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Saturday July 19 2008 Sweltering excessive heat in the northeast has everyone running for cover ... or water. dangerously hot. keep an eye on the elderly, poor and pets who suffer additionally inside without air or outside even momentarily. hydrate hydrate hydrate.
Obama is drawing crowds like a rock star in his historic overseas tour. Too bad Michelle didn't get to go. I can't imagine someone as bright, professional and ambitious as Michelle preferring to stay home. The decision to stay home appears at least in part intended to keep the strong, outspoken woman, unlike other potential first wives, often out front at the podium, from being so much in the spotlight, to allow all the bright light to shine on Barack, to allow him to be the only star in the picture.
After all, he is the candidate.
Mrs. Obama may have stayed home for security reasons, too. Like Prince Charles and Princess Diana who flew separately, safety may have been Issue One if, God forbid, something were to happen in less secure regions of the world to either or both parents of young children.
Obama's advisors, who may very well include and at least partially led by Michelle, may be right. If the decision to keep Michelle a-stay-at-home-mom was made to lessen her visibility, highlight Barack's own two feet and protect the other little feet at home, it may have been one of their best campaign moves yet.
Senator Obama also has a lot of photo ops coming up. Being a good father while taking care of business on this trip may have been impossible and distracting, positively and negatively, for the candidate, the press, world leaders, citizens and troops with whom he's meeting. His 300 strong team of advisors wields a lot of brain power. They may be showing they can not only beat the Clinton machine, they may really know what they're doing.
Senator Obama can be more than an agent of change within US borders. His multicultural background can and apparently is shining like an internationally positive PR prism reflecting over the growingly diverse population of the US. Deserved or not, a world with renewed respect if not awe for an American President would be a refreshing change, a change that not just Americans could believe in, a change the world could believe in, a change that could create opportunities for lasting peace, increased openness and deeper cooperation in some of the most troublesome conflicts in the world, hot spots which, under other more traditional American politicians, could further erupt and flow into US borders and interests if Barack, the embodiment of America's melting pot, weren't seated at the head of the American table.
Summer Friday July 18 2008 Yes, thank you for your emails, we're all thinking alike. it is time for this year's beach and/or pool photos. I'm working on it. With temperatures in the 90's, the magnificent beaches on the eastern end of long island, or the new jersey shore, where wide white pristine sandy beaches welcome families, glorious beach homes, surfers and nightclub table-top go-go dancing (yes, I've been known), one never knows what kind of backdrop I'll find this time Or maybe it'll be poolside in Aspen. Or Vegas. Or a Jacuzzi after a mountain bike or horse ride or hike. hmm ... where ever your weekend takes you, make it better than your week. bonnie@bonniebehrend.com.
Sunday July 13 2008 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac backstop plan announced tonight. Gretchen Morgenson in today's New York Times, as usual, has the mess pretty well figured out. "IT’S dispiriting indeed to watch the United States financial system, supposedly the envy of the world, being taken to its knees. But that’s the show we’re watching, brought to you by somnambulant regulators, greedy bank executives and incompetent corporate directors," she writes. I still think the mess means buying opportunities for those who can afford it, angst for those caught in it and unfair burdens for taxpayers who have to pay for it. At the same time, the federal government is signaling this is the end of the bailouts. That's not going to ease tensions on Wall Street.
The Street's investment, credit and banking messes, the cost of oil and green issues, an overdue American lifestyle flip to alternative transportation and smaller cars, the historic primary run and Barack Obama's official acceptance of party nominee less than two months away, even though, after President Bush, he is seen by foreigners as a US plus, all add up to feel to me like the most turbulent times we've had since the 60's. The disgusting details of a Brinkley-Cook marriage death, forcing her to go public to keep her children from the greedy, unseemly grip of a perverted internet predator of young girls - while being married to one of the most beautiful women in the world. Death, destruction, man's inhumanity to man and woman, the cacophony of chaos is deafening.
Time for yoga, a hike or a bike ride, the sound of a Harley winding through cool hills and mountains, a walk on the beach, an iced tea or a good night's sleep. Ride or just watch a horse and rider work under a Colorado clear blue sky next to snowcap mountains in summer. Start the video below these photos, listen to George Strait and always remember there is just nothing like the American West ...
Friday July 11 2008 ... and this one about GE and Immelt from NYTimes. I don't like Jack Welch. Earnings didn't
disappoint today but some analysts aren't convinced. Expect the story and the numbers to get increasing and deeper scrutiny in the days ahead.
Not a good day so far in the markets. Stay tuned to Bloomberg.com for market news.
Ronald Perelman suing ex-wife's Claudia Cohen's family for estate fraud. She was his best friend.
Christie Brinkley vows never to marry again. Don't give up Christie. There are great guys out there ... just not usually those approaching such glorious women as you. I like the NYPost's headline "a beating never looked so good." Scummy creepie hubby Cook is fried.
More later. It's a summer Friday. Beach? American West? Europe? Where you going? Have fun, be safe and love your loved ones like there's no tomorrow.
bonnie@bonniebehrend.com
Thu July 10 2008 I love this headline in the NYPost about the possible of the sale of NBC.
POLITICS
Society
Business Wednesday July 9 Maybe you've seen/heard the recent interviews conducted in Montana with the Obama's. I was uncomfortable watching the interviews on behalf of the family. I see and support the Senator and his wife's decision not to do it again. As charming as the children are, sometimes the mean-spirited, invasive, repetitive nature of press coverage is surprising, even to a family emerging as viable future occupants of the White House. I also found myself with a new view and additional respect for the reality of Michelle Obama. Senator Obama was asked what romantic gesture he does for Michelle (questions I'm not sure were comfortable in front of the children. The interviewer also used the word 'intimate' in front of the children. aack!). Michelle said the Senator brings her flowers. She was asked what she does for him, romantically. (I'm old fashioned. I think men not women should be pursuing romance). The busy, pressurized mother in the fishbowl said with a direct eye to eye look at her husband, "I take care of your children!" (while he's away so much and devoting his life to public service.
I don't think there is a mother alive with a husband/father who must be away for long periods of time who doesn't relate to that sentiment. Here's to Mrs. Obama.
Watch credit default swap for GE vs other triple A rated companies. Suspiciously large trades this week in advance of earnings on Friday. GE has lost $150 billion dollars of value in 9 months. Immelt to speak Friday am. If GE loses its triple A rating resulting in loss of access to capital, there will be trouble in Fairfield CT. At least.
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Sunday July 6 2008 - All eyes on The Street on multi-national giant GE this week. After suspicious timing of an earnings miss just two weeks after an earnings reassurance for 1Q '08, GE's earnings for 2Q '08 are due out Friday. CEO Jeffrey Immelt, Jack Welch's hand picked successor, and company executives are under pressure to sell underperforming assets, including NBC. Analysts on the street are saying Immelt has about 6 months to repair his credibility or he's out. Couldn't happen to a better company.
More details of the Creepy Cook. Christie Brinkley's soon to be ex-husband pursued a 15 year old girl ... whose stepfather is a COP! Cook's creepiness is outpaced only by his stupidity. Now we learn Cook met the teen in a toy store! He put a $15,000 down payment on a car after hers was taken away in a disciplinary action. She was a child! StepDaddyCop told Cook to leave his daughter alone - TWICE! Then finally told Christie about it. Can you imagine how she felt when she learned?? Cook surely didn't. Cook admitted to the officer he thought he was 'helping" the teenager. Helping himself, I'd say. My question is ... where is the $3-400,000 hush money? Cook is not only the New King of the Creeps and a new member of the Perverts, Punks, Liars and Cheats Club, he's a bad investor! How on earth can you be married to and create a family with one of the most beautiful women in the world, a woman you supposedly love, one who is worth an enormous amount of well-earned assets and screw up this badly?? He's sick. She found a dark hair in an unmade bed in one of her homes. He had affairs in her homes! I think he's getting what he deserves - loss of his family, finances and much public exposure. What an disgusting pervert. I feel sorry for the children, Christie and Cook's next wife. He'll remarry quickly to try and restore his reputation and propriety. It won't work. He's done.
Good work, Christie. As painful as it all is, you exposed a bad guy. I'd say Christie Brinkley is an honorary member of The Wrong Blonde Club.
Speaking of dogs, if you prefer animals to humans, join the club. One New York analyst says "Humans tend to be very disappointing" ... (four-legged) "Dogs are not hurtful and humans are. People are inconsistent and dogs are fairly consistent."
So sad a story ... a young man who served in Iraq could not shake the war when he got home.
Happy Monday in New York already.
Saturday July 5 2008 Well! Hope you had some fireworks since we last met. I certainly have ... and my Fourth of July wasn't too bad either. ;-)
Being a laptop-toting, wireless-connecting travelogger on my favorite days, which admittedly have been too few recently (will be changing that shortly), I recently read an article about ad-hoc wireless networks vs. infrastructure mode networks. Suffice it to say, as in all things consumer related, if it's free (Wi-Fi), it could be a problem. Follow the easy instructions in this article to make sure you're safe. And even then, check under the bed for perverts, punks, liars and cheats ... and monsters. They're everywhere.
One woman says she's not sorry for introducing a sex offender to a baseball bat. Say Amen somebody.
Merrill Lynch shopping one of its best assets, its 20% stake in Bloomberg LP possibly to a blind trust owned by NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The minority stake could fetch an estimated $5 to 10 billion. While he has said he doesn't run the company day to day, Mayor Mike still retains the balance of the privately held company. Merrill Lynch is a little cash strapped.
No problems in the mega-yacht business. Money coming from everywhere ... South America, the Middle East and Russia, in technology, venture capital, new industries and oil.
Doesn't look good this week in the markets when earnings will be out, including GE's, and the price of oil shows no sign of ending its trend upward.
Outflippingstanding rescue in Columbia.
I LOVE PCD ... THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS. I love their act and their power. Didn't think they could top "Don't Cha" but they did with "When I Grow Up."
And Amy Winehouse is absolutely a remarkable talent.
Yes, day before trial we reached a settlement in the civil case over an assault and battery I survived three and a half years ago at the hands of a man who has at least 4 other similar assaults on record and admits in public records his "M.O." is to "choke" women he can't "control." As my mother said at the time, "why is that man still walking?!" More on that later, including photos, documents and further developments.
It's important to expose this guy, this crime and others like him. It's part of healing and helps to warn others. As for the threats of more violence, the Sheriff says I'm probably safer now that I have spoken up. It's also fascinating to see how the story continues to churn, who is was complicit in the crimes and who continues to play CYA. Current press reports on the issue failed to report a few critical facts. Funny how that happens. I'll be posting some facts in what amounts to another sad chapter of "Perverts, Punks, Liars and Cheats: Everyday Crimes and Criminals I Have Known, Loved or Married." (tm) ha ha. I make a joke but this truly frightening, serious crime is not funny at all. It was a violent aggravated assault. This has been an extremely difficult experience. And while the settlement is somewhat satisfying, there is more justice to be served. I intend to see to it. Stay tuned. bonnie@bonniebehrend.com
ps how stupid or sick or sumpin' is Peter Cook, Christie Brinkley's husband.
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Saturday Night Need to Dance!
and see kick-ass action chick Angelina Jolie in "Wanted." She's my hero ...
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Friday June 27 2008. Oil at another record high, the markets having another rough day, Hillary appearing on stage with Barack, Barack giving another rousing speech about the future of the Democratic party and the country. NYC approves a budget in a tough economy, hit hard by Wall Street's mess, and the NYC Public Safety Committee considers approval toughening laws against building climbers.
So what are you doing this weekend? having any fun?
Fri June 20 2008 Happy Summer Friday and weekend everyone. I see NYC Mayor Mike making yet another righteous stand, proving once again as I've said since I worked for him and his organization, he always comes down on the right side of right and wrong. Mayor Bloomberg spoke to Jewish voters in Florida who have been targeted with an email whisper political campaign against Senator Obama, reminding voters of the tremendous strides Jews and Muslims have made together in this country and to disregard the slanderous wedge politics at its worst. Go Mike Go.
Obama showing a double digit lead against McCain, showing this country is truly ready for a dramatic departure from Republican path of the past years.
Get off the dang computer, go outside, socialize if you still know how, enjoy the out of doors, volunteer, get a life. Internet addiction is now considered a clinical disorder. I've always said anonymous postings should be outlawed as anonymity makes mean-spirited cyber-bullying too easy for perverts, punks, liars and cheats. These cowards would normally never dare say that stuff in person. No balls. They have no life except for staring at pictures, trolling online, presenting themselves under names and images of anything but real, living in the attic, or a basement, taking potshots from a beer bottle and a lonely desk and chair. Sad, destructive, a need to put others down - a clear indication of low-self esteem - as well as other deep disorders.
Or adopt a homeless kitten, like this one, rescued from the bottom of a drain pipe by a Roto-Rooter vacuum. Let's name this little survivor ... "Hoover."
Life's short. Pray hard. You're gonna need it. -bb- bonnie@bonnieehrend.com
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Wednesday June 19 2008 The world is indeed watching. This space and elsewhere as we head into one of the most historic presidential races in American history. After the Bush administration, and a perceived close negative connection to another Republican administration in Senator McCain, Senator Barack Obama is perceived by some as a public relations positive in an age when much of the world is not exactly among our biggest fans. If foreigners could vote, I think Barack would be a shoe-in. The repackaging of well-spoken, smart, strong wife and potential first lady Michelle looked gorgeous on The View yesterday, handling delicate questions with aplomb. This couple might could really change this country, the way many Americans feel about their country and the way the world sees this country. While this is the greatest country on the planet, a new POV from within and out ain't all bad. Conservatives are fearful of increased taxes. Barack says middle class incomes would not see an increase in taxes.
It's the new Great Race, regardless the outcome.
I'm lobbying to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. Anyone got an extra ticket? Want to hire a freelance reporter/blogger/vlogger? With a long history in Colorado, you might think I'd be able to get that done.
For some inexplicable reasons, Denver is having a hard time financing this historic moment. Where are all the big-monied Democrats now?? Denver's plans include very green initiatives (you have to scroll way down on that website) and it is located in one of the most beautiful states imaginable. In the American West, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Photo ops abound.
I hope to be there for you and, ok, for some selfish reasons. I want to see, record, write about and experience this historic moment.
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I do not have TV where I am so missed the Tim Russert memorials. I did not have the pleasure of working with him but as an observer I think he was a reasoned voice in politics, in humanity and particularly a voice we needed in this historic election year. We know the pressures of the TV business can cause heart attacks and stroke. Prayers for his family.
I've been a little busy lately with personal matters so will catch up soon. Just wanted to say hello and glad to see you. Thank you all your kind support. I will get you up to speed on the events in my life soon.
The hits just keep on comin'. bonnie@bonniebehrend.com
Tuesday June 10 2008 Obama sets up war room to fight internet rumors and slurs. When he's done with that war room, I know a few people who could make use of it. The internet, as I've said before, is full of erroneous, anonymous extremely harmful "reporting," giving gossip mongering, hate-speech and mean-spirited voices an outlet to spread false and defamatory postings in a way the tabloid press only wishes it could. Any citizen journalist can publish or republish even the slightest mis- or disinformation, harming parents, children and families, businesses, careers and breaking hearts. Professional, traditional journalists know when and how to differentiate between fact and opinion, straight reporting and commentary.
If an internet poster is not willing to put their own name and town on a post, best to disregard, delete and discourage others from doing so. Before you repeat it, do your homework. Check the facts. You may find, like writings about Obama, much information published on the internet is remarkably false, ignorant or uninformed.
Aspen Mountain open for skiing this weekend! For those of you in the searing Northeast or suffering in the rainy Midwest, pack your gear and head to Aspen where there is at least 3 feet of snow at the top and the weather is cool enough to sustain the snow as well demand a jacket at night. It is sooooo absolutely beautiful, this place up high in the mountains of Colorado. Hiking, biking, walking, skiing. Just the scent of the mountain forest in summertime. This is absolutely the most beautiful climate on the planet with gloriously picturesque mountains rising above evenings full of art and culture ... and The Food and Wine Classic this weekend.
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Monday June 9 2008 I can't help it. This one cracks me up 'cause it has a happy ending.
A dog went for a tornado ride just "like Toto, too?" when a twister in Illinois swept the pooch up in the swirling air and flew him into the nearby woods where he landed a little shocked but unhurt.
If dogs could talk, what would that dog be saying!?? bonnie@bonniebehrend.com
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Saturday June 8 2008 Hillary making history today. Conceding and suspending her historic bid as the first viable female candidate for President. Suspending allows her to hold onto her delegates through the election and continue to raise money to retire her campaign debt estimated to be around $20 million dollars.
Regardless of your politics, race or gender or ethnic heritage, there is no denying the significance of Hillary's campaign for President.
Regardless of whether you like Hillary, there is no denying the historic significance of her run.
Regardless of whether you like Bill, there is no denying the historic significance of her win.
How much did sexism play into this outcome? Was it electability or likeability. We'll continue to dissect for years to come.
This election year is still one most historically magnificent, dramatically fascinating Presidential contests in US history.
Thursday Jun 5 2008 Barack Obama's camp saying he learned of Hillary's plan to suspend her campaign through the media. Sounds like there is still a bit of a rub between the two camps. Some say the Obama camp not happy about Hillary's apparent intentional acts to upstage his moment in the sun on Tuesday. That's OK. The sun will be shining for awhile.
I can respect her need for a soft landing, time to organize her troops, give the 18 million who voted for her time to digest their disappointment. This is all supposed to be about voters, isn't it? Some say many wanted to have time to get to Washington for her support rally and concession speech. They want to be there when she wraps her chapter of history.
She needs to be given respect for her accomplishments, especially in light of her husband's heavy baggage. His behavior, his impeachment, his legacy did her no favors. It's no joke. Chris Mathews said if Hillary's "husband hadn't messed around, she wouldn't be" where she is today. That may be more true today than when he said it.
Regardless of one's personal politics, we are witnessing a tick in the history books toward social and racial equality in this country that hasn't been evident since the 60's and 70's. Maybe our Civil Rights battles are working. But if the under 30 crowd doesn't vote in November, Obama won't win. If Hispanics don't get behind Obama, he won't win. The blue collar whites.
And the racists? White racisms still exists, black racism, sexism, misogyny. One misogynist I spoke to in the past year said, "Yes, I am a misogynist because most women can't even spell it." Course, he is also the one said "all you women are weak, slow and stupid!" He is obviously someone who is happy to have found women who made him think we are.
But I digress.
Regardless of your gender, regardless of your politics, Barack Obama clinching the Democratic nomination is one of the most important moments in US history. It's like watching a man walk on the moon for the first time ... how many years ago? It wasn't too long ago Barack would have been forced to use a different water fountain in some parts of this country. Now he may lead us all to a new age of unity.
fro
m politco.com: Obama will formally accept the Democratic nomination on Aug. 28, exactly 45 years to the day after King’s speech and 55 years to the day after 14-year-old Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi in a brutal act of violence that spurred the modern civil rights movement
Race, gender, religion aside, none of us can deny the social and historic milestone these proud United States achieved this week. Even Hillary's ground breaking run was an achievement. A friend received an email from someone this week from Europe.
"Well done" said the observer from across the pond.
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Wednesday June 4 2008 Barack Obama can win this election. His foreign policy speech today is hitting on notes critical to winning on Middle Eastern issues and relations. Barack Obama can win. Apparently Barack called Hillary last night. It went to voicemail. Twice. She has yet to concede his numerical win last night. I believe she is is holding onto her power, brokering her 18 million votes for something she wants going forward. Can't blame her. She earned it, winning the most votes cast ever in a primary election.
I guess we'll have to wait to see what the Lady wants.
HISTORY POLITICS Tuesday Primary Day June 3 2008. For the first time in American history, a black candidate is about to be anointed as a viable Presidential candidate, the head of a party - any party - and could be the first black President in American history.
My prediction is Hillary will appear on camera today, HOLD ONTO HER POWER SOMEHOW, HOLD ONTO HER OPTIONS. She may appear with Barack to unite the party and show grace to earn good will going forward.
The Clinton's will not go away for good. Hillary may not be our first female President This time. Barack may be our first black or butterscotch baby or 'high yellow' as they say in the black community President. He is at least the first viable black Presidential candidate in US history. Hillary is at least the first viable female Presidential candidate in history.
As a baby boomer, I think this historic Presidential election year is yet another huge step forward on the social equalizer scale. The under 30 crowd doesn't know from racism, sexism, no feel for the battles we've fought, won, won a little and lost. Good for them. That was the point of all our Civil Rights efforts. To give our children and country a future without regard to race, gender, religious considerations.
We've come a long way, baby. We have lot further to go.
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Sunday June 1 2008 Hot and humid Sunday in the Northeast after thunder and severe lightning overnight. Peonies need to be propped up, new rose bush budding barely, pink impatiens filling in. I want to ride (bicycle) to the beach today but it's already too hot for the 40 mile ride. Maybe not.
Last time I did that, even with an ice water-filled camelback, I came down with a little touch of heat exhaustion. The all-asphalt full-sun ride should be started at 6am on any given day, a bit too early this Sunday morning considering the last 24 hour adventure didn't end until late last night.
Queens, Greeks, Comedy and Drama Some say Queens, NY is home to one of the last, good-funky, un-gentrified neighborhoods in New York. A place where artists still live, perform and dream, a borough where close families live within blocks of each other, generation after generation, where 2.3 million people live side by side in a small home town vibe, where 138 languages are spoken, the most ethnically diverse 109 square miles on the planet.
Queens is part and parcel to New York, a view across the gently flowing East River from Astoria Park on a warm spring night. It is also, in some spots, at once 138 worlds an easy 10 minute train ride from Manhattan. The borough, New York's second largest in population, is home to two major airports, the US Open, NYC city's surfable beaches and tree-lined neighborhoods with people so friendly, long time locals don't all welcome the recent influx of Manhattanites and yuppies driving up the price of real estate. Unless they're among the sellers, of course, of real estate and other products and services in Queens, like Silvercup Studios and the Harley Dealership where I've been a customer and organized ride participant dating back about 12 years. I rode in the dealership's breast cancer fundraising ride one year, a worthy ride I'm missing today.
Anyway, this weekend I decided to sample classic Greek drama and contemporary comedy in Queens.
(click pix)
For other reasons, my excellent adventure happily started late afternoon on NJ Transit. Notice the obviously smart sleeping person behind me.
I quickly found Friday afternoon trains jam-packed with people heading home from work or into the city for the same reason I was - adventure and entertainment.
After a short time in the heat and crowds, I admit I wasn't entirely thrilled about traveling in three different steamy trains for two hours on a beautiful Friday evening. (hello ... Aspen! ). ... the trek through subterranean rail tunnels and the bowels of hot Manhattan, melting in the heat and humidity, I was finally lifted on the elevated N and W line riding toward the last stop at Ditmars in Astoria, Queens.
The series of trains, stairs, tunnels and transfers was drama enough. That weren't nuttin', honey, compared to the end of the line.
The elevated N made every moment underground worthwhile, offering romantic sunset views of historic cityscapes my limited time and camera batteries couldn't capture. Riding to the very end of the line, hundreds of friendly N-sters and I were dropped into a lively evening air of teens, kids, adults, shops, clubs, bars, outdoor restaurant seating and probably a little trouble if you wanted to find it.
I found Mezzo Mezzo.
Mezzo Mezzo is where I got one of the biggest belly laughs I've had in a very long time, sampled a taste of scrumptious Greek food, dodged a virtual wild punch, watched some Greek drama with a touch of Sicilian wine, talked radio, comedy, politics, media and managed to get out late, alive and exhausted. I was as happy as a clam in mud. Mezzo Mezzo is the only comedy club in Queens and those on stage stage ripped the audience wide open for a Friday night fundraiser.
Comedians Billy the Kid (aka Billy Conahan), Eric Kirchberger and Tim Kropier killed it.
Billy the Kid (aka Billy Conahan)
Tim Krompier
I had so much fun in Astoria that night, I'm sure I'll be back in no time with more camera batteries, photo ops, drama and adventures. In fact, I'm already looking at real estate in Queens, perhaps to the dismay of some who aren't selling.
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Wrong Blonde: Fictional Tales in Pursuit of
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