PEOPLE AND EVENTS: WHAT'S HAPPENING

TV AND RADIO WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Last Thursday night, in New York,  at the Museum of Television & Radio, a reception was held to  release the names of the 2005 honorees who will be on the roster “She Made It: Women Creating Television and Radio,” celebrating the accomplishments and recognizing the achievements of women in television and radio industries. The 2005 Honorees are:

Among the celebrities who attended the event were Christiane Amanpour and Sheila Nevins, seen left, and Dr. Ruth, Christie Hefner and Barbara Walters, seen below.

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John Kerry's State Department

Photo: Senator John Kerry.

A story circulating in Washington, perhaps apocryphal, has it that late one evening during last year's annual Munich Conference on Security Policy, after the day's discussions were finished and a few drinks had been downed, Richard Holbrooke began a sentence by saying, "When John Kerry is president and I'm secretary of state and Nicholas Burns here is undersecretary of state for political affairs ..." However, Mr. Kerry went on to lose the election, and Mr. Holbrooke, who was America's ambassador to the United Nations under President Clinton and Mr. Kerry's foreign policy adviser, is but a private citizen, albeit a distinguished one. Mr. Burns, however, emerged from his position as America's ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to become just what that story had Mr. Holbrooke predicting, undersecretary of state for political affairs, with the surprise ending being that it's in a Bush administration. Mr. Holbrooke, relaying a message via his office, denies the yarn about the remark in Munich and says it "wouldn't be appropriate" for him to have made such a declaration. But he is, his office says, "delighted" that the undersecretary is Mr. Burns, who "epitomizes the best in the foreign service." In January, Mr. Holbrooke had written a glowing report in the Washington Post predicting that Mr. Burns would be in the new State Department team, which he described as "among the very best professionals of the current generation." He said their foreign policy would be "more centrist, oriented toward problem-solving, essentially non-ideological, and focused on traditional diplomacy."

Photo: Ambassador Holbrooke.

Mr. Holbrooke got almost all the appointments he predicted (and praised) correct - including Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary C. David Welch, and Assistant Secretary Christopher R. Hill. Such effusive praise of the Bush administration's team for State from the man who would have most likely led the State Department in a Kerry administration (sorry, Senator Biden) tells a lot about the state of things in Foggy Bottom. President Bush won the 2004 election, a contest fought largely on foreign policy issues. Mr. Bush presented the platform for continuing America's war on terror by tackling tyrannical regimes and democratizing the Middle East. Mr. Kerry ran on a platform of working "more with our European allies," which the American people knew meant ignoring the British, Italians, and others who joined the war in Iraq, and instead making nice with the French and Germans. But the staffing hasn't worked out the way the voters might have expected. Instead, with a few exceptions, most notably John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations and Condoleezza Rice as secretary, we've gotten a State Department of Kerry-ites.

Mr. Burns, moreover, is unusually influential as the third-ranking officer in the department because Ms. Rice has been relentlessly globetrotting and her immediate deputy, Robert Zoellick, has been preoccupied with Sudan and China. And if there's a tradition of bipartisan consensus in the foreign service and in American foreign policy overall, no one seems to have told Mr. Burns about it. The State Department is back to advancing its own agenda rather than the president's - or, worse, counseling the president and influencing him in ways that pull him away from the policies he ran on. Mr. Burn's exact role in policy is hidden by State Department secrecy, but it's visible in the Bush administration's letting the E.U.-3 (Britain, France, and Germany) take the lead in handling Iran's march toward the A-bomb. On Friday Mr. Burns was in London representing the administration in meetings with officials from Britain, France, Germany, and Russia to discuss Iran. Letting the E.U.-3 lead in dealing with Iran means policy is guided by the lowest common denominator of the three - Germany - whose policy is closely aligned to that of Russia, which is helping Iran build its nuclear program. Hardly surprising then that the E.U.-3's dealing with Iran are all carrots and no sticks.

We sense Mr. Burns's hand as well in the Bush administration's acceptance of President Mubarak's election victory in Egypt - hardly a free or fair election. His influence is also seen in the Bush administration's close relationship with Saudi Arabia and the deference with which it treats Yasser Arafat's longtime sidekick, Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Burns has impeccable credentials for a Kerry administration official. He studied in France, earning the Certificat Pratique de Langue Française from the Sorbonne, and speaks French, Arabic, and Greek. He did a stint as spokesman for President Clinton's first-term secretary of state, Warren Christopher, where his service included criticizing Mayor Giuliani for kicking Yasser Arafat out of a concert at Lincoln Center, saying that Mr. Arafat deserved to be treated with "respect, dignity, and hospitality." Mr. Holbrooke's praises of Mr. Burns as being among a group of diplomats who are "centrists" and "non-ideological" are no doubt spot on. He's just not what the American people voted for, and when Mr. Bush returns from his gallivanting overseas the best thing he can do to redeem his commitment to voters is to do something about it. ( Not to mention the usual State Department, poured in concrete, policy of throwing Israel down the tube to pacify non-existent Arab allies, as was amply just demonstrated by Condolezza Rice). New York Sun Staff Editorial, Posted by Jerome S. Kaufman

Tyra's Final Spin on the Runway

Photo: Tyra Banks walks the runway at the end of the Victoria's Secret Fashion show.

Model retires wearing a red lace bra and underwear. The runway is now behind Tyra Banks. Her final cruise down the catwalk was the Victoria's Secret show, broadcasted at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday. She "retired" wearing a red lace bra and underwear with a belt made of military-style medallions, kicking up her high heels with Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell at her side. With two TV shows - her daily talk show and "America's Next Top Model" - Banks hadn't been doing much modeling anyway, and she wanted to go out on top. She still looks good, mind you. She turned 32 on Sunday. You could even say she looks great. She spoke to The Associated Press just before the Victoria's Secret show, wearing a red satin robe, sneakers and her signature long lashes.

Are you really retiring from the runway, not just taking a break?

I'm not just retiring from the runway, I'm retiring from all modeling. God, I love saying that! When I was 18, my mom said I have to have a plan. I decided I'd leave on top. I want to be like the athletes who seem stuck in time. When you see them at 50, you say they probably can still run like a champ.

Did you get to choose what you'd wear in this Victoria's Secret show - a black satin corset, an embellished push-up bra with a beaded organza cape adorned with feathers and that red lace number with a crystal-covered baton?

They gave me sketches and I chose my three favorites. I've never had that clout before. Retiring is good.
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FOR LAUGHS AND FOR SERIOUS

 By Paulette Attie

 

A special table was reserved at the Friars Club for comic Henny Youngman. It was located front and center, so we could pay respects to Henny upon entering and exiting the dining room. When Henny invited you to be his guest, it meant you paid for your own meal and for the privilege of being the butt of his jokes. Everyone jumped at the opportunity.

Henny Youngman, comic famous for his one liners. 

Photo: Rod Gilbert.

One afternoon, I was chosen. Henny asked me if I’d like a diamond pin. “Of course,” I answered, whereupon Henny presented me with a dime attached to a safety pin. This is one of the many experiences that make me laugh and keep me returning to the Friars Club. But the Friars Club event that I enjoy the most is our annual Chanukah and Christmas Party for children. “Our,” some may ask? “Isn’t the Friars Club for men only?” It was until 1988, at which time I became the first woman performer elected into the Club. It’s one of those firsts for which I am most proud. The New York Friars Club now boasts a membership which includes about 10% women.  Back to that party for children. For thirty years, the Friars Club has given a party for the less privileged children in the community.

This involves inviting them to a movie, this year it will be “Chicken Little,” at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Manhattan, and giving each child a large shopping bag full of gifts. The goodies include wearing apparel, toys, educational books, etc. Giving out these presents is as big a treat for those who hand them out as it is for the children who receive them. Their eyes bulge with pleasure and curiosity as to what is contained therein. Some are little tots, and their accompanying parents have to carry the bags for them. Other children are big enough to carry their own. A few ask for a second bag to bring home to their brother or sister who couldn’t make it to the party. 

Photo: Fabulous Friar Liza Minelli, performing at the 1995 Friars Foundation Applause Dinner for Frank Military, music publisher legend and Friars Club Scribe for 4 years.

Photo:  Rusty Staub and Wellington Mara.

Another part of the party that delights the children and grown ups alike are the celebrity sports figures who attend, talk to and take pictures with the children. Michael Spinks, Rod Gilbert, Rusty Staub, and Cal Ramsey attend regularly, as well as newscasters Marvin Scott and John Roland, and TV and radio icon Sally Jesse Raphael. Each of them has made a jolly Santa Claus. One year, we ran out of gift bags and boxing champion Michael Spinks gave ten dollars of his own to each child who would otherwise have gone home empty handed. Then there’s the balloons given out and face painting that puts more smiles on everyone’s face. This annual event is an activity of the Friars Club Sunshine Committee, chaired by Friars Joe Gelber and Thomas J. DeBow Jr., and Phil Baird. Jean Pierre Trebot, Executive Director of the Friars Club, is actively involved each year, to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Photo: The 1976 Testimonial Dinner for Frank Sinatra, from L to R:  (Milton Berle, Mr. TV and Friars Club Abbott for fourteen years, William B. Williams, renowned radio broadcaster and Friars Club Dean 1982-1985, Frank Sinatra, The Chairman of the Board and Friars Club Abbott 1975-1996, Buddy Howe, former head of ICM Talent Agency and Friars Club Dean 1970-1981, David Tebet, former head of NBC and producer of Friars Club Testimonial Dinners.

Photo: Friars G.M. Jean Pierre Trebot and New York TV news ledgend Marvin Scott.

There’s also the Friars Foundation, chaired by Leo Greenland, with Cy Leslie serving as President, whose purpose is the betterment of our society through grant giving, particularly in the area of the performing arts. Four books about the Friars Club, authored by Barry Dougherty, have been published in the past few years. Yes, the Friars Club has provided laughs and songs for themselves and others for over 100 years. That, along with the charitable arm of giving back to the community makes this a very special Club for its members and for nonmembers who enjoy and benefit from their songs, jokes, and good deeds. 

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RALPH LAUREN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Denise Rich and Rita Cosby

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Fall, 2005 EL/Civics Awards Ceremony & Concert "Program"

Since 1996, this magnificent program has, each year, been providing hundreds of (often frail and disabled) elderly refugees with English language and Citizenship instruction (not at central classroom settings they must travel to, but rather) at the senior centers they attend, in the senior citizen housing developments where the reside and at other accessible community-based sites. Hundreds of immigrant seniors of all ethnic backgrounds in several Brooklyn communities have become citizens through the organization's efforts and, more importantly, they have been given the ability to function in our American society and communicate with their medical care providers, landlords, store personnel, police, neighbors, etc. -- which is often vital to their health and welfare. Their  Frail Elderly ESL/Civics Instruction Program is funded by New York State Department of State, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (through the City Council Immigration Initiative) and NYC Department for the Aging (through a City Council allocation to provide ESL/Citizenship instruction at senior centers). The "Program" of today's Awards Ceremony and Concert honoring the graduating students of the current cycle of their  "English Language/Civics (EL/Civics)" program,  is funded by the New York State Education Department and operated in collaboration with Kingsborough Community College. The heart, mind and soul of these enormous charitable and educational programs is Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, Inc., in  Brooklyn, New York. 

DO IT YOURSELF JUDAISM: EXTREME JEWISH MAKEOVER

Panel Discussion To Explore the Ever Changing Faces of Judaism in Everyday Life. The American Jewish Historical Society presents a panel discussion, Do It Yourself Judaism, Extreme Jewish Makeover on Tuesday, December 15, 2005 at 7:00 PM at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16^th Street, New York City. Ever since Sinai, Jews have been creating Jewish life on their own terms.  Whether it be the codification of the Talmud or the creation of Reform Jewry, Jewish communities have always imagined versions of Judaism that suited their contemporary needs, wants and worldviews.  Since the publication of The Jewish Catalog in 1973, American Judaism has experienced a dramatic expansion in expressions of religious life.  What drives people to reinvent and reinvigorate Jewish tradition?  What forms do these experiments take?  Do these efforts threaten or strengthen tradition? 

Photo: Moviemaker, Faye Lederman.

This exciting discussion will approach these questions by bringing together some of the most influential and engaged practitioners of “Do It Yourself” Judaism in America. Panelists include:  Nathaniel Deutch, Professor of Religion at Swarthmore College and co-editor of The Bad Jews’ Bible , Faye Lederman, filmmaker and member of the Park Slope Minyan , Rabbi Rona Shapiro, Founding Editor of www.ritualwell.org , Richard Siegel, Co-editor of the first Jewish Catalogue , Shira Stutman, Former Executive Director of Lights in Action and rabbinical student  For further information, contact Eric Katzman at 212-294-8352 or via e-mail ekatzman@cjh.org.  Admission: $10.00/$5.00 for students, seniors and American Jewish Historical Society members.

Newton-John: 'The Pain is There'

Photo: Australian veteran pop star Olivia Newton-John .

Singer weeps as she tells of life after disappearance of boyfriend.

Australian singer Olivia Newton-John wept as she told of coming to terms with the mysterious disappearance of her longtime boyfriend Patrick McDermott. In an interview aired Monday on Australian television's Nine network, Newton-John said her singing is helping her cope with the grief of losing McDermott, who failed to return from a June 30 overnight fishing trip off the California coast. "I didn't feel like singing and I didn't think I would ever sing again. The thought of it was terrifying to me," she said. "Singing is a part of me and it's my soul. It's how I can express myself and move through it. Music is a very healing thing." The Coast Guard in California has been investigating 48-year-old McDermott's disappearance as a missing person case, including the possibility that McDermott staged his disappearance. McDermott had filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and was embroiled in a legal dispute in April over late child support payments to his ex-wife, actress Yvette Nipar, with whom he has a 13-year-old son. Newton-John, who is scheduled to tour New Zealand and Australia in March next year, said she still feels the pain of her loss. "Things like this come in waves. Anyone who has gone through loss or a painful experience knows that," she said. "You think you're coping, then you hit a wall or a wave and you go down and come up again. The pain is there and you feel it ... and there is no escape."

Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher in hospital after feeling faint

Photo: Lady Margaret Thatcher.

Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after feeling faint, a Conservative party spokesman said. Thatcher, who governed Britain from 1979 to 1990, turned 80 in October and has grown frail in recent years following a series of small strokes. The Conservative Party said she would be kept in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London overnight as a precaution.