I have to say that the art was severely lacking, but there were a couple of exceptions. Needless to say, the windows at Barney’s were very cool thanks to the efforts of the Lady Gaga Workshop there (even though with her flair I did expect a little more). Bergdorf Goodman had pretty cool windows if you don’t mind the taxidermy look and Sak’s Fifth Avenue had some interesting ideas, even if they weren’t really holiday inspired. Most retailers seemed to “phone it in” as they say, but I get it. These days, who has the budget? However, as any artist can attest, creativity isn’t something that’s defined by the almighty dollar. Paint is fairly inexpensive but instead of WOW-ing us with some cool design, I saw many one colored walls with nary a thought put into the creative process. That really deflated my excitement and surely that doesn’t help the cause of drawing in the holiday shoppers. Like I said, I’m no fan of commercialism, but every retailer represents multiple jobs–people rely on that industry like any other to put a roof over their head, clothes on their backs and food on the table. Window displays are street level advertising at it’s best (or worst as the case might be) and if you want to find success on a tight budget then being creative is key. I wish everyone luck in making a buck this holiday season. I hope you’re happy and healthy and can enjoy the season with family and friends. May you all be blessed with good fortune in this harsh economic climate and may 2012 bring even greater blessings. On that note, I leave you with several of the holiday windows I enjoyed.

Cheers!

Gidget a.k.a. Hellraiser or O.G. (Old Girl) watches over the garden

2011 (so far) has turned out to be a very interesting year. Lots of changes, including moving back to Brooklyn, and lots of projects. The summer got especially kooky. We had the mildest summer weather that was quite rainy, we felt the quake that hit DC, and hunkered down for Hurricane Irene. I took on the responsibility of fostering a cat. A 14 year old sassy Manx cat that acts more like a dog, and an irritated, rambunctious 4 year old instead of 14. The Manx breed has a genetic mutation that creates tail-less cats. Actually, all sorts of lengths are possible, but she has what they call a riser (just a bump of cartilage under the fur). She came de-clawed which is probably why she’s a biter. haha Oh, Gidget–I love your bratty butt! Even before summer and the arrival of the Hellraiser cat, I decided to start a new project just for the hell of it.

Maybe I’ll grow some peppers on the fire escape…–that’s how the idea began. I was in Home Depot picking up some paint to re-do the bathroom. Wandering around while our Caribbean Sea semi-gloss mixed, I found myself in the garden center in front of pepper seeds. It was mid to late April, so I was already late in the season for getting started, but I could just get a clay pot & do it in a windowsill. This is where, in typical fashion, I leave reality for the land of imagination and I examine seemingly infinite possibilities all at once. Compare it to watching the growing, blooming and dying of a flower via time-lapse, all in the span of a few minutes. There’s some blurriness of thought but I’m doing something (in reality) like holding a packet of seeds while half reading what it says while half focusing on my dream world. The next thing I know, I’m at the self check-out register with several containers, organic soil (Miracle-Gro’s Organic Choice Potting Mix), multiple organic seed packs and a seed starter kit from Burpee that holds 72 seedlings. That’s not going to fit in a windowsill. o_O

Naturally, I already settled on using the fire escape because I saw the future and it was having my own little urban container garden. I could not be stopped. Not only was I starting late in the season, I was going to be on a northern-facing, 3rd floor fire escape in Brooklyn, NY. Despite the various odds stacked against me, my little garden flourished without any pests, so no pesticides. I just watched everything like a mother hen does her chicks and observed what worked and what didn’t. The only creatures that like the plants were a couple of spiders and what looked to me like at least three types of bees. I never had my camera handy to catch them though. I wasn’t quite sure how various factors like the wind would play, both on evaporation and on the plants themselves, so I had to guess at things, such as how often to water. I knew that for some of the things I wanted to grow that it’s best to grow them in the ground, but again, I wanted to see what was possible so I jumped in knowing that I was going a bit overboard. Nature is surprising though. I picked 6 things to grow: 3 pepper varieties (jalapeno, poblano & habanero), yellow onions, roma tomatoes and tomatillos. Moving them all inside during the hurricane was quite a hilarious task that left me drenched. haha

Months later and I’m harvesting quite the bounty, plus I now know what works for my little slice of outdoor heaven and what needs to kick dust. You might be surprised at yourself if you decide to take up a similar project. If I can accomplish this on a fire escape, imagine what you could do with a roof or yard in the city! I’m not a complete novice, though and various times throughout my life, I’ve had small little gardens and kept house plants. My thumb is fairly green. I do need to give a few props for inspiration to a former employer. My time spent working for gardener/designer Rebecca Cole (colecreates.com) made me realize that container gardens in the city were not only possible, but they can flourish.

Okay, everyone knows I’m an admitted social drinker, usually vodka or bourbon. So, like a beacon, I notice a glowing sign in the dusky sky. Bourbon Coffee. I almost think I heard a record scratch (in my head). Huh? Well, it got my attention. Another non-surprise is how much I dislike the burnt roast taste of that corporate behemoth (cough-cough, starsucks). Wink. Blink…blink. Pardon the detour. Well, they had me at the name.

Their coffee (and chai) are quite good! The staff is very friendly. On this particular day, the barista making my latte was singing while she did so, and her voice was beautiful. They even let her keep in her Marilyn piercing, so that scored extra bonus points for me. Then, I start to notice the decor. It’s nice! The warm colors are inviting and rich, with an African feel. With good reason.

I picked up a pamphlet of theirs, Bourbon Coffee brewing up change, from crop to cup…for Rwanda. It’s actually worded better in the printed material, but from their website:

Bourbon coffee is an international brand of specialty coffee and the first retail brand to originate from Africa. Our retail brand is built around the philosophy of producing great coffee from “crop to cup.” By building the brand in this manner we are able to directly impact the value equation for coffee farmers in Africa.

They also list four core values in their copy: quality, equity, sustainability, and cultural integrity. That’s awesome. And since we like to judge everything based on a separate set of criteria, I give them top marks in atmosphere, service, beverage/food, and overall experience. Yes, taste is subjective, but I’d gladly take Rwanda’s offerings before Seattle’s (unless, of course, I’m actually IN Seattle, in which case it still wouldn’t be the place with the green logo (and by green, I mean literally green, not ecologically speaking).

This is my new destination of choice when I need my caffeine fix. It’s a short walk from Union Square, on the north side of the street or conveniently located near the F,M or L trains. They’re open til 10pm every night and of course, there’s wi-fi!

Read more about Bourbon Coffee on their website, www.bourboncoffeeusa.com.

For the record, and maybe to the scorn of many of my Jewish friends, I happen to agree with the Palestinians…at least as far as them having a Palestinian state. Hate me if you will, but the entire world agrees except the United States. Well, we as a country pretend to agree, but always step back from taking real action in the United Nations–we vetoed a resolution regarding the topic just last week. You can read it here: Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Resolution on the Situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, in the Security Council Chamber

Anyway, the signage at this protest indicated they wanted a healthy debate. I stopped by for a hot second to snap some photos and was given a postcard showing the Palestinian loss of land this past century.  Take from it what you will, but there will never be peace in the Middle East until Palestinians are treated fairly (for a change). If you think otherwise, you’re lying more to yourself than anyone.

Related Articles

• Veto of Israeli Settlement Resolution Puts U.S. on Wrong Side of History (alternet.org)

I wanted to make something from the heart for this family of strangers sharing their home and food with me. Cookies seem the logical choice since you can make a lot, and who doesn’t love a good cookie, right? Ok, this cookie is good. I mean, really good. It’s based on the cookie recipe from the urban legend of the $250 Neiman Marcus cookie recipe. I modified it slightly and my version was enough to get the whole family talking. (Particularly, the dark brown sugar and pecan combo play off each other extremely well, and do NOT skip the part of turning the oatmeal into a powder–makes all the difference in the world!) Word traveled so quickly that these cookies served as my introduction. Every time I met a new family member, they said, “I heard you make delicious cookies.” This recipe makes about 5 dozen, but I doubled it for a full 120 cookies. Have a go at it yourself and get ready to add on a couple of pounds and start your own urban legend of your family’s favorite tasting cookie.

Viper Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pecan Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
2-1/2 cups blended oatmeal (measure oatmeal & blend in food processor/blender to the consistency of flour)
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. real vanilla extract

Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips and pecans. Roll into balls (size of a ping pong ball) and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet..Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Viper Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pecan Cookies

Image via Wikipedia

More frequently today, I meet people who partake in a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle–definitely no meat. Their reasons for doing so are somewhat broad. The answer I respect the most is that they don’t like the taste. I’m a very picky eater myself, so that point I understand, in which case, I don’t blame you. Or maybe you’re simply turned off by the idea of eating an animal. You just can’t do it because it makes you sick to think about it. I can respect that–a choice made because it conflicts with your own personal preferences. You will also get answers about environmental impact or organically fed livestock, or basically an objection to the way the livestock is raised. With that, the ground gets a little shaky. These days, there are small, local farms that raise their livestock humanely and feed them the best foods available. Ok, so what else ya got? Then there’s the “it’s healthier to be vegetarian/vegan”. Now this is where I don’t agree. I’m going to get a small backlash for this, but I won’t be deterred. PROVE IT!

I’m touching on these topics somewhat lightly at first. I could write for hours regarding all the research I’ve done and believe me, I’ve already heard all the arguments for health benefits of being vegetarian/vegan. Oddly, as a whole, my vegetarian/vegan friends are generally poorer in health than their meat-eating counterparts. I’m not making that up either–it’s TRUE! But, I digress. First, we should eat everything in moderation. Anything consumed disproportionately greater than other things leaves our body with poor nutrition and health. I’m not only talking about red meat since there’s quite a variety of animal life from air and sea to consider. However, I know that red meat is the preferred punching bag for you all vegetable supporters. You’re also not going to get all your nutrition from tofu or salads. Variety is the spice of life and we humans need the spice!

First, let’s consider a few scientific studies. Anthropologist and director of The Wenner-Gren Foundation, Leslie Aiello follows the links between human evolution and diet (among other things). One of the major goals of the foundation is to support significant and innovative anthropological research into humanity’s biological and cultural origins, development and variation. In studying diet, she makes direct links between the increased growth of the pre-human (and subsequent proto-human) brain and the eating of meat. By the way, the increase in brain size corresponds with the increase in intelligence. Further, a study at the University of Tokyo highlights that meat protein promotes the generation of neural precursor cells in mammalian cerebral neocortex, the center of our intelligence, and suggests it enhances the brain function and activity by promoting the regeneration of nervous system. I can keep going, but if my eyes are starting to cross I can imagine that you’re about to bang your head on some concrete.

Next, let’s consider religion. If you’re Hindu or practice another religion where you regard all life is sacred and wouldn’t even consider killing a mosquito, then I understand your views. However, if you are Christian, Jewish or Muslim, all of your holy books have food instructions, from GOD, about eating meat. So, right off the bat…if you’re one of these religions, save your “PC” excuses for someone else. The very tenets you follow, all of which have been around for thousands of years, give instructions regarding the eating of animal flesh. Or, do you think you know better than the one that created you? God gave you meat, you spit it in His face…wow!

Ok, I know some of you will not be swayed by religion or science (even though some of you can’t resolve my religious argument above and/or you claim science backs you up in labeling meat as the bad guy). So, let us look at things logically and simply. More accurately, let’s examine things physiologically. In the animal kingdom we see among mammals three main groups: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. In simple terms: plant eaters, meat eaters and the combination of vegetation and meat. These three groups can be further condensed into predators and prey. Let’s examine some physiological features of both. You do know that we’re mammals, right?

Predators have forward facing eyes. This configuration allows them to focus on prey during hunting so the kill can be made with precision. Prey have eyes at the sides of their head, allowing them to have a wide vantage point for avoiding predators. Plus, you don’t need to be intensely focused on grass or fruits since they aren’t going anywhere. What configuration do we have? Unless you have some severe birth defects, you should have forward facing eyes. Hello predator; I see you!

Show me your teeth. What do you see? Well, if we were meant to eat nothing but plants, rest assured that our mouths would be full of molars. If we were meant to only eat meat, you’d expect to find large, sharp teeth. According to most dentists, we have incisors, canines and molars. If we were meant to eat only plant materials, then why do we have canines or any of our front teeth? If we were meant to eat both plants and animals (omnivore) then we should find something between a cow and a cougar. Lo and behold, that’s what my dental x-rays show…imagine that!

Let me give you a hand. Literally. Most mammals possess at the end of their appendages claws (carnivores), nails (omnivores) or hooves (herbivores). For the sake of argument, we won’t consider cetaceans (marine mammals). Despite some of you having what I call dragon claws, homo sapiens have fingernails. We also have hands that grasp. Every other grasping handed mammal is also an omnivore. Ergo, hands with nails means you eat animals too.

I know I’ll get arguments and complaints. You will pick apart each paragraph and try to rip it all apart. That’s ok. I see the predator in you, so I expect it. Humans are omnivorous predators that have consumed meat since we’ve been on this planet. Our bodies have been designed for it, whether you believe that design comes from a higher power or from evolution, that fact remains. I personally don’t care if you choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Good for you. I enjoy many of the same foods you do. We are what we eat. So unless you plan on your eyes shifting to the sides of your head, walking around on four hoofed feet, and filling your mouth with molars, save your speeches and righteous indignation. If I wanted to hear from a preacher, I’d go sit in church.

Image by dalbera via Flickr

I’ve been silent about the topic long enough. Everyone is up in arms about a lie, but even if it were true, it’s showing the face of hypocrisy. You may have heard about an Islamic mosque being built at Ground Zero in NYC. That’s where the lie begins, but first, let’s back up a bit. Let’s first talk about judging the whole based on the merits of a few. Already this should be leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

The reason the perpetrators of the attacks on 9/11 are called religious extremists is because they are just that. Period. If there was an announcement that a church was being built at Ground Zero, would people be bent out of shape. No. However, what if said church was run by a group like the Branch Davidians? Remember them? Radicalized people claiming to follow the Christian God. Do you consider them true Christians and would you lump them together with your own Christian faith? David Koresh’s radical, twisted thinking and teachings never made devout Christians seem anything other than Christian, yet many Americans are quite content lumping the radical, twisted thinking and teachings of a few people claiming Islam as their religion in with the true followers. What does that say about YOU?!

Time and again, throughout history, you’ll find examples of this pattern being repeated. I can see only two reasons for this; maybe there are more and I’ll only touch on them briefly, but basically it boils down to this. First, a single word: politics. Politics is a game of tit for tat. You’re sorely mistaken if you believe that it’s anything but. Each political party has it out for the others because of greed and a thirst for power. If we all lived under the very simple teaching of the Golden Rule, we’d have far less problems. You remember that, don’t you? Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. So simple, yet so wise. So simple, yet so hard to follow? NO, it’s not. However politics would like to make you believe it is. The conservative right’s agenda is so hell-bent on dethroning the moderate Democrats in power, they’re hoping to pluck the heart strings of the puppets (constituents). And you’re all just eating it up. How does that feel, Pinocchio? Let me break it down for you simply: if you’re Christian, it’s ok to put a church there, but if you’re Islamic, it’s not ok to build a mosque? Double standards, indeed!

If it’s not politics driving this maelstrom, then what else could it be? Hate. Pure and simple. The atrocities committed against us on 9/11 are unforgivable to us as humans. The manner in which they stole innocent lives is almost unspeakable. The devastation wrought upon the families of the survivors and our peace of mind as a nation is horrific. Living in NYC and being subjected to random searches on the subway, hearing security alert notices, etc. remind us constantly that we are not safe. We continue to live under a threat of death and destruction with far-reaching consequences regarding the effect on our psyche. Those few radicals have bred animosity and hate toward Islam. Let me remind you, those attackers are not followers of Islam any more than the Branch Davidians are Christian. Hate is based on fear and fear is born of ignorance. For one minute, set aside emotion. Just for a minute, let your fear abate. As a whole, our nation is smart, so let go of ignorance while you consider the truth of the matter.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s consider the FACTS. First, the building site in question is not AT Ground Zero, but NEAR it. LET ME REPEAT: the building site is NOT at Ground Zero. Second, it’s NOT a mosque. I REPEAT: it is NOT a mosque. It CONTAINS a mosque, or at least a prayer room, but it’s a community center. TRUE followers of Islam are peaceful and productive members of our nation. Somehow, I still don’t think that’s quite sinking in. Hate mongers and politicians would have you believe otherwise, but an Islamic Community Center is proposed a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero. Under our own constitution, we have the right to freedom of religion. This is our chance to show the radicals of the world that we don’t have double standards, that our differences don’t make us hate Islam. It’s our opportunity to prove that they have not won. And we’re failing. This backlash is proving them right. And not only are people not ashamed by that, they’re proud of it. How very un-Christian. Instead of questioning other peoples’ values, maybe you should be questioning your own.

Now these shows have become the breeding ground for celebrity. Today, the term “celebrity” is thrown around more freely than any other word in entertainment. It used to refer to someone who reached fame by having talent, someone that should be celebrated for their contributions to the arts and such. Now, any no account hack can get on some tv show and reach that status without having any other skills than being mean, stupid, outrageous, controversial/scandalous or any number of negative characteristics. And we just eat it up.

Once they reach that status, it’s like a no holds barred, open access, get out of jail free card. Retailers are eager to throw swag at them to get endorsements, talk shows want to milk the latest gossip from their lips and many just can’t wait for the next big awful train wreck to happen. These same individuals are generally allowed to skirt the laws and get away with almost anything. That’s the most ridiculous thing in the world. There are so many issues in the world today that really need addressing and really deserve our attention. However, it’s the very un-hot messes that people want. Again, we eat it up. Maybe we eat it up because that’s what we’re given. Maybe we need more “feel good” reality shows, like Extreme Home Makeover. Can America handle television if the majority of its programming has a positive spin? We have plenty of reasons to be skeptical.

My entire life I’ve been taught to be an upstanding, moral, productive citizen of the world. That’s not rewarded. And why? Maybe I should have practiced living the opposite. There’s a real reason why the saying “good guys finish last” exists. In general it’s true. However, just because it’s true doesn’t make it right. I don’t believe bad behavior should be rewarded. In fact, not only should it be punished, but redemption should be a long hard road out of hell. Everyone is so eager to jump on a bandwagon, but you should look before you leap. Next time, make sure the driver of that wagon is steering you toward something of value. Try spending less time in front of the idiot box and more time volunteering or giving to charities. What? Are you afraid of making the world a better place? I guess that’s just not very entertaining.

If you’re interested in making a positive change but don’t know how to begin, consider Volunteer Match. Click on the logo below to learn more.

First, many online outlets have advanced other names as being better fits. Some think stylists such as Patti Wilson, June Ambrose, Kithe Brewster, Memsor Kamarake and Sydney Bolden should have been vetted. While all of them are great stylists (and a few of them beyond great), they don’t all have a lot of experience as editors of a magazine, and several of those that do are fairly limited, with a couple of exceptions. Just because you know about fashion and can dress people like no other doesn’t necessarily mean you possess the skills to navigate the waters of corporate publishing. Also noteworthy is the fact that the people proposed by others for the position might not even want the position. Other names have been tossed around online as well, but I’m trying to cover this topic as light-hearted as possible. I’m not trying to incite wrath of any kind, as I value open dialogue.

Second, Ellianna’s experience should speak for itself. She has already been working at Essence as a contributing fashion editor since February of this year. No big “to-do” was made about her initial hiring, and MOST companies do like promoting from within. It’s only smart–you already know how they work, what to expect, etc. Let’s not forget that she also worked at O: The Oprah Magazine for 2 years as a fashion editor. She also came to Essence after proving herself as fashion and home director at Life & Style Weekly Magazine (for almost 4 years) and a stint at Time, Inc. as a fashion stylist. For over 8 years, she’s played CEO at her own company providing trend forecasting, design consulting and styling services for fashion & accessory companies, contributing to print, commercial and celebrity styling, and fashion expertise for television. In other words, she’s WAY more qualified that your typical celebrity wardrobe stylist to be hired as an editor.

Lastly, she went to school at Monash University in Australia, a college noted for its many implemented policies for minority equality. Not being rooted in the black/white racial tensions of the U.S. is sure to add to the equation too. In other words, she’s not racist herself (at least not outwardly as far as anyone can tell), yet now people are throwing the race card at her from the other direction. WOW! Instead of even remotely considering that she could be the best person for the job, people are up in arms that she’s white.

Reverse racism is a hot topic that pushes a lot of emotional buttons. I’m not saying that the big blowup is that at all. Once again, I get it. I understand about having ONE magazine for the woman of color and why it’s upsetting, but honestly, I think the detractors need to grow up a little. The previous editors didn’t seem to groom anyone as their replacement that would make a good fit. How about you all just give Ellianna a chance to prove herself before crying foul. Stop and watch; let her role play out and see if she has the chops for the job. You’ll either be pleasantly surprised or you’ll feel vindicated, but regardless, you’ll all be able to make a more informed decision and look smarter for biting your tongue in the meanwhile. The magazine is in the business of making money and staying afloat in this fickle economy. They’re trying to drive its success, not hinder it. Surely they know something we don’t, so give them a break.

That’s just my 2 cents. It might not count for much, but I’m hopefully optimistic that this move is going to improve Essence magazine’s standing as a fashion resource, because let’s be honest, it hasn’t been much of a force in the fashion world up to now. Maybe now is the perfect time to shake things up. Regardless, the magazine is sure to get some mileage out of this public relations “controversy”. Let’s hope it’s for the best and to Ellianna I say, “GOOD LUCK!”

There’s always a screaming baby or unruly children showcasing their over-dramatic acting talent. It’s a given. Sometimes those kids are justified in their tantrums, and you’ll know with one look at how the parent(s) are treating them. And no, I don’t blame a baby for crying since it’s the only way they can really communicate that something is up. However, many kids are just brats who wear the pants in their families. They always want to be vocal too. Turn the volume up a little on the ipod, close your eyes and pretend you’re on a desert island devoid of future douchebags.

All over the train system, you’ll find public “entertainers” playing their favorite little song and dance. Some of them are legit I guess–just artists that don’t know any other way to share their talents, but others are just homeless people trying to sing for their supper. Not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with that either (but they should be seeking help through a shelter sponsored by the city). Most entertainers set up camp and relegate themselves to the station platforms, promenades or hallways. The main point being that most are stationary and if it’s too horrible to hear or just too loud, you have the option of walking away. However, not with some. There’s a particular trio of guys who barge onto the train, play a horribly loud type of “Mexican Polka sounding” (?) stuff and assaulting my ears with an onslaught sure to conjure thoughts of an old hound baying at the moon. Turn the volume up a little on the ipod, close your eyes and stand there hoping it will end because you’ve had to turn the volume up so much to drown them out that your ears are about to start bleeding.

The other stuff, I tolerate well. I don’t like to blare my music. I like to faintly hear what’s going on around me. Not loud enough to distract me, but if some sh!t is going down, I want to know about it! It’s NYC–you gotta be prepared for virtually anything. I’m barely awake enough during the morning commute; the peacefulness of my own music selections is what eases me into my day. Being forced to listen to music I don’t like by adult strangers isn’t my cup of tea.

Why are you so loud first thing in the morning? Why are you making the crowded trains more crowded? Don’t you realize that it’s called “rush hour” for a reason? Why don’t you stop hopping on the trains? Could it be that you’re staying on the move for fear of police reprisal? I don’t appreciate the auditory molestation, but then you’re going to shove a hat in my face and expect me to pay you for it? Stop the harassment. Go ahead, pick a spot at some station and play to your heart’s content, but don’t follow me onto the train. Stop forcing everyone to be your captive audience. Your approach is reminiscent of con men and it’s not appreciated. Go kick dirt…

NYC Transit