even if I don't own an album I want to hear what she has to say. It is said she is going to be bigger than Madonna and she has a far better voice.

As someone almost double her age (not quite) I am interested how she evolves....This tweet about rainbow roads and how much she loves NYC and her fans inspired me to follow her on twitter.

best,
Suzannah

True Blood Sunscreen For Vamps Outstanding by Suzannah B. Troy

True Blood outstanding as usual but tonight was somehow even better for me. How about you?

I don't know where to start so I will say the one thing you all aren't thinking about...like Eric's walk in the sun this episode took me to a different place in the True Blood world.... I felt this episode had the most depth of emotion and the best sense of humor. Even the confrontational scene between Eric and Russell which should have ended in a bloody mess had laughs so bravo.

This episode has a pre-show warm up by bidding farewell to the cast of characters that have passed on in the fictional story which was fun. The creators know we are dying with anticipation and upset that this season is drawing to the close so they are giving us a little consolation pre and post the show.

Wow! Tonight amazing!!!!!! Not giving a lot of details but wow!!!!!! The way they (writers, director, great acting) always bring you back to basic human themes we all wrestle with like revealing our true selves to the people we love and the fear they will reject us or Sam letting lose and giving up being "so nice" as so many of us secretly desire.....and those are just a few examples which is why the show is superb!

Russell and Eric are at the forefront of my mind and I can't wait until the next episode. The brief sex scene between Baby Vamp Jessica with Hoyt was outstanding. He gives her permission to go for the gold, rather his throat but she takes the long way to the destination with kisses before fangs...True Love...a running theme in True Blood but with complications or it would not be the best Vampire soap opera on TV.

Hoyt's mom has returned and the actress is superb. She reminds me of a female Devine.

The coming attractions have me terrified the writers are going to go to the extreme like last season which really turned me off big time but so far the writing, directing and new characters continue to be outstanding.

Fangs away!
Suzannah

Judge Schoenfeld Union Sq. restraining order in place? by Suzannah B. Troy

Monday the artists vs. NYC Parks Dept. City of NY -- I believe will be meeting with Judge Schoenfeld who for now has been protecting the artists serving the Parks Dept. with a restraining order  regarding the Parks Dept. letting them set up in their usual spots.

Tomorrow artist activists go before the judge and we are all praying he rules in favor of the artists.

If not there will be major protests organized of vendors city wide to fight for the rights of vendors to earn an honest living minus harassment.

City Council should remember vendors besides paying taxes also are voters!!!!!!!!!


Note:  The photo above is one of NY Shining Stars Miriam West....here is my YouTube interview with her.  I love her jewelry but she can't sell her jewelry which is her art in the park!  There are so many rules and they are designed to push out the people who are mostly minority business people and all with a legal right to be there.

I bought her color intensified Coney Island Cyclone Photo!!!!!!!!

I have more postings on her and her art so go to my blog's search engine to check her out....amazing person!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/user/Suzannahartist#p/u/9/ZDSw7kT8eHk
My interview with Miriam West!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE-sHb3IjR4&feature=related
Here I interview Tony her partner at a protest in the rain at Union Square.

These guys have a message for the mayor click on photo

Add caption

Suki Weston and bestest friend!

sukiwest@aol.com if you want custom NYC pet cards

Stay tuned...Here are the artists in the park in their usual spots today, Union Square.

IPhone 4 Lovers Tips From Suzannah B. Troy

Apple IPhone lovers what ever IPhone model you have here are some basic tips from an Apple lover. I converted to Apple 3 years ago and fell hard.

Tips to save your battery.... Go into your settings and.....

1) Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned off is you are not using it. In NYC if you have it on and walk around you will drain your phone's battery which ever model you have so turn the Wifi off. In NYC walking down the street it can be hilarious to shocking to read the locals Wifi network custom names' all mostly with locks.

2) lower the brightness of your screen...big battery savor.

3) Not using the phone turning it off is a good thing because the phone works best if you give it a rest occasionally but if not just click the button on the right once and the screen goes dark and saves your battery. This is the same button if you hold it down long enough it gives you a prompt to shut off the phone.

4) Mail: If you are really are concerned about your battery than go to mail, click "fetch data" and and switch to manual.

Those are just a fun few tips and for my Mac Book I bought techno-skin at the Apple store and that was a great move. My senior citizen handicap cat walks all over my computer and or has hair balls including on my computer keys so the techno-skin has radically improved my life. All her hair is no longer sinking down in between my computer keys and my cat wants me to tell you no more debris from my Cadbury chocolate bars splatters on my key pad. Highly recommended

I will be back to tell you about my Otter Box Defender for my IPhone 4 soon!

best, peace, love Apple,
Suzannah B. Troy, artist, blogger, YouTuber NYC
also very, very tired but thanks for reading my blogging!!!!

True Blood newlyweds pre-Emmy Bash party by Suzannah B. Troy

Hey all you True Blood fans, first the newlyweds Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer showed up for a pre-Emmy bash and the most adorable photo and dish on the hot couple and other celebs is covered by Pop Watch on EW.com

I am looking forward to tomorrow night!!!  How about you?  Here is a clip from HBO.  It is superb, fantastic, beyond thrilling and very, very  short so here is the link!   It is Eric confronting Russell!!!!!!

The back drop is a painting I wish I could get a closer look at and in a very unusual quiet why the clip made me think of Westerns I used to watch as a little girl when I had a crush on John Wayne.  Eric reminds me of a very slender John Wayne but this scene has an odd elegance and beauty packed to the brim with tension!  Is tomorrow night going to get very bloody?

I watched several times already in anticipation.   I even check TV guide listings to make sure True Blood is on tomorrow.  You might want to check out that link if you haven't.  The page has all kind of fun True  Blood references including an update on the actress Lois Smith who played Sookie and Jason's Granny. Check it out.  Enjoy.  I will meet you back here tomorrow night after True Blood.
Fangs away!
best,

Suzannah B. Troy

American Indians ask for restraining order against NY State By Suzannah B. Troy

The Seneca Tribe has asked for a restraining order against the State of New York thrusting a cigarette tax against American Indians selling cigarettes on the reservation to non-reservation residences. Indian Country Today reports "Seneca: Cigarette Tax bill is a throwback to "termination era'.

Do not confuse this with the bill the State of New York has passed making buying cigarettes more expense than heroin which I am told sells on the streets of NY for eight dollars.

I have posted on many blogs and made a YouTube about how I believe the taxing of the American Indians economic racism and you can read my explainations about why below including economics 101: The Native American Indians do not have the economic opportunities Americans have because they are on the reservation as well as the question why should the American Indians be subject to a tax to close a massive budget deficit that they have nothing to do with and hasn't our government abused, exploited and greatly harmed the American Indians enough already.

Here is the link to The New York Post article "Indians' cig suit to drag" I came across which states, "A federal judge is delaying a decision on the Seneca Indian Nation's request for a restraining order to block NY from imposing steep new taxes sold on cigarettes sold on Indian Reservations."  The NY Post reprinted this from AP.

You can read more on my blog  www.suzannahbtroy.blogspot.com about how I write President Obama, read what I wrote him and see the YouTube I made calling the mayor and governor out on what I believe is economic racism.  By the way, to date mayor Blooomberg has not apologized for his "cowboy -- Indian" comment which was not funny.  Listen to my YouTube about what I have to say about Paterson and Albany clowns who have not yet balanced the massive budget deficit and again I ask why do the American Indians have to pay for what in my opinion an economic crisis do to corruption, stupidity and greed in State and City government.   Watch the YouTube for more of my insights on this wrongful action by the governor and mayor Bloomberg.  Here is my original posting which is important to check out as well.

President Obama, Stop economic racism in NY against American Indians! by Suzannah B. Troy

You can email President Obama and it is a lot easier than emailing our supposedly techno savy mayor Mike Bloomberg's.   I have also written President Obama via snail mail about NYU and you can read about that as well and I will include the YouTube of me reading the letter as well.

Of course there is a word count so first read my response to The New York Daily News editorial in today's paper.

Why should American Indians pay a tax because Albany and City Hall are corrupt and inept which is why we are in this? economic crisis? Haven't the American Indians paid enough in way too many ways for government corruption? Why doesn't Paterson either resign and spend time with his defense attorneys or find away to get Albany clowns to balance the budget which was due April 1st, 2010? Bloomberg and Paterson need to back off and apologize to the Seneca Tribe for economic racism! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQghu8oVBY0 I have written President Obama asking him to speak up against racism here in NY against American Indians starting with Mike Bloomberg and Paterson's move is economic racism.

Dear President Obama:

NY's economy is spiraling downward and I believe it is from corruption and poor leadership but I am asking you to address economic racism by mayor Mike Bloomberg and gov. Dave Paterson against the Seneca American Indians!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQghu8oVBY0
It is pure economic racism!

They live on a reservation and they do not have the economic opportunities that Americans have and people use the word casinos like a racist to rationalize not making good and honoring Native Americans but continue oppression and also demonization of Native Americans.

Please confront this racism alive and well in NY!!!!!!!


I also wrote you asking you to pressure NYU to give us community outreach resource centers in every mega dorm where they use the term community facility to bust thru zoning yet exclude and displace community members. They were be senior centers, free computers, etc and college kids would see and get involved in the harsh fact people are struggling to live in the communities

Mayor Mike Bloomberg's economic racism against Seneca American Indians by Suzannah B. Troy

I am wearing 2 necklaces, 3 rings and a bracelet with deep spiritual meaning, great beauty and depth all made by American Indians.

Watch my YouTube and hear my outrage.  Also I ask you why are no leaders including President Obama speaking out on behalf of The American Indians and this racist behavior and economic oppression.

Here is some basic economics:  The economic opportunities are so limited because the American Indians live on a reservation.  Unlike king Mike who makes a fortune on going global in every way possible from information services, tech and I am guessing real estate most American Indians do not have the opportunities that Americans have because they mostly live on reservations.

Please do not talk to me about casinos as end all be alls for American Indians because that is another new form of prejudice and stupidity folks which lets people ignorant people right American Indians economic injustices and far worse off.

The American Indians have suffered enough and king Mike and an embattled accidental governor that in my opinion is guilty of ever so gentle intimidation of an alleged victim of spousal abuse are getting away with economic racism.  Paterson objected to Bloomberg's racism comment but joins him in economic racism against the Seneca Tribe and American Indians!

Listen to my YouTube to hear more.

http://www.nmai.si.edu/

Just a reminder if you do not have time to watch my YouTube -- my jacket with patches in the Sept. 11 Museum has a patch from the Seneca American Indians and why?  Because they ran down immediately after Sept. 11 to help us.  The American Indians helped build the WTC and NYC.  They were there front line for us right after Sept. 11.

The fact this racism is being tolerated right now in New York City is intolerable and I am shocked President Obama is silent as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQghu8oVBY0

FYI:  King Mike Bloomberg's city planner socialite mega-millionaire Amanda the People's Burden is responsible along with Mike Bloomberg for the mass displacement of New Yorkers; one example, aiding and abetting eminent domain abuse to make the entire community of Manhattanville move for Columbia University's expansion.   I have seen Bloomberg-Burden aid NYU in the tear down of St. Ann's and the push through of the illegal  air sale over St. Ann Church from 1847 by the USPS to NYU.

If the Seneca tribe could have only gotten Mike to do massive real estate dealings and financial dealing for his pals on their reservation than he would be their champion.

Right now Bloomberg needs to apologize and back off.

President Obama where are you in the face of this ugly economic racism?

p.s.  In Mike Bloomberg's private empire heroin is cheaper to buy and sell than cigarettes!  

Welcome to Mike's hideous "new" New York!

Mayor Mike Bloomberg's economic racism against Seneca American Indians by Suzannah B. Troy

I am wearing 2 necklaces, 3 rings and a bracelet with deep spiritual meaning, great beauty and depth all made by American Indians.

Watch my YouTube and hear my outrage.  Also I ask you why are no leaders including President Obama speaking out on behalf of The American Indians and this racist behavior and economic oppression.

Here is some basic economics:  The economic opportunities are so limited because the American Indians live on a reservation.  Unlike king Mike who makes a fortune on going global in every way possible from information services, tech and I am guessing real estate most American Indians do not have the opportunities that Americans have because they mostly live on reservations.

Please do not talk to me about casinos as end all be alls for American Indians because that is another new form of prejudice and stupidity folks which lets people ignorant people right American Indians economic injustices and far worse off.

The American Indians have suffered enough and king Mike and an embattled accidental governor that in my opinion is guilty of ever so gentle intimidation of an alleged victim of spousal abuse are getting away with economic racism.  Paterson objected to Bloomberg's racism comment but joins him in economic racism against the Seneca Tribe and American Indians!

Listen to my YouTube to hear more.

http://www.nmai.si.edu/

Just a reminder if you do not have time to watch my YouTube -- my jacket with patches in the Sept. 11 Museum has a patch from the Seneca American Indians and why?  Because they ran down immediately after Sept. 11 to help us.  The American Indians helped build the WTC and NYC.  They were there front line for us right after Sept. 11.

The fact this racism is being tolerated right now in New York City is intolerable and I am shocked President Obama is silent as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQghu8oVBY0

FYI:  King Mike Bloomberg's city planner socialite mega-millionaire Amanda the People's Burden is responsible along with Mike Bloomberg for the mass displacement of New Yorkers; one example, aiding and abetting eminent domain abuse to make the entire community of Manhattanville move for Columbia University's expansion.   I have seen Bloomberg-Burden aid NYU in the tear down of St. Ann's and the push through of the illegal  air sale over St. Ann Church from 1847 by the USPS to NYU.

If the Seneca tribe could have only gotten Mike to do massive real estate dealings and financial dealing for his pals on their reservation than he would be their champion.

Right now Bloomberg needs to apologize and back off.

President Obama where are you in the face of this ugly economic racism?

p.s.  In Mike Bloomberg's private empire heroin is cheaper to buy and sell than cigarettes!  

Welcome to Mike's hideous "new" New York!

Bernanke says economy remains vulnerable ? by Suzannah B. Troy

Bernanke says economy remains vunerable? by Suzannah B. Troy

ABC News reports, " The economy is not as bad as expected but far from complete."

Bernanke says we are not out of the woods.... in my words, NYC artist blogger, Suzannah B. Troy and guess what? Bernanke is understating how vulnerable we actually are. Why would I say that?

Number one: Our National Debt! And scarily enough China owns a huge chunk of our National Debt! For those reading my local NYC blog I was making jokes about why would Russia or China need to have spies when they are such big players in our economy. A Russian billionaire bought a huge chunk of the Nets real estate that many of us feel was eminent domain abuse all with the blessing of Mike Bloomberg.

I don't have a lot of time to elaborate why Bernanke is understating our economic distress but I do want to point out the lie that NYC is leading the country climbing out of unemployment. Unemployment is always under reported and of those employed here in NYC -- many are not earning a living wage.

I believe that if Albany does not balance the 9.2 billion dollar deficit soon we will have an economic crisis in NYC equal to a terror attack and I include corrupt politicians held unaccountable bring us to this economic disaster.

I have to run now literally. More later....

Ban Horse Drawn Carriages protest Aug. 28 post by Suzannah B. Troy

When:  Saturday, August 28th beginning at 2PM -

Where:  meet at Grand Army Plaza - corner of Central Park South and 5th Avenue. We will be walking to the hack line along Central Park South and  mostly targeting  the carriages from West Side Livery Stables (WSL).  

All the stables are bad but West Side Livery  is the worst and was the subject of an investigation by Animals Angels.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjV5TACuRLA.

In July, the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages rescued Bobby, a WSL,cast off, from the slaughter auctions.  A NY Times article had the owners referring to him as "it."  

Recently we learned of another very old horse whose license was expiring at the end of August.  We tried to broker a deal between Catskill Animals Sanctuary and the same owners for them to take King,  another old horse.  We said we would pick up all costs.  While at first agreeing and even  notifying the NY Times writers of their intent, the owners eventually reneged out of spite for bad publicity over Bobby -- and we believe, pressure from the industry.  It would have been an opportunity for them to redeem themselves. But this is just stupid and spiteful. 

Now King - an old horse  in his mid/late 20s - who most likely does not have much time left is denied a forever home at Catskill where the high cost of his vet bills would not be a consideration. We do not know where he is going - it might be the auctions.  

-- 
Elizabeth Forel
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages
www.banhdc.org
Horses Without Carriages International
www.horseswithoutcarriages.org