Media Frenzy

Dominique Strauss-Kahn of France was the head of the International Monetary Fund. He was thought to be a leading candidate to run for President of France. That all changed rapidly. He was accused of the attempted rape of a New York City hotel maid and arrested as he was preparing to fly back to France. He spent some time in jail, resigned his position with the IMF and is now out on a million dollar bail. He is on house arrest, armed guards, leg bracelet AND he is living in our building in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. He and his attorney state he is innocent. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 6^th.

Now it is a media event, or better said a media circus right outside the front door of our building. According to the press our building is the newest tourist attraction in New York City. “Tourists and the media have been flocking to 71 Broadway. Tour bus drivers point out our building, school groups pose in front of our now famous building.” It has been mind-boggling to see the media folks and their staying power just waiting for something to happen. All of the network’s trucks, the freelancers, photographers, reporters etc. have taken up residence on our sidewalk. This is their fourth day. Strauss-Kahn wanted to be on the Upper Eastside where the well-to-do folks live but they rejected him. Nobody even asked me if it was okay to have this circus move in to our neighborhood. Oh well, it’s an interesting experience.

This guy hasn’t been found guilty of the accusation but it still brings the question to my mind: “What is it with the rich and famous? Why do they keep getting themselves into these messes?” Most recently, there was Arnold Schwarzenegger before that there was Tiger Woods, John Edwards and of course Bill Clinton as well as others I won’t mention right now. Is it their money, power or popularity that makes them think they are immune to this stuff ruining their lives as well as those of their families? Maybe we just know about these guys because of their high public profile….perhaps everyone is out doing this stuff. That would be mind-boggling and hard for me to believe or at least accept. 

Stan the Man

Geronimo: Mind-boggling

We recently toured the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian at One Bowling Green in New York City. The museum lies at the foot of Broadway in a wonderful old building that was originally constructed as the U.S. Customs House. They have an exhibition there, demonstrating the historical and continuing special relationship between Native Americans and horses. One of the famous Native Americans who is part of the exhibit is Geronimo.  This reminded us of our years owning and operating a small guest ranch in Arizona. Our ranch wasn’t far from the Apache Indian Reservation. History told us that Geronimo, with his braves, had ridden across our property as they fled south. Geronimo is a much admired hero of the Apaches. It was a special place to many, including us, due to its history.

Of course, we needed horses on our ranch. We ended up with two for our personal use. One was an Arabian named Cittana and it just so happens that the other horse I bought off the reservation was a mustang who came with the name Geronimo. Geronimo was a headstrong horse but loyal and we became a great team. I don’t know what we would have done without him. We explored miles of desert and mountain terrain, the same terrain that the original Geronimo had rode. I led the way on Geronimo with Katherine on Cittana bringing up the rear. We came to love our horses and the location. Eventually our ranch became the stopping off point for dinner, stories and a good night’s sleep during the Geronimo Ride which was an annual event organized to commemorate the original Geronimo’s ride south.

We were two upset people when it was announced that Geronimo had been killed. Not the original Geronimo but now Geronimo was the code name for Osama bin Laden. The terrorist, the bad guy, the evil guy we have been hunting down since 2001. What does this say regarding how we still feel about the American Indians? We stole their land, their way of life and much more. Now we are stealing their hero and using the name in this way. Somebody should be ashamed of themselves.  I know, now we are getting new versions in the same way we got new versions of how bin Laden was killed and disposed of. Interestingly, the original American Hero, Geronimo wasn’t killed but captured and eventually became a Christian.  He was no bin Laden. Either was my horse that I trust is still alive and well in Arizona.

Stan the Man

   

Bal Harbour, Florida

It is truly mind-boggling how easily a new and different location gains power over me.  Bal Harbour, just north of Miami Beach, Florida has the power to detour my efforts and intentions in unexpected directions. Yes, gazing at the ocean, walking on the beach, sitting in the warm sunshine and generally becoming familiar with new and exotic surroundings. All of this and more has the power to dissuade me from my good intentions. Therefore it has been beyond a week since I have posted anything new on this blog. It is time to get to it. Tomorrow I return to New York City along with the throngs of New Yorkers who come here and make the Miami area simply an extension of New York City. Of Course it is a lot more than that. The weather is consistently perfect. Oh, there are brief tropical showers but the sun quickly chases those away. The beaches of beautiful sand and rolling blue surf are incredible with the water temperature running around 84 degrees. Along the beaches there are walking trails without crowds. In fact there are only occasional runners and walkers. Not nearly enough to obstruct your path. This contrasts with New York City, where walking requires one to navigate an obstacle course through crowds of humanity as they hurry somewhere, anywhere.

I know there are important things going on in the world. I won’t comment since without a television or newspaper I know little. I’m fine with that for right now. I don’t think I will like knowing more anyway. Instead I will post several photos to the right to provide you with a sense of the surroundings here. You will see the beach, palm trees, the unoccupied trails lined with tropical plants. Until next time….

Stan the Man