London in New York

April 29th–Hamptons In The Springtime Benefit: The Retreat’s in-school education program “Empowering Children to Make Healthy Choices.”
May 8th Benefit: The Future Belongs To You Foundation Tribeca Film Festival Evening Event

Someone asked me the other day “Chris, why are you so involved and supportive of charities pertaining to the advancement and protection of Children’s Issues?” From the Fresh Air Fund, The Future Belongs To You Foundation and now The Retreat which provides support for Family Violence Victims.

Freedom begins in childhood. Freedom will be sustained with a a commitment to the mental & emotional health, security and well being of our nations children. The essence of who you are and what you become is shaped profoundly during childhood. It doesn’t just take a village; it takes a mommy, a daddy and a family structure for sure, but sometimes families break down and all too often children are the first casualty. So yes, freedom, liberty and honor do really begin with how we treat our children and how we choose to invest in their future.

Why the Children you ask? “Chris, you do not even have a wife or a serious girlfriend you are planning on marrying yet you are devoted to Children’s causes? Do you have a Daddy complex?” Well, maybe since I am nobody’s daddy, I want to be everyone’s daddy? It is actually more simple than that. I hope to always have the hope and perspective that one can so readily see in a childs eyes before they encounter disappointment. While I try not to take myself too seriously and have been known to have some Fun with Wine or othewise enjoy a good cocktail from time to time at a Cosmo Party, Jesters Guild Event, Networking Girl Soiree my greatest passion is supporting those who genuinely committed to making life better in some capacity for others on this Planet.

Politics is personal, especially when it is about advancing the liberties and freedoms that I treasure as an American and that far too often many take for granted. Our lives and lifestyles are protected not just by soldiers, but by organizations that protect our civil liberties like ADL & AIPAC, as much as those that protect the children and family. In the same vein are journalists who educate the populace through their prose. I will never suggest that it compares with those in our military who have made the “ultimate sacrifice” in war but even some journalists have done that. It is never lost on me that some have died, been imprisoned or ostracized for defending our way of life.

Fortunately for me some of the best experiences and memories I have had in life were from my childhood, the learning, exploration, little league, and some of the very simple tools that were afforded to me, from books, pens and pencils to milk. How many of you remember the giddiness accompanying the milk break when the milk monitor delivered the milk to your class? I wish that all children could have that same opportunity. Unfortunately far too often, many other children face hurdles to their emotional health, stability and security and to their very survival. Our freedom begins with theirs. So yes, my politics are personal. —CL

Recommended Reading from our friends at Harper Collins: The Committed Marriage, by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, author of The Committed Life and Founder & President of Hineni.

Yes, if the Neo Leftist Elitist Hypocrites Have Their Way.

This past week I had the opportunity to attend the Gala Preview for the New York International Auto Show to Benefit the East Side House Settlement. In addition, I served as guest bartender for the Worlds Collide Party hosted by David Shapiro and Alisha at Scopa, one of Midtown’s more interesting new spaces. My experience guest bartending was an awesome one. The staff of Scopa was extremely hospitable, the crowd was excellent and despite the fact that it was somewhat of an off Saturday night between Passover & Easter the space was filled largely with my Jewish & Italian friends, including some adorable and sexy JewLo’s. A night of Matzo Pizza it was. I loved it.

Of late, however, while David Shapiro’s house is nearly sold out, an often heard lament in other social circles is that Hamptons Night Life is Over before the Summer has even started. Vacation Rentals in the Hamptons are down, the country is at war andthe end of the economic downturn is no where in sight. Some may rejoice at the prospect but still others could care less. One critic has expressed contempt and distaste for what the Hamptons has become and even suggested that we Nuke the Hamptons altogether. It’s understandable. Despite one famous documentarians attempt to portray the The Real Hamptons as urbane, sophisticated, open and and diverse, many of the Hamptons reality shows on television exposed the frivolity of the Hamptons
as perpetuating a shallow, vapid, materialistic lifestyle. The case of Lizzie Grubman only further symbolized what was wrong with the Hamptons and the fissures which exist in the Hamptons social hierarchy. But what else can you expect of self indulgent capitalist “Bon Vivants?” Furthermore, weren’t many similar critiques once leveled at the excess and social caste systems fostered in other summer playgrounds of the rich and famous from South Beach, Palm Beach, Ibiza, The French Riviera, Newport, Cape Cod etc?

The unique characteristics of the Hamptons from too posh and too trendy to beautiful and serene has given it an exclusivity all its own. Some of those that have made the Hamptons their summer home have also given it a notoriety that some locals, including well healed socialites find distasteful. Even some of the rich second home owners who summer in the Hamptons find that there is a social hierarchy which excludes even them. An inquiry into the local Chambers of Commerce is certainly not necessary to confirm that the pursuits of “the Summer People”,many of whom often spend their summer in share houses, have driven more money into the coffers of the East End Community, its inhabitants and local business. Things, however, may undoubtedly be different this year but not for the reasons one would suspect.

Unfortunately, it seems that some out East are doing all that they can to insure the precipitous decline of tourism to the East End of Long Island. For the critic who wanted to Nuke the Hamptons, that may not be necessary. Class warfare has begun, ironically enough in an economy where consumer dollars are even more scarce to come by these days. The closure of night spots and the threatened enforcement of local ordinances precluding those who are unrelated from cohabitating in share house arrangements may bring about an end to summer fun for many. I find it most hypocritical that locals out East would want to discourage the annual “invasion” of middle & upper middle class Manhattanites who regularly spend the equivalent of the GNP of some small states over the course of the Summer just to enjoy the beach and patronize their community.

As our friend Cass has pointed out Dan’s Papers, not only writes disparaging articles against New Yorkers who do share houses they also include a form to fill-out so readers can report all Share Houses to the Police so that illegal summer cohabitators can be fined and arrested! They site a law that it’s illegal to rent a house in the Hamptons to 5 or more un-married people. Ironically Dans Papers, among some of the other neo leftist elitists in the Hamptons sell ads claiming that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers read their ads. To Dan and his advertisers, we really don’t read that rag as much as you think we do and if we did, you might realize that single people, often whom reside in share houses spend alot of money on the very businesses advertised. Let’s play a game, for one summer close the Hamptons down to singles, lets see how many of your quaint little businesses go BANKRUPT.

Over the years, Manhattanites en route to their Summer places of relaxation have encountered numerous deceptive speed traps to nab “consumers” on their escape from urban insanity. This exclusionary class war happens to a degree every year but it seems especially forboding this year. Lines have been drawn in the sand in terms of crack downs on “share houses,” which is but another way of saying that they do not want people out there who are not of a class that cannot own a home in the Hamptons or afford $350 per night hotel rooms. That should present some more interesting challenges to Summer Fun than the Annual War Between Owners & Renters in the Hamptons. If you ask me, Hamptons folk might better concerned not to politicize and penalize a class of single professionals who seek to leave city life on occassion to partake of the scenery, the beach and some of your local businesses while renting some of the houses that your owners have built but could not otherwise afford to carry the mortgage on if urban dwellers did not regularly visit your community. Think again before you drive up local bankruptcy rates, destroy local business and kill home values. Your citizenry may then come to better understand that having a buffoon like Jerry Seinfeld or some other celebrity dining in your local restaurants on occassion and not tipping as usual is insufficient to keep your local citizenry employed. The proletariat feeds your community.

Despite all of the foreging, the annual rite of Spring is upon us. In full swing are weekly happy hours at various Midtown watering holes on Wednesday & Thursday nights. These events are hosted and attended by a broad cadre of the Manhattan Professional Social Circuit. At these events one has the opportunity to meet the people running the house, house members from prior years as well as those who have joined or are thinking of joining. From my discussions with friends, the economy is not the only thing that suggest that things will be far different out East. For many, however, the end of Hamptons Night Life is not necessarily the end of the Hamptons per se. For them, the Hamptons is not so much about the night life as it is about the good life, county charm, quaint villages and gorgeous coast lines; some of the best in the world.

My recommendation to those that seek to control the destiny of the Hamptons as tourist attraction and resort is to be careful. I understand that perhaps you want a little less South Beach and a little more Newport or Palm Beach, but in doing so you may make life so uncomfortable for the very people who feed your economy that many may not return and choose to spend their hard earned money elsewhere, including the Jersey Shore or other resort towns. Your community is already exclusive enough; the vast majority of Americans, including most New Yorkers can not afford to play in your sandbox. You may want to try to be nice to the few who still can or perhaps the Hamptons will be over much to your chagrin.

“I opened myself for the first time to the tender indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself–so like a brother, really–I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate.”–Albert Camus

These are surreal times to say the least so you will excuse me if I have found solace in the writings of Camus. Our daily entertainment consists of the “Best Full Time Non Stop Reality TV show of all time.” Suffice it to say that Operation Iraqi Freedom has gotten more viewers than Star Wars and Seinfeld combined. It’s on nearly every major network and news channel, 24/7.

Further, every day I walk out of my apartment in Lower Manhattan, I am constantly reminded of the missing Twin Towers, icons which once filled our skyline and the fact that the rebuilding effort has not even yet begun. The Big Hole in the ground and our skyline remains. It makes me sad; it makes me angry but it also makes me wonder about the future of our city and Lower Manhattan. There are profound geopolitical forces affecting the very basis of our existence and our place and role in the world today. Ironically, many seem to forge on with indifference.

Excuse me if much of what use to seem of critical importance seems very much less so. Under the circumstances, I am far less receptive to living a cliched existence. It is not necessary to conduct a Gallup Poll to recognize that there is a pervasive degree of disconnectedness out there. Many seem to be searching for someone or something……to attach themselves to, but yet do not quite know what it is. Perhaps all we are really looking for is…ourselves and what lurks behind whatever Facade we project. Perhaps the underlying optimism is that 9/11 and the War on Terrorism has brought about a heightened level of introspectiveness and a quest for greater depth of meaning in our lives? Maybe it will bring about a new paradigm, despite the fact that the recent political discourse in this country seems to suggest otherwise.

How appropriate and timely then that this past week, after spending an early evening Benefit for my favorite charity, The Fresh Air Fund, I attended the “Unknown Fa�ade Soiree” sponsored by Onelegupnyc. Onelegupnyc as you may know is a “Sensual Movement” inspiring creativity and sensual liberation of both men and women. At the helm of these unique soirees is co-founder of Onelegupnyc, Palagia. Palagia and her staff go to extraordinary lengths and pay tremendous attention to detail to create and foster an enviornment of comfort, devoid of bias and judgment. Her events create a very level playing field for both men and women.

If you have not attended one of her events, you should. But do bring your significant other, a girlfriend or a date to a Take-Out Soiree. If you are single, attend one of her Sampler Soiree’s. If you do so, be prepared, there is always an abundance of human eye candy in attendance. It makes you realize the diversity of beauty in human kind. Your date may see someone she finds attractive or desireable, she may FLIRT with him or her, but she may also thank you for the freedom along with the exposure. During this process you may enrich both of your lives as well as your relationship. It is, however, far too simplistic to label her events as “swing” or “sexual” events. These events do not involve sex. But rather they present a unique opportunity to interact with artists, intellectuals and other urban sophisticates who you may not typically encounter in the NYC Lounge Scene.

The irony is that I found more truth and honesty at the Unknown Facade Soiree than at many social gatherings where many project a Social Facade without the benefit of a prosthetic mask. The mask that is worn of social pragmatism and convention, consumed with “fitting in.” The comfort of a mask and the illusion of anonymity is liberating, allowing us to shed our Social Facade to reveal our true self. The challenge is to embrace the self as well as pass less judgment onto others who have evolved to being comfortable with the multiple masks that we all wear.

“Well we all have a face that we hide away forever…. Did you ever let your lover see The stranger yourself?“–Billy Joel. Maybe you should. “This is about what we want to become. It is also about what we fear we might become. It is about what we fear and yet it is often what we desire.“—Palagia “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” –Albert Camus (1913 - 1960) So just embrace freedom, enjoy it and let it take you wherever it may. Live and breathe the First Amendment and just maybe Palagia and Onelegupnyc will liberate your soul and that of your partner. It really is that simple. In times like these it is a welcome release and exercise of liberty while the future of the world and life as we know it is at stake. Before we can free others, we must free ourselves. But I am certain of one thing, if nothing else, people in general seem to be looking for truth and those who have ideas and businesses based upon the conviction of truth rather than the same old hustle. Those involved in fraudulent schemes and other “consumer shake downs” may find that they as well as their ideas get left out in the new age dawning upon us. Are you listening Mr. Jaffee of 8 Minute Dating? Snake oil does not taste so good no matter what container it comes in. Seller Beware!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to Guest Bartend at the infamous Marcel’s Elegant & Eclectic Spring Cocktail Party at Daylight Studio. I have to admit that it was a most fascinating experience for many reasons, aside from the fact that despite a down economy and a rainy cold night we managed to jam the place with a diverse crowd of approximately 500 people. Usually at most of these NY/Hamptons scene events I was on the other side of the bar ordering the drinks and partaking in the festivities. It was a very different experience serving my friends, members of the London Network as well as friends of Marcel. To those who of you I had the opportunity to serve…I hope you enjoyed my Cosmos, Apple Martini’s and regular Martini’s. But you may wish to note that I was guest bartending along side and under the tutelage of the the ever polite, considerate and gracious Danielle. Danielle is by the way a great real life bartender who taught me a lot.

Anyway, I should get to the juicy part. Those of you who knew me were kind, considerate and so respectful or at least most of you were. I appreciate your coming out to allow me to serve you. Those of you who did not know me personally did engage in some interesting behavior. The manner in which many people interacted with me was very telling from a sociological standpoint. The bartender does seem to have a glorified sort of aristocratic, rock star status in the party scene. Many incredibly attractive women were extraordinarily gracious and did treat me to some excellent tips and flirtatious remarks. I felt like a piece of meat..which was kind of cool actually. However, what was most telling is that there was a very small percentage of people who did exhibit a certain “Caste” system. These people ordered me and spoke down to me in a somewhat belligerent fashion. Despite the fact that I have an Ivy League Education, it was interesting to see how certain people treated me like the “Bridge & Tunnel” guy that I am. Take away my education, world travels, experience and learning and basically…yes, I am that guy from Queens and Brooklyn. Thank you very much for making me feel like the Male Sabrina. It goes to show you that no matter how much money or status one has…class cannot be taught or acquired. The sense of entitlement that certain people exhibit is astounding to me. Following the event I was even hounded by one person who felt that $35 for an Open Bar with a Band in an Open Loft with food was not sufficient. If nothing else, it has only solidified my desire to treat even better those people who earn a living serving others.